Abstract book
2
Content
Presenting author Index.......................................................................................................................... 8
Sunday, October 9, 2016 ....................................................................................................................... 15
Plenary Address 1: Water as integrator of uses, stakes and exposures ........................................... 15
Monday, October 10, 2016 ................................................................................................................... 16
Plenary Address 2: Respiratory health effects and livestock farming related to microbial and dust
exposure............................................................................................................................................ 16
Mo-SY-A1: Harmonization, access, transparency: improving environmental epidemiology for
public health decision-making - I ...................................................................................................... 18
Mo-SY-B1: Targeted activities for improving workplace exposure assessments ............................. 23
Mo-SY-C1: Intermittent Exposure in Risk Assessment ...................................................................... 30
Mo-SY-D1: From external to internal exposure: the necessity of toxicokinetic information ........... 34
Mo-SY-E1: Exposure to atmospherically dispersed hazards: assessment, public information and
perspectives – I ................................................................................................................................. 39
Mo-SY-F1: Extending participatory sensing to personal exposure and policy support - I ................ 47
Mo-SY-G1: Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) - from measuring illicit drug use towards
understanding population health status - I ...................................................................................... 53
Mo-SY-H1: Advances in consumer exposure assessment - I ............................................................ 58
Mo-PL-I1: Transportation Related Air Pollution - I ........................................................................... 63
Mo-SY-A2: Harmonization, access, transparency: improving environmental epidemiology for
public health decision-making - II ..................................................................................................... 70
Mo-SY-B2: Firefighters and Chemical Exposures: Protection Under Fire ......................................... 73
Mo-SY-C2: Quantitative in vitro to in vivo extrapolation (QIVIVE): Advances in tools to quantify
exposure-response relationships for risk assessment – I ................................................................. 77
Mo-SY-D2: 15 years of Human Biomonitoring in Flanders: surveillance feeding policy and research
- I ....................................................................................................................................................... 82
Mo-SY-E2: Exposure to atmospherically dispersed hazards: assessment, public information and
perspectives – II ................................................................................................................................ 86
Mo-SY-F2: Extending participatory sensing to personal exposure and policy support – II .............. 91
Mo-SY-G2: Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) - from measuring illicit drug use towards
understanding population health status – II ..................................................................................... 95
Mo-SY-H2: Advances in consumer exposure assessment - II ........................................................... 98
Mo-PL-I2: Transportation-Related Air Pollution – II ....................................................................... 101
Mo-SY-A3: Multiple route exposure to multiple chemicals, the cocktail effect ............................. 105
Mo-SY-B3: From occupational to environmental biomonitoring: lessons to be learned. .............. 109
3
Mo-SY-C3: Quantitative in vitro to in vivo extrapolation (QIVIVE): Advances in tools to quantify
exposure-response relationships for risk assessment - II ............................................................... 114
Mo-SY-D3: 15 years of Human Biomonitoring in Flanders: surveillance feeding policy and research
– II.................................................................................................................................................... 119
Mo-SY-E3: Assessing exposure to SVOCs in dust ............................................................................ 124
Mo-SY-F3: Thresholds of Toxicological Concern: an exposure-driven approach to risk assessment
........................................................................................................................................................ 132
Mo-SY-G3: The role of analytical chemistry within exposure science. ........................................... 138
Mo-SY-H3: Aggregate exposure assessment of contact allergens in consumer products ............. 145
Mo-PL-I3: Risk Assessment ............................................................................................................. 151
Mo-SY-A4: The Children's Health Exposure Analysis Resource ...................................................... 161
Mo-SY-B4: New Biomarkers for Human Biological Monitoring in Occupational Health ................ 167
Mo-SY-C4: Quantitative in vitro to in vivo extrapolation (QIVIVE): Advances in tools to quantify
exposure-response relationships for risk assessment - III .............................................................. 172
Mo-SY-D4: Evidence-Based Research on Interventions to Reduce Personal Exposures to
Environmental Pollutants ............................................................................................................... 178
Mo-SY-E4: Toward an Understanding of Indoor exposures ........................................................... 184
Mo-SY-F4: Exposure-Based Toxicity Testing ................................................................................... 189
Mo-SY-G4: Advanced mass spectrometric techniques for the analysis of environmental organic
contaminants .................................................................................................................................. 194
Mo-SY-H4: Analysis of Patterns of Co-Exposure: Methodologies and Applications ....................... 201
Mo-PL-I4: VOCs and SVOCs ............................................................................................................. 206
Poster sessions Monday October 10, 2016 .................................................................................... 210
Tuesday, October 11, 2016 ................................................................................................................. 278
Plenary Address 3: The exposome: moving from concept to reality .............................................. 278
Tu-SY-A1: The Exposome: From concept to practice - I .................................................................. 279
Tu-SY-B1: Uncertainty in scientific assessments: Recent efforts by governmental bodies to develop
guidance for assessors .................................................................................................................... 283
Tu-PL-C1: Aggregate and Cumulative Exposure Evaluations .......................................................... 288
Tu-PL-D1: Land Use Regression Modeling – I ................................................................................. 295
Tu-SY-E1: Real-time measurements and integrated models to estimate traffic exposures in
complex urban environments. ........................................................................................................ 300
Tu-SY-F1: OECD Task Force on Exposure Assessment - Better exposure science for better lives – I
........................................................................................................................................................ 305
4
Tu-SY-G1: Environmental Justice: Developing the Scientific Foundation Supporting Cumulative
Exposures/Risks/Impacts and Disparate Impacts Research - I ....................................................... 310
Tu-PL-H1: Analytical Methods – I .................................................................................................... 316
Tu-PL-I1: Quantitative Methods ..................................................................................................... 322
Tu-SY-A2: The Exposome: From concept to practice – II ................................................................ 330
Tu-SY-B2: Uncertainty in scientific assessments: Recent efforts by governmental bodies to develop
guidance for assessors .................................................................................................................... 332
Tu-SY-C2: Use of Agent Based Models in Exposure Assessment .................................................... 336
Tu-PL-D2: Land Use Regression Modeling – II ................................................................................ 339
Tu-SY-E2: Exposure science meets social science: Tools for the effective communication of the
health risks associated with air pollution exposure and implications for policy development...... 342
Tu-SY-F2: OECD Task Force on Exposure Assessment - Better exposure science for better lives - II
........................................................................................................................................................ 345
Tu-SY-G2: Environmental Justice: Developing the Scientific Foundation Supporting Cumulative
Exposures/Risks/Impacts and Disparate Impacts Research – II...................................................... 348
Tu-PL-H2: Analytical Methods - II ................................................................................................... 351
Tu-PL-I2: Close Contact: Contaminants in Clothing ........................................................................ 354
Tu-SY-A3: The Exposome: From concept to practice – III ............................................................... 360
Tu-PL-B3: Urinary Biomarkers ......................................................................................................... 365
Tu-SY-C3: Health effects of air pollutant ........................................................................................ 373
Tu-SY-D3: How can knowledge of toxicokinetics, mode of action and biomonitoring help you in
human exposure risk assessment of chemicals? ............................................................................ 379
Tu-SY-E3: The Effects of Climate Change on Human Exposures to Air Pollution............................ 384
Tu-SY-F3: Current opportunities and challenges in exposure surveillance to implement prevention
strategies at the national and European scale ............................................................................... 390
Tu-SY-G3: Advancing human exposure metrics in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Chemical
Alternatives Assessment (CAA) – I .................................................................................................. 395
Tu-PL-H3: Pesticides ........................................................................................................................ 401
Tu-PL-I3: Understanding Exposure Measurement Error ................................................................ 407
Tu-SY-A4: The Exposome: From concept to practice – IV ............................................................... 413
Tu-PL-B4: Occupational Exposures ................................................................................................. 416
Tu-SY-C4: Advanced methods for characterizing air pollution exposures at community scale ..... 421
Tu-SY-D4: Human Biological Monitoring Following Chemical Incidents ......................................... 426
Tu-SY-E4: Air pollution exposure assessment getting personal: a European perspective ............. 433
Tu-SY-F4: Advancing Exposure Science to Address Complex Environmental Issues ...................... 442
5
Tu-SY-G4: Advancing human exposure metrics in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Chemical
Alternatives Assessment (CAA) - II .................................................................................................. 448
Tu-PL-H4: Kinetics ........................................................................................................................... 454
Tu-PL-I4: Neurotoxicants ................................................................................................................ 459
Poster sessions Tuesday October 11, 2016 .................................................................................... 465
Wednesday, October 12, 2016 ........................................................................................................... 534
We-SY-A1: Detection of new and emerging risks of chemicals (NERCs); the need for
interdisciplinary cooperation .......................................................................................................... 534
We-SY-B1: The Worker Health and Efficiency (WE) Program: Understanding and mitigating the
risks of Chronic Kidney Disease in El Salvadorian Sugarcane Cutters. ............................................ 539
We-SY-C1: What are the requirements for nanomaterial exposure models? – I ........................... 544
We-SY-D1: Biomonitoring: The Genie is out of the Bottle: Challenges in Data Quality and
Interpretation ................................................................................................................................. 551
We-SY-E1: Exposure to SVOCs in the Indoor Environment - Products, Emissions, Exposure,
Pharmacokinetics and Biomarkers – I ............................................................................................. 556
We-SY-F1: Exposure science informing policy decision-making - I ................................................. 561
We-SY-G1: Pesticide Exposure: Developing Monitoring, Methods and Modeling in Human Health
Risk Assessments (Consumer and Worker Risk) - I ......................................................................... 566
We-SY-H1: Tool and methods for an exposure driven safe by design approach for nanomaterials - I
........................................................................................................................................................ 572
We-PL-I1: Waterborne Contaminants ............................................................................................ 578
We-SY-A2: New Data Streams for 21st Century Exposure Science ................................................ 584
We-PL-B2: Exposure Factors ........................................................................................................... 591
We-SY-C2: What are the requirements for nanomaterial exposure models? – II .......................... 595
We-SY-D2: Biomonitoring: Uses in Policy and Regulations and Enhancements as a Result of
Collaborative Efforts ....................................................................................................................... 601
We-SY-E2: Exposure to SVOCs in the Indoor Environment - Products, Emissions, Exposure,
Pharmacokinetics and Biomarkers – II ............................................................................................ 608
We-SY-F2: Exposure science informing policy decision-making – II ............................................... 614
We-SY-G2: Pesticide Exposure: Developing Monitoring, Methods and Modeling in Human Health
Risk Assessments (Consumer and Worker Risk) – II ....................................................................... 621
We-SY-H2: Tool and methods for an exposure driven safe by design approach for nanomaterials -
II ...................................................................................................................................................... 626
We-PL-I2: Indoor Environment ....................................................................................................... 632
We-SY-A3: New Frontiers in Toxicology Create New Challenges for Risk Assessment: What must
Exposure Scientists do to Meet the Challenge? ............................................................................. 638
6
We-SY-B3: Occupational Exposure Models - Development and/or Evaluation of REACH and other
European and US models and tools (including tool for nanomaterials) - I ..................................... 642
We-SY-C3: Wristband Samplers Advancing Chemical Exposure Science – I ................................... 649
We-SY-D3: UBA HBM Colloquium I - Human Biomonitoring in International Population Studies
Improving our Knowledge of Environmental Public Health ........................................................... 655
We-SY-E3: Exposure to SVOCs in the Indoor Environment - Products, Emissions, Exposure,
Pharmacokinetics and Biomarkers – III ........................................................................................... 662
We-SY-F3: Measuring marijuana exposure in a changing legal landscape ..................................... 669
We-SY-G3: Exposure Science and 21st century oil and gas development – I ................................. 674
We-PL-H3: Spatio-Temporal Measures – I ...................................................................................... 680
We-PL-I3: Sensor Technology ......................................................................................................... 686
We-SY-A4: Exposure Sciences with Stakeholders in Contested Societal Debates About the Risk of
Toxic Substances ............................................................................................................................. 693
We-SY-B4: Occupational Exposure Models - Development and/or Evaluation of REACH and other
European and US models and tools (including tool for nanomaterials) - II .................................... 697
We-SY-C4: Wristband Samplers Advancing Chemical Exposure Science – II .................................. 702
We-SY-D4: UBA HBM Colloquium II - Human Biomonitoring in Europe Harmonising Instruments
and Data for Science and Policy-making ......................................................................................... 708
We-SY-E4: Exposure to SVOCs in the Indoor Environment - Products, Emissions, Exposure,
Pharmacokinetics and Biomarkers – IV .......................................................................................... 715
We-SY-F4: E-Cigarettes, Exposures, and (Health) Effects ............................................................... 720
We-SY-G4: Exposure Science and 21st century oil and gas development – II ................................ 724
We-PL-H4: Spatio-Temporal Measures – II ..................................................................................... 729
We-PL-I4: Continuous/Real Time Measures ................................................................................... 735
Poster sessions Wednesday, October 12, 2016 .............................................................................. 742
Thursday, October 13, 2016................................................................................................................ 810
Plenary Address 4: Potential of metabolomics in chemical risk analysis ....................................... 810
Th-SY-A1: The exposome: a transdisciplinary paradigm for improved environment and health
associations - I ................................................................................................................................. 811
Th-SY-B1: Tooth-matrix biomarkers to reconstruct the early life exposome ................................. 816
Th-SY-C1: Development of personal sampling devices and chemical screening methods for large-
scale epidemiology and human biomonitoring studies - I .............................................................. 822
Th-PL-D1: Exposure Modeling ......................................................................................................... 827
Th-SY-E1: Methodologies in finding new and/or emerging risks of chemicals (NERCs) - I ............. 833
7
Th-SY-A2: The exposome: a transdisciplinary paradigm for improved environment and health
associations - II ................................................................................................................................ 839
Th-SY-B2: Aspects to consider for Fungi and Mycotoxins occupational exposure and risk
assessment ...................................................................................................................................... 842
Th-SY-C2: Development of personal sampling devices and chemical screening methods for large-
scale epidemiology and human biomonitoring studies – II ............................................................ 845
Th-SY-D2: Environmental Exposure Monitoring in Birth & Early Life Cohort Studies .................... 849
Th-SY-E2: Methodologies in finding new and/or emerging risks of chemicals (NERCs) - II ............ 853
8
Presenting author Index
Abdallah, Mohamed Tu-Po-32
Adetona, Anna Tu-PL-B4.1
Adetona, Olorunfemi Mo-Po-41
Adgate, John We-SY-G3.4, We-
SY-G4.2
Aggarwal, Manoj Mo-SY-F3.5, Tu-
SY-D3.1, Tu-SY-
D3.3
Aggerwal, Manoj Mo-Po-60
Aherrera, Angela Tu-LBA-16
Ahrens, Andreas We-SY-F1.2
Alam, Mohammed Mo-SY-G4.4
Albergamo, Vittorio Tu-PL-H1.4
Amouei Torkmahalleh,
Mehdi
Mo-Po-14
Ananyeva, Oksana Th-PL-D1.5
Andersen, Mikael Skou Tu-SY-C3.3
Anderson, Kim A. We-SY-C3.1
Andra, Syam Th-SY-B1.3
Appenzeller, Brice
M.R.
Tu-PL-H3.4, We-
Po-03
Armitage, James Mo-SY-C2.2
Arnone, Mario Tu-Po-31
Arnot, Jon Mo-SY-C3.2, Tu-
SY-F4.3, We-SY-
A2.1, We-SY-
E4.3
Arora, Manish Th-SY-B1.1
Arunachalam,
Saravanan
Tu-SY-C4.3, Tu-
SY-C4.4
Aubin, Daniel Mo-LBA-04
Austin, Christine Th-SY-B1.2, Mo-
Po-16
Bader, Michael Mo-PL-I4.4, Tu-
SY-D4.4
Baduel, Christine Tu-PL-H1.3
Baier-Anderson, Cal Tu-SY-G3.5
Bakker, Joost Th-SY-E1.4
Bakker, Martine Mo-SY-H3.1
Ban, Hyunkyung Mo-Po-49
Barouki, Robert Th-SY-A2.1
Barratt, Benjamin Tu-SY-E4.5, Tu-
SY-E2.3
Bartha, Bernadett We-PL-I1.5
Bartonova, Alena Tu-SY-E4.6
Bartzis, John Th-SY-A1.2
Barzyk, Timothy Tu-SY-G2.1, Tu-
SY-G2.2
Baxter, Lisa Tu-SY-E3.1, We-
PL-B2.5
Béchaux, Camille Tu-SY-F3.4
Beckmann, Gwendolyn Tu-Po-24
Beelen, Rob We-SY-A4.2
Been, Frederic Mo-SY-G1.3
Beevers, Sean Tu-SY-C4.1
Bekö, Gabriel Tu-PL-I2.3
Bergmann, Alan We-SY-C4.5
Besseling, Ellen We-SY-C1.5
Biesterbos, Jacqueline Mo-SY-B4.4
Bijlsma, Lubertus Mo-SY-G3.2
Blount, Benjamin We-SY-F3.2
Boerleider, Romilda We-Po-29
Boije af Gennäs, Urban We-SY-F2.5
Bolte, John We-PL-I3.4, We-
Po-23
Boogaard, Peter J. Mo-SY-B3.1, Mo-
SY-B4.5
Bos, Peter Mo-SY-D1.1
Bovee, Toine Th-SY-E2.3
Brandsma, Sicco Mo-Po-53
Breen, Michael Tu-SY-C4.2
Breysse, Patrick We-SY-F4.1
Brochot, Céline Tu-PL-H4.2, Mo-
LBA-09
Brokamp, Cole Tu-PL-D1.1
Brook, Jeffrey Th-SY-D2.2
Brown, Richard Th-SY-E2.2
Brown, Kenneth We-PL-I4.1
Bruinen de Bruin, Yuri Th-SY-E1.5
Buckley, Timothy Mo-PL-I1.4
Bukalasa, Joseph Tu-PL-C1.5
Burgess, Jeff Mo-SY-B2.1
Bury, Daniel We-Po-02
Butler, David We-PL-I2.5
Calafat, Antonia Th-SY-C1.1, We-
SY-D2.1
Calamandrei, Gemma Th-SY-A2.2
Calkins, Miriam Tu-PL-B4.2
Campo, Laura Mo-SY-B4.2
Casey, Joanna We-SY-G3.3
Castiglioni, Sara Mo-SY-G1.1, Mo-
SY-G1.4
Chadeau-Hyam, Marc Tu-SY-A2.1
Chang, Howard Tu-SY-E3.4
Chang, Irene Th-SY-D2.3
Chapizanis, Dimitris Th-SY-A1.4
9
Chartier, Ryan Tu-Po-51
Chata, Caroline Tu-PL-H3.1
Chen, Rui We-LBA-19
Cherrie, John We-SY-B3.1
Ching-Chun, Lin Tu-Po-38
Choi, Judy Mo-PL-I3.2
Chovolou, Yvonni Tu-PL-B3.5
Ciffroy, Philippe Th-PL-D1.4
Clarke, James We-SY-G2.5
Claus Henn, Birgit Th-SY-B1.5
Clavaguera, Simon We-SY-H2.2
Clewell, Harvey Mo-SY-F3.3, We-
SY-A3.2
Clougherty, Jane Tu-SY-E1.3, We-
PL-H3.2
Colles, Ann Tu-Po-49
Connolly, Alison We-SY-G1.2
Corea, Namali Mo-SY-H2.3
Corlin, Laura Mo-Po-43
Correia-Sá, Luísa Mo-Po-34, Tu-
Po-03
Covaci, Adrian Mo-SY-D3.3, Mo-
SY-G2.3, We-SY-
E4.5
Crépet, Amélie Mo-SY-A3.4
croes, kim Mo-SY-D2.3
Curl, Cynthia Mo-SY-D4.3
Curto, Ariadna We-PL-I3.5
Curwin, Brian We-SY-B1.2
Cyrys, Josef Tu-PL-D1.5, Mo-
SY-D4.6
Davis, Benjamin We-Po-34
De Brouwere, Katleen We-SY-F1.3, We-
SY-F2.4
De Craemer, Sam Mo-SY-D3.1
De Donno, Antonella We-Po-22
de Hoogh, Kees Tu-PL-D2.2
de Kluizenaar, Yvonne Mo-PL-I2.1
de Nazelle, Audrey Mo-SY-F1.5, Tu-
SY-E4.2
de Rooij, Myrna Tu-PL-D1.3
de Weger, Letty A Mo-SY-E1.4
deCastro, Rey Tu-PL-I1.2
Dekoninck, Luc Mo-SY-F1.4, Mo-
SY-F2.2
Delmaar, Christiaan Mo-SY-H1.1, Mo-
SY-E3.2
Dereumeaux,
Clémentine
Tu-SY-F3.3
Devilee, Jeroen We-SY-A4.1
Deziel, Nicole We-SY-G4.3,
Nicole
Deziel, Mo-Po-33
Dionisio, Kathie Tu-SY-E3.2, Tu-
SY-G4.4
Dixon, Holly We-SY-C4.1
Dodson, Robin Mo-SY-E3.1, We-
PL-I2.1, We-Po-
57
Donald, Carey We-SY-C4.4
Dons, Evi Tu-SY-E4.4
Dorne, Jean Lou Mo-SY-D1.3
Dornic, Nicolas Mo-SY-H3.5, Tu-
Po-21, We-Po-19
Doutsi, Artemis Th-SY-D2.1
Douziech, Mélanie Mo-Po-25
Dudzina, Tatsiana We-SY-F1.4
Duncan, Sara Mo-PL-I4.3
Durant, John We-PL-H4.4
Eeftens, Marloes We-PL-I4.5
Eichler, Clara We-SY-E2.4
El Yamani, Mounia Tu-PL-H3.2
Embry, Michelle Mo-SY-F3.2
Emke, Erik Tu-PL-H1.5
Enkhbat, Undarmaa Mo-Po-46
Ernstoff, Alexi Tu-SY-G3.3, Tu-
Po-09
Evans, Greg We-PL-H3.4
Ezani, Eliani Mo-Po-48
Fabian, M. Patricia Tu-PL-C1.1, Tu-
SY-G1.4, Mo-Po-
18
Fan, Zhi-Hua (Tina) Tu-Po-07a
Fantke, Peter Mo-SY-E4.2, Tu-
SY-G3.6, Tu-SY-
G4.3, Tu-SY-
G4.6
Fecht, Daniela Tu-PL-C1.2
Fehrenbacher, Cathy Mo-SY-H1.2, Tu-
SY-F2.2
Fent, Kenneth Mo-SY-B2.2
Ficheux, Anne Sophie Mo-Po-07, Tu-
Po-29
FILLOL, Clémence Tu-SY-F3.2
Fisher, Jeffrey Tu-PL-H4.4
Fito, Carlos We-SY-H2.3
Florentin, Arnaud Tu-Po-27
Focant, Jef Th-SY-C2.2
Forouzanfar,
Mohammad
Tu-SY-C3.1
Foss Hansen, Steffen Tu-SY-G3.4
10
Franken, Remy We-PL-I2.3
Fransman, Wouter We-SY-H2.1
Fustinoni, Silvia Mo-SY-B3.3
Gaborek, Bonnie Tu-PL-H4.1
Ganci, Aristide Mo-SY-G4.1, Mo-
SY-G4.2
Garcia Hidalgo, Elena Mo-SY-H3.2
Gennings, Chris Th-SY-B1.4
Geraets, Liesbeth Mo-SY-D1.2
Germini, Andrea Tu-SY-B1.2
Gilbert, Dorothea Mo-SY-C4.3
Gillespie, Andrew Mo-PL-I3.6
Glaser, Jason We-SY-B1.5
Glorennec, Philippe Mo-SY-E3.5
Göen, Thomas Mo-SY-B3.2, Tu-
PL-H2.4, Mo-Po-
22
Gombojav, Enkhjargal Mo-SY-D4.5
Goodman, Michael Mo-SY-A1.3
Govarts, Eva Mo-SY-D3.4
Gras, Ronda Th-SY-C2.1
Greggs, Bill Tu-SY-G4.1
Greiner, Matthias Tu-PL-I1.4
Guiseppi-Elie, Annette Tu-SY-F4.5
Gulliver, John Tu-SY-E1.1, Tu-
SY-E4.3
Gundert-Remy, Ursula Mo-SY-D1.4
Gurung, Anobha Tu-PL-D2.3
Habre, Rima Mo-PL-I2.3, We-
PL-H3.3
Hall, Eric Tu-SY-G2.3
Hamm, Nicholas We-PL-I4.3
Hammel, Stephanie We-SY-C3.5, We-
SY-E2.1
Handakas, Evangelos Mo-Po-05
Hänninen, Otto Tu-SY-C3.5
Harnpicharnchai,
Kallaya
We-Po-13
Hart, Andy Tu-SY-B1.1
Hasegawa, Takahiro Tu-SY-F1.1, Tu-
SY-F2.1
Haynes, Erin We-SY-G3.1
Hays, Sean Mo-SY-C3.3, Mo-
SY-F4.5, Tu-SY-
D3.2
Heiland, Astrid Tu-Po-33, Tu-Po-
36
Heinemeyer, Gerhard Tu-SY-B1.3
Henneberger, Luise Mo-SY-C2.1
Hernandez, Felix Mo-SY-G3.1
Hertoghs, Kirsten Tu-Po-61
Hesse, Susanne Mo-SY-B1.2, We-
SY-B3.3
Hickey, Christina We-SY-A3.4
Hilpert, M. We-Po-16
Hjerpe, Andrea Mo-SY-A4.3
Ho, Kin Fai We-PL-H4.5
Hoek, Gerard Tu-SY-E1.4
Hollnagel, Heli M Mo-SY-F3.4, Mo-
SY-F4.1, Mo-SY-
F4.4, Mo-Po-09
Hopf, Nancy B. Tu-LBA-11
Hopke, Philip Tu-PL-B4.3
Hoppe-Jones,
Christiane
Mo-SY-B2.3
Horton, Megan Tu-PL-I4.5, We-
Po-08
Horvat, Milena Th-SY-A2.3
Houba, Remko We-SY-A1.3
Huang, Yuli Mo-Po-15, Tu-
Po-16
Hudda, Neelakshi Mo-PL-I1.1
Huizer, Daan We-SY-F2.1
Ingenbleek, Luc Mo-Po-59
Int Panis, Luc Mo-SY-F2.3
Isaacs, Kristin Mo-SY-H2.2, We-
SY-A2.2, We-SY-
A2.3, We-SY-
E1.3
Ito, Yuki Tu-Po-26
Jacobs, Cor Mo-SY-E2.1
Janssen, Stijn Mo-SY-E2.2
Jantunen, Matti Mo-SY-E4.3, Mo-
Po-27
Jarmul, Stephanie Tu-Po-60
Jerrett, Michael Tu-SY-A3.2
Jesen, Keld Alstrup We-SY-C1.1, We-
SY-H1.3, We-Po-
59
Johnson, Markey Tu-PL-C1.3, Tu-
PL-D1.4
Johnson, Jona We-SY-F4.5
Johnston, Jason We-SY-G2.4
Jolliet, Olivier Tu-PL-I1.5, Tu-
SY-G4.2
Jones, Dean Tu-SY-A3.3
Jones, Kate We-SY-G1.1
Jyethi, Darpa We-PL-I2.4
Kadiri, Shamusideen We-Po-05
Kaibaldiyeva, Ulmeken We-Po-47
Kamijima, Michihiro Th-SY-C2.3
11
Kang, Habyeong We-LBA-26, We-
LBA-25
Karakitsios, Spyros Th-SY-A1.5
Karr, Catherine Mo-SY-D4.2
Karrer, Cecile Mo-SY-A3.3
Kaufman, John We-PL-I1.2, We-
PL-I1.3
Keith, John Mo-PL-I3.3
Kennedy, Marc Mo-SY-A3.2
Kephalopoulos,
Stylianos
We-Po-44
Kilaru, Vasu Tu-SY-E1.5
Kile, Molly We-SY-C3.4
Kim, Chloe Tu-Po-43
Kim, Daeseon We-Po-15
Kissel, John We-SY-E4.1
Klenow, Stefanie Mo-SY-E3.4
Klimowska, Anna Tu-Po-06, Tu-Po-
58
Klompmaker, Jochem Tu-SY-E1.2
Knudsen, Lisbeth E. Mo-SY-D1.5, Tu-
Po-30
Koch, Holger We-SY-D1.2
Koelmans, Albert We-SY-C1.4
Koivisto, Antti Joonas We-SY-C1.3
Koivisto, Joonas Mo-Po-37
Kolbaum, Anna Elena We-Po-26
Kolkman, Annemieke Mo-SY-G3.5
Kolossa-Gehring,
Marike
We-SY-D2.3, We-
SY-D2.5
Koopal, Cees Tu-Po-04
Koppisch, Dorothea We-SY-F2.3
Kosemund, Kirstin Mo-SY-F3.1, Tu-
Po-23
Kovatch, Patricia Mo-SY-A4.1
kovtunenko, irina Tu-Po-48
Kraft, Martin Tu-PL-B3.3
Kramer, Nynke Mo-SY-C2.4
Krause, Sophia Mo-SY-C2.3
Kruszewski, Francis Tu-Po-59
Kuester, Christian We-SY-G1.5
Kuijpers, Eelco Th-SY-A1.3
Kwong, Laura Tu-SY-G1.1
Lai, Chane-Yu We-Po-30, We-
Po-31, We-Po-32
LAI, Foon Yin Mo-SY-G2.2
Laird, Brian Tu-Po-02
LaKind, Judy Mo-SY-A1.1, Mo-
SY-A2.3, We-SY-
D1.1
Lal, Raj We-Po-17
Lamoree, Marja Mo-SY-G3.6, Mo-
LBA-03
Lapierre, Florian Th-SY-C1.3
Laumbach, Robert Mo-PL-I1.3
Lautenschalaeger,
Daniele
We-SY-G1.3
Laverge, Jelle Mo-SY-E4.1
Lebot, Barbara Mo-PL-I4.5
Lee, Kiyoung Th-SY-E1.1, Mo-
Po-47
Lee, Eun Gyung (Emily) We-SY-B3.6
Lee, Boram Mo-Po-35
Lehtomäki, Heli Tu-SY-C3.2
Lemazurier, Emmanuel Mo-SY-C4.2
Lenderink, Annet We-SY-A1.1
Leonards, Pim Tu-PL-I4.2, We-
Po-28
Lessmann, Frederik Tu-Po-05
Levin, Hal Mo-SY-E4.5
Liang, Donghai Tu-PL-I3.1, Tu-
SY-E3.5, We-PL-
I3.2, Mo-Po-04
Lim, Miyoung We-PL-H3.5
Lim, Chris We-Po-58
Lin, Yu-Wen We-Po-01
Lin, Wei-Cheng We-LBA-27
Lind, Lars Mo-SY-H4.2
Little, John We-SY-A2.4, We-
SY-E1.1
Liu, Shi Mo-Po-28
Lofts, Stephen We-SY-C2.1
Loh, Miranda Mo-SY-F1.3, Tu-
SY-A3.1
Longley, Ian We-PL-I3.1
Lorber, Matthew Tu-PL-H4.3
Lucas, Rebekah We-SY-B1.3
Lunchick, Curt We-SY-G1.4
Luo, Zhiwen We-Po-39
Lye, Ellen We-SY-D2.2
Ma, Jin Tu-Po-47
Maiheu, Bino Mo-SY-E1.2
Makris, Konstantinos We-PL-I1.1
Malmqvist, Ebba Tu-SY-C3.4
Mampaey, Maja Mo-SY-D2.1
Masion, Armand We-SY-H1.4
Mason, Ann Tu-SY-G3.2
Mattison, Donald Mo-SY-A1.2
Mayer, Philipp Mo-SY-C3.1
Mayer, Stefan Th-SY-B2.2
McCormick, Lindsay We-SY-C3.3
12
McKenzie, Lisa We-SY-G3.2, We-
SY-G4.4
McKernan, Lauralynn We-SY-B4.2
McKone, Tom Tu-SY-G3.1, We-
SY-E4.2
Meek, Bette Mo-SY-H1.4, Tu-
SY-B1.5
Meesters, Johannes We-SY-C2.3
Megson, David Mo-SY-B3.5
Melnyk, Lisa Tu-SY-G1.2, Mo-
Po-42
Merten, Caroline
Gabrielle
Tu-Po-28
Messier, Kyle P We-PL-H4.2
Meuwissen, Iris Tu-PL-C1.4
Mielke, Howard Mo-SY-D4.1
Miller, Aubrey Mo-SY-A1.5, Mo-
SY-A2.2, Tu-SY-
F4.4, We-SY-
C3.2
Minet, Laura Mo-SY-F1.2
Mol, Hans Mo-SY-B4.1, Mo-
SY-G3.3
Money, Chris Mo-SY-B1.5, Mo-
LBA-05
Montforts, Mark We-SY-A4.4
Morgan, Neil We-SY-G2.5
Morley, David Mo-PL-I1.2
Morrens, Bert Mo-SY-D3.2
Morrison, Glenn We-SY-E3.5
Mortensen, Mary We-SY-D1.5, Mo-
Po-02
Mortensen, Ninell Tu-LBA-14
Morton, Jackie Mo-SY-B3.4
Mueller, Michael Tu-SY-D4.1
Mullen, Kathleen We-SY-C4.3
Naito, Wataru We-PL-H3.1
Nakai, Satoshi Tu-Po-34
Nakayama, Shoji Th-SY-C2.4, Tu-
SY-A1.3
Neisel, Friederike Mo-SY-C1.1
Newton, Ashley Mo-Po-39
Nguyen, Vy Th-PL-D1.2, Mo-
Po-44
Nguyen, Nhan Tu-SY-F1.2, We-
SY-B4.5
Nguyen, Khanh Hoang Mo-SY-G4.3
Noij, Dook Mo-SY-B1.1
North, Michelle We-PL-I2.2, Tu-
Po-53
Nylander-French,
Leena A
Tu-PL-B4.6, Tu-
Po-44, Tu-Po-45,
We-Po-04
O' Mahony, Cian Mo-SY-H3.3, We-
SY-A3.3
O'Brien, Jake Mo-SY-G1.5
Odabasi, Danyal We-Po-53
Oerlemans, Arné Mo-SY-B4.3
Oiamo, Tor We-Po-60
Okeme, Joseph We-SY-E3.6, Mo-
Po-55, Tu-Po-55,
We-Po-33
Olmedo-Palma, Pablo We-SY-D1.3, Tu-
LBA-18, Tu-LBA-
17
Orme-Zavaleta,
Jennifer
Tu-SY-F4.1
O'Rourke, Mary Kay Mo-Po-19
Ospina, Maria Mo-Po-20
Ottenbros, Ilse Tu-Po-56
Oya, Naoko Tu-Po-25
Paini, Alicia We-Po-35, We-
Po-36
Palmen, Nicole Th-SY-E1.3, We-
SY-A1.5
Pardo, Larissa Tu-LBA-15
Park, Jeongim We-LBA-24
Parsons, Patrick Mo-SY-A4.2
Patel, Chirag Mo-SY-H4.3, Tu-
SY-A4.2
Patton, Allison Th-PL-D1.1
Paulik, L. Blair We-SY-C4.2, We-
SY-G3.5
Pawly, Jessica Tu-PL-H2.3
Pearce, John Tu-SY-E3.3
pelletier, Maud Tu-Po-37
Persijn, Stefan Tu-PL-H2.1
Peters, Erica We-SY-F3.5
Peters, Leon Mo-SY-G4.5
Petrosian, Arina Tu-Po-13
Phillips, Kirk We-PL-B2.2
Pilorget, Corinne Tu-SY-F3.1
Pirard, Philippe Tu-SY-D4.3
Plichta, Veronika Mo-Po-36
Portengen, Lützen Tu-SY-A4.1
Price, Paul Tu-SY-C2.1, Tu-
SY-C2.3
Price, Oliver Tu-SY-F2.3
Pritchard, Helen Tu-SY-E2.2
Qian, Hua Mo-SY-H1.3
Quik, Joris We-SY-C2.4
13
QUINDROIT, Paul We-Po-46
Radomyski, Artur Tu-PL-H4.5
Ramirez, Noelia Tu-PL-H1.2, Mo-
LBA-07
Ramirez-Santana,
Muriel
We-SY-G2.1
Ramos-Bonilla, Juan Tu-PL-I1.3
Rashid, Audil We-PL-B2.4, Tu-
Po-12
Rasmussen, Sara We-SY-G4.1
Reif, David Tu-Po-17
Reiner, Jessica Th-SY-C1.4
Reis, Stefan Mo-SY-F1.1
Rinkevich, Joseph Tu-SY-G4.5
Romanoff, Lovisa Mo-Po-06
Rossner, Alan We-PL-I4.2, Mo-
Po-40
Rudzok, Susanne Tu-PL-H3.5
Ruprecht, Ario Alberto Mo-PL-I1.5
Russell, Armistead Tu-PL-D1.2, Tu-
PL-I3.4
Rustemeyer, Thomas We-SY-A1.2, We-
SY-A4.3
Safruk, Adam Tu-PL-I4.4
SAKAI, Haruya We-Po-06
Salmon, Maëlle We-PL-I3.3, Mo-
Po-26
Salthammer, Tunga Tu-PL-I2.1, We-
SY-E2.3
Sanaa, Moez Tu-SY-B1.4
Sanchez, Araceli We-SY-B4.4, We-
SY-H2.4
Sarigiannis,
Dimosthenis
Th-SY-A1.1, Tu-
SY-A2.2, Tu-SY-
C2.2
Savic, Nenad We-SY-B4.1
Scheepers, Paul Tu-SY-D4.2, Mo-
Po-12
Schinkel, Jody Mo-SY-B1.3, We-
SY-B4.3
Schlueter, Urs Mo-SY-B1.4
Schoeters, Greet Mo-SY-D2.2, We-
SY-D2.4
Schuur, Gerlienke Tu-SY-F1.3
Seitz, Teresa We-SY-A1.4
Seo, SungChul Tu-Po-19
Serio, Francesca We-LBA-28
Shairsingh, Kerolyn Mo-SY-F2.1
Sharma, Raju Tu-PL-I4.3, Tu-
Po-18a
Shen, Beverly Tu-Po-54
Shen, Heqing Mo-Po-21
Shendell, Derek Mo-LBA-02
Shin, Hyeong-Moo Mo-PL-I4.1
Silva, Diana Tu-SY-E2.1
Simon, Matthew We-Po-56
Simpson, Christopher Mo-Po-03
Sioutas, Constantinos Mo-PL-I2.2
Slautenko, Eugene Tu-Po-35
slob, wout Tu-SY-B2.2
Smink, Beitske We-SY-F3.1
Smith, Anthony Tu-SY-B2.3
Soeteman-Hernandez,
Lya
Th-SY-E1.2
Sommer, Yasmin We-Po-27
Soneja, Sutyajeet We-PL-H4.1, We-
Po-37, We-Po-38
Spinelle, Laurent Tu-LBA-12
Spooner, Neil Th-SY-C1.2
Sprong, Corinne Mo-SY-A3.1
Stadnicka-Michalak,
Julita
Mo-SY-C4.4
Stahlmecke, Burkhard We-SY-H1.2
Stapleton, Heather We-SY-A2.5, Tu-
LBA-13
Steinle, Susanne Tu-SY-E4.1, Mo-
Po-13
Stephenson, Dale Mo-Po-38
Strak, Maciej We-Po-40
Stylianou, Katerina Th-PL-D1.3
Sukiene, Vilma Mo-SY-E3.3
Sumner, Susan Mo-SY-A4.5
Svendsen, Claus We-SY-H2.5
Svyatets, Ekaterina We-LBA-21
Sy, Mouhamadou We-Po-48
Taylor, Kyla We-Po-18
Teeguarden, Justin Mo-SY-C4.5
Teeguraden, Justin Mo-PL-I3.1
Teitelbaum, Susan Tu-PL-B3.1, We-
SY-D1.4
ter Burg, Wouter Mo-SY-C1.2, Mo-
SY-C1.3
ter Laak, Thomas Mo-SY-G3.4
Thomas, Kevin Mo-SY-G1.2
Thornburg, Jonathan We-SY-F4.2
Tischer, Martin We-SY-B3.2, We-
SY-B3.5
Tornero-Velez, Rogelio Mo-SY-H4.4, Mo-
SY-H4.5
Tozer, Sarah Mo-SY-H2.1, Mo-
SY-H3.4
Tranfo, Giovanna Tu-Po-01
14
Tripathy, Sheila Tu-PL-I4.1
Troutman, John We-SY-A3.5
Tsai, Meng-Shan Tu-Po-39
Tsai, Shih-Wei Mo-LBA-06
Tulve, Nicolle We-PL-B2.1, We-
Po-51
Turczynowicz, Leonid We-PL-I1.4
Tyrrel, Sean We-PL-I4.4
Underhill, Lindsay We-Po-54
Urbanus, Jan We-SY-F1.1
Vallero, Daniel We-SY-E1.4, We-
SY-F1.5
van den Dries, Michiel We-LBA-29
van den Elshout, Sef Mo-SY-E1.3
Van der Pol, Peggy We-SY-F3.4
van der Veen, Ike Tu-PL-I2.2
van Klaveren, Jacob Mo-PL-I3.5
Van Leuken, Jeroen Mo-SY-E1.5
van Loon, Cornelis We-Po-24
Van Nieuwenhuyse, An Tu-SY-D4.5
van Nuijs, Alexander Mo-SY-G2.1
van Tongeren, Martie We-SY-B3.4, We-
SY-H1.1
Varshavsky, Julia Mo-Po-01
Vázquez-Campos,
Socorro
We-SY-H1.5
Verbist, Koen We-SY-F2.2
Vermeire, Theo Mo-SY-F4.3
Vermeulen, Roel Tu-SY-A4.3
Verner, Marc-André Tu-PL-I3.2, Mo-
Po-29
Vesper, Hubert Mo-SY-A2.1
Viegas, Carla Th-SY-B2.1, Tu-
PL-B4.4, Mo-Po-
32, Tu-Po-07b
Viegas, Susana Th-SY-B2.3, We-
Po-20, Tu-Po-20
Viet, Susan Tu-PL-H1.1
Vila, Javier We-Po-45
Villeneuve, Paul We-Po-11
Vilone, Giulia We-SY-G2.3
Visser, Wouter We-SY-F4.4
Vlaanderen, Jelle Tu-SY-A3.4
Volten, Hester Mo-SY-E2.4
von Goetz, Natalie Tu-SY-B2.1, We-
SY-E3.3
Vongmany, Natalie Th-SY-E2.1
Vrijheid, Martine Tu-SY-A1.2
Walendzik, Gudrun Tu-SY-F1.4
Watkins, Timothy Tu-SY-F4.2
Webster, Thomas Mo-SY-H4.1, We-
SY-E1.5
Weiss, Ilana We-SY-B1.1
Weschler, Charles Mo-SY-E4.4, We-
SY-E3.1, We-SY-
E3.2
Wesseling, Joost Mo-SY-E1.1, Mo-
SY-E2.3
Wesseling, Catharina We-SY-B1.4
Westerhout, Joost Tu-PL-I1.1
Wetmore, Barbara Mo-SY-C3.5, Mo-
SY-C4.1, Mo-SY-
F4.2
Wiesner, Mark We-SY-C2.2
Wijnhoven, Susan We-SY-C1.2
Wilson, Karen We-SY-F3.3
Wolfe, Christopher Mo-Po-50
Wormuth, Matthias We-LBA-22
Wright, Robert Mo-SY-A4.4, Tu-
SY-A1.4
Wu, Hao Tu-PL-D2.1
Xu, Ying We-SY-E2.2
Xue, Jianping Tu-SY-G1.3, Tu-
SY-G1.5
Yang, Guiling We-Po-25
Ye, Sherry (Xiaoyun) We-PL-H4.3
Young, Bruce We-SY-G2.2
Yu, Sol We-LBA-20
Zaleski, Rosemary Mo-SY-H1.5
Zare Jeddi, Maryam Mo-PL-I3.4, Mo-
Po-10
Zarn, Jürg Mo-SY-C1.4
Zauli Sajani, Stefano Tu-PL-I3.3
Zeman, Florence Tu-PL-B3.4
Zhang, Yinping Tu-PL-I2.4, We-
SY-E1.2
Zhang, Ting We-LBA-23
Zhou, Jiaqi Tu-PL-I3.5
Zhou, Ying Tu-PL-B3.2
15
Sunday, October 9, 2016
Plenary Address 1: Water as integrator of uses, stakes and exposures
Annemarie van Wezel, Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht, The
Netherlands
This plenary focuses on exposures to (emerging) chemicals via the water cycle, the various
sources relating to societies use of water and chemicals, pathways, possible health and
economic effects and mitigation options. The use of advanced analytical techniques is
highlighted, i.e. suspect screening using high resolution mass spectrometry to analyze a
broad set of industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals and pesticides including their
transformation products, and the subsequent prioritization techniques. Also attention will
be given to the analysis of nanoparticles such as nanoplastics, including field flow
fractionation techniques. In addition to these analytical techniques, modelling techniques
using water and land uses to predict water quality are highlighted and examples of
predictions are given based on communal and industrial emissions. The interpretation of
health risks using in vitro and in vivo toxicity data, including generalizations such as the
use of thresholds of toxicological concern (TTC) to assess risks when scarce data are
available, is discussed with a focus on relatively polar substances that are hard to remove
using water treatment technologies. Also possibilities posed by epidemiological techniques
using big data health statistics combined with spatiotemporal information on water quality
are reviewed. Some examples are provided from the way data water quality data can feed
epidemiological analyses, using sewer epidemiological approaches. As in water because of
the integration typically complex environmental mixtures occur, some attention is paid to
the used of effect-directed triggers compared with triggers based on concentrations of
individual substances. The risks of new and emerging technologies and ways to manage
and prevent these risks will be described, using examples form nanotechnology and new
technologies for oil and gas. The awareness of these risks by technology developers can be
enlarged by risk and technology assessment, ultimately in support of the technology
development and its acceptance by society. Finally mitigation science in combination with
exposure science is elaborated, connecting the water cycle and the chemical life cycle.
Mitigation options can be assessed by coupling emissions, exposure and effects in
hydrological models. A solution-focused and systems-oriented perspective combined with a
mitigation database can offer a common perspective amongst relevant actors, inform
policy making and stimulate cross-sectoral learning. Finally, the plenary will conclude
seeking parallels between aqueous exposure science and other environmental exposures.
16
Monday, October 10, 2016
Plenary Address 2: Respiratory health effects and livestock farming related
to microbial and dust exposure
Dick Heederik, Utrecht University, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht, The
Netherlands
Several studies have investigated the effect of livestock farm emissions on respiratory
health of local residents but results are inconsistent. The most comprehensive study thus
far measured lung function of adults living in a rural German area (Radon et al.
Epidemiology 2007). Results indicated a decreased FEV1 in adults with a high number of
animal houses in the proximity of their home address. The current study aims to explore
associations between proximity to livestock farms and lung function in a general, non-
farming population of adults in the Netherlands. This study made use of GP records from
approximately 100,000 patients, questionnaire survey data from approximately 14,000
individuals, and a medical survey among approximately 2,500 residents living near
livestock farms (IgE serology, lung function) in the south east of the Netherlands (figure).
Exposure assessment comprised of PM10 sampling over a one year period on 62 locations
with different livestock densities around the sampling sites. Two week average PM10
samples were taken and analyzed for some specific pathogenic bacteria by qPCR (Coxiella
burnetii) and endotoxin by the LAL assay. Several associations between livestock density
and proximity from livestock facilities and healh effects were observed:
- an increased pneumonia risk around poultry farms. No indications exist that this elevated
risk has a zoonotic nature. Impaired host defense mechanisms resulting from high dust and
endotoxin exposure seems a more likely explanation;
- individuals with COPD more frequently reported respiratory symptoms and increased use
of medication when they lived in close proximity to a livestock farm;
- people living in areas with a high number of livestock farms in a radius of 1 kilometer
around the house have a reduced lung function (FEV1, MMEF) compared to individuals with
a low livestock farm density around the home. Individuals who were measured on days
with high NH3 levels had a lower lung function adjusted for age, standing height, gender,
smoking;
- people living in areas with high number of livestock farms were less often sensitized to
common allergens (HDM, cat, dog, pollen), adjusted for being raised on a farm, in
comparison with people with a low livestock density around the home.
Livestock density and distance from a livestock farm were associated with elevated PM10
and endotoxin levels. First attempts were undertaken to develop Land Use Regression
models for PM10 and in particular endotoxin exposure. Endotoxin levels were more clearly
explained by spatial variables such as livestock farm density, in particular by the presence
of pig and poultry farms.
Results from these studies indicate that spatial and temporal livestock related respiratory
effects exists associated with most likely primary and secondary particle emissions.
Endotoxin emissions very likely contribute to the environmental exposure from livestock
farms and the resulting respiratory health effects. This study contributes to the evidence
17
that livestock production contributes to ambient particulate exposure and the burden of
disease resulting from this exposure.
Livestock output in the Netherlands in standardized kg animal (blue shading) and location of the
study centers (yellow)
18
Mo-SY-A1: Harmonization, access, transparency: improving environmental
epidemiology for public health decision-making - I
Mo-SY-A1.1
Concordance, transparency, and access: Why do we need these in exposure science
and health outcome research?
Judy LaKind, LaKind Associates, LLC, Catonsville, MD, United States
In observational research, evidence is usually derived from multiple studies, and any single
result is rarely considered sufficient for public health decision making. Despite more than
five decades of research and thousands of studies published, the ability to draw robust
conclusions regarding the presence or absence of causal links between specific
environmental
exposures and human health remains limited. To develop policies that are protective of
public health and can withstand scrutiny, agencies need to rely on investigations of
satisfactory quality that follow sufficiently concordant protocols in terms of exposure
assessment, outcome ascertainment, data analysis, and reporting of results. Absent such
concordance, the ability of environmental epidemiology studies to inform decision making
is greatly diminished.
Systems and tools are proposed here to improve concordance among environmental
epidemiology studies. Specifically, working systems in place in other fields of research are
critically examined and used as guidelines to develop analogous policies and procedures
for
environmental epidemiology. A three-part path forward (Figure 1) toward more
concordant, transparent, and readily accessible environmental epidemiology evidence that
parallels ongoing efforts in medical research is described. The three parts address
methods for improving quality and accessibility of systematic reviews, access to
information on ongoing and completed studies, and principles for reporting. The goals are
to increase the value of epidemiological research in public health decision making.
19
Figure 1
20
Mo-SY-A1.2
Combining large datasets on exposure and health outcome – evolution of
environmental epidemiology.
Donald Mattison, Risk Sciences International and McLaughlin Centre for Population Health
Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
Challenges facing health care and environmental epidemiology can be approached through
analysis of large observational datasets. This presentation will review the use of
electronic health records (EHR) and geocoded pollutant concentrations to assess
environmental exposures in the context of population health. One example of an EHR will
be reviewed (Cerner HealthFacts, CHF) and the use of this HIPAA compliant deidentified
data for understanding the beneficial and adverse health effects of drug treatment will be
described. The presentation will then discuss the use of CHF data combined with 3-digit
zip codes as well as the zip code tabulation areas to characterize environmental
exposures. These approaches allow characterization of changes in health status following
alterations in exposures, while also including the prior health status of the individuals
being followed. While these large and complex health and environmental exposure
datasets present challenges, they also offer useful approaches for characterizing
population health.
21
Mo-SY-A1.3
Lessons learned from registration of clinical studies, past to the present
Michael Goodman, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta,, Georgia,
United States
Large-scale research studies, particularly intervention trials, are time- and resource
intensive and may take years to complete; however, only some studies result in peer-
reviewed publications. The availability of a full picture of both past and current studies
facilitates a better understanding of knowledge gaps, identifies studies that warrant
replication, helps avoid redundancies, and allows development of ideas for future
research. Further, in the absence of concordant protocols for various aspects of study
design, clear and transparent information on study design of ongoing studies would assist
researchers in ensuring that their proposed study protocols will build on past research.
One method for improving access to information on ongoing and completed clinical
research is early registration of studies. Study registration has been termed a “scientific,
ethical and moral responsibility” because informed decision making is not possible when
publication bias and selective reporting are present; in addition, the availability of
information in study registries assists researchers and funders in avoiding unnecessary
duplication, identifying gaps, and encouraging collaboration. Several opportunities for
clinical trial registration are now available, including ClinicalTrials.gov, the World Health
Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP), and the
International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number (ISTRP) register.
ClinicalTrials.gov provides a publicly-available site for information on both clinical trials
and observational studies of investigational drugs. For each study, the site contains
information on its title and design, disease or condition of interest, intervention,
eligibility criteria for – and description of – participants, location(s), analytic methods, and
outcome. In recent years, availability of data from clinicaltrials.gov has allowed a number
of meaningful analyses. Examples of such analyses include an evaluation of terminated
trials, assessment of discrepancies between registered results and peer-reviewed
publications, and analyses of time to publication. These analyses would be difficult, if not
impossible, without study registration.
22
Mo-SY-A1.5
Inclusion Of Citizen Science And Atypical Environmental Data In Support Of
Environmental Health Decision-Making
Aubrey Miller, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
Liam O'Fallon, NIEHS, Durhan, North Carolina, United States
Joseph Hughes, NIEHS, Durham, North Carolina, United States
April Bennett, NIE, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
Richard Kwok, N, Du, N, United States
Aim
Discuss the rapidly evolving areas of citizen science (CS) and community based
participatory research including highlights of both the opportunities and challenges for
furthering our understanding of environmental exposures and health effects. Such
information, in addition to traditional epidemiology approaches, can be used to help
further site specific exposure and risk assessments, as well as providing additional weight-
of-evidence to help underpin risk management decisions.
Methods
Disaster responses and other investigations, such as the Gulf Oil Spill and hydraulic
fracturing, incorporating community engaged research will be discussed to provide
additional context and understanding of data acquired through such non-traditional
forums. Challenges include the use of non-validated data, harmonization of disparate
data sets, and the interpretation and communication of findings. Case studies will
highlight the benefits, as well as the challenges, in using CS approaches to promote
environmental public health. Focus will include user-friendly tools and technologies for
assessing environmental exposures, data quality & management, and interpretation of
information and risk communications.
Results
Attendees will gain insight into: 1) the important need and role of CS in supporting
responses to emerging environmental threats and disasters; 2) the use and limitations of
CS exposure assessment tools and data; 3) the generation of useful data through effective
planning and partnerships, 4) interpretation of data, ethical considerations, and
communicating results; and 5) the need to foster CS to help measure and understand
environmental exposures.
Conclusions
While complex and often challenging, CS approaches have the positive benefits of bringing
local expertise and knowledge to the table, improving community involvement,
understanding, and acceptance of the environmental information used for decision-
making. Lastly, such efforts further educate and strengthen communities to take an
active role in understanding and monitoring their environment to promote environmental
health and to build infrastructure and resiliency in responding to environmental disasters
and other challenges.
23
Mo-SY-B1: Targeted activities for improving workplace exposure assessments
Mo-SY-B1.1
ECETOC TRA FOR WORKERS: Lessons learned from its use under reach
Dook Noij, Dow Benelux, Terneuzen, Netherlands
Andreas Ahrens, European Chemicals Agency, Helsinki, Finland
Introduction:
The ECETOC Targeted Risk Assessment (TRA) model for workers is intended to evaluate the
risks for workers arising from the manufacture and use of chemicals. The versions 2 and 3
of the model have been extensively used for worker chemical safety assessments during
the first and second REACH registration phases (2007-2013). The model is also
incorporated in the ECHA CHESAR tool (Chemical Safety and Reporting tool). The version 3
model was developed based on the solicited feedback from TRA users on their experiences
with the tool in the 2009-2011 period, as well as the feedback by ECHA (integration into
CHESAR). Since 2014 ECETOC is working closely with ECHA to improve the guidance on the
application (domain) of the tool and to investigate the need for future modifications. This
was prompted by ECHA and industry experiences with the application of the tool in
Chemical Safety Assessments, and the updates of the ECHA guidance documents on use
description and on occupational exposure assessment.
Results:
For version 3, the suggestions received from users have resulted in the implementation of
improvements in the core of the model (exposure estimates), as well as in related
exposure determinants (operational conditions and risk management measures).
The cooperation between ECETOC and ECHA has led, among others, to more precise
description of PROC’s (Process Categories),better guidance on PROC-assignment for
modeled activities, improved clarifications of the applicability domain (e.g. PROC’s for
closed systems, and substances of very high concern), as well as a more transparent
approach to address elevated operation temperature. These improvements are partly built
into the new CHESAR version (V3.0) and are reflected in the updates of the ECHA guidance
documents. The decision to develop an updated version of the model is pending the
analysis of the results of the ETEAM study (Evaluation of Tier 1 Exposure Assessment
Models) and the results of a limited dermal exposure assessment validation study.
Discussion:
The discussion will address the experiences and challenges with implementation of
proposed modifications of the model and further definition of its application (domain).
Examples are the balancing of user requests/expectations for enhancements versus
principles to maintain its Tier 1 characteristics and scientific integrity, the pros/cons of
adaptation of the model during its application within the REACH implementation
timelines, the level of training/expertise required for users to adequately apply the
model, and securing consistency of model application/outcomes in different settings
(stand-alone tool versus integration in CHESAR).
24
Mo-SY-B1.2
Describing the Effectiveness of Sector Specific Exposure Controls
Susanne Hesse, Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hannover,
Germany
Katharina Blümlein, Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine,
Hannover, Germany
Stefan Hahn, Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hannover,
Germany
Aims and background:
A number of relevant risk management measures (RMMS) were identified by ESIG
(European Solvents Industry Group) for use in their chemical safety assessments. These
include various levels of containment in combination with ventilation, use of drum pumps
for filling procedures as well as draining and flushing of equipment before maintenance
operations. Provisional efficiency suggestions for these RMMs have been provided by ESIG.
But up to now they could not be supported by quantitative experimental data. Fraunhofer
ITEM evaluated the influence of sector specific risk management measures on inhalation
exposure by 1. Reviewing publicly available information and 2. Conducting experimental
studies to determine the impact on air concentrations.
Methods:
Publicly available information was gathered by searching literature and by contacting
relevant industry representatives.
Inhalation exposure was experimentally assessed for three representative solvent
scenarios: Gravity transfer, drum pump transfer as well as draining and flushing. The lab-
based simulations considered different levels of containment and ventilation. Each
simulation scenario was assigned to a specific phrase code. For the measurements a
standardised laboratory set up including reservoir and collection containers, a drum pump
for transfer, a fume hood and a portable IR spectrometer as a detector were used.
Results and Conclusion:
In conclusion, quantitative data could not be identified by reviewing publicly available
information and experimental studies had to be conducted. The experimental data seem
to support the original suggestions made by ESIG in regards to the efficiencies of the
individual RMMs. As an example, full containment (closed fume cupboard with ventilation
switched on) leads to an efficiency of >99% while the transfer via drum pump results in a
reduction of 93.5%. All measures show efficiencies above 90% when compared to the worst
case scenario (no RMM in place).
25
Mo-SY-B1.3
Can worker dermal exposure predictions be improved based on current data sets?
Jody Schinkel, TNO, Zeist, Netherlands
Henk Goede, TNO, Zeist, Netherlands
Wouter Fransman, Zeist, Zeist, Netherlands
Anjoeka Pronk, TNO, Zeist, Netherlands
Suzanne Spaan, TNO, Zeist, Netherlands
Rianda Gerritsen, TNO, Zeist, Netherlands
Aims and background
Occupational exposure models have been developed to estimate dermal exposure
concentrations (or ranges) to hazardous chemicals. In spite of the acceptance of these
tools, however, these models have not been comprehensively validated. In this part of the
symposium the validation of the dermal of ECETOC TRA will be presented, as an example
of the possibilities to improve dermal models based on currently available data.
Methods
In a project sponsored by CEFIC-LRI, the dermal model of ECETOC TRA is validated using
published dermal exposure measurement. TRA exposure estimates are compared with
exposure levels presented in public available literature, creating an overview of available
exposure measurement data. When improvements of more resolution in dermal exposure
models is needed, insight in dermal exposure determinants and dermal exposure processes
is needed. Availability of information on these elements is investigated in two recent
initiatives to improve dermal exposure assessment, namely the BROWSE project (www.
browseproject.eu) and during the development of a dermal module of the Advanced
REACH Tool (dART).
Results and conclusions
Although we know quite a lot about dermal exposure process, good quality information on
exposure to underpin our exposure models is scares and fragmented. An uniform format to
collect and store exposure data is missing. Furthermore, agreement on standard measuring
methods is lacking. In addition, the dermal exposure process is rather complex, with
various processes like dermal loading, dermal transfer, resuspension and cleaning are
important. The effect of different determinants on these processes has not been
systematically investigated yet. If we want to improve the current assessment methods for
dermal exposure in the workplace, a clear and coordinated research program is needed.
26
Mo-SY-B1.4
How can worker exposure models be comprehensively validated? Implications of the
ETEAM project results
Urs Schlueter, BAuA - Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Dortmund,
Germany
Martin Tischer, BAuA - Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Dortmund,
Germany
The German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) has initiated a
comprehensive Evaluation of the Tier 1 Exposure Assessment Models (ETEAM) on the
performance of REACH Tier 1 worker exposure models. Carried out by the Institute of
Occupational Medicine (IOM Edinburgh) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and
Experimental Medicine (ITEM Hannover) ETEAM was intended to compare different REACH
Tier 1 exposure models using an integrated approach including
• conceptual evaluation,
• external validation and
• between user reliability (BURE) / user-friendliness.
Reviewing the findings of ETEAM within the context of the constraints presented by
available exposure data and exposure models that are intended to be broadly applicable
(wide range of substances, use situations) results in the following conclusions:
• Overall comparison of model estimates with measurements suggests that the tools
tend to be conservative.
• They may not be sufficiently conservative in all situations.
• Statistical analyses of the BURE study suggest that user variation in the choice of
input parameters lead to very different results.
Both underestimation of exposure and the impact of user variation can have serious
impacts. As a consequence more confidence in the level of conservatism and accuracy of
models is necessary. Industry can help to reduce uncertainty within exposure assessment
by comparing the estimates from different sources, including other tools and measured
data. For authorities REACH offers a regulatory basis to request independent measurement
data.
Further model developments and improvements should consider user friendliness
implications and the ability of users to choose the correct input parameters. The BURE has
shown that there are some parameters which induce a high level of variability due to their
vague definition. In particular these are:
• use categorisation for all tools,
• intrinsic dustiness (only qualitatively defined),
• type of setting (professional/ industrial) and
• definition of risk management measures.
Obviously, the definition of the corresponding parameters should be as precise as possible.
However, the user’s knowledge about the tools is also of high relevance. Therefore to
decrease the total level of uncertainty, it is crucial that users are well informed about
both the models and the assessed situations.
The results ETEAM will assist in choosing the most appropriate model for a given exposure
situation. In addition, they will help authorities to assess whether an exposure scenario is
safe and to estimate how conservative the estimates are. Finally they will support model
developers in identifying areas where models can be improved.
27
28
Mo-SY-B1.5
Re-thinking strategies for improving exposure assessments
Chris Money, Cynara Consulting, Brockenhurst, United Kingdom
Background
In order that chemicals risk assessments can be seen to be relevant and reliable, they
must be able to effectively undertake both hazard and exposure assessment. However, the
fact that the use of many chemicals is widespread can be associated with a high degree of
uncertainty in the ability to accurately predict exposure. This uncertainty can undermine
steps being taken to improve hazard assessment. The introduction of tiered approaches to
exposure assessment provides opportunities for improving the relevance and reliability of
exposure assessments through the efficient and targeted acquisition and application of key
information on exposure parameters.
Strategy Development
Ensuring reliable and relevant exposure assessments not only demands that the exposure
model is accurate but also requires that the determinants used as the basis of predictions
reflect real world conditions. This consideration is particularly important when the
determinants are factors that enable users of chemicals to determine how best to reduce
exposures, such as those which may be communicated to workers and consumers within
safety data sheets and labels.
Within Europe, following the introduction of REACH, suppliers and users of chemicals have
begun to more widely share such information, but its provision could become piecemeal
unless suitably targeted and coordinated. The presentation will examine the
considerations necessary for implementing effective strategies for collecting exposure
information which are summarised in the figure . Particular attention will be paid to
recent initiatives aimed at securing refined exposure information for worker and consumer
assessments.
Conclusion
Recent developments aimed at structuring how information on exposure determinants
might be collected by suppliers and users of chemicals provide opportunities for ensuring
that exposure assessments are relevant and accurate. Implementing suitably coordinated
approaches across these groups should avoid any tendency for the information to become
piecemeal or deficient.
29
Considerations for effective exposure data collections strategies
30
Mo-SY-C1: Intermittent Exposure in Risk Assessment
Mo-SY-C1.1
Introduction to intermittent exposure and examples from regulatory risk assessment of
consumer exposure situations
Friederike Neisel, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
Ulrike Bernauer, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
Astrid Heiland, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
Matthias Herzler, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
Gerhard Heinemeyer, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
Background:
Risk assessment of consumer exposure is generally based on chronic health-based limit
values that shall exclude adverse health effects in case of long-term exposure up to
exposure over life-time. However, in reality, exposure of the general population will often
fluctuate between higher and lower levels. In addition, many consumer products are used
infrequently, with an on-off exposure profile called intermittent exposure. In these cases,
questions arise whether a refinement of the risk assessment is possible, if exposure during
the use event is higher than the respective chronic health-based limit value.
Objectives:
The presentation shall introduce to determinants of risks from intermittent consumer
exposure.
Methods:
Examples of current risk assessments for the general population are discussed, e.g.
exposure to outdoor air contaminants or to do-it yourself products like paints. This
includes different approaches for risk assessment of long-term and short-term effects. An
accent is given to different exposure time patterns resulting from one consumer use and
to the quality of input data on consumer exposure frequency and time, including the
variability of consumer behavior.
Results:
At present, there is still no common approach in dealing with fluctuating and intermittent
exposure of the general population. Refinements of risk assessments for intermittent
consumer exposure should consider toxicological information as well as the quality of the
underlying exposure data.
31
Mo-SY-C1.2
Setting typical intermittent or peak exposure profiles, focusing on consumer non-food
and dietary exposure
Wouter Ter Burg, RIVM, Bilthoven, Netherlands
In risk assessment of chemicals normally a chronic health based limit value is compared to
an averaged chronic or lifetime exposure. Traditionally, the default approach is to derive
a chronic exposure estimate, whereas in real-life, the exposure is in many cases not
chronic or constant over time. In most situations, the exposure fluctuates over time, is
intermittent, showing peaks, or only occurs at elevated levels for certain periods of time.
Averaging these exposures to a lifetime exposure can lead to false conclusions when
compared to a chronic based health limit value. A shift in the risk assessment approach is
needed, where starting point should be the actual exposure as a given fact and making
sure the toxicological reference value is appropriate to assess the risks for that exposure.
As an important start in the approach set up by Geraets et al (submitted), the many types
of exposures have been categorized into certain exposure profiles. An exposure profile
involves the contact of a substance with a subject over a period of time. The exposure
profiles describe the external exposure resulting from use of dietary and non-food
products or residential exposure, exemplified by daily life products. Thus far the focus has
been on the use of products, but substance properties on absorption, kinetics and mode of
action may influence the categorization of the exposure profiles. It shows that in risk
assessment the exposure assessment and hazard characterization are closely linked and
dependent on each other.
32
Mo-SY-C1.3
Application of Haber’s rule, mode of action and role of toxicokinetics
Wouter Ter Burg, RIVM, Bilthoven, Netherlands
The exposure assessment should describe the actual exposure as accurate as possible. The
way the exposure is looked at in detail then depends heavily on the hazard
characterization of a chemical. The toxicokinetics and mode(s) of action play an important
role, both for the exposure and toxicity alike. Information on these aspects has impact on
what elements to consider in risk assessment, e.g. do you focus on the concentration in a
certain media or on the dose expressed per body weight. Further, how does duration
change the focus of the assessment.
Haber’s rule, describing the relationship between concentration/dose, time and an effect,
has been used in risk assessment extensively. Basically, he assumed a constant relationship
between concentration/dose and time eliciting a predefined effect, C x t = k. More
recently, a modification was applied to the rule indicating that C^n x t = k with a
substance specific value for n provided better predictions. The rule has been determined
for acute lethal effects, but nevertheless has been applied to many other endpoints. The
presentation will focus on different endpoints, with their mode of actions and whether or
not the modified Haber’s rule may apply.
33
Mo-SY-C1.4
Less than lifetime exposures to pesticide residues might need a risk assessment
Jürg Zarn, Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO), Bern, Switzerland
The ARfD and ADI concepts, related to acute or chronic exposures, are used to assess the
dietary risk of pesticide residues in crops. Chronic exposure estimation utilizes per capita
lifetime averaged food consumption values and is therefore often significantly lower than
acute exposure estimates because these are based on high percentiles of food
consumption surveys.
In current dietary risk assessment, all pesticides are assessed with regard to chronic
exposure, but only those that have shown to be acutely toxic and therefore have an ARfD
allocated, also with regard to acute exposure. For exposures longer than one day but
shorter than chronic there are no exposure scenarios available. To evaluate whether such
scenarios covering intermittent exposures are necessary, the effect of extending the
exposure duration on the toxic potency of pesticides was investigated.
Ratios of subacute/subchronic, subchronic/chronic and subacute/chronic no observed
adverse effect levels (NOAEL) from rodent pesticide feeding studies were calculated. Ratio
distributions differing significantly from 1 would indicate an effect of exposure duration
on NOAELs.
No statistical significant effect of exposure duration on NOAEL ratio distributions was
found. On the contrary, the number of animals and the dose spacing in the studies were
identified as factors pretending an effect of exposure duration on NOAELs as well as the
dose decrement over time observed in feeding studies applying the test substances in
constant feed concentrations.
The results indicate that toxic potencies of pesticides are similar over a wide exposure
duration range. However, for pesticides not allocated an ARfD, the dietary risk assessment
is based only on the ADI and related low-level exposure estimates. As no short-term
exposure scenarios are available, the short-term potency of pesticides residues in crops
remain unassessed.
Zarn, J. A., B. E. Engeli and J. R. Schlatter (2011) Regul. Toxicol. Pharmacol 61(2): 243-
250.
Zarn, J. A., B. E. Engeli and J. R. Schlatter (2013) Regul. Toxicol. Pharmacol 67(2): 215-
220.
34
Mo-SY-D1: From external to internal exposure: the necessity of toxicokinetic
information
Mo-SY-D1.1
Introduction to kinetics as connector of external and internal dose: importance for risk
assessment
Peter Bos, RIVM, Bilthoven, Netherlands
An introduction on the importance of insight in kinetics for the estimation of internal
exposure will be given. Human risk assessment is generally based on external dose
metrics. There is an increasing awareness that this process can be improved if exposure
assessment focuses on internal rather than external exposure estimates. One of the main
advantages hereof is that exposure from different sources can be combined, especially if
exposure to a substance occurs via multiple routes, i.e., oral, inhalation and/or dermal
exposure. At present, the most common way is to add up the doses taken up via the
respective exposure routes, at best adjusted for the fraction absorbed per route of
exposure. The internal exposure then is often expressed as internal dose per kg body
weight.
However, each route of exposure is characterized by kinetic processes that determine the
fate of a substance in the body and thus the internal exposure. Four steps can be
distinguished: absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion. Insight in these
processes is essential for an adequate estimation of the internal exposure, i.e., the
internal exposure at the site (organs, tissues) where toxicity is expected.
The first question then raised is what the appropriate internal dose metric will be. Some
toxic effects are related to tissue concentration while for other effects tissue dose is the
best descriptor. This understanding underlines the necessity of taking into account the
exposure rate, i.e., the impact on the internal exposure of the exposure dose in
combination with the exposure duration. A short exposure to a high dose will lead to a
different internal exposure pattern (and thus a different outcome of toxicity) than
exposure to the same dose spread over a longer period of time. The more so, since at high
doses saturation of kinetic processes may occur.
A second point is knowledge about whether the toxicity is caused by the parent compound
one is exposed to or by one of its metabolites. For instance, if a metabolite is the toxic
agent, oral exposure may lead to different toxicity than dermal exposure to the same dose
since following oral exposure all substance first passes the liver (the main organ for
metabolism) before being distributed throughout the body.
Internal exposure estimates that can be related to toxic effects can reduce uncertainties
involved in human risk assessment but an adequate insight in route-specific kinetics is a
prerequisite.
35
Mo-SY-D1.2
The importance of information on toxicokinetics for human health risk assessment:
specific issues for inhalation exposure
Liesbeth Geraets, RIVM - National Institute for Public Health and the Environment,
Utrecht, Netherlands
Marco Zeilmaker, RIVM - National Institute for Public Health and the Environment,
Bilthoven, Netherlands
Peter Bos, RIVM - National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven,
Netherlands
Background: Human health risk assessment includes in general a high-to-low dose
extrapolation. Experimental animals are usually exposed in toxicity studies using dose
levels which vary over one order of magnitude. Moreover, the experimental animal dose
levels are in most cases significantly higher than the human exposure levels. Although
high-to-low dose extrapolation is a common step in human risk assessment, it introduces
various uncertainties. One of these uncertainties is related to the toxicokinetics of the
specific chemical. Many kinetic processes such as absorption, metabolism or excretion can
be subject to saturation at high dose levels, resulting in disproportionate increases in
internal blood or tissue concentration relative to the external dose administered.
Objectives: The aim is to emphasize the importance of kinetic information for the
determination of a safe exposure in human risk assessment of inhalation exposures
assessed by conversion from a high animal exposure to a low exposure in man.
Methods: For two selected compounds, i.e. methyl tert-butyl ether and 1,2-
dichloroethane, Physiologically Based Toxicokinetic (PBTK) modeling was used to follow
the extrapolation and conversion steps as performed in existing risk assessments for these
compounds. The modeled human exposure scenarios include both continuous long-term
exposure for the general population and occupational exposure for 8h/d for 5 days per
week. Both blood Cmax and AUC are considered as internal dose metrics. It is presented
how internal exposure might change due to high-to-low dose extrapolation applied on the
external exposure. Also, the impact of conversion of an intermittent exposure to
continuous exposure on these internal dose metrics is included.
Results: In order to reduce the uncertainties related to high-to-low dose extrapolation,
information on toxicokinetics is considered essential in order to create an adequate
margin of safety at the appropriate dose metric. Human health-based limit values based
on an external dose metric without sufficient knowledge on kinetics might be too high to
be sufficiently protective. Without insight in the actual internal exposure, the toxic agent,
the appropriate dose metric, and whether an effect is related to internal concentration
or dose, application of assessment factors on an external dose metric and the conversion
to continuous exposure results in an uncertain human health risk assessment of inhalation
exposures.
36
Mo-SY-D1.3
Toxicokinetics for the oral route: human risk assessment of chemicals and food safety
Jean Lou Dorne, EFSA, Parma, Emilia Romagna, Italy
Human risk assessment of chemicals in the food safety area involves the classic steps
bringing the hazard and exposure dimension together for risk characterisations. Sound
hazard identification and hazard characterisation requires an understanding of both
toxicokinetic (TK) and toxicodynamic (TD) processes for compounds entering the human
body via the oral route. This enables the translation of external dose (exposure) into
internal dose (TK) to integrate absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion processe
(ADME) and toxicity (TD) for sound dose response modelling and risk characterisation.
A number of historical developments have enabled risk assessors to integrate interspecies
differences and human variability in TK (ADME) processes for chemicals entering the body
via the oral route. In this context, the Mode of Action (MoA) and Adverse outcome
pathway (AOP) frameworks provide science-based starting points to integrate TK and TD
taking into account the biological relevance of test species compared with humans. Of
utmost importance for the oral route is the understanding of the role of the intestine and
the liver in ADME processes particularly regarding absorption, bioavailability, intestinal
versus liver metabolism and transport and their consequences (e.g. bioactivation,
detoxification, entero-hepatic re-circulation). Tools available to address these issues
include in vitro cell systems in humans and test species and physiologically-based (PB)
models such as PB-TK and PB-TK –TD models as part of integrated testing strategies (ITS).
Integrating TK knowledge requires understanding the practical needs of risk assessors and
decision makers from problem formulation, level of ADME knowledge available for the
chemical to be assessed (known knowns, known unknowns and unknowns unknowns) as
well as the resources and time available for the assessment. Three examples of TK
integration in the food safety area are illustrated namely an emerging mycotoxin in food
with scarce TK data, a regulated product with TK data from a dossier and a well-known
contaminant with full PB-TK or PB-TK-TD models.
Further developments in this area include further integration of ITS as mechanistic
alternatives to animal testing and involve the integration of human in vitro models to
depict ADME processes with quantitative knowledge of human variability for in vitro to in
vivo (IVIVE) extrapolation and the development of in silico tools including generic QSAR
tools and PB models. In this context, international cooperation between national and
international scientific advisory bodies is critical and will enable sharing data and
experience, developing harmonised databases, tools and models and training of future
generations of risk assessors.
37
Mo-SY-D1.4
Dermal Exposure – Special Considerations
Ursula Gundert-Remy, Berlin, Germany
Hans Mielke, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
For the risk assessment route-to-route extrapolation is often done by correcting the non-
oral route exposure by the route specific absorption and comparing the result with the
(oral) health based guidance value (HBGV). This procedure gives incorrect results if the
absorption on the oral route is less than 100%. With this contribution we give two
examples for estimating the risk by dermal exposure.
Example 1: Bisphenol A. The target organs for toxicity on the oral route are liver and
kidney. BPA has a high presystemic first pass, it is anticipated that the route of exposure
is an important determinant for the concentration in blood and organs. A PBTK analysis
was done to tackle the problem.
For the parametrisation of the human physiologically based toxicokinetic (PBTK) model the
following data were used: in silico data for the partitioning in the tissues, human in vitro
data for Vmax and Km, in vitro data and in vivo human data for the rate and extent of
dermal and oral absorption.
The modeling results are in line with the physiology of dermal versus oral absorption. After
absorption through the skin the blood in the portal vein has a lower concentration as
compared to the oral route. Cmax in the liver is several fold lower after dermal as
compared to the oral administration.
Example 2: Coumarin is a liver toxicant with a high first pass. For the parametrisation of
the PBTK model we used in silico data for the partitioning in the tissues, in vitro data from
human hepatozytes for the metabolic constants Vmax and Km, in vitro data and in vivo
data for the rate and extent of dermal and of oral absorption. At identical doses compared
to oral exposure, the dermal exposure resulted in a lower simulated liver peak
concentration. Are Cmax or AUC values in the liver relevant for the risk assessment? For
doses and study durations in 11 oral rat studies we derived 31 Cmax and AUC values in a
rat PBTK model. We graded 31 hepatotoxic responses in the 11 studies on a five-point
grading scale (0= no effect, 4= massive liver toxicity). In a graphical analysis the severity
grade of hepatotoxicity increases systematically with increasing Cmax-hep, which was not
observed for AUC-hep indicating that Cmax-hep is the relevant toxicokinetic metric.
PBPK modelling is a helpful tool to perform risk assessment for dermal route of exposure.
38
Mo-SY-D1.5
Kinetic Issues when Performing Biomonitoring
Lisbeth E. Knudsen, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
Background
Human biomonitoring represent the integrated exposure in humans and reflects the
uptake, metabolism and excretion, considered affected by genetic and other factors. In
the DEMOCOPHES project we were able to monitor exposures of school children and their
mothers to a number of environmental toxicants.
Objectives
The current presentation stresses the importance of taking kinetic issues into account
when interpretatting results.
Method
Danish participation in the large European Human biomonitoring (HBM) pilot project
DEMOCOPHES Demonstration of a study to Coordinate and Perform Human biomonitoring
on a European Scale investigated the exposure to 65 different biomarkers in a group of
Danish school children aged 6-11 years and their mothers from rural and urban areas in
2011. The environmental exposure to chemicals from a variety of different sources
including foods, plastics, electronics, cosmetics, and housing was investigated. Nine
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 4 dichlorodiphenyltrichloro-ethane (DDT) metabolites,
hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and beta-hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH), 6 polyfluoroalkyl
substances (PFASs) and 7 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were analysed in plasma
samples. The blood samples were also analysed for dioxin-like activity and the biomarker
of effect, micronuclei frequency. Hair samples were analysed for mercury. Urine samples
were analysed fifteen phthalate metabolites, 7 parabens, and 9 phenols as well as
cadmium, paracetamol and cotinine.
Some of the substances are short-lived, while others have long half-life. This influenced
how the biomonitoring was performed, i.e. which type of samples were taken and at what
time.
Results
There was a significant association between the intake of fish and mercury hair
concentrations. The exposure to most chemicals analysed seem to follow a family related
pattern and the concentrations of chemicals within the same groups are significantly
correlated.
As some of the compounds were measured in higher levels in children compared to
mothers, increased focus on the exposure in young children in the future is recommended.
Further investigations of the correlation between biomarkers of exposure, as well as
follow-up studies of the participants with repeated biomarker measurements and register-
based investigations is suggested. For more detailed investigation of specific exposure
sources more studies with increased power and detailed questionnaire is needed.
Toxicokinetic considerations will be included in the planned European Human
Biomonitoring Initiative.
Mørck TA, et al. The Danish contribution to the European DEMOCOPHES project: A
description of cadmium, cotinine and mercury levels in Danish mother-child pairs and the
perspectives of supplementary sampling and measurements. Environ Res. 2015 141:96-105
and PhD thesis of TA Mørck.
39
Mo-SY-E1: Exposure to atmospherically dispersed hazards: assessment,
public information and perspectives – I
Mo-SY-E1.1
Exposure maps for NO2 and Particulate Matter in the Netherlands; spatial resolution
versus temporal resolution
Joost Wesseling, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven,
Netherlands
Ronald Hoogerbrugge, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven,
Netherlands
Peter Zandveld, TNO, Utrecht, Netherlands
Yearly average concentrations of NO2, PM10, PM2.5 and EC in the Netherlands are
prepared every year. These maps have a high spatial resolution of 25 by 25 meter and
serve to provide high resolution concentration distributions for the concentrations. For
this, all important roads are taken into account in a detailed way. The effects of emissions
from other sources are taken into account by way of background maps that are calibrated
using measurements from the National Air Quality monitoring Network. Although
concentrations are calculated for every adres in the Netherlands, only average values on a
25 by 25 meter grid are shown on the maps.
Apart from the yearly average maps, also hourly maps for NO2, O3 and PM10 are
calculated on a scale of 125 by 125 meter. The results of these calculations are provided
to the public using a website and apps. For these hourly maps, concentrations measured at
(urban) background locations are used to derive background concentration maps. The
concentration contributions from traffic on the major roads are calculated and
subsequently calibrated (scaled) using measurements at locations near large roads. For
this calibration all available relevant measurements in the Netherlands are employed. The
hourly maps are also used to provide an hourly air quality index for all of the Netherlands.
Furthermore, they serve as input for several other projects.
Hourly prognoses are calculated using the HIRLAM and LOTOS-EUROS models and a model
for contributions from traffic on highways. The results of estimations for the background
concentrations and the traffic contributions are combined to yield total concentration
maps for the next 48 hours.
The construction of both sets of maps, high spatial resolution combined with low time
resolution and vice versa, will be discussed and examples wil be presented.
40
PM2,5 concentrations in The Netherlands in 2014 in microgram/m3.
41
Mo-SY-E1.2
Air Quality Impact Assessement for Ringland
Bino Maiheu, Flemish Institute for Technological Research, VITO nv, Mol, Belgium
Stijn Vranckx, Flemish Institute for Technological Research, VITO nv, Mol, Belgium
Wouter Lefebvre, Flemish Institute for Technological Research, VITO nv, Mol, Belgium
Stijn Janssen, Flemish Institute for Technological Research, VITO nv, Mol, Belgium
The Antwerp ring road (R1) has been at the centre of a public/political debate in Flanders
for more than a decade, involving different action groups. The Ringland initiative crow-
sourced over a 100 kEUR from enthusiasts to fund environmental, health and economic
impact assessment studies. This contribution will report on the air quality impact of their
solution to the ring road problem.
The tunnel complex which the Ringland initiative proposes, separates the R1 into a local
traffic tunnel and a tunnel for through traffic, with several entrances and exits and
number of surface-level interchanges along the way. A good estimation of the
redistribution of traffic emissions from the tunnel portals is therefore essential for any air
quality impact assessment.
To redistribute the traffic emissions to the different tunnel portals, the Hardy-Cross
method, typically used for hydraulic network calculations, was used. In this method a
network of pipes (traffic tunnels in our case) can be solved iteratively for total pressure in
its nodes and flow speed in its pipe segments when the pressure losses (or gains) are
known in each segment. Next to friction losses near the walls, a pressure gain is induced
by the vehicle piston effect, allowing us to compute the flow in the complete tunnel
system depending on tunnel geometry and traffic intensity/composition.
The model estimated respectively 14.6 % of the total R1 traffic emissions are released
near the western exit/entrance of the tunnel complex, 21 % to the north and 10.1 % to the
south and 15.7 % to the eastern main exit/entrance. The remainder of the emissions are
released along the several exits along the trajectory (with a maximum of 7 % of the total
near the busiest section of the R1).
The IFDM dispersion model was used to compute the redistributed emissions on the
ambient annual averaged concentrations for the whole agglomeration. Sizeable reductions
were found, not only near the original location of the R1, but also in the urban
background. The tunnel portals remain hotspots, with significant increases, however
limited to a few 100 m from the portal. Overall, 97 % of the population see a reduction in
concentrations levels, whereas only 3 % see an increase. The results were subsequently
used by Belgium's leading epidemiologists concluding that the project would result in an
annual decrease of 21 deaths.
This work was supported by the Ringland initiative and the contributing citizens of
Antwerp.
42
NO2 concentrations in 2020 in one of the likely future scenario’s for Antwerp (left), right:
Ringland NO2 map.
43
Mo-SY-E1.3
China’s revised air quality index (AQI) compared to other AQI-s. Exposure and
communication aspects of AQI design.
Sef Van den Elshout, DCMR Environmental Protection Agency Rijnmond, Schiedam,
Netherlands
Lisa Blyth, VITO Flemish Institute for Technology Research, Mol, Belgium
Yu Lei, Chinese Academy for Environmental Planning, Beijing, China, People's Republic of
Wei Liu, Chinese Academy for Environmental Planning, Beijing, China, People's Republic
of
Nele Veldeman, VITO Flemish Institute for Technology Research, Mol, Belgium
Background
An AQI (air quality index) is a communication tool. China revised its AQI in 2012 (HJ633-
2012 – on trial). The revised AQI takes into account recent insights in relevant pollutants
and the health effects associated to exposure levels. PM2.5 was included in the AQI based
on international consensus on its relevance, and following public demand. It is published
in real-time with hourly updates. In 2014 experiments with hourly PM index readings
(previously 24h moving average) started to improve the consistence between perceived
and reported air quality. The practical performance and the appropriateness of the
revised AQI is assessed.
Methods
First the design and concept of the Chinese AQI is compared to other AQIs (US, UK,
Europe, HongKong). AQI scale and breakpoints and health messages at different exposure
levels are compared. Secondly, the selected AQI-s are applied to Chinese monitoring data
(unvalidated online data) to verify their practical usability of the AQIs under Chinese
conditions.
Results and discussion
Almost all AQIs differ in design and interpretation of the air quality. The Chinese
authorities designed their AQI taking into account both recent exposure science as wells as
the prevailing air quality conditions. In fact, the results show that applying AQI
breakpoints currently in use in Europe is not feasible as the AQI would be in or above the
highest class for most of the time. This is an undesirable communication property.
Most AQI-s address short-term health effects of air pollution and provide behavioral advice
but air quality has health effects both for short- and long-term exposure. This is a
communication challenge anywhere and for every AQI. The revised Chinese AQI is used to
assess exposure and provide behavioral advice. The results show that given the current
structural level of air pollution, AQIs aimed at communication on the short-term exposure
face difficulties in China. Frequently occurring pollution levels are judged as harmful.
Though this might represent an accurate exposure risk, it hardly makes sense to
communicate (day after day) that exposure is too high: there is no perspective to act for
the individual, the pollution cannot be escaped. The communication relevance is reduced
and message-fatigue might occur.
The revised Chinese AQI is a pragmatic compromise between recent thinking on exposure
and practical feasibility as a communication tool, given the current Chinese air quality.
Several recently updated AQI-s use short PM-averaging times, just like the Chinese AQI.
44
Mo-SY-E1.4
Spatiotemporal correlations between air pollutants and eye-, nose- and lung symptoms
of individuals collected by a citizen science platform
Letty A De Weger, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
Joost Wesseling, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven,
Netherlands
Ronald Hoogerbrugge, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment,
Bilthoven, Netherlands
Arnold JH van Vliet, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands
Pieter S Hiemstra, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
Jacob K Sont, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
Background: According to the last report of the European Environmental Agency (1), up to
93% of the urban population in the European Union is exposed to levels of PM2.5 above
World Health Organization guidelines and up to 98% to levels of ozone above these
guidelines. Health risks resulting from air pollution are substantial, and include heart
disease, stroke, respiratory diseases and premature deaths. However, the proportion of
the population affected by less severe disease is much larger than the proportion suffering
from severe diseases. In spite of this, most epidemiological studies focus on the severe
outcomes, because these data are usually better available. In this study we focus on nose-
, eye- and lung symptoms, which can have a strong impact on public health and on
economy (e.g. health care costs, lost work and school days).
Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether symptom data collected by
the citizen science platform Allergieradar.nl (2) can be used to identify individuals that
experience adverse health effects following exposure to the most relevant pollutants:
PM10, O3 and NO2 and pollen.
Methods: Local pollutant concentrations were calculated for every hour using adaptations
of the Dutch standard calculation models for air quality(3). We assessed to what extent
these data and daily pollen counts (Leiden University Medical Center) were related to eye,
nose and lung symptom scores in individuals participating in the citizen science platform
Allergieradar.nl (2) between 1 Jan-31 Aug 2014 and 1 Jan-26 Oct 2015. The data were
analysed using the software package Intercooled STATA 11.0 (StataCorp, USA). Data from
participants with less than 6 entries were not used in this study.
Results: In the analyses the correlation coefficients between daily symptoms scores of 237
participants (5174 valid entries) and pollen or local pollutant concentrations were
determined. Correlations coefficients >0.7 were found for either nose, eye or lung
symptoms of 30, 9, 18 and 13 individual participants with pollen, NO2, PM10 and O3,
respectively.
Conclusions Our study indicates that marked interindividual differences exist regarding the
strength of the relationship between symptoms and one or more component of air
pollution or pollen. In the future this may enable us to provide personalized information to
individuals regarding potential risk of exposure to air pollution or pollen.
1.Air quality in Europe (2015) European Environmental Agency, Copenhagen, Denmark
2.de Weger LA, et al. (2014) Allergy 69:1085-1091
3.http://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0022817/
45
Mo-SY-E1.5
Atmospheric dispersion modelling of the large Q fever outbreak in the Netherlands in
2009
Jeroen Van Leuken, RIVM National Institute for Public Health and the Environment,
Bilthoven, Netherlands
Jan Van de Kassteele, RIVM National Institute for Public Health and the Environment,
Bilthoven, Netherlands
Ferd Sauter, RIVM National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven,
Netherlands
Wim Van der Hoek, RIVM National Institute for Public Health and the Environment,
Bilthoven, Netherlands
Dick Heederik, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
Arie Havelaar, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
Arno Swart, RIVM National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven,
Netherlands
Aim
From 2007 through 2010, the Netherlands experienced the largest human and veterinary Q
fever epidemic ever described. Over 4,000 human cases were notified and approximately a
twelve-fold higher number was probably infected by Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent
of Q fever. Dairy goat farms, and to a lesser extent dairy sheep farms, were identified as
the major source of these human infections with high Coxiella burnetii shedding rates
during parturition of the animals. This project aimed at simulating the airborne dispersion
of Coxiella burnetii through the atmosphere and to verify the correlation between
exposure and Q fever observed in humans. Thus, we could verify whether meteorological
conditions might have played a role during the epidemic.
Methods
We used an atmospheric dispersion model (Operational Priority Substances Short Term
model) to simulate the dispersion of Coxiella burnetii. We correlated the modelled
exposure levels to the observed human Q fever incidence data. As a comparison, we also
defined two simple models with no meteorological information: a spatial uniform
concentration distribution (‘null model’) and a distance-dependent concentration
distribution (‘distance model’). Since Coxiella burnetii emission rate data were lacking we
defined three simple emission profiles as an input for the atmospheric dispersion model.
Results
Exposure levels modelled with the atmospheric dispersion model explained the spatial
distribution of human cases better than the distance and null model. Mainly wind (both
speed and direction) and convection were important. The wind conditions determined the
size of the exposed area; atmospheric stability influenced the exposure levels at surface
level.
Conclusions
We concluded that atmospheric dispersion models are suitable for dispersion modelling of
airborne pathogenic micro-organisms. Modelled airborne Coxiella burnetii concentrations
were a better predictor for Q fever incidence than distance alone. Although additional
information is needed – especially regarding emission data - these results provide a basis
for the use of atmospheric dispersion models to predict and to visualise the spread of
airborne pathogens during livestock, industry or bio-terroristic related outbreaks to a
surrounding human population. Follow-up research now focuses on parameterisation of
46
emission profiles, dispersion modelling, and translating exposure to disease for other
pathogenic micro-organisms from intensive livestock farming.
47
Mo-SY-F1: Extending participatory sensing to personal exposure and policy
support - I
Mo-SY-F1.1
Integrating low-cost sensor and model data to improve the assessment of personal
exposure to air pollution in the urban-rural nexus.
Stefan Reis, Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Massimo Vieno, Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Susanne Steinle, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Rachel Beck, Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Edward Carnell, Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Individual mobility includes commuting to places of work and education, shopping, leisure
activities or spending time outdoors for recreational activity. Despite a growing
understanding of the substantial variety of individual lifestyles and how they affect the
time spent and activities undertaken in a wide range of micro-environments on an
individual level, the assessment of public health effects of air pollution often relies on
quantification methods which assume a static population at their residential locations.
With the emergence of low-cost personal sensors capable of measuring individual level
exposure, as well as providing much better spatio-temporally resolved data on pollution
fields for key air pollutants, the assessment of health effects from exposure to air
pollution can make step changes towards a more comprehensive picture of exposure for
individuals, population sub-groups and the general public. To achieve this, the integration
of both sensor networks at different levels and scales, and of models from local to urban
to regional scale is an essential building block. In this paper, we will demonstrate the
relevance of taking into account individual mobility and population level spatial
variability, as well as the benefits of personal sensing to inform and validate models. The
implications of these findings are relevant to policy makers as well as local authorities,
regulators and urban planners alike.
In our paper, we present the results from a model analysis of population-level exposure to
fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxides (NOx) in the UK, using new Census
2011 population data, which includes both residential population distribution, and
population during working hours (see Figure). Applying the atmospheric chemistry
transport model EMEP4UK, we will simulate population-weighted exposures to PM2.5 and
NOx for a whole year, in order to quantitatively assess the influence of location and
behavioural patterns on potential exposure for population sub-groups. In addition, we will
compare results from a personal exposure monitoring study (using GPS and portable
particle monitors) with model results for the same period and location.
The results of this analysis will inform the development of more appropriate air pollution
control policies by identifying the relative contribution of urban vs. non-urban pollution
levels, and is builds on a recent paper by Vieno et al. (2016).
Reference: Vieno, M., Heal, M. R., Williams, M. L., Carnell, E. J., Nemitz, E., Stedman, J.
R., and Reis, S.: The sensitivities of emissions reductions for the mitigation of UK PM2.5,
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 265-276, doi:10.5194/acp-16-265-2016, 2016.
48
Illustration of variability of urban population density comparing (a) residential and (b)
workday populations based on UK Census 2011 and CEH Land Cover Map 2007 datasets
49
Mo-SY-F1.2
The challenges of developing reliable air pollution exposure surfaces using ad-hoc
participatory sensing data
Laura Minet, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
Ronald Gehr, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
Jeffrey Brook, Environment Canada, Toronto, Canada
Ilan Levy, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
Marianne Hatzopoulou, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
The objective of this study is to compare exposure surfaces developed based on static and
dynamic measurements of ambient NO2 and O3. For this purpose, a mobile monitoring
campaign was conducted in summer 2015 in Montreal. Volunteers carried micro sensors as
they walked and cycled around the city. Pollutants levels of 1411 road segments were
measured. Using data from repeated visits at each segment, various land-use regression
(LUR) models were developed. One year earlier, during summer 2014, a campaign with
fixed monitor locations had taken place at 76 sites using the same micro sensors. LUR
models as well as associated exposure surfaces were developed based on participatory
sensing in 2015, and compared with summer 2014 results. The exposure surfaces resulting
from both campaigns were highly dissimilar, and several possible explanations can be put
forward. LUR models based on road segments with a small number of repeated
observations are associated with poor coefficients of determination (R²) and the exposure
surfaces derived from them are poorly correlated with the summer 2014 exposure surface.
On the other hand, restricting the LUR models to road segments with a high number of
observations leads to poor predictive capability out of sample. This study highlights the
sensitivity of LUR models based on mobile monitoring campaigns to the number of visits
per road segment and to the location of the roads. This stresses the importance of careful
design of mobile data collection campaigns.
50
Mo-SY-F1.3
Participant Use of Wireless Sensing Technologies in an Exposure Study
Miranda Loh, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Susanne Steinle, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Miranda Loh, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Denis Sarigiannis, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Dimitris Chapizanis, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Anjoeka Pronk, TNO, Utrecht, Netherlands
Eelco Kuijpers, TNO, Utrecht, Netherlands
Thomas Maggos, NCSR Demokritos, Athens, Greece
Mina Stamatelopoulou, NCSR Demokritos, Athens, Greece
John Cherrie, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
The public now has access to numerous wireless technologies and Smartphone apps for
monitoring various aspects of people’s lives. Many aspects of this “quantified self” are also
factors which are important to understand individuals’ environmental exposures.
Consumer wireless technologies can provide a convenient and useful instrument for data
collection for researchers, while also providing participants with an opportunity for
greater engagement with their data. For the HEALS (EU FP7) study, such devices have
been used to measure physical activity (Fitbit), location (Moves app), diet (Fatsecret app),
and indoor climate (Netatmo) variables in a pilot project in cities in 3 countries (UK,
Greece, and Netherlands) over a 6-month period. Participants were parents of children
aged less than 3 years. Data collected indicated that mean (SD) levels of temperature and
relative humidity in homes around Edinburgh (UK) were 19 (2.0) C and 63 (8.2) %
respectively, while mean (SD) carbon dioxide levels were 879 (457) ppm. Further analyses
are planned to determine room air change rates and to examine longitudinal patterns in
time use data for the study population. From a participant perspective, apps and devices
that did not require a lot of effort but provided feedback on their situation were received
well. Participants expressed interest in being able to track their physical activity and see
information about carbon dioxide, temperature, humidity, and noise in their homes,
although apps (e.g. Fatsecret) which require more active participation were of mixed
benefit.
51
Mo-SY-F1.4
High resolution modeling of instantaneous personal exposure to traffic related Black
Carbon using noise exposure as a proxy for traffic
Luc Dekoninck, University of Ghent, Ghent, OVL, Belgium
Dick Botteldooren, University of Ghent, Ghent, OVL, Belgium
Luc Int Panis, University of Hasselt, Hasselt, Belgium
Traffic simultaneously emits noise and air pollution. A strong correlation between the two
environmental exposures can be expected in all micro-environments. In the specific case
of particulate matter emission, an actual physical relation exists with the engine noise
emission. Capturing the spectral content in the noise exposure provides instantaneous
information on the traffic and the traffic dynamics. This relation is used to improve the
predictive models for traffic related PM exposure.
Bicyclists are exposed in a direct way to traffic related noise and particulate matter (BC
and UFP). Combining the instantaneous traffic information sensitive to the acceleration of
the nearby vehicle flow with meteorological data and background exposure in a resolution
of 10 seconds enables the disentanglement of the local traffic variation and
meteorological disturbances. This results in an additive model predicting the local and
background exposure as two independent components. Noise maps are used to extrapolate
the noise measurements to the dwellings in the validation dataset. The indoor exposure is
modeled as two independent components: the local traffic exposure and background. An
I/O ratio, function of the daily average temperature, combined with the extrapolated
bicycle model resolves the indoor exposure for the at home indoor micro-environment.
In the in-vehicle micro-environment the background concentration is not the dominant
component and the additive approach fails. Increasing the spatiotemporal resolution of
the model and including spatial traffic information results in a valid model despite the
missing instantaneous traffic data. The complex and non-linear interaction of the diurnal
patterns of background concentration, diurnal traffic pattern and traffic dynamics is
resolved by fitting a diurnal pattern to the large participatory sensing dataset.
The combination of the three activity specific models results in a daily BC exposure model
route sensitive to the personal time-activity pattern and instantaneous meteorology and
background exposure. An external participatory sensing campaign acts as an independent
validation set and reaches a correlation of 0.65.
52
Mo-SY-F1.5
On the use of smart phones to promote healthy and sustainable behaviors
Audrey De Nazelle, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
Roseline Polle, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
Background
Going beyond the purely tailpipe and engine-based technologies, new solutions are sought
to address air pollution in cities. Growth in information and communication technology
(ICT) innovations and use offers new approaches to tackle this challenge. Digital health
and app-based behavioural interventions are booming research and business areas.
However, despite increasing public interest in air pollution, the unique opportunities
offered by digital technologies for a 2-way process of collecting data, reshaping behaviour,
and influencing public policies hasn’t yet been explored. We propose a novel ICT-based
method, embedded within a transtheoretical model of behavioural change framework, to
raise awareness and promote behavioural changes to reduce exposures in urban
populations.
Method
An experimental pilot study was conducted in London, UK, summer 2014. Thirty volunteers
were tracked using the Moves app during 5 days on two occasions. Data collected by Moves
was then processed and combined with local air quality maps to estimate personal
exposures to air pollution. Half of the volunteers were provided with personalized
feedback on their exposures and contributions to air pollution. All were interviewed three
times: before, in-between, and after the tracking sessions. Their stage of change in their
consideration of minimizing air pollution exposure was assessed before and after the
experiment to estimate the potential for moving individuals towards healthier and more
sustainable behaviours through the ICT-derived personalized feedback approach. To
provide guidance on how to best enhance such approaches in the future, existing apps and
literature on digital technology to promote healthy and sustainable behaviour were
reviewed.
Results
Most participants (90%) were in pre-contemplation, meaning they had never considered a
change in travel behaviour to decrease their exposures to air pollution. Following
personalized feedback, 30% of the participants progressed towards contemplating a
behaviour change in the future, while none of the participants in the control group
changed. Lessons can be drawn from successes in mhealth to further develop air pollution
feedback apps– such as incorporating key features that will develop a sense of community,
show progress and enable a sense of autonomy.
Conclusion
There is clear potential to change people’s awareness and guide them towards healthier
and more sustainable behaviours using novel ICT methods and personalized feedback.
Further explorations are needed on precise personalized messages and app features that
might produce the greatest effect for stage of change transitions towards actual changes
in behaviour, and also to create support for air pollution reduction policies.
53
Mo-SY-G1: Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) - from measuring illicit
drug use towards understanding population health status - I
Mo-SY-G1.1
Introduction to wastewater-based epidemiology: novelty and advancements of the
approach
Sara Castiglioni, Mario Negri Institute, Milan, Italy, Italy
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is a novel potent approach for monitoring habits
and lifestyle of an entire community. It is based on the chemical analysis of urban
wastewater for the excreted biomarkers of endogenous human metabolism. Mass
spectrometry is the analytical technique used for this approach since it is sensitive and
specific enough to detect analytes at trace levels even in a complex matrix such as raw
urban wastewater. The general concept was proposed as a New Non-Intrusive Tool to
evaluate the use of illicit and misused drugs in a community. In 2005 it was implemented
in Italy to estimate cocaine use, and later it was extended to other illicit drugs such as
heroin, cannabis, and amphetamine-like stimulants. A rapidly developing scientific
discipline was born with the exciting potential for monitoring spatial and temporal
patterns of use of illicit drugs on local and national scale, track changes of drug use over
time, and identifying new drug use patterns and with the unique ability to provide
objective and updated estimates. In 2010, a Europe-wide network (Sewage analysis CORE
group - SCORE) was initiated to standardize the WBE approach and to coordinate
international studies through the establishment of a common protocol of action. SCORE
group assessed the overall uncertainty related to the WBE estimates critically and
established a best practice protocol to quantify and reduce the uncertainty and to
improve the reliability of estimates. Successive studies were conducted in the following
years (2011-2014) involving up to 50 European cities in 16 different countries and
contemporaneous studies were conducted in Australia, USA, Canada and Asia. The
potential of WBE to complement and extend the existing epidemiologically based
approaches was recognized and explored by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and
Drug Addiction (EMCDDA). They supported multidisciplinary conferences and exploratory
international studies. Current research aims to bring together wastewater analysis and
drug epidemiology by sharing knowledge from different disciplines.
Recently, the same approach was successfully employed to evaluate the use of new
psychoactive substances, counterfeit medicines, alcohol, tobacco and biomarkers of
human health related not only to lifestyle of the population, but also to health status and
exposure to environmental or food contaminants. Some oxidative stress and pesticides
biomarkers have been already tested as well as novel DNA biosensors. Future perspectives
of WBE are therefore very promising and novel fields of investigation could be succesfully
explored.
54
Mo-SY-G1.2
5 years of flushing out drug use with sewage-based epidemiology
Kevin Thomas, Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Oslo, Norway
A collaborative study on the analysis of wastewater for estimating the use of illicit drugs
has been performed between 2011 and 2015 allowing spatial differences and temporal
changes in illicit drug use to be performed in a large population (i.e. between 11.5-24.7
million people in up to 42 cities; www.score-cost.eu). The study was performed according
to best practice where the sewer networks and sampling systems were characterized by
the use of a questionnaire and analytical performance by means of repeated
interlaboratory test studies. The questionnaire highlighted where differences in sewer
design and sampling protocols may influence the data, while the interlaboratory tests
showed that the analytical data could be safely compared. In 2011 the approach was
simultaneously applied in 19 European cities, making it possible to directly compare illicit
drug loads over a 1-week period. The main findings from 2011 were distinct spatial
patterns in drug use across Europe. Cocaine use was higher in Western and Central Europe
and lower in Northern and Eastern Europe. The total consumption for Europe as a whole is
extrapolated to 356 kg daily, which would account for approximately 10 – 15 % of the
global supply of cocaine (as estimated by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime).
High per capita ecstasy loads were measured in Dutch cities, as well as in Antwerp and
London. Cocaine and ecstasy loads were significantly elevated during the weekend
compared to weekdays. As the collaborative network developed over 70 different cities,
including a number from North America and Australia, many of these have been tested
within this collaboration over a number of years. Increased spatial coverage has allowed a
more robust comparison with surveillance data, which generally were in good agreement.
Temporal differences show relatively stable loads overall for all of the investigated drugs
across Europe. Wastewater analysis on the above scale has allowed the large spatial and
temporal coverage of illicit drug use. This has been achieved quickly and cheaply and
highlights the unique data that wastewater provides on illicit drug use that can be used for
comparisons with surveillance data or used to plug gaps in available data. Wastewater
analysis offers clear benefits when used alongside existing surveillance methods and we
recommend its implementation on a formal basis.
55
Mo-SY-G1.3
Integration of wastewater-based epidemiology in the national drug monitoring system
of various countries
Frederic Been, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
Foon Yin Lai, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
Juliet Kinyua, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
Lisa Benaglia, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
Olivier Delémont, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
Pierre Esseiva, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
Alexander L. N. van Nuijs, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
Adrian Covaci, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
Aim: Illicit drug residues, in particular their urinary metabolites, are now being analysed
in wastewater in various countries to assess and monitor the consumption of illicit drugs at
the community level. The objective of this work is to present examples of how results
form wastewater analysis can be used, together with conventional surveillance methods,
to evaluate current drug policies, identify new threats to public health, develop new
strategies and guide law enforcement, both at the regional and national level.
Methods: Results from wastewater sampling campaigns conducted in Switzerland and
Belgium are scrutinised to understand their implications from the perspective of policy
makers, social workers, addiction researchers and law enforcement. Current knowledge
about the epidemiology of drug use in the investigated areas as well as police intelligence
about the functioning and structure of local drug markets are included in the
investigation. Focus is set on data about cocaine, heroin and amphetamine-type
stimulants.
Results: Results from wastewater analysis provided an indirect estimate of the size of the
drug market in the investigated areas, as well as a mean to monitor its evolution over
time. This information is of particular interest for law enforcement trying to assess the
share held by specific criminal organisations on local drug markets. This information can
also help understand the structure of criminal organisations, as well as identify their
supply routes. From an epidemiological perspective, the information derived from
wastewater analysis facilitates the identification of potential changes in drug use (e.g.
consumption habits, availability of new substances) compared to conventional surveillance
methods. Furthermore, when data derived from the latter is combined to wastewater
results, current drug policies and harm reduction measures can be better evaluated.
Conclusion: Wastewater-based epidemiology provides additional and highly relevant
information to evaluate illicit drug use both from its epidemiological and criminal
dimensions. Yet, to unfold its full potential and allow understanding the implications of
wastewater results from a public health perspective, the approach needs to be integrated
into the existing surveillance methods.
56
Mo-SY-G1.4
Bridging the fields of wastewater-based epidemiology with classical epidemiology
Sara Castiglioni, Mario Negri Institute, Milan, Italy, Italy
Liesbeth Vandam, European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, Lisbon,
Portugal
Paul Griffiths, European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, Lisbon, Portugal
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is a novel approach able to provide estimates of
illicit drugs use in a population through the chemical analysis of specific urinary
metabolites in urban wastewater. It was demonstrated over the last years that WBE results
can complement the conventional approaches used in drug epidemiology to help facing a
complex phenomenon such as drug abuse. More recently WBE has been considered as a
promising tool to monitor the use of new psycoactive substances (NPS). The potential of
using these two approached together seems enormous. Wastewater analysis is able to
produce objective, near-real-time estimates of drug use in a defined population, and
provides an excellent means of quantifying changes in drug-use over time. It can give
timely information and is extremely adaptable since experiments can be designed to study
drug use in a specific area or to compare the use between different areas during defined
periods of the year. On the other side, traditional epidemiological indicators can provide
much more detailed information about patterns of use (e.g. the frequency and mode of
use) of a substance and characteristics of the user populations, including the potential
harms (e.g. health risks) on individuals.
Few attempts have been made to date to compare drug use estimates obtained through
WBE and traditional epidemiological data, but they confirmed the high complementary
characteristics of these different approaches. In view of these promising results, WBE will
be tested to provide and complement other information in the field of drug epidemiology
such as estimation of market size, evaluation of the presence of dumping in a defined area
and outcome measurements.
WBE is a new, multidisciplinary field of investigation which requires a high degree of
collaboration with drug epidemiologists and stakeholders from public health sector,
addiction and prevention institutions in order to improve the comparability of approaches
and optimize their complementary characteristics.
57
Mo-SY-G1.5
A modelling approach to estimate the number of people contributing to a wastewater
sample using population biomarkers
Jake O'Brien, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Phong Thai, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Christoph Ort, EAWAG, Dübendorf, Switzerland
Kevin Thomas, Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Oslo, Norway
Malcolm Reid, Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Oslo, Norway
José Antonio Baz Lomba, Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Oslo, Norway
Yeonsuk Ryu, Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Oslo, Norway
Foon Yin Lai, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
Jochen Mueller, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
An important uncertainty of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is the size and
variability of the de facto population in the catchment of interest. In the absence of a
day-specific direct population count, an indirect surrogate model to estimate population
size is required. Such a model requires the use of population markers which should be 1)
specific to human consumption; 2) quantifiable within wastewater samples; 3)
representative of the population and 4) resistant to in-sewer degradation. In an earlier
study we proposed and preliminarily showed that a suite of pharmaceuticals and personal
care products (PPCPs) including caffeine and an artificial sweetener satisfy the first 3 of
the 4 criteria and could be used as population markers. The de facto population was then
estimated through Bayesian inference by updating the population size provided by WWTP
staff (prior knowledge) with measured chemical mass loads of the PPCPs. Cross validation
showed that large populations can be estimated fairly accurately with a few chemical
mass loads quantified from 24-h composite samples. In contrast, the prior knowledge for
small population sizes cannot be improved substantially despite the information of
multiple chemical mass loads. A follow up study was conducted on the in-sewer stability of
these 14 PPCPs to assess their applicability as population markers against the fourth
criteria and their applicability for future population models. Our data analysis will also
provide some new quantitative parameters of what makes a good population marker as
well as their impact to the model. Recommendations on using these markers to better
estimate the population size and potential sources of variability in the data set will also
be provided.
58
Mo-SY-H1: Advances in consumer exposure assessment - I
Mo-SY-H1.1
ConsExpo Web – Introduction of Updated Tools for Consumer Exposure Assessment
Christiaan Delmaar, RIVM, bilthoven, Netherlands
susan wijnhoven, RIVM, Bilthoven, Netherlands
benjamin makkes van der deijl, RIVM, Bilthoven, Netherlands
roel schreurs, RIVM, Bilthoven, Netherlands
martin kosterman, RIVM, Bilthoven, Netherlands
gerlienke schuur, RIVM, Bilthoven, Netherlands
The consumer exposure modelling tool ConsExpo is widely used in product safety
assessments for REACH, biocides and cosmetics. The previous version dates from 2005 and
was available as a stand-alone (downloadable) software tool. In 2016, a new version has
been developed as a freely accessible web application, the ConsExpo Web tool.
The tool includes a variety of exposure models to estimate chemical exposure via the
inhalation, dermal and oral routes. Models include simple, typical low-tier exposure
models but also more advanced, physics based models suitable for more refined exposure
analysis. ConsExpo can be used to perform deterministic exposure analyses, but contains
also options for probabilistic uncertainty and variability assessment.
Next to an updated version of the ConsExpo software, a separate tool has been developed
for the exposure assessment of nano materials in consumer spray products, the ConsExpo
Nano tool. This tool is also freely accessible. The ConsExpo Nano tool can be used to
simulate the alveolar dose of nano materials resulting from single or repeated use of
consumer spray products. To this end, ConsExpo Nano combines external exposure models
with a deposition and clearance model. Doses can be expressed in different dose metrics.
The ConsExpo Web and ConsExpo Nano tools will be presented. An overview of their
features will be given and future developments will be discussed.
59
Mo-SY-H1.2
Overview of Consumer Exposure Model (CEM) Updates
Cathy Fehrenbacher, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, District of
Columbia, United States
Charles Bevington, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, District of
Columbia, United States
Heidi Hubbard, ICF International, Durham, North Carolina, United States
This presentation will describe the updated Consumer Exposure Model (CEM) that was
developed based on the EPA’s Exposure and Fate Assessment Tool (E-FAST). The updated
version now includes six inhalation models, five ingestion models, and four dermal models.
All CEM models are used to estimate chemical concentrations in exposure media, including
indoor air, airborne particles, settled dust, and soil. The models also evaluate dermal flux
of a chemical through the skin and the migration of a chemical from an article to saliva.
These are combined with media contact rates and exposure factors to determine the daily
dose and chronic average daily dose of chemical resulting from product and article use
scenarios CEM is parameterized for a variety of indoor use environments, including
residences and specific rooms within residences, offices, schools, automobiles, and
outdoor scenarios. Notably, models to estimate exposure to semi-volatile organic
compounds (SVOCs) from consumer articles has been incorporated, including a mass
balanced model for estimating emissions and indoor fate and transport of SVOCs. CEM
requires that the chemical molecular weight, vapor pressure, Kow, and Koa be provided.
All other input variables, including mass transfer, partition, and diffusion coefficients can
either be estimated within CEM from these baseline physical-chemical parameters and
model defaults or, if data are available, can be supplied by the user. The latest version of
CEM also has the option to model higher exposure associated with product use near the
breathing zone. CEM has been developed as a flexible tool for assessing both data-rich and
data-poor chemicals. This presentation will include case studies using the CEM model and
an overview of updates to CEM as a result of beta testing and peer review.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this abstract are those of the authors and do not
necessarily reflect Agency policy or endorsement.
60
Mo-SY-H1.3
Effect of Varying Vapor Pressure Bands on Inhalation Exposure in REACH Consumer
Exposure Modelling Tools
Hua Qian, EMBSI, Annandale, United States
Rosemary Zaleski, EMBSI, Annandale, United States
Chris Money, Cynara Consulting, Brockenhurst, United Kingdom
Vapor pressure (VP) bands have been applied in several screening level exposure tools to
estimate human inhalation exposure. The VP bands use conservative assumptions relating
to how much of a substance in a product/article is likely to be released into air based on
its vapor pressure during ‘standard’ applications. For example, the European Centre for
Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals (ECETOC) Target Risk Assessment (TRA)
consumer module assumes that 100% of a substance will be released to air if its VP is
≥10Pa. A substance with VP<10Pa will only release a fraction of the substance into the air.
To better understand the most appropriate use of consumer exposure predictive tools that
use this banding approach (e.g. ECETOC TRA and The European Solvents Industry Group
(ESIG) Generic Exposure Scenario (GES) Risk and Exposure Tool (EGRET)), it is necessary to
describe the level of conservatism of the current VP bands and their specificity (whether
they provide sufficient discrimination for different exposure scenarios). The ECETOC TRA
and EGRET consumer exposure models have been compared with the predictions of a
higher tier consumer model (ConsExpo) for multiple exposure scenarios and multiple VP
bands. The comparisons have been extended to include measured data from a range of
consumer scenarios where solvents are used. This analysis confirms the inherent
conservatism of the banding approach also suggests a potential refinement for substances
at medium high VP range by introducing an additional VP band.
61
Mo-SY-H1.4
Framework for Human Health Risk Assessment of Noncancer Effects Resulting from
Short-duration and Intermittent Exposures to Chemicals
Bette Meek, McLaughlin Centre for Risk Science, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Lynne Haber, Toxicology Excellence for Risk Assessment (TERA) Center/University of
Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
Durations of exposure to chemicals for single, repeated or intermittent periods, often vary
from those upon which most guidance values are based. Since it is not feasible to conduct
toxicity studies or develop Toxicity Reference Values (TRVs) specific to each scenario of
interest, a framework was developed to improve the scientific basis for the evaluation of
short-duration and intermittent exposures in a variety of settings, drawing as much as
possible on existing TRVs. The framework incorporates the use of TRVs based on exposure
periods as similar as possible to the ‘actual’ exposure periods and an integrated, tiered
approach that addresses the potential for non-cancer effects resulting from continuous
short-duration and intermittent exposures.
Higher tiers entail more effort and consideration of additional information. The
framework outlines considerations relevant to identifying when existing TRVs can be
applied directly (in lower tiers), or appropriately adapted to assess the acceptability of
short-duration or intermittent exposure scenarios, taking into account toxicokinetic and
toxicodynamic considerations.
The framework is illustrated by a number of case studies and based on the outlined
approach, recommends application of dose averaging only under limited, specified
conditions.
62
Mo-SY-H1.5
Exploring Online Global Resources Useful for Consumer Exposure Assessments
Pertti Hakkinen, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
Rosemary Zaleski, ExxonMobil Biomedical Sciences, Annandale, NJ, United States
Many consumer exposure assessment-related databases and other resources are available
online globally at no cost. For example, PubMed from the (U.S.) National Library of
Medicine (NLM) in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides access to more than 25
million citations from the biomedical literature. When available, the PubMed citations
include links to full-text content from PubMed Central and publisher web sites. NLM also
offers the TOXNET® suite of databases, with consumer exposure-relevant examples being
the Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB®) and the Household Products Database (HPD).
NLM has been enhancing the HSDB and HPD in recent years. This includes new product
categories in the HPD. The HSDB enhancements include new materials (e.g.,
nanomaterials), and state‐of‐the‐science toxicology, exposure, and risk assessment
information. In addition, NLM offers the Enviro‐Health Links (EHLs) bibliographies of links
to authoritative and trustworthy online resources in toxicology, environmental health,
exposures, risk assessment, and risk management. Examples are the EHLs pages on “Indoor
Air” and “Toxicology Web Links.” Selected non-NLM databases and other resources will be
noted, along with examples of how their product-specific exposure factors and other
information can be used for developing consumer-related exposure scenarios and
assessments. Finally, a look into the future for databases and other online resources
relevant for consumer exposure assessments will be provided.
63
Mo-PL-I1: Transportation Related Air Pollution - I
Mo-PL-I1.1
Identifying and Quantifying Airport-related Impacts on Ambient Particle Number
Concentrations in Boston Area
Neelakshi Hudda, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States
Matthew Simon, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States
Wig Zamore, Somerville Transportation Equity Partnership, Somerville, MA, United States
Douglas Brugge, Tufts University, Boston, MA, United States
John Durant, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States
Aircrafts emit ultrafine particles (UFP) at high rates (1) and recent studies (2,3) suggest
that aviation emissions may be a significant, underestimated UFP source; its impacts
extending tens of kilometers downwind in contrast to traffic emissions impacts. Our aim
was to examine newly-available (3 month to 3.67 years) particle number concentration
(PNC) datasets (4,5) from three stationary sites within 7.3 km of the airport in Boston
(~1000 flights/day) for the evidence of airport-related emissions impact on ambient PNC.
Our hypothesis that flight activity was associated with PNC when prevailing winds
positioned these sites downwind of the airport was supported by the results. Controlling
for meteorology (temperature, wind speed, and solar radiation), temporal variation (hour
of the day and weekday or weekend differentiation) and concurrent or modeled local
traffic, the correlation between PNC and flight activity was positive and significant (r=0.22
[1.67 year dataset at 4 km downwind site] and 0.29 [3.67 year dataset at 7.3 km
downwind site], p<6.5×10^-9). Long-term monitoring sites were downwind of the airport
for 3.6% and 5.3% of the time in 2014 but weighted contribution of PNC under these winds
to the annual average was 4.7% (at 7.3 km site) and 10% (at 4 km site), respectively.
Further, we analyzed the dependence of PNC on wind speed. When sites were downwind
of the airport, PNC were higher at higher wind speeds (maximum PNC occurred in the 25-
30 km/h range) indicating that the impact was likely from buoyant aircraft plumes. We
also analyzed co-located measurements of other pollutants (CO, BC, NO, NO2, NOX, SO2,
PM2.5). Other than PNC, only oxides of nitrogen (NOx and NO2) were significantly (r=0.18
and 0.2, respectively, and p<2.2×10^-6) correlated with flight activity taking meteorology,
temporal variation and traffic into account. However, their concentrations decreased with
increasing wind speed when winds were from the airport, indicating that the dominant
source was likely roadway traffic emissions. Our analysis suggests that there is a need to
take UFP concentrations into account in epidemiological studies of airport-related health
effects and exposure prediction models in urban areas may be improved by inclusion of
airport-related emissions.
References: (1) Lobo, P. Atmos. Environ. 2015. (2) Hudda, N. Environ. Sci. Technol.
2014. (3) Keuken, M. P. Atmos. Environ. 2015. (4) Fuller, C. H. Rev. Environ. Health 2013.
(5) Tucker, K. L. BMC Public Health 2010.
64
Mo-PL-I1.2
Methods to Improve Traffic Flow and Noise Exposure Estimation on Minor Roads
David Morley, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
John Gulliver, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
Background
Address-level estimates of exposure to road traffic noise for epidemiological studies are
dependent on obtaining data that is both accurate and with good geographical coverage
on annual average daily traffic (AADT) flows as input to empirical noise models. National
agencies often have reliable traffic count data for major roads, but for residential areas
served by minor roads, such information is often not available. For national scale noise
exposure assessment traffic flow data on minor roads is often assigned a constant average
value. With no consideration of how traffic flow varies over the minor road network,
estimated noise exposures will also show little variability.
Objectives
Here we present a method to predict AADT at the national scale for minor roads using a
routing algorithm within a geographical information system (GIS) to rank roads by
importance based on simulated journeys through the road network. The aim is to obtain
more accurate results from standard noise models, however this dataset will be of use in
any exposure models concerning traffic levels such as air pollution.
Methods
Routing importance was derived for each minor road segment in the UK using routing
enabled OpenStreetMap data. From every point where a minor road intersects the major
road network, the shortest driving route to every other minor road accessible without
crossing another major road is calculated. A count of how many times each road segment
is transversed gives an indication of road importance. From a training set of known minor
road AADT, routing importance is used to predict AADT on all UK minor roads in a
regression model along with the road class, urban or rural location and AADT on the
nearest major road.
Results
Validation with both independent traffic counts and noise measurements (242 sites) show
that this method gives a considerable improvement in noise prediction capability when
compared to models that do not give adequate consideration to minor road variability
(Spearman’s rho increases 0.46 to 0.72, RMSE decreases 6.28 to 4.80 Lday). This has
significance for epidemiological cohort studies attempting to link noise exposure to
adverse health outcomes.
65
Mo-PL-I1.3
Commuting Patterns and Estimated Air Pollutant Exposures in the Rutgers Commuter
Community Cohort (RC3) Study
Robert Laumbach, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, United States
Kathleen Black, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, United States
Judith Graber, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, United States
Zhongyuan Mi, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, United States
Panos Georgopoulos, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, United States
Howard Kipen, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, United States
AIM: Among automobile commuters in urban areas, in-vehicle microenvironments can
account for a substantial proportion of daily exposures to traffic-related air pollutants
(TRAP), which have been associated with adverse pulmonary, cardiovascular, neurological,
and reproductive health outcomes. The high degree of spatial and temporal variability of
these exposures presents a challenge for studies of potential adverse health effects of
exposures to TRAP among daily commuters. METHODS: To assemble a cohort of
commuters for studies of short- and long-term exposure to TRAP and other physical and
psychosocial stressors during commuting, we administered an on-line survey to
characterize commuting patterns among 18,196 Rutgers University faculty and staff at the
New Brunswick/Piscataway NJ campus. Using survey data on commute routes and times,
we are estimating individual-level exposures to diesel particulate matter and other TRAP
during daily commutes using atmospheric dispersion modeling. Survey data and estimated
exposures will be used to recruit subjects for more-intensive studies of measured
exposures and changes in health-related biomarkers. RESULTS: 5,008 (28% of those
invited) employees provided survey data, including 2,788 (61%) full-time staff and 1,132
(25%) full-time faculty. 60% were female. 4,145 (91%) commuted by private automobile.
2,004 (44%) of respondents had usual commutes to work of ≥ 40 minutes, with the majority
of respondents spending time on major highways. The geographic distribution of the
locations of the origin of automobile commutes to the central campus location was
plotted (figure). 2,464 respondents consented to be contacted for future studies.
CONCLUSIONS: The survey results provide the basis for planning studies of impacts of
commuting-related air pollution and other stressors on health. The diversity of observed
commuting patterns will enable selection of commuters with contrasting commuting
characteristics for studies of TRAP exposures, acute biomarker responses, and acute and
chronic health outcomes.
66
Distribution of the residential locations of RC3 survey respondents.
67
Mo-PL-I1.4
The Influence of Gas Price on Near-Road Air Quality
Timothy Buckley, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research &
Development, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States
Bryan Hubbell, U.S. EPA Office of Research & Development, Research Triangle Park, North
Carolina, United States
Lindsay Stanek, U.S. EPA Office of Research & Development, Research Triangle Park,
North Carolina, United States
With an average of 1.8 vehicles per household (2013) across 117 million U.S. households,
mobile sources have a strong influence on public health as a major source of air pollution
that is highly integrated within communities. There is growing interest in the social and
economic determinants of environmental health. We investigate gasoline prices as one
such factor that may influence vehicle use (and emissions from gasoline combustion) and
near-road air quality. Gas prices are one part of the cost of utilizing an auto, with other
factors including vehicle fuel efficiency, value of operator’s time, and maintenance costs.
Daily (or weekly) gas prices may be the element of cost which would be best reflected in
short term fluctuations in vehicle use. The transportation economics literature has found
that there is some impact of gas prices on volume of driving, but it is highly variable and
depends on factors such as availability of substitute modes of transportation. Studies
have tended to show that demand for gas tends to be inelastic, especially over the short
run, and that VMT is even more inelastic, because of the other non-gas price factors that
drive VMT demand. However, most of these studies evaluated demand over longer periods
of time or large spatial areas. To evaluate how short-term fluctuations in gas prices affect
short-term traffic density and near-road air quality, we obtained time-resolved near-road
air quality data (NO2 and PM2.5) from a subset of the 70 EPA national near-road
monitoring stations where time-resolved meteorology and traffic counts were
simultaneously recorded. Over the relevant period of monitoring, gas price has varied
tremendously. Locality-specific gas price information was obtained from GasBuddy.com.
Using this data, we will explore the relationship between gas prices and traffic counts,
and between predicted traffic counts and air quality to determine the effect of gas prices
on air quality. We will construct statistical models that account for potential confounders
in both the gas price to traffic count relationship and the traffic count to air quality
relationships. We will consider alternative lags between gas price changes and changes in
traffic counts, and various averaging times for gas prices and traffic counts. Improved
understanding of local traffic density and air quality responses to local gas price variability
will provide valuable insights into how economic factors can impact air quality and
ultimately public health.
68
Mo-PL-I1.5
Have urban traffic limitations influence on air quality?
Ario Alberto Ruprecht, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori and Italian College
GPs SIMG, Milan, Italy
Cinzia De Marco, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
Roberto Mazza, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
Paolo Contiero, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
Andrea Tittarelli, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
Bruno Villavecchia, Agenzia Mobilità Ambiente e Territorio, Milan, Italy
Roberto Boffi, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
Silvia Moroni, Agenzia Mobilità Ambiente Territorio, Milan, Italy
Background: In the City of Milan, the local Authorities, in order to reduce the traffic-
related pollution, introduced a Limited Traffic Zone (LTZ) by charging a fee to all vehicles
entering into the city center since 2008. This initiative, started as a ‘pollution charge’
called ECOPASS was re-formulated in 2012 as a ‘congestion charge’ called AREA C. In
addition, during high pollution episodes due to persistent stable atmosphere events,
typical of the Po Valley winter, they may decide to adopt ‘Car-free days’ or traffic stops
as done on several Sundays in 2011, 2013 and on working days on 2015.
Objective: To compare the Black Carbon (BC) content in Particular Matter (PM) - the
BC/PM10 ratio - an empirical indicator of presence of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons,
inside/outside the ECOPASS/AREA C zone and during/after the time period interested in
the mitigation actions.
Method: BC was measured using the aethalometers model AE31 (Magee Scientific) and
AE51 (Aethlab) and PM using pre-calibrated Optical Particle Counter (OPC) Aerocet 531
(Metone Instruments).
Procedure: Instruments operated at kerbside and third floor levels in several
measurements campaigns, in Summer, Autumn, Winter, and during/after the Car-free days
or traffic stops.
Results: No statistically significant difference resulted in the PM10 concentrations in all
measurements campaigns, meanwhile, on average BC/PM10 ratio decreased in Summer by
50%, and in Autumn and Winter by 32%, despite the interference of the residential heating
power plants within the Ecopass/AREA C zone as compared to no-restriction zone.
Improvement of the BC/PM10 ratio was measured not only at the kerbside but also at the
third floor level: reduction of about 25% as compared to third floor levels in no-restriction
zone. On Sunday days traffic stops reductions in BC/PM10 was ranging from 41 to 53%.
During working days traffic stops the reduction was 51% at kerbside and 26% at third floor
level.
Conclusion: Measured reductions are corresponding to a difference of one to three BC
change units between in/out LTZ and during/after Car-free days or traffic stops with a
corresponding personal exposure reduction to traffic generated toxic and carcinogenic
pollutants and consequent important health benefits for the residents, commuters and
‘city users’ with particular benefits for most sensitive ones such as children, pregnancy
women, elder or sick people, reducing the burden of diseases and mortality due to traffic-
proximity pollutants exposure.
69
Typical Black Carbon sharp increase immediately after traffic increase from 300/400 to
1,800/2,000 vehicles/hr measured at one first floor balcony facing a high traffic street
before and after traffic restrictions
70
Mo-SY-A2: Harmonization, access, transparency: improving environmental
epidemiology for public health decision-making - II
Mo-SY-A2.1
Ensuring harmonized and comparable laboratory measurements to improve public
health programs
Hubert Vesper, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Center for
Environmental Health, Atlanta, GA, United States
Aim
Measurements of exposure biomarkers are important for the assessment of health risks,
the development of clinical and public health decision points, and for monitoring
exposures over time. The lack in comparability of biomarker measurements performed in
different studies and at different times prevents the effective assessment,
implementation, and monitoring of public health activities.
Results
Harmonization programs which create measurement results that are traceable to one
accuracy basis and thus are comparable across methods, locations, and over time were
successfully implemented for clinical analytes such as cholesterol. These programs focus
on the accuracy and the analytical reliability of the measurement result and do not
require laboratories to use the same analytical method. This is accomplished by providing
laboratories with panels of specimens with reference values for the relevant analyte.
These panels are used for assessment of measurement accuracy and for identifying
potential sources that cause inaccurate and unreliable results. Common sources causing
inaccurate measurements identified through harmonization programs are method
calibration and analytical specificity. By continuously providing panels of specimens and
evaluating analytical performance using consistent protocols and criteria, harmonized and
thereby comparable laboratory measurements are achieved. Because these harmonization
programs focus on analytical performance using panels of specimens, they can easily be
adopted to improve the comparability of exposure biomarker measurements.
Conclusions
Harmonization programs to determine, improve and track the analytical performance of
biomarker measurements are successfully used for clinical biomarkers and can be applied
to biomarkers used in exposure assessments.
71
Mo-SY-A2.2
Opportunities from (U.S.) National Library of Medicine (NLM) to Identify, Access,
Share, and Discuss information
Pertti Hakkinen, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
Aubrey Miller, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
The (U.S.) National Library of Medicine (NLM), a part of the National Institutes of Health
(NIH), is the world's largest biomedical library. NLM's online databases and other resources
such as smartphone apps and web pages optimized for mobile devices are available
globally at no cost. This presentation will describe NLM's current approaches for users to
identify, access, share, and discuss information related to environmental epidemiology,
exposure science, toxicology, public health, and other topics. For example, NLM's PubMed
provides access to more than 25 million citations from the biomedical literature. When
available, the PubMed citations include links to full-text content from PubMed Central and
publisher web sites. Recently, PubMed Commons was developed to allow authors to share
opinions and information about publications in PubMed. All authors of publications in
PubMed are eligible to become members. PubMed Commons authors can comment on any
publication in PubMed, rate the helpfulness of comments, and invite other eligible authors
to join. PubMed Commons Journal Clubs is another recent initiative to offer access to
discussions of publications and connect them to the relevant PubMed citations. It is open
to journal clubs holding regular discussions for research, graduate and postgraduate
education, or for continuing education. NLM also offers PubMed Health, specializing in
reviews of clinical effectiveness research, and providing easy-to-read summaries and
access to full technical reports. NLM's ClinicalTrials.gov provides researchers, patients,
and others with easy access to information on publicly and privately supported clinical
studies on a wide range of diseases and conditions from around the world. Noteworthy is
that ClinicalTrials.gov also includes many studies associated with environmental factors
and exposures, collection of environmental specimens, and environmental controls,
interventions, and outcomes. Finally, NLM offers the TOXNET® suite of databases such as
the Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB®) and resources such as the Enviro‐Health
Links (EHLs) bibliographies of links to authoritative and trustworthy online resources in
toxicology, environmental health, exposures, and other topics.
72
Mo-SY-A2.3
Panel Discussion
Judy LaKind, LaKind Associates, LLC, Catonsville, MD, United States
The Symposium will conclude with a panel discussion. Symposium participants will share
concluding thoughts, offer insights for paths forward and answer audience questions.
73
Mo-SY-B2: Firefighters and Chemical Exposures: Protection Under Fire
Mo-SY-B2.1
Cancer Prevention in the Fire Service: Exposure Assessment, Toxic Effects and Risk
Management
Jeff Burgess, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States
Stephanie Griffin, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States
Shane Snyder, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States
Christiane Hoppe-Jones, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States
Jin Zhou, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States
Kenneth Fent, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Cancer is a leading cause of fire service morbidity and mortality. Exposure to carcinogens
occurs through skin contamination, through the lungs when respiratory protection is not
worn during all phases of fire suppression and overhaul, and through inhalation during
standby, operation of apparatus and off-gassing of equipment. In addition to fire smoke,
diesel exhaust exposure can occur from operation of apparatus at the fire ground and in
the station. Since cancer has a long latency period between exposure and disease onset,
measurements are needed that can determine the effectiveness of new interventions on a
much shorter time interval. The purpose of the current research is to identify effective
methods of reducing firefighter exposure to carcinogens and associated toxic effects
through completion of the following specific aims: 1) Evaluate exposure to carcinogens
throughout the work shift; 2) Measure biomarkers of carcinogenic effect in relation to
workplace exposures; and 3) Within a risk management framework, test the effectiveness
of interventions to reduce fire service carcinogen exposure and effects. In this ongoing
study collaborative study with the Tucson Fire Department (TFD), exposure to particulates
and volatile chemicals is being measured at the fireground and in-transit, as well as diesel
particulate matter during responses and in the fire station. Urine collected during annual
medical surveillance evaluations and post-fireground activities is being analyzed for
chemical contaminants. Epigenetic biomarkers of carcinogenic effect will be analyzed at
baseline in incumbent firefighters and new recruits, and repeated after 1-2 years in the
same new recruits. Based on initial exposure monitoring, exposure reduction
interventions will be put in place by TFD, and the extent to which firefighter chemical
exposures and biomarkers of effect can be reduced by following these risk management
steps will be determined. We anticipate that the proposed research will identify
carcinogenic exposures throughout the fire shift and measure the effectiveness of
interventions designed to reduce cancer risks.
74
Mo-SY-B2.2
Firefighters' Unique Exposure Profiles
Kenneth Fent, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio,
United States
Gavin Horn, University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign, Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, United
States
Joachim Pleil, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North
Carolina, United States
Firefighters have an increased risk for several types of cancer compared to the general
population. It has been hypothesized that chemical exposures encountered during
firefighting work contributes to this elevated risk. Firefighters’ have unique exposure
profiles and can be exposed to hundreds of combustion byproducts through both the
inhalation and dermal routes, including single-ring and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons,
acid gases, flame retardants, and dioxins. This presentation will discuss recent exposure
assessment findings related to firefighters’ external and systemic exposures and workplace
factors that may influence those exposures, including use of respiratory protection, job
function, firefighting tactics, contamination and decontamination of protective
ensembles, and skin cleaning. We have assessed firefighters’ exposures during responses
to vehicle fires, training involving simulated smoke, and most recently, structure fires
with modern furnishings. Although firefighters typically wear self-contained breathing
apparatus (SCBA) when entering burning structures, they do not always wear SCBA for
exterior operations on the fire ground, vehicle fires, or simulated smoke training. Our
studies have shown that hazardous levels of chemicals can be generated in these
scenarios. We have also found that—even when wearing protective ensembles and SCBA—
firefighters can have polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon contamination on their neck and can
absorbed single-ring and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons into their bodies (as measured
in urine and breath). We are currently studying firefighters’ exposures and physiologic
strain during responses to controlled residential fires, where foams, carpet padding, and
other materials containing flame retardants were present. Our preliminary data show that
single-ring and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and flame retardants are released into
the air during these fires and deposit onto protective ensembles. The volatile and semi-
volatile substances will evaporate over time and could pose an inhalation risk, whereas
the non-volatile substances can be transferred to firefighters’ skin with repeated donning
and doffing of protective gear. Our preliminary data indicate that gross decontamination
with soapy water and scrubbing is able to remove the majority of this contamination.
However, most fire departments do not perform gross decontamination after fire
responses and may not launder protective clothing on a regular basis. As a result of these
and other studies, fire departments have begun revising and instituting new policies and
procedures to lessen firefighters’ exposures and health risk.
75
Firefighters at controlled residential fire
76
Mo-SY-B2.3
Analysis of Combustion Byproducts in Fire Fighter urine using Mass Spectrometry and
Bioassays
Christiane Hoppe-Jones, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States
Shawn Beitel, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States
Byron Hempel, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States
Jeff Burgess, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States
Shane Snyder, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States
Elevated rates of lung, gastrointestinal and kidney cancer occurrences have been reported
in firefighters. During a fire, firefighters are exposed to smoke, diesel particulates and
elevated levels of organic chemicals, such as flame retardants and others originating from
furniture, carpets, etc. as well as their combustion by-products. In this study, biomarkers
of exposure were chosen based on previous studies. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
(PAH) metabolites and methoxy-phenols are two classes of compounds commonly found in
urine of people exposed to smoke and fire. While many combustion byproducts have been
identified, many are still unknown. The analysis and potential identification of unknown
compounds is being conducted using high-resolution mass spectrometry instruments.
Analysis of unknowns combines the tools that are used to compare the mass spectra of
baseline urine and urine after exposure as well as the statistical data mining that follows.
After extraction of the urine, volatile and semi-volatile compounds are being analyzed on
a GC-qTOF while non-volatile compounds are being analyzed on a LC-qTOF. Many flame
retardants, such as PBDEs contain bromine. The comparison of organobromine levels is
being conducted using an ICP-MS instrument coupled with a GC or LC. Preliminary results
show that PAH metabolites, such as naphthol, fluorenol and phenanthrols, in the urine
increase after 2-4 hours of exposure to smoke. Statistical analysis of the baseline urines
prior to exposure compared to post-exposure urine is being conducted for each analyte.
This presentation will discuss the analysis and results of known combustion byproducts like
PAHs, as well as unknown byproducts, using time-of-flight mass spectrometry in
conjunction with statistical software can help identify unknown compounds in complex
matrices like urine. In addition to the identification of chemical contaminants, the use of
in vitro bioassays, including an AhR activation assay and a p53 reporter gene activity assay
will be evaluated for potential use in exposure determination.
77
Mo-SY-C2: Quantitative in vitro to in vivo extrapolation (QIVIVE): Advances in
tools to quantify exposure-response relationships for risk assessment – I
Mo-SY-C2.1
Utilizing mass balance modeling for the assessment of internal exposure in cell-based
bioassays
Fabian Fischer, UFZ – Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
Luise Henneberger, UFZ – Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig,
Germany
Lukas Linden, UFZ – Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
Kai Bittermann, UFZ – Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
Kai-Uwe Goss, UFZ – Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
Beate I. Escher, UFZ – Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
The application of in vitro bioassays for chemical risk assessment requires tools that allow
extrapolation from the effects observed in the in vitro bioassays to the whole organ or
organism. A key parameter that needs to be understood is the intracellular concentration
of the chemicals in the bioassays that triggers an effect. The main assumption of in vitro
to in vivo extrapolations (IVIVE) is that the effective target concentrations are in principle
the same across equal cell types and independent whether tested in vivo or in vitro.
Target concentrations can often be approximated by cellular or tissue concentrations,
which are accessible in vivo via physiologically based toxicokinetic modeling. However, in
vitro bioassays typically report effects in nominal concentrations only. Cell concentrations
cannot be directly measured in miniaturized systems with only few microliters of volume
in 384 or 1154 well plates, but can be predicted by equilibrium partition models. Recently,
Armitage et al. have developed a simple mass balance model for the calculation of the
mass distribution of neutral organic chemicals in in vitro test systems. In this work, we
present an extended mass balance modeling approach for the assessment of internal
exposure in cell-based bioassays for neutral and ionogenic organic chemicals (IOCs). As
reliable partition coefficients for the test medium compartments and cells are essential
for the mass balance model, the use of experimentally determined partition coefficients
was preferred. If no experimental values were available, the partition coefficients for
neutral chemicals were predicted using polyparameter linear free energy relationships
(PP-LFERs). For organic ions partition coefficients to serum albumin were estimated using
3D quantitative structure activity relationships (3D-QSARs). Liposome-water partition
coefficients of IOCs were calculated using the quantum chemically based software
COSMOtherm. The mass balance model was applied to effect data from the US EPA
ToxCast database on the example of GeneBLAzer bioassays, which are reporter gene
assays for various hormone receptors and transcription factors. We experimentally
determined the lipid and protein content of assay media and cell lines used in the Tox21
program, because first modeling results suggested that the mass distribution of the test
chemicals is highly depended on the medium composition. The cellular concentrations of
100 chemicals (49 neutral chemicals and 51 IOCs) that cover a wide range of
hydrophobicity and are non-volatile were predicted from reported nominal effect
concentrations. This exercise is a first step towards a meaningful dose metric in in vitro
assays suitable for IVIVE.
78
79
Mo-SY-C2.2
Simulating the distribution and kinetics of neutral organic chemicals in in vitro test
systems
James Armitage, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Jon Arnot, ARC Arnot Research & Consulting, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Background
Data from in vitro toxicity tests are being used to assess the potential hazards and risks
related to exposure to organic chemicals and will be increasingly relied upon in the future.
Such data may be used directly (e.g., comparing EC50s of different chemicals) or as part
of in vitro to in vivo extrapolation exercises (Q-IVIVE). Concerns over the use of nominal
(total) concentrations rather than measured and/or freely-dissolved concentrations in in
vitro testing have long been discussed in the literature. Nevertheless, nominal
concentrations are frequently the only metrics reported for in vitro tests, especially for
high-throughput screening (HTS) applications where conducting measurements is
technically challenging.
Objectives
The main objectives of this study are:
i) To develop a generic equilibrium partitioning-based model to simulate the
distribution of neutral organic chemicals in in vitro toxicity test systems
ii) To develop a generic time-variant (dynamic) model to simulate the toxicokinetics
of neutral organic chemicals in in vitro toxicity test systems
iii) To provide guidance on test conditions and partitioning property combinations for
which the use of nominal concentrations may be particularly problematic
Methods
The models were developed following established approaches for describing equilibrium
partitioning and time-variant (dynamic) distribution of neutral organic chemicals. The
equilibrium partitioning-based model requires partitioning data and information on the
volumes of the various components present in the test system (e.g., serum albumin, cell
seeding density). Inputs characterizing diffusivity (water), permeability (membrane) and
susceptibility to degradation are additionally required for the time-variant version. A
preliminary approach for estimating sorption to the vessel wall was also implemented.
The models were parameterized to represent different test systems and conditions (e.g.,
well plate size, volume fraction of serum, cell-free vs. cell-based assays) and applied to
neutral organic chemicals spanning a wide range of property values.
Results
A key factor influencing the discrepancy between nominal (total) concentrations and more
relevant metrics (i.e., freely-dissolved concentration) in cell-free assays is sorption to the
vessel wall. For the more hydrophobic chemicals considered, the nominal (total)
concentration can easily exceed the freely-dissolved concentration by an order of
magnitude or more. In cell-based assays, the presence of serum albumin and lipids is a
key consideration as the sorption capacity of these constituents is greater than the vessel
wall (given the approaches implemented). Degradation in medium and cells can be
influential but the influence of these processes is dependent on other test conditions and
model assumptions.
80
Mo-SY-C2.3
How the desorption kinetics of organic chemicals from albumin may impact QIVIVE
Sophia Krause, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
Nadin Ulrich, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
Kai-Uwe Goss, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
As the liver is considered a particularly important organ for transformation of chemicals,
in vitro experiments with liver S9 fractions, hepatocytes or liver tissue are often used to
predict in vivo metabolic conversion. The translation of in vitro results into in vivo effects
is done with the aid of pharmacokinetic models. Most of these models rely on the
assumption that only unbound chemicals can be taken up in cells. As most substances are
not present freely dissolved in blood plasma, they consequently have to desorb from
sorbing blood components first. Among these components the blood protein albumin,
which is the most important transport protein in blood, might be an especially important
compartment. The desorption process has been generally assumed to be rapid enough not
to cause kinetic limitations, although desorption kinetics from albumin has not been
investigated systematically yet. If desorption occurs rather slowly, it could be a limiting
factor for the hepatic uptake of chemicals, because the blood is passing the liver within
seconds [1].
We determined desorption rate constants for various chemicals from albumin by a
modified method introduced by Kopinke et al [2]. First experiments with PAHs indicate a
clearly incomplete desorption from BSA after 19 s, which is about the residence time of
blood in the liver. Consequently, for these substances desorption can become a limiting
factor for hepatic uptake or, in case the subsequent metabolic conversion occurs much
faster, it can be even limiting for the entire hepatic transformation process. In that case
desorption rates would be important parameters for modelling.
Our aim is to investigate the desorption kinetics from albumin (bovine serum albumin and
human serum albumin) for a broad range of chemicals. Based on the measured data set,
principles for predicting desorption kinetics for further substances will be examined. For
instance, the first experiments revealed desorption rate constants showing a correlation to
BSA-water partition coefficients. And as there are also other blood components apart from
albumin, which are potentially important compartments for binding, we might extend the
measurements towards other blood components or even whole blood to develop a broad
understanding of all kinetic processes, which could be important for the rate of hepatic
uptake.
1. Berezhkovskiy, L.M., Determination of hepatic clearance with the account of drug-
protein binding kinetics. J Pharm Sci, 2012. 101(10).
2. Kopinke, F.D., Kinetics of desorption of organic compounds from dissolved organic
matter. Environ Sci Technol, 2011. 45(23).
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Mo-SY-C2.4
Dose Metrics in Repeatedly Dosed In Vitro Toxicity Assays
Nynke Kramer, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
Emma Di Consiglio, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
Bas Blaauboer, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
Emanuela Testai, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
Aim: The emphasis in toxicological risk assessment is moving away from animal testing
towards integrating in vitro cell-based assays with computational modeling to extrapolate
in vitro derived effective concentrations to human-relevant doses. To improve in vitro
assays to predict repeat-dose systemic toxicity, testing strategies are developed where
batteries of complex in vitro assays with highly differentiated cells of human origin and
representing multiple organs are repeatedly dosed for extended periods of time. One such
strategy was developed during the EU FP7 Predict-IV project, where RPTEC/TERT1 kidney
cells, primary rat and human hepatocytes, HepaRG liver cells and 2D and 3D primary brain
cultures were dosed daily or every other day for 14 days to a selection of drugs varying in
their mechanism of pharmacological action. Molecular perturbations induced by the drugs
were assessed by integrating a suite of omics technologies. Dose response analyses and
physiologically based pharmacokinetic models were developed to relate daily oral
exposure to in vitro derived points of departures. To address the increasingly
acknowledged problem that traditionally used in vitro nominal concentrations are not
necessarily proportional to the concentration at the target site, which is directly related
to the initial molecular changes caused by the drugs, one aim of the project was to assess
whether and how knowledge of the kinetics of drugs in in vitro assays helps explain the
variations in observed effect between drugs, cell types and assay setup.
Methods: The concentration of a selection of drugs in cells, labware, cell attachment
matrices, and exposure medium was measured over time.
Results: Results indicate that lipophilic drugs like chlorpromazine bind significantly to
serum constituents in the exposure medium and plastic labware. A few drugs, including
less lipophilic drugs like ibuprofen, bind to cell-attachment matrices. Chemicals that
reach high concentrations is cells, including cyclosporin A and amiodarone, significantly
accumulate over time after repeated dosing, partly explaining their increased toxicity
after repeated dosing, compared to a single dose.
Conclusions: The results of these studies clearly suggest that integrating knowledge of the
differences in concentration over time of drugs in cells in vitro between dosing regimens,
as well as knowledge of transporter and biotransformation enzyme function, allows for the
development of a mechanistic understanding of the observed in vitro toxicity.
82
Mo-SY-D2: 15 years of Human Biomonitoring in Flanders: surveillance feeding
policy and research - I
Mo-SY-D2.1
Human biomonitoring studies in Flanders to support policy action
Ann Colles, Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Mol, Belgium
Dries Coertjens, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
Bert Morrens, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
Gudrun Koppen, Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Mol, Belgium
Greet Schoeters, Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Mol, Belgium
Ilse Loots, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
Maja Mampaey, Flemish government, Brussels, Belgium
Karen Van Campenhout, Flemish government, Brussels, Belgium
Aim
Human biomonitoring (HBM) is part of the Flemish Environment and Health Surveys
(FLEHS). In FLEHS I (2002-2006) 4458 participants of 3 different age groups were recruited
in 8 areas with different environmental pressures. Results show significant geographical
differences. In rural areas, expected to represent background levels, higher persistent
organic pollutants (POPs) levels were observed. New questions emerged: what are the
factors influencing exposure? How do we manage knowledge gaps and uncertainty? Which
policy measures can be taken? The aim of the phased action plan is to translate human
biomonitoring results into policy action.
Methods
In cooperation with the Flemish government a structured and participatory procedure was
developed to translate FLEHS data into policy action. This procedure is based on an
analytic-deliberative and iterative approach involving experts, policy makers and
stakeholders. After prioritizing the importance of HBM results on the basis of health, social
and policy criteria, the top priorities are subjected to further interpretation and policy
formulation.
Results
The higher POPs blood levels in rural areas were selected as one of the priorities of FLEHS
I. More detailed data analysis identified consumption of locally grown food and combustion
habits as contributing factors. This evidence, together with expert consultations and
stakeholder debate, led to the formulation of policy measures by the risk managers, such
as changes in legislation on residential combustion and open fires, expansion of the
monitoring network for dioxins and polychlorinated bifenyls (PCBs) in ambient air to
include residential and agricultural sites, investments in new research on chemical
contamination of home-grown food resulting in tools for custom-made citizens’ advice,
collection of old chlorinated pesticides and promoting healthy gardening. More recent
FLEHS HBM data showed declining time trends for POPs, suggesting the success of these
actions.
Conclusions
Interpreting HBM results by using a combination of analysis and deliberation in a
structured and participatory procedure in which different stakehoders such as
participants, policy advisors, industry eg. are involved, yields a broadened spectrum of
83
policy options to address environmental health issues and leads to well-informed and
socially robust policy.
Mo-SY-D2.2
Human exposure trends in Flanders: 15 years of human biomonitoring
Greet Schoeters, VITO, Mol, Belgium
Eva Govarts, VITO, Mol, Belgium
Liesbeth Bruckers, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
Nathalie Lambrechts, VITO, Mol, Belgium
Ann Colles, VITO, Mol, Belgium
Elly Den Hond, VITO, Mol, Belgium
Vera Nelen, PIH, Antwerp, Belgium
Tim Nawrot, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
Ilse Loots, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
Isabelle Sioen, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
Bert Morrens, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
Nick Van LarebekeFree University Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
Willy Baeyens, Free University Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
Background:
Since 2002 a human biomonitoring program has been established in Flanders (Belgium) for
environmental health surveillance. Three multi-annual cycles of the programme have been
finished by now. This allows to evaluate time trends of internal exposure over the last
decade.
Methods:
In each HBM cycle, exposure biomarkers have been analysed in cord samples of newborn–
mother child pairs, in urine and blood samples of 14 and 15 years old adolescents and of
adults between 50 and 65 years of age. The current biomonitoring program in Flanders
includes more than 50 exposure biomarkers.
Results:
Exposure levels of traditional pollutants which have been banned since the 70’s such as
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB’s), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p’-DDE),
hexachlorobenzene (HCB) have decreased significantly, the decrease is most pronounced
for HCB. Heavy metals such as cadmium and lead are decreasing with time, a trend which
is not confirmed for arsenic. Tt-muconic acid levels decrease. Tt-muconic acid is
measured in urine as an indicator of benzene exposure. Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene, an
indicator for exposure to polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), remains at the same level.
The metabolite levels of pollutants that were more recently introduced in consumer
products and in the environment and that have been recently restricted such as di(2-
ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP) have also decreased over
the last 5 years in the adolescent population. The levels of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) were measured in cord blood samples and showed
also a decreasing trend over the last 5 years.
Conclusion
The exposure profiles indicate the potential of environmental policies to protect
environmental health and support poilcies to prioritise actions.
Acknowledgements:
84
The FLEHS studies were commissioned, financed, and steered by the Ministry of the
Flemish Community.
Mo-SY-D2.3
Determinants of exposure to POPs and pesticides in the Flemish population
Kim Croes, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
Nathalie Lambrechts, VITO, Mol, Belgium
Ann Colles, VITO, Mol, Belgium
Liesbeth Bruckers, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
Ilse Loots, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
Vera Nelen, PIH, Antwerp, Belgium
Greet Schoeters, vito, Mol, Belgium
Stefaan Dehenauw, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
Adrian Covaci, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
Tim Nawrot, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
Willy Baeyens, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
BACKGROUND: In 2001, the first cycle of the Flemish Environment and Health Study
(FLEHS) started. During the past 15 years, multiple pollutants were measured in the blood
and urine of newborns, adolescents and adults, residing in whole Flanders. Furthermore,
information on lifestyle, food consumption, socio-economic status, occupation, living
conditions, tobacco smoke, diseases, and medication intake was obtained through self-
administered questionnaires.
OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to give an overview of the determinants that
significantly influence the body burden of classical pollutants, like PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs,
HCB and p,p’-DDE and more recent pesticides, like metabolites from organophosphate
pesticides and glyphosate.
METHODS: The dioxin-like activity of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs in the serum was obtained with
the CALUX bioassay, while the marker PCBs and pesticides were measured with GC-MS.
Confounders and possible covariates were selected and tested with univariate regression
analysis. In the adult and newborn campaigns, selected determinants with a p-value below
0.20 in univariate analysis were used in the multiple regression model, but only stayed in
the model when significant (p<0.05).
RESULTS: Throughout the three biomonitoring campaigns, blood fat content, BMI and
intake of fat-rich food were important predictors for the lipid-dependent pollutants, like
dioxins, HCB, PCBs, and p,p’-DDE, as was the case for local egg consumption and being
breastfed as a newborn. For the currently used pesticides, the most important
determinants were season of sampling and residing close to professional vegetable
cultivation.
CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that several lifestyle factors significantly influence the
body burden of both persistent, accumulative and less persistent pollutants, measured in
the Flemish population.
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86
Mo-SY-E2: Exposure to atmospherically dispersed hazards: assessment,
public information and perspectives – II
Mo-SY-E2.1
Assessment of exposure to vapour from plant protection products around treated fields
Cor Jacobs, Alterra Wageningen UR, Wageningen, Netherlands
Erik Van Den Berg, Alterra Wageningen UR, Wageningen, Netherlands
A significant fraction of the dosage of plant protection products applied in agriculture may
volatilize after application. Bystanders and residents may be directly exposed to the
vapour from these products. In addition, the vapour may deposit onto non-target surfaces
such as ditches and private garden, sometimes leading to indirect exposure.
The goal of this study is to assess exposure of humans and non-target surfaces to vapour of
plant protection products after application to crops.
The emission model PEARL has been coupled to the atmospheric dispersion model OPS.
The special version of OPS applied here allows assessment of dispersion of gaseous
substances nearby surface sources. The volatilisation of plant protection products from a
crop fully covering the surface is first calculated using PEARL, which provides the emission
strength for OPS. The coupling ensures a consistent use of meteorological conditions that
drive the models. Two hypothetical products with different vapour pressure are
considered. Five-year time series of weather conditions in The Netherlands are used.
Exposure assessment is based on a series of weekly applications during the growing season
(April-October). Thus, a wide range of meteorological conditions is covered. Exposure is
evaluated at various distances from the treated fields. Timing of the application is varied
to demonstrate the possibility to evaluate effects of differing application scenarios on
exposure.
Like expected exposure is sensitive to the vapour pressure of the plant protection product.
Volatilization generally reaches a maximum within 24 hours after the application and
shows a fast decline thereafter. However, depending on the weather conditions and the
competing processes such as penetration in plant tissue, emission peaks may be postponed
and volatilization may continue for several days after the application, up to a week. In
spite of the fact that application in the evening hours results in lower emissions,
atmospheric concentrations are calculated to be higher than when the plant protection
product is applied in the morning. Stable atmospheric conditions in the evening strongly
reduce atmospheric mixing. PEARL-OPS can also be used to assess exposure at a regional
scale, for multiple applications varying in space and time. The gaseous deposition pattern
of plant protection products around treated fields, evaluated for an example region in the
North of the Netherlands, is strongly influenced by the surface characteristics. However,
the definition of these surface characteristics is highly uncertain and needs further study.
87
Mo-SY-E2.2
Dynamic Assessment of Exposure to Air Pollution Using Mobile Phone Data
Bart Dewulf, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
Tijs Neutens, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
Wouter Lefebvre, VITO, Mol, Belgium
Gerdy Seynaeve, Proximus, Brussels, Belgium
Charlotte Vanpoucke, Irceline, Brussels, Belgium
Carolien Beckx, VITO, Mol, Belgium
Nico Van de Weghe, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
Stijn Janssen, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
Aim Exposure to air pollution can have major health impacts, such as respiratory and
cardiovascular diseases. Traditionally, only the air pollution concentration at the home
location is taken into account in health impact assessments and epidemiological studies.
Our aim is to incorporate individual travel patterns to limit the bias in air pollution
exposure assessments. Methods In this work, we present a novel approach to calculate the
daily exposure to air pollution using mobile phone data of approximately 5 million mobile
phone users living in Belgium. At present, this data is collected and stored by telecom
operators mainly for management of the mobile network. Yet it represents a major source
of information in the study of human mobility. We calculate the exposure to NO2 using
two approaches: assuming people stay at home the entire day (traditional static
approach), and incorporating individual travel patterns using their location inferred from
their use of the mobile phone network (dynamic approach). Results The mean exposure to
NO2 increases with 1.27 μg/m3 (4.3%) during the week and with 0.12 μg/m3 (0.4%) during
the weekend when incorporating individual travel patterns. During the week, mostly
people living in municipalities surrounding larger cities experience the highest increase in
NO2 exposure when incorporating their travel patterns, probably because most of them
work in these larger cities with higher NO2 concentrations. Conclusions It is important for
health impact assessments and epidemiological studies to incorporate individual travel
patterns in estimating air pollution exposure. Mobile phone data is a promising data source
to determine individual travel patterns, because of the advantages (e.g. low costs, large
sample size, passive data collection) compared to travel surveys, GPS, and smartphone
data (i.e. data captured by applications on smartphones).
88
Mo-SY-E2.3
The value of citizen air pollution measurements for participants, NGOs and science:
the 'Together for Healthy Air' campaign in the Netherlands
Anne Knol, Friends of the Earth, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Joost Wesseling, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven,
Netherlands
Lan Nguyen, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven,
Netherlands
Air pollution is one of the most important environmental health problems in the
Netherlands. Friends of the Earth (FoE) Netherlands set up the 'Together for Healthy Air'
project to engage citizens in air quality measurements and to put air quality on the
political agenda. RIVM, the Dutch national institute for public health and the environment,
works on air quality monitoring and analyses. The two institutes have a shared goal of
providing the public with information on air quality and have cooperated in this citizen
science project. Citizens were engaged by FoE and together measurement locations were
selected. NO2 measurements were carried out using Palmes diffusion tubes for one year
(13 periods). RIVM calculated air quality concentrations using standard models for air
quality. Measurement and model results were compared. Participants provided metadata
on the measurements and evaluated the campaign. On average, an annual concentration
of 31 ug/m3 NO2 was measured. At twelve locations the EU limit value of 40,5 ug/m3 was
exceeded. Comparability of measurements and model results was generally well, although
a few large differences were found. Differences between measured and modelled values
can be caused by errors in measurement, model parameters or model input data.
Participants were generally satisfied with the campaign. Air pollution still exceeded limit
values at several locations. The value of the citizen air quality measurement campaign
was considerable for all parties. In addition to providing potentially valuable measurement
data, the campaign engaged and informed citizens, brought science and society closer
together and raised political attention.
89
Mo-SY-E2.4
Atmospheric measurements: do it yourself, do it together!
Hester Volten, RIVM, Bilthoven, Netherlands
Joost Wesseling, RIVM, Bilthoven, Netherlands
Edith van Puttten, RIVM, Bilthoven, Netherlands
Annemarie van Alphen, RIVM, Bilthoven, Netherlands
Erik Tielemans, RIVM, Bilthoven, Netherlands
Jeroen Devilee, RIVM, Bilthoven, Netherlands
Frank Kresin, Waag Society, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Christine van den Horn, Waag Society, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Linda Carton, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands
Michel Grothe, Geonovum, Amersfoort, Netherlands
As sensor and communication technology is developing rapidly, the use of low-cost sensors
to measure air quality is becoming more and more attractive to citizen communities and
city governments. Alternative monitoring networks complementing official monitoring
networks are within reach. Not only offers this the exciting possibility of more data and
more detailed spatial resolution in monitoring, it also offers new possibilities to inform the
public, create awareness about atmospheric hazards, and to empower citizens by enabling
them to do their own measurements. The Dutch Environmental Protection Agency, RIVM
has the ambition to support these activities. Theoretically, we would have a role in
assuring data quality, providing calibration facilities, knowledge and a (political) context
for interpreting the results. But what do citizens or cities need from us in practice?
In order to explore this question, we joined several projects such as the Amsterdam Smart
Citizen Lab (see Figure, https://waag.org/en/news/amsterdam-smart-citizens-lab-
publication) and the project Smart Emission in Nijmegen
(http://www.ru.nl/gpm/onderzoek/research-projects/smart-emission). We learned that
taking citizen science seriously is a self-fulfilling prophecy. By joining a citizen project
governmental institutes raise trust and enthusiasm in the participants, and the chance of
success is increased. We experienced that citizens are quite prepared to take
responsibility, but expertise and help from the government is often appreciated. We
conclude that citizen science is something to do together: citizens, sensor makers, experts
from universities, and environmental protection agencies. We will present what we
learned about our role in citizen science as an environmental protection agency and what
we plan to contribute to the goal of citizen science becoming an integral part of a healthy
society.
90
Citizens and experts working together to build a low-cost air quality sensor in the
Amsterdam Smart Citizen Lab of the Waag Society in Amsterdam.
91
Mo-SY-F2: Extending participatory sensing to personal exposure and policy
support – II
Mo-SY-F2.1
High-resolution Characterization of the Spatial Variability of Traffic Related Air
Pollution Exposure at the Neighbourhood Scale
Weitao CHE, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Mingyuan HU, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Hong, Hong Kong
Kerolyn Shairsingh, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
As a type of environmental-centric and human-based Mobile Sensing System(MSS), mobile
device-based participatory sensing has been gradually applied for collection of
environmental data with multiple granularities in space and time to improve the update
frequency and reduce the cost of environmental data collection. However, participatory
data are generally contributed by volunteer participants at arbitrary locations and times in
most cases. Consequently, collected samples are randomly distributed in space and time,
thus making processing and management of these data difficult, especially for the purpose
of supporting simulations and calculating personal exposure. Therefore, effective
organization and management of these participatory data are needed to further support
the data input for regional simulations and personal exposure.
This topic presents a new platform for bridging the gap between participatory sensing and
regional simulations personal exposure, which is called Virtual Geographic Environment
(VGE). VGE is proposed as a new generation of geographic language that is characterized
by ‘feeling it in person, knowing it beyond reality’. In general, VGE has the features of
handling data, models and human behavior. The aim of this topic is to effectively organize
the participatory data by VGE, and then to use the models managed by VGE to support
regional simulations, and to calculate personal exposure with the help of human behavior
simulation of VGE.
In this topic, we first discuss the potential limitations of the current participatory sensing.
Next, we introduce the VGE platform and its advantages of not only data handling but also
model management. In which, participatory noise and air quality data are taken as
examples. Spatial and temporal characteristics of participatory data are systematically
investigated and spatio-temporal patterns are analyzed. Then these data are reorganized
by using data reconstruction methods. After that, regional simulations based on the
reconstructed data is processed, and to a relative “full dataset” is created. Finally,
incorporated with the human behavior simulation of VGE, automatic data extraction from
the the “full data set” is conducted by meeting the demand of personal exposure
applications.
92
Mo-SY-F2.2
Extending Participatory Sensing to Personal Exposure Assessments using Microscopic
Land Use Regression Models
Luc Dekoninck, University of Ghent, Ghent, OVL, Belgium
Dick Botteldooren, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
Luc Int Panis, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
The exposome is commonly understood as the combination of all environmental exposures
across multiple disciplines. It is sensitive to the personal features and behavior of the
individual and is projected as a potential improvement for epidemiological investigations.
Participatory sensing measurements assess the spatial and temporal variability of
environmental indicators and are used to quantify the interpersonal variability.
Transferring the acquired information from the participatory sensing campaigns to a study
population is a basic requirement to include personal exposure into the epidemiological
results.
Instantaneous microscopic land-use regression modeling (µLUR) is proposed as an
innovative solution to reduce the void between participatory sensing and epidemiology. It
is based on data science techniques to model the participatory sensing data in detail. The
µLUR models are activity specific and result in indicator functions which capture and
predict the indicator variability in a high spatiotemporal resolution. The potential of
adding complex dose corrections function in the temporal resolution of the µLUR is
illustrated.
Personal exposure is the combination of two spatiotemporal components: the personal
behavior and the spatiotemporal variation of the indicator. The personal behavior is a set
of activities performed for a specific purpose and in a specific micro-environment. The
indicator is also sensitive to the properties of the activity. The activity is the common
spatiotemporal object. The µLURs are resolving the spatiotemporal variability for each
type of activity. A data workflow combining the personal behavior and the activity specific
models can build and use µLUR models with any spatiotemporal resolution. The combined
functionality of the µLUR and the data workflow transfers the measured variability in the
participatory sensing campaigns to any mobile population. Multiple indicators can be
calculated on the same population. The data workflow is compatible with the
requirements of the exposome. A validated indicator can be used in policy applications.
The policy scenarios are implemented by providing variants of the personal behavior for
the population under investigation. The policy scenarios can be sensitive to origin-
destination matrices, activity pattern, modal choice, route choice and changing traffic
networks. The sensitivity of the policy scenarios is identical to the spatiotemporal
resolution of the underlying µLURs. The µLUR technique and data workflow are illustrated
with existing models for the case of traffic related exposure to Black Carbon.
93
Mo-SY-F2.3
What can health policy learn from personal exposure measurements?
Luc Int Panis, VITO, Mol, Flanders, Belgium
Michelle Laeremans, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Flanders, Belgium
Ione Avila-Palencia, CREAL, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Juan Pablo Orjuela-Mendoza, Imperial College London, London, England, United Kingdom
Natalie Müller, CREAL, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Arnout Standaert, VITO, Mol, Flanders, Belgium
Evi Dons, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Flanders, Belgium
Tom Cole-Hunter, CREAL, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Esther Anaya, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
Thomas Götschi, University of Zuerich, Zurich, Switzerland
Audrey de Nazelle, Imperial College London, London, England, United Kingdom
Sonja KahlmeierUniversity of Zurich, Zuerich, Zurich, Switzerland
David Rojas-Rueda, CREAL, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Mark Nieuwenhuijsen, CREAL, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Christian Brand, Oxford University, Oxford, England, United Kingdom
Elisabeth Raser,BOKU, Vienna, Wien, Austria
Aim:
The objective of our participatory measurement campaigns is to collect longitudinal data
on physical activity levels and personal air pollution exposure, with a focus on active
transport. In addition we want to evaluate the combined health effect of personal air
pollution exposure and physical activity.
Methods:
We recruit volunteers for participatory sensing campaigns through classic and social
media. After completing an online "baseline" questionnaire, people are selected for
experimental measurements based on age, gender and physical activity level. 120 people
living in Antwerp, Barcelona and London measured levels of Black Carbon by wearing an
aethalometer for 1 week during all of their normal activities. At the same time their level
of physical activity was measured with a Sensewear armband and a Zephyr heart-rate
monitor. The exposure measurements were complemented with measurements of
cardiovascular and respiratory health. Cardiovascular health was evaluated using fundus
photography and image analysis of the retinal blood vessels. Respiratory health was
studied with spirometry to evaluate lung function. All measurements were repeated in
three different seasons. Prior consent was obtained from all participants and all
experiments were approved by the appropriate ethics committees in each of the
countries.
Results:
Between November 2014 and March 2016 more than 8000 people were recruited
throughout Europe. Recruitment through workplaces and social media proved to be
especially efficient. Each participant filled in an extended “baseline” questionnaire,
providing information on their health, physical activity level and modes of transport. 120
people (40 in each city) completed a total of 3 weeks of measurements during their
normal activity.
Personal exposure to Black Carbon is very variable and depends on city, location, local
traffic and physical activity level.
94
At each visit prior to and following the measurement week they performed a lung function
test and had their retinal vessels photographed. This constitutes one of the largest
environmental health related participatory campaigns and data cleaning will be the first
hurdle. Further analysis of the health data is planned during the summer of 2016.
Conclusions:
Collection of large amounts of longitudinal data through an on-line application is possible
but language issues are major hurdle in European multi-center studies. Despite the current
hype, participatory measurement campaigns and experiments remain cumbersome and
expensive. Available air quality sensors are not yet very reliable. Measuring only
concentrations is a poor proxy for inhalation of black carbon which also depends on
physical activity level.
95
Mo-SY-G2: Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) - from measuring illicit
drug use towards understanding population health status – II
Mo-SY-G2.1
Wastewater-based Epidemiology to Track Down the Actual Use of New Psychoactive
Substances : Challenges and Recommendations
Alexander Van Nuijs, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
Juliet Kinyua, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
Adrian Covaci, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
Background
New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) are substances that mimic psychoactive effects of
illicit drugs like cocaine, cannabis and amphetamine and are produced to evade national
and international drug control legislations by introducing slight modifications to chemical
structures of controlled substances. NPS are easily acquired legally through online vendors
and smart shops where they are sold under false labels with misleading information about
their effects and safety. They are considered a growing problem in many communities and
are responsible for numerous fatal intoxications. Detection of NPS is a challenge due to
their rapid appearance in and out of the drug scene and due to the constantly increasing
amount of new substances that appears on the drug market.
Objectives
In order to perform an evidence-based risk assessement of NPS, it is necessary to gather
detaled information on the types and amounts of NPS that are used in the general
population. Wastewater-based epidemiology, which analyses wastewater samples for the
presence of biomarkers of NPS, is a promising approach to gain knowledge on the actual
use of NPS. However, there exist several challenges that hampers the routine application
of wastewater-based epidemiology for detection of NPS use:
1) Very little scientific information on the metabolic fate of NPS is available.
Therefore, it is not always clear which biomarker (parent compound or metabolite) needs
to be targeted in wastewater-based epidemiology studies.
2) If the use of NPS is limited to only a few individuals within a community,
concentrations of the biomarker in wastewater will be too low to detect with the existing
analytical methods.
This presentation gives an overview on the work that has been carried out so far regarding
the detection of the actual use of NPS in the general population based on wastewater
analysis, discusses the challenges and issues that still exist in this research field, and will
provide some recommendations for future research directions.
96
Mo-SY-G2.2
Using wastewater-based epidemiology to monitor population alcohol and tobacco use
Foon Yin LAI, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
Wayne Hall, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
Coral Gartner, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
Alexander van Nuijs, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
Adrian Covaci, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
Jochen Mueller, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
Over the last decade, wastewater-based epidemiology has become a solid approach to
back-estimate illicit drug use in a population. The potential of using wastewater-based
epidemiology to assess other population indicators of lifestyle-related health risk has been
discussed in the literature. Recently, wastewater-based epidemiology has been used to
monitor community-wide alcohol and tobacco use. This presentation aims to (a) introduce
how alcohol and tobacco use can be estimated using wastewater-based epidemiology; (b)
provide an overview of previous studies that have used this methodology to estimate use
of these substances in different countries; and (c) discuss the potential limitations of the
method.
Similar to illicit drugs, human excreted biomarkers of alcohol and tobacco use in
wastewater samples are analysed using state-of-the-art analytical instruments. These
biomarkers include ethyl sulfate for alcohol use and cotinine and trans-3’-hydroxycotinine
for nicotine use (a proxy for tobacco use). Concentrations of these biomarkers are
measured using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry.
Consumption of these substances is back-calculated through multiplying the biomarker
concentration measured by the total daily wastewater flow rate and the molar excretion
factor. The approach was first used in Norway for monitoring alcohol use and in Italy to
assess tobacco use. Similar studies have been conducted in Australia, Belgium, China, New
Zealand, and Spain. These studies generally showed elevated alcohol drinking on the
weekends compared to weekdays, whereas tobacco smoking was relatively steady
throughout the week. The level and spatial profile of tobacco use identified by the
approach in the northern and southern Italy was consistent with that described in the
national population survey. Different spatial patterns in alcohol consumption were
observed among different countries e.g. higher levels in large cities compared to small
villages in Belgium and greater levels in rural towns than urban areas in Australia. Also,
temporal variations in alcohol use were observed in Belgian cities. Overall, wastewater-
based epidemiology can provide objective information on alcohol and tobacco use in the
population of different communities within and between countries and over time. This
method will be useful for authorities in identifying regions with high priority, and planning
and evaluating interventions for reducing alcohol and tobacco use and their related harms
to the society.
97
Mo-SY-G2.3
Future perspectives for wastewater-based epidemiology: Testing urban water for
community-wide public health assessment
Adrian Covaci, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk-Antwerp, Belgium
Frederic Been, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk-Antwerp, Belgium
Foon Yin Lai, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk-Antwerp, Belgium
Alexander van Nuijs, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk-Antwerp, Belgium
Over the last decade, wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has grown as a solid
methodology to monitor and back-estimate illicit drug use in a population. The potential
of using WBE to assess other population indicators of lifestyle-related health risks has been
discussed in the literature. Very promising results have been obtained, which support the
potential of this approach to obtain valuable information about hidden or hardly
measurable phenomena. Yet, the information from wastewater that can be gathered is not
limited to illicit drugs. If seen as a pooled sample of human excretion (mainly urine and
faeces), wastewater potentially bears valuable information relevant to the population’s
lifestyle and health. Numerous urinary biomarkers have been reported in the literature as
potential indicators for diagnosis and prognosis of diseases. If present and stable in
wastewater, these biomarkers could potentially be used to obtain valuable information
about the health status of large populations.
With regard to the potential of this approach, we need to i) identify biomarkers specific to
various diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, stress, etc, which could potentially be analysed
in wastewater; ii) develop reliable and robust analytical methods; iii) monitor the
occurrence of the selected biomarkers at different time points and sampling locations and
iv) evaluate the findings in perspective of relevant epidemiological data, providing an
innovative strategy to monitor and assess public health directly at population level.
Only a limited amount of research has been done in this area, with the most notable
findings related to the investigation of the cumulative oxidative stress biomarker 8-iso-
prostaglandin F2α by LC-MS/MS and measurement of DNA by amperometric sensors. Yet,
there are numerous other promising biomarkers which could provide useful information
about the health status of the population, such as tobacco specific nitrosamines or
markers of alcohol-induced liver disease to name just a few.
Using this approach, disease prevalence could thus be noninvasively monitored over longer
periods of time and at different spatial resolutions (local and (inter)national), potentially
allowing to setup early-warning systems. Moreover, it could be used to evaluate public
health policies and prevention campaigns.
98
Mo-SY-H2: Advances in consumer exposure assessment - II
Mo-SY-H2.1
Effective Use of Human Exposure Data for Aggregate Consumer Exposure Assessment
Sarah Tozer, Procter & Gamble, Egham, Surrey, United Kingdom
Cian O'Mahony, Creme Global, Dublin, Ireland
Background: A tiered approach is recommended for exposure assessment, including
aggregate exposure assessment in the consumer product domain. However, guidance is
needed on the best use of data and tools used to make exposure estimates at various
tiers. With these challenges in mind, the European Center for and Ecotoxicology and
Toxicology of Chemicals (ECETOC) has created a task force to address this question.
Objectives: The objectives of this task force are twofold: 1) to provide an overview of the
current exposure landscape for consumer products, detailing the main exposure input data
sources, models and tools that are available for exposure assessment in the food,
cosmetics, household, and consumer products domains; 2) to provide guidance on the best
use of data and tools for conducting aggregate exposure assessments for chemicals in
consumer products, using examples based on the preservatives triclosan and
phenoxyethanol.
Methods: For the landscaping work exposure input data for key consumer product
categories was collected from the literature and internet sites by task force members, and
categorised into exposure algorithms, habits and practices data, co-use data, product
composition data (chemical occurrence data and presence probability). The data was
collated together with information on available exposure tools, and their usefulness was
commented upon. Data were categorised in accordance with a tiered exposure strategy,
indicating at which tier they would be most suitably applied. Aggregate exposure case
studies were carried out for the preservatives triclosan and phenoxyethanol using the
tiered approach, with subject-oriented tools utilised at the high tier.
Results: The landscaping exercise demonstrated that tools and data exist to estimate
exposures from consumer products. The tabulated information is made available that
provides a useful resource for individuals seeking to perform consumer exposure
estimation. Some key gaps were identified, such as the need for refined models in the
household product domain. This project also provides much needed guidance on
conducting aggregate exposure assessments for consumer products, showing triclosan and
phenoxyethanol assessed at low and high tiers. At the high tier, the greatest exposure
refinements were observed through use of better habits and practices data with product
co-use data, and the use of presence probabilities. The refinement of concentration
values has less impact on predicted exposure, because chemical concentration in product
is directly proportional to the resulting exposure, whereas it is seen that refining product
co-use and the frequency of chemical occurrence can impact the estimated exposure by
several orders of magnitude.
99
Mo-SY-H2.2
Development of a Harmonized Database of Reported and Predicted Consumer Product
Ingredient Information
Kristin Isaacs, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States
Katherine Phillips, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Research Triangle Park,
North Carolina, United States
Kathie Dionisio, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States
Derya Biryol, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Research Triangle Park, North
Carolina, United States
Paul Price, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States
Near-field exposure to chemicals in consumer products has been identified as a significant
source of exposure for many chemicals. Quantitative data on product chemical
composition and weight fraction is a key parameter for characterizing this exposure. While
data on product composition are scarce, recent efforts have obtained such information
from publically-available Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). To supplement these data,
techniques have been developed to predict associated weight fractions based on ordered
product ingredient lists (e.g., for personal care products). In addition, quantitative
structure property relationship (QSPR) methods have been used to develop models which
the functions that an arbitrary chemical might perform in consumer products based on its
chemical structure. Here, we describe a new harmonized database to provide reported
and predicted weight fractions and chemical functions of chemicals in consumer products.
The database contains 1) MSDS-based product ingredient data (new and existing) for over
10,000 products, 2) data collected from publically-available ingredient lists and
corresponding weight-fraction predictions for 5,907 products, 3) reported chemical
function data for 14,000 chemicals, and 4) QSPR-predicted chemical functional use
information for over 8,000 chemicals. The products in the database were mapped to a
harmonized set of over 300 consumer product categories suitable for use in human
exposure modeling. This product composition database integrates information on the
chemical use-category linkages, product composition data, and predictive approaches
necessary in estimating near-field human exposures to thousands of chemicals in products
in support of risk-based decision-making. This abstract does not necessarily reflect U.S.
EPA policy.
100
Mo-SY-H2.3
The Application of Specific Consumer Exposure Determinants (SCEDs) to Refine
Consumer Exposure Estimates
Namali Corea, SC Johnson, Frimley Green, Surrey, United Kingdom
Carlos Rodriguez, Proctor & Gamble, Brussels, Belgium
Francesca Angiulli, AISE, Brussels, Belgium
An assessment of the potential risks to consumer health is required under the EU REACH
Regulation when a registered substance is classified as hazardous. All known consumer
uses of the substance must be assessed and consequently the ECETOC Targeted Risk
Assessment tool was developed as a high throughput, lower tier risk assessment tool for
REACH. The tool provides conservative estimates of consumer exposure which can be
further refined by the application of SCEDS, if required. SCEDs have been developed for a
number of product categories by sectors such as AISE (International Association for Soaps,
Detergents and Maintenance Products). The SCEDs contain habits and practices data that
can be incorporated directly into the ECETOC TRA algorithms to provide more realistic
exposure estimates. They also serve to provide a harmonised source of generalised,
consumer exposure information in a transparent and user-friendly manner. Application of
SCEDS results in refined exposure estimates which are still exaggerated when compared to
the exposure estimates from higher tier models. An example is provided for non-aerosol,
continuous action Air Care products. Adult inhalation exposure to these products was
approximately 20-fold lower using the SCEDS when compared to the ECETOC TRA.
However, the inherent conservatism of the SCEDs was demonstrated when exposure was
compared to estimates from the higher tier, RIFM 2-Box Air Dispersion Model. Inhalation
exposure using the 2-box model was a further 13-fold lower than the value calculated with
the SCEDs. The use of SCEDS provides a convenient, easy to use, scientific-based
refinement for the ECETOC TRA model.
101
Mo-PL-I2: Transportation-Related Air Pollution – II
Mo-PL-I2.1
Personal exposure monitoring of UFP in different micro-environments
Yvonne De Kluizenaar, TNO, Delft, Netherlands
Eelco Kuijpers, TNO, zeist, Netherlands
Iris Eekhout, TNO, Leiden, Netherlands
Roel Vermeulen, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
Gerard Hoek, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
Marita Voogt, RIVM, de Bilt, Netherlands
Reinier Sterkenburg, TNO, Delft, Netherlands
Frank Pierik, TNO, Delft, Netherlands
Anjoeka Pronk, TNO, Zeist, Utrecht, Netherlands
Introduction: Particulate matter air pollution has been linked to adverse health effects in
a large number of epidemiological and experimental studies. It has been hypothesized that
the ultrafine fraction may be particularly relevant to health. However epidemiological
studies on ultra-fine particles (UFP) are limited. The aim of this study is to gain insight in
personal real time UFP exposure patterns by different micro environments, by activities
and by time of the day.
Methods: For 11 healthy volunteers (Eindhoven region within the AiREAS network, The
Netherlands), personal UFP exposure assessment (10-500 nm) with a sample rate of 10
seconds was performed continuously for 5 days with a personal monitoring device
(DiSCmini, MatterAerosol). Individual GPS tracks were simultaneously recorded (Qstarz BT
1000XT) and classified into micro-environments (indoors-home, indoors-other, outdoors:
motorized transportation, cycling, walking and stationary) based on cluster detection and
speed. Peak UFP exposures were determined by identifying all instances where UFP levels
were above the 90th, 95th or 99th percentile for at least 5 minutes. Activity diaries were
kept by a selection of the volunteers.
Results: Overall the UFP levels varied over a wide range (P5-P95: 103 and 107
particles/cm3), with highly skewed distributions. Median and quartile (P25 and P75)
outdoor UFP levels were slightly higher than indoor UFP levels. However P95 indoor levels
were higher compared to outdoor P95 levels. This was more pronounced in the home
compared to other indoor locations. When comparing the different modes of
transportation, the highest levels (P50, P75, P95) were observed during motorized
transport > cycling > walking. An exploration of the occurrence of UFP peaks by time of
the day demonstrated an increased number of peaks between 7 am and 9 pm, both indoors
and outdoors. Outdoors, the number of peaks increased between 3-7 pm. Indoors, more
peaks seemed to occur in the morning (7-9 am), afternoon (12am-3pm) and evening (5-
8pm). Activity diaries will be used to obtain more insight in the indoor sources.
Conclusions: Although exposure to UFP is ubiquitous, this study demonstrated differences
in real time exposure levels and the occurrence of exposure peaks between different
micro environments, activities and times of the day. This information may contribute to
further refinement of exposure characterization in epidemiological studies, thereby
contributing to better quantification of exposure-effect relationships.
102
Mo-PL-I2.2
Increased oxidative potential of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in major freeways of
Los Angeles, CA
Constantinos Sioutas, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United
States
Farimah Shirmohammadi, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California,
United States
Dongbin Wang, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
Sina Hasheminassab, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
Vishal Verma, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, United
States
Martin Shafer, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
James Schauer, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
In this study an on-road sampling campaign was conducted using a mobile instrumentation
platform to assess the chemical composition and oxidative potential of fine particulate
matter (PM2.5) on three major representative roadways environments for daily commuters
in Los Angeles, including: 1) I-110, a freeway consisting of almost exclusively light-duty
vehicles (LDVs); 2) I-710, a freeway with high fraction of heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs), and;
3) Wilshire/Sunset (WS) boulevards, which are two of the busiest surface streets in Los
Angeles. Sampling was also conducted at University of Southern California (USC) in an
urban background site. The PM samples were analyzed for elemental carbon (EC), organic
carbon (OC), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and elemental compositions. PM2.5
oxidative potential was quantified using two different assays: the macrophage ROS assay
and the dithiothreitol (DTT) assay. Overall, higher mass fractions of the PAHs, EC, OC as
well as major transition metals (i.e. Al, Ba, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Sb, Ti, Pb and Zn) were
observed in both freeways compared to surface street and urban background site. More
importantly, the highest per PM mass OP levels were observed in freeways: the per PM
mass ROS activity was highest at I-110 ( µg Zymosan/ mg PM), while the per PM mass DTT
activity was greatest at I-710 and (32.35±13.26 nmol/min mg PM). The higher PM redox
activity observed on freeways indicates the increased intrinsic toxicity of PM in freeways
comparing to other micro environments. The DTT activity levels measured at the studied
freeways were compared with the DTT activity levels reported from previous
dynamometer studies, which capture only tailpipe emissions. The higher freeway DTT
activity levels of measured PM in our study compared to those in dynamometer facilities
illustrate the important contribution of non-tailpipe emissions (e.g. re-suspended road
dust and vehicular abrasions of brake and tire wear) on the PM2.5 oxidative potential.
Finding from this study will provide significant insight on PM-induced toxicity exposure to
daily commuters driving in different roadway environments.
103
Mo-PL-I2.3
Sources of Quasi-Ultrafine, Fine and Coarse Particulate Matter in the Southern
California Children’s Health Study Communities
Rima Habre, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
Robert Urman, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
Scott Fruin, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
Theresa Bastain, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
Fred Lurmann, Sonoma Technology Inc, Petaluma, CA, United States
Martin Shafer, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
Patrick Gorski, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
Rob McConnell, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
Edward Avol, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
Frank Gilliland, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
Aim: To resolve and quantify the main sources contributing to particulate matter (PM) air
pollution in the quasi-ultrafine, fine and coarse size fractions, in eight southern California
Children’s Health Study (CHS) communities
Methods: The CHS Intra-Community Variation PM sampling campaign was conducted in
2008-9 in the communities of Anaheim, Glendora, Long Beach, Mira Loma, Riverside, San
Dimas, Santa Barbara and Upland, California. Month-long integrated PM samples were
collected in the quasi-ultrafine (PM0.2), fine (PM2.5) and coarse (PM2.5-10) size fractions
(n= 476, 265 and 298, respectively) using specially-designed Harvard Cascade Impactors. In
addition to gravimetric mass, concentrations of total and water-soluble metals, elemental
and organic carbon, water-soluble organic carbon and major ions were obtained.
Enrichment factors (EF) relative to the PM2.5 fraction were calculated for each chemical
species in the PM0.2 and PM10 size fractions. The Positive Matrix Factorization (EPA PMF
v5.0) model was used to resolve and estimate the contributions of major factors in each of
the three size fractions.
Results: The elements Al and Ca had among the highest median EF in PM10 relative to
PM2.5, while EC, OC, and B had the highest median EF in PM0.2 relative to PM2.5. Six,
seven and five sources (tracers in parentheses) were resolved in the quasi-ultrafine, fine
and coarse size fractions, respectively. Traffic (EC, water-soluble and water-insoluble OC),
fuel oil (Ni, V), and brake and tire wear (Sb, Zn, Ba) contributed 57.8%, 14.6% and 10.3%
to total PM0.2 mass, respectively. Gasoline vehicles (OC, B), ammonium sulfate (NH4+, S),
ammonium nitrate (NH4+, NO3-), fuel oil/diesel (Ni, V, EC), and non-tailpipe abrasive
brake and tire wear (Sb, Zn, Ba) contributed 25.8%, 21.3%, 12.4%, 11.1%, and 3.5%, to
PM2.5 mass, respectively. Finally, secondary formation (NH4+), crustal (Al, Ca, Fe), sea
salt (Na, Mg, Cl-), and non-tailpipe abrasive wear (Ba, Cu, Sb, Zn) contributed 27.8, 27.1%,
23.5%, and 7.6% to PM2.5-10 mass, respectively. The largest traffic impacts were seen in
Anaheim, Glendora, Upland and Riverside, while the largest fuel oil impacts related to
ports activity were seen in Long Beach. We were also able to distinguish tailpipe from non-
tailpipe traffic sources in the quasi-ultrafine and fine size fractions.
Conclusions: PMF-resolved source factors displayed significant seasonal and within- and
between-community variability in all three size fractions, reflecting the heterogeneity of
air pollution exposures in the Los Angeles basin. Ongoing spatiotemporal modeling will
allow us to examine associations between these exposures and respiratory outcomes in the
CHS.
104
105
Mo-SY-A3: Multiple route exposure to multiple chemicals, the cocktail
effect
Mo-SY-A3.1
Dietary exposure assessment to mixtures of pesticides and other substances
Corinne Sprong, RIVM, Bilthoven, Netherlands
Hilko van der Voet, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, Navassa
Island
Amélie Crépet, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety,
Maisons-Alfort, France
Jacob van Klaveren, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven,
Nepal
Every day we are exposed to multiple possibly harmful chemicals in our diet. Traditionally,
risk assessment was performed for single (groups of) chemicals. However, there is a
growing awareness of assessing the risk of complex mixtures of chemicals having the same
toxicological effect.
In 2012, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published guidance on the use of the
probabilistic methodology for modelling dietary exposure to pesticide residues for single
and multiple compounds (1). EFSA included two model runs, the optimistic model run and
pessimistic model run in which major uncertainties are treated liberal and conservative,
respectively. The outcome of these model runs can be used to assess whether refinement
is useful. Currently, further refinements are under discussion at the European level (2,3).
The EFSA methodology for cumulative risk assessment is implemented in the Monte Carlo
Risk Assessment (MCRA) program, a web-based exposure assessment tool. Within the
software, the settings of both model runs are clearly indicated, making it easy to select
the right parameters. The use of this tool will be demonstrated.
For cumulative exposure assessment of pesticides, cumulative assessment groups (CAGs)
are defined or still under development. These CAGs can consist of over 100 pesticides at
level 1 (affect the same target organ) and dozens at level 2 (same effect in target organ).
Other chemicals, such as pollutants or toxins, are also known to affect the toxicological
endpoints defined for pesticide CAGs. Probably, these substances should also be
considered in cumulative risk assessment, resulting in even larger amount of chemicals
belonging to the same CAG. Furthermore, the assumptions when grouping pesticides into
CAGs are often based on the precautionary principle due to a lack of information on
mixture effects in current assessments. Therefore, refinement is needed to obtain
realistic exposure assessments allowing better decision-making. Better identification of
mixtures using user-friendly but powerful software to quickly identify key mixtures of
potential risk to human health is crucial in this process. Within the EuroMix project, a tool
is developed and implemented within MCRA for mixture identification. This mixture
selection tool, to be further explained and exemplified in the presentation of Amélie
Crepet, will be demonstrated.
References:
1. EFSA, 2012. Guidance on the Use of Probabilistic Methodology for Modelling Dietary
Exposure to Pesticide Residues. EFSA J. 10(10), 2839
106
2.
http://ec.europa.eu/food/plant/pesticides/max_residue_levels/cumulative_risk/index_e
n.htm
3. http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/press/news/160127
Mo-SY-A3.2
Aggregate exposure to pesticides from dietary and non-dietary exposure: A UK case
study for residents, bystanders and spray operators
Marc Kennedy, Fera, York, United Kingdom
David Garthwaite, Fera, York, United Kingdom
Exposure to pesticides can occur from multiple sources and distinct sub-populations can be
affected very differently. In the EU Horizon 2020 project Euromix, new tools are being
added to the Monte Carlo Risk Assesment (MCRA) software which allow calculation of
aggregate exposure in a very flexible way. An external model, designed to calculate a
particular source of exposure, can be run to generate simulated non-dietary exposures.
The results can then be integrated with the dietary calculations of MCRA.
We present a particular example based on the BROWSE model (Bystander, Resident,
Operator and WorkerS Exposure), which has various built-in scenarios for different
populations, spray application types and crops. BROWSE generates probabilistic output to
represent variation in exposure conditions. By default, many assumptions such as scenario
definitions and input parameters have conservative default values. However, by repeated
runs of the model with realisations of actual spray amounts we aim to produce a more
realistic exposure distribution.
The annual UK pesticide usage survey (PUS) provides detailed field level information about
real combinations of pesticides applied to crops at field level. It includes the main crops
grown in the UK including arable, orchard, outdoor vegetable, soft fruit and covered
crops.
The examples presented will illustrate how the new probabilistic aggregate model
implemented in MCRA, as part of the Acropolis and Euromix projects, can generate a
detailed distribution of exposures to multiple pesticides.
BROWSE is used to generate a matrix of exposure simulations representing population
variation for defined sub-populations. This matrix is then linked to MCRA and aggregated
with the relevant dietary exposure for the UK population to produce total exposures. The
resulting MCRA outputs highlight the relative sources of exposure, and the most significant
pesticides. An important potential use of the results is to prioritise testing of chemical
mixtures to those that occur in real exposures.
107
Mo-SY-A3.3
Linking probabilistic exposure models for non-food and food sources to calculate
aggregate consumer exposure: Case study on Bisphenol A
Cecile Karrer, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
Natalie von Goetz, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
Christiaan Delmaar, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM),
Bilthoven, Netherlands
Konrad Hungerbühler, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
Background
There is a rising demand for more holistic risk assessments to better ensure consumers’
safety. In the estimation of chemical risks, the quantification of the overall exposure is a
crucial step. For this purpose, an exposure assessment needs to account for multiple
routes and multiple chemicals that have the same effect. Realistic exposure estimates can
be obtained by using probabilistic models, which account for variability in human
behavior.
Objectives
Within the EuroMix EU project, different food and non-food exposure models are linked to
facilitate the exposure assessment from different sources for different chemicals. In this
work, we in particular link the results of the probabilistic models MCRA and PACEM to
assess aggregate exposure from food and consumer products. As a test case, the exposure
to the endocrine disrupting substance Bisphenol A (BPA) is assessed. BPA is present in both
food and non-food sources, the latter being polycarbonate plastics, epoxy resins and
thermal paper. Since the metabolization of BPA differs depending on the intake routes,
aggregation can only be performed on the level of internal exposure.
Methods
MCRA is a web-based program for Monte Carlo risk assessment with emphasis on exposure
from food sources. PACEM is a probabilistic aggregate consumer exposure model, which
was first used for exposure assessments for ingredients in cosmetics and personal care
products. For the case study on BPA, PACEM is adapted to account for all non-food sources
containing BPA and all age groups, including toddlers and children. The internal exposure
to BPA is calculated by feeding the external aggregate exposure from each exposure
source into a PBPK model. Human biomonitoring studies are used for validation.
Results
The case study on BPA results in individual-based probabilistic aggregate consumer
exposure estimates. All relevant routes and sources are considered, and internal exposure
is calculated for all routes. To our best knowledge, this is the first probabilistic
assessment of internal aggregate exposure of BPA across all possible pathways. These
results are important because they will help to evaluate every-day exposure to and risk
from BPA in an integrated and realistic way.
108
Mo-SY-A3.4
Mixtures selection from combined exposure and PBPK modelling to aggregate exposure
Amélie Crépet, ANSES, French agency for health and safety, MAisons-Alfort, France
Due to the large number of chemicals found in the environment, individuals are daily
exposed from various sources to complex mixtures of chemicals which can interact and
cause health diseases. The risk related to chemical mixtures is difficult to characterize.
One reason lies in the multitude of possible combinations of chemicals for which it is
unrealistic to test toxicological combined effects. For this reason, risk assessment is
usually performed for chemicals belonging to a same chemical family and having same
mode of action. However, those mixtures could not reflect the reality of exposures.
As an introduction, an integrated approach will be proposed to help to overcome new
challenges related to exposure assessment to mixtures coming from various sources.
Methods recently developed to define mixtures from combined exposures will be
explained. The first approach is based on the decomposition of the co-exposure matrix
into two matrices to extract the main mixtures which are relevant to study will be
explained. A second approach includes a clustering of individuals with similar food
patterns to determine food vectors of the mixtures. The last method combines exposure
levels and data on the toxicity of the substances to characterize mixtures. Finally,
physiologically-based pharmacokinetic models will be presented as tools to aggregate
exposure from various sources and to estimate internal exposures.
The methods will be illustrated by examples on pesticides residues and various substances
in food, and on metals from food, air, dust and cigarettes.
109
Mo-SY-B3: From occupational to environmental biomonitoring: lessons to be
learned.
Mo-SY-B3.1
Performing and understanding biological monitoring: how the experience in
occupational toxicology can help.
Peter J. Boogaard, Shell International bv, The Hague, Netherlands
Human biomonitoring, the measurement of the levels of chemicals and associated
biological or biochemical effects in human body fluids and tissues, has been routinely
applied in occupational settings for many decades. The increased availability of analytical
technologies with ever decreasing detection limits makes human biomonitoring not only
more accessible but also more sensitive. These developments have allowed a shift from
occupational to environmental human biomonitoring.
Human biomonitoring has many benefits, both in its ability to integrate human exposures
to chemical substances via all routes of exposure and in its potential to improve the
efficiency and accuracy of related health risk assessments. Any valid health risk
assessment requires a basic knowledge and understanding of the underlying dose-effect
relationships, however, this information is often lacking, especially at low exposure levels.
Even when it is available, a variety of other factors need to be taken into account for a
valid interpretation of human biomonitoring data.
In this presentation the considerations will be set out that need to be applied in order that
available biomonitoring data can be reliably interpreted within the context of their
associated uncertainties.
To allow a reliable interpretation of human biomonitoring results, several considerations
have to be taken into account. If human biomonitoring information is to be used to
evaluate and describe health risks, information is required on 4 key elements: (1) the
analytical integrity, (2) the extent to which biokinetic considerations have been taken into
account, (3) the relevance of the available data for health effects, and (4) how the data
align with other available information.
In this presentation, using specific examples, the level of understanding that is required
for each of these four key elements is described. In addition, it will be discussed how the
application of data varies according to the level of understanding, including the relative
importance of each element. If some information pertaining to one or more of the 4 key
elements is incomplete or lacking, a valid human health risk assessment may be
impossible. However, the human biomonitoring data may still be useful for other purposes,
such as policy support or checking the efficiency of mitigation measures. A framework will
be presented that incorporates the 4 key elements, based upon established scientific
criteria. The framework may help to evaluate any human biomonitoring data with respect
to the portion of the risk assessment process in which it can be reliably applied.
110
Mo-SY-B3.2
Reference values: tools used to interpret biomonitoring
Hans Drexler, University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
Thomas Göen, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
In Germany biological monitoring is part of the medical surveillance program. Biological
limit values are health-based (BAT-value) or risk-based (for carcinogenic substances). In
general, health based biological exposure limits are established for the use of biological
monitoring in the prevention of occupational diseases. For substances for which the
concept of health-based or risk-based threshold values is not applicable, the Working
Group Setting of Threshold Limit Values in Biological Materials of the DFG Commission for
the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has
established "Biologische Arbeitsstoff-Referenzwerte" (BARs, Biological Reference Values for
Chemical Compounds in the Work Area) as an approach for evaluating biomonitoring data.
The BAR represents the upper reference concentration of a biomarker in the general adult
population without occupational exposure to the agent. It is derived from biomonitoring
data of a sample of a defined population group. In general, a BAR corresponds to the 95th
percentile of the sample distribution. Ideally, national environmental surveys including
human biomonitoring results are used as basis for deriving BARs. The influence of age, sex,
social status, residential area and life style factors on background exposure is considered
in the evaluation of these values. Because tobacco smoking is the most frequent
influencing factor, several BARs have been determined for non-smokers only. To date,
BARs for 17 substances or substance groups are listed in the List of MAK and BAT Values
2011. BARs for another five substances have been discussed, but have not been
established because of the insufficient scientific database. Establishing the BARs aims to
facilitate the evaluation of human exposure to chemical compounds for which no health-
based threshold values can be derived but an adequate assessment of exposure is required
due to their toxicity. The application of BARs does not permit a toxicological evaluation,
but does allow the occurrence and the extent of occupational exposure to hazardous
substances to be proved.
111
Mo-SY-B3.3
Biomonitoring for benzene exposure: from occupational exposure to environmental
pollutant
Silvia Fustinoni, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
Aim. This work is aimed at reviewing the use of biomonitoring of benzene exposure
focusing on those changes in the occupational limit values and in air pollution that have
prompted the research of new biomarkers.
Methods. A bibliographic review on biomedical databases has focused on papers dealing
with biomonitoring of benzene in the last 40 years.
Results. In the forties of the last century occupational limit values for benzene were in the
order of hundreds of ppm; one of the outcome of the epidemiological studies conducted
on the Pliofilm Goodyear cohort in the eighties, was that benzene was recognised as
leukemogenic to human and the limits were lowered to about 1 ppm. Until that time the
biological monitoring of the exposure to benzene was performed by measuring urinary
phenol, accounting for about 70% of the adsorbed dose; however a major drawback was its
poor specificity.
Industrial toxicologists were forced to identify new bioindices to assess the lower
occupational exposure: in the early nineties, urinary t,t-muconic acid (MA, 3 – 18 % of the
absorbed dose), urinary S-phenylmercapturic acid (SPMA, < 1%), blood benzene (< 1%), and
urinary benzene (<0.1%) were introduced and biological limit values were proposed. These
indices were first applied to assess exposure in petrochemical workers, coke oven workers,
shoe makers, and rubber workers. Almost in the same years, in Europe and US a new
blended petrol, enriched with a mixture of aromatic hydrocarbons, including benzene, was
introduced. Airborne benzene level increased, mostly due to auto vehicle exhaust fumes,
and it became a pollutant of the living environment and a chemical of public concern.
New biomarkers were then used to assess exposure to low levels of benzene in petrol
station attendants, traffic policemen, bus and taxi drivers and in the general population;
studies investigated the specificity and sensibility, practical and ethical implications,
analytical issues, and optimal application ranges of these biomarkers. The results
highlighted that MA is increased by sorbic acid in diet, so that it is not useful to assess low
exposure; on the other hand blood benzene, although specific, requires an invasive
sampling; urinary benzene and SPMA are non-invasive biomarkers, they are specific and
useful to trace the lowest exposures.
Conclusions. Biomonitoring of benzene has been challenged by several changes toward low
exposures; for this reason, it is ready to face upcoming lower occupational exposure limits
as well as biomonitoring programme in the general population.
112
Mo-SY-B3.4
Elemental speciation in biological samples - occupational exposure experiences for
better risk characterisation
Jackie Morton, Health & Safety Laboratory, Buxton, United Kingdom
Background
Elemental speciation analysis adds another dimension to the analysis of biological samples.
Simply, it allows the different forms of an element to be individually identified and
quantified. This is useful because different species of the same element vary both in
toxicity and bioavailability which when separated allows better interpretation of
exposure. The work reported here summarises the developments made in the area of
speciation analysis for occupational monitoring and addresses the further research issues
still remaining.
Methods
The Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL) has developed and published methods for
mercury, arsenic and chromium speciation which have formed the backbone of these
analytical developments. Using liquid chromatography coupled with inductively coupled
plasma mass spectrometry, analytical techniques have been optimised so that biological
samples (urine, serum, exhaled breath condensate and hair) can be analysed for different
elemental species.
Results
Initial work started by developing a method for mercury species in hair samples, however,
whilst showing potential in some scenarios this method proved that overall hair is not a
useful medium for mercury speciation.
Initial arsenic speciation studies showed that there were significantly higher
concentrations of the more toxic inorganic arsenic species in urine samples from timber
treatment workers (n=49) than in either controls (n=31) or semi-conductor workers (n=46).
Since then, reference ranges for five arsenic species have been established in 95 non-
occupationally exposed volunteers and this is turn has allowed the interpretation of
exposure in UK semiconductor workers over a five year period.
The newest speciation method developed at HSL is to allow the determination of
hexavalent chromium in exhaled breath condensate. This novel analysis has shown that
hexavalent chromium is present in the breath of electroplaters and though further work is
necessary to better understand the kinetics of this matrix, already a better understanding
of the workplace exposures has been gained from this methodology.
This area of research allows us to better interpret exposure to the more toxic species of
arsenic and chromium. Whilst improvements and more developed methods are necessary
in the field of elemental speciation, the work presented here helps to show that it is a
vital component when assessing risk in the workplace. It also has a role in environmental
biomonitoring, for example distinguishing between geological and dietary exposures thus
enhancing risk characterisation.
© Crown Copyright 2016
113
Mo-SY-B3.5
Using PCB signatures and enantiomer fractions for source identification and to age
date exposure
David Megson, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
Jean-Françios Focant, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
Donald Patterson, Exponent, Atlanta, United States
Matthew Robson, Brock University, St. Catharines, Canada
Maeve Lohan, Plymouth University, Plymouth, United Kingdom
Paul Worsfold, Plymouth University, Plymouth, United Kingdom
Sean Comber, Plymouth University, Plymouth, United Kingdom
Robert Kalin, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
Eric Reiner, Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, Toronto, Canada
Gwen O'Sullivan, Mount Royal University, Calgary, Canada
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of 209 chlorinated organic compounds that
were widely used throughout the 20th century. While PCBs have been largely phased out
of commercial/industrial use, they remain an important legacy contaminant and can still
be found in closed systems in some countries as dielectric fluids in electrical equipment
and transformers. Many transformers containing PCBs are in the process of being replaced
which presents a potential for human exposure. In these instances it is important to not
only determine the extent of any exposure and risks to human health, but to also establish
the source and age date exposure.
To achieve this, detailed polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) signatures comprised of over 80
congeners and chiral Enantiomer Fractions (EFs) of CB-95, CB-136 and CB-149 were
measured for 30 workers at a transformer dismantling plant. Approximately 1.5 g of serum
was extracted and PCB signatures were created through analysis by comprehensive two-
dimensional gas chromatography with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-TOFMS),
and EFs calculated following analysis by gas chromatography with high resolution mass
spectrometry (GC-HRMS). A total of 84 PCBs were identified in the serum samples with
concentrations of the 7 indicator PCBs ranging from 11-350 ng g-1 of serum (1.2-39 µg g-1
lipid). PCB signatures were interpreted using principal component analysis (PCA) which
distinguished workers with background or recent exposure from those with prolonged
occupational exposure. Occupationally exposed individuals had a similar PCB profile to
Aroclor A1260. However, individuals with prolonged exposure had depleted proportions of
several PCBs that are susceptible to metabolism (CB-95, CB-101 and CB-151) and elevated
proportions of PCBs that are resistant to metabolism (CB-74, CB-153, CB-138 and CB-180).
The results also identified a third group of workers who appeared to have been exposed to
an additional source of PCBs. The results show near complete removal of the CB-95 E2
enantiomer in some samples, indicating that bioselective metabolism or preferential
excretion of one enantiomer occurs in humans. By considering PCB concentrations along
with detailed congener specific signatures it was possible to identify different exposure
sources, and gain an insight into both the magnitude and duration of exposure.
114
Mo-SY-C3: Quantitative in vitro to in vivo extrapolation (QIVIVE): Advances in
tools to quantify exposure-response relationships for risk assessment - II
Mo-SY-C3.1
Passive Dosing of hydrophobic organic chemicals to in vitro assays – controlling,
defining and linking exposure
Philipp Mayer, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
Dorothea Gilbert, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
Stine N. Schmidt, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
Kilian EC Smith, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
In vitro assays are increasingly used for toxicity testing and screening of chemicals and
environmental samples. The physical format of in vitro tests (24-1536 well plates)
facilitates high throughput and cost-efficient testing, but creates also challenges with
regards to controlling, maintaining and defining exposure in these assays. In passive
dosing, a polymer is loaded with the test substance and then applied as partitioning donor
for tightly controlling the exposure of the test substance in the test1. The exposure can be
expressed as freely dissolved concentration, chemical activity or equilibrium lipid
concentrations1,2, which can all facilitate quantitative in vitro to in vivo extrapolations
(QIVEVE).
This presentation will give an overview on passive dosing of in vitro tests and outline
challenges and needs for further development. For testing in 24 well plates, silicone O-
rings have been successfully applied as donor in several studies, which was practical and
provided good performance and new results1,3-5. It is now important to (1) reduce the
preparative steps prior to the tests, (2) develop passive dosing for 96-1536 well plates and
(3) combine passive dosing with closed-well testing for in vitro testing of (semi)volatile
chemicals. New application areas include in vitro assays directed at mixtures2,6,7 (level &
composition) and biotransformation parameters.
References
1 Smith KEC et al. 2010. Passive dosing for producing constant and defined exposures of
hydrophobic organic compounds during in-vitro toxicity tests. Chemical Research in
Toxicology 23: 55-65.
2 Schmidt SN et al. 2013. Passive dosing of PAH mixtures to terrestrial springtails – linking
mixture toxicity to chemical activities, equilibrium lipid concentrations, and toxic units.
ES&T 47, 7020−7027.
3Smith KEC et al. 2013. The dosing determines mutagenicity of hydrophobic compounds in
the Ames II assay with metabolic transformation: Passive dosing versus solvent spiking.
Mutation Research, Genetic Toxicology and Environmental Mutagenesis 750: 12-18.
4 Oostingh GJ et al. 2015. Differential immunomodulatory responses to nine polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons applied by passive dosing. Toxicology in vitro 29, 345-351.
5Vergauwen L et al. 2015. A high throughput passive dosing format for the Fish Embryo
Acute Toxicity test. Chemosphere 139: 9-17.
6 Gilbert D et al. 2015. Endocrine activity of persistent organic pollutants accumulated in
human silicone implants – Dosing in vitro assays by partitioning from silicone. Environment
International 84, 107–114.
7Jahnke A et al. 2016. Strategies for Transferring Mixtures of Organic Contaminants from
Aquatic Environments into Bioassays. In press in ES&T DOI 10.1021/acs.est.5b04687
115
Passive dosing of in vitro tests with silicone O-rings
116
Mo-SY-C3.2
Examining underlying assumptions when translating in vitro bioassay results to in vivo
conditions
Jon Arnot, ARC Arnot Research and Consulting, Toronto, Canada
James Armitage, AES Armitage Environmental Sciences, Toronto, Canada
Todd Gouin, Unilever, Sharnbrook, United Kingdom
Michelle Embry, ILSI Health and Environmental Sciences Institute (HESI), Washington,
United States
In vitro testing is creating information that can be used to improve mechanistic
understanding of toxicity pathways and for chemical assessments. The data can be used
for hazard-based prioritization or they can be combined with exposure data for risk-based
prioritization. Chemical potency comparisons require a consistent exposure metric (“x-
axis”) corresponding to the observed response (“y-axis”). Translating chemical
concentrations from one system under specific conditions to a different system with
different conditions requires consistent metrics and units. For example, the corroboration
of in vitro data with in vivo data and comparisons of exposure and hazard concentrations
for risk estimation require consideration of various sub-phase volumes and their sorptive
capacities as well as chemical property information, e.g. partition coefficients. The freely
dissolved concentration (Cfree; nmol/L) has been proposed as a relevant metric to
translate concentrations across and within systems (e.g., blood-tissues). The objectives of
this study were to examine commonly applied assumptions (e.g., Cblood, in vivo =
Cnominal, in vitro) and alternative assumptions when translating in vitro bioassay results
to in vivo conditions. Mass balance models and equilibrium partitioning theory were used
to examine assumptions for translating in vitro test assay data to in vivo systems. A series
of representative in vitro bioassay conditions are simulated with a suite of neutral
hypothetical chemicals capturing a relevant range of partitioning properties (e.g. octanol-
water partition coefficient, Kow). The first in vitro system (1) represents a cell-free assay.
The second in vitro system (2) represents a cell-based test in which no serum is present
during the test assay and the third in vitro system (3) represents a cell-based test in which
10% serum is present during the test assay. Differences in Cfree and Cblood / Cnom are
relatively small for lower Kow chemicals (log Kow < 2) independent of the assay.
However, as Kow increases, Cfree decreases. All else being equal, i.e., the magnitude of
response in the assay for Cnom is the same for all chemicals, the higher Kow chemicals
appear to be more potent than the lower Kow chemicals because they elicit the same
response at lower Cfree. The difference in Cfree can be as much as 4-5 orders of
magnitude lower. Extending the translation to Cblood and comparing against Cnom, the
opposite interpretation would be made, i.e., the hydrophobic chemicals appear to be
“less potent” because the concentration in blood required to elicit the same response in
vitro (i.e., Cnom) is higher.
117
Mo-SY-C3.3
A range of approaches for interpreting in vitro toxicity data: PBPK, PK, mass balance
and biomonitoring
Sean Hays, Summit Toxicology, Lyons, CO, United States
Lesa Aylward, Summit Toxicology, Falls Church, Virginia, United States
In vitro toxicity data can be interpreted using a wide range of approaches and in different
contexts. First, the data can be interpreted in the context of existing exposures or in the
context of existing risk assessments. When interpreting in an exposure context,
biomonitoring data of chemicals in blood in humans provides a direct interpretation in the
context of existing exposures amongst the population. To interpret in vitro toxicity data
in the context of existing risk assessments, methods are required to convert the external
dose based risk assessments into internal dose measures. Numerous approaches exist for
making this extrapolation, ranging in complexity from simple measures of chemicals in
animals at the points of departure of interest, to simple pharmacokinetic modeling to
complex physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling. This talk will review the
various approaches and provide case studies showing a range of approaches for
interpreting in vitro toxicology data in both an exposure and risk assessment context.
118
Mo-SY-C3.5
QIVIVE APPROACHES TO EVALUATE INTERINDIVIDUAL TOXICOKINETIC VARIABILITY
Barbara Wetmore, ScitoVation, LLC, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
Toxicokinetic (TK) variability across life-stages and populations can significantly impact
the amount of chemical available systemically to elicit an effect despite similar external
exposures. This variability is driven by physiologic (e.g., liver weights, blood flow rates,
etc.), ontogenetic (e.g., immature or developing metabolic enzyme capabilities) and
genetic (e.g., polymorphisms) differences. Recent advances in experimental tools, in vitro
- in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE) and in silico modeling approaches have laid the groundwork
for the development of strategies that can quantitate chemical-specific TK variability that
may be present across different populations. Metabolic clearance of nine ToxCast
chemicals were measured in vitro using 13 cytochrome P450 (CYP) and 5 UDP-
glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) isozymes that were recombinantly expressed. Together with
plasma protein binding data, these isozyme-specific clearance rates were used in an IVIVE
modeling approach that incorporates known differences in xenobiotic metabolizing
isozyme abundances among various life-stage or ethnic-based populations to estimate the
resulting systemic chemical steady-state concentrations, thus providing a strategy to
quantitate TK variability. CYPs 3A4, 3A5, 2C9, and 2C19 were the most active isozymes,
contributing to the clearance of all of the chemicals tested. Chemicals metabolized
primarily by CYP1A2 displayed the greatest TK variability across the populations assessed.
Children, in particular the newborn to 6 months of age life-stage, displayed the highest
steady-state levels given a similar external exposure, identifying them as a sensitive
population. Next, these steady state values were incorporated with ToxCast in vitro
bioactivity concentrations to estimate the daily oral dose for each population, called the
oral equivalent dose, necessary to produce steady-state in vivo blood concentrations
equivalent to these in vitro bioactivity values. These external, population-specific oral
equivalent doses were then compared against life-stage or population-specific external
exposure estimates to provide a margin of exposure assessment that could be applied in
risk-based prioritization. This study demonstrates the feasibility and value of using
isozyme-specific clearance data to tailor dosimetric values for a wide range of
populations. Moreover, such strategies may enable a shift away from default uncertainty
factors toward chemical-specific safety factors.
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Mo-SY-D3: 15 years of Human Biomonitoring in Flanders: surveillance feeding
policy and research – II
Mo-SY-D3.1
Determinants of metal exposure in the biomonitoring campaigns of the Flemish
Environment and Health Study (FLEHS)
Sam De Craemer, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
Stefaan De Henauw, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
Ben Nemery, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
Ilse Loots, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
Tim Nawrot, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
Greet Schoeters, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
Eva Govarts, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
Vera Nelen, Provincial Institute of Hygiene, Antwerp, Belgium
Liesbeth Bruckers, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
Michelle Plusquin, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
Willy Baeyens, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
Background: Identification of determinants of exposure to pollutants can be a tool for
targeted policy actions to reduce exposure. In the Flemish Environment and Health studies
(FLEHS), biomonitoring data are coupled to questionnaires in order to identify significant
determinants of exposure for the monitored pollutants.
Objective: The aim of this study is to explore determinants of exposure to metals in
adolescents, newborn-mother pairs and adults in the latest cycle of FLEHS (2012-2015).
These determinants will be compared with results from the previous cycles (2002-2006,
2007-2011), to identify those that are consistent over the different campaigns of FLEHS.
Part of the population exceeds existing health guidelines for internal exposure to cadmium
(adults and adolescents) and arsenic (adolescents), so special focus is given to these
metals. Furthermore, certain species of arsenic are considered separately, since the
toxicity of arsenic heavily depends on its form.
Methods: Pollutant concentrations in biological matrices like blood and urine are the
cumulative reflection of all exposure. Statistical regression techniques are performed on
the biomonitoring results in each study population to identify determinants of pollutants.
Results: Some associations with significance in the latest cycle were consistent with
earlier cycles. Like the positive association between blood and cord blood cadmium and
smoking in adolescents and mothers respectively (p<0.001 and p=0.03), lead in cord blood
and maternal age (p<0.001) and total arsenic in blood and seafood consumption in adults
and adolescents (both p<0.001). Most associations were consistent with the literature.
Additionally, we found that determinants differ between arsenic species.
Conclusions: Several determinants are consistent with literature and earlier FLEHS cycles.
These include determinants of metals that exceed health guidelines, (passive) smoking for
cadmium in adolescents and fish consumption/education for arsenic in adolescents and
adults. However, determinants of arsenic differ between species, indicating that
biomarkers of total arsenic exposure may have limited use for steering policy action.
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Mo-SY-D3.2
Looking at human biomonitoring results through an environmental justice lens: the
case of Flanders (Belgium)
Bert Morrens, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
Liesbeth Bruckers, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
Ann Colles, Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Mol, Belgium
Greet Schoeters, Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Mol, Belgium
Vera Nelen, Provincial Institute for Hygiene, Antwerp, Belgium
Tim Nawrot, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
Nik Van Larebeke, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
Willy Baeyens, Free University Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
Ilse Loots, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
BACKGROUND: Environmental justice research suggests that inequalities in the distribution
of environmental quality systematically disadvantage the lower social strata of society.
The effects of these inequalities on the human exposure to chemical pollution remain
however to a large extend unknown. The Flemish Environment and Health Study (FLEHS), a
large-scaled human biomonitoring program in Belgium measuring exposure to multiple
pollutants in blood and urine of different age groups, can shed some new light on the
environmental justice hypothesis.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to assess social gradients in human biomonitoring
results of representative samples of Flemish newborns and adolescents from 2002 to 2015,
and determine whether these gradients can be explained by specific underlying factors
related to both exposure and social background. The hypothesis is to find negative social
gradients in body concentrations: lower socioeconomic status having higher exposure.
METHODS: We investigate the associations between individual socioeconomic status (SES),
measured by educational attainment, and different biomarkers of exposure, using multiple
regression models.
RESULTS: Depending on the (type of) pollutant, people with lower socioeconomic status
can either have higher or lower body concentrations. Exposure to some heavy metals
(lead, cadmium and copper) is associated with lower SES, while exposure to persistent
organic compounds (PCBs, chlorinated pesticides and flame retardants) is associated with
higher SES. Social gradients in exposure remained after correcting for proximity to
(suspected) pollution sources, but largely disappeared after correcting for socially
constructed factors, such as dietary and lifestyle habits (smoking, breastfeeding, fish
consumption). These results indicate that exposure is not only an environmental but also a
social process.
CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that when assessing body concentrations of pollutants, more
complex patterns of social stratification emerge than can be assumed on the basis of the
environmental justice hypothesis. It therefore remains important to consider the chemical
environment in relation to the social environment when monitoring environmental health
risks.
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Mo-SY-D3.3
Emerging contaminants in the Flemish Environment and Health biomonitoring Surveys
(FLEHS)
Adrian Covaci, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk-Antwerp, Belgium
Nathalie Lambrechts, VITO, Mol, Belgium
Govindan Malarvannan, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk-Antwerp, Belgium
Gudrun Koppen, VITO, Mol, Belgium
Liesbeth Bruckers, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
Eva Govarts, VITO, Mol, Belgium
Vera Nelen, Provincial Institute of Hygiene, Antwerp, Belgium
Tim Nawrot, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
Ilse Loots, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
Isabelle Sioen, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
Willy Bayens, Free University Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
Greet SchoetersVITO, Mol, Belgium
Besides classical pollutants measured in individual blood or urine samples, the Flemish and
Environment Surveys (FLEHS) have also investigated human exposure to emerging
contaminants. An emerging contaminant is defined as a chemical that is newly used in
products, can distribute into the environment, and for which there are no or insufficient
data available. Chemicals that have been used for a while, but for which we lack data
regarding their occurrence, fate or toxicity are also considered emerging contaminants.
These compounds have received increasing attention the last years. Exposure originates
mostly from current usage of consumer products, such as plastics, food contact materials,
personal care and household products, furniture, etc, and nowaday behaviour patterns.
We will give an overview of past activities related to the analysis of emerging
contaminants in the FLEHS campaigns and compare these with similar activities
worldwide. We will then assess the (most) relevant emerging contaminants to be included
in future biomonitoring studies.
For exploratory purposes, most of the work on emerging contaminants in the previous
FLEHS campaigns has been done in a limited number of pooled urine or blood. While in
FLEHS I, only classical pollutants were included, the following campaigns (FLEHS II and III)
have included brominated flame retardants, such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers,
hexabromocyclododecane and tetrabromobisphenol-A, personal care products (parabens,
UV filters, triclosan) and bisphenol-A.
The newest campaign, FLEHS 4 (2016-2020) focuses on a number of new themes, such as
use of open space and eco-behaviour, and some more defined investigation of emerging
contaminants in adolescents. We will aim for the identification of emerging contaminants
and their metabolites by using an array of analytical approaches, such as A) untargeted
screening, B) suspect screening, and C) targeted measurements of emerging contaminants
and/or their metabolites identified via screening. We will furthermore identify life style-
specific exposure profiles: compounds that may differ in relation to specific behavioural
patterns. This should give guidance towards more accurate prevention measures that
protect against exposure to ubiquitous environmental toxicants and their substitutes in
new materials. A number of emerging contaminants have been already identified, such as
plasticizer substitutes, bisphenol-S and other bisphenols, organophosphate flame
retardants, and new perfluorinated compounds. It is also expected that several new
compounds will be identified through non-targeted screening. Lastly,further identification
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and selection of emerging contaminants could be based on the analyses of environmental
samples (indoor air, dust and products).
Mo-SY-D3.4
Early-life exposure to multiple environmental contaminants and birth outcomes:
pooled analysis in four Flemish birth cohorts
Eva Govarts, VITO, Mol, Belgium
Lützen Portengen, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University,
Utrecht, Netherlands
Nathalie Lambrechts, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
Liesbeth Bruckers, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
Adrian Covaci, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
Vera Nelen, Provincial Institute of Hygiene (PIH), Antwerp, Belgium
Tim Nawrot, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
Ilse Loots, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
Isabelle Sioen, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
Willy Baeyens, Free University of Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
Bert Morrens, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
Roel VermeulenInstitute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht,
Netherlands
Greet Schoeters, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
Background:
Prenatal chemical exposure has frequently been associated with reduced fetal growth
although results have been inconsistent. Most studies associate single pollutant exposure
to these health outcomes, even though this does not reflect real life situations as humans
are exposed to thousands pollutants during their life time. Human biomonitoring shows
that complex mixtures of xenobiotic chemicals are present in the prenatal environment.
Aim:
The objective of this study is to investigate the association between prenatal exposure to
a mixture of environmental chemicals and birth weight.
Methods:
We used exposure biomarker data obtained from cord blood samples of 2033 women from
three Flemish birth cohorts (FLEHS I, II & III) and a regional birth cohort in the Flemish
regions Dessel, Mol and Retie (3xG). The common set of available and detectable exposure
measures in these cohorts are the organochlorine compounds (three PCB congeners (138,
153 and 180), HCB, p,p’-DDE) and the heavy metals Cd and Pb. Birth weight was assessed
as a proxy for reduced fetal growth. In a first step, the exposure-response associations
were investigated by single pollutant linear regression models adjusted for gestational
age, newborn’s sex, smoking of the mother during pregnancy, parity, maternal age and
prepregnancy BMI. Next, elastic net regression was used to assess the effect of
multipollutant exposure on birth weight.
Results:
In the pooled database, birth weight ranged from 1245 to 5575 grams with a median of
3430 grams. The median contaminant levels in cord blood were: 26 ng/g lipid for PCB 153,
15 ng/g lipid for PCB 138, 18 ng/g lipid for PCB 180, 90 ng/g lipid for p,p’-DDE, 17 ng/g
lipid for HCB, 0.045 µg/L for Cd and 9 µg/L for Pb. In single pollutant models, the three
PCB congeners were significantly associated with reduced birth weight. The correlations
between the different pollutants are low to moderate (r = 0.11 – 0.59), except for the
three PCB congeners being highly correlated with Pearson correlation coefficients ranging
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from 0.74-0.84. From all exposure measures, the two PCB congeners PCB 153 and PCB 180
were most consistently associated to birth weight based on elastic net regression.
Conclusions:
Assessing health risk of combinations of exposure biomarkers reflects better real world
situations. The findings allow more effective risk assessment as addressing the critical
chemical in a mixture of pollutants is pivotal for risk assessment.
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Mo-SY-E3: Assessing exposure to SVOCs in dust
Mo-SY-E3.1
Residential exposures to SVOCs: Identifying efficient and effective exposure
measurements
Robin Dodson, Silent Spring Institute, Newton, MA, United States
Ruthann Rudel, Silent Spring Institute, Newton, MA, United States
Aim: Semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs), occurring both in the gas and condensed
phase, readily redistribute from their original source over time to indoor air, house dust,
and other indoor surfaces. Their distribution in the indoor environment determines
sampling approaches, how people are exposed, and strategies to reduce exposure. To
inform efficient and effective exposure measurement strategies for SVOCs, we rely on
extensive empirical data as well as chemical-physical properties and feasibility.
Methods: We have analyzed over 100 SVOCs in indoor air and house dust samples from 170
U.S. homes as part of our Cape Cod and California Household Exposure Studies. More
recently, we have targeted 60 SVOCs in 115 indoor air samples and surface dust wipes
collected in subsidized housing units as part of the U.S. Green Housing Study.
Results: SVOCs are often, although not always, correlated between indoor air and house
dust. Of the 34 SVOCs in our California Household Exposure Study, 25 were significantly
correlated in indoor air and house dust, although without a clear pattern across chemical
class and chemical property. Ratios of measured dust and indoor air concentrations span 6
orders of magnitude, with SVOCs with lower octanol-air partitioning values (Koa) values
having smaller ratios and SVOCs with higher log Koa values having higher ratios. We
observed a moderately strong correlation (rho ~ 0.8) between log Koa and ratio of dust to
air concentrations, and SVOCs with higher log Koa values (>10) generally had lower
detection frequencies in air. We observed lower correlations between indoor air and
surface wipes, likely a result of the variability of the wipe, which is not as standardized
and may reflect surface material rather than settled dust more relevant for exposure.
Conclusions: SVOCs with large Koa values (>10), especially if they are not found at
relatively high concentrations like phthalates, may be best measured using dust sampling
or air sampling that captures both the gas and particulate phases. In contrast, chemicals
with lower Koa values (<10) would be readily measured in air samples. For many SVOCs
with Koa values between 5 and 10, measurements in one media (e.g. air) can be used to
predict concentrations in other media (e.g. dust) reasonably well. If a researcher is
interested in a large number of chemicals with a wide range of physical-chemical
properties, either air or dust sampling may be able to provide information on exposure
source concentrations and route-specific exposures.
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Mo-SY-E3.2
Modelling the Relevance of Dust as an Exposure Pathway
Christiaan Delmaar, RIVM, Bilthoven, Netherlands
Vilma Sukiene, ETHZ, zurich, Switzerland
Andreas Gerecke, EMPA, zurich, Switzerland
Martine Bakker, RIVM, Bilthoven, Netherlands
Konrad Hungerbuhler, ETHZ, Zurich, Switzerland
Natalie Von Goetz, ETHZ, Zurich, Switzerland
Background
For semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) used in consumer products, human exposure
via dust is often suggested to be a potentially important exposure pathway. Various
models are available to estimate the emission of substances from products into air. Other
models can estimate the resulting distribution of the substances in the indoor
environment. However, a model platform for estimating the concentration of substance in
house dust from its concentration in the source is lacking.
Objectives
In this project, funded by CEFIC-LRI, a platform of dynamic models was developed to
estimate the emission of chemicals from consumer products and the subsequent transfer
of these substances into air, airborne particulate matter and dust. This platform was used
to investigate under which circumstances the ingestion of a substance via house dust is
important and subsequently, to define when the house dust pathway should be included in
a risk assessment of a consumer product.
Methods
The model platform, called the DustEx model, includes models published in literature that
jointly describe transport of SVOCs from products to indoor media. The DustEx model was
used to evaluate the relative importance of the inhalation, dermal absorption and dust
ingestion pathways. On the basis of the calculated indoor air and dust concentrations and
further conservative parameters the exposure of consumers via the dust pathway was
calculated and compared to other exposure pathways. This inter-pathway comparison was
performed (1) in a generic way by exploring the chemical property space and (2) by
selecting realistic case studies for different types of consumer products.
Results
The results of the inter-pathway comparison were summarized in a conservative decision
tree giving guidance on when to consider the dust pathway in a risk assessment of a
substance released by a single consumer product. For example, for products leading to
indirect exposure (i.e. no mouthing and no contact of the product with skin) the relevance
of the dust pathway is dependent on the skin permeability (kp_g) and the octanol-air
partitioning coefficient (Koa) of the substance.
In the case studies it was shown that compared to conservative, lower tier calculations of
direct exposure to a product, the dust pathway was always negligible (lower by more than
one order of magnitude). Only in higher tier assessments with refined parameters for
other pathways, the pathway of dust ingestion may be important.
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Contour plot for when to include dust as an exposure pathway, for indirect exposure.
Green area: ignore dust pathway; red area: include dust pathway.
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Mo-SY-E3.3
SVOCs Transfer from Products into Dust: Model vs Measurements
Vilma Sukiene, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, (ETH Zurich), Zurich, Switzerland
Andreas Gerecke, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Material Science and Technology (EMPA),
Dübendorf, Switzerland
Christiaan Delmaar, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM),
Utrecht, Netherlands
Martine Bakker, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Utrecht,
Netherlands
Konrad Hungerbühler, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, (ETH Zurich), Zurich,
Switzerland
Natalie von Goetz, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, (ETH Zurich), Zurich,
Switzerland
Background
Various models are available to estimate the emission of substances from products into
air. Other models can estimate the resulting distribution of the substances in the indoor
environment. However, a model platform for estimating the concentration of substance in
house dust from its concentration in the source is lacking. Moreover, the number of
experimental studies providing substance concentrations in both products and indoor dust
required for model validation is limited.
Objectives
In the DustEx project a model was developed that describes the transfer of substances
from consumer products into house dust. In order to test and validate the model a field
study was designed that follows the transfer of labeled SVOCs from the product to the
dust.
Methods
The DustEx model includes models published in literature that jointly describe transport of
semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) from products to indoor media. To support the
model an experimental study under controlled conditions was designed. In a small-scale
field study the transfer of SVOCs from consumer products to indoor air and settled dust
was analyzed. Altogether two measurement campaigns were conducted. The first field
study had enrolled five apartments for twelve weeks. During the second field study three
apartments selected from the previous five were investigated for eight weeks. Eight
deuterium-labelled target SVOCs (phthalates and adipates) were synthesized and
introduced into artificial plastic consumer products and a carpet. These products were
used in different scenarios with several emission processes (e.g. evaporation, mechanical
stress etc.). To study consumer sprays, the participants of the study were supplied with an
insecticide spray, which they used for a defined period of time. During the study indoor
dust and air samples were collected and analyzed regularly.
Results
The dynamic DustEx model was used to predict concentrations of target substances in the
indoor air, settled dust and the products over time. The measured concentrations in
indoor media were compared with the results of the model. The most sensitive parameters
influencing substance distribution indoors were identified: Octanol-air and material-air
partitioning coefficients, mass transfer coefficient and organic matter fraction of dust.
The values of these parameters given in literature vary largely for the single substances
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and different estimation methods. Thus, the model was calibrated by optimizing these
parameters within the ranges of uncertainties.
DustEx model and the experimental study setup
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Mo-SY-E3.4
Exploring house dust as a path of exposure
Stefanie Klenow, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
Astrid Heiland, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
Gerhard Heinemeyer, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
Background: The intake of house dust can contribute to the exposure of humans to e.g.
SVOC and needs to be considered in a comprehensive exposure assessment. However,
many aspects of house dust intake are not sufficiently explored, resulting in a high degree
of uncertainty in exposure assessment. In particular, assumptions on the quantity of house
dust intake are very uncertain due to missing data.
Objectives: The project presented here was therefore triggered by the question whether it
is possible to achieve more realistic and reliable assumptions on the amount of ingested
house dust that may also appropriately reflect the variation of the amounts ingested. It is
also aimed at determining what kind of studies is needed to shed additional light on this
issue.
Methods: The available literature on house dust intake was compiled and evaluated.
Toxicokinetic modelling based on available data was carried out. A concept was developed
for a study targeting the investigation of house dust intake.
Results: The literature review revealed many open questions related to a general
definition of house dust in the context of an exposure assessment, to house dust-intake
scenarios which go beyond hand-mouthing in children, and to adequate sampling methods
to assess exposure. Toxicokinetic modelling based on available data did not result in
satisfying assumptions because no study was conducted to determine house dust intake,
and consequently data essential for assessing the quantity are missing. Therefore, a
concept for a study is proposed to investigate main parameters necessary for a sound
toxicokinetic modelling of house dust intake rates in different age groups and to derive
realistic reference values of house dust intake. To assess additional exposure via food
intake, the duplicate diet method is an integral part of this concept as no substance could
be identified for which this pathway could be excluded. A complete collection of urine
over several days is also an essential requirement. The key prerequisite for this study is,
however, the identification of suitable tracer substances. At the same time, additional
aspects potentially affecting house dust intake are recorded, and, if necessary, have to be
characterized in more detail in further studies.
Conclusion: Such a comprehensive study has the potential to improve the assessment of
exposure via house dust, and will thus allow more valid risk assessments of substances in
house dust.
Acknowledgement: This study was funded by the Federal Ministry for the Environment,
Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety.
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Mo-SY-E3.5
SVOCs in Dust: Motivation and challenges for a cumulative approach to exposure & risk
assessment
Philippe Glorennec, EHESP - School of Public Health, Rennes, France
Kevin Fournier, EHESP - School of PUblic Health, Rennes, France
Nathalie Bonvallot, EHESP - School of Public Health, Rennes, France
Aim. Semi Volatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs) such as flame retardants, plasticizers,
pesticides…present in dust are more generally present in indoor environment because they
partition between vapor phase, airborne particulate and dust. Many indoor SVOCs have a
common mode of action regarding effects on human health, so that a cumulative risk
assessment is indicated rather or in complement of a contaminant by contaminant
approach.
Methods. The first step of the risk assessment process, i.e. hazard identification, can in
this structured in three sub-steps:(1a) Identification of contaminants people are exposed
to, (1b) identification of effects and mechanisms of action of these contaminants, (1c)
grouping of contaminants according to similarity of their mechanism of action and health
effects. Based on this exposure-based grouping we can derive “multi-contaminant”
toxicity reference values, in the “dose–response assessment” step. The third step consists
of exposure assessment by combining indoor concentrations in dust and air with dust
ingestion, breathing and skin permeation rates in order to calculate exposure doses. The
final step consists in risk calculating from multi-contaminant exposure doses and multi-
contaminant toxicity reference values.
Results. The application of this risk assessment framework on indoor SVOCs in France
revealed that the main challenge is still to gather toxicological – or epidemiological – data
on the largest possible number ofcontaminants that are relevant to human exposure.
There is at this step a trade-off between the number of contaminants we wish to consider
and the accuracy level for dose-additivity. Indeed, because of the accuracy of available
information, the more contaminants we want to include, the less likely it is that the
relative potency factor approach (RPF) can be used. In the case of less availability of
toxicological data, a point of departure index (PODI) approach is likely to be promoted,
emphasizing effects rather than mechanisms. As an illustration, considering indoor SVOCs
and the reproductive and nervous systems, 7 groups of contaminants can be considered for
a cumulative risk assessment: 5 groups for a RPF approach, and 2 for a PODI approach.
They are composed of 5 to 12 contaminants from different chemical families in most
cases. Adapted from Fournier et al. 2014, Environ Res.; 130, 20-28.
Conclusions. Although resource consuming, a cumulative approach beyond chemical
families is relevant for exposure and for risk assessment.
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Cumulative risk assessment of indoor SVOCs. Completeness versus accuracy.
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Mo-SY-F3: Thresholds of Toxicological Concern: an exposure-driven approach
to risk assessment
Mo-SY-F3.1
Thresholds of Toxicological Concern (TTC) – Introduction to the tiered concept
Kirstin Kosemund, Procter & Gamble, Schwalbach, Germany
The TTC (Threshold of Toxicological Concern) Concept is an important pragmatic first-tier
risk assessment tool for evaluating low level human exposures to chemicals lacking
sufficient toxicity data to support a chemical-specific risk assessment. The origins of TTC
come from work by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to develop an approach for
assessing the safety of chemicals that could migrate at low levels from food packaging
materials. Since then, TTC has evolved into a tiered tool that incorporates knowledge of
chemical structure to bin untested chemicals into different potency categories. Reviews
by major regulatory bodies have acknowledged the scientific foundation of TTC and its
wide applicability for evaluating low level exposures as well as risk prioritisation for a
wide range of uses to appropriately focus societal resources and to avoid unnecessary
animal testing. This talk will provide an introduction to the tiered TTC concept and an
overview of its current and potential uses within current regulatory landscapes.
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Mo-SY-F3.2
Ecological Threshold for Toxicological Concern (eco-TTC) – Assessing the potential of a
new tool for environmental hazard assessment
Michelle Embry, ILSI Health and Environmental Sciences Institute, Washington, DC, United
States
Amy Beasley, The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI, United States
Mace Barron, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Gulf Breeze, FL, United
States
Scott Belanger, The Procter & Gamble Company, Cincinnati, OH, United States
Jessica Brill, The Procter & Gamble Company, Cincinnati, OH, United States
Dick De Zwart, Mermayde, Groet, Netherlands
Brianna Farr, ILSI Health and Environmental Sciences Institute, Washington, DC, United
States
Aude Kienzler, European Commission, Ispra, Italy
Hans Sanderson, Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark
Marlies Halder, European Commission, Ispra, Italy
Ruth Hummel, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, United
States
Teresa Norberg-KingUnited States Environmental Protection Agency, Duluth, MN, United
States
Robin Sternberg, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, United
States
Jamie Suski, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, United
States
Peter Wilson, Sanofi, Bridgewater, NJ, United States
The Threshold for Toxicological Concern, or TTC concept, is well-established for assessing
human safety of indirect food-contact substances and has been reapplied for a variety of
endpoints including carcinogenicity, teratogenicity, and reproductive toxicity. Recently,
we have proposed an extension to the human safety TTC concept for application in
environmental situations, termed the ecological TTC or eco-TTC. Eco-TTCs summarize the
wealth of ecotoxicological information as Predicted No-Observed Effect Concentrations
(PNECs) on diverse chemical substances in the form of statistical (probability)
distributions. Eco-TTCs can be developed that allow prediction of untested chemicals
based on structural attribute (category), mode of action, or functional use. The approach
may be useful for assessing chemicals at early tiers of the risk assessment process,
providing hazard perspective on chemicals that lack QSARs, guiding product development
discussions, and assisting read across or category justifications. The eco-TTC approach has
the potential to reduce the need for vertebrate testing (e.g., fish) in many situations.
A database consisting of approximately 110,000 unique ecotoxicological records has been
developed based on recent assessments of published data and international chemical
management programs. This toxicity data is associated with physical chemistry data and
curated taxonomic information for the organisms tested. A process to conclude acute and
chronic effects as well as identify the PNEC for exposed ecosystems based on depth and
breadth of data have been devised, with the 5th percentile of PNECs for a compound
group defined as the ecological TTC. Several mode of action schemes are being assessed
to devise a best approach for grouping compounds. Chemicals that are categorized as
neutral organics are the most abundant in the dataset, therefore are candidates for an
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initial in-depth assessment of eco-TTC attributes. Approximately 500 chemicals in the
database are included in this analysis at this time with approximately one third having
complete acute or chronic data sets (all three taxa). The eco-TTC for non-polar and polar
narcotics is explored in depth, with additional categories under development (phenols,
esters, reactive compounds, surfactants, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals). Eco-TTCs look
to be a promising addition to the toolkit of hazard assessment.
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Mo-SY-F3.3
Progress in the Development of Internal TTC Approaches
Harvey Clewell, ScitoVation, Durham, North Carolina, United States
Corie Ellison, Procter and Gamble, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
The Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC) is an important risk assessment tool that
establishes acceptable low level exposure values to be applied to chemicals with limited
toxicological data. The concept relies on knowledge of the range of toxicological
hazard/potency for structurally relevant classes of chemicals for which good toxicity data
exist. The non-cancer TTC databases consist of distributions of oral No Observed (Adverse)
Effect Levels (NO(A)ELs) identified from toxicity studies. The TTC threshold limits were
established by identifying the 5th percentile NO(A)EL value from the database and
applying an appropriate uncertainty factor. Given the fact that the data comprising the
TTC are from external oral exposures, the corresponding threshold limits are
representative of external exposures.
Recently, there has been increased discussion regarding the possibility of internal TTCs
(i.e. TTCs based on internal exposure such as chemical concentration in blood) and the
advantage these would provide for use in risk assessment. One such example includes the
most recent version (9th revision) of the SCCS Notes of Guidance for the testing of
Cosmetic Ingredients and their Safety Evaluation which states that “for cosmetic
ingredients, the TTC approach should be based on internal doses.” However, while there
has been mention of internal TTCs being developed and their application to risk
assessment, the fact of the matter is that the few currently available internal TTCs are
not adequate for risk assessment and more work beyond this will be necessary before
there are ‘actionable’ internal TTCs that can be used in risk assessment. The development
of internal TTCs requires a significant amount of data and computational tools (e.g. PBPK
modeling) that can be used to convert the chemical specific external doses (oral NOAELs)
in the TTC database to an estimated internal exposure to the relevant toxicant (i.e.,
parent or metabolite) that is associated with the critical effect for each chemical.
The current presentation will introduce recent work that is underway to develop internal
TTCs that can be used in risk assessment. The presentation will include a summary of that
state of the science, challenges associated with this work and the criteria needed for
success. This work is part of the Cosmetics Europe Long Range Science Strategy Research
Program 2016-2020 with the goal of promoting approaches for safety assessments without
generating animal data.
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Mo-SY-F3.4
Assessment of co-exposures based on combination of TTC and specific data
Heli M Hollnagel, Dow Europe GmbH, Horgen, Switzerland
One of the areas of risk assessment which is most impacted by a lack of toxicological data
is the assessment of environmental co-exposures. Depending on how broad an analytical
setup is chosen, environmental samples contain dozens to hundreds of natural and
manmade chemicals. Especially for natural chemicals and metabolites of manmade
chemicals, toxicological data are scarce.
The objective of this talk is to show in which cases the Concept of the Thresholds of
Toxicological Concern (TTC) is a useful tool in human health risk assessment of co-
exposures, how the application of TTC influences the outcome of the assessment, and to
discuss which uncertainties are associated with the application of TTC in co-exposure risk
assessment.
Basic principles of co-exposure risk assessment will be introduced and case studies on non-
cancer repeated dose endpoints presented, comparing evaluations based on specific data,
TTC only, and a combination of both approaches. From such studies, it is determined that
the use of TTC in co-exposure risk assessment relies on conservative health protective
assumptions. It offers a pragmatic approach to a screening level assessment allowing the
identification of environmental co-exposures requiring further investigation also in the
absence of specific toxicity data on some or all components.
137
Mo-SY-F3.5
Development and application of a new TTC for oral exposure to proteins
Carrie Fleming, Dow AgroSciences, Indianapolis, IN, United States
Sabitha Papineni, Dow AgroSciences, Indianapolis, IN, United States
Amy Beasley, The Dow Chemical Co., Midland, MI, United States
Manoj Aggarwal, Dow AgroSciences, Abingdon, United Kingdom
The threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) concept is a valuable tool for risk assessment
of chemicals with low exposure potential, such as food contact materials or pesticide
impurities or metabolites. Because toxicological data on proteins was not included in the
original derivation of TTC values for the Cramer chemical classes, proteins are excluded
from current regulatory frameworks on TTC-based risk assessment. Dietary exposures to
regulated proteins, such as newly expressed proteins in genetically-modified (GM) crops,
are often very low, and would lend themselves well to TTC-based risk assessment
approaches. For instance, proteins in GM crops are often incorporated at very low
concentrations (often less than 500 ppm) in the plant and are destroyed by extreme
temperatures and pH used in food processing and preparation prior to consumption,
thereby limiting human exposure potential. Application of the TTC approach in such cases
could help to prioritize toxicological testing on proteins with higher exposure potential,
and to significantly reduce the number of animals used in the risk assessment and
registration of products containing new proteins. This presentation will present a review
of the information available for derivation of a TTC for proteins, describe the
development of such values, and provide examples of how this could be applied to reduce
the reliance on animal studies in the risk assessment of GM crops.
138
Mo-SY-G3: The role of analytical chemistry within exposure science.
Mo-SY-G3.1
Current analytical tools for wide-scope screening of organic pollutants in
environmental samples
Felix Hernandez, University Jaume I, Castellon, Spain
Lubertus Bijlsma, University Jaume I, Castellon, Spain
Maria Ibañez, University Jaume I, Castellon, Spain
Tania Portoles, University Jaume I, Castellon, Spain
Juan Vicente Sancho, University Jaume I, Castellon, Spain
The instrumental improvements and advances of high resolution mass spectrometry
(HRMS) has revolutionized modern analytical chemistry and notably increased applications
to environmental chemistry and exposure fields. In this work, we illustrate that recent
coupling of gas and liquid chromatography to HRMS, using analyzers such as QTOF and
Orbitrap. These hyphenated techniques have made the screening of large number of
organic pollutants in the environment possible. Using both chromatographic techniques
coupled to HRMS many different organic pollutants can be detected and identified with
high reliability, from volatile/non polar compounds to non-volatile/highly polar ones.
Different approaches can be applied, from non-target screening (discovery of unknowns)
to target screening (with our without reference standards). After identification of the
pollutants present in the samples, analytical efforts can then be directed towards the
most relevant compounds by applying target quantitative methods, commonly based on
tandem MS using triple quadrupole analyzers. Advantageously and thanks to the accurate-
mass full-spectrum acquisition, HRMS allows retrospective analysis i.e. searching for
additional compounds not considered in the initial analysis without the need of new
injections. Searching for metabolites and transformation products that share common
fragments with the parent molecule is another interesting possibility that may allow
discovering many compounds that otherwise would remain ignored in the analyses.
139
Mo-SY-G3.2
Wastewater based epidemiology: recent advances
Lubertus Bijlsma, University Jaume I, Castellon, Spain
Pim de Voogt, KWR Watercycle Research Institute, Nieuwegein, Netherlands
Sara Castiglioni, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan, Italy
Adrian Covaci, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
Erik Emke, KWR Watercycle Research Institute, Nieuwegein, Netherlands
Felix Hernandez, University Jaume I, Castellon, Spain
Barbara Kasprzyk-Hordern, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
Christoph Ort, Eawag aquatic research, Dübendorf, Switzerland
Malcolm Reid, NIVA, Oslo, Norway
Kevin Thomas, NIVA, Oslo, Norway
Alexander van Nuijs, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
Relevant real-time information about lifestyle habits, public health and wellbeing can be
obtained from the chemical analysis of urban wastewater. This approach, called
wastewater based epidemiology (WBE), uses the analysis of specific human metabolic
excretion products (biomarkers) in wastewater as an indicator of consumption or exposure
of the population served by the sewer network under investigation. WBE has successfully
been applied as suitable approach for the estimation of illicit drugs consumption, but it
has also been exploited to other lifestyle factors such as alcohol, nicotine, caffeine and
new psychoactive substances yielding satisfactory results. Its great potential also opens up
the possibility of expanding the application of WBE to other human biomarkers in order to
provide information about diet, health, disease or environment. For example by linking
exposure to substances present in the environment or in food with disease outcomes such
as higher prevalence of diabetes or cancer.
Chemical analysis of biomarkers in wastewater is the foundation of the WBE approach.
Advanced analytical techniques and expertise is required to obtain accurate quantitative
data. The generally low analyte concentrations in combination with the complexity and
unknown composition of the wastewater matrix may hamper not only the accurate
quantification but also sound identification. Hyphenation of chromatography with mass
spectrometry, commonly LC-MS/MS, is the best suited approach to obtain the sensitivity,
selectivity and identification requirements in chemical analysis directed towards WBE.
In this work we discuss the recent advances in WBE with emphasis on the analytical
aspects and difficulties encountered.
140
Mo-SY-G3.3
Application of LC-full scan HRMS for non-targeted measurement of urinary biomarkers
of exposure to modern pesticides
Hans Mol, RIKILT - Wageningen UR, Wageningen, Netherlands
Rosalie Nijssen, RIKILT - Wageningen UR, Wageningen, Netherlands
Paul Zomer, RIKILT - Wageningen UR, Wageningen, Netherlands
Background: human exposure to pesticides may occur through various routes, often
dominated by food consumption. Human biomonitoring is an alternative to monitoring of
residues in food and can bring added value for chemical risk assessment because it can
reduce the assumptions regarding consumption rates and it integrates exposures from
other sources (e.g. house-hold use) [1]. Most modern pesticides are rapidly metabolised
and excreted through urine, which is a frequently used non-invasive matrix for human
biomonitoring. Detection of biomarkers of exposure (typically metabolites) by targeted
analysis methods such as LC-MS/MS is often not possible because analytical reference
standards are not available. Non-targeted measurement by LC-full scan HRMS has
substantially improved in the past years in terms of sensitivity and selectivity and offers
improved possibilities to screen urine samples for pesticide biomarkers.
Objectives: development of a generic non-targeted method for the (tentative) detection
of biomarkers of exposure to modern pesticides.
Methods: for non-targeted measurement a LC-Q-Orbitrap system was used. Acquisition was
done using multiple scan events, to generate data with and without fragmentation (full
scan/vDIA). Measurement was performed in positive and negative mode in separate
injections. Urine samples were analysed with and without deconjugation, with
ultrafiltration as only clean up. The raw data were searched for biomarkers using an exact
mass database of ions of potential human metabolites. To demonstrate the feasibility of
the approach, urine samples were analysed from a volunteer before and after consumption
of strawberries known to contain multiple pesticides.
Results: through consumption of the strawberries, the volunteer was exposed to a cocktail
of seven pesticides, the amounts varied from 0.17 to 0.86 mg. Metabolites, were
tentatively detected in urine for five pesticides. In most cases, multiple metabolites were
detected. Deconjugation resulted in (enhanced) detection of the aglycon, supporting the
tentative detection of the conjugates. For three metabolites a reference standard was
available which allowed full confirmation. The detectability varied widely for the
different metabolites and ranged from 2 to 700 times the estimated LOD.
The results show that detection of pesticide biomarkers of exposure in urine by non-
targeted measurement is feasible, even without availability of reference standards.
Obviously, for full identification and quantitative analysis, a reference standard is
required. Information on the detectability aids in the selection of the best human
biomarker for synthesis of a standard.
[1] Choi J, Aarøe Mørck T, Polcher A, Knudsen LE, Joas A, 2014. EFSA supporting
publications 2015:EN-724. [321 pp.]
141
Mo-SY-G3.4
Suspect screening of REACH’s chemicals in environmental samples
Thomas Ter Laak, KWR watercycle research institute / Wageningen University,
Nieuwegein, Netherlands
Rosa Sjerps, KWR watercycle research institute, nieuwegein, Netherlands
Ton van Leerdam, KWR watercycle research institute, Nieuwegein, Netherlands
Theo Traas, RIVM, Bilthoven, Netherlands
Emiel Rorije, RIVM, Bilthoven, Netherlands
Annemarie van Wezel, KWR watercycle research institute /Utrecht University,
Nieuwegein, Netherlands
Over 310.000 chemical substances are registered and regulated via national and
international authorities globally, and new substances enter the market continuously. Most
of these chemicals are not monitored in the environment. Only 8% of the chemicals that
are produced in volumes over 1000 tons per year are part of Dutch monitoring and
screening programs and for chemicals with production volumes of 100-1000 tons, this
fraction is even lower (3%). For priority substances, monitored fractions are higher, but
still less than half is covered (22-47%). Chemicals’ legislation in the European Union aims
to control risks to humans and the environment to ensure safe use of chemicals. Currently,
the assessment of chemicals is based on the ratio of predicted environmental
concentrations (PEC) and predicted no effect concentrations (PNEC). The objective of this
study is to test if and how broad screening analyses of environmental samples can be
applied to provide additional information on occurrence of chemicals for further
evaluation or risk management.
Broad screening data of environmental samples obtained with liquid chromatography
coupled to high resolution accurate mass spectrometry [2] were matched with 2402
chemicals with 1846 unique elemental compositions. This matching can be considered
“suspect screening” [3]. The selected chemicals had production volumes of 100-1000 tons
or were part of priority lists. The selected samples consisted of nine surface waters and
effluents of wastewater treatment plants all sampled in spring and summer of 2014.
The appraoch resulted in 402 matching elemental compositions in the samples. The
matching elemental compositions of surface waters were qualitatively and quantitatively
different that the wastewater effluents (Figure 1). We were not able to identify the
observed suspects within the current study, but the applied screening approach can guide
further evaluation of chemicals by triggering in-depth studies of specific REACH dossiers as
well as further identification and quanntification efforts of the observed suspects.
142
Figure 1: Heat map of the presence of accurate masses corresponding to listed elemental
compositions in the different samples. Horizontally, samples from airport concentrate
(red), airport effluent (dark orange), industrial effluent (orange), communal eff
143
Mo-SY-G3.5
Application of Effect Directed Analysis to Identify Mutagenic Nitrogenous Disinfection
Byproducts of Advanced Oxidation Drinking Water Treatment
Annemieke Kolkman, KWR Watercycle Research Institute, Nieuwegein, Netherlands
Dennis Vughs, KWR Watercycle Research Institute, Nieuwegein, Netherlands
Kirsten Baken, KWR Watercycle Research Institute, Nieuwegein, Netherlands
Bram Martijn, PWN Technologies, Andijk, Netherlands
Annemarie van Wezel, KWR Watercycle Research Institute, Nieuwegein, Netherlands
Pim de Voogt, KWR Watercycle Research Institute, Nieuwegein, Netherlands
Advanced oxidation processes are important barriers for organic micropollutants (e.g.,
pharmaceuticals, pesticides) in (drinking) water treatment. Studies have indicated that
medium pressure (MP) UV/H2O2 treatment leads to a positive response in Ames
mutagenicity tests, which is then removed after granulated activated carbon (GAC)
filtration. The potentially mutagenic substances formed have been scarcely identified.
Earlier research showed that many substances result from the reaction of photolysis
products of nitrate with (photolysis products of) natural organic material (NOM).
Using an innovative approach to trace the formation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) of
MP UV water treatment, based on stable isotope labeled nitrate combined with high
resolution mass spectrometry, we showed that multiple nitrogen containing substances
were formed in artificial water during MP UV treatment. Part of these DBPs were also
detected in full scale water samples. In these samples, both chemical analysis and the
Ames fluctuation test showed an increased response after MP UV/H2O2 treatment. For 14
DBPs the structure of the N-DPB was elucidated using in silico fragmentation tools and
confirmed with analytical reference standards.
Further identification of the detected N-DBPs, using effect directed analysis to pinpoint
the source of the mutagenicity or individual testing of these substances in Ames tests,
would provide more insight into the relation of the N-DBPs with the observed
mutagenicity. To this end, fractions of MP UV treated and untreated water extracts were
prepared using preparative HPLC. These fractions were each concentrated and tested in
the Ames fluctuation test. In addition, high resolution mass spectrometry was performed
in all fractions to assess the presence of N-DBPs. After evaluating the results, a correlation
was observed between the detection of byproducts in the fractions and the mutagenic
response. Based on toxicity data and read across analysis, we could indicate five N-DBPs
that are potentially genotoxic and were present in relatively high concentrations in the
fractions in which mutagenicity was observed.
The results of this study offer opportunities to further evaluate the identity, potential
health concern and relevance for full scale drinking water treatment plants and varying
process conditions of N-DBPs formed during MP UV drinking water treatment.
144
Mo-SY-G3.6
Towards higher throughput in Effect-Directed Analysis: development of integrated
platforms for micro-fractionation, suspect screening libraries and non-target analysis
Marja Lamoree, Institute for Environmental Studies, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Aim: In the past decades, Effect-Directed Analysis (EDA) – in which chemical analytical
techniques are combined with (in vitro) bioassays to identify environmental contaminants
capable of causing adverse effects – has developed into a promising tool for the
identification of contaminants in various matrices such as sediment, surface and effluent
waters, indoor dust and samples from mammalian origin. EDA has a long tradition but
technological developments in the last decade have significantly contributed to the
maturation of EDA as a powerful approach for nontarget analysis. In the past, especially
the low throughput and the limited identification success rate have hampered the
acceptance of EDA. In this presentation, solutions will be presented for the realization of
higher throughput in EDA and compound identification.
Methods: LC and LCxLC fractionation strategies into ≥ 96 well plates were developed for
combination with miniaturized bioassays to improve the bioactivity-to-identity correlation.
For evaluation and interpretation of the high resolution ToF-MS data, dedicated suspect
screening lists aiming at either a specific toxicological endpoint (e.g. thyroid hormone
disruption) or a specific matrix (e.g. indoor dust) were designed to maximize the
identification success rate.
Results: The composition of complex environmental samples covering a wide range of
matrices such as waste water treatment plant (WWTP) effluents, indoor dust and dryer
lint was unraveled using 1D-LC and 2D-LC fractionation in combination with bioassays for
assessment of acetylcholinesterase inhibition and thyroid hormone disruption. For toxicant
identification, a compound library containing thousands of chemicals known for their use
in consumer products was used.
Conclusions: The implementation of comprehensive LCxLC coupled to ToF-MS adds another
dimension to nontarget analysis and EDA by the inclusion of the double confirmation of
compound/suspect retention times in the orthogonal separation system. The 2D-LC system
was successfully used for high resolution fractionation into 4x96 or 384 well plates and
bioassay testing in parallel with ToF-MS. Environmental contaminants were identified
according to their accurate masses and isotopic patterns, and further confirmed by two
dimensional retention alignment as well as their bioactivities in the assay. From the
perspective of human exposure assessment, depending on their distribution and fate in the
indoor and outdoor environment, these compounds may become of interest for future
inclusion in human biomonitoring programmes.
145
Mo-SY-H3: Aggregate exposure assessment of contact allergens in consumer
products
Mo-SY-H3.1
Aggregate Exposure to Contact Allergens: Application of a Method of Quantitative Risk
Assessment
Christiaan Delmaar, RIVM, bilthoven, Netherlands
Bas Bokkers, RIVM, bilthoven, Netherlands
Martine Bakker, RIVM, bilthoven, Netherlands
Janine Ezendam, RIVM, Bilthoven, Netherlands
Background
Users of consumer products may come in contact with skin sensitizing substances
contained in these products. In case the sensitizing substance is included in multiple
products, the risk of dermal sensitization depends not only on the sensitization potential
of a single product, but rather on the total (aggregate) exposure of all product exposures
combined. Risk assessment of aggregate dermal exposure to a sensitizing substance is
hampered by the fact that the processes of the induction of skin sensitization are not fully
understood. A method for quantitative risk assessment (QRA) was proposed by (Api et al.,
2008), but this method is currently being revised.
Aim
Application of the QRA method to aggregate consumer risk assessment is not
straightforward. It will be discussed how the QRA can be combined with an aggregate
consumer exposure assessment tool (the Probabilistic Aggregate Consumer Exposure Model
(PACEM)) to assess risk of skin sensitization in a population.
Methods
As an exemplifying case, the method was applied to the risk assessment of geraniol, a
fragrance present in cosmetics and household cleaning agents. Dermal sensitization
studies were assessed to derive the point of departure needed for the estimation of the
Acceptable Exposure Level (AEL). Using monte carlo simulation, information on product
concentrations was combined with product use data to assess aggregate dermal exposure
to geraniol in a population. Comparing the dermal aggregate exposure with the AEL, the
fraction of the population at risk was determined.
Results
In this particular example it is shown that a range of 0.02–0.86% of the population may
have an aggregated exposure which exceeds the acceptable exposure level. Furthermore,
it is demonstrated that personal care products contribute more to the consumer's geraniol
exposure compared to household cleaning agents.
References
A. Api, et al. Dermal sensitization quantitative risk assessment (QRA) for fragrance
ingredients. Regul. Toxicol. Pharmacol., 52 (2008), pp. 3–23
146
Mo-SY-H3.2
Individual-based aggregate exposure assessment for isothiazolinones in cosmetics:
Exposure factors and a calculation strategy for sensitizers
Elena Garcia Hidalgo, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
Natalie von Goetz, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
Konrad Hungerbuehler, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
Background:
Consumers regularly use household care and personal care products (HPCP), so that it is
necessary to ensure a high level of safety for the consumption of these products.
Cosmetics and household ingredients are rarely aggregated, because they are subject to
different regulations and information on the use of household cleaners is scarce. However,
especially preservatives, like e.g. isothiazolinones, are present in both product groups,
because they are used to preserve water-containing consumer products. Therefore, it is
important that the aggregate exposure assessment for such preservatives comprises both
cosmetics and household cleaning products.
Isothiazolinones are known skin sensitizers, i.e. they penetrate the skin and interact with
the skin proteins, triggering, under specific circumstances, an allergic contact dermatitis.
Dermal exposure to sensitizers is dependent on the nature, frequency, area and duration
of contact between consumer products and skin.
Objectives:
The aim of this study is to estimate aggregate human exposure to four isothiazolinones
(Methylisothiazolinone, Chloromethyisothiazolinone, Benzisothizolinone, and
Octylisothiazolinone) that are found in many HPCPs, which are often concurrently used by
the same consumer.
Methods:
Skin sensitization is induced following dermal exposure to a sensitizer in an amount
exceeding the sensitization threshold. The critical determinant of exposure for evaluating
skin sensitization risks is dose per unit area of exposed skin, i.e. a model should be applied
that aggregates exposure per body site.
Our dermal exposure model is based upon consumer use and co-use patterns and
isothiazolinone concentration data for HPCP. The former were determined by a postal
questionnaire in Switzerland, which included children and adolescents, providing for the
first time in Europe information regarding cleaning products combined with personal care
products. For relevant products, not only use frequency was inquired, but also which body
parts were treated. Isothiazolinones were analysed in HPCP that were frequently used by
the survey respondents.
Results:
Around 50% of the analysed household cleaning products contained isothazolinones. In
cosmetic products, and particularily in leave-on products, the percentage is much smaller.
Individual-based aggregate exposure was estimated by combining the reported individual
use patterns with the isothiazolinone concentrations in the products used by the individual
person and the contributions of cosmetics and household cleaners were compared. For
each isothiazolinone we provide realistic distributions of exposure for specific body parts
of both genders and across all age groups. The exposure factors and calculation strategies
developed in this study can serve as a basis for exposure assessments to other sensitizing
substances.
147
148
Mo-SY-H3.3
Aggregate Exposure Assessment for Skin Sensitizing Fragrances: Using an Aggregate
Exposure Model to Assign Maximum Concentration Levels.
Cian O' Mahony, Creme Global, Dublin, Ireland
Anne Marie Api, RIFM, New Jersey, United States
Consumers are routinely exposed to fragrance materials in personal care products and
cosmetics, which can potentially give rise to allergenic reactions and skin sensitization.
Determining a safe level of a fragrance in personal care products and cosmetics requires
consideration of a number of different factors, for which detailed data is often required in
order to avoid worst case assumptions. In a population of consumers, different application
sites are exposed to different combinations of products, which in turn are used in
different amounts with varying levels of fragrances in the products themselves. Accurately
accounting for this variability is necessary to accurately determine exposure, requiring
probabilistic modelling and large data sets of consumer habits and practices. At the same
time, a practically applicable method is needed that be used to set a maximum
concentration of a fragrance material in a range of products when the No Expected
Sensitisation Induction Level (NESIL) is known, along with the appropriate Safety
Assessment Factors (SAFs) for different combinations of products and application sites
(amongst others).
The Creme RIFM aggregate exposure model is now routinely used for the safety assessment
of fragrance materials currently on the market, and is capable of assessing dermal
exposure to fragrance materials in consumer populations for all major product application
sites. This model has recently be applied in the Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) of
fragrance materials to derive a set of adjustment factors that can be used to set safe
concentrations of fragrance materials in cosmetics and personal care products which take
aggregate exposure into account. This presents a convenient and robust methodology for
setting maximum allowable concentrations of fragrances in products that can be easily
applied, includes consideration of aggregate exposure, and is protective of consumer risk
to skin sensitization.
149
Mo-SY-H3.4
Estimating Aggregate Dermal Exposure to Preservatives for Skin Sensitization
Quantitative Risk Assessment.
Sarah Tozer, Procter & Gamble, Egham, Surrey, United Kingdom
Jane Rose, Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Cian O' Mahony, Creme Global, Dublin, Ireland
Cindy Ryan, Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Petra Kern, Procter & Gamble, Brussels, Belgium
Background: Aggregate exposure assessment should use a tiered approach that is iterative.
If, in any tier, negligible or acceptable risk cannot be demonstrated, the assessment
moves to a higher tier. The risk assessment is finished if (in any tier of the approach) it
has been demonstrated that the risk for the population under consideration is negligible or
acceptable, or if in the highest tier the risk is not acceptable and further refinements are
not possible. This approach is becoming standard for systemic exposure assessments, and
is here considered for aggregate dermal exposure assessment for the purpose of skin
sensitization quantitative risk assessment.
Objectives: The aim of this study is to apply a tiered approach to the aggregate dermal
exposure assessment of the preservatives benzyl alcohol in cosmetic and personal care
products, and to assess the impact on quantitative risk assessment of skin sensitisation, by
comparing the exposures to the weight of evidence (WoE) No Expected Sensitization
Induction Level (NESIL) considering the appropriate safety assessment factors (SAF).
Methods: At the low tier, maximum concentrations of benzyl alcohol when used as a
preservative were assumed, and simplistic deterministic additions calculated per body
part providing an overly conservative risk assessment, due to some of the exposure
assumptions. At the high tier, more complex exposure datasets were modelled using the
subject oriented Creme Care and Cosmetics aggregate exposure tool to refine the data,
including co-use data and product composition data (such as presence probability),
providing more realistic population estimates of exposure.
Results: Results are shown for estimated dermal exposure (expressed as μg/cm2/day) for
key body parts where different product types are applied, for the low and high tiers, and
the impact on risk assessment is shown. In addition to providing a refined assessment of
dermal (local/topical) total benzyl alcohol exposure, this work can be used as a case study
on how to approach future dermal aggregate exposure questions for skin sensitization
quantitative risk assessment.
150
Mo-SY-H3.5
Aggregate exposure assessment to contact allergens from essential oil consumption– A
loophole in the risk assessment?
Nicolas DORNIC, LERCCO (laboratoire d'évaluation du rsique chimique pour le
consommateur - Laboratory of chemical risk assessement for the consumer), brest, France
Anne-Sophie FICHEUX, LERCCO (laboratoire d'évaluation du risque chimique pour le
consommateur - Laboratory of chemical risk assessment for the consumer), Brest, France
Audrey BERNARD, LERCCO (laboratoire d'évalation du risqu chimique pour le
consommateur - Laboratory of chemical risk assessement for the consumer), Brest, France
Gregoire CHEVILLOTTE, LERCCO (laboratoire d'évalation du risqu chimique pour le
consommateur - Laboratory of chemical risk assessement for the consumer), Brest, France
Alain-Claude ROUDOT, LERCCO (laboratoire d'évaluation du rsqiue chimique pour le
consommateur - Laboratory of chemical risk assessment for the consumer), Brest, France
To date, risk assessment on skin sensitization is based on a quantitative risk assessment,
also known as the « QRA » method. The current scientific consensus is to take into account
cumulative exposure, especially resulting from the consumption of personal care products
to assess the Consumer Exposure Level. However, raw aromatherapy products, i.e.
essential oils, although as being applied voluntarily on the skin by consumers are not taken
into account, due to the lack of knowledge on their consumption and the relative lack of
regulation. Our previous consumption survey revealed that a significant part of the French
population is exposed to essential oils and that consumption per dermal route might be an
important source of co-exposure for contact allergens.
The aim of our study was to determine the allergenic substances composing essential oils,
both qualitatively and quantitatively, in order to better understand the risks of
sensitization due to the consumption of aromatherapy products.
By crossing chromatography data available in the literature and the recent list of the
Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety of established contact allergens in humans, we
developed a database compiling more than 500 compositions of 11 different types of
essential oils intended to be applied on the skin.
Our results revealed that 6 established contact allergens are systematically found in
essential oils, i.e. limonene, linalool, pinenes, terpinolenes, α-terpineol and β-
caryophyllene. As a consequence, aromatherapy can be considered as a source of co-
exposure as such for some allergens. Not taking into account exposure from aromatherapy
could be thus a loophole in the risk assessment. Moreover, two allergens present in
essential oils, i.e. limonene and linalool are found as the most occurring allergens that are
required to be labelled in cosmetics. Although these are considered as weak sensitizers
both by the International Fragrance Association and the Research Institute for Fragrance
Materials, the prevalence of allergy could be more the result of the daily consumption of
these types of products more than the inherent potency of these molecules to cause skin
sensitization. The consumption of aromatherapy combined with cosmetics could be thus of
concern regarding skin sensitization.
151
Mo-PL-I3: Risk Assessment
Mo-PL-I3.1
A conceptual framework to support exposure science research and complete the
source-to-outcome continuum for risk assessment
Justin Teeguraden, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington, United
States
Yu-Mei Tan, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, NC, United States
Stephen Edwards, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, NC, United States
Peter Egeghy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, NC, United States
Jeremy Leonard, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN, United
States
Kim Anderson, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Corvallis, OR,
United States
Richard Corley, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, United States
Anna Harding, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
Molly Kile, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
Staci Simonich, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
Dave Stone, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
Robert TanguayOregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
Katrina Waters, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, United States
Stacey Harper, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
David Williams, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
Jennifer Orme-Zavaleta,U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, NC, United
States
Tina Bahadori, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, NC, United States
Driven by major scientific advances in analytical methods, biomonitoring, computational
tools, and a newly articulated vision for a greater impact in public health, the field of
exposure science is undergoing a rapid transition from a field of observation to a field of
prediction. A necessary element of this evolved paradigm is an organizational and
predictive framework for exposure science that is analogous to the “systems-based
approaches” used in the biological sciences. To enable such a “systems-based approach”,
we proposed the “Aggregate Exposure Pathway (AEP)” concept to organize data and
information emerging from an invigorated and expanding field of exposure science. The
AEP framework is a layered structure that describes the elements of an exposure pathway,
as well as the relationship between those elements. The AEP has similar elements of the
Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) in that the basic building blocks of an AEP retain the
naming conventions used for AOPs: Key Events (KEs) to describe the measurable, obligate
steps through the AEP; and Key Event Relationships (KERs) describe the linkages between
KEs. The AEP offers an intuitive approach to organize exposure information from sources
to internal site of action, setting the stage for forecasting exposure at an internal target
site. We envision the AEP as a natural and complementary companion in exposure science
to the Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) concept used in the toxicological sciences. The
direct link between AEPs and AOPs will complete the source to outcome continuum to
support more efficient integration of exposure science and toxicity testing information.
152
Together, the AEP and AOP frameworks form and inform a decision-making framework
with the flexibility for risk-based, hazard-based, and exposure-based decision making.
Aggregate Exposure Pathway Framework Integration with Adverse Outcome Pathway
Framework
153
Mo-PL-I3.2
Comparative Analysis of Human Biomonitoring Values and Health-Based Guidance
Values Used in Risk Assessment of Chemicals in Food: An Update
Judy Choi, BiPRO GmbH, Munich, Germany
Lisbeth E. Knudsen, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Djibouti
Anke Joas, BiPRO GmbH, Munich, Germany
Aim: In risk assessment, authorities generally use toxicological/epidemiological data to
derive health-based guidance values (HBGVs), such as acceptable/tolerable daily intake
and reference doses, to control potential risks from dietary intake, but there is
uncertainty on the reliability of these exposure estimates. Human biomonitoring (HBM) is
an ideal tool to measure human body burden, which reflects internal exposure in an
individual or a population group. HBM allows the establishment of reference values (RVs),
defined as the 95th population percentile along with the 95% confidence interval of a
substance’s concentration, which provide valuable information about body burden at a
certain point of time but do not inform directly about potential health risks or exceedance
of HBGVs. In order to translate measured body burdens into HBGVs and allow
interpretation of HBM data in a risk context, the German HBM Commission and experts
from the USA develop health-relevant biomonitoring values such as HBM-values and
biomonitoring equivalents (BEs), respectively. The aim of this work is to provide the most
current analysis on the overlaps and non-overlaps among HBGVs, RVs, HBM-values and BEs
of chemicals with potential dietary sources.
Method: National HBM programmes were reviewed for RVs for the general population of
environmental chemicals potentially taken up by humans via the food chain. Next, HBGVs
established by the World Health Organisation (WHO), European Food Safety Authority
(EFSA) and US’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), HBM-values and BEs for these
chemicals were identified. The collected data were then compiled to determine the
degree of overlaps and non-overlaps among the four values.
Results: We identified a total of 168 RVs, 12 HBM-values, 21 BEs and 191 HBGVs for
environmental chemicals related to the food chain (see Figure). Metals such as cadmium
and mercury, some phthalates and bisphenol A are some of the few chemicals that have
RVs, HBM-values/BEs and HBGVs. Otherwise, there remain significant non-overlaps among
these values, especially between RVs and HBGVs. This primary reason behind these non-
overlaps is due to lack of HBM data on several classes of pesticides and mycotoxins or
insufficient toxicological/epidemiological data to derive HBGVs.
Conclusions: This work demonstrates a current obstacle in the efficient use of HBM in risk
assessment. Priorities for future method development to improve the applicability of HBM
in food risk assessment are warranted.
Acknowledgement: We would like to thank EFSA for funding this project. More outcomes
from this project can be found in a EFSA supporting publication (2015:EN-724).
154
Figure: Venn diagram showing the overlaps and non-overlaps among HBM-established
reference values (RVs), HBM-values, biomonitoring equivalents (BEs) and health-based
guidance values (HBGVs) established by the authorities.
155
Mo-PL-I3.3
Rapid Environmental Assessment of Pesticide-Contaminated Sites – An Expert System
For Effective Preliminary Risk Assessment With Limited Resources
John Keith, Pure Earth, New York, United States
Bret Ericson, Pure Earth, New York, United States
Barbara Jones, Pure Earth, New York, United States
Nick Albergo, Pure Earth, New York, United States
Petr Sharov, Pure Earth, New York, United States
Jack Caravanos, Pure Earth, New York, United States
Russell Dowling, Pure Earth, New York, New York, United States
Misuse and spillage of pesticides related to poor storage and handling practices has
resulted in pesticide-contaminated sites in countries throughout the world. Many of these
sites present significant public health risks, particularly where persistent pesticides were
released in or close to populated areas. Many sites are in low- and moderate-income
countries, where resources for investigation and remediation of sites are often limited,
and access to technical expertise is inadequate. There is a need to perform effective
preliminary risk assessment of sites at a low cost in such countries to allow decision-
makers to prioritize resources for sites representing the most significant public health risk.
Pure Earth, under contract from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO),
developed an expert system that facilitates risk assessment of small- to medium-sized
pesticide contaminated sites using limited resources. This Rapid Environmental
Investigation (REA) system uses investigation methods that can be easily taught to
investigators with limited experience in the field, but who are scientifically literate. The
system incorporates available GIS data and other information about sites into a common
database to enable efficient investigations. Trained investigators then perform
investigations, typically in 2 days or less in the field and employ only a few analytical
samples. The system is computer-based such that it can be loaded on laptop computers,
and includes quality control protocols. The products of the system are 1) a database of
information about sites including risk-relevant factors, and 2) semi-quantitative risk scores
based on algorithms developed by experts in risk assessment, assuring consistency of risk
assessments. Scores are developed for risks related to sources (amount and hazard of
pesticides released); pathways (migration to populated areas and exposure routes); and
receptors (number (and age) of people potentially exposed and severity of exposure.)
The REA system was first developed for Vietnam then modified and expanded in 2014 and
2015 for use in former Soviet Union countries as part of a larger FAO pesticide initiative.
Experience there demonstrated the effectiveness of the program and its potential for use
elsewhere in the world. In 2016 the system was introduced in Cameroon. The system has
been favorably received by government agencies in numerous countries, and the results of
the REA investigations have enabled effective prioritization of pesticide-contaminated
sites for further detailed investigation and risk management plan development.
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Mo-PL-I3.4
Human Biomonitoring of Endocrine-disrupting Phthalates Exposure in Children and
Cumulative Risk Assessment
Maryam Zare Jeddi, Institute for Environmental Research (IER), Tehran University of
Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Noushin Rastkari, Institute for Environmental Research, Tehran University of Medical
Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Reza Ahmadkhaniha, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences,
Tehran, Iran
Masud Yunesian, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran,
Iran
Background: Phthalates are a group of environmental endocrine disruptors and have been
ubiquitously applied in a multitude of common consumer products. Through contact with
such products in daily life, people are frequently exposed to phthalates, which are
suspected to contribute to adverse health effects, particularly in the reproductive system
as "phthalate syndrome". However, limited information is available on phthalate exposure
and its associated cumulative risk among school age children.
Method: In the present study, one spot urine sample was collected from 56 healthy
children and adolescents (range 6–17yrs). Five major urinary phthalate metabolites (mono
butyl phthalate (MBP), monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP), mono(2-ethyl-hexyl) phthalate
(MEHP), mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP), and mono-(2-ethyl-5-
oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP)) of three parent phthalates were analyzed by gas
chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Daily intake of phthalates was estimated
using urine metabolite levels, extrapolating to ingest ‘dose’ using the creatinine
correction approach. Based on the calculated daily intakes derived from urinary
metabolite levels and acceptable levels of exposure for each individual phthalate, a
cumulative risk assessment was performed for the anti-androgenic phthalates di-(2-
ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and butylbenzyl phthalate (BBzP)
related to the Reference Dose for Anti-Androgenicity (RfD AA).
Results: The analyzed metabolites were detected in almost all urine samples, and this
shows that children are simultaneously exposed to multiple phthalates. The median
concentrations of MBP, MBzP and the sums of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate metabolites
(∑DEHPm) were 42.87, 2.2 and 35.36 µg/L, respectively. Girls were more exposed than
boys. Among the phthalate metabolites determined, concentration of ∑DEHPm was the
highest, with respective maximum concentration of 108.9 µg/L. The estimated daily
intakes of DEHP, DBP, and BBzP were 16.42, 1.6, and 0.11 μg/kgbw-day, respectively. The
execution of a cumulative risk assessment for combined phthalate exposure demonstrated
that the HI was 85% RfDAAs (HI=0.6) in school age children, which might constitute to the
risk of anti-androgenic effect during puberty, which is a sensitive stage regarding
hormonal changes and the development of reproductive organs. Exposures to DEHP are
major contributors to cumulative exposure to the phthalates assessed, thus to the overall
hazard index.
Although on the basis of this study's results children exposure didn't exceed the reference
values, it needs to be considered that children are exposed to other various environmental
chemicals as endocrine disrupters/anti-androgens. However, taking attention to
cumulative risk assessment of phthalates – and other chemicals with same endpoint and
mechanism is recommended.
157
158
Mo-PL-I3.5
The future of risk assessment and toxicity testing for chemical mixtures – Report from
the EFSA-RIVM Symposium 18-19 May 2016
Jacob Van Klaveren, RIVM, Bilthoven, Netherlands
Stef Bronzwaer, EFSA, Parma, Italy
Jean-Lou Dorne, EFSA, Parma, Italy
Caroline Merten, EFSA, Parma, Italy
Bernadette Ossendorp, RIVM, Bilthoven, Netherlands
Tobin Robinson, EFSA, Parma, Italy
Every day, we are exposed to a mixture of substances via food, the air and our skin. Much
progress has been made in developing methods for assessing the risk to public health of
such exposure to multiple chemicals. EFSA and the Dutch National Institute for Public
Health and the Environment (RIVM) will hold a symposium in May that aims to present and
discuss the state of the art of such methods.
Currently, test strategies for assessing the safety of chemicals consider one compound at a
time. Such strategies depend heavily on animal testing. We face two inter-related
problems: 1) there is no efficient test strategy for mixtures; and 2) we need to develop a
new test strategy that will meet public demands to reduce animal testing. Scientific
experts, risk assessors and risk managers have been supporting research programmes to
further develop and improve new methodologies for mixture testing.
EFSA, supported by RIVM and other European partners, has taken a major step forward in
its work on assessing the risks from exposure to multiple pesticides, and implementation
of these risk assessment methodologies is ongoing at EFSA and at the European
Commission. However, further work is still needed to continue to refine the methodologies
and to apply them to other groups of substances (e.g. metals and other contaminants).
Against this background, RIVM and EFSA are organising an international symposium to
reflect on the state of play in research with regard to the risk assessment of chemical
mixtures. The meeting will bring together Dutch researchers, scientists, stakeholders and
policy-makers, and their European and international peers to discuss scientific progress in
the field of evaluating exposure to mixtures of pesticides and to address new challenges in
mixture testing for a broad range of chemicals. The aim is to report on scientific progress
in the whole area of chemical mixture risk assessment and to discuss the feasibility and
prioritisation for future testing in Europe and beyond.
Symposium topics
• The state of play regarding implementation of cumulative risk assessment of
pesticides in Europe
• Enhancing knowledge on efficient toxicity testing of chemical mixtures while
reducing animal testing
• How new testing technology will improve understanding of mixture toxicity and
human risk assessment
At ISES 2016, the outcome of the symposium that will take place on 18 + 19 May will be
presented.
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160
Mo-PL-I3.6
Assessing Exposure Risks from Synthetic Biology
Andrew Gillespie, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle park, NC,
United States
Mark Bagley, US Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Advancing knowledge and technology in applied genetic engineering are causing an
exponential growth in development of new synthetic biology applications with potentially
significant beneficial impacts on human well-being. Examples include the potential to
reengineer mosquitos to eliminate infectious diseases such as malaria and Zika; to
reengineer algae to produce high-efficiency carbon-neutral biofuels; to design bacteria
capable of metabolizing and remediating hazardous waste and spills; and to build new
organisms to produce pharmaceuticals and commercial chemicals. The trajectory of
technological advancement is to move past current Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
into a realm of entirely de novo organisms containing DNA which has never before existed.
New applications for this technology are emerging rapidly, presenting an urgent and
growing need for new tools and methods to evaluate the risks of human and ecological
exposure to never-before-seen organisms. Our current analytical toolkit was designed for
simpler technology and a slower rate of development of new applications. Newer
technologies enable simple editing of existing genomes to add, delete, or change current
genetic traits in a single generation, which is greatly increasing the number of new
organisms and applications available for evaluation and use. There is a concomitant
growing number of applications by businesses who want to commercialize these advances,
requiring government regulators to increase their throughput in evaluating such
applications for potential adverse outcomes.
Understanding and managing exposure risk in such a new and complex field of biology will
require a wide array of traditional exposure science disciplines such as molecular biology,
ecology, epidemiology, and informatics, and will require the integration of disciplines
which may not have historically been engaged as much in exposure science, such as
genetic and chemical engineering and lifecycle analysis.
The US is currently updating a Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology
to guide how US federal agencies charged with regulating synthetic biology will balance
the different objectives of developing promising technologies while managing risks to
protect human health and the environment. The challenge is made more complex because
the regulatory framework must exist within a legal framework which has not kept up with
the fast pace of change in the science and technology. Development of improved
frameworks and methods for characterizing and assessing synthetic biology exposure
pathways and risks would be of substantial help and interest to policymakers working in
this rapidly changing field.
161
Mo-SY-A4: The Children's Health Exposure Analysis Resource
Mo-SY-A4.1
Accelerating Child Health Exposure Research with the CHEAR Data Center
Patricia Kovatch, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United
States
Deborah L. McGuinness, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, United States
Chris Gennings, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United
States
Susan L. Teitelbaum, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York,
United States
The United States’ National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences has established an
infrastructure, the Children’s Health Exposure Analysis Resource (CHEAR), to provide the
extramural research community access to laboratory and statistical analyses aimed at
adding or expanding the inclusion of environmental exposures in their research. The
CHEAR project is a $50 million multiunit infrastructure composed of a coordinating center,
a network of laboratories and a data center tasked to provide researchers access to
comprehensive exposure assessment for NIH funded studies of children’s health. The
CHEAR Data Repository, Analysis and Science Center (Data Center) is located at the Icahn
School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in collaboration with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in
New York. The goal of the data center is to catalyze new scientific insight from the co-
location, integration and advanced statistical and data science analysis of multimodal data
sets. The data center provides the intellectual and logistical support for the validation,
interpretation, curation, and maximum reuse of data generated by the laboratory
network. We aim to provide access to tools and services that incorporate and extend
exposure analysis on an exposome scale (i.e., to study complex environmental influences
on health) by providing a strong data, knowledge, and analytic infrastructure. We are
developing semantic infrastructure for support in consistent modeling, unambiguous
interpretation, and enhanced integration. For the investigators that utilize CHEAR for
studies of children’s environmental health using the data generated within and outside the
network, the Data Center provides: 1) data repository and management; 2) statistical
consultation and analysis services; 3) collaborative research support; 4) statistical and
analytical methods development; and 5) data science resources, including semantic
infrastructure and services powered by a family of child health exposure ontologies. In this
presentation, we will discuss the opportunities for advancing the study of early life
environmental exposures and later life health consequences with advanced statistical and
data science approaches including the use of knowledge graphs and ontologies. We will
also review our initial lessons learned from building the data repository and developing its
accompanying policies for data sharing.
162
Mo-SY-A4.2
Interlaboratory Harmonization and External Quality Assessment for Quantifying Toxic
Metals/Metalloids in Human Body Fluids
Patrick Parsons, New York State Dept of Health, Albany, NY, United States
Aubrey Galusha, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, United States
Background:
A key goal of the NIEHS Children’s Health Exposure Analysis Resource (CHEAR) is to provide
the extramural research community with access to analyses for toxic metals/metalloids in
children’s body fluids. The analytical data produced by the six CHEAR hub laboratories
need to be accurate, precise, traceable to international standards, and possess a high
degree of inter-laboratory agreement. Well-validated, sensitive analytical methods are
required to achieve reliable results for toxic metals/metalloids in body fluids at trace and
ultra-trace levels.
Aim
The primary objective of the current project was to establish CHEAR laboratory method
validity for toxic metals/metalloids against international reference materials, and to
organize ongoing assessments of CHEAR laboratory performance.
Methods
Initial validation was based on analyses of NIST Standard Reference Materials (SRM) for
toxic metals/metalloids in blood (SRM955c Toxic Metals in Caprine Blood) and urine (SRM
2668/3668 Toxic Elements in Frozen Human Urine). Thereafter, CHEAR laboratories
participated in a special proficiency test (PT) event for trace elements in whole blood,
serum and urine, based on 5 levels of archived samples provided by the Wadsworth
Center.
Results and Conclusions
Data were analyzed from 6 CHEAR laboratories for Pb (Fig 1), Cd, Hg and As in 955c, and
up to 20 elements in 2668/3668. Results provided important information on assay accuracy
(compared to NIST values), intra-laboratory precision, inter-laboratory precision, and
internal quality assurance (IQA) practices. Results for PT samples were reported for up to
25 elements in urine, and 24 elements in whole blood and serum. At low levels, the bias
for blood Pb in 955c (0.424 µg/dL) ranged from +20.5% to –6.4%, while within-lab precision
varied from 3.8 – 17% RSD. For blood As, the “true” value may be lower than NIST’s
“reference” value (2.07 µg/L). All six laboratories reported values for urinary As (2668)
but only two were within NIST’s stated uncertainty. Detection limits and IQA practices
varied by orders of magnitude among laboratories. The data reported for Pb, Cd, Hg and
As in blood/urine were graded based on the NY State Department of Health criteria. Most
results were judged satisfactory for urinary As, Pb, Cd and Hg, and for Cd and Pb in blood.
One lab stated that 3/5 urinary Hg values exceeded their calibration range. Blood As
proved a more challenging assay, with only 2/4 labs achieving satisfactory results. Only 3
laboratories reported analyzing serum and of those, only two achieved satisfactory scores
for Cu and Se.
163
Analysis of NIST SRM 955c-level 1 certified for blood Pb at 0.424 µg/dL (±0.011 U): mean
values reported by 6 CHEAR labs. error bars = within-lab uncertainty (U)
164
Mo-SY-A4.3
Quality Assurance Testing and Harmonization of Analysis of Organic Chemicals for
CHEAR
Dana Barr, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
Andrea Hjerpe, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
One of the goals of the Children’s Health Exposure Assessment Resource (CHEAR)
laboratory hubs is to is to provide analytic tools for researchers to estimate exposure to
targeted toxic chemicals which may affect children’s health. The six CHEAR hub
laboratory have a variety of capabilities to measure organic chemicals ranging from
environmental toxicants such as phthalates to endogenous biomarkers. A series of working
groups were established including members from the six laboratory hubs which were
tasked with various aspects of the CHEAR program such as data reporting standards and
quality assurance (QA). One of the first tasks of the QA working group for targeted
chemicals was to evaluate the baseline agreement of the six laboratory hubs for the
organic chemical classes of phthalates, pesticides and tobacco biomarkers. NIST SRMs
3672 and 3673 were used as accuracy bases. Further, a set of five individual, unspiked
urine pools were developed and distributed to the laboratory hubs. A data reporting
template was developed and all laboratories were asked to analyze each pooled sample
and NIST SRM material in triplicate then to export these data to the Data Coordinating
Center secure sharefile site. This presentation will detail the baseline evaluation process,
results and will provide our plans for moving forward with laboratory analyses.
165
Mo-SY-A4.4
Integration of Targeted, Untargeted, and Biological Response Data
Robert Wright, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States
With rapid technological advances in genomics have come large-scale studies examining
the genetic etiology of complex diseases. Although genome-wide association studies
revealed genetic factors and biological networks that advanced our understanding of
biology, it is increasingly recognized that the new morbidities of childhood (complex
diseases such as asthma, autism, metabolic syndrome, etc) are largely not genetic, but
instead reflect interactions between genetic susceptibility and environmental toxins or
stressors. Unlike the genome, which is static, environmental exposures and our biological
response to exposure changes at each life stage, and this variability in response must be
factored in to our research. The exposome framework considers multiple exposures (e.g.,
chemicals, dietary intake/nutrition, social stressors), the biological and/or physiological
response to exposure and how these processes change by life stage. Developmental
programming results from toxicant-induced shifts in a number of molecular, cellular, and
physiological processes and their interacting systems. Environmental toxicants affect many
overlapping biological response processes including immune response/inflammation,
response to reactive oxygen species, hormonal metabolism (sex steroids, hypothalamic-
pituitary-adrenal axis), autonomic reactivity, DNA damage response, epigenetic
alterations, & mitochondrial function Understanding the life stage during which exposure
affects health ( i.e. susceptibility windows) can also inform the underlying biology.
If we are to understand the exposome's role in biology, we must develop methods to link it
to biology. Logical integrations of untargeted, targeted and biological response data could
take several forms depending on the nature of the study question, the nature of the
biological response data, the nature of the exposure data and the research design. One
approach would be analogous to genomics in which untargeted assays are rank ordered
with respect to health outcomes in a research discovery stage. The top ranked “hits”
would then be addressed either singly or as a mixture in a replication stage. Biological
response data, such as DNA methylomics, could then be integrated as a mediator of the
top hit chemicals or their mixture. This “genomics like” approach however does not factor
in exposure timing. Because effects of exposure vary by life stage, future research will
need to address the likelihood of multiple “discovery stages” to explore the role of
exposomic data with epigenomic or other "omic" like response data. This means there will
be different sets of top hits for each life stage. Replication research will be likewise multi-
dimensional. The ability of temporally resolved exposure biomarkers or models to address
these complexities will be discussed.
166
Mo-SY-A4.5
Multi-laboratory Harmonization of Untargeted Exposomic Analyses
Susan Sumner, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States
The NIEHS Children's Exposure Analysis Resource (CHEAR) has established six laboratories
in the United States to serve as analytical hubs. These analytical hubs use a wide variety
of sample preparation, chromatography, NMR, Mass Spectrometry, and data analysis
approaches for the detection and quantitation of endogenous and exogenous compounds in
biospecimens. This presentation will provide a overview of the different methods being
used by these analytical hubs, and highlight our approaches to achieve multi-platform and
multi-laboratory harmonization of metabolomics for the analysis of both endogenous and
xenobiotic compounds in biological samples.
167
Mo-SY-B4: New Biomarkers for Human Biological Monitoring in Occupational
Health
Mo-SY-B4.1
Multi-residue analysis of pesticides in human hair
Hans Mol, RIKILT - Wageningen UR, Wageningen, Netherlands
Rosalie Nijssen, RIKILT - Wageningen UR, Wageningen, Netherlands
Paul Zomer, RIKILT - Wageningen UR, Wageningen, Netherlands
Background: many chemicals are incorporated in hair upon exposure. Hair analysis can
reveal long-term exposure and is being used for this purpose in forensic toxicology.
Advances in instrumental analysis lead to opportunities for development of new hair-based
biomarkers of occupational exposure to chemicals which occur at much lower levels
compared to e.g. drugs of abuse in forensic applications. The advances also improve
possibilities for simultaneous detection of multiple chemicals. This is relevant in
agriculture where during the season various pesticides are being applied.
Objectives: development of a generic method for the simultaneous detection of multiple
pesticides in human hair, suited for research into occupational and non-occupational
exposure assessment through human biomonitoring using hair as non-invasive matrix.
Methods: a multi-residue method for 20 frequently used pesticides was developed based
on liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The method was
validated at the 1 and 5 pg/mg level according to SANTE/11945/2015. The applicability
was tested by analysis of hair samples from volunteers.
Results: during validation, adequate recoveries (70-120%) and repeatability's (<20%) were
obtained for most pesticides down to the 1 pg/mg level and for all at the 5 pg/mg level.
Hair samples from 14 individuals, not occupationally exposed, were analysed. Pesticides
were detected in most hair samples, with multiple detects in several cases. Azoxystrobin,
boscalid, imazalil, imidacloprid, and thiabendazole were most frequently detected. Levels
were in the range 0.7-15 pg/mg.
The results show that multi-residue analysis in hair is feasible and has potential as tool for
exposure assessment. Comparison of levels of exposure between different populations
(e.g. occupational vs non-occupational) is in principle possible. For linking levels in hair to
actual exposure, however, much more research on factors affecting incorporation, and
toxicokinetics is needed.
168
Mo-SY-B4.2
Use of unmetabolized xenobiotics as biomarkers of exposure
Laura Campo, University of Milan and Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore
Policlinico, Milan, Italy, Italy
Background: Using the unmetabolized (parent) chemicals as biomarker of exposure has
some advantages over metabolite analyses: unmetabolized chemicals are very specific,
their excretion is not influenced by interindividual differences in metabolism, and they
are easily extracted from matrix.
Aim: To provide a review of recent studies on urinary benzene (BEN-U), methyl tert-butyl
ether (MTBE-U), toluene (TOL-U), and PAHs (U-PAHs) as biomarkers of occupational or
environmental exposure.
Methods: The studies performed by our group on exposure to benzene, MTBE, toluene, and
PAHs are presented with emphasis on the intrinsic characteristics of unmetabolized
compounds, their relationship with the environmental levels, and the comparison with the
corresponding metabolites.
Results: In petrol station attendants, petrochemicals workers, and individuals not
occupationally exposed, BEN-U was superior to the metabolites for the better relationship
with personal exposure and the lower interindividual variability. A biological limit
equivalent for the biomonitoring of occupational exposure to benzene in non-smokers was
proposed.
MTBE-U was proposed as a biomarker of traffic exposure for its association with both
airborne CO and the duration of exposure to traffic fumes in urban traffic policemen, and
as a biomarker of exposure to MTBE and in general to petrol vapours in petrol station
attendants. Biological exposure equivalents for MTBE-T have been calculated. As MTBE-U
is not influenced by smoking habits, it was proposed as a surrogate biomarker of benzene
exposure in smoking petrol station attendants.
A comparison between TOL-U and o-cresol in rotogravure printing workers has shown that
TOL-U is not influenced by cigarette smoking and has higher specificity and sensitivity,
lower background values, and a better correlation with airborne exposure than o-cresol.
The kinetics of excretion of TOL-U has been studied to find out about the exposure period
represented by TOL-U and to establish the best time for sample collection.
Researches on U-PAHs have focused firstly on high occupational exposure (i.e. coke oven
workers), then on lower occupational exposure (i.e. asphalt workers), and recently, thanks
to advance in analytical methods, on environmental exposure. Significant relationships
have been found between U-PAHs and both environmental exposure and
monohydroxylated PAH metabolites. Moreover, for the first time urinary benzo[a]pyrene
and other carcinogenic PAHs were quantified in urine samples from both occupationally
and environmentally exposed subjects.
Conclusions: The results of these studies show that BEN-U, MTBE-U, TOL-U, and U-PAHs
are useful biomarkers to face the challenge of low occupational or even environmental
exposure to toxics.
169
Mo-SY-B4.3
Urine collection methods for non-toilet trained children in environmental exposure
assessment
Arné Oerlemans, Radboud university medical centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
Gwendolyn Beckmann, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, Netherlands
Paul Scheepers, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, Netherlands
Background: Young children differ from adults in their exposure and susceptibility to
environmental chemicals because of various factors such as biometry, physiology, behavior
and diet. Their heightened vulnerability to environmental stressors makes it important to
obtain appropriate urine samples for exposure assessment. However, collecting urine from
non-toilet trained children has been shown to be methodologically and practically
challenging. Collection methods should not introduce contamination or affect the integrity
of the sample and must be acceptable to the participants.
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate various urine collection methods for non-
toilet trained children which could be applied in a non-clinical setting to obtain
biomonitoring data.
Methods: Selected methods for urine collection include a disposable polyacrylate diaper, a
urine bag, a collection pad containing a hygroscopic polymer and the clean catch method.
Advantages and limitations of these methods were evaluated with respect to minimum
required sample volume, potential for contamination, timing of collection, and burden on
participants. The success rate was defined as the percentage of suitable samples from the
total number of sample collection attempts. An attempt was considered successful if it
yielded a urine sample with a volume of at least 5 mL and free of faeces contamination. In
addition, the user rating of each method was evaluated on a 0-10 scoring range.
Results: In total, 24 samples were obtained for each of the urine collection methods. The
success rates were 67%, 21%, 17% and 4% for the disposable diaper, urine bag, collection
pad and clean catch, respectively. The average user rates were 9.0, 4.7, 7.3 and 2.5,
respectively. This indicates that a disposable polyacrylate diaper is a proper urine
collection method among non-toilet trained children and therefore this method will be
further evaluated for the storage stability of the analytes of interest, including clinical
parameters such as creatinine and osmolality.
Preliminary results showed that urine including solutes stored in the polyacrylate granules
of disposable diapers could be extracted using an aqueous solution of 15% calcium
chloride. The recovery of creatinine was 92% to 95%, thereby showing that the disposable
diaper is a promising method to assess environmental exposure of chemicals in non-toilet
trained children. This research will be continued by analysis of the recoveries from the
diaper for a range of xenobiotic metabolites.
170
Mo-SY-B4.4
Non-Invasive Dosimetry of Volatile Compounds: A Breath-Taking Experience
Jacqueline Biesterbos, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, Netherlands
Frans Russel, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, Netherlands
Ad Ragas, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
Nel Roeleveld, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, Netherlands
Paul Scheepers, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, Netherlands
Introduction - Most volatile substances that are primarily taken up by inhalation will also
be excreted via the lungs, unchanged or sometimes after biotransformation. Analysis of
exhaled air can therefore be considered as an alternative to analysis of body fluids, such
as blood or urine. In this contribution we focus on the use of exhaled air analysis in
exposure assessment.
Objective - Provide an overview of the state-of-the-art and present opportunities for new
uses of exhaled air as a medium for human biological monitoring.
Methods - Literature search in PubMed and Web of Science, combining ‘exposure
assessment’, ‘breath analysis’ and ‘exhaled air analysis’ as search terms.
Results - Possibilities for analysis in exhaled air depend on substance properties.
Substances with a vapor pressure of 1010 (for carbon monoxide) down to 0.3 Pa (mercury
vapor) have been analyzed in human breath. We found evidence to demonstrate that
exhaled air sampling is a good alternative to collection of blood or urine samples for many
substances. However, widespread use of exhaled air analysis is currently hampered by a
lack of a framework for interpretation, more specifically ranges of levels of xenobiotics
observed in the general population and reference values for substances that also have an
endogenous source. Nevertheless, the method has great potential to be used widely, e.g.
in sample collection by self-administration, on-line sampling and real-time analysis.
Conclusion - There is concern that researchers may be caught in a fixed mindset, linking
biomonitoring to (only) analysis of body fluids. We would like to inspire them to consider
the option of breath analysis, particularly if less invasive methods are preferred, such as
in children and elderly. Due to the increased use of breath analysis for clinical purposes it
is expected that the technology will become more user friendly, and that interpretation
will be supported by advanced software as a framework for interpretation.
171
Mo-SY-B4.5
New applications of human biological monitoring in petrochemical industry
Peter J. Boogaard, Shell International bv, The Hague, Netherlands
Human biological monitoring (HBM) has proven to be a highly effective approach for
integrated assessment of workers’ exposures and has been applied as such for decades in
industrial settings. Historically, industrial biomonitoring programmes aimed to assess
exposure of workers in situations where (personal) air monitoring proved unreliable or
inappropriate. This would, for instance, be the case with intermittent airborne exposures
of short duration and also in situations where significant dermal exposure might occur.
Typical examples of the use of biomonitoring in such situations would be to assess whether
there is exposure above a specified level and/or whether personal protective equipment is
adequate to prevent exposure above a specified level. More recently, developments in
bioanalytical chemistry have allowed extending the application of HBM to the general
population.
HBM allows a more personalized health risk assessment than is possible with external
exposure monitoring methods since inter-individual differences in working behaviour, in
life style, and also in biological and physiological parameters, are accounted for. In
addition, HBM has specific features that may allow more efficient hazard and risk
assessment. Firstly, it may support a direct human link to in vitro test results. Effects
observed in vitro at a certain concentration of a substance may be translated to internal
human concentrations, which may improve human health risk assessment and at the same
time reduce the need of animal testing. Secondly, it can be applied to improve risk
assessment and management under REACH using the Biomonitoring Equivalent (BE)
concept specified for the Derived No-Effect Level (DNEL). A BE translates an established
reference value into a biomarker concentration using biokinetic data. If the result of an
exposure assessment using human biomonitoring indicates that the levels measured are
below the DNEL-based BE (BEDNEL), it would indicate that the combined exposure via all
potential exposure routes is unlikely to pose a risk to human health and, as a
consequence, health risk management measures might not be required.
These approaches require biokinetic data, which may be a challenge since for many
substances reliable biokinetic information is currently lacking. There are two approaches
to solve this issue. The first would be to adapt the current design of toxicity testing in
animals. More specifically, bio-analysis of blood and/or urine should be included in
repeated-dose studies to obtain biokinetic data. The second incurs the development of
generic physiologically-based biokinetic models, which allow estimation of biomarker
concentrations based on physicochemical properties.
172
Mo-SY-C4: Quantitative in vitro to in vivo extrapolation (QIVIVE): Advances in
tools to quantify exposure-response relationships for risk assessment - III
Mo-SY-C4.1
High Throughput PBTK: Evaluating EPA’s Open-Source Data and Tools for Dosimetry
and Exposure Reconstruction
John Wambaugh, U.S. E.P.A., Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
Robert Pearce, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, United
States
Caroline Ring, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Research Triangle
Park, NC, United States
Woodrow Setzer, U.S. Environmental Protection Agewncy, Research Triangle Park, NC,
United States
Barbara Wetmore, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
Thousands of chemicals have been profiled by high-throughput screening (HTS) programs
such as ToxCast and Tox21; these chemicals are tested in part because most of them have
limited or no data on hazard, exposure, or toxicokinetics (TK). While HTS generates in
vitro bioactivity data for characterizing potential chemical hazards, TK models are needed
to inform in vitro to in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE) to real world situations. The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency has created a new tool (R package “httk”) for building,
simulating, and evaluating TK and physiologically-based TK (PBTK) models for both IVIVE
and exposure inference from biomonitoring data (i.e., reverse dosimetry). We are now
able to rapidly parameterize generic PBPK models using in vitro data to allow IVIVE for 543
chemicals. Our high throughput toxicokinetics (HTTK) tools were implemented in the R
statistical platform in part to allow statistical analysis of both IVIVE and our TK models.
We have statistically evaluated our TK predictions using in vivo measurements of human
steady-state serum concentrations, rat serum concentrations, rat tissue partition
coefficients, and human volumes of distribution. We find that for many chemical classes
our methods and models perform reasonably, and that we can begin to identify chemical
classes for which our methods perform poorly. Our PBTK models are parameterized with
not only chemical-specific parameters derived from in vitro measurements and predicted
from chemical structure; but also with physiological parameters for a virtual population.
We simulate population physiological parameters based on data from the most recent U.S.
Centers for Disease Control National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES),
which describe distributions of demographic and anthropometric quantities in the modern
U.S. population. A Monte Carlo approach, accounting for the correlation structure in
physiological parameters, can be used to estimate margins between IVIVE predicted
bioactive doses and estimates of exposure for the most sensitive portion of the population.
While these new models are expected to have limited accuracy due to their simplicity and
generalization of assumptions, the confidence in the predictions can be in part assessed
using our comparison to TK in vivo data. Ultimately, we are working to identify the
chemicals for which these new tools may be used with confidence, and to identify those
chemicals where alternative approaches are needed. This abstract does not necessarily
reflect U.S. EPA policy.
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Mo-SY-C4.2
High Throughput Modeling of the Effects of Mixtures of ToxCast Chemicals on Steroid
Hormone Cycles in Women
Frederic Bois, INERIS, Verneuil en Halatte, France
Nazanin Golbamaki-Bakhtyari, INERIS, Verneuil en Halatte, France
Simona Kovarich, S-IN Soluzioni Informatiche Srl, Vincenza, Italy
Emmanuel Lemazurier, INERIS, Verneuil en Hallate, France
Exposure to mixtures of chemicals is an increasing toxicological concern. The availability
of exposure data for thousands of chemicals through ExpoCast project, together with the
ToxCast results for the hundreds of high throughput in vitro assays, offers the opportunity
to explore the toxicity of the chemical mixtures in realistic scenarios. We used computer
modeling to predict the size of potential effects of random mixtures of aromatase
inhibitors on women's menstrual cycle. We had previously investigated the impact of
mixtures on steroidogenesis by a systems biology model for aromatase inhibition in adult
female rats. In current work, to consider a larger number of events involved to hormonal
balance disruption, we adapted a mathematical model of the hypothalamus-pituitary-
ovarian control of estradiol and progesterone concentrations in blood. We used the model
(coupled to a pharmacokinetic model of intake and disposition) to predict the effects of a
million of chemical mixtures sampled by Monte Carlo simulations. To simulate a realistic
exposure scenario, the exposures were also sampled from statistical distributions provided
by the ExpoCast database (see illustrated work-flow). We find that a sizable fraction of
the mixtures generated led to more than 20% inhibition of estradiol production. In
contrast, exposures to chemicals considered individually almost never reach such effect
sizes. Those results are discussed in light of the approximations and assumptions made,
but demonstrate the possibility to address large scale mixture questions in a predictive
toxicology framework, suitable for high throughput risk assessment of endocrine
perturbation.
174
Computational model work flow.
175
Mo-SY-C4.3
Endocrine activity of POPs accumulated in human silicone implants - transferring in
vivo exposure into in vitro bioassays
Dorothea Gilbert, Danmarks Tekniske Universitet, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
Philipp Mayer, Danmarks Tekniske Universitet, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
Mikael Pedersen, Danmarks Tekniske Universitet, Søborg, Denmark
Anne Marie Vinggaard, Danmarks Tekniske Universitet, Søborg, Denmark
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) accumulated in human tissues may pose a risk for
human health by interfering with the endocrine system. A new partitioning-controlled
dosing approach from silicone was applied in the in-vitro H295 steroidogenesis assay to
test whether POPs in a mixture composition and at concentrations as found in human
silicone implants can interfere with steroidogenesis. Silicone served here as a reference
partitioning phase to link in vivo to in vitro exposure. In the in vitro assay, silicone
functioned as donor of a mixture of POPs while it also acted as sorptive sink for lipophilic
hormones produced by the cells. The new dosing method from silicone was compared to
conventional solvent-dosing. A mixture of PCBs, PBDEs, HCB and DDT as identified in
human silicone breast implants was tested by spiking it into 24-well plate adopted silicone
disks. When dosed from silicone, this chemical mixture in which individual POPs were in a
freely dissolved concentration below the femtomolar range, increased the production of
progestagens and androgens in the in vitro assay. However, no changes were observed
when when co-solvent dosing was applied. The new silicone-based dosing approach
allowed linking actual human POP levels in silicone (in vivo) to altered hormone
production in a human adrenal cell line in vitro.
176
Mo-SY-C4.4
Combining Fish In Vitro Systems with Computational Modelling to Predict Chemical
Accumulation and Altered Growth in Fish
Julita Stadnicka-Michalak, EPF Lausanne, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental
Engineering; Eawag, Lausanne, Switzerland
Kristin Schirmer, Eawag; EPF Lausanne, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental
Engineering; ETH Zürich, Department of Environmental Systems Science, Dübendorf,
Switzerland
In vitro systems, i.e. cells cultured in a well-controlled environment in a petri dish, have
revolutionized our mechanistic understanding of fundamental physiological processes as
well as of stress adaptation and toxicity. This holds especially for cells obtained from
mammals but increasingly so also for fish. Indeed, permanent fish cell cultures allow to
decipher processes which are difficult or impossible to study in a fish. Yet, to fully exploit
such in vitro systems, we need to devise strategies that allow us to quantitatively link in
vitro and in vivo. We are working on such a strategy having three important processes in
mind: bioaccumulation and alteration of survival and growth upon chemical exposure of
fish. We base our approach on the assumption that the same chemical concentration in
fish internal organs and in cells in culture would cause the same changes in cell survival
and growth. Therefore, we develop mathematical models that aid in predicting chemical
concentrations in fish tissue as well as in a culture dish. Focusing first on a fish
Physiologically Based Toxicokinetic (PBTK) model, we determine in vitro biotransformation
rates in order to predict the internal chemical concentrations in fish. We use fish cell
cultures of tissues comprising entry routes for chemicals (gill, intestine) and liver as a
major site of biotransformation. Indeed, taking the example of benzo(a)pyrene, we
predicted a bioconcentration factor (BCF) of 1005 (+/-53) compared to a BCF of 920
measured in rainbow trout (Schirmer et al., in preparation). Next, we use a cell culture TK
model to determine chemical concentrations in cell culture medium that would lead to
intracellular chemical concentrations corresponding to the internal organ concentration.
Applying the thereby determined in vitro exposure concentrations, we measure cell
survival and proliferation of fish cell populations in the culture dish. Obtained live cell
numbers are used to inform a mathematical model for organism growth. In this way we
were able to predict reduced fish growth, resulting from several weeks of exposure to two
fungicides, with very high accuracy (Stadnicka-Michalak et al., Science Advances,
2015:e1500302). Thus, our approach comprises a very promising step toward alternatives
to whole organism toxicity testing, especially considering the simplicity, rapidity and low
costs of this method.
We would like to acknowledge our colleagues who contributed to the two studies listed
here as examples: BaP bioaccumulation – Frederic Weiss and Melanie Knöbel (Eawag); fish
growth – Roman Ashauer (now University of York).
177
Mo-SY-C4.5
Dishing Up Nanoparticle Risks: Exposure-Based Computational Translation of In Vitro
Toxicity Data to Human Risk
Justin Teeguarden, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington, United
States
Brian Thrall, Health Effects and Exposure Science, Richland, Washington, United States
Dennis Thomas, Computational Biology, Richland, Washington, United States
Jordan Smith, Health Effects and Exposure Science, Richland, Washington, United States
Nanomaterials are an immense class of largely untested materials undergoing toxicity
testing, principally in in vitro systems. This talk will introduce the principles for
understanding how exposures in cell culture systems can be understood in the context of
rodent and human exposures and demonstrate their application for iron oxide
nanoparticles. The last five years has seen the rapid maturation of the fundamental
concepts regarding the physical, chemical and biological features and processes that
control the exposure of nanomaterials to cells in vitro and in vivo. Paralleling is evolution,
increasingly sophisticated computational tools and experimental methods for acquiring
dosimetry information have continued to emerge. This talk will present the importance of
measuring
cellular dosimetry of nanoparticles, the implications for the fields of exposure science,
toxicology and risk assessment, highlighting several mature approaches for obtaining
dosimetry information in vitro and extrapolating those findings to in vivo systems with
specific examples related to human health risk assessment (calculating a Permissible
Exposure Limit for iron oxide nanoparticles).
178
Mo-SY-D4: Evidence-Based Research on Interventions to Reduce Personal
Exposures to Environmental Pollutants
Mo-SY-D4.1
Bridging the Ineffective Lead Treatment Gap: Lessons from Hurricane Katrina in New
Orleans, USA for Establishing an Effective Lead Intervention Strategy
Howard Mielke, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, United
States
Christopher Gonzales, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana,
United States
Eric Powell, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Aim: Regarding reducing children’s blood lead exposure, current medically prescribed
treatments are ineffective. In addition the contribution from soil lead to childhood
exposure and disease is deemed insufficiently characterized by the public health
community. On 29 August 2005 Hurricane Katrina flooded and disrupted habitation in New
Orleans. Soil and blood lead were mapped prior to Katrina. This unique study addresses
soil and blood lead conditions pre- and ten years’ post-Katrina and considers the
effectiveness of low lead soil for lead exposure intervention. The purpose was to compare
soil and blood lead levels pre- and ten years’ post-Katrina to assess the impact of flooding
on soil lead and blood lead levels in New Orleans.
Methods: This unique data-set includes soil lead (n=3314 and 3320, pre- vs. post-Katrina),
blood lead (n=39,620 and 17,739, pre- vs. post-Katrina), distance, and changes in percent
pre-1940 housing. Post-Katrina soil and blood lead surveys were stratified by the same
census tracts (n=176) as pre-Katrina surveys. Statistical analysis entailed permutation
procedures and Fisher’s Exact Tests.
Results: Pre- vs. ten years post-Katrina soil lead medians decreased from 280 mg/kg to 132
mg/kg, blood lead medians decreased from 5 µg/dL to 1.8 µg/dL, respectively. Percent
pre-1940 housing did not change significantly. Soil and blood lead shows a decrease with
distance from the center of New Orleans. Except for age-of-housing results, P-values were
extreme (<10-12). In the higher soil lead communities of the city, the percentage of
children with median blood lead ≥ 5 µg/dL underwent a remarkable decrease from 64%
before Katrina to 18.9% ten years’ post-Katrina; still too many children are still being
excessively exposed to lead.
Conclusions: Ten years after Katrina, profound changes in soil lead and children’s blood
lead occurred in New Orleans. Decreasing the lead on soil surfaces reduces children’s
interaction with lead dust, thus underscoring soil as a major of source of exposure. Not all
communities saw the same changes and these results indicate a path forward for an
effective intervention method to reduce children’s lead exposure.
179
Mo-SY-D4.2
Home Air in Agriculture – Pediatric Intervention Trial (HAPI)
Catherine Karr, Univ WA, Seattle, WA, United States
Griselda Arias, Yakima Valley Farmworkers Clinic, Toppenish, WA, United States
Elizabeth Torres, Northwest Community Education Center, Granger, WA, Wake Island
Victoria Breckwich Vasquez, University of Washington - Bothell, Bothell, WA, United
States
Michael Yost, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
This university –community partnership identified poor air quality (particulate matter,
ammonia) as a local risk factor for asthma morbidity among low income Hispanic farm
worker children in a rural agricultural region of Washington State, USA. In response, a
randomized trial was designed augmenting home-based asthma and environment
education with placement of portable high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cleaners
containing a prefilter to reduce ammonia in the child's home. Using a rolling recruitment
protocol, 30 of the total intended sample of 75 children have been recruited. All have
poorly controlled asthma and live within 400 meters of crop production or dairy
operations. Children participate for a one year follow up period with 2 week home indoor
air contaminant measurement before randomization and approximately one year later.
Asthma health is characterized twice prior and twice post randomization using both
objective and subjective metrics. Validated questionnaires of asthma control, clinical
utilization, exhaled nitric oxide concentration, spirometry, and urinary leukotriene
concentrations are assessed. Enrolled children are all Hispanic, age 6-12 years and most
(80%) are atopic based on positive skin prick testing to common aeroallergens. To date,
the mean (SD) two week indoor sleeping area PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations observed are
11.8 (7.3) mcg/m3 (range 3.8-25.3) and 23.0 (13.3) mcg/m3 (range 6.7-43.9) respectively.
Samples for analysis of indoor and outdoor NH3 have also been collected. Other common
indoor asthma triggers of concern identified include rodent pests (69% of homes), use of
irritant chemical cleaners (100% of homes), and wood burning for heat (25%). Community
partners (Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic) and Northwest Community Education Center
play a primary role in field based data collection of both health assessments and air
sampling with training and oversight by University partners. Using a community engaged
approach, this study is addressing a priority environmental health concern in a difficult to
reach and understudied vulnerable population. Results will be incorporated into asthma
education and management programs in the community.
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Mo-SY-D4.3
Effect of a Randomized, Blinded Organic Diet Intervention on Pesticide Exposure
among Pregnant Women
Cynthia Curl, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, United States
Jessica Porter, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, United States
Background: Food is certified “organic” when grown according to specific requirements,
including the absence of most synthetic pesticides. The organic food market is among the
fastest growing sectors of the agricultural industry, primarily due to a perception that
organically-grown food is “healthier” than food that is conventionally-grown. However,
there is almost no data to support (or refute) this perception. Most researchers do agree
that an organic diet can reduce exposure to agricultural pesticides. It is also known that
maternal exposure to some classes of pesticides during pregnancy is associated with
subsequent decrements in cognitive, behavioral, and neurological outcomes in children.
However, it is not known whether the amount of pesticide exposure resulting from a
conventional diet is substantial enough to cause these decrements, and whether any such
effects could be prevented with an organic diet.
Objectives: The purpose of this pilot project was to develop methodology for a future
study of the effect of a maternal organic diet during pregnancy on subsequent cognitive
outcomes in children. We aimed to: 1) design an effective recruitment strategy and a
means to deliver organic and conventional produce to study participants in a blinded and
scalable fashion, and 2) assess compliance with and efficacy of the dietary intervention
through repeated measurement of urinary metabolites.
Methods: We partnered with Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) clinics in Idaho’s
Treasure Valley to recruit 20 women during their first trimester of pregnancy. Eligible
women were 18-35 years of age, non-smoking, and were not expected to have a high-risk
pregnancy. All participants reported eating exclusively conventionally-grown food at the
time of recruitment. An equal number of participants were randomized to the organic and
conventional groups; based on group assignment, each woman received weekly deliveries
of either organic or conventional produce throughout their second and third trimesters.
Participants also provided weekly urine samples and completed food diaries using a mobile
phone app or written diaries.
Results: Weekly urine samples are pooled to represent monthly exposures throughout the
second and third trimester of pregnancy. Pooled samples are analyzed for metabolites
representing exposure to one herbicide (2,4-dicholorphenoxyacetic acid), seven
organophosphate insecticides (diazinon, parathion, methyl parathion, ethyl parathion,
chlorypyrifos, chlorpyrifos-methyl, and malathion), and eight pyrethriod insecticides
(cyfluthrin, cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, fenpropathrin, flumethrin,
permethrin and tralomethrin). We will compare pesticide exposures across the organic and
conventional groups and will investigate individual produce items associated with the
highest concentrations of urinary pesticide metabolites.
181
Mo-SY-D4.5
The UGAAR Randomized Controlled Trial of HEPA Filter Air Cleaner Use and
Residential Fine Particulate Matter in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Enkhjargal Gombojav, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar,
Mongolia
Prabjit K. Barn, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Chimedsuren Ochir, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar,
Mongolia
Bayarkhuu Laagan, Sukhbaatar District Health Center, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Bolor Beejin, Public Health Institute of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Buyantushig Boldbaatar, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar,
Mongolia
Jargalsaikhan Galsuren, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar,
Mongolia
Bat-Undes Baasansuren, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar,
Mongolia
Altan-Ochir Khurelbaata, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar,
Mongolia
Tsogtbaatar Byambaa, Public Health Institute of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Craig Janes, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
Bruce P. LanphearSimon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
Young Man Roh, Korea University, Seoul, Korea, South
Tim Takaro, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
Scott A. Venners, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
Glenys M. Webster, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
Christopher D. Palmer, New York State Department of Health, Albany, United States
Patrick J. Parsons, New York State Department of Health, Albany, Albany, United States
Ryan W. Allen, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
Background: Portable high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter air cleaners can reduce
indoor PM2.5 concentrations, but their efficacy has not been evaluated in highly polluted
settings. In Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, residential coal use contributes to annual average
ambient PM2.5 concentrations of approximately 70 µg/m3.
Objectives: To assess the efficacy of portable HEPA filter air cleaners to reduce indoor
residential PM2.5 in homes of non-smoking pregnant women in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Methods: We randomly assigned 540 participants to an intervention (1-2 HEPA air cleaners)
or control (no air cleaners) group. For each participant, we conducted home visits at
approximately 12 and 30 weeks gestation to make one-week continuous PM2.5
measurements using optical particle counters (Dylos DC1700). In a subset (n=82), one-
week gravimetric PM2.5 concentrations were also measured and an equation for
converting particle counts to PM2.5 concentrations was derived from co-located
measurements. Whole blood samples collected at around 30 weeks gestation were
analyzed for lead, mercury, and cadmium. Data on housing characteristics and personal
behaviours were obtained via questionnaires. Additionally, 24-hour ambient PM2.5
concentrations were obtained from a centrally-located government monitoring station.
Results: One-week optical particle counts were highly correlated with indoor gravimetric
PM2.5 concentrations (r = 0.86; p<0.001). Ambient 24-hour PM2.5 concentrations were
182
highest in winter [geometric mean (GSD): 87.8 (1.6) µg/m3] and lowest in summer [14.3
(1.6) µg/m3]. Indoor PM2.5 concentrations followed the same seasonal pattern, with
geometric mean (GSD) concentrations of 62.1 (1.9) µg/m3 and 23.0 (1.4) µg/m3 in winter
and summer, respectively. Living with a smoker did not contribute substantially to indoor
PM2.5 concentrations. On average, PM2.5 concentrations were 26 % lower in intervention
homes. Season-specific filter efficacy, comparing geometric mean PM2.5 concentrations in
intervention and control homes, ranged from 24-43 % for measurements in early
pregnancy, and 5-20 % in later pregnancy. Effectiveness was highest in winter for both
visits. Geometric mean (GSD) blood cadmium levels were lower among intervention [0.20
(1.69) µg/L; n= 222] compared to control [0.23 (1.74) µg/L n= 198] participants (p0.05).
Conclusions: HEPA filter air cleaner use was associated with lower indoor PM2.5 and blood
cadmium concentrations among pregnant women. Air cleaner effectiveness varied
seasonally and decreased over duration of the study.
183
Mo-SY-D4.6
Effects of Low Emission Zones (LEZ) on air quality in Germany
Josef Cyrys, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, Neuherberg, Germany
Jianwei Gu, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
Veronika Deffner, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Munich, Germany
Helmut Kuechenhoff, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Munich, Germany
Jens Soentgen, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
Annette Peters, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
Background. Low Emission Zones (LEZs) were implemented as a measure for improving air
quality of ambient air, especially in cities where the European limit values for PM10
(particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter < 10 μm) were exceeded. By end of
2015 almost 50 LEZs were introduced in Germany. In the framework of the ACCEPTED
project (Assessment of changing conditions, environmental policies, time-activities,
exposure and disease, www.acceptedera.eu/) we evaluated the effects of LEZs on the air
quality in three German cities: Augsburg, Munich and Berlin.
Methods. To assess the effectiveness of LEZ we used general additive models adjusted for
PM10 levels at reference site (located in regional background), wind direction, public
holidays, day of the week, and time of the day. Because of the seasonal variation in PM10
concentrations, we modelled LEZ and time effects for summer and winter separately by
introducing of an indicator function.
Results. We observed clear seasonal differences regarding the magnitude of the effect.
The reduction of PM10 levels was in general more pronounced in summer season compared
to winter season. A clear reduction of PM10 levels was observed in Munich and Berlin,
whereas the results for Augsburg were not consistent. The PM10 reduction was especially
large for Berlin, depending on the monitoring site and the active stage of the LEZ. The
decrease of total carbon (TC=OC+EC) concentrations was clearly larger than the
corresponding decrease of PM10 levels. Whereas PM10 concentrations at a traffic site
decreased after the implementation of the LEZ by 16% in summer and 9% in winter, the
corresponding reduction of TC was 24% (summer season) and 16% (winter season).
Conclusions. In sufficiently large and strictly regulated LEZs a reduction of PM10
concentration between 5 and 10 % (at traffic site partially up to 20 %) can be expected.
The reduction of PM10 levels is in general more pronounced for the summer season
compared to the winter season. It means that LEZs are proving successful as a measure for
air pollution control. Moreover, they decrease not only PM10 but, to a much higher
degree, the health-relevant components (such as diesel soot) contained in PM10.
Therefore, the effect of LEZs on air quality could be much better estimated by additional
monitoring of diesel soot and elemental carbon in PM10 and the benefit on human health
is by far greater than it is presently visible from measurements of PM10.
184
Mo-SY-E4: Toward an Understanding of Indoor exposures
Mo-SY-E4.1
The added value of time-use studies in exposure science in the built environment
Jelle Laverge, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
Hal Levin, Building Ecology, Santa Cruz, United States
Most people in our modern society spend more than 90% of their time in indoor
environments. At the same time, countless studies show that the exposure in indoor
environments is dominated by pollutants that are typical for that specific environment.
We are shielded from some outdoor pollutants, while we or the indoor space itself are
sources of pollutants that do not exist outdoors. The whereabouts of the studied subjects
are therefore crucial to get a realistic estimation of their exposure.
Preferably, this information is very detailed, since the concentration of pollutants can
vary with as much as an order of magnitude between spaces within the same building.
In this contribution, we look at the information that is typically gathered in time-use
studies to describe the ‘typical’ human subject. This information is usually activity based
in stead of location based, and if location is included, it is most likely limited to the
functional description of the building (home, work, school). We will examine what
information is available, what we can learn from it and how this information can be useful
in exposure studies.
185
Mo-SY-E4.2
Integrated Indoor and Outdoor Exposure Assessment Framework for Fine Particulate
Matter Pollution
Thomas McKone, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States
Natasha Hodas, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, United States
Joshua Apte, University of Texas, Austin, Texas, United States
Matti Jantunen, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
Olivier Jolliet, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
John Evans, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Peter Fantke, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
The 2010 Global Burden of Disease report demonstrates that fine particulate matter
(PM2.5) pollution is the major environmental contributor to mortality. Exposures outdoors
(ambient) and indoors (household) contribute almost equally to this burden.
Unfortunately, the health impacts from exposure to PM2.5 are often excluded from life
cycle impact assessment (LCIA) used for characterizing environmental performance of
products and services. This is in large part because of the lack of well-vetted harmonized
guidance about how to consistently assess the exposures and impacts of indoor and
outdoor emissions of PM2.5 and its precursors. We present a modeling framework for
calculating exposure factors for indoor and outdoor emissions of primary PM2.5 and
secondary PM2.5 precursors, and a roadmap for further refining this modelling framework
for operational use in LCIA. The framework was developed over the last three years by a
task force convened under auspices of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and
Chemistry (SETAC)/United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) Life-Cycle Initiative to
provide guidance and methods for estimating the health impacts associated with PM2.5
exposure and to recommend PM2.5 characterization factors for application in life cycle
assessment. The framework involves three stages--analyzing PM2.5 fate and exposure
(including indoor and outdoor urban/rural environments), modeling exposure-response,
and the integration of exposure-response and PM2.5 exposure reflecting population and
location characteristics. We introduce the overall framework and present key components
of the exposure assessment underlying the health impact characterization factors. The
exposure metric at the center of this analysis is the population intake fraction (iF). Our
exposure model is organized as a mass balance matrix that tracks the global fate of
primary PM2.5 and secondary PM2.5 precursor emissions (both indoors and outdoors) as an
embedded system of compartments including urban environments, rural environments,
and indoor environments within urban and rural areas. The fate modeling system provides
PM2.5 concentrations that are linked with human activity patterns and population
geographical distribution patterns to determine intake fractions. After presenting the
model structure, we will review initial results and will present geographic variability,
discuss key uncertainties, and evaluate our model using results from other models and
concentration measurements.
186
Mo-SY-E4.3
VOC exposures indoors: focus on VOCs most often found indoors
Hal Levin, Building Ecology Research Group, Santa Cruz, California, United States
Matti Jantunen, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
AIMS: The purpose of the abstract is to put indoor exposures to VOCs in context of total
exposures to assist researchers and policy-makers to address exposures and their sources
appropriately.
METHODS: Selective literatue review and summary with comparisons of indoor exposures
to total exposures.
RESULTS:
Human exposure to VOCs is strongly influenced, most often dominated by indoor
exposures. Proper characterization of these exposures is a necessary component of any
effort to assess the health relevance of exposures to any VOC and especially in application
of total exposure assessment practices. (TEAM, 1989) The example below was part of the
work that led to the conclusion that indoor exposures, at least for exposures to VOCs, are
the dominant exposures in a total exposure assessment framework.
Figure 1. (Wallace, Annu. Rev. Energy Environ. 2001. 26:269–301)
Lance Wallace wrote: The most important sources of exposure are small and close to the
person (generally right under one’s nose). Rhodes has shown this in his 1991 Indoor Air
journal paper. This is true for smokers’ exposure to benzene. (It is also the case for
smokers’ exposure to styrene.) Other well documented examples include chloroform, the
dominant source of exposure is chlorinated water. Chlorination kills microbes, but the
excess chlorine reacts with organic materials to form chloroform. Since all the water going
to our homes is chlorinated (except for persons with private wells or on groundwater
systems), all the water used in washing machines, dishwashers, sinks, bathtubs, toilets,
etc., is constantly emitting chloroform to the air.
These findings led to the formation of ISEA, now ISES.
CONCLUSIONS:
Indoor and outdoor exposures to numerous other health-relevant VOCs are described in
terms of indoor/outdoor concentration ratios and calculations of intake fractions are
useful in improving understanding health relevance of the various exposures and assisting
policy-makers in addressing the sources of the exposures.
Figure 1. (Wallace, Annu. Rev. Energy Environ. 2001. 26:269–301)
187
Mo-SY-E4.4
SVOC Exposure Indoors
Charles Weschler, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States
Aim: This presentation will present an overview of the contribution of indoor pathways –
inhalation, dermal absorption and dust ingestion – to total SVOC exposure, with a focus on
SVOCs that are manmade. (Note that there is an entire symposium at ISES 2016 titled:
“Exposure to SVOCs in the Indoor Environment – Products, Emissions, Exposure,
Pharmacokinetics and Biomarkers”.)
Methods: The processes and results discussed will be based on relevant peer-reviewed
literature published over the past decade, emphasizing more recent studies.
Results: Under equilibrium conditions, if we know an SVOC’s concentration in one
compartment, we can predict it in other indoor compartments using partitioning theory.
Based on actual indoor measurements, acceptable predictions have been demonstrated
between
SVOC levels in the gas phase & in dust; in the gas phase & in surface films; in settled dust
& in airborne particles; and in the gas phase & in skin surface lipids. Such predictions work
best for central tendencies in large datasets. Several studies have shown that for many
SVOCs, dietary intake is insufficient to explain the levels found in serum and/or blood.
Airborne SVOCs can be inhaled or dermally absorbed. SVOCs in settled dust can be
ingested. SVOCs on surfaces can be transferred to human skin via contact and
subsequently dermally absorbed or ingested (hand-to-mouth activity). Intake budgets,
based on concentrations measured in different indoor compartments, coupled with
generally accepted exposure factors, are providing indirect evidence that indoor
exposures are responsible for a large fraction of total SVOC exposures. More direct
evidence is coming from a growing number of studies that have reported statistically
significant associations between SVOCs in an indoor compartment and the same SVOC (or
its metabolite) in blood or urine. These include significant associations between four
common phthalate esters in indoor dust and corresponding metabolites in urine; between
selected phthalates in skin wipes and corresponding urine metabolites; between ten
lower-chlorinated PCB congeners in indoor air and their levels in serum; between
polyfluorinated compounds in indoor office air and their levels in serum; and between
certain PBDEs in indoor dust or handwipes and their levels in serum.
Conclusions: Numerous SVOCs, including manmade SVOCs not even produced in
commercial amounts just two generations ago, are measured in bodily fluids. Indoor
pathways contribute substantially to these observed body burdens.
188
Mo-SY-E4.5
Microbial (fungal, viral, and bacterial) exposures indoors – The Indoor Microbiome
Hal Levin, Building Ecology Research Group, Santa Cruz, California, United States
KEYWORDS, and THEME:
Microbes, indoor microbiome, Fungi, Bacteria, Viruses
Humans are constantly exposed to millions of bioaerosols, These include exposures to
whole microorganisms, which can have both beneficial and detrimental effects. There is
growing understanding of the indoor microbiome as a result, among other things, of the
dramatic (approximately thousandfold) reduction in the cost of DNA sequencing during the
past 10 years and significant investments in characterizing the indoor microbiome
including but not limited to approximately USD 50,000,000 by the Albert P Sloan
Foundation during the past 5 years. Much of the recent work has focused on characterizing
the various sources of airborne microorganisms and the relative contribution of each. We
have identified the following eight major categories of sources of airborne bacteria,
viruses, and fungi in the built environment: humans; pets; plants; plumbing systems;
heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems; mold; dust re-suspension; and the
outdoor environment.
This work has shown that some species are associated with specific sources. The potential
for source characterization and source apportionment can be extended substantially as a
part of indoor environmental exposure and total exposure characterization. This potential
is currently unrealized. Future studies of indoor exposures will quantify detailed emission
rates of microorganisms from each source and identify the relative contributions of each
source to the complete indoor microbiome. "This information could then be used to probe
fundamental relationships between specific sources and human health, to design
interventions to improve building health and human health, or even to provide evidence
for forensic investigations.” (Microbiome (2015) 3:78).
189
Mo-SY-F4: Exposure-Based Toxicity Testing
Mo-SY-F4.1
Exposure Based Testing- Introduction to the Symposium
Nicholas Ball, The Dow Chemical Company, Horgen, Switzerland
Heli M Hollnagel, Dow Europe GmbH, Horgen, Switzerland
Sean Hays, Summit Toxicology, Lyons, CO, United States
Is there a feasible way to use the potential for exposure to a chemical as the basis for the
generation of hazard data?
The field of regulatory toxicology is continuing to move toward a registration approach
where data requirements are determined based on manufacturing or import volume with
little regard for the actual potential for exposure to a substance. In essence, the
assumption exists that where the manufacturing volume is high, the potential for exposure
is also high and so more should be known about the chemical in question. This can hold
true in some cases, but there are many examples of where the manufacturing or import
volume of a substance does not correlate with actual exposure (for example chemical
intermediates). Consequently the actual exposure to a chemical is rarely factored in to
the hazard assessment, leading to the generation of data that does little to improve the
overall safety of workers, consumers and the environment.
With the advances being made in terms of exposure modelling and biological activity
screening, it is time to consider if there is a more effective way to assess the risks posed
by chemicals without resorting to extensive testing programs using large numbers of
animals where the need for testing is based on arbitrary criteria rather than a more
flexible and realistic approach?
So the questions for this symposium are:
• How can exposure information be factored into toxicity study selection to
adequately protect against likely exposures while limiting excessive testing that neither
informs risk assessment or risk management?
• How can we improve current regulatory policy and guidance on chemical safety
assessments, as well as convince the public of the adequacy of using exposure
information, to achieve this important objective?
Each of the speakers in this symposium will cover a range of topics around how exposure
can become a cornerstone of chemical safety testing, including regulatory and industry
perspective. At the end of the symposium, the audience will be encouraged to participate
in a polling exercise (SciPinion) that will explore the audience’s opinion about what
they’ve heard and their thinking on this important issue.
190
Mo-SY-F4.2
A Data-Driven Framework for Incorporating New Tools for Toxicity, Exposure, and Risk
Assessment
John Wambaugh, U.S. E.P.A., Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
Richard Judson, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC,
United States
Barbara Wetmore, Scitovation, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
Russell Thomas, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC,
United States
Non-targeted screening of human biological samples indicates the presence in small
quantities of thousands of chemicals that mostly have limited or no data on hazard,
exposure, or toxicokinetics (TK). Thomas et al. (2013) proposed a pragmatic framework
for risk-based and animal-sparing approaches to evaluating chemical safety. The tiers of
this framework were guided by estimation of the margins between predicted human
bioactive doses and estimates of exposure for the most sensitive portion of the population.
The first tier integrates data from three key sources. The first source is high-throughput
screening (HTS) in vitro assays, such as the U.S. Federal Tox21 consortium and the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Toxicity Forecaster (ToxCast) program, which have
screened thousands of chemicals, in some cases across more than a thousand assay
endpoints. These data separate chemicals based on their relative selectivity in interacting
with biological targets and identify the concentration at which these interactions occur.
The second source is toxicokinetic (TK) data that allow in vitro-to-in vivo extrapolation
(IVIVE) from any activities observed in vitro to actual human dose rates (i.e., mg/kg
bodyweight/day). These TK data are largely drawn from in vitro assays amenable to
hundreds of chemicals, and have themselves been organized into tiers of confidence based
on comparison to in vivo evaluation data. The third source of data is first-pass exposure
predictions (mg/kg/day) that can be obtained from rapidly parameterized exposure
models or from heuristic models that have been empirically calibrated to human
biomonitoring data. A recent application of the first tier is the U.S. Endocrine Disruptor
Screening Program (EDSP), which must consider approximately 10,000 chemicals for
potential to impact function of human estrogen, androgen, steroid, and thyroid pathways.
Coupled with a pathway-based model for integrating in vitro data, the EDSP is using Tier
One testing to identify those chemicals most of interest for additional study. The second
tier of the Thomas et al. (2013) framework involves short-term in vivo studies, expanded
TK evaluations, and refined human exposure estimates. Only in the third tier are more
traditional animal studies used to assess chemical safety. This tiered approach holds
promise to significantly increase the efficiency in which chemical testing occurs. This
abstract does not necessarily reflect U.S. EPA policy.
191
Mo-SY-F4.3
Exposure based testing for risk assessment
Theo Vermeire, RIVM, Bilthoven, Netherlands
Yuri Bruinen de Bruin, RIVM, Bilthoven, Netherlands
Exposure of humans or organisms in the environment is one of the decision elements in
integrated testing strategies on which testing decisions are based. In other words: some
tests may be waived if it can be shown that there are situations when human or
environmental exposures are so low that there is a very low probability that the
acquisition of additional effect information may lead to an improvement in the ability to
manage risk (Exposure Based Waiving, EBW). This will reduce the number of experimental
animals needed. In contrast, high exposures may trigger extra testing using experimental
animals (Exposure Based Triggering, EBT). Extensive exposure knowledge through
modelling or monitoring is essential for both aspects of exposure based testing. This
applies to all relevant life cycle stages of a substance, from production to the waste
stage. Based on such knowledge, exposure can judgedto be relevant or not. This concerns
exposure of humans, directly via consumer products or at the workplace and indirectly
exposed via the environment, and exposure of environmental organisms.
The presentation will report about investigations on how EBW and EBT can be used as a
factor in testing strategies and how EBW can be used to reduce testing of experimental
animals.
192
Mo-SY-F4.4
Expossure based testing, an industry perspective on current situation and where to fo
next
Nicholas Ball, The Dow Chemical Company, Horgen, Switzerland
Heli M Hollnagel, Dow Europe GmbH, Horgen, Switzerland
Sean Hays, Summit Toxicology, Lyons, CO, United States
The concept for exposure driven testing requirements for regulatory submissions is not
new. Under the EU REACH regulation, toxicity data requirements are driven primarily by
the amount of a substance manufactured or imported per year (a crude proxy for exposure
potential), with the theoretical possibility to avoid/reduce testing for substances where
there is essentially no potential for exposure. Observations from the first years of REACH
show that while legally permitted, exposure-based adaptations to the testing scheme are
foreseen, regulatory practice does not use this approach for chemicals. For food contact
materials (in the EU), toxicological assessment is driven by the potential for migration into
food and subsequent human exposure. However while these frameworks allow for
exposure based testing there is no harmonized, globally accepted approach for exposure
based testing and often the possibility to reduce the need for data based on an exposure
based argument is extremely difficult. Is there a way through this? What are the needs to
develop a more consistent toxicological assessment of chemicals that uses the potential
for exposure as the driver for data requirements? This presentation will provide a brief
overview of the state of play from an industry perspective and present thoughts on how to
push towards a true exposure based assessment paradigm.
193
Mo-SY-F4.5
Results of audience debate
Sean Hays, Summit Toxicology, Lyons, CO, United States
A real-time polling website (www.scipinion.com) will be used by the audience to respond
to a predetermined set of charge questions written by the session organizers. The final
presentation will provide the results of the poll and lead a discussion amongst the
audience and speakers.
194
Mo-SY-G4: Advanced mass spectrometric techniques for the analysis of
environmental organic contaminants
Mo-SY-G4.1
High resolution mass spectrometry provides novel insights into products of human
metabolism of organophosphate and brominated flame retardants
Mohamed Abdallah, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Jinkang Zhang, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Mark Viant, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Kevin Chipman, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Kyle D'silva, ThermosFisher Scientific, Bremen, Germany
Maciej bromirski, TherfmoFisher Scientific, Bremen, Germany
Stuart Harrad, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Aristide Ganci, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Very little is known about the biotransformation of flame retardants in indoor dust by
human liver cells. Furthermore, very little is known about the metabolic behavior of
human liver cells upon concomitant exposure to multiple stressors which mimic the real
life situation. In this study, Human HepG2/C3A cells were cultured in William’s E medium
supplemented with 5% heat-inactivated fetal bovine serum and incubated at 37°C with
humidified air containing 5% CO2. HepG2/C3A cells were seeded into 6 well plates at
density of 2 million cells/well and exposed to the extract of 12 mg NIST SRM2585
dust/well (relevant to the high end exposure of a 12.3 kg toddler ingesting 200 mg/day of
indoor dust) for 24 hours. Samples were spiked with 13C-α, β, γ-HBCDs and TPP-d15 as
internal standards prior to extraction with ethyl acetate:hexane (1:1 v/v) mixture
according to a QUECHERS-based method using successive steps of vortex-mixing, ultra-
sonication and centrifugation. Chromatographic analysis was achieved using a dual pump
Ultimate 3000TM (ThermoScientific) UHPLC equipped with an Ultimate 3000TM XRS
autosampler. Analyte separation was performed on Accucore RP-MS column (100 x 2.1, 2.6
µm, ThermoScientific) using a mobile phase of 1mM ammonium acetate (mobile phase A)
and Methanol (mobile phase B). Identification of target analytes (HBCDs, TCEP, TCIPP and
TDCPP) and their metabolites was performed on the ExactiveTM Plus OrbitrapTM mass
spectrometer (Thermo Scientific, Bremen, Germany) using an ESI source operated in both
+ve and -ve ionisation modes. The Automated gain control (AGC) was set to 3 x 106 ions at
a mass resolution of 70,000 FWHM. Due to the lack of reference standards, the high
resolution full scan mass spectra were used for identification of metabolites. The identity
of potential metabolites were confirmed via all ion fragmentation (AIF) using the higher
collisional dissociation (HCD) cell. The fragmentation patterns obtained from each
metabolite provided additional information for structural elucidation. Further
confirmation of metabolite structures were achieved via MS/MS analysis using the parent
(nominal) mass from the Orbitrap full scan and the most predominant fragment obtained
from the AIF analysis. Results revealed several hydroxylated, dehalogenated and
conjugated metabolites for HBCDs, TCEP, TCIPP and TDCPP. More studies are required to
investigate the toxic implications of these metabolites which may pose more risk to human
health than their parent compounds.
195
196
Mo-SY-G4.2
Untargeted identification of novel BFRs and their degradation/transformation products
in environmental samples
Aristide Ganci, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Khanh Hoang Nguyen, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Leon Peters, Uiversity of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Thomas Moehring, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Bremen, Germany
Stuart Harrad, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Due to legislative restrictions on manufacture and use of some brominated flame
retardants (BFRs), several new chemicals (NBFRs) have been developed. To explore their
presence in different environmental compartments and ultimately understand their
environmental fate, analytical methods for targeted analysis are required. Classically
these compounds are determined by GC-based instrumental methods. In recent years, LC-
based methods coupled to low resolution mass spectrometers have also been developed.
Advances in high resolution mass spectrometry facilitate accurate measurements and
identification of unknowns, as well as possible degradation and transformation products.
Moreover, bromine isotopic pattern analysis and the use of mass defect plots and filters,
helps identify relevant substances, with such techniques starting to be more commonly
used in environmental science.
In this work the potential of high-resolution accurate mass (HR/AM) quadrupole Orbitrap
benchtop technology will be exploited for targeted/untargeted detection and
identification of NBFRs in environmental samples such as dust, soil and sediments, along
with possible degradation and transformation products.
Extraction of samples was conducted using a Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ ASE™ 350
accelerated solvent extractor and in-cell cleanup. The use of different solvent mixtures,
including hexane, dichloromethane and acetone in the accelerated solvent extractor was
investigated to obtain the optimal extraction results. Further in-cell clean up using silica
and Florisil™ was performed to reduce matrix interferences. Final extracts were separated
on a Thermo Scientific Accucore™ RP-MS 100x2.1mm, 2.6µm column on a Thermo
Scientific UltiMate® 3000 HPLC system using a gradient elution program with water
(mobile phase A) and methanol (mobile phase B) at a flow rate of 400 µl/min. A HPLC
gradient elution program and APCI values were optimized based on the measurement of
reference standard solutions. Samples were analyzed on a Q Exactive™ Plus mass
spectrometer with an APCI source. Raw data files were processed using Thermo Scientific
Compound Discoverer™ version 2.0 software. In addition, mass defect plots were created
using Microsoft® Excel to visualize the presence of brominated compounds.
Initially, Full Scan experiments were conducted to obtain a general overview of the
presence of compounds of interest in the samples. The use of high-resolution accurate
mass (HRAM) instrumentation, together with powerful software tools, facilitates
identification of targeted compounds and unknowns by means of selectivity, elemental
compositions and isotopic pattern scoring. Later, confirmation of compounds was
conducted using MS2 fragmentation spectra and measured reference standards where
available. Several BFRs and NBFRs were identified in the samples.
197
Mo-SY-G4.3
Explore the potential of state of the art Mass Spectrometry and dedicated software in
identification of NBFRs and their metabolite/degradation products
Khanh Hoang Nguyen, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Mohamed Abdallah, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Aristide Ganci, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Leon Peters, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Stuart Harrad, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
In this research, we aim to explore the potential of a fast and reliable method to identify
compounds of interest and their metabolites by a totally unknown approach using High
Resolution Mass Accuracy (HRAM) data and a dedicated software. The method was applied
to data from an in-vitro experiment.
Briefly, mouse liver microsomes (MLM) were pre-incubated with sterile Milli-Q water,
William’s E medium and EH-TBB at two concentrations (1 and 10 µM) for 10 minutes at
37oC. NADPH regenerating system was added to make a final volume of 1 mL in each well.
The plate was then incubated at 37oC for 1 hour and stopped by ice-cold methanol.
Samples were extracted by a proper procedure then analyzed by an UPLC-Orbitrap-HRMS
system in full scan (-)APCI mode (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Bremen, Germany). Triplicate
experiments were performed at both dosing levels together with non-enzymatic sample,
heat-inactivated sample, solvent blank and EH-TBB standard.
Compound Discoverer 2.0 software (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Bremen, Germany) was used
to interpret the data. Briefly, the software extracted spectra from input MS data then
elucidated the element compositions for each peaks in every single files and grouped them
based on retention time across all files. Further analysis nodes were used such as
elemental composition prediction and bromine isotope pattern scoring. Finally, a
“Differential Analysis” node was used to provide some simple differential statistic (PCA
and ANOVA).
Overall, 1429 features were found in two groups: treated and untreated samples. ANOVA
results showed 100 features with significant differences between two groups (adjusted-P <
0.1, confidence level 90%). Log2 fold changes of peak areas were then calculated. Among
100 significant features, there were 28 features with a positive log2 fold change meaning
they have higher concentrations in treated samples. Finally, a bromine pattern scoring
filter was applied, which resulted only 1 feature matched 4-Bromine pattern. The
proposed ion composition was: [C8H4O3Br3]- which might derive from 2,3,4,5-
tetrabromomethylbenzoate (C8H4O2Br4) by common (-)APCI ionization mechanism [M-
Br+O]-. An increase in log2 fold change between 10 µM and 1 µM samples was also
observed: 9.71 versus 2.59. This implied [C8H4O3Br3]- indeed a metabolite formed during
in-vitro experiments.
In conclusion, by using HRAM and Compound Discoverer software, we were able to identify
one metabolite of EH-TBB by MLM through an unknown approach. This method can be
applied for any other compound and potentially real samples if LC/(-)APCI-Orbitrap library
provided.
198
Mo-SY-G4.4
The comprehensive characterisation of diesel exhaust nanoparticles using variable
ionisation mass spectrometry
Mohammed Alam, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
Christopher Stark, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
Roy Harrison, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
Despite intensive research over the last 20 years, major questions remain concerning the
composition of primary vehicle exhaust aerosol and its contribution to secondary organic
aerosol (SOA) formation. These uncertainties relate especially to the semi-volatile
component of the particles. Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (SVOC) are compounds
which partition directly between the gas and aerosol phases under ambient conditions. In
engine exhaust the SVOC are typically hydrocarbons in the C15-C35 range and are largely
uncharacterised, other than the homologous series of the n-alkanes. This is due to the
drawbacks of monitoring techniques available, as the SVOC are unresolved by traditional
gas chromatography and form a large hump in the chromatogram referred to as Unresolved
Complex Mixture (UCM).
In this study, we exploit 2D Gas-Chromatography coupled to variable ionisation Time-of-
Flight Mass-Spectrometry (GC×GC-ToF-MS) to characterise the composition of SVOC from
diesel exhaust emission. Samples were collected from the exhaust of a diesel engine using
both filter and impaction. The GC×GC-ToF-MS technique has been demonstrated capable
of resolving specific components of the UCM, which typically makes up 95% of the area of
chromatogram using conventional 1D separation. Samples were collected from the exhaust
of a diesel engine with and without abatement devices fitted. Preliminary analyses
indicate the separation of ~ 13,000 peaks, of which many homologous series’ are
identified. These include the homologous series’ such as n-alkanes, alkyl-cyclohexanes,
alkyl-cyclopentanes and aromatics; similar to both fresh lubricating oil and fuel. Although
we can identify that many of the chromatographic peaks belong to a particular
homologous series, it is often difficult to determine the positioning and degree of
branching of many isomeric hydrocarbon compounds. Using variable electron energy
ionisation, mass spectrometry, the positioning and degree of branching of isomeric
hydrocarbon compounds are also identified and presented. We identify the mono-, di-, tri-
and tetra- substituted methylalkanes and alkylcycloalkanes, which are in many cases more
abundant in terms of mass than n-alkanes and n-alkylcycloalkanes.
199
Mo-SY-G4.5
The Thermo Scientific Q Exactive GC Orbitrap for Multi Dimensional Position Specific
Isotope Analysis of Trace Organic Environmental Contaminants
Leon Peters, Thermofisher Scientific and The University of Birmingham, Birmingham,
United Kingdom
Khanh Hoang Nguyen, Thermofisher Scientific and The University of Birmingham,
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Stuart Harrad, University of Birmingham, Birnimgham, United Kingdom
The position specific stable isotopic composition (PSIA) of organic environmental
contaminants holds the potential to categorically identify pollutant sources, understand
global and local transportation processes and determine degradation pathways and
kinetics.
Traditional isotopic measurements conducted using magnetic sector type isotope ratio
mass spectrometers (IRMS) and analyte gasses derived by chemical conversion from the
original sample of interest; do not retain the intra-molecular isotopic distributions critical
for these applications. Further, even the most sensitive of conversion processes requires
sample concentrations on the order of ng on-column, which for the most part, prohibits
the isotopic measurement of trace-level organic environmental contaminants.
In an attempt to retain the isotopic integrity of analytes as well as to reduce limits of
detection, methods using single quadrupole mass spectrometers (qMS) operating in
selected ion monitoring mode (SIM) have been developed. These have been successful in
describing the degradation kinetics and pathways of several organic contaminants, under
laboratory conditions and in field studies of highly contaminated sites where sufficient
concentrations for analysis could be extracted and purified. However, these approaches
suffer in that they often require a separate compound-specific δ13C analysis to calculate
offsets present as isobaric interferences at low mass resolution. Also these measurements
require multiple injections and long integration times- increasing the mass of compound
required for analysis.
This study aims to provide a comprehensive solution for PSIA of organic contaminants by
high resolution-accurate mass (HR/AM) full scan analysis on the Thermo Scientific Q
Exactive GC Orbitrap system. Methodology has been successfully developed which is
capable of mass resolving isobaric interferences and providing position-specific isotopic
data of organic moieties at trace concentrations (as low as 10 ppb).
This full scan technique is presented and discussed as a comparison against SIM-qMS and
IRMS methodology for δ13C, δ37Cl and δD of Hexachlorocyclohexane gamma isomer
(lindane) as well as δ81Br, δ13C and δD of several polybrominated diphenol ether (PBDEs)
and brominated dioxin and furan (PBDD/Fs) congeners. Accuracy and precision of the
measurements was found to be highly dependent upon mass spectrometric and
chromatographic conditions, however showed reproducible accuracy of between 0.1 -
1.5‰ (δ37Cl of lindane) at resolutions ranging from 15 - 120k.
These results show for the first time the capability of the GC-Orbitrap platform to perform
PSIA for a range of organic molecules at concentrations relevant to environmental
conditions, enabling a new generation of applications in the field of environmental
contaminants research.
200
201
Mo-SY-H4: Analysis of Patterns of Co-Exposure: Methodologies and
Applications
Mo-SY-H4.1
Analyzing patterns of co-exposure in exposure space
Thomas Webster, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
Aim: Exposure science plays a crucial role in the understanding of the health effects of
mixtures: we need to know what mixtures populations are exposed to. Developments in
analytical chemistry mean that large amounts of exposure data will be routinely
generated. Analysis of the distribution of compounds in exposure space provides useful
information. Large areas of this space will be empty and do not need to be investigated by
toxicologists. Epidemiologists need to understand the patterns of co-exposure in order to
consider confounding as well as colinearity and other statistical issues. Epidemiologists
will also need to consider generalizability, including the similarity of patterns of
correlations between populations.
Methods: Consider a p-dimensional space where each perpendicular axis denotes a specific
exposure. We are interested in the distribution of data in this space and correlations. For
example, exposures that are very highly correlated will form rays. 1) To examine
correlations, Spearman correlation coefficients provide a robust statistic that does not
require assumptions about data distributions. Correlation matrices provide one method for
portraying such data, but this can become unwieldy when p is large. An alternative
method constructs dendrograms (“family trees”) using hierarchical clustering where
relatedness depends on the correlation. We constructed such trees by a) defining distance
(dissimilarity) as one minus the absolute value of the Spearman correlation coefficient; b)
constructing the tree using average linkage. 2) A second problem involves comparison of
patterns of correlations between populations. One can compare dendrograms (e.g., via
cophenetic correlation) or the underlying correlation matrix. The latter can be readily
done via the Mantel statistic: compute the Spearman correlation of the elements in the
lower triangular forms of the dissimilarity matrices. P-values are computed via a
permutation test (as elements are not independent). We illustrate these procedures using
serum concentrations of a set of persistent organic pollutants from a Boston cohort,
comparing the pattern of correlations with NHANES.
Results and Conclusions: In the Boston cohort, serum concentrations showed two major
clusters: PentaBDEs and other compounds: organochlorine pesticides (OCs) and PCBs. The
latter contained two main subclusters, lower and higher molecular weight PCBs. The 2003-
4 NHANES measured the PCBs in a separate sample from the other compounds. The
comparison of the Boston data and NHANES was therefore restricted to the PBDEs and OCs.
The Mantel test yielded an overall correlation of 0.7 (p=0.002), indicating a strong
similarity between the two.
202
Mo-SY-H4.2
Co-variation in circulating levels of 45 environmental contaminants from different
chemical classes in a human population.
Lars Lind, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
Erik Lampa, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
Samira Salihovic, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
Bert van Bavel, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
Monica Lind, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
Aim: When evaluating effects of mixtures in humans it is essential to know to what extent
high levels of environmental contaminants co-exist in he individual. If so, some selected
contaminants could be used as markers of exposure. The aim of the present study is to
investigate co-variation of multiple contaminants in the circulation in a large population-
based sample.
Method: In almost 1,000 subjects in the Prospective Study of the Vasculature in Uppsala
Seniors (PIVUS) study (50% women, all aged 70 years), 45 different environmental
contaminants from different classes (PCBs, dioxin, brominated flam retardant, pesticides,
BPA, phthalates, PFAS, metals) were measured. Hierarchical cluster analysis and principal
component analysis were used.
Results: Except for one cluster of low-chlorinated PCBs (congeners 74, 99, 105, 118, 138,
and 153) and one cluster of highly chlorinated PCBs (congeners 156, 157, 170, 180, 189,
194, 206, and 209), and one cluster consisting of some of the PFAS, no major co-variation
was seen in the investigated contaminants.
Conclusion: Except for some PCBs, and some PFAS, very little co-variation was seen
amongst a large number of environmental contaminants from different classes. Thus, a
large number of contaminants have to be measured on order to evaluate mixture effects
in humans.
203
Mo-SY-H4.3
Development of correlation globes to map out environment-wide associations and to
determine the multiplicity burden of association tests
Chirag Patel, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
The phenomenon of environmental exposure is complex and humans are not exposed to
one or a handful factors but potentially hundreds factors throughout their lives. The
exposome, the totality of exposures encountered from birth, is hypothesized to consist of
multiple inter-dependencies, or correlations, between individual exposures. These
correlations may reflect how individuals are exposed. Currently, we lack methods to
comprehensively identify robust and replicated correlations between environmental
exposures of the exposome, the comprehensive battery of exposures encountered from
birth to death. Further, we have not mapped how exposures associated with disease
identified by environment-wide association studies (EWAS) are correlated with other
exposures. To this end, we implement methods to describe a first "exposome globe", a
comprehensive display of replicated correlations between individual exposures of the
exposome. First, we describe overall characteristics of the dense correlations between
exposures, showing that we are able to replicate 2,656 correlations between individual
exposures of 81,937 total considered (3%). We document the correlation within and
between broad a priori defined categories of exposures (e.g., pollutants and nutrient
exposures). We also demonstrate utility of the exposome globe to contextualize exposures
found through two EWASs in type 2 diabetes and all-cause mortality, such as exposure
clusters putatively related to smoking behaviors and persistent pollutant exposure. The
exposome globe construct is a useful tool for the display and communication of the
complex relationships between exposure factors and between exposure factors related to
disease status. We will demonstrate open-source tools to estimate and visualize exposome
globes and their role in deciphering associations between exposures and phenotype.
204
Mo-SY-H4.4
Identifying Robust Co-Occurrence Patterns in Personal Care Product Purchases
Rogelio Tornero-Velez, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
Kristin Isaacs, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
Michael Nye, U.S. EPA, Washington DC, DC, United States
Paul Price, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
Timothy Buckley, U.S. EPA, RTP, NC, United States
Personal care products (PCPs) are used for beautification and personal hygiene, and
because they are applied to the skin, hair, and mouth, they provide an efficient delivery
vehicle for chemicals into our bodies. Although efforts have been made to enumerate the
chemicals in individual PCPs and understand their health risks, little is known on the
combined chemical exposures and risks that occur from the co-use of PCPs. To address this
need, we employed association rules mining, a method with origins in market basket
analysis, to assess patterns of co-occurrence in PCP purchases. We applied this method
to an anonymized database of consumer product transactions for sixty thousand
households collected over one year, provided by a major market research firm. PCP
categories included hair care, oral hygiene, cosmetics, soap and bath products,
fragrances, and toiletries. To identify co-occurring sets of products, we applied a
mathematical technique, the Apriori algorithm, which finds nested combinations of
increasing order as long as all satisfy a minimum ‘support’ (occurrence) threshold. We
further examined robustness of co-occurrence patterns by demographic variables.
Identifying assemblages of products is a prerequisite to assessing risks from the chemicals
in multiple products. We demonstrate that this approach is an efficient framework to
consider consumer product co-occurrence to inform chemical exposure and risk
assessment. This abstract does not necessarily reflect U.S. EPA policy.
205
Mo-SY-H4.5
Quantifying Associations between Environmental Stressors and Demographic Factors
Hongtai Huang, Environmental Protection Agency (ORISE), Durham, North Carolina, United
States
Rogelio Tornero-Velez, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park,
North Carolina, United States
Timothy Barzyk, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North
Carolina, United States
Association rule mining (ARM) [1, 2], also known as frequent item set mining [3] or market
basket analysis [2], has been widely applied in many different areas, such as business
product portfolio planning, intrusion detection infrastructure design, gene expression
analysis, medical diagnosis, and drug prescription pattern. In recent years, ARM has also
been used to analyze relationships between environmental stressors and adverse human
health effects [4, 5].
We employed ARM to identify and quantify associations within and between ambient
pollutants (environmental stressors) and demographic factors such as age, poverty,
race/ethnicity, and education attainment. Specifically, we linked the 2011 NATA
(National-Scale Air Toxics Assessment) U.S. Census tract-level air pollutant exposure
concentration data with the 2010-2014, 5-Year Summary Files in the American Community
Survey (ACS), and created relevant chemical and demographic variables. Association rules
were generated based on the merged data (NATA Data and ACS 5-Year Summary Files) and
filtered with specific criteria or measurements to enhance understanding of the
relationships between multiple chemical stressors and socio-demographic factors. We also
utilized a graph-based visualization tool [6] to depict the interacting relations among all
the stressors or factors that play active roles in the resultant rules. Our main aim is to
demonstrate the ability of using unsupervised data mining methods to identify associations
among multiple stressors (e.g., to find the underlying structure of and the relationship[s]
between the stressors), which can be useful for assessment of co-exposure to chemical
and non-chemical stressors, and informative for public health decision-making, especially
when it comes to addressing environmental justice issues and social disparities.
References:
1. Agrawal, R., T. Imieliński, and A. Swami. Mining association rules between sets of
items in large databases. in ACM SIGMOD 1993.
2. Hastie, T., R. Tibshirani, and J. Friedman, The elements of statistical learning:
data mining, inference and prediction. 2005, Springer.
3. Borgelt, C., Frequent item set mining. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Data Mining
and Knowledge Discovery, 2012. 2(6): p. 437-456.
4. Bell, S.M. and S.W. Edwards. Building associations between markers of
environmental stressors and adverse human health impacts using frequent itemset mining.
in Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) International Conference on Data
Mining. 2014.
5. Bell, S.M. and S.W. Edwards, Identification and Prioritization of Relationships
between Environmental Stressors and Adverse Human Health Impacts. Environ Health
Perspect, 2015. 123(11): p. 1193-9.
6. Hahsler, M. and S. Chelluboina, Visualizing association rules: Introduction to the R-
extension package arulesViz, in R project module. 2011. p. 223-238.
206
Mo-PL-I4: VOCs and SVOCs
Mo-PL-I4.1
Use of Indoor Dust Levels to Reconstruct Exposure to Semivolatile Organic Compounds:
Evaluation with NHANES biomarkers
Hyeong-Moo Shin, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, United States
Thomas McKone, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory/University of California-
Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States
Deborah Bennett, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, United States
Background/Aims: House dust can serve as a marker of exposure. Many studies have found
that polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) concentrations in indoor dust are correlated
with concentrations in biological samples. However, the role of indoor dust levels on
predicting human body burden for other chemical classes remains mostly unexplored. Our
objective is (1) to quantify exposures from indoor dust levels for a suite of semivolatile
organic compounds (SVOC) with indoor sources and (2) to better understand how much
indoor dust levels can inform human body burden depending on chemical properties and
indoor source strength.
Methods: Compounds of interest include PBDEs, phthalates, polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs), and bisphenol A (BPA). We couple measured levels in indoor dust
with the partitioning relationships among the gas phase, airborne particles and settled
dust to estimate concentrations in the gas phase and airborne particles. We model intake
rates (iR) using the exposure concentrations (i.e., dust levels, gas phase and airborne
particles) and recommended exposure factors (e.g., inhalation rate, dust ingestion rate).
We then compare the modeled total iRs with those inferred from the measured urine or
blood levels in the NHANES survey.
Results: The contribution of individual exposure pathways (e.g., inhalation, dermal
uptake, dust ingestion) to the total iRs is similar to the results in previous studies. For
compounds with large octanol-air partition coefficients (log Koa >9), the primary exposure
pathway is dust ingestion (>70%), but our methods underestimate the total iRs (only 2 to
16% of the total iRs from biomonitoring data). It is likely that exposure for these
compounds is driven by non-indoor exposure pathways or that the gas-phase
concentrations are not equilibrated with the settled dust levels. We also found that our
results are very sensitive to the Koa, which involves in partitioning relationships between
the gas phase and the particle phase as well as between the gas phase and settled dust.
Conclusion: The results from this study indicate that reconstructed exposure from
measured indoor dust levels and estimated gas- and particle-phase concentrations can
better inform human body burden than that from the dust levels only, especially for SVOCs
with small Koa. Our methods can provide reliable exposure estimates in a high-throughput
manner when biomarker measurements are lacking but indoor dust levels are known.
207
Mo-PL-I4.3
Reactive and Water-Soluble Organic Gases inside Several Residences in New Jersey and
North Carolina
Sara Duncan, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States
Barbara Turpin, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
Kenneth Sexton, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
Ron Lauck, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs; alkanes, alkenes, aromatics) are frequently found at
much higher concentrations inside than outside of homes. However, while some water-
soluble oxidized VOCs have been measured indoors, the concentration and composition of
water-soluble organic gases (WSOG) in indoor spaces are poorly understood. We
hypothesize that WSOGs also exist in higher concentrations indoors than outdoors and that
many water-soluble gases are present indoors that have not yet been identified. These
compounds can be directly emitted from sources (e.g., cooking) and formed when VOCs
are oxidized in indoor air. In damp homes, liquid water (on surfaces, in wet particles, and
in the respiratory tract of occupants) is a sink for WSOG and could possibly be an
important medium for chemistry, altering dermal and inhalation exposures indoors.
WSOGs were collected inside and outside of 13 homes in central New Jersey and the
Triangle region of North Carolina in summer and fall, 2015 using four mist-chamber
sampling devices in parallel (two sampling indoors and two sampling outdoors). These
devices scrubbed water-soluble gases out of the air into water with an air flow rate of 25
liters per minute and a refluxing collection volume of 25 milli-liters of water. In each
home, two sequential 2-hour samples were collected and composited. Total organic
carbon (TOC) concentrations in the indoor samples were 6 - 27 times higher than
concurrent outdoor concentrations (542 to 1,387 micro-molar carbon indoors; 28 to 107
micro-molar carbon outdoors). On average, at least 86 percent of water-soluble organic
carbon collected indoors originated from indoor sources and indoor formation, rather than
from outdoor-to-indoor transport (This lower-bound estimate assumes outdoor-to-indoor
transport was 100 percent efficient).
Samples were reacted with OH radicals in water to identify collected WSOGs that are
particularly reactive in the aqueous phase. Elemental composition and structural
information for reactive WSOGs were provided by electrospray ionization mass
spectrometry (ESI-MS) (soft ionization, 40 V fragmentor voltage) and MS-MS. In each
home, several compounds were reactive with OH radicals, including reduced nitrogen
compounds and polyols. This work will help to enable future investigation into how
chemistry in liquid water indoors may alter indoor gas-phase chemical makeup in homes
and consequent exposure risks.
208
Mo-PL-I4.4
Comparison of three biomarkers for benzene exposure during turnaround works and
derivation of an assessment value for urinary benzene
Michael Bader, BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany
Thomas Jaeger, BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany
Sandra Baecker, BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany
Tom Van Weyenbergh, BASF Antwerpen N.V., Antwerpen, Belgium
Elke Verwerft, BASF Antwerpen N.V., Antwerpen, Belgium
Thomas Schettgen, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
Thomas Kraus, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
Benzene is one key compound for exposure monitoring during turnaround works in
chemical production plants such as steamcrackers and aromatic hydrocarbon synthesis. At
two large industrial sites in Germany and Belgium, benzene biomonitoring is carried out
routinely during turnarounds. While exposure is generally low and well-controlled, the
results of the biomonitoring programs can be used to compare the validity and
applicability of different biomarkers. In particular, urinary benzene is currently under
discussion, and one aim of the investigations was to evaluate the correlation between
urinary benzene and the established biomarkers trans,trans-muconic acid (ttMA) and S-
phenylmercapturic acid (SPMA).
Several turnaround campaigns since 2006 in chemical plants with potential exposure of the
maintenance workers to benzene were monitored. ttMA and SPMA as well as urinary
benzene were analyzed in parallel, according to procedures recommended by the German
Research Foundation (DFG). The parameters were continuously certified by successful
participation in the German External Quality Assessment Scheme (G-EQUAS). The limits of
detection were 50 µg/L for ttMA, 1 µg/L for SPMA, and 0.02 µg/L µg/L for urinary
benzene. The Biological Exposure Indices (BEI) of the American Conference of
Governmental Industrial Hygieinists (ACGIH) were used as internal action values: 500 µg
ttMA/g creatinine, 25 µg SPMA/g creatinine (no assessment value available for urinary
benzene).
In four campaigns, altogether 1003 samples were collected from 215 employees, and
analyzed for at least two biomarkers. In two campaigns, all three biomarkers were
analyzed. Additionally, 79 urine samples from employees without occupational exposure to
benzene were analyzed as controls. Action value excursions were observed in less than 5 %
of the samples. The median values were up to 210 µg/g creatinine for ttMA, 1.7 µg/g
creatinine for SPMA and 0.6 µg/L for urinary benzene. All three biomarkers showed close
correlations between each other, and the relation between the BEI values (500 µg ttMA/g
creatinine vs. 25 µg SPMA/g creatinine) was confirmed. At that level, the urinary benzene
concentration is 4.5 µg/L.
The biomonitoring programs have shown the very low overall exposure to benzene during
turnaround works in chemical plants, but they provided nevertheless a solid database for a
comparison of the three biomarkers. Urinary benzene shows a good correlation to the
established biomarkers ttMA and SPMA, it is relatively easy to analyze, and an action value
of 5 µg/L, corresponding to 0.6 ppm benzene in air, could be derived.
209
Mo-PL-I4.5
Bioaccessibility of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in settled dust
Gaelle Raffy, EHESP - School of public health / Irset Inserm UMR 1085- Research Institute
for Environmental and Occupational Health, Rennes, France
Fabien Mercier, EHESP - School of public health / Irset Inserm UMR 1085- Research
Institute for Environmental and Occupational Health, Rennes, France
Philippe Glorennec, EHESP - School of public health / Irset-Inserm UMR 1085- Research
Institute for Environmental and Occupational Health, Rennes, France
Corinne Mandin, CSTB - Scientific and technical center for building / OQAI - French indoor
air quality observatory, Rennes, France
Barbara Lebot, EHESP - School of public health / Irset-Inserm UMR 1085- Research
Institute for Environmental and Occupational Health, Rennes, France
Humans are exposed to a wide range of indoor chemical pollutants including semi-volatile
organic compounds (SVOCs), which are suspected of adverse health effects such as
reprotoxic and neurotoxic effects. Dust ingestion is a non-negligible pathway of human
exposure to several of these compounds. To improve this human exposure assessment, it is
necessary to consider the bioaccessibility of SVOCs, i.e. the fraction of pollutants released
in the digestive tract following the ingestion of dust. The present work reviews the
literature for the methods, measured values, and influencing factors related to the
bioaccessibility of SVOCs in indoor dust.
Reported bioaccessibility measurement methods simulate the gastrointestinal tract, with
dust samples being successively submitted to synthetic gastric and intestinal fluids. Models
were sometimes extended to include the role of saliva or colon. Milk proteins, Tenax®
beads or Caco-2 cells could also be added for a better physiological relevance.
So far, SVOC bioaccessibility in dust has not been well documented in the scientific
literature. However, the available articles show that measured bioaccessibilities ranged
from < 20% for bromodiphenylether (BDE) 209, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) or
high molecular weight phthalates, up to > 60% for organophosphorous flame retardants
(OPFRs), low molecular weight polybromodiphenylether (PBDEs),
hexabromocyclododecanes or tetrabromobisphenol A.
SVOC bioaccessibility is influenced by several factors related to the matrix. An increase of
organic carbon content was often associated with a decrease of bioaccessibility: this was
observed for PBDEs or the more hydrophobic OPFRs and phthalate esters, but no effect
was noticed on the less hydrophobic ones. A decrease of dust particle size or an increase
of dust pore volumes lead to a larger specific surface area which was linked to an increase
of bioaccessibility.
SVOC bioaccessibility was also influenced by factors related to the compound itself. For
example, substances with higher octanol-water partition coefficients (Kow) were less
bioaccessible. For PBDEs, congeners that had integrated dust by adsorption were more
bioaccessible than BDE 209 whose presence in dust is suspected to originate from material
abrasion. Bioaccessibility was not influenced by the pollutant’s concentration.
Bioaccessibility data are useful for a better quantification of SVOC exposure doses, which
could otherwise be overestimated when the pollutant’s total concentration is considered.
However, more studies are needed, which should be compared to in-vivo studies for
validation.
210
Poster sessions Monday October 10, 2016
Biomonitoring
Mo-Po-01
Measurement of Urinary Phthalate Metabolites in a Pilot Study of Nail Salon Workers
and Comparison to a Sample of the U.S. Population
Julia Varshavsky, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
Suhash Harwani, Cancer Prevention Institute of California, Berkeley, United States
Martin Snider, Department of Toxic Substances Control, Berkeley, United States
Syrago-Styliani Petropoulou, Department of Toxic Substances Control, Berkeley, United
States
June-Soo Park, Department of Toxic Substances Control, Berkeley, United States
Myrto Petreas, Department of Toxic Substances Control, Berkeley, United States
Peggy Reynolds, Cancer Prevention Institute of California, Berkeley, United States
Tuan Nguyen, State Compensation Insurance Fund, Berkeley, United States
Thu Quach, Cancer Prevention Institute of California, Berkeley, United States
California’s nail care industry is rapidly growing, with over 100,000 registered nail
technicians in the state. Many are low-income Vietnamese immigrants who have limited
access to health care, labor protections, and chemical health and safety information.
Because they use phthalate-containing products on a regular basis, we predicted these nail
salon workers to be a uniquely exposed and vulnerable occupational group. To
characterize phthalate exposure in this subpopulation, we collected post-shift urine
samples from 17 Vietnamese American workers at six Bay Area nail salons. We analyzed
the urine samples for four primary phthalate metabolites: monoethyl-, monoisobutyl-,
monobutyl- , and mono-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalates (MEP, MiBP, MBP, and MEHP,
respectively) using a modified method we validated from existing literature. We then
compared our findings to the 2011-2012 Asian American National Health and Nutritional
Examination Survey (NHANES) population. Nail salon worker geometric means (GMs) for
each phthalate metabolite were higher than Asian American NHANES population averages,
and some of the differences were statistically significant. We found MBP, MiBP, MEHP, and
MEP to be 2.5 (p=0.0003), 1.6 (p=0.015), 2.6 (p <0.0001), and 0.25 (p=0.4445) times
higher in nail salon workers compared to NHANES. Additionally, our results show that some
workers are exposed to very high phthalate levels, well above the NHANES 95th
percentile. This pilot study provides suggestive evidence that nail salon workers may be
disproportionately exposed to certain phthalates, warranting further investigation into
these findings.
211
Mo-Po-02
Measurement of urinary environmental chemicals in a convenience sample of 3 to 5
year old American children: a pilot study for NHANES
Mary Mortensen, U.S. Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, GA, United States
Kathleen Caldwell, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United
States
Maria Morel-Espinosa, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United
States
Benjamin Blount, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
Robert Jones, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
Lanqing Want, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
Christine Pfeiffer, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
Background: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) collects data
and biospecimens from Americans aged one year and older to evaluate their health and
nutritional status. A spot urine obtained from participants ages 6 years and older is used
to assess exposure to environmental chemicals; information is scarce for children younger
than 6.
Methods: NHANES developed a pilot study to collect urine from children 3-5 years old
during 4 months of a 2-year cycle. We analyzed the urine for metals, iodine, perchlorate,
nitrate, thiocyanate, phytoestrogens, and several novel tobacco exposure biomarkers
using mass spectrometry. The standard methodology for analyzing urine from children 6-11
was applied to the urine samples from children 3-5 years.
Results: Approximately 120 children provided urine. We measured 21 metals and iodine;
perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate (anions); 6 phytoestrogens; 5 tobacco-specific N-
nitrosamines; and 6 volatile N-nitrosamines. We detected 16 metals, iodine, 3 anions, 6
phytoestrogens, and the tobacco biomarker NNAL in more than 50% of the children.
Concentrations spanned several orders of magnitude, depending on the biomarker and
were largely within the ranges reported previously for NHANES participants 6-11 years old.
Conclusion: based on a sample of children 3-5 years old, we detected 21 metals and
iodine, 3 anions, and 6 phytoestrogens in most of these children. Most tobacco biomarkers
were not detected, with the exception of NNAL, which was detected in more than 60% of
children and suggestive of second-hand smoke exposure.
212
Mo-Po-03
Urinary 1-nitropyrene metabolites as markers of exposure to diesel exhaust in an
underground mine.
Christopher Simpson, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
Joemy Ramsay, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
Erin Riley, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
Dale Stephenson, Boise State University, Boise, ID, United States
Terry Spear, Montana Tech, Butte, MT, United States
Michael Paulsen, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
Emily Zamzow, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
Emily Carpenter, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
Lianne Sheppard, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
Noah Seixas, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
Elevated exposure to diesel exhaust (DE) is widespread and has been linked to adverse
health outcomes including respiratory irritation, cardiovascular disease, immune
dysfunction and lung cancer. Underground miners experience amongst the highest
exposures to DE of any occupation. Thus, miners are at high risk for suffering adverse
health effects associated with DE exposure. MSHA currently mandates measurement of
elemental carbon (EC) and total carbon (TC) to assess workers exposures to DE in
underground metal/nonmetal mines. However, limitations in the specificity and reliability
of these metrics of DE exposure hamper quantitative evaluation of links between DE
exposure and adverse health outcomes. The DE-specific chemical 1-nitropyrene (1-NP) has
been suggested as a potential alternative marker of exposure to DE, and 1-nitropyrene
metabolites in urine may serve as useful biomarkers of exposure to DE.
In the current study we measured DE exposures in a cohort of 20 workers at a large
underground metal mine. Diesel powered equipment at this mine uses a B70 biodiesel
blend fuel. Full shift personal air samples were collected on up to eight occasions from
each worker using an MSHA compliant SKC DPM impactor downstream of a GS-1 cyclone
pre-filter. 103 of these samples were analyzed for EC and 1-NP. A total of 535 urine
samples were collected pre- and post shift from the workers – of which 170 were analyzed
for two specific metabolites of 1-NP - 6-hydroxy-1-nitropyrene (6-OHNP) and 8-hydroxy-1-
nitropyrene (8-OHNP). The geometric mean (GM) metabolite levels were 0.014 pg/mg
creatinine for 6-OHNP and 0.007 pg/mg creatinine for 8-OHNP. Metabolite levels were
lowest in the pre-shift sample on the first day of the work week, and increased
progressively throughout the work week. Consistent with this observation, metabolite
levels did not show a significant association with personal exposure to 1-NP in the single
work-shift preceeding collection of the urine sample. However, urinary metabolite
concentrations were associated with cumulative 1-NP exposure across the four days prior
to collection of the urine sample.
These data indicate that in this workplace where DE is anticipated to be the only source of
1-NP, urinary metabolites of 1-NP show promise as a biomarker of occupational exposure
to DE.
Cross-week variation in metabolite levels
213
Mo-Po-04
Metabolomic Indicators of Primary Traffic Exposures in the Dorm Room Inhalation to
Vehicle Emissions (DRIVE) Study
Donghai Liang, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Rachel Golan, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Givat Brenner, Israel
Jennifer Moutinho, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Tianwei Yu, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Chandresh Ladva, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Roby Greenwald, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Rodney Weber, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Stefanie Sarnat, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Armistead Russell, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Vishal Verma, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States
Dean Jones, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Jeremy SarnatEmory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Introduction. Traffic pollution health studies increasingly focus on identification of
sensitive, biologically-relevant indicators of exposure and response. Environmental
metabolomics, where metabolites associated with endogenous and exogenous processes
can be quantitated, holds promise as a powerful tool to improve internal exposure
estimation to complex air pollution mixtures, including primary traffic emissions. Methods.
We conducted a panel-based study to measure an extensive suite of pollutants at ambient
and indoor sites ranging from 0.01 to 2.3 km away from a major highway artery. In
addition, 54 students living in dormitories either near (20 m) or far (1.4 km) from the
highway conducted personal sampling and contributed weekly biomonitoring (plasma and
saliva). Plasma and saliva metabolites were analyzed using high-resolution mass
spectrometry (Q Exactive Highfield Orbitrap). We used targeted and untargeted
metabolomics-wide association analyses to examine associations between primary traffic
and corresponding metabolomics profiles in the panel. Results. Ambient traffic pollutants
level were substantially higher outside and inside the near dorm as compared to the far
dorm. Exposures to traffic pollution were different between students living in the near
and far dorms. GIS analyses indicated that, the mean time-weighted distance to the traffic
hotpot for the near dorm participants was 0.5 km, which contrast with 2.2 km for
participants living in the far dorm. Despite this, personal PM2.5 exposures was comparable
in participants from both dorms (8.3 and 7.5 ug/m3, respectively). A total of 20,766
metabolites were reliably extracted from plasma samples and 29,013 from saliva samples.
Linear random effects models were conducted to examine associations between
metabolite intensity (relative concentration) and student dorm location, controlling for
multiple covariates. In all, 221 metabolites were robustly identified and significantly
different in the near dorm metabolic profiles compared to those in far dorm (p < 0.05,
Benjamini–Hochberg FDR correction). Untargeted functional analyses indicate that 30% of
these metabolites significantly associated with 19 reliable modules and 21 known
pathways, of which include redox biology, the carnitine shuttle, and oxidative stress.
Conclusions. This study is among the first to examine the metabolic response to complex
traffic exposures. Comprehensive pathway analysis and chemical validation is currently
being conducted to identify specific metabolite patterns and further develop biologically-
relevant indicators to primary traffic exposures for panel-based epidemiologic studies.
214
215
Mo-Po-05
Exposure assessment of multiple chemicals starting from biomonitoring data
Evangelos Handakas, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Dimosthenis Sarigiannis, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Spyros Karakitsios, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Alberto Gotti, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Aim: The current study aims at the estimation of external and target tissue exposure to 15
different chemicals, including both rapidly (BPA, DEHP, triclosan) and non-rapidly (PCBs,
BDEs, HCB, DDT) metabolized compounds, starting from human biomonitoring (HBM) data.
Methods: The simulations were carried out in the INTEGRA platform, a software that
provides realistic exposure scenarios coupled with a generic physiologic based bio-kinetic
(PBBK) model and numerical “reversal” techniques for exposure reconstruction. The
exposure reconstruction algorithm is based on the Markov chain Monte Carlo and dynamic
evolution Monte Carlo techniques. The process starts from ancillary exposure-related data
that are fed into the exposure model taking into account multiple exposure routes. The
results are evaluated against the biomonitoring data distributions, aiming at the reduction
of uncertainty in back-calculating doses, by minimizing the error between the predicted
and the actual biomonitored data. Parameterization of the model for a large chemical
space is facilitated by quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) models. HBM
data were obtained from cohort and biomonitoring studies from Mediterranean Countries.
Ancillary exposure parameters were obtained from the INTEGRA database. The study
focused on perinatal and childhood exposure.
Results: The results showed that the predicted intake dose is commensurate with intake
estimates found in literature for both short and long term exposure scenarios of the
European population. In all cases external intake estimates (e.g. for BPA 0.4 μg/kg_bw/d)
were significantly lower than the respective tolerable daily intake (TDI). The estimated
internal dose and the respective concentration in breast milk of BPA, DEHP and triclosan
was very low because of their rapid metabolism. Similar were the results on exposure of
neonates and infants. On the contrary, fetuses and newborns are highly exposed to POPs
through trans-placental transfer during pregnancy and through maternal milk during
lactation. Despite the fact that use of these chemicals is regulated, people are still
exposed to low doses due to their environmental persistence and continuous transfer
through the food web.
Conclusions: Exposure reconstruction offers unique capabilities for the utilization of the
continuously growing amount of available biomonitoring data in Europe and the world. In
this way, biomonitoring data can be mechanistically linked to both external and internal
exposure, effectively supporting the screening and prioritization process for assessing
chemical risk.
216
Mo-Po-06
CDC’s National Biomonitoring Program: State Biomonitoring 2016 update
Lovisa Romanoff, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
Kristin Dortch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
Antonia Calafat, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
Biomonitoring can provide unique and valuable information on human exposure to
environmental compounds by measuring chemicals or their breakdown products in
people’s blood or urine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) uses
biomonitoring to conduct an ongoing assessment of the U.S. population’s exposure to
environmental chemicals; however, CDC’s biomonitoring data do not provide exposure
information by specific state or locality.
Since 2003, CDC has granted competitive funding awards to selected states to increase the
capability and capacity of state public health laboratories to a) conduct high-quality
biomonitoring science and b) use biomonitoring to assess chemical exposures of concern in
their communities. States use funding to purchase laboratory equipment and supplies; hire
and train specialized staff; and conduct fieldwork and data analysis, while CDC provides
training and technology transfer, quality assessment services, and technical assistance to
awardees. Currently, nine states receive funding for projects not limited to assessing
exposures to: multiple environmental chemicals in a state-wide survey; arsenic from
geographic sources in people with private wells; combustion products in firefighters; and
perfluoroalkyl substances in communities located near industrial sites.
Since their inception, the CDC-supported state programs have increased analytical
capabilities for state laboratories conducting exposure assessment to environmental
chemicals, expanded state population-based biomonitoring surveillance, and completed
studies of exposure assessment in target populations. Other successes include increased
collaboration between biomonitoring programs; advances in communication resources for
data reporting to study participants; increased capability to identify emerging chemicals
of concern; and increased harmonization of laboratory analyses used for biomonitoring
efforts.
217
Environmental/Human Health
Mo-Po-07
Risk assessment of dietary exposures to aflatoxin for corn tortilla consumption in
Veracruz city
Hiram Alejandro Wall Martínez, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France
Nicolas Dornic, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France
Anne Sophie Ficheux, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France
Alejandra Ramirez-Martínez, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, Mexico
Nathalie Wesolek, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France
Catherine Brabet, Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour
le Développement, Montpellier, France
Guadalupe del Carmen Rodríguez Jimenes, Instituto Tecnológico de Veracruz, Veracruz,
Mexico
Miguel Ángel García Alvarado, Instituto Tecnológico de Veracruz, Veracruz, Mexico
Marco Antonio Salgado Cervantes, Instituto Tecnológico de Veracruz, Veracruz, Mexico
Víctor José Robles Olvera, Instituto Tecnológico de Veracruz, Veracruz, Mexico
Alain-Claude Roudot, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France
Human exposure to mycotoxins is a public health issue worldwide (Brera, Miraglia, &
Colatosti, 1998). Although international variations in diet and cancer indicate that diet is
an important risk factor for many cancers, it has been difficult to ascribe a clear role in
cancer causation to exposure to specific individual chemicals or mixtures of chemicals,
only alcohol intake and food contaminated with aflatoxins have been documented as risk
factors in humans (Key et al., 2002). Since aflatoxins are classified as carcinogenic and
genotoxic contaminants, the ALARA (As Low As Reasonable Achievable) approach is
recommended (JECFA, 2001). Based on JECFA and SCF reports (JECFA, 1999 and SCF,
1994), even a very low exposure level to aflatoxins (1 ng kg−1 bw day−1) may induce liver
cancer cases. The aim of this study was to assess the probabilistic risk of mycotoxin
ingesting for corn tortilla consumer in Veracruz. One hundred twenty samples of tortilla
corn were randomly collected in 3 season: October 2013, October 2014, and February 2015
to estimate the intake of aflatoxin in Veracruz City, México. The quantification of
aflatoxin was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence
detection and electrochemical derivatization. Tortilla corn consumption was evaluated in
the population of Veracruz City through dietary intake questionnaires. A daily consumption
questionnaire was used to determine the consumption of corn tortillas. Descriptive
statistics and Probability Density Functions (PDF) of the daily consumption were
determined and analyzed using @Risk6 (Palisade, Inc.). Descriptive statistics of daily
consumption include the mean, median, standard deviation and the 95th percentile.
Furthermore, PDF for aflatoxin concentration, body weight and consumption of the
inhabitants of Veracruz City were generated. Calculation of PDF is based in the Monte
Carlo simulation method with 10,000 iterations. The estimated daily intake PDF led to a
mean of 3.24 ng kg−1 bw day−1 with a standard deviation 4.40 and a 95th percentile of
11.47 ng kg−1 bw day−1 for Octubre 2013 (season with the higher contamination), this
represent a risk of 69.7 % based on JECFA data (1 ng kg−1 bw day−1).
218
219
Mo-Po-09
Exposure to Indoor Wood Smoke as Measured by Low-cost Air Quality Monitor
NADĚŽDA ZÍKOVÁ, Clarkson University, Potsdam, New York, United States
Thomas Twomey, Clarkson Univesity, Potsdam, New York, United States
Philip Hopke, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, United States
David Chalupa, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, United
States
David Rich, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, United States
Andrea Ferro, Clarkson University, Potsdam, New York, United States
Particulate matter (PM) has been linked to adverse effects on respiratory and
cardiovascular health (e.g. Pope et al. 2009). In urban settings, human exposure to PM is
often connected to sources emitting black carbon (Naeher et al 2007), both outdoors and
indoors (Smith et al. 2010), such as residential wood combustion for heat. Evidence
suggests that wood combustion particles have similar toxicity to urban PM (Naeher et al.
2007). However, the emissions and thus chemical composition of wood smoke particles
depend strongly on the combustion device, fuel, and operating conditions (Bolling et al.
2009). The current regulatory measurement network cannot cover large spatial and
temporal variability in wood smoke (WS) concentrations, nor predict indoor exposures.
We conducted a measurement campaign in Rochester, NY (ca 210,000 inhabitants) using
52 low cost PM monitors (Speck; Airviz Inc., Pittsburgh, PA, USA), located at 26 sampling
sites with wood burning appliances. Indoor/outdoor and spatial-temporal relationships of
PM in the area, and the contribution of WS to personal PM exposures will be examined.
At each location, between November 2015 and March 2016, one indoor and one outdoor
monitor concurrently measured 1-minute particle number concentrations, estimated
particle mass concentrations of PM between 0.5 and 3 µm, and temperature. Additionally,
a CO monitor was placed inside each house to distinguish between combustion and non-
combustion sources of indoor PM. The study participants completed a survey on house type
and age, heating fuel, and other activities influencing indoor air quality data.
Preliminary results show strong dependence of indoor activities on low-cost monitor
concentrations, and differences in indoor and outdoor PM concentrations at the homes
during periods when wood smoke is expected to be present (e.g., during the holidays).
Several additional results will be available after the heating season. The indoor/outdoor
ratio will be calculated and compared to house type, ventilation etc. The spatial
variability of outdoor PM concentrations in the county will be described, and the
proportion of wood smoke in the outdoor and indoor PM concentrations will be estimated.
This work was supported by the New York State Research and Development Authority
(NYSERDA) under grant 63040.
References:
Bolling, A.K. et al. (2009). Part. Fibre Toxicol. 6.1:1;
Naeher, L.P., et al. (2007) InhalToxicol 19.1: 67-106;
Pope III, C.A. et al. (2009) New Engl J Med 360.4: 376-386;
Smith, K.R. et al. (2010) J Expo Sci Env Epid 20.5: 406-416;
Wallace, L.A. et al.(2011) J Expo Sci Env Epid 21:49-64.
220
Mo-Po-10
Estimating Exposure to DDTs and Potential Carcinogenic and Non-carcinogenic Risks
among Breast-fed Infants
Maryam Zare Jeddi, Institute for Environmental Research (IER), Tehran University of
Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Noushin Rastkari, Institute for Environmental Research (IER), Tehran University of Medical
Sciences., Tehran, Iran
Reza Ahmadkhaniha, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences,
Tehran, Iran
Masud Yunesian, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran,
Iran
Background: Breast milk consumption is the primary route of infant exposure to certain
lipophilic toxicants such as organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). Dichlodiphenyl-
trichloroethane (DDT) as the main type of OCPs has been associated with endocrine
disruption and several cancers in many experimental and epidemiological studies.
Objectives: Because of the potentially serious health risk posed to newborn infants by the
exposure to DDTs through breast milk feeding at a time of rapid development and growth,
the present study has attempted to estimate the extent of carcinogenic and non-
carcinogenic risk.
Methods: In the present study, breast milk samples were collected from 50 lactating
mothers in the first week of post-partum from Tehran on May, 2015 and evaluated for DDT
metabolites including p,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDD, p,p′-DDE, o, p′-DDE using GC-MS method.
Subjects’ mean age was 29±6 years, ranging from 18 to 42 years. All infants were
exclusively breast-fed. For exposure assessment, daily intake was estimated based on the
concentration of analytes and the assumption of a daily breast milk consumption rate of
700 g/day for a neonate weighing 5 kg. For the non-carcinogenic risk assessment purposes,
hazard quotients were calculated. For carcinogenic risk assessment estimation, the cancer
benchmark concentrations (CBC) were derived using oral slope factors and their hazard
ratios (HR).
Results: p,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDD, p,p′-DDE, o, p′-DDE were detected in all breast milk samples,
with a ∑DDTs mean concentration of 0.026±0.004 μg/g lipid wt, and ranged between
0.004-0.03 μg/g lipid wt, suggesting past usage and long-term accumulation of DDTs in
humans. In addition, the DDT/DDE ratio was lower than one (mean: 0.021), which also
indicates a historical exposure to this pollutant. A daily intake estimate of ∑DDTs, through
breast milk consumption was 0.032 μg/kg per day. The highest intakes were recorded for
p,p′-DDE ( 0.02 μg/kg-day) whilst the lowest was for p,p′-DDD, (0.003 μg/kg-day). The HQ
for average DDTs concentrations was found to be low (0.002). HQ lower than 1 was noted
for ∑DDTs, indicating these compounds were not a threat to the health of any breast-fed
infant. Also, hazard ratio obtained for p,p′-DDE, p,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDD in breast milk could
not pose potential carcinogenic risk to breast-fed infants since all HRs were lower than 1.
Our study results reveal infants’ exposure to low levels of DDTs through breast milk
consumption. However, infants as the vulnerable group might be subject to the potential
additive and/or synergistic health effects from the other xenobiotic chemicals present in
breast milk.
221
Mo-Po-12
Current knowledge on the health benefits and risks of indoor air ionization
Paul Scheepers, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, Netherlands
Ilse Ottenbros, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, Netherlands
Arné Oerlemans, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, Netherlands
Background - Outdoor air is to some extent ionized (200-400 ions/cm3), depending on
atmospheric conditions and weather systems. In addition, air treatment technologies
designed for indoor settings can also produce ionized airborne particles. These ambient
particles of various origin may accumulate surface charge, including microorganisms such
as bacteria, bacterial spores and mites. Extremely high ionization (10^5-10^6 ions/cm3)
was reported to reduce viability of bacteria and mites in laboratory studies. Some studies
also describe the influence of ionization on diffusion and increased soiling on surfaces.
Aim – To provide an update on the potential health implications of indoor air ionization.
Methods - A search strategy was prepared for Pubmed and Medline using surface charge,
charged particle, charged molecule, anion, cation, air ionization, ionized air and air ions
as search terms. This set was combined with the search terms toxicokinetics, health
effects, reproduction or neoplasms and resulted in 1.051 reviews. Further selections were
made based on the abstracts by two experts independently resulting in 56 papers that
were included in the review.
Results - There is much information on the toxicity of charged particles at the molecular
and cellular level. Cell membranes and organelles were found to be affected by charged
particles, as well as organ system, e.g. circulation, central nervous system and lungs.
Differences in toxicity were observed between particles carrying positive or negative
charge and neutral particles. The higher cytotoxicity observed in phagocytic cells for
anionic nanoparticles could be related to their sensitivity in response to negative surface
charge normally carried by pathogens. In contrast, for non-phagocytic cells it was
suggested that interaction of cations with negatively charged membranes explains adverse
effects to the membrane, embedded proteins and ion channels. Only few studies have
addressed ionization on an organism level. Some theoretical and modelling studies
predicted increased deposition in the higher airways. So far, human volunteer and
population studies have failed to provide strong evidence to support benefits for
treatment of (mainly asthma) patients. Nor have they demonstrated a convincing positive
or negative effect in healthy populations.
Conclusion - In vitro studies indicated higher cellular toxicity of positively charged
particles relative to neutral and negatively charged nanoparticles. So far, no studies were
identified that show how airborne charged particles are taken up by inhalation, how their
charge may change on the air-liquid interface in the lungs and how charged particles are
distributed and reach target tissues in vivo.
222
Mo-Po-13
CITI-SENSE Edinburgh –The empowerment potential of participatory tools for
environmental monitoring of air quality
Susanne Steinle, Institute Of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Karen S. Galea, Institute Of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Alena Bartonova, Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Kjeller, Norway
CITI-SENSE is a Collaborative Project partly funded by the EU FP7-ENV-2012 under grant
agreement no 308524. The project involves nine cities across Europe which are defining
and implementing the concept of a Citizens’ Observatory. The aim of the project is to
collect, collate and convey a multitude of environmental health information with
participatory practices. This poster reports on the feedback from Edinburgh where people
evaluated the empowerment potential of a variety of tools regarding urban air quality.
Empowerment meaning enhancing an individual’s or group’s capacity to make effective
choices, effective in the sense of enabling them to transform those choices into desired
actions and outcomes.
A web portal that hosts information on all tools developed and applied within the frame
of the project has been created and contains a Citizens’ Observatory toolbox
(http://co.citi-sense.eu/). In Edinburgh three tools have been applied and evaluated with
members of the general public in combination, these being the:
1. The Little Environment Observatory (LEO) - a personal sensor that measures NO,
NO2 and O3 as well as temperature and relative humidity. The LEOs work in combination
with an app and transmits data to a visualization webpage (item 3). Participants carried
the LEOs with them for a week collecting air quality data as well as gaining user
experience.
2. The CityAir app – this gives citizens the opportunity to log their perception of air
quality at any given point in time and space using a colorimetric indicator. Additional
comments can be left every time a new perception is logged. Participants were asked to
log their perception regularly during the 1 week trial with the LEOs.
3. The visualization web page – designed to allow citizens to view data from the LEOs
as well as from the CityAir app. In addition it allows users to access data from other CITI-
SENSE tools should they wish to do so.
Upon participation citizens asked to provide feedback on the usability and empowerment
potential of the tools via questionnaire and a short interview. User evaluation of the
outlined tools will take place during April – May 2016, with the analysis of the collected
information following thereafter. Analysis will be based on empowerment potential
guidelines developed by the project team aiming at usefulness of the tools, opportunities
and barriers for improving air quality based on the tools. Our poster will present the
findings of the evaluation process that took place with the participating Edinburgh
citizens.
223
Mo-Po-14
Estimation of health risks associated with trace elements emitted from cooking with
electric stove
Aiymgul Kerimray, School of Engineering, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan
Soudabeh Gorjinezhad, Middle East Technical University Northern Cyprus Campus,
Guzelyurt, Turkey
Mehdi Amouei Torkmahalleh, School of Engineering, Nazarbayev University, Astana,
Kazakhstan
Melek Keles, Abant Izzet Baysal University, Bolu, Turkey
Fatma Ozturk, Abant Izzet Baysal University, Bolu, Turkey
Philip Hopke, Clarkson University, New York, United States
Background and objective
Cooking is one of the main sources of indoor particulate matter (PM). Cooking even with
cleaner sources of energy (gas, electricity) may also pose risks to human health. PM
emissions from cooking contain trace elements, some of them being toxic and/or
carcinogenic (As, Cd, Ni, Cr). The main objective of this study is to perform health risk
assessments as a result of exposure to trace elements generated from cooking.
Method
A controlled study was conducted to understand the contribution of each cooking
component including corn oil and beef meat on trace elements in PM emissions. No
mechanical ventilation and natural ventilation existed on the sampling site. In each
experiment, corn oil, corn oil with table salt and beef meet were heated using an electric
stove. Each set of experiments lasted 20 minutes (14 minutes heating and 6 minutes
cooling for corn oil experiments, 18 minutes grilling and 2 minutes cooling for beef
experiments).
An Eight-Stage, Non-Viable Andersen Impactor was employed to collect the generated
particles ranging from 0<0.43 μm to 3.3 μm (six cut sizes) on 81 mm quartz fiber filters
including a backup filter for collecting PM0.43. Metal analyses were performed using an
Inductive Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS).
A human health risk assessment was performed as a result of chronic exposure to As, Cd,
Co, Cr, Ni, Pb, Mn, Ba. The methodology used for assessing health risk is described in a
Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund (Part F, Supplemental Guidance for Inhalation
Risk Assessment) (US EPA, 2011). Exposure time was assumed to be 2 hours per day,
exposure frequency (EF) was assumed 365 day, and exposure duration 40 years.
Results
The results of health risk assessment indicate that carcinogenic risk from As, Co, Cr
exceed the acceptable level (1 × 10-4) (Table 1). Cr poses the highest carcinogenic risk,
with the risk exceeding the acceptable level by two orders of magnitude. Carcinogenic risk
from Cd, Ni and Pb is within the acceptable level. Non-carcinogenic risk (HQ) values from
all elements (except for Cd in oil with salt experiment) is higher than the safe level (= 1),
with total risk exceeding the safe level 53-115 times. Ni poses the highest non-
carcinogenic risk, with the HQ value 7.74-46.22 depending on the experiment. Thus,
professional cooks or housewives, which are exposed to toxic elements at chronic levels
from cooking activities under poor ventilation may have significant health outcomes.
224
225
Mo-Po-15
Frequency, duration and severity of air pollution events: implications from repeated
exposure to moderate
Yuli Huang, National Kaohsiung First University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung,
China, Republic of (Taiwan)
Yi-Chun Chen, Ishou University, Kaohsiung, China, Republic of (Taiwan)
Despite decades of efforts, air pollution remains a serious environmental health issue.
Although a long-term decreasing trend was observed, bouts with very high pollutant
concentrations have also been found. The occurrence and characteristics of these short-
term events with high air pollutant levels have not been well examined. In this study, the
frequency, duration and levels of ambient PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations were examined.
Ambient air quality monitoring data between 2005 and 2015 were obtained from Taiwan
EPA for a municipal monitoring station in southern Taiwan. Hourly concentrations for
ozone, particulate matter (PM10) and fine particulate matters (PM2.5) were extracted.
For ozone, the hourly and 8-hour average concentrations were analyzed, and ozone events
were identified as having 1-hour level above 120 ppb or the 8-hour average level above 60
ppb. Any consecutive hours above the screening level would be treated as the same
pollution event. For PM10, 24-hour average concentrations were calculated sequentially,
and a 24-hour average concentration above 125 μg/m3 would be considered an event.
Similarly, a high-PM2.5 event was identified as having 24-hour average or weighted 12-
hour average concentration above 35μg/m3 (criteria limit for air quality standard and for
pollution indicator value, respectively). Over the 11-year period analyzed, the annual
average concentrations for the pollutant concentrations have decreased steadily: PM10
from 86.7 down to 72.6 μg/m3, and PM2.5 from 47.6 down to 25.4 μg/m3. By using the
criteria limit as screening value, the 24-hour PM10¬ concentration exceeded the criterial
limit 11.6% of the time. For PM2.5, the 24-hour average concentration exceeded the 35
μg/m3 limit 55.7% of the time, and the 12-hour weighted concentration also occurred
52.3% of the time. During an event, the pollutant concentrations were substantially above
the screening level: 131 ppb for 1-hour ozone level, 72.8 ppb for 8-hour ozone level, 148.6
μg/m3 ¬for PM10, 56.4 μg/m3 for the 12-hour weighted PM2.5 concentration, and 55
μg/m3 for 24-hour average PM2.5 concentrations. The event length also varied
substantially by pollutant type and averaging time, and a distinct seasonal pattern could
be observed for these air pollution events. Implications of these repeated air pollution
events on health outcomes warrant further analyses.
226
Mo-Po-16
NICU-Based Phthalate Exposure Impacts Early Neurodevelopmental Performance
Annemarie Stroustrup, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United
States
Jennifer Bragg, Stamford Hospital, Stamford, CT, United States
Syam Andra, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
Paul Curtin, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
Chris Gennings, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
Christine Austin, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
Background: Each year, over 300,000 newborns in the US are cared for in a neonatal
intensive care unit (NICU) where they are exposed to a chemical-intensive hospital
environment. In utero phthalate exposure at this point in development can alter
neurodevelopmental outcomes in healthy fetuses. Neurodevelopmental disorders among
NICU grads are common and incompletely predicted by degree of prematurity or neonatal
illness. The NICU-Hospital Exposures and Long-Term Health (NICU-HEALTH) study evaluates
the impact of early life environmental exposures on preterm infants. The earliest
neurodevelopmental assessment of NICU-HEALTH participants is the NICU Network
Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS), a structured physical exam of infant neurobehavioral
organization, neurologic reflexes, motor development, active and passive tone, and signs
of stress performed by a trained examiner prior to NICU discharge.
Objective: To evaluate associations between NICU-based phthalate exposure and short-
term neurodevelopment.
Design/Methods: Urine specimens were non-invasively collected from NICU-HEALTH study
infants multiple times during the NICU stay and frozen for batch analysis. We analyzed
each specimen for a panel of 15 phthalate metabolites using high-performance liquid
chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Next, we used weighted quantile
sum (WQS) regression, adjusting for specimen concentration, clinical, and demographic
parameters to evaluate the association between patient averaged biomarkers of phthalate
exposure and performance on each of the NNNS summary scores.
Results: 104 urine specimens from 46 hospitalized preterm infants were available for
analysis. 10 phthalate monoesters were detected in >95% of specimens and were included
in statistical analyses. The WQS Index of 10 phthalate monoesters indicated a negative
association of phthalate exposure with NNNS quality of movement (beta=-0.12, p=0.01), a
positive association between phthalate exposure and arousal (beta=0.07, p=0.017) and a
negative association between phthalate exposure and lethargy (beta=-1.97, p=0.05). We
also identified the indication of an association between phthalate exposure and attention;
the inclusion of a quadratic term in this model provided a better fit than a simple linear
model (two degrees of freedom contrast test, p=0.08).
Conclusions: NICU-based exposure to phthalates may be associated with worse
performance on the NNNS at NICU discharge. These findings are significant as abnormal
performance on NNNS quality of movement, arousal, lethargy and attention summary
scores is associated with worse motor, cognitive, and behavioral function in later
childhood.
227
Mo-Po-18
Housing, indoor air quality, and pediatric asthma in a low income multifamily housing
site in Boston – a systems science approach
M. Patricia Fabian, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts,
United States
Lindsay Underhill, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts,
United States
Kimberly Vermeer, Urban Habitats Initiative Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Gary Adamkiewicz, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts,
United States
Megan Sandel, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Jonathan Levy, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United
States
Aim. Asthma is a complex disease affecting over 20 million children in the United States,
with a disproportionate impact on low income urban populations. The causes of asthma
exacerbations are multifactorial, and include exposure to residential indoor environmental
contaminants such as allergens and combustion pollutants. Housing characteristics and
building interventions (e.g. energy-saving retrofits) impact asthma outcomes by modifying
exposures to these indoor environmental contaminants, but quantifying the impact of
these changes is challenging given complex airflows, variable pollution source
characteristics, and unknown resident behavior.
Methods. Using a systems science approach, we applied a pediatric asthma discrete event
simulation model (DEM) to evaluate the health impacts of energy-saving building retrofits
in a low-income multi-family housing complex in Boston, MA. Indoor environmental
conditions and pollutant concentrations (NO2 and PM2.5) were modeled using CONTAM, a
multi-zone airflow and contaminant transport analysis program. The resulting air exchange
rates and pollutant concentrations were used in conjunction with allergen data to
parameterize the DEM for a large simulated population of asthmatic children. Simulations
were run for 100,000 children in pre and post retrofit scenarios, with outputs such as
pollutant concentrations and pediatric asthma outcomes evaluated over 10 years.
Results. Across all simulated households, retrofits led to a 2% increase in PM2.5
concentrations from environmental tobacco smoke, and a 46% and 22% decrease from
cooking activities and outdoor infiltration, respectively. NO2 concentrations post retrofit
also decreased by 45% and 8% for cooking and outdoor infiltration respectively. Cockroach
allergen was reduced 82% post retrofit. These differences are due to a combination of
factors, including post retrofit changes in air exchange rates, exhaust fan installation and
use, and filter efficiency improvements in the mechanical ventilation system. Post
retrofit, we estimated that there were on average 6% fewer days with asthma symptoms,
and a 16-19% reduction in serious asthma events including clinic visits, emergency room
visits, and hospitalizations. In addition, there were significant reductions in the
percentage of children progressing to a more severe asthma classification over the
simulation period (from 21% to 8%).
Conclusion. Our simulation models indicated that building retrofits targeting energy
savings resulted in a decrease in asthma outcomes, although with variable impacts as a
function of resident behaviors such as smoking and exhaust fan use. Our study illustrates
the utility of a systems science approach to evaluate the complex tradeoffs between
building retrofits, indoor air quality and pediatric asthma outcomes.
228
Mo-Po-19
Cumulative Environmental Effects: Expanding Research with the Hopi Tribe
Mary Kay O'Rourke, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States
Robin Harris, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States
Gayl Honanie, The Hopi Tribe, Kykotsmovi, Arizona, United States
Lorencita Joshweseoma, The Hopi Tribe, Kykotsmovi, Arizona, United States
Jefferey Burgess, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States
The “Hopi Environmental Health Project” is a component of the newly funded Center for
Indigenous Environmental Health Research (CIEHR) aimed at eliminating environmental
health disparities. The Hopi Project objectives include: (1) Characterization of the
magnitude of environmental exposures to particulate matter (PM), As species, U and other
contaminants from air, water, and food in households; (2) Evaluation of exposure
moderation social determinants of health, social capital and community resilience; and (3)
Expansion of the Hopi Tribe’s capacity to address areas of environmental concern that can
inform programs and policy. Based on earlier survey work with the Tribe, the research
team identified tribal health concerns addressing asthma and diabetes prevalence, while
the Hopi Environmental Office indicated the need for ambient PM sampling, a concern
regarding solid waste/ash disposal, arsenic in the water, and impact of contaminated
water on people and crops. Self-reported asthma on the Hopi reservation affects 24% of
the people as compared to a national self-reported asthma rate of 10.5%. This represents
a clear health disparity that may be associated with housing type (traditional/stone
masonry; “modern”/primarily block; and manufactured) combined with use of wood (38%)
and coal (35%) to heat homes from late October through early April. Over the 3 years of
the project 90 homes will be sampled for PM10 & 2.5 by operating a PDR 1500 Personal
Data Ram for a 24 hour period during the heating and non-heating season. Water samples,
dietary information and surveys describing behaviors will be evaluated. Homes will be
selected with replacement by randomizing members listed on the tribal roles,
characterizing homes by construction and heating mode and filling a grid defined by
housing type and heating fuel utilized. The Hopi Environmental Protection office has
identified other concerns related to homes. These include ash disposal, arsenic in drinking
water, moisture/mold problems in homes, as well as radon and formaldehyde within
buildings. These concerns will be ranked by the Community Advisory Board for analysis in
conjunction with PM. Household sampling will begin in late October of 2016. This describes
the background, rationale and study design proposed to evaluate environmental health
disparities experienced by the Hopi Tribe of Arizona, USA.
229
Measuring/monitoring/strategy
Mo-Po-20
Americans’ Exposure to the Insect Repellent N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET)
Maria Ospina, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Lee-Yang Wong, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United
States
Samuel Baker, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United
States
Amanda Bishop, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United
States
Pilar Morales-Agudelo, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia,
United States
Liza Valentin-Blasini, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia,
United States
Antonia Calafat, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United
States
Background: N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) has become the most effective and
ubiquitous insect repellent in the USA since its development in 1946. DEET repels disease-
carrying vectors such as deer ticks associated with Lyme disease, and mosquitoes that can
transmit malaria, encephalitis, Dengue fever, and West Nile and Zika viruses.
Understanding exposure to DEET is of public health interest.
Methods: We studied DEET exposure, using urinary concentrations of DEET and two of its
metabolites, 3-(diethylcarbamoyl)benzoic acid (DCBA) and N,N-diethyl-3-
hydroxymethylbenzamide (DHMB) in 5,348 Americans 6 years and older from the 2007–2010
National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We used multiple regression to examine
associations between several variables (e.g., age, sex, race/ethnicity, household income,
season of year) and concentrations of DCBA, the most detected DEET biomarker.
Results: We detected DEET at concentration ranges (>0.1–45.1 µg/L) much lower than
those of DCBA (>0.5–30,400 µg/L) and DHMB (>0.1–332 µg/L). DCBA was the most
frequently detected biomarker (84%) while DHMB and DEET were detected in 15% and 3%
of samples, respectively. DCBA adjusted geometric mean concentrations were higher in
May–Sep than in Oct–Apr. Non-Hispanic whites in warm months were more likely than in
colder months [adjusted odds ratio = 10.49; 95% confidence interval, 3.23-34.10] to have
DCBA concentrations above the 95th percentile (an arbitrary value selected as an example
of higher than average concentrations).
Conclusions: Almost 85% of Americans are exposed to DEET. However, reliance on DEET as
the sole biomarker would underestimate the extent of exposure; instead, DEET oxidative
metabolites are adequate exposure biomarkers. Higher concentrations of DEET biomarkers
in the warm season agree with increasing use of DEET when people usually spend time
outdoors for recreational activities; also pests are more abundant with higher seasonal
temperatures, thus likely additional protection against vector borne diseases in warmer
weather is needed.
230
Mo-Po-21
Exploring metallome risk of gestational diabetes mellitus on the context of meconium
internal chemical environmental changes: A systems approach
Heqing Shen, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen,
China, People's Republic of
Exposomics, the systems environmental exposure and health risk assessment approach, has
been suggested by Wild and the other scientists [1, 2] to investigate the complex
environmental health issue. Although some strategies had been suggested to practice this
perfect concept [2, 3], there are still many challenges to include the complete set of
environmental factors in one study design. Here we aim to report the potential sub-group
exogenous factors from meconium metallome as the gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)
and their linkages to the rest part of the internal chemical environmental changes, i.e.,
the endogenous response of metabolomics changes, in uterus during the pregnancy.
A cross-sectional population of 1359 pregnant women has been recruited and the
meconium samples from their newborn babies were collected; a subset subjects with the
142 GDM (12.21% occurrence) and the 197 health controls have been selected to set as a
nested case-control study. Perversely we had found that some toxic heavy metals, esp.
arsenic, could be the risk factors of GDM [4], and ten most potential metabolites from
meconium metabolome also showed their potential prediction of GDM. In the same time,
these metabolites also implied the interrupted metabolic path ways in the GDM cases
when comparing the health controls [5]. In the present work, the meconium metallome
including 23 metal and metalloid elements were measured, their correlations with the
metabolites were investigated in the systems way. Exogenous factor network and
metabolic response network were constructed by calculating the covariance of each pairs
of metals from the potential GDM risk factors and each pairs of metabolites from the
potential GDM biomarkers, in respectively; in further we assessed relationships between
the exposure matrix of exogenous factors and response matrix of endogenous metabolites.
The core part of metabolic network suggested some mode of actions, esp., the
adenosine/L-arginine/nitric oxide (ALANO) pathway may be deeply involved the GDM risk;
in further, some metal pollutants induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) may couple to the
nitrosative stress, the later produce more reactive nitrogen species (RNS) such as
peroxynitrite (ONOO-) and induced the adverse effect of vascular endothelial cells (VECs)
in placenta and cord. This work also contributes the establishment of the systems
approach by linking the exposure matrix to the response matrix through coinciding
covariance analysis and topological network plotting.
Mining their network instead of the risk factor and response biomarker along may address
the extra biological information of GDM and its environmental risk.
231
Mo-Po-22
Potential Dermal and Inhalation Exposure of Workers During Pest Control of Oak
Processionary Moth by Spray Application
Thomas Göen, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
Ralph Hebisch, Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA), Dortmund,
Germany
Anja Schäferhenrich, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
Anja Baumgärtel, Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA), Dortmund,
Germany
Frank Burgmann, Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA), Dortmund,
Germany
Karin Ludwig-Fischer, Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA),
Dortmund, Germany
Michael Roitzsch, Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA), Dortmund,
Germany
Background: The larvae of the oak processionary moth (OPM) form irritating hairs which
can cause severe skin, eye and respiratory irritation as well as allergic reactions to
humans. For protection of human health, the OPM is commonly controlled by biocide spray
application. Biocidal products require authorisation according Regulation (EU) No
528/2012 of the European Parliament. For authorisation, a risk assessment based on
exposure estimation is performed for all intended uses of the respective product.
Detailed information on the exposure of operators and of casual bystanders was lacking
until now. Considering the height of oak trees and the locations where OPM is controlled,
it can be assumed that the exposure patterns of biocide applications might be significantly
different from those in agricultural spray applications, for which several models are
available.
Objectives: This study investigated the dermal and inhalation exposure of pest control
operators and bystanders during spray application against the OPM (biocide:
Diflubenzuron, DimilinTM). Task-specific exposure data for knapsack as well as vehicle
mounted sprayers were collected, covering activities such as weighing and portioning of
the biocidal product, on-site preparation and application of the spray liquid and cleaning
of the equipment.
Methods: The suitable dosimeters used to quantify the potential dermal exposure were
whole body polyethylene coveralls and cotton gloves. Quantified diflubenzuron levels were
related to the amount of active substance applied or to the duration of the task.
Inhalation exposure was measured using an individual sampler provided with a glass fiber
filter with organic binder (capture of the particulates) and a portable pump (SG10/2; 10
L/min).
Results: 51 overalls and 83 pairs of gloves were obtained during OPM control in 2014 and
2015. The total dermal exposure to diflubenzuron during weighing and portioning was
6.05±3.31 µg/g (n=2), for application using knapsack sprayers 3420±4840 µg/g (n=18), for
application using vehicle mounted sprayers 72.5±81.8 µg/g (n=17) and for cleaning of the
equipment 1520±1290 µg/min (n=3).
For the determination of inhalation exposure 51 personal air samples were taken. During
weighing and portioning, pest control operators were exposed to 484±297 µg/m³ (n=2)
diflubenzuron by inhalation, during knapsack spraying to 5.22±5.35 µg/m³ (n=18), during
232
application using vehicle mounted sprayers 1.58±2.70 µg/m³ (n=17) and during cleaning of
the equipment 2.36±1.17 µg/m³ (n=3).
Cluster analysis of dermal and inhalation exposure data allow a clear distinction of the
different tasks. The data presented here provide a reliable database for the authorisation
of biocidal products according to the EU-Regulation.
233
Mo-Po-25
From consumer use surveys of personal care products to chemical emission estimates
at wastewater treatment plant level
Mélanie Douziech, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
Antonio Franco, Unilever, Colworth, United Kingdom
Jan Hendriks, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
Mark Huijbregts, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
Henry King, Unilever, Colworth, United Kingdom
Rik Oldenkamp, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
Rosalie Van Zelm, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
Personal care products (PCPs) are part of our daily lives. Their use results in the release of
chemicals into the environment. Estimations of the amount of PCPs used are required to
identify areas with potentially higher environmental risks. Such emission estimates are
scarce, uncertain, and variable. Nowadays, regulatory assessments rely primarily on total
tonnage estimates collated from industry confidential tonnage data (ECHA in Europe) or
generated by market research organisations (e.g. Euromonitor). Unfortunately, these
methods are not entirely transparent and the associated uncertainty is difficult to
quantify.
The objective of this research was to develop a method to predict the yearly amounts of
different personal care products used within countries, by means of consumer surveys.
This bottom-up method is more systematic and transparent than total market estimates
currently in use.
Our analysis considered published articles about consumer use habits of PCPs [1-6]. We
focused on “down-the-drain” PCPs, namely hair styling products, shampoo, conditioner,
shower gel, and toothpaste. Published data were reviewed and selected based on the
quality of the information available to derive per capita daily use. The mean daily
consumption data published in [4, 5] for the American female population, and in [2] for
the South Korean population were used directly. In [3] the probability distributions of the
frequency of use and amount per application were multiplied to derive per capita daily
use. The mean frequency of use from [1] was multiplied with the mean amount per
application from [6]. Mean values of per capita daily product use were multiplied with the
prevalence of use and the population number corresponding to the user categories
differentiated upon the study (e.g. gender). Finally, these yearly country-level estimates
were compared to available total market estimates.
Figure 1 shows a comparison of the computed values for the use of some PCPs and those
provided by Euromonitor. Both methods show similar estimates for the Netherlands, but
vary significantly for other countries, especially the USA where only the female population
is considered [4].
References
[1] Ficheux, A.S., et al., Food Chem Toxicol, 2015. 78
[2] Park, J.Y., et al., Food Chem Toxicol, 2015. 77
[3] Biesterbos, J.W., et al., Food Chem Toxicol, 2013. 55
[4] Loretz, L., et al., Food Chem Toxicol, 2006. 44(12)
[5] Loretz, L.J., et al., Food Chem Toxicol, 2008. 46(5)
[6] Ficheux, A.S., et al., Food Chem Toxicol, 2016. 90
234
Figure 1 - Total amount of product used per country derived from consumer use studies
and compared to Euromonitor value. The totals are computed considering the entire
population for France, the Netherlands, and South Korea and considering only the female
235
Mo-Po-26
Harmonization of Analysis of Real-Time Monitoring Data from RTI MicroPEM™ Through
Open-Source Software
Maëlle SALMON, ISGlobal, Center for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL),
Barcelona, Spain
Zheng Zhou, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, United
States
Vakacherla Sreekanth, CMR Institute of Technology, Bangalore, India
Julian D. Marshall, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
Cathryn Tonne, ISGlobal, Center for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL),
Barcelona, Spain
Aims: RTI MicroPEM is a small PM exposure monitor, increasingly used in research in
developed and developing countries. The output of one measurement session is a csv file,
including a header section with information on instrument settings and a table of tens of
thousands observations of time-varying variables such as PM2.5 concentration, relative
humidity, temperature and accelerometer measures over three axis. Such files need
processing which currently is not done using an harmonized approach. Our objective was
to develop software to improve quality control and ease of processing MicroPEM output
files.
Methods: We developed an open-source R package for reading data from MicroPEM output
files and generating clean datasets with time-varying variables and instrument setting
parameters for further analysis. We chose R for implementation because it contains many
packages for fast and easy data wrangling, and so that the prepared data can directly be
analyzed using R inference packages, before being communicated using R visualization and
report producing commands. We also wanted our package to be open-source for better
reproducibility, easier involvement of new contributors, and free use, particularly in
developing countries.
Results: We applied the package in two research projects, including a large number of
measurements. The functionalities of our package are three-fold: allowing conversion of
files including batch conversion of all files in a directory, empowering easy data quality
checks, and supporting data cleaning through e.g. a function for correcting PM2.5
measures when there is a shift in the baseline.
The package enables easy inspection of MicroPEM output files. The package allows
outputting a table comparing parameters from a set of files for checking whether all
measures of a study are comparable. The plotting function also permits a quick overview
of an individual PM2.5 time series. Moreover, we developed an ‘R Shiny’ interface which
automatically produces graphs and tunable alarms such as “Nephelometer slope was not
3”. The interface can be used in the field for easy, inspection of data quality in individual
MicroPEM files.
Conclusions: The package can be easily installed from the free web-based repository
hosting service Github. We use unit tests and continuous integration to ensure good code
quality and cross-platform compatibility. Our R package will contribute towards
optimization and harmonization of MicroPEM data processing and analysis across studies.
236
Screenshot of the Shiny app interface implemented in the R package ammon. The plot tab
offers an interactive plot of the measurements time series. The interface can be used with
no R experience.
237
Mo-Po-27
Policy Implications of the Health Co-benefit Assessment of Alternative GHG mitigation
Strategies in Suzhou, China
Miaomiao Liu, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China, People's
Republic of
Yining Huang, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China, People's
Republic of
Zhou Jin, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China, People's
Republic of
Xingyu Liu, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China, People's
Republic of
Jun Bi, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China, People's Republic
of
Matti Jantunen, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
Suzhou, 70 km West of Shanghai, is a historic and one of the economically most advanced
cities in China, with 10.6 million people. As one of the “low carbon development pilot
cities”, Suzhou is committed to not increase its carbon emissions after 2020 and to reduce
the carbon intensity of its economy by 54% from 2005 (SDRC, 2013). The rapid growth of
its export-oriented high-tech industry is a challenge to these targets.
Our objective is to evaluate the CO2 and health benefits of three policy scenarios against
the business as usual scenario (BAU) in 2020, (i) industrial structure dominated (ISD), (ii)
technology dominated (TD), and (iii) integrated carbon reduction (ICR, which combines ISD
and TD).
We apply the IEA Energy Balance Tables based GHG-PAM model to develop these four
scenarios into balanced energy supply and use tables and to assess the GHG and PM
emission, and burden of disease (BoD) impacts of each scenario.
The key results are presented in the attached Table. Compared to the 2010 Background
both BAU and ISD 2020 scenarios would double the emissions and BoD and even the TD and
ICR scenarios would increase them by 20…25 %. The BoD reduction from the BAU to ICR
scenario is 51.5 kDALY/a or 44%, 43% due to industrial and only 1% to all other source
reductions. The BoD reduced per CO2 emission reduction [DALY/MtCO2] varies greatly
between the different industries. This could have local policy implications in Suzhou,
because per unit CO2 reductions the health co-benefits in Paper, pulp & printing, Food &
tobacco, and Wood products industries would be 2..3 times higher than in, e.g.,
Machinery, Non-ferrous metals, and Transport equipment industries.
Acknowledgements: URGENCHE study funded by EU FP7 contract n:o 265114
238
Suzhou GHG policies comparison
239
Mo-Po-28
Development and application of traffic density-based parameters for studying near-
road air pollutant exposure
Shi Liu, US EPA National Exposure Research Laboratory, Durham, North Carolina, United
States
Jianping Xue, US EPA National Exposure Research Laboratory, Durham, North Carolina,
United States
Fu-lin Chen, US EPA National Exposure Research Laboratory, Durham, North Carolina,
United States
Increasingly human populations are living and/or working in close proximity to heavily
travelled roadways. There is a growing body of research indicating a variety of health
conditions are adversely affected by near-road air pollutants. To reliably estimate the
health risk associated with near-road air pollutants, one of the greatest challenges is
accurately understanding exposures in these microenvironments because actual monitoring
data on the air pollutants are often not available. To overcome this limitation, we
performed a metadata analysis on data compiled from literature search and obtained from
EPA-sponsored measurement studies to evaluate air pollutants’ concentration decay rate
(R) which equals Ln (Ca/Ci) / D where Ci and Ca represents concentration initially and
after a distance (D), respectively. We also compared correlation of near-road air
pollutants’ concentrations with conventional traffic indicators such as nearest distance
(ND) to major road and total length (TL) of major road as well as three traffic density-
based indicators we developed: Major-Road Density (MRD), All-Traffic Density (ATD) and
Heavy-Traffic Density (HTD). Our metadata analysis yielded mean decay rates (fraction of
relative concentration decrease per meter) for black carbon (BC), carbon monoxide (CO),
nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) as 0.0026, 0.0019, 0.0004, and 0.0027,
respectively, while no such decay was noticeable for particulate matter (PM). Traffic
density-based indicators MRD, ATD) and HTD yielded respective average correlation
coefficients of 0.26, 0.18 and 0.48 for BC measured in the Near-road Exposures and Effects
of Urban Air Pollutants Study (NEXUS). In contrast, average correlation coefficients of -
0.31 and 0.25 were generated for BC when considering its relationship to two commonly
used traffic indicators: ND and TL. Further analysis of MRD and ATD with ambient
concentration data for ozone (O3), CO, NOx, sulfur dioxide (SO2), lead (Pb), and PM
retrieved from US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Aerometric Information
Retrieval System (AIRS) showed correlation coefficients in range of 0.22 to 0.47 for the
mobile source related pollutants CO and NOX but less than 0.19 for O3, SO2, Pb, and PM.
Thus, the traffic density-based parameters may be more specific indicators than
conventional traffic indicators for near-road exposure to air pollutants from mobile source
emissions and may be useful in assessing traffic contribution to health risk on human
populations living and/or working in near-road environments.
240
Mo-Po-29
Impact of inter-coder differences in occupation and industry classification coding on
exposure estimates obtained via job-exposure matrix: example of gasoline engine
emissions in CANJEM
Thomas RÉMEN, CRCHUM, MONTREAL, Canada
Jack SIEMIATYCKI, CRCHUM, Montréal, Canada
Jérôme LAVOUÉ, CRCHUM, Montréal, Canada
Marc-André Verner, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
The purpose of this study is to determine how inter-coder differences in coding jobs
impact the exposures subsequently assigned by a JEM.
1,000 jobs were selected from among the job histories reported by subjects in a case-
control study of lung cancer conducted in Montreal. Two coders independently each job to
four different occupation classifications (OC) and three different industry classifications
(IC) which can be linked to the CANJEM job exposure matrix. For jobs coded differently by
the two experts, CANJEM was used to obtain various metrics of exposure to gasoline
engine emissions (GEE): exposed or unexposed (based on three cut-points of probability of
exposure: 5%, 25% or 50%), exposure intensity (categorical) and frequency-weighted
intensity (FWI - continuous). Interrater agreement between the exposure metrics to GEE
was measured using Kappa statistics for categorical metrics and Intra-class Correlation
Coefficients (ICCs) for FWI.
Depending on the classification used, at the highest level of resolution, the proportion of
jobs coded differently by the two experts varied from 46.8% to 64.3% for OC and from
21.5% to 36.8% for IC. Based on jobs coded differently, Cohen's kappa statistic for
exposure status ranged from 0.32 to 0.49 when using OC and from -0.02 to 0.50 when
using IC depending on the cut-point used. The corresponding numbers for intensity of
exposure ranged from 0.34 to 0.48 for OC and from 0 to 0.44 for IC. When restricting
analysis to jobs considered as exposed using both codes, ICC for FWI varied from -0.24 to
0.35 (OC) and from -0.13 to 0.68 (IC).
Similar to other studies, a quite high proportion of jobs were coded differently by the two
experts, especially for OC. Jobs with different codes had null to moderate agreement in
exposure estimates. This exercise highlights the importance of improving and
standardizing coding of occupations and industries.
241
Mo-Po-32
New approach to study the real exposure to fungi in cork industry: nasal swabs
mycobiota investigation coupled with screening on fungal resistance to azoles
Carla Viegas, ESTeSL-IPL; ENSP-UNL, Lisbon, Portugal
Anália Clérigo, ESTeSL - IPL, Lisbon, Portugal
Cátia Pacífico, ESTeSL-IPL, LIsbon, Portugal
Tiago Faria, ESTeSL-IPL, Lisbon, Portugal
Raquel Sabino, INSA; ESTeSL-IPL, Lisbon, Portugal
Mariana Francisco, INSA, Lisbon, Portugal
Cristina Verissimo, INSA, Lisbon, Portugal
Susana Viegas, ESTeSL-IPL; ENSP-UNL, Lisbon, Portugal
The permanent contact with cork may lead to constant exposure to fungi, raising
awareness as a potential occupational hazard in the cork industry. In fact, the presence of
fungi belonging to the Penicillium glabrum complex has been associated with the
development of respiratory diseases such as suberosis, one of the most prevalent diseases
among workers from cork industries, besides occupational asthma.
The aim of this work was to characterize fungal distribution and to evaluate the incidence
of isolates resistant to azoles present in nose swab samples from the cork industry
workers. Nose swab samples were collected from 305 workers from two cork industries.
Samples were plated onto malt extract agar (MEA) media (for morphological identification
of the mycobiota present) and also onto screening media of Itraconazol and Voriconazol
(to detect azole-resistant Aspergillus isolates). Plates were incubated at 27ºC during 5 to 7
days.
Using macro- and microscopic analysis of the colonies, fungal contamination was evident
in 267 from the 305 samples collected (87.5%). From 267 contaminated samples, 109
presented countless units of Chrysonilia sytophila (40.8%). The most prevalent genus found
was Penicillium sp. (73.6%), followed by Cladosporium sp. (9%), Chrysonilia sp. (2.9%) and
Acremonium sp. (2.6%). From the 305 samples collected, 161 belong to workers from the
cork yard. Penicillium sp., Cladosporium sp., Acremonium sp. and A. niger complex were
the most commonly found species. Itraconazole resistant isolates of the Aspergillus genus
were found in nose samples from two workers of the cork yard, belonging to the Nigri and
Fumigati sections.
This approach allowed knowing the real contact with fungi of the workers of cork industry.
Additionally, was possible to obtained data regarding the fungal mycobiota present that
can result in negative health effects. Ongoing studies on this population are being
performed in order to assess possible health implications related to fungal exposure in this
occupational setting.
242
Mo-Po-33
An algorithm for quantitatively estimating non-occupational pesticide exposure
intensity for spouses in the Agricultural Health Study
Nicole Deziel, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
Laura Beane Freeman, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, United States
Jane Hoppin, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
Kent Thomas, National Exposure Research Laboratory, Research Triangle Park, NC, United
States
Catherine Lerro, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, United States
Rena Jones, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, United States
Aaron Blair, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, United States
Barry Graubard, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, United States
Jay Lubin, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, United States
Dale Sandler, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle
Park, NC, United States
Honglei Chen, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle
Park, NC, United States
Gabriella AndreottiNational Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, United States
Michael Alavanja, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, United States
Melissa Friesen, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, United States
Purpose: Women living or working on farms may be exposed to pesticides from direct
occupational use of agricultural pesticides and from non-occupational pathways, such as
take-home exposure from skin, clothes and shoes of farmworkers, drift from nearby fields,
and pest treatments in the home/yard. Failure to account for non-occupational pathways
may underestimate total exposure, increase exposure misclassification and reduce power
to detect associations in epidemiologic analyses, particularly for women who have less
occupational pesticide contact than men. We developed an active-ingredient-specific
algorithm for cumulative, non-occupational pesticide exposure for female spouses of
pesticide applicators in the Agricultural Health Study (AHS) that quantified exposure
intensity from four pathways: bystander, take-home, agricultural drift, and residential
pesticide use. Methods: We used exposure data from previous meta-analyses to develop
pathway weights. We used spouse and applicator responses to questions on pesticide use,
farm characteristics, and other activities to identify subject-specific contrasts in pesticide
exposure intensity. Results: In our algorithm, bystander exposure was a function of time a
spouse spent working in fields, take-home exposure was a function of time a spouse spent
at home, and both were proportional to days and years the applicator applied an active
ingredient. Exposure from agricultural drift was a function of distance between homes and
treated fields and days and years the applicator applied the active ingredient. Residential
pesticide exposure was a function of the combined contribution of years of multiple home
pest treatments, accounting for the probability the active ingredient was used in specific
treatments. Conclusion: This transparent, data-driven algorithm of cumulative, aggregate
pesticide exposure intensity will facilitate etiologic analyses of health effects in the AHS
and could be applied to studies with similar information.
243
Mo-Po-34
Exposure to the Non-Phthalate Plasticizer 1,2-Cyclohexane Dicarboxylic Acid,
Diisononyl Ester (DINCH) in Portuguese Children
Luísa Correia-Sá, REQUIMTE/LAQV - Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto do Instituto
Politécnico do Porto, Porto, Portugal
André Schütze, IPA- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German
Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
Sónia Norberto, CINTESIS - Centro de Investigação em Tecnologias e Sistemas de
Informação em Saúde, Centro de Investigação Médica, Porto, Portugal
Conceição Calhau, CINTESIS - Centro de Investigação em Tecnologias e Sistemas de
Informação em Saúde, Centro de Investigação Médica, Porto, Portugal
Valentina F. Domingues, REQUIMTE/LAQV - Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto do
Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Porto, Portugal
Holger M. Koch, IPA- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German
Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
Di-iso-nonyl-cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate (DINCH) is used as substitute for High
Molecular Weight (HMW) phthalate plasticizers like di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and
the diisononyl phthalate (DiNP). The available data suggests that DINCH, contrary to
phthalates such as DEHP and DINP, is neither an endocrine disruptor nor a reproductive
toxicant. Similar to the phthalates, DINCH is only dissolved in the polymer and not
chemically bound to it. Thus, due to the ongoing substitution process DINCH exposures of
the general population seems likely to occur. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
exposure of a group of 112 children from Portugal, divide in two groups: i) diagnosed for
obesity/overweight (cases) and ii) healthy weight (controls). Samples were collected
during the years 2014 and 2015. Oxidized DINCH metabolites (OH-MINCH, cx-MINCH and
oxo-MINCH) were analyzed after enzymatic hydrolysis via on-line HPLC-MS/MS with isotope
quantification. In this study, a detection rate of 100% for OH-MINCH and cx-MINCH, and of
99% for oxo-MINCH was achieved. The median creatinine adjusted (95th percentile) values
were of 1.16 µg/g (8.79) for cx-MINCH, 1.09 µg/g (7.22) for oxo-MINCH, and 2.14 µg/g
(17.25) for OH-MINCH. For the unadjusted concentrations, the median (95th percentile)
values were of 1.08 µg/L (7.33) for cx-MINCH, 1.10 µg/L (7.54) for oxo-MINCH, and 2.14
µg/L (15.91) for OH-MINCH. No significant differences were observed between the
exposure levels of the case and the control. To the best of our knowledge, the levels of
DINCH urinary metabolites have not been yet reported for the Iberian population. The
results show a widespread exposure in the participating children, indicating a possible
similar scenario for the overall Portuguese population. Acknowledgments: L. Correia-Sá is
grateful to FCT by the grant (SFRH/BD/87019/2012), financed by POCH, subsidized by
Fundo Social Europeu and Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior.
244
Mo-Po-35
Assessment of indoor temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide, noise and
illuminance level in two general hospitals
Boram Lee, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea, North
Kiyoung Lee, seoul national university, seoul, Korea, South
kyoosang Kim, Seoul Medical Center, seoul, Korea, South
Aim: Healthy and comfortable indoor environment in a hospital has a major effect on
patient well-being as well as on the work efficiency of the hospital staff. Although thermal
comfort such as temperature and humidity is one major factor in indoor comfort, noise,
lights and air quality are also important for indoor comfort. The purpose of this study was
to assess the indoor temperature, relative humidity(RH), carbon dioxide, noise and
illuminance by places. And also propose the control plan of indoor environment
management.
Methods: Various indoor environmental conditions were measured in two general hospitals
during a year (April 2014- April 2015). Each hospital was measured for 1 month, after
which the monitoring instruments were moved to the other hospital also for 1 month. The
indoor air temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide, noise level and illuminance
level were measured at the same time.
Results: In hospital A and B, There was no difference between the temperatures of the
each place during spring, summer and fall. In winter, the lowest temperature was the
health screening centers (19±2.3°C) in hospital A, lobby (18.9±2.4°C) in hospital B and the
highest was the nurse station (27.3±0.6°C) in hospital A, nurse station (27.2±0.4°C) in
hospital B. Indoor relative humidity was the highest during summer (hospital A: 78±6%,
hospital B: 73±10%) and the lowest during winter (hospital A: 18±6%, hospital B: 20±4%) in
both two hospitals. There were no significant difference between RH of the five places in
each hospitals. CO2 levels of two hospitals were maintained less than 1000ppm during a
year except nurse station and there are no seasonal differences of the CO2 levels. The
noise level of the two hospitals had exceeded WHO standards in hospitals of 30 LAeq dB
during a year. Even the background noise during non-operating hours in the two hospitals
exceeded 30dB. The results from other hospital noise level researches had similar results.
Therefore, the WHO noise level guideline for hospitals seems hard to be achieved. The ISO
8995-1:2002 recommend indoor work place illuminance should not be less than 200lx. The
seasonal average of Lobby, injection room and nurse station in hospital A were the only
places that had illuminance of >200 lx.
Conclusion: Two hospitals were not satisfy the recommendations of indoor relative
humidity, noise and illuminance levels. These factors that can affect the health and work
efficiency of occupants such as patients and hopital staff shoud be managed.
245
Indoor temperature, RH, CO2, noise level and illuminance in two general hospitals.
246
Mo-Po-36
Bioavailability of plasticizers in dust and food after oral administration in pigs
Veronika Plichta, Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Munich, Germany
Bioavailability of plasticizers in dust and food after oral administration in pigs
Veronika Plichta, Hermann Fromme
Department of Chemical Safety and Toxicology, Bavarian Health and Food Safety
Authority, Munich, Germany
Background: According to the US Environmental protection agency (US-EPA), infants have
an unintended daily uptake of 60-100 mg dust. Dust contains among other things a various
amount of pollutants. Especially phthalates are present in high amounts. This could pose a
potential health risk. At the current state of knowledge, there is no information about the
bioavailability of pollutants in the matrix dust. Therefore, in risk assessments, the
bioavailability is assumed to be 100%. This could lead to an overestimation because in
vitro digestions tests indicate that the bioaccessability of phthalates in house dust range
only between 2.4%-32%. Phthalates are widely used as plasticizers in many consumer
products e.g. food packaging, toys, clothing and personal care products. Phthalates are
not chemically bound to the polymer matrix, so they can easily be released into the
surrounding by leaching or migration. Humans are exposed to phthalates on a daily basis
via ingestions, inhalations or dermal uptake. Phthalates act as endocrine disruptors and
target mainly the reproductive system. They do not accumulate in the body and are
rapidly metabolized and excreted via urine within 48 hours.
Objectives: The oral bioavailability of certain Phthalates and Diisononylcyclohexa-1,2-
dicarboxylat (DINCH) in house dust will be determined absolutely and relative to the
bioavailability after intravenous administration or by ingestion.
Methods: Eight 5-week old piglets were fed once with five different dust samples from
daycare centers and one food sample. Additionally, the target compounds were given by
intravenous injection. The urine was collected over a period of 38 hours. The metabolites
were quantified in the urine by using an HPLC-MS/MS method.
Results: The preliminary experiment (three piglets and three dust samples) showed a
median uptake rate of 30% DEHP (range 24-43%) and 27% DINCH (range 23-31%) of the
given dose. Those results indicated that the bioavailability is higher than in the in vitro
digestion tests (DEHP: 2.24-12.6%) but also not 100%. The results of the main experiment
are in progress.
247
Mo-Po-37
Quantitative material releases from articles containing manufactured nanomaterials
Joonas Koivisto, National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen,
Denmark
Alexander C. Ø. Jensen, National Research Centre for the Working Environment,
Copenhagen, Denmark
Kirsten I Kling, National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen,
Denmark
Asger Nørgaard, National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen,
Denmark
Anna Brinch, COWI, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
Frans Christensen, COWI, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
Keld A Jensen, National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen,
Denmark
Introduction
Environmental and human risk assessment models are critical for estimating the impact of
products containing engineered nanomaterials (NMs). Risk assessment is based on
quantitative exposure levels and hazard estimation. In this review study, we extracted
quantitative releases (e.g. mg/mL, mg/kg/wash), or emission rates (e.g. mg/m^2/year,
mg/s) as well as properties of released particles from 320 different scenarios, including
mechanical treatment, UV irradiation, washing, leaching, and spraying.
Methods
A total of 89 peer-reviewed scientific publications were identified as relevant studies
considering release of NMs from consumer products. Quantitative releases or emission
rates were calculated from the measured average concentration levels and volumes of
immersion fluid or dilution air by assuming full mixing and insignificant sampling losses.
This provides first order approximation for the quantitative releases or emission rates.
Conclusions
This review provides a basis for an NM emission library, which ideally should take into
account the quantitative release, properties of the released particles, release scenario,
and potential fate of the released NMs. We were able extract quantitative releases from
33 studies while the majority of the studies did not provide sufficient conceptual
information. Emissions varied many orders of magnitude depending on the stress applied
to the article, environmental conditions, and article properties (Table 1). NMs were mainly
released as agglomerates coated by matrix. Release of NM free of matrix was minor or not
reported. In future, the studies should take into account losses in experimental setup (e.g.
deposition, sampling efficiency) and influence on the release characteristics (e.g.
coagulation, flocculation). In airborne emission rate assessments, characterization should
include size-resolved particle concentrations from 10 nm to 10 µm, respirable mass
concentration and total material removal rate.
Acknowledgements
This work was supported by the European Union Seventh Framework Programme
[FP7/2007-2013] under EC-GA No. 604305 ‘SUN’, a grant from the Danish Environmental
Protection Agency, and by a grant from the Danish Centre for Nanosafety (grant
agreement no. 20110092173/3). The abstract template is adopted from the European
Aerosol Conference.
248
249
Mo-Po-38
Exposure to Carbon Monoxide during the Operation of Recreational Watercraft – a
Public Health Hazard with Potentially Lethal Outcomes
Dale Stephenson, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, United States
Megan Smith, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, United States
Robert Vercellino, Boise State, Boise, Idaho, United States
Lea Duffin, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, United States
Tim Burke, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, United States
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless and odorless gas generated from incomplete
combustion of hydrocarbon-based fuels. Human exposure to elevated CO concentrations
causes serious injury or even death. Of increasing concern are CO-related poisonings and
fatalities associated with the use of recreational watercraft. According the US Coast
Guard, from 1981 to 2009 there were 879 poisonings and 160 fatalities as a result of
exposure to CO during the operation of recreational watercraft. The US EPA has
established CO exposure thresholds of 420 ppm and 1700 ppm, which, if the former is
exceeded, impairs the ability to self-escape and, if the latter is exceeded, has the
potential for life-threatening effects. Further, it is well-recognized by medical experts
that instantaneous exposures exceeding 2000 ppm can be rapidly fatal. This study is
intended to promote awareness of this issue in anticipation of policies and practices that
will be developed to protect the public from adverse exposure to CO during the operation
of recreational watercraft.
We monitored real-time CO concentrations on and adjacent to six ski boats, three with
inboard engines and three with outboard engines. While the engines were at idle, real
time CO grab samples were collected from thirty monitoring locations on and adjacent to
each boat. We also collected real time CO grab samples from the breathing zone of an
individual situated on a floatation device being towed behind each boat while the engine
was under load. Finally, we fixed a data-logging CO monitor to estimate exposures
received by a boat operator while the engine was both at idle and under load.
Results from grab samples collected at engine idle (n=180) showed that CO concentrations
at the swim ladder and swim platform locations were highest, ranging from 1800 ppm to
5000 ppm. Results of breathing zone samples collected while an individual was being
towed five feet behind each boat (n=60) ranged from 80 ppm to 500 ppm. Estimation of
exposures received at the passenger seat location while a boat was both at idle and
traveling 5-10 miles an hour (n=240) ranged from 5 ppm to 1000 ppm. These data suggest
that the maximum CO concentration values found in this study have the potential to
exceed US EPA exposure thresholds and, in some instances, exceed concentrations thought
to be rapidly fatal.
250
Mo-Po-39
Improving Personal Exposure Assessment for Trace Metals
Ashley Newton, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland,
United States
Berrin Serdar, University of Colorado at Denver, Denver, Colorado, United States
Kirsten Koehler, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland,
United States
AIM: Airborne particulate metals exposure leads to many adverse health outcomes,
including multiple cancers and depression of both the cardiovascular and respiratory
systems. However, the high cost involved in the sampling and analysis of trace metals has
led to few personal exposure assessments being performed for the exposed populations.
Additionally, conventional samplers measure the inhalable fraction of particulate matter,
a dose that corresponds most strongly with external exposure. However, it is the fraction
of particles deposited in the lung that contributes most to overall body burden. This lung-
deposited fraction can differ from the inhalable fraction by a factor between two and six.
We aim to validate a low-cost analysis method for trace metal particulate matter using
microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) paired with an inexpensive lung
deposition sampler (LDS). The LDS uses polyurethane foam as the collection substrate and
is engineered to collect only the lung-deposited fraction. This system not only reduces the
cost of personal exposure assessment for our metals of interest, but it also provides a
measure of internal dose as a more physiologically relevant exposure metric.
METHODS: Metal fumes were generated inside an air chamber and side-by-side filter and
LDS samples were collected in order to capture both the inhalable and lung-deposited
fractions. Collection substrates were extracted using microwave-assisted acid digestion,
and a portion of the extract was analyzed via ICP-MS to serve as the reference. μPADs
were then used to quantify metals concentrations with both the conventional filter and
the LDS for iron, nickel, copper, and total chromium.
As it is solely capturing the deposited dose, the LDS/μPAD system shows systematically
lower results than the filter/μPAD system previously validated by Cate et al. Thus, in
order to meaningfully compare the two systems, the total particulate metal concentration
was calculated as the sum of the metals concentration measured by the LDS and a
secondary filter behind the LDS to capture the mass not deposited on the foam plug (i.e.
the exhaled fraction).
RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS: We have validated a low-cost system to analyze the lung-
deposited fraction of metals in particulate matter. Good agreement was observed
between ICP-MS and the μPAD metals concentrations using the LDS substrate, meeting
NIOSH guidelines for method equivalence.
This combination of sampler and analytical method has the potential to reduce costs for
personal exposure assessments by several orders of magnitude, leading to an increase in
hazard surveillance in the occupational and environmental settings.
251
Mo-Po-40
Colorimetric Paper-Based Biosensing Device for the Assessment of Bisphenol A in
Indoor Dust.
Alan Rossner, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, United States
Ramiz Alkasir, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, United States
Silvana Andreescu, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, United States
Objective: The aim of our work was to evaluate a new design for a paper-based sensing
device for the colorimetric detection of Bisphenol A (BPA) in household dust. Bisphenol A
(BPA) is found in poly-carbonate plastic and epoxy resin and is used in variety a of
commercial and consumer products. The leaching of BPA consumer products can result in
human exposure via inhalation, ingestion, and dermal routes. As a result, humans have
been exposed in their home and work environment to BPA. Several studies have reported
detectable levels of total urinary BPA in the majority of individuals in a number of
populations, in the United States and other locations around the world. To reduce human
exposure we need improved sensing devices to allow for quick, effective and inexpensive
screening of our living and working environment. Methods: A rapid procedure for dust
collection is used with a sensitive method for BPA detection, based on the formation of a
greenish color, on the test zone of the sensing device. The system employs
interchangeable low-cost paper-based enzyme sensors as a test zone (0.6 cm in diameter)
for BPA detection interfaced with an air-sampling cassette as a sample collection area.
The color results from the formation of a Schiff base compound, quinine-imine, formed by
reaction of chitosan with the enzymatic product of tyrosinase o-quinone on paper coated
in a layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly approach. Colorimetric response was concentration
dependent with a detection limit of 0.28 µg/g. The color started to appear within the first
60 s and stabilized after 30 min. Replicate samples were run on a Gas Chromatography
(GC) as means of validating the colorimetric data. Field sampling was conducted in a
series of homes where dust specimens were collected from different homes and a day care
center. Results: Results between the GC and colorimetric sensor showed a linear
regression (R2 = 0.9743) for samples measured by both of the colorimetric and GC
methods. In this work, BPA ranged in concentration from 0.05 to 3.87 µg/g in 57 samples
of household dust when both methods were used. Conclusions: While the sample set was
relatively small (n=57), the correlation between the colorimetric sensor and GC method
was excellent, thus we feel the sensors is promising as a quick, inexpensive means of
measuring BPA in settled dust in the home and work environment.
252
Mo-Po-41
Radionuclides in Contaminated Soils as Possible Source of Inhalation Exposure
Olorunfemi Adetona, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
Chieh-ming Wu, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
Brian Viner, US Department of Energy, Aiken, South Carolina, United States
Tim Jannik, US Department of Energy, Aiken, South Carolina, United States
Daniel Stone, US Department of Energy, Aiken, South Carolina, United States
Allan Hepworth, US Department of Agriculture, Aiken, South Carolina, United States
Teresa Eddy, US Department of Energy, Aiken, South Carolina, United States
Luke Naeher, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States
Anna Adetona, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
Release of radionuclides into surface waters due to past production of nuclear materials
resulted in the incorporation of radionuclides in the forest soils at the Savannah River Site
(SRS), South Carolina, United States. As part of an effort to model possible exposure of
emergency response workers including forest firefighters during hypothetical fires in the
contaminated wetlands of the site, concentrations of natural and artificial radionuclides
were determined by gamma spectrometry in mineral and surface (fresh and decomposed
vegetative litter from trees) soil samples collected along four streams with historical
inflow from nuclear facilities at the site. The soil samples were collected from twelve
paired locations downstream of historical sources of radionuclide inflow for each stream.
Each paired location comprised of one sample site in a predetermined contaminated area
and another in a predetermined uncontaminated area. The contamination status of the
areas was determined by gamma overflight with ground validation of gamma emission
levels. Linear mixed effect models were used to compare radionuclide activities across the
different streams and sample locations, while Spearman rank correlation was run to
determine the association between the radionuclides. Generally, concentrations of
artificial radionuclides including 137Cs, 60Co 238Pu and 239Pu, and gross beta were higher
at contaminated locations in both the mineral and surface soil (p<0.05). Such differences
were not observed with naturally occurring radionuclides of uranium and 40K. 137Cs,
which was the predominant radionuclide in discharged cooling water, had the highest
radioactivity in both mineral and surface soils among the radionuclides, and had higher
radioactivity upstream in mineral soil. The highest model estimated stream average of
137Cs observed was 593 Bq/kg, and is within the range previously reported for the site.
There was moderate correlation between mineral and surface soil concentrations of 137Cs
(r=0.74) and gross beta (r=0.50). Additionally, 137Cs was moderately correlated with gross
beta in mineral (r=0.70) and surface (r=0.66) soil samples. These results suggest that
137Cs in discharged water from nuclear production contributes substantially to
radioactivity and gross beta emissions in the soil at SRS. Additionally, the results are an
evidence that 137Cs is readily taken up by vegetation from the wetland soil as indicated
by the extent of correlation of 137Cs radioactivity between mineral and surface soil. The
measured radionuclide concentrations in this study will be input into an already developed
model that incorporates emissions and plume dispersion to estimate potential exposure to
radioactivity in contaminated areas of SRS.
253
Mo-Po-42
An Assessment of Legionella pneumophila and Mycobacterium avium in Residential and
Commercial Structures
Maura Donohue, US EPA, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Lisa Melnyk, US EPA, Cincinnati, OH, United States
Legionella pneumophila and Mycobacterium avium are water-borne pathogens. I
investigated the occurrence of L. pneumophila and M. avium in potable water at
residential and commercial structures. This was performed to understand which locality
may pose the highest risk for infection based on the occurrence and observed
concentrations of these microorganisms in potable water.
Between the years of 2009-2014, potable water from 136 taps (62 residential and 74
commercial) across the United States were monitored for the presence of these
microorganisms. Water was collected at three independent time points for a total of 408
samples. In general, three liters of water were filtered through a polycarbonate
membrane. The DNA was extracted from the captured material. Quantitative Polymerase
Chain Reaction (qPCR) was then used to detect and measure the concentrations of these
microorganisms in the final extract.
Both microorganisms were detected in the potable water from both residential and
commercial buildings. Of the 62 taps that were located in a residence, 27% were positive
for L. pneumophila, and 23% were positive for M. avium. The 74 taps that were located in
a building, 41% and 39% were positive for M. avium and L. pneumophila, respectively.
Longitudinal data revealed the L. pneumophila persisted for longer lengths of time in
water from residences and at higher concentrations (avg: 10,830 genomic targets/L, Max:
82,250 genomic targets/L). For M. avium, higher concentrations (avg: 715 genomic
targets/L, Max: 148,270 genomic targets/L) were detected in buildings. These findings will
help craft a better understanding as to possible exposure routes to these microorganisms
that are most relevant for infection to occur.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this abstract are those of the authors and do not
necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. EPA. Mention of trade names or
commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.
254
Mo-Po-43
Particle inhalation rate as a metric for ambient air pollution exposure
Laura Corlin, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States
Mark Woodin, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States
Jaime Hart, Channing Division of Network Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
Matthew Simon, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States
David Gute, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States
Harsha Amaravadi, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States
Doug Brugge, Tufts University, Boston, MA, United States
John Durant, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States
Aim: Many air pollution epidemiology studies use ambient residential air pollutant
concentrations to represent exposure. Nevertheless, ambient concentrations may not
accurately reflect even relative exposure levels since factors such as age, sex, weight, and
physical activity differentially affect intake of air pollutants. We developed and tested a
new exposure metric to try to better approximate the biologically relevant dose.
Methods: Using data from a longitudinal study of 812 adults (69% female) in Boston (MA,
USA), we first modeled participants’ annual residential average exposure to ultrafine
particulate matter (UFP, <0.1 µm diameter, measured as particle number concentration or
PNC). We then multiplied PNC estimates (particles/L) by hourly respiratory volume (L of
air inhaled/hr) for each participant to obtain the average particle inhalation rate (PIR,
particles inhaled/hr). Respiratory volume was estimated using published estimates of sex-,
age-, and physical activity-adjusted ventilation rates together with data on how many
hours per day participants engaged in defined levels of physical activity. We compared the
distributions of PNC and PIR, considered whether associations between UFP exposure and
cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors differed for PNC and PIR, and examined how
sensitive the PIR effect estimates were to factors such as physical activity and respiratory
medication use.
Results: While the PNC distribution was slightly left skewed (mean=23,000,
median=24,000, min=10,000, max=32,000 particles/cc), the PIR distribution was slightly
right skewed and had greater variability (mean=13x10^9, median=12x10^9, min=3.7x10^9,
max=54x10^9 particles inhaled/hr). Distributions were stable over the five year study
period. By design, distributions for the PIR strongly reflected physical activity patterns
(r=0.7 p<0.001) even in this population with generally low physical activity levels. Notably,
among those with highest PIR (greater than 90th percentile), 6% had low PNC exposure
(<10th percentile).
As may be expected based on the different distributions, PNC and PIR showed different
associations with CVD risk factors. We found that PNC was more strongly associated with
increases in systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein
(a biomarker of systemic inflammation) while the PIR was more strongly associated with
increases in diastolic blood pressure. Our PIR results did not change substantially when we
conducted sensitivity analyses excluding participants taking respiratory medications (25%
of participants) or excluding participants reporting the highest physical activity levels.
Conclusions: Our findings suggest that adjusting ambient UFP exposure estimates for
inhalation rate affects the shape and variability of the exposure distribution and alters
effect estimates for the association with CVD risk factors.
255
256
Mo-Po-44
Concentration-Based High-Throughput Exposure Screening of Chemicals in Flooring
Materials
Lei Huang, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
Olivier Jolliet, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
Deborah Bennett, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, United States
Hyeong-Moo Shin, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, United States
Jon Arnot, ARC Arnot Research and Consulting, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Vy Nguyen, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
Recently, increasing attention has been paid to the near-field human exposure to
chemicals formulated in consumer products. Our previous Tier 1 project provided
screening-level exposure estimates for chemicals in consumer products using total
production volume and simple models/assumptions. The current Tier 2 effort aims at more
refined exposure estimates using more advanced models and actual chemical
concentrations in products. This study provides Tier 2 high-throughput exposure estimates
for chemicals encapsulated in flooring materials, a major passive indoor emission source.
A total of 186 chemicals were identified as ingredients in flooring materials based on the
Pharos building material database, of which 136 have chemical content data in different
types of flooring (e.g., wood or vinyl), constituting a total of 264 chemical-flooring
combinations (cases). For each chemical-flooring type combination, we calculated typical
concentration ranges using median and maximum possible content. A parsimonious model
was developed to predict the diffusive chemical emissions from materials, subsequent
losses by ventilation as well as flooring surface concentrations. This model is solely based
on explicit equations, suitable for high-throughput calculations. Quantitative structure-
activity relationships were developed to predict the key model parameters, diffusion
coefficient Dm and material-air partition coefficient Kma, and were applied to the 264
cases. We then calculated the inhalation and dermal product intake fractions (PiFs),
determining the fraction of the chemical in the flooring that is taken in by adults and
children during its use phase.
The median chemical contents in the 264 cases vary by several orders of magnitude, from
0.001% to 31.5%. Likewise, the model-predicted fractional mass emitted from flooring to
air over 3 years ranges from 2E-8 to 1. VOCs generally have a low content in flooring and a
high fractional mass emitted, while the opposite is typically observed for SVOCs. For
children under five, the inhalation PiF ranges from 4E-12 to 2E-4 and the dermal PiF from
1E-13 to 0.1 (Figure 1). For adults, the inhalation PiF ranges from 1E-10 to 1E-3, no dermal
contact with flooring being assumed for adults. The daily intake dose is typically higher for
children than for adults. The children’s inhalation doses are in the range of 1E-4 to 1E4
µg/kg-day, with dermal dose of similar order of magnitude as for inhalation. Several
chemicals that may lead to high exposures are identified for further investigations. These
results suggest that the near-field exposures to chemicals in flooring can be substantial,
especially for children crawling on the floor.
257
Figure 1. Product Intake Fraction (PiF) for Chemicals in Flooring over 3 yrs
258
Mo-Po-46
Exposure to PM2.5 and Blood Lead Level in Two Populations in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Undarmaa Enkhbat, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, School of Public
Health, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Ana Rule, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United
States
Carol Resnick, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland,
United States
Chimedsuren Ochir, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, School of Public
Health, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Purevdorj Olkhanud, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, School of Public
Health, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
D'Ann Williams, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland,
United States
Introduction: The World Health Organization (WHO) has ranked Ulaanbaatar as the second
most polluted city in the world and much attention has been given to the issue of outdoor
air pollution.6 The World Bank reports that particulate matter is the main air pollutant in
Ulaanbaatar, mainly due to coal burning from individual gers. Through this research study
we aim to test our hypothesis that women living in gers (traditional dwillings) burning coal
in traditional stoves for cooking and heating during the winter are exposed to higher
concentrations of airborne PM2.5 than women living in apartments in Ulaanbaatar,
Mongolia, and this exposure may include exposures to lead in coal with effects on blood
lead levels.
Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited a total of 50 women, 40–60 years of age
living in apartments and gers. Air sampling was carried out during peak cooking and
heating times, 5:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m., collecting direct-reading measurement (TSI
SidePak™) gravimetric methods. Blood lead level (BLL) was measured using a LeadCare II
rapid field test method.
Results: Measured PM2.5 geometric mean (GM) concentrations using the SidePak™ in the
apartment group was 31.5 (95% CI:17–99) μg/m3, and 100 (95% CI: 67–187) μg/m3 in ger
households (p < 0.001). The GM integrated gravimetric PM2.5 concentrations in the
apartment group were 52.8 (95% CI: 39–297) μg/m3 and 127.8 (95% CI: 86–190) μg/m3 in
ger households (p = 0.004). The correlation coefficient for the SidePak™ PM2.5
concentrations and filter based PM2.5 concentrations was r = 0.72 (p < 0.001). Blood Lead
Levels were not statistically significant different between apartment residents and ger
residents (p = 0.15). The BLL is statistically significant different (p = 0.01) when stratified
by length of exposures outside of the home. This statistically significant difference in
increased BLL could be due to occupational or frequent exposure to outdoor air pollution
that were not measured. This study was first to measure BLLs among an adult population
in Mongolia.
Conclusion: The results suggest that elevated BLLs may not be a major public health issue
for older adult women who use coal however, the elevated PM2.5 levels observed inside
ger homes are concerning and continue to be a significant risk to public health.
259
Mo-Po-47
Seasonal variation of time activity pattern characteristics in Korean population
Sewon Lee, Seoul National University Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul, Korea,
South
Kiyoung Lee, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea, South
The time-activity patterns distribution is necessary to calculate population exposure. This
objective of this study was to characterize time-activity pattern of Korean population in
three different seasons. The time-activity data of a total of 26,988 subjects older than 10
years was provided by the Time Use Survey of the Statistics Korea (KOSTAT). The survey
was conducted in summer, fall and winter. The subjects were selected using probability
proportional extraction method from 800 administrative areas of Korean in 2014. Each
subjects completed a diary with 10-minutes interval for two consecutive days regardless of
day of week. The location codes of the diary were classified into 5 microenvironments:
indoor at home, workplace/school, restaurant/bar, transportation and other
indoor/outdoor locations. They also completed a questionnaire including demographic,
socioeconomic and family information. This study analyzed only weekday data. The time-
activity pattern was analyzed by gender, age-related, urban-rural difference in summer,
fall, and winter seasons. The times spent in different microenvironments were similar in
the three seasons. The most time was spent at home (62-64%) followed by
workplace/school (18-20%), transportation (6-7%), bar/restaurant (2%) and other
indoor/outdoor locations (9-10%) in all seasons. The times spent at home and
workplace/school were different by gender. Male spent 10-11% less time at home than
female. However, male spent 7-8% more time at workplace/school than female. The times
spent at home, workplace/school and other locations were different by age group. The
teenage group spent 52-61% at home and the senior group spent 74-79% at home. The
other age groups spent 57-62% at home. The time spent at workplace/school was 5-6% in
the senior group, while times at workplace/school were 22-34% for the teenage group and
19-24% for the other age group. The times spent at different microenvironments were not
different by urban-rural status. The difference of time spent at each microenvironment
was less than 2%. Overall time location data of Korean population were different by age
and gender but not urban/rural status in three seasons. However, further analysis is
necessary to compare daily time activity pattern by the variables and determine
interaction between the demographic variables on time activity patterns. Since time
activity pattern is associated with exposure, population exposure assessment shall include
difference by age and gender.
260
Mo-Po-48
Assessment of Personal Exposure to Black Carbon and Nitrogen Dioxide in Contrasting
Urban (Road Traffic) and Industrial (Fracking) Environments
Eliani Ezani, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
Iain Beverland, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
Aim: This study used real-time monitors to assess and compare environmental and
occupational exposure to black carbon (BC), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and ozone (O₃) in
contrasting urban and industrial environments.
Methods: Pedestrian exposures to traffic-related air pollution in central Glasgow were
compared to occupational exposures to diesel engine exhaust from industrial fracking
equipment at an experimental hydraulic fracturing (HF) test site in Poland. Mobile
measurements at varying distances from sources in both of the above locations were made
using portable real-time micro-aethalometers (AE51) for BC and Aeroqual series-500
monitors for NO₂ and O₃ carried by researchers. Duplicate BC measurements were
compared with NO₂ observations, after correction of the sensor response for the latter for
O₃ interference effects.
Results: The highest 1-minute average BC concentrations measured at the HF test site
were approximately five times higher than equivalent 1-minute average concentrations
observed in central Glasgow (51.2 µg/m³ and 10.0 µg/m³ respectively). Similarly,
maximum 1-minute average NO₂ concentrations measured at the HF test site exceeded
equivalent 1-min average observations in Glasgow (292.3 µg/m³ and 108.1 µg/m³
respectively). The overall BC mean exposure on roadside walking routes in Glasgow was
higher than the overall mean exposure observed across multiple locations, upwind and
downwind of diesel engine sources, at the HF test site (2.0 µg/m³ and 1.6
µg/m³respectively). Mean NO₂ concentrations across Glasgow central roadside locations
(64.7 µg/m³) was also higher than overall mean occupational exposure to NO₂ at the HF
test site (43.9 µg/m³). Duplicate BC instruments provided very similar real-time
measurements, which in turn were relatively highly correlated with NO₂ observations at 1-
minute temporal resolution at the HF experimental site (R² = 0.65) and the central
Glasgow walking route (R² = 0.88).
Conclusion: Marked elevations of BC and NO₂ concentrations were observed in downwind
proximity to traffic and industrial fracking equipment sources. Exposure to diesel engine
exhaust emissions from fracking equipment may present a significant risk to people
working on HF sites over extended time periods. The short time resolution of the portable
instruments used, enabled identification of sources of occupational and environmental
exposure to combustion-related air pollutants.
261
Mo-Po-49
Residential PM2.5 concentrations in Ger, traditional residence in Mongolia
Hyunkyung Ban, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea, South
Chimedsuren Ochir, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar,
Mongolia
Undarmaa Enkhbat, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar,
Mongolia
Yanjinlkham Bold, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar,
Mongolia
Kiyoung Lee, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea, South
Aim: Significant proportion of population in Ulaanbaatar (UB), the capital city of Mongolia,
is living in traditional ger home. Residents in ger can be exposed to high concentration of
PM2.5 from burning coal and biomass fuels. The purposes of this study were to measure
indoor PM2.5 levels in gers and determine effects of fuel combustion for cooking and
heating on indoor PM2.5 level.
Method: This study was conducted in 28 gers in UB in January 2016. PM2.5 concentration,
temperature and relative humidity were simultaneously measured by real time monitors
during daytime for about 7 hours. During the monitoring, two researchers recorded stove
type, fuel type, fuel usage and the number of putting fuels into stove.
Results: The average PM2.5 concentration, temperature and relative humidity in 28 gers
were 208±176 μg/m3 (n=28), 23±4 ℃ (n=27, one home is missing due to malfunction of the
monitor) and 21±8 % (n=28), respectively. Overall, the PM2.5 concentration was higher in
the morning and then decreased constantly until late afternoon. Five temporal profiles of
indoor PM2.5 concentration in 28 gers were determined (Fig 1). Average PM2.5
concentrations in the five groups were 384±171 μg/m3, 171±71 μg/m3, 123±56 μg/m3,
74±27 μg/m3 and 27±20 μg/m3. In the first group, indoor PM2.5 concentrations were very
high and extreme peak of about 8500 μg/m3 was observed. In the second and third groups,
indoor PM2.5 concentrations in the morning were 600 and 400 μg/m3 respectively and
decreased gradually. In the second group, there was peak of about 1100 μg/m3 in the
afternoon. In the third group, less peak was observed. In the fourth group, indoor PM2.5
concentrations in the morning were 200 μg/m3. There was peak of about 180 μg/m3 in the
afternoon. In the fifth group, PM2.5 concentration was maintained below 50 μg/m3 in the
afternoon. The peaks in daily profile of PM2.5 concentration were coincided with smoking,
burning herbs or candle, opening stove for refueling, cooking fried food and using vacuum
cleaner.
Conclusions: The indoor PM2.5 concentrations in gers were very high with peak
concentration up to 8500 μg/m3. However, our measurement might underestimate 24 hour
exposure due to lack of monitoring during night and early morning. Further study is
necessary to measure indoor concentration for 24 hours and identify factors associated
with daily indoor exposure.
262
263
Mo-Po-50
Microenvironmental Exposure to Ultrafine Particles Among Adolescent Children
Characterized by A Personal Sensor with High Spatial and Temporal Resolution
Christopher Wolfe, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United
States
Grace LeMasters, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
James Lockey, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
Sang Young Son, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
Patrick Ryan, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
Background: Ultrafine particles (UFPs) exhibit high spatiotemporal variation, which makes
assigning individual level exposures challenging. Additionally, the dynamic time-activity
patterns of individuals in daily life further complicate exposure assessment and
necessitate exposure methods with high spatial and temporal resolution. To address this
need, a personal UFP sensor (PUFP C100) capable of measuring GPS location and UFP
concentration at 1 second intervals has been developed (Enmont, LLC). Based on user
feedback from previous field testing of the PUFP C100 model, significant improvements
have been made while maintaining sensor performance. The purpose of this report is to
detail the results of additional field testing to assess the performance and user
satisfaction with the modified sensor (PUFP C200).
Methods: Adolescent children (n = 10; ages 13 – 17) will wear the second generation UFP
sensor for 3 hours after school for 7 consecutive days in Spring 2016. During sensor
operation, participants will document their activity patterns including location and
exposure sources (tobacco smoke, cooking, etc.). We will use the documented activity
patterns to validate GPS location and to develop an algorithm to characterize UFP
concentrations within different exposure microenvironments (home, transit, school). We
will also examine the inter/intra-personal variation of UFP concentration by
microenvironment.
Results: The PUFP C200 has significant reductions in size (40%; 910 cc vs. 1500 cc) and
weight (25%; 0.75kg vs. 1 kg). A new software interface (EView™) complete with data
visualization tools for real-time UFP monitoring via Bluetooth has also been developed.
Furthermore, the software translates GPS location data into Google Earth compatible files
with formatting options to indicate the degree of UFP exposure. Participant recruitment
has been completed, and field testing is currently underway. Once field testing has
concluded in Spring 2016, over 200 hours of sampling data will be collected, analyzed
prepared and for presentation.
Conclusion: We hypothesize that sensor improvements will increase user satisfaction and
that personal exposures will differ significantly by study participant and
microenvironment. In the future, the PUFP C200 will be deployed in a larger
epidemiological study to characterize UFP exposure. The goal of this prospective study
will be to examine the association between UFP exposure and pulmonary function in
adolescents with and without asthma.
264
Mo-Po-55
Measuring concentrations and sources of flame retardants and phthalates indoors
Miriam Diamond, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Shelley Harris, Cancer Care Ontario, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Toronto, Ontario,
Canada
Congqiao Yang, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Liisa Jantunen, Environment Canada, Egbert, Ontario, Canada
Dina Tsirlin, Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Bruce Fraser, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Joseph Okeme, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Indoor concentrations of and exposures to flame retardants and plasticizers are influenced
by poorly characterized emission sources. Furthermore, the physical-chemical
characteristics of individual compounds vary greatly, influencing their indoor partitioning
and residence time, and hence indoor levels and patterns.
Here we report on a case control study in Ontario in which a subsample of 51 women from
the Greater Toronto Area and Ottawa were enrolled. Our goal was to characterize indoor
concentrations, indoor fate and exposure to participants of brominated and phosphorus-
based flame retardants and phthalate plasticizers and to estimate exposure. In the
bedroom and most used room we measured air concentrations in participants’ homes using
two passive air samplers (Harner-type polyurethane foam and polydimethylsiloxane),
collected floor dust and sampled window films. We also wiped the surfaces of electronic
products to assess their potential contribution to indoor levels, as well as hand wipes of
participants. A questionnaire was developed and administered to gather personal
demographic, and lifestyle data, and environmental/household characteristics including
the presence and patterns of use of electronic devices, types of furniture and mattresses
and presence of foam padding. Analysis of passive air samplers (PDMS n=100), showed
that the flame retardant TDCPP was the most abundant novel-BFRs followed by ATE, PBBz,
and PBT, with PBEB and TBB randomly detected; BDE-47 was the major PBDE congener
followed by BDE-28, -99, BDE-49, and -17, with BDE-49, and -153 randomly detected.
Phthalate esters were found at concentrations orders of magnitude higher than flame
retardants.
265
Mo-Po-59
Determination of dietary patterns prior to exposure assessment of populations of
Benin, Cameroon, Mali and Nigeria to harmful residues and contaminants
Luc Ingenbleek, Centre Pasteur of Cameroon, Yaounde, Cameroon
Sara Eyangoh, Centre Pasteur of Cameroon, Yaounde, Cameroon
Bruno Le Bizec, LABERCA/Oniris, Nantes, France
Philippe Verger, INRA/Met@risk, Paris, France
Jean-Charles Leblanc, ANSES, Maisons Alfort, France
Aim: In the framework of a WTO/FAO funded 3-year (2014-2017) project aimed at
assessing the dietary exposure of populations of Sub-Saharan Africa to toxic contaminants,
we are developing a cost effective way of determining the food consumption patterns in
developing countries, prior to sampling food in a representative way.
Method: The latest official household budget surveys validated by national institutes for
statistics of Benin, Cameroon, Mali and Nigeria representing food expenditure data of
more than 70.000 households were processed with SPSS software, with the inclusion of
edible fraction conversion factor and processing yield factor to express the average food
daily intake and percentile 95 as consumed.
Key steps of the food intake calculation were: i) setting up of a dedicated food
classification system including 3-level hierarchy and a correspondence list of each national
food item recorded by national institutes for statistics with energy content (kcal/100g),
edible conversion factor and yield factor ii) conversion of each household member into
adult male equivalent (AME) iii) selection of normally reporting households based on
energy daily intake (1200-5100 kcal/AME/day)iv) data processing to obtain food intakes as
consumed.
Food list covered 95% of the total diet.
Sampling was designed with 12 subsamples by individual composite.
Food samples were prepared as consumed.
Results: The food consumption patterns of Benin, Cameroon, Mali and Nigeria were
determined in cost effective manner, which is replicable to other developing countries.
Although the utilization of 4 different datasets showed different average food intake
profiles both within each country of the scope of the study and between the 4 countries,
reflecting different customs and cultures, the total intake was consistent with an average
intake of 1804g (SD=5%).
North versus South food consumption patterns appeared to be significantly different within
the same country, with staple food used as diet markers, shifting progressively from
cereal-based diet to tuber-based diet, which is probably resulting in differential exposure
patterns, in particular as far as mycotoxins are concerned.
Conclusion: exposure assessment is not yet performed but will be available in 2017. As for
now, the total diet study for Sub-Saharan Africa has focused on designing a replicable
method suitable for developing countries and based on statistically meaningful already
existing household budget surveys initially designed for following up poverty and living
standards indicators.
266
Mo-Po-58
Exposure Measurement Error Reduced by Personal Air Pollutant Exposures Monitoring
in an Active Young Adult Cohort
Donghai Liang, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
Aim: We conducted a multipollutant exposure and health risk evaluation to assess a link
between traffic pollution and health effects using a panel cohort: the Dorm Room
Inhalation to Vehicle Emission (DRIVE) study. A sub-aim of this study is to assess the error
between different exposure measurement approaches. Method: We measured PM2.5
concentrations at the personal level for 54 college students who live in two dormitories of
different proximities from a highway (20 m (NR) (n=25) vs. 1.4 km (FR) (n=29)) with similar
demongraphic characteristics including firsthand and secondhand tobacco smoke
exposure, one indoor location of each dormitory, and six outdoor locations of different
proximities from the highway connector (from 10 m to 2.3 km). Two consecutive 48-hours
personal PM2.5 concentration measurements using RTI MicroPEM provided real-time data
and filter samples with personal real-time location information by GPS. Stationary
monitors of GRIMM and TEOM collected real-time data. Black carbon (BC) as marker of
traffic emission was optically analyzed in real-time by MicroAeth and at an integrated
level from the personal filter samples by reflectance. Results: Outdoor sample data
showed a sharp decrease of BC between 10 m and 20 m from the highway (1.7 vs. 0.9
µg/m3). However, other locations further from the highway, including the background site
(2.3 km) showed similar level of BC and BC/PM2.5 ratio, and PM2.5 between NR and FR
were similar, suggesting a contribution by local traffic. Indoor samples showed a lower
PM2.5, and higher BC and BC/PM2.5 ratio for NR compared to FR. Personal samples
showed negligible differences in PM2.5 between NR and FR (8.3 vs. 7.5 µg/m3).
Participants spent at least 40% of their time not in their dormitory. GPS data showed the
averaged time-weighted distances of each participant from the highway are 509 m for NR
participants and 2174 m for FR participants. This suggests a potential exposure
misclassification by classifying exposure by residential location, especially for the NR.
Conclusions: Accurate exposure assessment using personal exposure monitors, such as the
MicroPEM, are feasible for use with healthy adults with diverse activity patterns.
Stationary monitors inaccurately estimate personal exposure to PM, as they do not capture
the exposure during the time when participants are away from the stationary monitoring
sites.
267
Mo-Po-60
Pesticide residue monitoring programs: valuable tools for refined dietary exposure
assessment and support of minor crop agriculture
Carrie Fleming, Dow AgroSciences, Indianapolis, IN, United States
Manoj Aggarwal, Dow AgroSciences, Abingdon, United Kingdom
Pesticide residue monitoring programs exist within various regulatory bodies around the
world, and vary in the breadth of sampling, the transparency of their process, and the
publication of the data. Information from these programs can be highly valuable in
gaining more realistic estimates of human dietary exposure to pesticides. Such
information is used in regulatory risk assessments in some geographies, while in others,
conservative assumptions such as residues at the legal maximum residue limit (MRL) and
100% of food treated are employed. The use of such disparate assumptions to estimate
dietary exposures can result in large discrepancies in exposure and risk estimates between
countries unrelated to actual differences in exposures, and can create major challenges
for global food trade. Furthermore, the use of conservative overestimates of exposure in
place of existing data can limit the availability of key agricultural tools, particularly in
specialty crops. This presentation will provide a survey of available data from residue
monitoring programs and discuss their value in supporting pesticide dietary exposure and
risk assessments. Real world examples will be provided demonstrating that the use of
these data results in more realistic estimates of human exposure and the impacts that
these programs have on specialty crop agriculture.
268
Late Breaking Abstracts
Mo-LBA-02
Young adult street vendors and reported health outcomes affected by measured
exposures to near-roadway traffic-related air pollution in Bangkok, Thailand
Saisattha Noomnual, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, New Jersey, United
States
Derek Shendell, Rutgers School of Public Health, and Environmental and Occupational
Health Sciences Institute, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States
Aims and Introduction/Background: This study estimated adverse respiratory health
outcomes among street vendors, in particular young adults, in Bangkok, Thailand, using a
self-report questionnaire developed from previous validated questions from the peer-
reviewed literature and air quality data. Air pollutants of concern were traffic-related air
pollution (TRAP), including particulate matter in respirable coarse and fine size fractions
(PM10 and PM2.5). There are no available data about knowledge, awareness and attitudes
among Thai street vendors about using proper respiratory masks.
Methods: A cross-sectional, repeated measures field study conducted spring 2016 (March
14-23). Street vendors from selected study locations, i.e., roadsides at Chong Nonsi,
Yannawa, Bangkok, Thailand, who were either literate in English or can communicate in
both English and Thai language for clarification as needed, plus not currently smoking and
not having known diagnosed respiratory diseases, were recruited. Additionally, real-time
PM10 and PM2.5 were collected from the study locations using TSI AM510 particle counters
(flow rates calibrated at Rutgers then daily zero calibration conducted in Bangkok). These
field data were then compared to the air quality data from the closest station of the
Pollution Control Department (PCD), Thailand.
Results: Overall, of 45, 30 participating street vendors (10 males, 20 females) were asked
to complete the questionnaire, including demographic and respiratory masks use; eight
males and seven females (n=15) declined participation. The percentage of participated
street vendors who reported they have lower respiratory, upper respiratory, and other
symptoms were 50, 37, and 70, respectively. Also, 53%of participants have never used
respiratory protective mask. Among those who have used mask, 71% used hygiene mask
and 29% used anti-dust/cotton mask.
Conclusions: The results suggested outdoor TRAP is associated with adverse health effects.
The knowledge, awareness and attitudes of health in using proper respiratory protective
masks among street vendors in Bangkok Thailand need to be increased.
269
Mo-LBA-03
Target and nontarget screening of chemicals in the indoor environment for human
exposure assessment - SHINE
Marja Lamoree, Institute for Environmental Studies, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Katleen De Brouwere, Flemish Institue for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
Stuart Harrad, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Cynthia De Wit, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
Adrian Covaci, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
Pim Leonards, Institute for Environmental Studies, Vrije universiteit, Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Jacob De Boer, Institute for Environmental Studies, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Worldwide, people are spending more time indoors in well-insulated buildings and are
more heavily engaged with multiple electronic devices. Various types of emerging
chemicals such as dirt and water repellents, flame retardants (FRs), and plasticizers can
be emitted from construction materials, electronic equipment, carpets, textiles, flooring
and furniture through evaporation (off gassing) or abrasion (small particles breaking off
from foam, textile fibers, etc.). The indoor environment is rather complex as there are
several sources of substances and some of the substances can even have multiple
functions. For example, some compounds used as FRs can also be applied as plasticizers,
e.g. in sealants or as additives in waxes. Other compounds reported in the literature vary
from personal care products to siloxanes and from dirt and moisture repellents, like
perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in textile and clothing to nanoparticles. These multiple
sources and dual functionality of some chemicals contribute to the total indoor exposure
for humans. Chemical concentrations in indoor dust and air can correlate with body
burden, but until now it is unknown if inadvertent dust ingestion (especially for young
children who have regular hand-mouth contact), inhalation or dermal uptake is the main
route of exposure.
The last couple of years have seen substantial efforts expended on the development of
sophisticated, high tier modelling of integrated exposure, however, these models have not
yet been thoroughly tested for a wide range of chemicals, including these new chemicals.
As many of them will be more polar or possess other properties than previously
investigated (‘classical’) compounds, the existing models also need to be checked for their
applicability to these emerging chemicals.
Within the SHINE project (2016-2019) we will carry out sampling and targeted analysis of
emerging contaminants, e.g. brominated/organophosphate flame retardants, novel
plasticizers and polymer additives, in dust and air of schools/daycare centers, homes and
offices in various European countries and conduct non-target screening to identify
additional contaminants and combinations of chemicals. To facilitate the nontarget high
resolution mass spectrometry screening, existing information on chemicals found indoors
will be compiled from various sources, e.g. the ECHA chemicals database, scientific
literature. For the newly identified chemicals, the applicability and use of existing
exposure models will be verified and modifications to the models will be proposed – if
needed. Finally, the measured and modelled data will be compared to biomonitoring data
from the literature and ongoing projects.
270
271
Mo-LBA-04
RESIDENTIAL ATTACHED GARAGE INTERVENTION STUDY: REDUCING POLLUTANT
TRANSFER FROM GARAGES THROUGH IMPROVED BUILDING ENVELOPE AIR TIGHTNESS
Daniel Aubin, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Aim: An intervention study was conducted in Ottawa, Canada to evaluate interventions
aimed at improving indoor air quality (IAQ) by reducing the transfer of harmful pollutants
from attached garages into adjoining living spaces. This study was a joint-research project
between Health Canada (HC) and the National Research Council of Canada (NRC). Previous
HC and NRC field studies identified that attached garages, when present, are a major
source of benzene in homes due to the emissions from the presence of vehicles, internal
combustion engine equipment, and solvents.
Methods: The two interventions were tested in the winter and included; 1) running an
exhaust fan in the garage (n=33); and 2) improving the airtightness of the house-garage
interface wall to reduce the movement of air from the garage into the home (n=29). This
presentation will report the results from the sealing intervention. IAQ relevant parameters
(VOC’s, aldehydes, CO, CO2, relative humidity, air exchange rate, and building envelope
air tightness) were measured before and after each intervention. Questionnaires capturing
information relating to the indoor environment and occupant behavior were administered
to the participants. The sealing intervention was undertaken by two teams of
weatherization contractors. All construction products to be used were tested for their VOC
profile by dynamic head-space analysis with a TD-GC-MS to ensure that there would be no
cross-contamination.
Results: The sealing interventions generally took less than 3 hours to complete. The most
common leakage points identified and addressed included: the weather stripping and door
frame, the gap between the drywall and concrete foundation, and the electrical outlets.
The average amount of material used per house included 1 tube of caulking, 0.5 can of
expansion foam, and 1 set of weather stripping and bumper threshold. After the sealing
intervention the median airtightness (ACH50) increased by 5.2% and 14.7% for the home
and garage respectively.
Conclusions: More than half of Canadian single-family homes have an attached garage
which represents a significant exposure route to BTEX, CO, and other harmful pollutants.
This study provided practical, effective, and field validated techniques to reduce the
transfer of pollutants from attached garages into adjoining living spaces. This study will
enable Health Canada to provide evidence-based advice to Canadians to reduce their
exposure to harmful pollutants and allow NRC to support the construction industry with
field validated intervention techniques.
272
Mo-LBA-05
Re-analysis of the ETEAM Database for the ECETOC TRAv3 Model
Chris Money, Cynara Consulting, Brockenhurst, United Kingdom
Neil Barone, ExxonMobil, Clinton, New Jersey, United States
Dook Noij, Dow Chemical, Terneuzen, Netherlands
Detleff Keller, Henkel, Dusseldorf, Germany
Rosalie Tibaldi, ExxonMobil, Clinton, New Jersey, United States
Gerald Bachler, Shell, The Hague, Netherlands
Aim
The ETEAM study (BAuA, 2015) sought to evaluate the performance of a range of REACH
worker exposure models. ECETOC was given the opportunity to examine the ETEAM
database with an aim to characterise the extent to which the findings could help inform
what revisions might be implemented for improving the reliability of TRA worker exposure
estimates as, the ETEAM analysis was unable to address all the scientific comments
originally submitted by ECETOC.
Methods
The contents of the ETEAM database was first examined to confirm it contained sufficient
contextual information to make accurate comparisons of the measured data to TRA
estimates. Preliminary review indicated a more comprehensive analysis could be
undertaken.
1. Datasets within the TRA’s domain were identified. Applicability and accuracy (of
coding) was confirmed using a consensus based approach to reduce user variation and
account for the recent EU REACH Guidance on Use Descriptors (ECHA, 2015).
2. The data were then re-assembled to re-construct the ETEAM analyses but with the
TRA comparator being the mean of the P75 values for relevant datasets (as the TRA
predicts exposures for the population of interest).
Results
The ETEAM database does not contain sufficient data to address all the situations
expected to be covered under REACH. Specifically, for volatile liquids, sufficient data
appears to be available for only 6 settings (PROCs) compared with the 30 covered by
REACH. For solid materials only 4 scenarios are supported by representative data.
Further examination indicates that a limited number of datasets may ‘bias’ the ETEAM
findings for some PROCs. For example, for some PROCs up to 96% of the samples derive
from only 4 datasets (see Figure below). Frequent coding errors have also been identified
concerning how information on vapour pressures, risk management measures and
operational conditions has been used to derive TRA estimates.
A series of updated comparisons against the original ETEAM findings have been developed.
These indicate that while some exposure predictions of the TRA do underestimate those
obtained from measurements, they appear infrequent..
Conclusions
The ETEAM database contains substantial data and supporting information. A number of
errors have been identified which raise questions concerning the integrity of the original
ETEAM findings as they relate to the TRA.
Accounting for these deficiencies, updated analyses still suggest that in some cases the
TRA may under-predict exposure. However these occurrences appear to be less severe
than implied by the ETEAM findings.
273
Contribution of Different Types of Dataset in ETEAM Database (volatiles)
274
Mo-LBA-06
Solid-Phase Microextraction Procedure to Measure Endocrine Disruptors in Personal
Care Products
Shih-Wei Tsai, National Taiwan University, Taipei, China, Republic of (Taiwan)
Wei-Ju Tseng, National Taiwan University, Taipei, China, Republic of (Taiwan)
Aim: Emerging environmental pollutants have caused concerned in recent years. For
example, a variety of chemical components such as parabens, triclosan, bisphenol A, and
synthetic musks (e.g., galaxolide (HHCB) and tonalide (AHTN)), which have been detected
from personal care products, may be released into the environment. Among them,
synthetic musk comprises a broad variety of chemically heterogeneous compounds. In
addition, the USEPA classified polycyclic musk as one of the High Production Volume (HPV)
chemicals. From in vivo and in vitro studies, there are evidences that some synthetic
musks are considered as the potential endocrine disruptors. To assess the possible health
effects, a method for the analysis of synthetic musks in personal care products was
developed in this research. The concentrations in various samples were also determined.
Methods: Synthetic musks were prepared in mixtures as standard solutions. The samples
were first diluted by water and equilibrated for 5 minutes before the extraction. Hence,
the extraction was performed at 25°C for 30 minutes with 500 rpm. The SPME fiber was
exposed to the headspace over the samples. After adsorption equilibrium has been
reached, the SPME fiber was inserted into the injector of the gas chromatography with
tandem mass spectrometry for thermal desorption and further analysis. Effects from
various factors, including the types of the SPME fibers, extraction time, extraction
temperature, stirring velocity, desorption time and desorption temperature, were all
evaluated.
Results: The SPME procedure coupled with GC/MS/MS analysis for the determinations of
synthetic musks in the samples of personal care products was established in this study. No
carry-over effect was observed from the thermal desorption of the sample. The linear
range of all compounds ranged from 0.005 to 0.05 μg ml-1, and the method detection
limits were 0.00015 to 0.00075 μg ml-1. Among the personal care products tested in this
study, including perfume, body lotion, hair care product, facial cleanser, body wash, and
shapoo, HHCB were all detected with concentration as high as 2871.02 μg/g sample.
Besides, DPMI, ADBI, AHMI, and AHTN were also detected with concentrations ranged from
N.D. to 780.85 μg/g sample. In addition, nitromusks, such as MA, MX, MM and MK, were
not found in the samples.
Conclusions: The SPME procedure was applied in this study, while advantages over
conventional methods, such as solve-free and time-saving, were reached. Besides, the
sensitivities of the method for different compounds were low enough to determine the
concentrations from personal care products.
275
Mo-LBA-07
Metabolomics reveals metabolic disorders in mice exposed to thirdhand tobacco smoke
Noelia Ramirez, Instituto d'investigacio Sanitaria Pere Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
Sara Samino, University Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
Sonia Torres, Institute of Sanitary Investigation Pere Virgili-URV, Tarragona, Spain
Beatrix Paton, University Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
Neema Adhami, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, United States
Manuela Martins-Green, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, United
States
Xavier Correig, University Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
Thirdhand tobacco smoke (THS) is a novel and poorly understood pathway of tobacco
exposure that is produced by the deposition and ageing of tobacco smoke particles and
toxicants in surfaces and dust. This aged tobacco smoke becomes increasingly toxic with
age, re-emitted into the air or react with other chemicals in the environment to yield new
toxicants, including carcinogens. Furthermore, THS remains in indoor environments long
after smokers move out, which makes THS a serious health problem, especially for
children with smoking parents, which are the most vulnerable population to this pathway
of tobacco exposure. Although the increasing evidences of THS hazards, the specific
cellular and molecular consequences of exposure to THS remain to be fully elucidated. To
address this, here we present the first non-targeted metabolomics approach applied to
THS-exposed animal model: C57BL/6 mice, exposed to THS under conditions that mimic
exposure of humans in homes of smokers. THS-exposed mice showed alterations in
multiple organ systems including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, inflammation in the
lung, poor healing of cutaneous wounds, hyperactivity, hyperglycemia and insulin
resistance in the form of non-obese type II diabetes (NODII) through oxidative stress. Urine
samples from THS-exposed mice and control ones were analyzed using GC-QTOF and
reverse phase HPLC-QTOF in both ionization modes. Accurate multivariate analysis
revealed hundreds of differently expressed metabolites. Interestingly, some of the altered
metabolites coincide with those reported in metabolomics studies of current smokers.
Nevertheless, this study also reveals for the first time other metabolic pathways altered
by this passive way of tobacco exposure, not related to tobacco until now. Furthermore,
biomarkers of tobacco exposure have been also detected in the urine of the THS-exposed
animals using a target HPLC-QQQ approach in concentrations similar to those reported in
children exposed to second hand smoke.
This study demonstrates the power of metabolomics for identifying the health hazards of
THS exposure and, if confirmed in humans, would have a major impact on current tobacco
health and environmental policies.
276
Mo-LBA-08
Development of the module of personal ventilation for indoor quality environment and
local cooling of operating staff in hospitals
Tomasz Jankowski, Central Institute for Labour Protection - National Research Institute,
Warsaw, Poland
Magdalena Młynarczyk, Central Institute for Labour Protection - National Research
Institute, Warsaw, Poland
The primary task of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems is to provide
users of rooms a sense of comfort, namely the satisfaction of the conditions prevailing in
the room. This state depends both on the thermal conditions in the human environment
and the indoor environmental quality (amount of supply air and the concentration of
pollutants).
Helpful in terms of obtaining full satisfaction of all users of the rooms of the
environmental conditions may be the use of personal ventilation (PV).
Commercially available devices PV are designed for a single employee / human, but there
are cases / places where it is possible to set such a device for each employee, then it is
required to construct devices at the same time affecting a group of people, but with the
proviso that each person will be able to individually control the device.
In the research project was designed and built a device consisting of three units: the unit
cooling-heating, control panel and modular construction equipped with a duct with
integrated HEPA filter air supply diffusers to distribute air directly toward the human.
In verification tests of device used for local cooling / heating for medical staff in
operating rooms. Tests were conducted using a thermal manikin, volunteers (laboratory
tests) and medical staff in operating rooms (tests in hospital - figure 1). The applied
methodology is widely used during testing of general and local ventilation in public
buildings. Air temperature, relative humidity, air flow supply and exhaust air from the
operating room were determined on the basis of Testo 435 anemometers with a 3-function
probe and 3 vane probes with the diameter of 16 mm, 60 mm and 100 mm. Throughout the
study, microclimate conditions in the operating rooms were controlled by the EHA MM101
microclimate meter. In summary, the use of the device for local cooling / heating human
met with a positive assessment of the operating staff. Based on the results of tests in
laboratory and real-time it can be concluded that use of the device influence on the
improvement of subjective thermal environment employees.
This paper has been prepared on the basis of the results of research task III.P.08 carried
out within the National Programme “Improvement of safety and working conditions” partly
supported in 2014-2016 within the scope of research and development by the Ministry of
Science and Higher Education. CIOP-PIB has been the Programme main coordinator.
277
Mo-LBA-09
A spatial analysis approach combining multi-media and human models to map the lead
exposure of children in a French region
Ségolène Siméon, INERIS, Verneuil en Halatte, France
Julien Caudeville, INERIS, Verneuil en Halatte, France
Cleo Tebby, INERIS, Verneuil en Halatte, France
Céline Brochot, INERIS, Verneuil en Halatte, France
Context and objectives: The last decade has witnessed an increasing interest in assessing
health risks caused by contaminants present in several environmental media, i.e. soil, air,
and water. To that end, mathematical models describing the fate of compounds in the
environment (multi-media models) and in the human body (toxicokinetic models) can be
combined to simulate realistic exposure scenarios of the human populations. These models
can also be integrated in a Geographic Information System (GIS) to produce maps of
exposure and reveal spatial patterns. The aim of this study was to develop a spatial
stochastic multimedia and human exposure model for detecting vulnerable populations
and analyzing exposure determinants at a fine resolution and regional scale. This approach
was applied to the exposure to lead of children in the Region Nord-Pas-de-Calais in
France.
Methods: A GIS-based modeling platform for quantifying human exposure to chemical
substances (PLAINE: environmental inequalities analysis platform) was used to build and
discretize environmental and population variables collected from different sources on a 1
km2 regular grid. Inhalation and ingestion exposure via contaminated food, drinking
water, and soil were taken into account. Either direct observations or multi-media models
were used to compute daily intakes for different reference groups (age, dietary habits,
and the fraction of food produced locally). In each cell of the grid, Monte-Carlo
simulations were performed to generate a sample of 100 daily intakes. These latter were
then used as input in a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model for children to
simulate the associated blood lead levels since birth.
Results and Conclusion: Maps of the simulated blood lead levels (BLL) for children aged
from 1 to 11 years old were generated for year 2015. The 95th percentile of the
distribution of BLL for each age was used to compute the risk of exceeding the reference
value of 5µg/dL. Our results showed that the majority of the predicted BLL fell under the
reference value, and several hotspots were detected as a former industrial site and Lille,
the capital of the region. Drinking water and surface soil were identified as the main
determinants of the children BLL. To conclude, exposure maps are a valuable tool in risk
assessment to explore changes in disease patterns potentially associated with changes in
environment quality and to better characterize the links between the sources of pollution
and health effects. Future developments will consider the integration of health data in our
approach.
278
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Plenary Address 3: The exposome: moving from concept to reality
Chris Wild, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Lyon, France
279
Tu-SY-A1: The Exposome: From concept to practice - I
Tu-SY-A1.2
Early observations from HELIX - building the Human Early-Life Exposome
Martine Vrijheid, CREAL, Barcelona, Spain
for the HELIX Consortium, CREAL, Barcelona, Spain
Aim
Environmental hazards form a heterogeneous, interacting, multi-level part of disease
causation, but epidemiology has almost uniquely focused on single exposure-outcome
relationships. The “exposome” concept was proposed to encompass the totality of
exposures from conception onwards, complementing the genome. The general aim of
HELIX is to measure a range of chemical and physical environmental hazards in food,
consumer products, water, air, noise, and the built environment, in pre and postnatal
periods, and link these with molecular omics profiles and child health outcomes. As a first
step, we aim to describe correlations and variabilities within estimates of the chemical
and physical environment, as well as the determinants of exposure patterns.
Methods
In six existing birth cohort studies in Europe, HELIX estimated prenatal and postnatal
exposures. Exposure models for the outdoor exposome (air pollutants, noise,
meteorological factors, and natural and built environment characteristics) were developed
for a total of 28,000 mother-child pairs. Exposure biomarkers (for persistent organic
pollutants, metals, phthalate metabolites, phenolic compounds and organophosphate
pesticides) were measured in a subset of 1,200. Nested repeat-sampling panel studies
(N=150) collected data on biomarker variability for non-persistent chemicals (phthalates
and phenolic compounds). We assessed correlations between exposures, derived principal
components, and associated exposures with determinants (country, education, ethnicity,
and other). Further we calculated intraclass-correlation coefficient (ICC) to assess
variability components.
Results
We find strong levels of correlations within families of exposure (grouped by structure or
source) and weak to moderate correlations between exposure families. Education and
ethnicity are important determinants of the outdoor exposome with more disadvantaged
social groups more exposed to unhealthy urban environments within some European cities.
Exposure biomarkers are less determined by sociodemographic factors and more by the
country of residence. Between-day ICCs ranged from 0.52 for bisphenol-A to 0.87 for
benzophenone-3, and between-season ICCs ranged from 0.18 for bisphenol A to 0.73 for
mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP).
Conclusion
The exposome concept provides an important new framework to improve knowledge how
multiple environmental exposures co-exist and impact on health, with early life as a
crucial developmental period. Information on the structure of the exposome in terms of
correlations, determinants and variability, will aid interpretation of reported findings from
epidemiological studies in general and inform future analyses in HELIX.
280
Tu-SY-A1.3
We do exposome as much as we can: Japan Environment and Children’s Study
Shoji Nakayama, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan
Japan Environment and Children’s Study, JECS shortly, is a national birth cohort study
launched in 2011 by the Ministry of the Environment. JECS is designed to evaluate the
effect of the environment on children’s health and development. A total of 103,000
mother–child pairs were registered. Biological samples, such as blood, urine, cord blood,
breast milk and hair were collected during pregnancy, at birth and a month after birth
from mothers, children and fathers. Questionnaires have been administered to obtain the
exposure and health outcome information. Numerical models are used to estimate air
pollutants and physical environment (e.g. noise, radiation).
JECS considers the concept of ‘exposome’ seriously. Every exposure during pregnancy and
childhood could affect children’s health and development. JECS takes ‘exposure’ broadly
to capture not only exposures that can be measured by so called –omics techniques but
also those need to be estimated by questionnaires, interviews, direct observations,
personal sampling, sensing and simulation models. The exposure information should be
gathered periodically throughout children’s life course.
It is a huge challenge for JECS. Techniques such as personal sampling and sensing are yet
to come. No standardised questionnaires are available for exposome measurements. JECS
finished its recruitment in March 2014. The first recruited children are becoming 5 years
old. Children never stop growing. We are desperate to find out the best ways to
incorporate ‘exposome’ into JECS study as soon and much as possible.
281
Tu-SY-A1.4
Early Observations from CHEAR
Robert Wright, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States
The mission of CHEAR is to accelerate cutting-edge transdisciplinary research utilizing life
course–informed models of health. A critical need is the development of methods to
understand the time-sensitive and dynamic nature of perinatal and childhood
environmental influences on the developmental health trajectories that are interrelated
antecedents of chronic disease . Our CHEAR program has developed methods that
integrate developmental biology, temporally resolved exposure metrics and advanced
statistics to define the critical windows by environmental exposures predict long term
health. The CHEAR Network can incorporate these principles into existing studies with a
wide variety of designs, child health phenotypes, and archived biological samples. The
pursuit of life course–informed research within the CHEAR structure represents a shift in
focus from single cause–single disease inquiries to research that addresses multiple causes
linked through shared vulnerabilities. The life-course approach also emphasizes the need
to understand the physical, biological, genetic, and social/behavioral factors that
independently, cumulatively, and interactively influence health and development, starting
prenatally. CHEAR will address these challenges in the following ways: first, we will
measure environmental exposures and their timing more accurately and comprehensively.
We will emphasize mixtures of chemicals, as well as non-chemical (social, nutritional)
stressors, to more fully understand their health risks. We will help delineate the nature of
sensitive-period effects by incorporating innovative exposure measures that can be
integrated with a host of biological response indicators to assess underlying mechanisms
and to provide a set of intermediate molecular profiles linked with the chronic diseases of
childhood (e.g., obesity, asthma, attention deficit disorder, etc.). I will present
preliminary data illustrating these methods from the Mexico City PROGRESS (Programming
Research in Obesity, GRowth, and Social Stressors) cohort, using both a novel tooth based
biomarker of exposure and a satellite based model of ambient particulate matter. The
value of exposure methods that can objectively predict the dose and timing of past
exposures and biological responses will be as critical to the larger Exposome effort as
methods to generate untargeted assays, EWAS statistical approaches, and data
harmonization tools. By developing such methods, CHEAR can begin to assess the complex,
time varying nature of the exposome with its complex interactions that may even occur
across time, rather than from joint exposure. The long-term goal of CHEAR is to
pool/meta-regress the findings from multiple studies to better characterize the
exposome's impact on health. This presentation will present a roadmap towards this goal.
282
Figure of Distributed Lag Model showing critical window for PM in pregnancy and infant
development: i.e time point when PM exposure is most toxic.
283
Tu-SY-B1: Uncertainty in scientific assessments: Recent efforts by
governmental bodies to develop guidance for assessors
Tu-SY-B1.1
Why do we need to improve the treatment of uncertainty in exposure and risk
assessment?
Andy Hart, Fera Science Ltd., York, United Kingdom
The need to address uncertainty in risk assessment has long been recognised at
international level. The Codex Working Principles for Risk Analysis, first established in
2003, say uncertainties should be explicitly considered at each step in risk assessment,
documented transparently and quantified to the extent that is scientifically achievable.
They also say that responsibility for resolving the impact of uncertainty on the risk
management decision lies with the risk manager, not the risk assessors. The first part of
this presentation will discuss the rationale and meaning of these requirements, and why
they are important, illustrated by practical examples.
Substantial efforts have been invested in developing practical guidance on how to
implement these principles. Guidance on methods for addressing uncertainty in human
exposure assessment was published by EFSA in 2006 and IPCS/WHO in 2008, while ECHA’s
2008 guidance also included hazard, risk and environmental assessments. In 2014-15,
IPCS/WHO published guidance on uncertainty in risk characterisation, accompanied by a
spreadsheet calculator, and EFSA published draft guidance on addressing uncertainty in all
areas of its work. Further work has been undertaken by national authorities. Some of
these initiatives will be presented later in this session.
The focus is now shifting to applying these principles and guidance in the day-to-day
practice of exposure and risk assessment. This raises a number of challenges for assessors,
for the interaction between assessors and decision-makers, and for the wider process of
risk communication. The second part of this presentation will discuss these challenges,
outline some potential solutions, and set the scene for the following detailed
presentations.
284
Tu-SY-B1.2
EFSA’s approach to uncertainty analysis in scientific assessment
Andrea Germini, European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Parma, Italy
Anthony Richard Hardy, EFSA Scientific Committee, York, United Kingdom
Andy Hart, Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA), York, United Kingdom
Caroline Merten, European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Parma, Italy
The commitment to provide EU risk managers with objective, reliable and transparent
scientific advice is one of the key values of the European Food Safety Authority. As part of
this commitment, identifying and characterising uncertainties, and explaining their
implications for assessment conclusions, is an important element of EFSA’s risk assessment
process.
Following its earlier guidance focussing on the characterization of uncertainties in
exposure assessment, EFSA decided to develop a harmonised framework on how to
characterise, document and explain uncertainties in the various steps of its risk
assessment that would be applicable to all relevant working areas of the Authority.
In order to produce a Guidance Document that would be applicable to all EFSA’s activity,
a working group was created with representatives from all the EFSA Panels and the
support of relevant external experts. During the development of the guidance
consultations took place with all EFSA’s relevant stakeholders including EC risk managers,
national authorities, EU sister agencies, and international organisations. The draft
guidance was published for public consultation and later revised in light of the comments
received. The revised version of the draft guidance is currently being tested by all EFSA
Panels on selected scientific opinions. Following feedback on the Panels’ testing phase and
an impact assessment of its implementation the guidance document will be further revised
and finalised.
The draft guidance document provides a harmonised, but flexible methodological
framework that should be applicable to all areas of EFSA, and all types of uncertainty
affecting scientific assessment. The document provides guidance on general principles and
a menu of different qualitative and quantitative methods which can be used to help
assessors to systematically identify, characterise, explain and account for sources of
uncertainty at different stages of the assessment process. The approach aims to be
sufficiently flexible to adapt to the needs of the different EFSA Panels and to the
circumstances of each assessment, e.g., from urgent advices to longer-term
comprehensive reviews of all available scientific knowledge.
The Guidance Document is expected to contribute to further improve the scientific
assessment process carried out by EFSA, increase its transparency and strengthen the basis
for an informed decision-making process in the area of food safety.
EFSA acknowledges the following experts that contributed to the development of the
Guidance Document:
J.Alexander, D.Benford, P.Craig, A.DiDomenico, A.Havelaar, M.Jeger, R.Luttik, A.Martin,
L.Martino, A.Mortensen, O.Mosbach-Schulz, K.Nielsen, B.Nørrung, B.Ossendorp,
D.Renshaw, J.Schlatter, A.Smith, H.H.Thulke, N.VonGoetz and D.Wölfle.
285
Tu-SY-B1.3
The BfR-guidance on uncertainty assessment for exposure modelling
Gerhard Heinemeyer, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
Michael Schümann, Chairman of BfR Expert Commitee "EXPO", Berlin, Germany
Matthias Greiner, BfR, Berlin, Germany
Olaf Mosbach-Schulz, EFSA, Parma, Italy
Uncertainty analysis (UA) has gained increased importance in risk assessment. Several
guidance documents have been developed by national and international bodies in
connection with regulatory work. On the basis of these documents, a working group at the
Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has prepared a guidance document focusing on
a structured qualitative uncertainty analysis. This document has the objective to improve
the comprehensibility and coherence of scientific opinions, to support the use of
harmonized terminology in the field of risk assessment, and to ensure the provision of the
best-possible advice in the various areas of activity of the BfR. The guidance is embedded
in a general concept of BfR guidance document for risk assessment. The procedures are
tailored to meet the requirements at different levels of refinement using a tiered
approach.
As a first iteration step of UA, a qualitative procedure has been proposed. This first level
of the analysis focusses on qualitative uncertainty analysis, a step which is generally
accepted in international guidance documents. This supports the quality of uncertainty
evaluation in exposure assessments.
The BfR approach combines the tiered approach of exposure analysis with a tiered step by
step procedure of the uncertainty analysis. It uses a structured questionnaire list which
covers all the possible issues of uncertainties. The questionnaire is structured according to
the four basic pillars of an uncertainty analysis:
1. goal and question formulation of the analysis
2. scenario uncertainty
3. model uncertainty and
4. parameter uncertainty
Answer formulation enables the assessor to gain an overview about the state of scientifific
knowledge and its limitations. Other sources of uncertainties including interpretation of
available data and expert opinion should be taken into account. Furthermore it supports
semi-quantitative sensitivity analyses. The result of this qualitative check list gives hints
for necessary further quantitative evaluations and supports risk communication.
The final implementation is foreseen to take place after a pilot phase in 2016. First results
will be presented at the meeting.
Developed by "Sub-Committee for Statistics and Uncertainty Analysis of the Committee for
Exposure Assessment and Exposure Standardisation" (Olaf Mosbach-Schulz, Lothar
Kreienbrock, Michael Schümann, Gerhard Heinemeyer, Matthias Filter, Matthias Greiner,
Matthias Herzler, Oliver Lindtner, Stephanie Kurzenhäuser, Bettina Roeder)
286
Tu-SY-B1.4
The Anses-guidance on evaluation of weight of evidence and uncertainty analysis
Moez SANAA, The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health &
Safety (ANSES), Maisons Alfort, France
Claire Bladier, Anses, Maisons Alfort, France
Sandrine FRAIZE-FRONTIER, Anses, Maisons Alfort, France
Eve Feinblatt, ANSES, Maisons Alfort, France
With the aim of improving the transparency of its risk assessment process, ANSES
requested its permanent working group of Risk Assessment Methodology to conduct a
critical analysis of approaches used in the evaluation of weight of evidence and
uncertainty analysis. The working group organized the work in three steps: i) inventory of
ANSES current practices, ii) review of the scientific literature and approaches used by
national and international agencies iii ) recommendations on how to conduct evaluation of
weight of evidence and uncertainty analysis iv) assessment of the recommendations
through case studies.
The report provides definitions of key terms and recommends structuring the process of
weight of evidence evaluation and uncertainty analysis in common and specific steps to
the evaluation of weight of evidence or analysis of uncertainty. The planning step (first
and common step) aims to define the scope of the risk assessment, to reveal the public
health and decision issues and conclude with the appropriate approaches to be undertaken
for the risk assessment. At this step, the needs for the evaluation of weight evidence and
uncertainty analysis are discussed. A clear problem formulation should help to define
explicitly the hypotheses that need to be evaluated and risk metrics that need to be
assessed. Furthermore, the complexity and resources allocated to the risk assessment and
especially to the weight of evidence evaluation and uncertainty analysis are decided at
this step. The extensiveness of weight of evidence and uncertainty analysis should be
proportionate to the importance of the public health issue and fit the purpose of the risk
assessment. The specific steps of the evaluation of weight of evidence are i)
establishment of line of evidence (including search and selection of studies, data
extraction, evaluation of the quality of the studies and analysis of similar type of studies
to provide the lines of evidence; ii) integration of the lines of evidence to establish the
weight of evidence; and iv) expression and communication of weight of evidence.
Uncertainty analysis is organized in five steps: i) Identify and describe all the
uncertainties; ii) evaluate the main uncertainties; iii) assess the combined impact of
uncertainty on the risk assessment output; and iv) prioritize uncertainty sources according
to their contribution to the overall uncertainty (optional step). The expression and
communication of weight of evidence and uncertainty analysis constitute the last step of
the process.
287
Tu-SY-B1.5
Considering Uncertainty based on International Experience
Bette Meek, McLaughlin Centre for Risk Science, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Increasing experience internationally in tiered assessment strategies has important
implications for the consideration of uncertainty, variability and sensitivity in exposure
and hazard assessment. These strategies, which are designed to increase efficiency
through inclusion of various levels of priority setting and assessment have underscored the
importance of early consideration and communication of envisaged methodological
approaches to characterize uncertainty in an assessment strategy tailored to meet specific
objectives. This is critical within tiered approaches in order to characterize and
communicate relative degrees of conservatism (and associated uncertainty) of, for
example, screening versus full assessments.
Specific consideration of sensitivity is also important as a basis to inform risk managers,
stakeholders and the research community concerning the most important aspects
influencing outcome as a basis in part, to identify data critical for generation for higher
tiered assessments.
The nature of this evolving experience internationally and its implications for guidance on
uncertainty assessment will be considered. This includes delineating considerations for
selection of approaches from a continuum of increasingly complex qualitative to
quantitative methods in planning of the assessment following formal problem formulation.
Formal planning takes into consideration the appropriate focus and methodology based on
consideration of, for example, the objectives and importance of the question at hand (and
potential consequences), available resources (including data) and previous work.
288
Tu-PL-C1: Aggregate and Cumulative Exposure Evaluations
Tu-PL-C1.1
Methods to evaluate housing and neighborhood-related environmental health
disparities using public databases
M. Patricia Fabian, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts,
United States
Anna Rosofsky, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United
States
Jonathan Levy, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United
States
Aim: It is generally acknowledged that environmental health disparities disproportionately
affect populations of certain sociodemographic groups, patterned around individual racial
and economic characteristics. Beyond individual characteristics, many stressors can add to
the cumulative burden of environmental health disparities in these populations, including
the housing, neighborhoods, and the social networks in which they live and function.
Quantifying the burden of these multiple sources of disparities and their effects on
vulnerable communities has been limited by the ability to obtain and analyze a diverse set
of datasets, and their availability across large geographical regions. However, recent
advances in the availability of public data, methods for handling big data, and
geographical information systems allow us the opportunity to quantify these disparities at
relevant geographic resolutions.
Methods: In this study we developed a methodology to construct environmental health
disparity indexes related to housing, neighborhood and social characteristics by linking
geospatial and demographic datasets from a variety of public sources. For example, an
outdoor pollution infiltration index was constructed from meteorology, individual housing,
and aggregated neighborhood characteristics, and used to describe infiltration disparities
across Massachusetts. Disparities were quantified using the Atkinson index and the
Cumulative Environmental Hazard Inequality Index, which were evaluated at multiple
geographic resolutions to determine the most relevant to the stressor under study.
Results: Results revealed patterns of pollution infiltration-related disparities across
Massachusetts that differed from traditional race/income disparities analysis. Results will
be validated in our case communities of Chelsea and Dorchester, Massachusetts by
comparing field study measurements to the environmental health disparities indexes.
Conclusions: This method can be implemented across multiple environmental health
disparity dimensions and geographical locations where public data exists.
289
Tu-PL-C1.2
An automated protocol for assigning address-level air pollution exposure for
longitudinal birth cohort studies
Daniela Fecht, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
Kevin Garwood, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
John Gulliver, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
Aim: To assess environmental exposures in longitudinal cohort studies, a better
understanding is needed about the effects of incomplete or inaccurate records of
residential mobility on exposure measurement error.
Methods: We developed an ALGorithm for Generating Address Exposures (ALGAE). It is a
generic, automated protocol that uses residential address histories to assign air pollution
exposures. The protocol corrects gaps and overlaps in the address histories and creates
sensitivity variables to assess exposure measurement error. We tested the protocol using
address records and historic daily air pollution estimates (particulate matter ≤10 µm
[PM10]) for the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). ALSPAC
recruited 14,541 pregnant women between 1990 and 1992 in the South West of England.
For each pregnancy, we modelled trimester-specific exposure estimates based on PM10
concentrations a) at residential address at birth and b) using reconstructed address
histories to account for mobility during pregnancy.
Results: We reconstructed residential address histories for 14,027 pregnant women, 4,059
of whom moved out of the study area and were excluded from the analysis. We were able
to assign trimester-specific PM10 exposures for the remaining 9,968 pregnancies. Average
PM10 exposure were 28.8 µg/m3 (StDev. 4.56 µg/m3), 28.5 µg/m3 (StDev. 4.68 µg/m3)
and 26.9 µg/m3 (StDev. 4.58 µg/m3) for first, second and third trimester, respectively.
1,447 women (14.5%) changed address during their pregnancy. For those women, we
identified a difference of up to a 5.4 µg/m3 (StDev. 0.75 µg/m3) between the exposure
assessed using the address at birth compared to the exposure assessed using the complete
cleaned address history.
Conclusions: Accounting for residential mobility in the exposure assessment of birth cohort
studies has the potential to substantially reduce the exposure measurement error. ALGAE
provides an open-source solution to clean addresses stored in the cohort contact database
and assigns life-stage specific exposures. Its generic code base means that it is adaptable
for other cohort studies.
290
Tu-PL-C1.3
Time Varying Associations between Air Pollution and Birth Weight: Results from the
MIREC Cohort Study in Canada
Markey Johnson, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Hwashin Shin, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Eric Roberts, Public Health Institute, Richmond, California, United States
Sunny Sun, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Eric Lavigne, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Nina Clark, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Mandy Fisher, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Randall Martin, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Aaron van Donkelaar, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Perry Hystad, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States
William Fraser, Sainte-Justine University Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Tye ArbuckleHealth Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Adverse birth outcomes have been linked with increased risk for infant mortality, as well
as developmental, cardiovascular, and respiratory health problems in childhood and
adulthood; and have consistently ranked in the top ten global causes for disability-
adjusted life years. Previous studies have reported associations between air pollution and
adverse birth outcomes. However, results have been inconsistent, and largely focused on
preselected periods such as trimesters. This study used a Bayesian random date selection
approach to examine time-varying vulnerability to air pollution during fetal development.
Analyses were conducted using data from Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental
Chemicals (MIREC) study, a prospective pregnancy cohort spanning 10 Canadian cities.
Models were limited to term pregnancies with data available for birth weight, covariates
and > 75% daily pollution values. Of the 1600 mother-baby pairs, approximately 1300 were
included in the models.
Daily pollution estimates were assigned to cohort members based on their forward
sortation area (FSA) where FSA size < 20 km2. Daily air pollution estimates were
calculated using measurements at ground level monitoring sites within 30 km of the FSA
centroid combined with long term concentrations from a national land use regression
model for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and satellite derived fine particulate matter (PM2.5).
Critical periods were identified using random selection of date pairs (start and end dates)
from 86 days before conception through delivery. Date pairs with selection density > 75th
percentile of the empirical distribution were identified as critical windows. Bayesian
estimates relating air pollution to birth weight were calculated for each critical window.
Models were adjusted for gestation day, infant sex and birth season; as well as maternal
age, ethnicity, smoking, education, marital status, household income, parity, and alcohol
use.
Critical windows were identified for both NO2 and PM2.5 during late pregnancy (NO2: day
184-273, PM2.5: day 251-274), and for PM2.5 during early pregnancy (day 74-139).
Exposure to ambient pollution during those periods was associated with decreased birth
weight (approximately 3-4 g per 1 µg/m3 change in PM2.5, 10 g per 1 ppb change in NO2).
We identified periods during pregnancy when exposure to air pollution was more highly
associated with decreased birth weight. Two critical periods were identified for PM2.5
compared with one for NO2. This may be due to greater variation in daily PM2.5 versus
291
daily NO2 estimates. These results suggest the need for further research and targeted
interventions.
292
Tu-PL-C1.4
Screening and identification of high priority compounds in textile products
Iris Meuwissen, Avans University of Applied Sciences, Breda, Netherlands
Ben de Rooij, Avans University of Applied Sciences, Breda, Netherlands
André Muller, RIVM, Bilthoven, Netherlands
Theo Noij, Avans University of Applied Sciences, Breda, Netherlands
Yuri Bruinen de Bruin, RIVM, Bilthoven, Netherlands
During the production of textile products like clothing, different chemicals are used,
including colorants and anti-wrinkle agents. By wearing these clothes humans potentially
could be exposed to these chemicals. Because not all chemicals in clothing are fully known
or sufficiently regulated, there is a concern that this exposure may bear unwanted health
effects. For this reason a priority list of compounds was proposed.
The goal of this project was to develop an analytical screening method to determine
whether compounds can be released from clothing using artificial sweat to mimic real life
situations.
In this project a non-targeted approach and a targeted approach were used. The non-
targeted approach was an extraction of several different pieces of children’s-clothing,
executed with different types of artificial sweat: acid sweat (pH 4.3), neutral sweat (pH
5.5) and basic sweat (pH 8.0). After the extraction the samples were analyzed by
screening LC-MS and GC-MS methods
In the targeted approach, clothing was spiked with colorants Malachite Green, Reactive
Orange 16 and Acid Red 66, extracted by artificial sweat and analyzed by HPLC_DAD.
As expected, the non-targeted method showed a variety of substances. The results of
different types of artificial sweat were reflected by the intensity of the extracted
substances. The intensity and composition of the extracted patterns reflected the
different types of artificial sweat. After comparison of the theoretical molecular masses of
the priority list with the extracted masses in LC-MS, two potential matches were found for
Reactive Orange 16 and Acid Red 66. Further research is required to confirm the potential
matches.
In the GC-MS method several compounds were tentatively identified using the NIST library.
None of these compounds were part of the priority list.
Conclusion: the extraction of commercially obtained clothing by different types of
artificial perspiration resulted in different chromatographic patters as visualized by LC-MS
and GC-MS. Comparisons were made to a list of priority compounds and the NIST library.
The comparisons resulted in suggested compounds. These suggestions need further
research and confirmation/
References:
1. KEMI Report 6/14, Swedish Chemicals Agency (2014): Chemicals in textiles, risks to
human health and the environment.
2. European standard: NEN ISO 105-B07: 2009: Textiles – Tests for color fastness – Part
B07: Color fastness to light of textiles wetted with artificial sweat.
Acknowledgement:
Financial support by National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), the
Netherlands and by the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) is
gratefully acknowledged.
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294
Tu-PL-C1.5
Assessment of Children’s Residential Exposure to Agricultural Pesticides: the PIAMA
Birth Cohort.
Joseph Bukalasa, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
Bert Brunekreef, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
Maartje Brouwer, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
Roel Vermeulen, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
Johan C. de Jongste, Erasmus University Medical Center/Sophia Children’s Hospital,
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Lenie van Rossem, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
Judith M. Vonk, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
Alet H. Wijga, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven,
Netherlands
Anke Huss, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
Ulrike Gehring, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
Aim: Agricultural pesticides are frequently used for crop growth and food production.
However, residents living in close proximity to treated fields may be exposed to pesticides
through primary spray drift or after application (e.g. trough volatilization of pesticide
residues from crops or soil or wind erosion of soil particles). There is some indication that
children living near agricultural fields have an increased risk of developing asthma and
decreased lung function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of geographical
information on the presence of crops and data on pesticide use on specific crops for the
assessment of residential pesticide exposure.
Methods: For a cross-sectional study, we investigated the potential for residential
pesticide exposure at the 14-year home addresses of 2291 participants of a birth cohort
study living in the North, West, and Center of the Netherlands. Using ArcGIS and
geographic data on presence of crops for the year 2012, we created circular buffers with
radii of 50, 100, 500 and 1000 meters around these addresses and calculated the surface
area for specific crops (cereals, corn, potatoes, open field vegetables, open field
floriculture and bulbs, orchard crops, and commercial crops like beets, chicory, rapeseed,
flax and hemp fibre) within those buffers. Information on agricultural pesticides use in the
specific crops from a Dutch survey in 2012 was used to estimate amounts of pesticides
applied (in gram) within the buffers. Pesticides with potential relevance for respiratory
outcomes were identified from the Pesticides Properties Database (PPDB) and The
Pesticides Manual (2009).
Results: Any of the specific crops were found in 3%, 7%, 40% and 65% of the 50, 100, 500
and 1000 metres buffers around the addresses, respectively. The most prevalent crops
were corn, cereals and potatoes. About 3%, 7%, 39% and 63% of the addresses likely had
pesticides with potential relevance for respiratory outcomes applied within 50, 100, 500
and 1000 meter buffers, respectively.
Conclusions: A small proportion of children participating in this study lives at close
proximity to agricultural fields. However, as pesticides may be transported over longer
distances and as children may play in treated fields, exposure to children living at larger
distances cannot be excluded.
295
Tu-PL-D1: Land Use Regression Modeling – I
Tu-PL-D1.1
Land Use Models for Elemental Components of Particulate Matter in an Urban
Environment: A Comparison of Regression and Random Forest Models
Cole Brokamp, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, United States
Roman Jandarov, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, United States
MB Rao, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, United States
Grace LeMasters, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, United States
Patrick Ryan, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, United States
Background: Exposure assessment for elemental components of particulate matter (PM)
using land use modeling is a complex problem due to the high spatial and temporal
variations in pollutant concentrations at the local scale. Land use regression (LUR) models
often fail to capture complex interactions and non-linear relationships. The increasing
availability of big spatial data and machine learning methods present an opportunity for
improvement in PM exposure assessment models.
Objectives: Our objective was to develop a novel land use random forest (LURF) model
and compare its accuracy and precision to a LUR model for elemental components of PM in
the urban city of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Methods: Total PM and eleven elemental components were measured at 24 sampling
stations from the Cincinnati Children Allergy and Air Pollution Study (CCAAPS). Over 50
different predictors associated with transportation, physical features, community
socioeconomic characteristics, greenspace, land cover, and emission point sources were
used to construct LUR and LURF models. Cross validation was used to quantify and
compare model performance.
Results: Successful LURF and LUR models were created for Al, Cu, Fe, K, Mn, Ni, Pb, S, Si,
V, Zn, and total PM2.5 in the CCAAPS study area. LURF utilized a more diverse and greater
number of predictors than LUR in its final models. Cross validation revealed that LURF
models had a lower predictive error than LUR models for all elements except Fe, Mn, and
Ni. Furthermore, LUR models showed a differential exposure assessment bias and had a
higher prediction error variance. LURF models predictions were approximately ten fold
more precise compared to LUR model predictions. LURF will be a useful exposure
assessment tool for epidemiologic studies associating elemental components of PM with
health effects. Random forest and other machine learning methods should be incorporated
into future land use models for more accurate and precise exposure assessment.
296
Tu-PL-D1.2
Comparison and Evaluation of Spatiotemporal Air Quality Exposure Fields Developed
using Ten Methods
Haofei Yu, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Armistead Russell, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
James Mulholland, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
M Talat Odman, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Yongtao Hu, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Howard Chang, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
A variety of measures are currently being used to assign air pollutant concentrations to
individuals in air quality exposure-related studies. The outcomes of those assessments
reflect the methods used and may differ between methods. Comprehensive comparison of
multiple methods to a common data set is needed to inform users of potential issues that
may impact their use in health studies. Here, we compare pollutant concentration fields
generated using ten methods and evaluate them regarding their use in exposure related
studies. The application is the Atlanta (GA, USA) metropolitan region and the pollutants
are CO, NO2, SO2, O3, PM2.5 and PM2.5 constituents elemental carbon, organic carbon
and sulfate. The selected methods involve the use of central monitor data, multi-site
averaging, three spatial interpolation methods (inverse distance weighting, tessellation
and kriging), land use regression with satellite AOD information, chemical transport
modeling (CMAQ-derived fields) combined with data assimilation/fusion methods, and fine
scale dispersion modeling. The central monitor and site averaging methods are spatially,
temporally and chemically incomplete, and performance varies across pollutants,
depending on the number and locations of monitors. Interpolation methods are able to
generate spatially resolved fields, although the spatial patterns of primary pollutants are
poorly captured due to sparse monitoring networks. The results are similar between IDW
and kriging, but could also vary depending on other interpolation approach applied or
interpolation parameters used. The CMAQ model provides complete fields and reasonable
spatial concentration patterns, but CMAQ model performance shows substantial biases and
other errors that vary between pollutants and over time. Incorporating data fusion
approaches improves model performance. Satellite AOD-derived fields perform similarly
to using CMAQ fields with data fusion. Results of this study contribute to our
understanding of the strengths and weakness of different methods regarding their
application in exposure related studies.
297
Tu-PL-D1.3
Development of Land Use Regression models for assessment of annual average PM10
and endotoxin exposure levels in ambient air in a livestock dense area
Myrna De Rooij, IRAS - Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
Dick Heederik, IRAS - Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
Erik van Nunen, IRAS - Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
Isabella Oosting, IRAS - Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
Gerard Hoek, IRAS - Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
Inge Wouters, IRAS - Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
Aim
There is concern about the influence of livestock farms on the health of Dutch inhabitants.
Results from studies on health effects of livestock farming based on exposure proxies are
inconsistent. Dust exposure measurements may enable more refined exposure-response
analyses. We aimed to develop Land Use Regression (LUR) models for particulate matter
10 (PM10) and endotoxin, known to be emitted from livestock farms and associated with
adverse health effects.
Methods
Ambient PM10 was collected with Harvard Impactors at 61 sites (residential gardens)
representing a variety of nearby livestock related characteristics. Three to four 2-week
averaged PM10 samples were collected at each site over the course of 1.5 year. In
addition a local reference site was set up and measured continuously to take into account
temporal variation. Samples were analyzed for PM10 mass by weighing and endotoxin using
the Limulus-Amebocyte-Lysate assay. LUR models were developed using temporally
adjusted annual PM10 and endotoxin exposure averages and livestock-related GIS variables
(distances to and number of farms /animals by animal species).
Results
More spatial variation was observed for endotoxin compared to PM10. The model
explained variance was higher for endotoxin than for PM10 (R2 0.68 and 0.18 respectively;
number of predictor variables 6 and 2 respectively). Predictor variables included number
of farms and type of animal species kept in the surroundings, and distance to the farms.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the effect of livestock-related sources on annual average exposure levels
seems considerable for endotoxin and more limited for PM10. The LUR approach used,
similar to air measurement studies focusing on other air pollutants, was found to be
suitable to describe spatial variation in a livestock dense area. Thus far only livestock
related predictor variables were explored. The developed LUR models should be further
enriched and validated, before they can be applied to predict air pollution concentrations.
Different validation methods will be applied in the near future to assess robustness of the
models for PM10 and endotoxin. Leave-one-out cross validation will be performed, each
site will be sequentially be left out from the model while the included predictors will be
left unchanged. In addition, hold-out validation methods will be performed based on
stratified random exclusion of sites resulting in multiple models. Lastly, assessment of
external validation will be explored with pilot measurements previously performed in a
neighboring area.
298
Tu-PL-D1.4
Spatial and Temporal Assessment of Air Pollution in the Calgary, Alberta Air Zone
Markey Johnson, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Isabelle Couloigner, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Stefania Bertazzon, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Fox Underwood, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Keith Van Ryswyk, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Ryan Kulka, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Hongyu You, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Canadian air zones represent a complex mixture of urban and rural land-use impacted by
diverse emissions sources. The Calgary Spatial and Temporal Exposure Modeling (CSTEM)
Study was designed to provide spatial and temporal air quality information for Calgary and
surrounding areas to support local air zone management strategies and air pollution health
studies.
CSTEM collected two-week integrated measurements of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), volatile
organic compounds, particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5), black carbon (BC), and PM-
components at 125 sites in summer (August 5-19, 2015) and winter (January 20-February
3, 2016). Seasonal trends were assessed by collecting two-week integrated data every two
weeks at four temporal sites across the city from March 25, 2015-April 27, 2016.
NO2 and VOCs were measured using Ogawa Passive Samplers and Organic Vapor Passive
Samplers. Gravimetric PM2.5 and PM1.0 measurements were collected using Harvard
Cascade Impactors with 37 mm Teflon filters. PM2.5 samples were analyzed for elemental
composition using HF-nitric acid digested inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.
BC was measured via optical scanning of gravimetric PM2.5 samples using a SootScan
Model OT21 Transmissometer. Continuous BC was collected at 40 sites using
microAethalometers. Analysis of collocated BC samples showed good agreement (R2>0.70)
between the methods.
Air pollution data were combined with land-use information to develop land-use regression
(LUR) models. Stepwise selection and regression tree methods were used to identify best
predictors. The Getis-Ord Gi statistic and global Moran’s I were applied to assess local
variation of pollutants. Land use regressionLUR ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and
geographically weighted regression (GWR) techniques. Summer results follow.
NO2 displayed greater local variation compared with PM2.5. Therefore, GWR and regional
OLS models were developed for NO2. Global OLS models performed poorly, predicting only
56% of the variability in NO2. Regional OLS models performed slightly better, with R2
ranging from 0.56-0.60. GWR models performed best, explaining > 80% of the global
variability in NO2, with local R2 ranging from 0.56-0.87 (Q25=0.72, Q75=0.84). ANOVA
tests confirmed that GWR provided a statistically significant improvement over OLS.
Industrial zoning, infrastructure and major roads were significant predictors of NO2.
Industrial zoning, PM emitting facilities, and local roads were major predictors of PM2.5.
CSTEM results provide insight into best approaches for characterizing air pollution in a
large, diverse air zone. Future analyses will focus on seasonal and temporal modeling;
modeling BC, VOCs, and metals; and integrating data from chemical transport models,
satellite remote sensing, and continuous regulatory monitoring.
299
Tu-PL-D1.5
Land-use regression modelling of ultrafine particles in the Augsburg Region, Germany
Josef Cyrys, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, Neuherberg, Germany
Kathrin Wolf, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, Neuherberg, Germany
Alexandra Schneider, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, Neuherberg, Germany
Jianwei Gu, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
Thomas Kusch, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
Annette Peters, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, Neuherberg, Germany
Background. Though important health relevance has been suggested for ultrafine particles
(UFP), studies on long-term effects are still scarce, mainly due to the lack of appropriate
spatial exposure models. In the past few years land-use regression (LUR) models have been
increasingly used for assessing small-scale air pollution variability. However, only a few
LUR models have been developed for UFP. Due to the cost of monitoring devices most of
them have used mobile measurements or short-term measurement at several sites. We
developed LUR models based upon methodology developed within the framework of the
European Study of Cohorts for Air Pollution Effects (ESCAPE) to predict the spatial
variability of several air pollutants and particle number concentration (PNC) as indicator
for UFP in the Augsburg region, Southern Germany.
Methods. Three bi-weekly measurements (reflecting the warm, cold and one intermediate
season) of PNC, particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5), soot (absorbance of PM filters) and
nitrogen oxides (NOx, NO2) were performed at 20 sites in 2014/15. Annual mean and
median concentration were calculated and temporally adjusted by continuous
measurements from a reference site located in the urban background. As geographic
predictors we offered several traffic and land-use variables, elevation, population and
building density. Models were validated using leave-one-out cross-validation.
Results. Annual mean and median PNC concentrations ranged from 5,489-13,232 and
4,421-9,458 particles/cm³. Model explained variance (R²) was high for both mean and
median PNC (0.92 and 0.94, respectively). Cross-validation R² was slightly lower (0.82 and
0.87, respectively) but still indicated a very good fit. PNC was moderately correlated with
PM (Spearman r: 0.63-0.65), but high with nitrogen oxides and soot (r=0.81-0.89). Also,
main predictors for the latter were similar including traffic and building density in the
close vicinity (25-50m) and green and industrial area in the medium surrounding (100-
500m).
Conclusions. LUR models for PNC performed well in our study region. The performance of
our model was better than the performance of a previously reported UFP LUR model
developed for Amsterdam (adjusted model R2 was 0.65). To our knowledge no further UFP
LUR models based upon fixed monitoring sites have been conducted so far. The high
correlation with nitrogen oxides and soot and similar predictors for the LUR models
indicate PNC being part of the traffic-related air pollutant mixture in the Augsburg region.
We are currently applying the LUR models to the residential addresses of our KORA
(Cooperative Health Research in the Augsburg Region) participants.
300
Tu-SY-E1: Real-time measurements and integrated models to estimate
traffic exposures in complex urban environments.
Tu-SY-E1.1
Addressing confounding by noise in air pollution studies
John Gulliver, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
David Morley, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
Daniela Fecht, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
Aim. There is a need in studies of traffic-related air pollution and health to evaluate the
robustness of associations in order to distinguish the effects from other factors such as
noise. We present what is known about the correlation between noise and air pollution in
urban settings and implications for exposure and health assessment.
Methods. We compared modelled levels of noise (LAeq16, Lnight, Lden) and air pollutants
(total PM2.5 and PM10, PM2.5 and PM10 from road traffic only, NO2 and O3) for ~190,000
residential postcode centroids within different geographical units (neighbourhoods,
n=5,359; 1km grid squares, n=2,171; districts, n=32; and across all postcodes) of London,
UK. All comparisons were made using Spearman’s correlation.
Results. Across all London postcodes we observed overall moderate correlations between
noise and air pollution estimates (Spearman’s rho range: |0.34 - 0.55|). Correlations,
however, varied considerably depending on the spatial unit: largest ranges were seen in
neighbourhoods and 1km grid squares (Spearman’s rho range: |0.01 - 0.87|) and the range
was less for districts (Spearman’s rho range: |0.21 - 0.78|). Differences in correlations
could not be explained by exposure or deprivation tertiles, or by distance from road.
Conclusion. Exploring the differences in spatial correlation between noise and air
pollution is important for studies of traffic-related air pollution and health. Correlations
may vary from weak to strong depending on the pollutant and geographical unit of
analysis. This study suggests that although sharing the same source co-linearity between
air pollution and noise cannot be assumed in health assessment.
301
Tu-SY-E1.2
Exposure to greenness in the urban environment: assessment and interactions with co-
varying exposures
Charlotte Clark, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
Emily Rugel, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
Hind Sbihi, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Hugh Davies, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Jochem Klompmaker, RIVM, Bilthoven, Netherlands
Michael Brauer, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Perry Hystad, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon, United States
Background: Motor vehicle transportation not only produces air pollutants, but the
associated infra-structure affects urban form via access to the natural environment,
commonly quantified as a measure of “greenness” through the satellite-derived
normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Using various buffer sizes surrounding
study participants’ homes, these indices may capture different aspects of natural spaces,
having relevance to distinct pathways. Other exposure metrics such as greenspace access,
quality, visibility, microbial diversity may capture other potentially relevant factors in
disease etiology.
Methods: Greenspace exposure and two outcomes, namely asthma and type 2 diabetes, in
children and adults cohorts respectively, were investigated.
Linked administrative health databases allowed for longitudinal follow-up of participants’
home postal codes such to reconstruct their environmental exposures. We applied
greenness measures with other spatially varying exposures (air pollution, noise,
“walkability”) to assess three hypothesized pathways by which natural spaces may impact
health: (1) stress-reducing effect of greenspace proximity; (2) reduction of harmful
environmental exposures; and 3) providing spaces for increased physical activity.
Finally, measures of greenspace access and quality were integrated into a comprehensive
natural space measure and compared with NDVI.
Results: NDVI was negatively correlated with walkability (r=-0.7) while other built
environment exposures were modestly correlated with this metric whether assessed in
100m and 250m buffers; thereby allowing for incremental model building of multiple
exposures.
In the children’s cohort, air pollution was associated with increased odds of incident
asthma between birth and age 5 [adjusted OR per interquartile exposure increase (95%
CI): NO: 1.06 (1.01 - 1.11), NO2: 1.09 (1.04 - 1.13)), CO: 1.05 (1.01 - 1.1)]. These
associations with air pollution were partially offset by the independent protective effect
of the level of residential greenness [0.96 (0.93–0.99)].
In the adult cohort, greenness was associated with a significant reduction in the odds of
type 2 diabetes (0.4 (0.31 - 0.48)). Although independent of the increased risk related to
noise exposure, which increased the risk of incident type 2 diabetes [1.05 (1.02 – 1.07)],
this effect was attenuated after adjusting for risk factors and co-varying exposures to air
pollution, walkability, and residential greenspace.
For the quality appraisal, no significant differences by neighborhood-level income were
shown, yet the percentage of publicly accessible greenspace was highest in the lowest SES
areas.
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Conclusion: NDVI can be used to estimate greenness presence in studies of large
populations. Greenness measures may modify the effects of air pollution or be
independently associated with health outcomes.
Tu-SY-E1.3
The link between exposure to traffic-related air pollution and SES
Jane Clougherty, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Socioeconomic status (SES) and associated chronic stressors (e.g., poverty, violence) are
often spatially correlated with air pollution; for example, traffic-related air pollution is
shown to be tightly correlated, in space and time, with traffic-related noise.
Epidemiologic studies consistently link SES (variously indicated by education, income,
etc.) with a wide range of health outcomes, though the “causal components” which drive
SES-related susceptibility remain unclear. Separately, both air pollution and psychosocial
stress have been shown to act through many of the same biological pathways (e.g.,
inflammation) and to influence common endpoints (e.g., hypertension). For these
reasons, it has been hypothesized – and growing evidence suggests - that lower SES, and
higher chronic social stressor exposures, may exacerbate air pollution health effects. In
this presentation, Dr. Clougherty will discuss the current state of knowledge on the
combined effects of air pollutants and chronic stressors on health, and describe methods
for identifying, quantifying, and accounting for, potential confounding and effect
modification by SES and chronic stressors in air pollution epidemiology.
303
Tu-SY-E1.4
Understanding the contribution of other sources than traffic in urban environments
Gerard Hoek, University Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
Aim:
This presentation will provide an overview of the contribution of sources other than the
regulated taipipe traffic emissions to near-road air pollution exposure such as non-tailpipe
traffic emissions, local restaurants, (air)ports, and wood burning. It is important to
disentangle their contribution from tailpipe emissions of ultrafine and fine particles.
Methods:
A review of published papers will be conducted, focusing on the contribution of different
sources to ambient concnetrations of fine, ultrafine and black carbon particles.
Results
Although the major source of ultrafine particles (UFP) in urban areas is tailpipe emissions
from motroized road traffic, recent studies have shown that other sources in urban areas
may be associated with substantial increases in UFP as well. Studies in Utrecht, the
Netherlands documented increases in UFP concentrations related to proximity to
restaurants and increases in PM2.5 related to wood burning of a similar magnitude as
proximity to major roadways. Studies near Los Angeles airport and Schiphol airport
documented a signifcant contribution of airports, several kms away from the airport.
Several studies in Europe, North America and Asia have documented that near-roadway
contrasts of metals such as Cu and Fe related to non-regualted non-tailpipe emissions may
be as large as those of ultrafine and black carbon particles. Studies in Nort-America and
Europe have documented large increases of fine and balc carbon particles related to wood
burning.
Conclusions
Multiple sources may affect fine and ultrafine particle concentrations in urban areas. The
contribution of these sources should be accounted for in helath impact assessment of
(near roadway) urban air pollution.
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Tu-SY-E1.5
Aggregate Exposure Pathway (AEP) and Exposure Science in the 21st Century (ES21)
David Carslaw, University of York, York, United Kingdom
Vasu Kilaru, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, United
States
Recent concerns over emissions from road vehicles has highlighted the importance of
understanding and measuring 'real-world' emissions. The robust quantification of emissions
from motor vehicles is a uniquely challenging problem. The reasons why this area is
challenging are many fold but include: the sources are mobile and emissions vary in both
time and space, there are millions of individual vehicles that have differing age profiles,
vehicle technologies, fuel types and maintenance procedures and so on. Additionally,
vehicles can be driven very differently depending on driver behaviour patterns and traffic
conditions. While there are many programmes in place around the world that set emission
limits for Type Approval of new vehicles, it has become clear that the emissions measured
for reasons of compliance may bear little relation to the actual emissions in use. This
presentation will consider these issues in detail and present the recent evidence relating
to real-world emissions. The focus will be on the emissions of both nitrogen oxides (NOx)
and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) for which there is currently considerable interest in Europe.
Consideration will be given to the principal techniques used to measure real-world
emissions including vehicle emission remote sensing and Portable Emission Monitoring
Systems. The talk will summarise the most recent evidence relating to vehicle emissions of
NOx and NO2 and consider the implications for air pollution in general and urban air
pollution exposure specifically. Finally, the talk will outline the future challenges for real-
world vehicle emission measurement and how changes to vehicle emissions legislation in
Europe aims to address these challenges.
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Tu-SY-F1: OECD Task Force on Exposure Assessment - Better exposure
science for better lives – I
Tu-SY-F1.1
Overview on OECD activity on Exposure Assessment
Takahiro Hasegawa, OECD, Paris, France
This presentation will provide a brief overview on the OECD Task Force on Exposure
Assessment (TFEA) activities.
The TFEA was established in 1995 to facilitate sharing, developing, disseminating,
comparing and where possible, harmonising exposure assessment related information (such
as emission factors), methodologies and tools (such as databases, guidance documents,
harmonised templates and exposure models) for assessing the impact of the release of
chemicals during their life cycle on the environment and various populations including the
general population, consumers, workers and children at various age groups. This will
include:
• developing and updating OECD Emission Scenario Documents (ESDs) for estimating
the release of chemicals during their lifecycle including production, processing, use,
service-life, recycling, treatment and disposal of chemicals;
• developing, comparing and harmonising information, methodologies and tools for
assessing the exposure of chemicals to specific populations, and the exposure of specific
types of chemicals to humans and the environment.
• facilitate sharing and compiling information, and develop methodologies and tools
(e.g. databases, guidance documents, templates) relating to chemical exposure via
products; and
• exchange and share experiences and knowledge on information gathering from
stakeholders relating to the exposure assessment and exposure mitigation.
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Tu-SY-F1.2
Development of Emission Scenarios
Nhan Nguyen, US EPA, Washington DC, Virginia, United States
Wataru Naito, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST),
Tsukuba, Japan
Hirai Yusuke, National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE), Tokyo, Japan
One objective of the OECD Task Force on Exposure Assessment (TFEA) is to facilitate and
support the work of OECD on the exposure assessment of chemicals and chemical products
with special emphasis on sharing and developing exposure related information,
methodologies and tools. To fulfill this objective, the TFEA members have on-going
activities to develop, share, and exchange information on exposure assessment tools and
models. An important activity of the TFEA on tools and models is development of emission
scenario documents or ESDs.
This presentation will provide an overview of the development of emission scenario
documents (ESDs) including the purpose of an ESD, the information included in an ESD, the
steps involved in the development of an ESD, the published ESDs and the ESDs under
development.
Note: The views in this abstract are those of the author and does not represent Agency
policy or endorsement.
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Tu-SY-F1.3
Children's health
Gerlienke Schuur, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM),
Bilthoven, Netherlands
Children’s health
Children can be more vulnerable to chemicals than adults. Considering global concern for
children’s health, the OECD has been working to bring together knowledge and
experiences to reduce risks to children’s health from chemicals.
Following an OECD-wide survey of methodologies and tools used to assess the risk of
chemicals to children’s health in 2011-2012 (OECD, 2013) and a workshop on children’s
exposure to chemicals held in the Netherlands in 2013 (OECD, 2014), the following
projects are currently ongoing within the OECD-Task Force on Exposure Assessment:
1. Children’s exposure decision tree
2. Mouthing tool
Children’s exposure decision tree
Children's exposure to chemicals from consumer products may deviate from the exposure
of adults due to age related behaviour and characteristics such as hand-to-mouth
behaviour, object-to-mouth behaviour, crawling/ playing, incidental oral ingestion
(swallowing), and sleep pattern. For certain products/product categories or certain
substances the exposure and risk assessment for adults may cover the risk for children, but
for some products/product categories a separate exposure assessment for children may be
indicated.
Currently, there is no structured approach to determine the need to carry out a separate
children’s exposure assessment within risk assessment. Therefore the OECD-TFEA is
developing a decision tree on when to assess children’s exposure. This decision tree is
intended to guide in determining when children’s exposure should be addressed separately
in a risk assessment.
A preliminary Children’s exposure decision tree was presented at the OECD workshop
(OECD, 2014). Work is ongoing to refine this decision tree, and to include case studies to
test and improve the decision tree.
The guidance contains a checklist with issues relevant for the direct/indirect exposure to
children and is based on a list containing the following questions:
• Is the product/article (category) intended for use by consumers?
• Does this concern direct or indirect use?
• Is the product specifically meant for children?
• Could consumers come into contact with the product? Is this exposure directly or
indirectly?
Based on a careful check of the decision tree, a specific exposure assessment for children
should be incorporated in the exposure assessment for a certain consumer product.
References
OECD (2013). ASSESSING THE RISK OF CHEMICALS TO CHILDREN’S HEALTH: AN OECD-WIDE
SURVEY. Series on Testing & Assessment No. 192. ENV/JM/MONO(2013)20.
http://www.oecd.org/officialdocuments/publicdisplaydocumentpdf/?cote=env/jm/mono(
2013)20&doclanguage=en
OECD (2014). REPORT ON OECD WORKSHOP ON CHILDREN'S EXPOSURE TO CHEMICALS
Series on Testing and Assessment No. 209. ENV/JM/MONO(2014)29.
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http://www.oecd.org/officialdocuments/publicdisplaydocumentpdf/?cote=env/jm/mono(
2014)29&doclanguage=en
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Tu-SY-F1.4
Occupational Exposure
Gudrun Walendzik, BAuA, Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health,
Dortmund, Germany
This presentation will summarize the ongoing activities of the Organization for Economic
Cooperation and Development (OECD) Task Force on Exposure Assessment (TFEA) subgroup
on occupational exposure. The objective of this subgroup is to suggest possible project
ideas / categories for discussion on a scientific basis to reach a common understanding
and to identify needs for further developments in order to tackle these issues. The
subgroup currently counts 13 members who are governmental officials and researchers
from the OECD countries as well as representatives from non-governmental organizations
and industrial sectors.
Work products of the TFEA occupational subgroup members such as overview on
occupational exposure assessment related tools and models, validation activities of (Tier-
1) exposure assessment tools or a proposal for a tier-1dermal exposure assessment
approach were made publicly available. Presentations on ongoing research projects e.g. a
German research project on occupational dermal exposure (SysDEA) are discussed during
TFEA meetings to have a scientific discourse amongst the exposure experts.
Currently a starting compilation for OECD-wide project ideas for further input by the Task
Force members to encourage possible collaboration on specific projects exists with the
aim and objective to develop and share information and guidance on inhalation and
dermal exposure between the different OECD countries.
These are for example:
• Survey on measured data to compile an inventory of databases with
inhalation/dermal data in
various industry sectors
• Survey of Tier 1 assessment tools used to assess the dermal exposure of chemicals
to workers
• Data on efficiency of engineering controls
• Exchange on information and knowledge on occupational exposure which were
identified to be
useful to the work on issues on manufactured nanomaterials
The presentation will provide a high level overview of the OECD TFEA activities on
occupational exposure.
310
Tu-SY-G1: Environmental Justice: Developing the Scientific Foundation
Supporting Cumulative Exposures/Risks/Impacts and Disparate Impacts
Research - I
Tu-SY-G1.1
Hand- and Object-Mouthing by Rural Bangladeshi Children 6-20 Months Old;
Importance of Including Food-Related Contacts
Laura Kwong, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
Ayse Ercumen, University of Californa, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
Amy Pickering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
Leanne Unicomb, International Centre of Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh,
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Jennifer Davis, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
Stephen P Luby, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
Background: Children are exposed to environmental contamination through mouthing of
hands and objects. However, few mouthing studies quantify hand- and object-mouthing
associated with eating, which may result in underestimation of children’s total exposure.
Eating-related exposures may be particularly important in settings where children eat or
are fed by hand. We collected activity data from young children in rural Bangladesh in
order to quantify their frequency and duration of mouthing, including feeding-related
events. The study objective was to assess the contribution of feeding-related hand-to-
mouth and object-to-mouth contacts to children’s total exposure through mouthing.
Methods: We video recorded the activities of 28 rural Bangladeshi children aged 6-20
months over six consecutive hours and used computer software to record all observed
mouth contact with hands and objects, including utensils used for eating. We also
reviewed the videos to better understand sources of contamination associated with
feeding events.
Results: All children used their hands for eating and/or were fed by hand during
observation, and all but two children also used eating utensils. The median frequency of
hand-to-mouth contact for children aged 6-12 months (N=19) was 43.8 contacts/hr and for
children aged 12-20 months (N=9) it was 33.4 contacts/hr. Food-related contact with the
child’s own hand or a caregiver’s hand accounted for more than one-third of total hand
mouthing. During feeding events, children aged 6-12 months mouthed hands a median of
16.9 times/hr and children aged 12-20 months old mouthed hands 11.7 times/hr. Of the
fourteen children who fed themselves and were also fed by a caregiver by hand, median
contact frequency with the child’s own hands (7.3 contacts/hr) was similar to the contact
frequency with caregiver’s hands (8.4 contacts/hr). Mouthing eating utensils accounted for
~15% of the frequency of mouthing all objects (children aged 6-12 months: median 9.8
utensil contacts/hr of 55.8 total object contacts/hr; children aged 12-20 months: 4.3
utensil contacts/hr of 31.2 total object contacts/hr). Video recordings showed that
children did not wash hands before eating. Children were also observed eating off of
earthen floors and consuming food that had fallen into the dirt.
Conclusion: In contexts where children eat or are fed by hand, excluding eating periods
from mouthing exposure studies may substantially underestimate exposure due to hand-
mouthing and underestimate exposure due to mouthing of potentially contaminated
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utensils. Washing children’s hands before eating and preventing them from consuming
contaminated food could reduce foodborne exposure.
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Tu-SY-G1.2
Community-Level Stressors and Their Impacts on Food Contamination
Lisa Melnyk, US EPA, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Zahra Al-Hamdani, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
Kent Thomas, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
Jacqueline MacDonald Gibson, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill,
NC, United States
Community programs could benefit from advances in an understanding of food resources,
utilization of those resources, and how the built and natural environment impact food
access and potential exposures to chemical contaminants in food. To study these factors,
a research project was designed to identify stressors, such as, socioeconomic status,
transportation, ethnicity, type of industry within the community, drinking water quality,
food access, chemical residues on foods, and environmental conditions; to evaluate the
relationships between stressors; and to explore potential interactions between food
resources and chemical and non-chemical stressor exposures. By evaluating various
chemical and non-chemical stressors, an understanding of the relationships between a
community’s food resources and potential exposures to contaminants that could lead to
public health issues can be obtained. The objectives of this research are 1) to obtain
information on a community’s environmental exposures (chemical and non-chemical
stressors) from available data sources and 2) to evaluate impacts of the various chemical
and non-chemical stressors on dietary exposures that may lead to adverse public health
outcomes. To capture the dynamics of the effects of chemical and non-chemical stressors
on a community diet which could lead to impacts on public health, a cumulative exposure
model approach was developed. Geospatial Information System (GIS) mapping of Durham
County, North Carolina was used to visually describe the area. Data from the US Census
Bureau, Dun & Bradstreet, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, state-
level food residue measurements, EPA’s EnviroAtlas, and EPA’s EJScreen provide the input
for the analyses. Correlations between the various inputs are calculated using the
statistical software, R. This research will enhance public tools, in particular, the
Community-Focused Exposure and Risk Screening Tool (CFERST), which can be used by
community leaders in decision making by bridging all pertinent information to inform
policy. Improving our understanding about a community’s potential dietary exposures and
contributing factors will help in the identification and mitigation of issues that could
impact public health. Community level health analyses can support protective actions, be
used by communities to identify and prioritize their risks based on scientific data and
ensure that resources are directed where they will provide the greatest benefit.
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Tu-SY-G1.3
The cumulative MeHg and PCBs exposure and risk of tribal and US general population
with SHEDS-multimedia
Jianping Xue, EPA, RTP, NC, United States
Valerie Zartarian, EPA, Boston, United States
Ken Bailey, EPA, CIN, United States
Studies have shown that the U.S. population continues to be exposed to methyl mercury
(MeHg) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) due to the long half-life of those
environmental contaminants. Fish intake of Tribal populations is much higher than the
U.S. general population due to dietary habits and unique cultural practices. Large fish
tissue concentration data sets from the Environmental Protections Agency’s (EPA’s) Office
of Water, USGS’s EMMMA program, and other data sources, were integrated, analyzed, and
combined with recent tribal fish intake data for exposure analyses using the dietary
module within EPA’s SHEDS-Multimedia model. SHEDS-Multimedia is a physically-based,
probabilistic model, which can simulate cumulative (multiple chemicals) or aggregate
(single chemical) exposures over time for a population via various pathways of exposure
for a variety of multimedia, multipathway environmental chemicals. Our results show that
MeHg and total PCBs exposure of tribal populations from fish are about 3 to 10 and 5 to 15
times higher than the US general population, respectively, and that the estimated
exposures pose potential health risks. The cumulative exposures of MeHg and total PCBs
will be assessed to generate the joint exposure profiles for Tribal and US general
populations. Model sensitivity analyses will identify the important contributions of the
cumulative exposures of MeHg and total PCBs such as fish types, locations, and size, and
key exposure factors. Biomarker data from NHANES will be used to evaluate SHEDS-
Multimedia outputs. These exposure assessments can be used to help inform decisions
regarding meal sizes and frequency, types of fish and water bodies to avoid, and other
factors to minimize exposures and potential health risks from contaminated fish in Tribal
populations and high exposure groups from the U.S. general population.
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Tu-SY-G1.4
Community-engaged modeling of exposures to chemical and non-chemical stressors in
a low-income community near a Superfund site
M. Patricia Fabian, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts,
United States
Komal Basra, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United
States
Jonathan Levy, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United
States
Cumulative risk assessment requires models of exposures to chemical and non-chemical
stressors at sufficient geographic and demographic resolution to accurately identify high-
risk subpopulations. Many non-chemical stressors are of considerable interest to
community stakeholders, above and beyond their connections to chemical-oriented risk
assessments, but relevant exposure models have not been leveraged for these purposes. In
this study, we developed a methodology to provide high resolution exposure estimates,
constructing detailed synthetic demographic microdata, and using these data as predictors
in regression models for multiple stressors in New Bedford, Massachusetts, a low income
community located near a Superfund site. Chemical exposure regression models utilized
biomarker measurements from a cohort study conducted in the New Bedford area, and
non-chemical stressor models leveraged data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance
System (BRFSS). Through a series of meetings with community partners, behavior and
health questions of interest from the BRFSS were identified, including fruit and vegetable
consumption, obesity, and diabetes. Paralleling the structure of our chemical stressor
models, we constructed multivariable regression models of the probability of eating fruits
and vegetables, body mass index (BMI), and diabetes prevalence. Regression models were
applied to the synthetic microdata and results mapped across the community to identify
census tracts at high risk for these behaviors and outcomes in adults. Comparisons of
geographic patterns of these stressors of interest to community partners with geographic
patterns of chemical stressors identified areas of common emphasis. The maps and
modeled demographic patterns will be used by community partners for city planning and
policy activities such as parent support programs for people living with chronic diseases,
locating new farmers markets, expansion of the fresh food voucher program, and
prioritizing selection of existing brownfields to be converted to community gardens. Our
study emphasizes the value of multi-stressor exposure modeling in the context of
cumulative risk assessment, the insights provided by community engagement, and the
opportunity for innovative exposure modeling approaches to connect with broader
community concerns.
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Tu-SY-G1.5
GIS-Mapping and Statistical Analyses to Identify Climate-Vulnerable Communities and
Populations in New England Exposed to Contaminated Sites and Combined Sewer
Overflows
Valerie Zartarian, US EPA, Boston, MA, United States
Jianping Xue, EPA, RTP, NC, United States
Tony Poulakis, Vistronix, Boston, MA, United States
Alex Dichter, US EPA, Boston, MA, United States
Michael Jahne, US EPA, Cincinnati, OH, United States
Jeff Yang, US EPA, Cincinnati, OH, United States
Climate change-related cumulative health risks are expected to be disproportionately
greater for overburdened communities that are often in proximity and thus greater
exposures to chemical sources and flood zones. Communities and populations vulnerable
to climate change-associated impacts from contaminated sites and CSOs (combined sewer
overflows) were identified using GIS mapping and statistical analyses. Databases from U.S.
EPA and other Federal Agencies were combined to overlay Superfund sites by elevation,
flood zones, and environmental justice related variables. Additional analyses examined
disparities associated with the most vulnerable communities and particular groups based
on socioeconomic, racial and ethnic factors, as well as proximity to contamination. The
regional-scale screening results could be used to identify areas of potential concern, for
informing climate resiliency efforts and conducting human exposure and risk analyses.
Case studies in New England region, as presented here, have focused on mapping EPA
Superfund sites, hazard-facility sites and CSOs vulnerable to climate-induced flooding, and
better understanding the agents and key exposure factors related to increased risk of toxic
chemical and microbial exposure. The study findings enhance understanding of climate
vulnerability and resiliency indices used in community adaptation and risk mitigation
strategies. Such information can enable vulnerable communities to take proactive and
effective actions to reduce future risks from impacts of flooding, extreme weather, and
sea level rise on contaminated sites, waste-storage releases, and CSOs. The methods
developed can be used for other communities in the U.S..
316
Tu-PL-H1: Analytical Methods – I
Tu-PL-H1.1
Considerations for Stability of Environmental Samples in Storage in Children’s
Environmental Epidemiology Studies
Susan Viet, Westat, Rockville, MD, United States
Maire S.A. Heikkinen, Westat, Rockville, United States
Michael Dellarco, NIH/NICHD, Bethesda, United States
For long-term, large scale children’s environmental epidemiological studies, it is
advantageous to store collected environmental samples for future analysis. This permits
spreading out costs for analyses over time and flexibility for analysis of samples. Samples
can be analyzed for specific analytes after sufficient numbers have been collected for
efficiency, subsets of samples can be analyzed in nested case-control studies for specific
analytes after health outcomes of interest have occurred, or to include new target
analytes not previously considered for study. Information about sample stability is critical
to determine if there will be analyte loss or gain or degradation during storage. Failure to
evaluate and consider analyte stability could result in inaccurate results and bias
subsequent exposure assessments due to partial or complete analyte decomposition, or
chemical transformation.
We reviewed the literature and organizational guidelines for guidance in developing a
sample stability program for the US National Children’s Study Vanguard Study. We
surveyed literature in PubMed and other commercial sources to identify published sample
preparation and storage information. We found 53 peer-reviewed articles and 9 reports
and book chapters dealing with stability of chemical compounds, mostly pesticides and
metals, in various matrices: food, animal tissue, soil/sediment, dust, water, and air.
There was little documentation to support preservation of analytes during long-term
storage. Our review showed variable guidance in storage temperatures and holding times
for water samples and dust wipes. Similarly we found different guidance protocols
regarding sample preparation procedures for water samples prior to storage.
Our results show there is a need for more data and guidelines to ensure stability of
environmental samples stored over long time periods. In the interim, based on our
research, a sample stability program should be integrated with sample collection and
storage as a part of the study quality assurance procedures. This would enable data to be
collected about analyte stability during storage and document the integrity of stored
samples and the analytes of interest.
317
Tu-PL-H1.2
Combination of multiple analytical platforms and nontargeted approaches for
comprehensive risk assessment characterization: thirdhand tobacco smoke as case
study
Noelia Ramirez, Institut d'investigacio Sanitaria Pere Virgili-URV-CIBERDEM, Tarragona,
Spain
Sonia Torres, Instituto d'Investigacio Sanitaria Pere Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
Xavi Domingo, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
Lara Gundel, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, United States
Hugo deataillats, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, United States
Rosa Maria Marce, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
Francesc Borrull, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
Xavier Correig, Universitat Rovira i Virgili-IISPV-CIBERDEM, Tarragona, Spain
Aim: To the date, most of the risk assessment studies are focused on the determination of
specific families of toxicants in different environmental matrices and the evaluation of the
human health risk associated to this exposure. Nevertheless, the risk associated to
complex matrices exposure, such as indoor dust, which contains hundreds of
contaminants, may lead to possible mixture-related effects − such as, antagonistic,
synergistic, potentiating or additive effects − that are underestimated in targeted studies.
Here, we evaluate the benefits of using different analytical platforms to achieve a more
complete identification of the hazardous composition of complex environmental samples
for a more holistic characterization of the human risk through the exposure to these
contaminants. The developed methodology is applied to the risk evaluation of dust
samples from smokers’ and non-smokers’ homes polluted with residual tobacco smoke,
also so-called, thirdhand tobacco smoke (THS). Tobacco smoke is considered one of the
major sources of inorganic and organic carcinogens in indoor environments, but more
evidence of the chemical toxicity of THS and its impact on human health is necessary to
improve understanding of the risks of THS-polluted environments.
Methods: We have extracted indoor dust samples from smokers’ and non-smokers’ homes
using pressurized liquid extraction and ethyl acetate as solvent. We have used three
different analytical platforms to analyze these extracts, including single and
comprehensive gas chromatography (GC-QTOF and GC×GC-TOF) and liquid chromatography
(UPLC-QTOF). The raw data have been processed using in-house and commercial software
programs. Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis have been used for feature
selection to better profile THS toxicants.
Results: The use of multiple analytical platforms allowed a more complete identification
of the toxicological profile of THS. GC×GC-TOF, with enhanced separation power, provided
a visual profiling of the samples and allowed the classification of the toxicants by
chemical group. GC-QTOF, which provided the exact mass of the ions, favored the
identification of the contaminants. UHPLC-QTOF is complementary to GC and permitted
the identification of polar and semivolatile contaminants. The putative identification of
the main contaminants was confirmed with the MS/MS spectrum and the use of compound
standards.
Conclusions: The results presented here demonstrate the benefits of using multiple
analytical platforms and non-targeted approaches to achieve a more comprehensive risk
assessment of complex environmental mixtures. The application of this holistic
318
methodology in future studies will help to better understand the chemical risk of polluted
environments.
319
Tu-PL-H1.3
Sample extraction strategies for target and non-target analysis of xenobiotics in
biological fluids
Christine Baduel, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Jochen F. Mueller, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Henghang Tsai, Queensland Government, Brisbane, Australia
Maria Jose Gomez Ramos, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
Our developed, highly technological society has more than 100,000 chemical substances
registered with several hundred new chemicals being introduced and registered every
year. Due to the potentially adverse environmental and health effect associated with
exposure to such chemicals and their degradation products, data concerning the exposure
of these chemicals in biological matrices is needed. For several decades, target analysis
have been mainly use to analyse contaminants in biological matrices. The drawbacks of
this technique is that only predeterminated chemicals can be detected and quantified
meaning that all the other chemicals present, potentially toxic and/or in high
concentration are overlooked.
Aims: Stepping towards a more comprehensive assessment of human and biota exposure to
contaminants, we present in this work the development and optimization of an analytical
strategy that combines efficient and reliable extraction, purification and analysis of a
broad range of polar and non-polar target analytes in fatty biological matrices such as
breast milk.
Methods: To extract a wide range of chemicals, the partition/extraction procedure used
for the QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe) was modified for the
extraction. The method development was done by using analytes with different physico-
chemical properties (log Kow ranges from -0.3 to 10) from highly polar pesticides and
personal care products (PPCPs) to highly lipophilic chemicals such as polybrominated
diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs). The proposed method combines targeted multiresidue analysis using
gas chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-QqQ-MS/MS) and a multi-
targeted analysis complemented with non-target screening using liquid chromatography
coupled to a quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS/MS).
Results: The method was fully validated for samples of breast milk through the evaluation
of recoveries, matrix effects, limit of quantification, linearity and precision (interday and
intraday). Mean recoveries (n=5) were between 70% and 120% with relative standard
deviations (RSD) less than 20% in most of the cases. To demonstrate the applicability and
suitability of the validated method, 5 breast milk samples were analysed. The results
showed that of the 77 target compounds monitored, a total of 29 were quantified in the
samples. The present work also demonstrated the feasibility of discovering untargeted
chemicals such as the transformation products of widely used insecticides, a flame
retardant, fluorosurfactant and preservatives and its metabolites.
Conclusion: This strategy has shown to be suitable for target and non-target screening
given a more comprehensive view of the true overall contaminants present in the samples.
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Tu-PL-H1.4
Screening persistent polar contamination in drinking water with UHPLC-QTOF: focus
on reverse osmosis applied to riverbank filtrate
Pim De Voogt, Univeristeit van Amsterdam - Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem
Dynamics, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Vittorio Albergamo, University of Amsterdam - Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem
Dynamics, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Rick Helmmus, University of Amsterdam - Institue for Biodiversity and Ecosystem
Dynamics, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Incomplete removal of polar organic contaminants by riverbank filtration and reverse
osmosis (RO) treatment has been discussed in scientific literature. These compounds tend
to be highly mobile within the water cycle and can accumulate in the environment due to
their high water solubility. Therefore it is necessary to assess their presence in the source
water and final product. In the case of RO it is also necessary to screen for
moderately/less polar compounds, as they might persist RO treatment due to adsorption
onto RO membranes and diffusion to the permeate side.The characterization of organic
contaminants in the watercycle is essential to assess the potential ecotoxic and toxic
effects of individual chemicals and mixtures. In the present work, we developed an
analytical method for the screening of small polar MPs with UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS. We have
developed a LC method which employs a novel core-shell biphenyl stationary phase that
provides satisfactory retention of polar contaminants having low molecular weights (<420
Da) and covering a broad range of physicochemical properties, such as acesulfame (Log
Kow= -1.33) and PFOA (Log Kow= 6.30). We apply the UHPLC-QTOF method for the
suspect screening of finished drinking water and its sources from a drinking water
treatment plant (DWTP) in The Netherlands. This plant will employ a standalone reverse
osmosis (RO) treatment to riverbank filtrate from the Rhine basin before delivering a
remineralized RO permeate to its customers.
Suspect screening is performed by acquiring accurate mass fragmentation data from
riverbank filtrate and RO permeate samples in broadband collision-induced dissociation
(bbCID) MS/MS full scan mode. Following examination of mass accuracy, isotopic patterns,
adducts and chromatographic behavior, a preliminary candidate list is obtained. The m/z
ratios are added to a database incorporated in an automated screening software tool for
the fast processing of large batches of samples. A subset of the samples are then re-
analyzed in auto MS/MS full scan mode to elucidate the fragmentation pattern of
candidates if not yet known. One or more fragments are subsequently used as qualifier
ions for the tentative suspect identification. When possible, identity is confirmed with a
reference standard.
This approach proved to be successful in identifying polar organic micropollutants in
riverbank filtrate as well as in qualitatively assessing chemical removal by RO treatment.
We believe that our strategy adds valuable insight to the global efforts towards profiling
emerging and unknown water contamination with HRMS and towards a better
comprehension of contaminant removal by RO during drinking water production.
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Tu-PL-H1.5
Contamination, Exposure and Risk Assessment: Pyrazol Case in the Dutch surface
water
Erik Emke, KWR Watercycle Research Institute (KWR), ieuwegein, Netherlands
Annemieke Kolkman, KWR Watercycle Research Institute (KWR), Nieuwegein, Netherlands
Dennis Vughs, KWR Watercycle Research Institute (KWR), Nieuwegein, Netherlands
Kirsten Baken, KWR Watercycle Research Institute (KWR), Nieuwegein, Netherlands
Patrick Bäuerlein, KWR Watercycle Research Institute (KWR), Nieuwegein, Netherlands
Annemarie van Wezel, KWR Watercycle Research Institute (KWR), Nieuwegein,
Netherlands
Pim de Voogt, KWR Watercycle Research Institute (KWR), Nieuwegein, Netherlands
In the Netherlands around 40% of the drinking water originates from surface water mainly
from the rivers Rhine and Meuse. Therefore several early warning monitoring stations
upstream from the intake points safeguard the quality of the surface water by an array of
sensors, daphnia, algae, mussels and instrumental techniques like HPLC Diode Array
Detection (DAD). The different monitoring stations agreed on a common best practice
protocol based on HPLC-DAD screening, the so-called UV fingerprint screening which is
performed daily. Known and unknown compounds are followed by using their retention
time index, their UV spectrum, and internal standard equivalents. In the summer of 2015 a
daphnia sensor and the mussel monitor were triggered. A sample was measured by the UV
fingerprint screening showing a large broad peak emerging with a relative short retention
index indicating a contaminant with a highly polar nature not present in the UV database.
This resulted in a closedown of the water intake for the production of drinking water in
large parts of the Netherlands.
The aim of the present study was to identify this new emerging compound by hyphenating
the HPLC-DAD to the LTQ-FT-Orbitrap and employing different ionisation techniques. The
effluent of the HPLC-DAD screening system was transferred directly to the LTQ-FT-
Orbitrap without splitting. Initial experiments were done by using a heated electrospray
interface (HESI) and acquiring both in positive and negative ionisation mode and no
corresponding peak was detected in the MS. Further experiments were done by exchanging
the HESI for the Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionisation (APCI) interface which showed a
significant improvement in ionization efficiency. Two possible suspects were selected
based on structure and log Kow namely imidazole and pyrazole. Since no fragmentation
was observed it was obligatory to confirm the suspect with a standard. Pyrazole resulted
in a perfect match and through establishing a calibration curve the concentration in the
alarm sample was found to be 100µg/L. Pyrazole is widely used as a starting product for
the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and pesticides and a known industrial by-product. The
origin of the discharge into the environment was located and the company informed. Daily
monitoring revealed that the discharge was happening frequently and measures were
taken to prevent pollution of the surface water. Since almost no information was available
on the toxic properties of pyrazole a provisional guideline value was established at 15 µg/L
for drinking water.
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Tu-PL-I1: Quantitative Methods
Tu-PL-I1.1
Integrated approach for external and internal exposure assessment: 2 case studies
with benzene and chlorpyrifos
Joost Westerhout, TNO, Zeist, Netherlands
Henk Goede, TNO, Zeist, Netherlands
Wouter Fransman, TNO, Zeist, Netherlands
Rob Stierum, TNO, Zeist, Netherlands
Anjoeka Pronk, TNO, Zeist, Netherlands
Hans Marquart, Triskelion B.V., Zeist, Netherlands
Rianda Gerritsen-Ebben, TNO, Zeist, Netherlands
Introduction: Current human health risk assessment of chemicals is fragmented, using
conservative factors to account for uncertainty in all separate steps, without proper
balance. Consequently, the risk assessment is often over conservative, resulting in
unnecessary stringent management and disapproval of chemicals.
The aim of this project was to develop an aggregated and cumulative model of three
exposure routes (inhalation, dermal, ingestion) that integrates both external exposure and
the resulting internal exposure, providing more realistic exposure estimates for risk
assessment purposes.
Methods: An interactive tool was created using R software, allowing the prediction of
blood and (target) organ concentrations on the basis of a variety of exposure scenarios
(e.g., single or multiple exposure routes, short or long duration, single or daily exposure).
The underlying physiologically-based toxicokinetic (PBTK) model includes children and
adults of all ages and sizes and uses generic physicochemical properties and default values
for human physiological parameters for its predictions. Benzene and chlorpyrifos were
selected as model compounds to test the functionality of the tool. Several experimental
studies, in which an exposure scenario was clearly defined (e.g. tasks performed, task
duration, use of respirators or gloves) and the amounts absorbed and/or blood or expired
air concentrations were reported, were derived from literature for both benzene and
chlorpyrifos. The exposure scenarios were then applied to the tool and predicted amounts
absorbed and/or blood or expired air concentrations were compared to the reported
values.
Results: For benzene, results indicate that the PBTK model, using generic physicochemical
properties for predictions, overestimates blood concentrations for different exposure
scenarios up to 3-fold, while expired air concentrations are overestimated up to 2-fold,
thus resulting in a conservative estimation. For chlorpyrifos, results indicate that dermal
absorption is overestimated up to 3-fold with the PBTK model using generic
physicochemical properties, whereas the estimated exposure via inhalation is only
minimal.
Discussion: Overall, the PBTK model allows for the bridging of the knowledge gap between
single-route ‘potential’ external exposure models and kinetic internal models with
multiple organ endpoints. Furthermore, the interactive tool allows for end users to make
predictions of blood and organ concentrations for any chemical without requiring
programming skills. As our understanding of human toxicology is improving by investigating
adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) and the molecular initiating events (MIEs) leading to the
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adverse outcome, the human health risk assessment process could further be improved by
linking these combined internal exposures to AOPs and MIEs.
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Tu-PL-I1.2
Assessing Tobacco Smoke Exposure Categories from Continuous Biomarker
Measurements Using Cumulative ROC Curve Analysis
Rey DeCastro, U.S. Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, GA, United States
AIM: Discriminating three or more exposure categories (e.g., low-medium-high) from
continuous measurements, such as biomarker concentrations, has been hindered because
standard receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis is limited to binary
outcomes. A new method free of this binary restraint -- cumulative ROC curve analysis -- is
used to determine cutpoints discriminating three categories of exposure to tobacco
smoke. METHODS: Cotinine in blood serum is a biomarker specific to tobacco smoke
exposure. Cumulative ROC curve analysis was used to identify cutpoint concentrations of
serum cotinine discriminating three ordinal categories of self-reported exposure to
tobacco smoke: non-exposed, exposed to second-hand smoke, and active smoker. Serum
cotinine measurements were obtained from participants in the United States National
Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Cumulative ROC curve analysis
comprises a two-stage, semiparametric approach combining conventional cumulative logit
regression with a cumulative version of ROC curve analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS:
Cumulative ROC curve analysis estimated serum cotinine cutpoints at 2.4 ng/ml
(discriminating non-exposed vs. second-hand smoke exposed) and 10.4 ng/ml
(discriminating second-hand smoke exposed vs. active smoker). Cumulative ROC curve
analysis may prove useful when it may be of interest to estimate intermediate exposure
levels.
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Tu-PL-I1.3
Models to estimate asbestos exposure of brake mechanics without sampling
María Fernanda Cely-García, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
Frank C. Curriero, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
Mauricio Sánchez-Silva, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
Patrick N. Breysse, . Work conducted while affiliated with the Department of
Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public
Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; currently employed by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. Patrick Breysse, Baltimore, MD, United States
Margarita Giraldo, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
Lorena Méndez, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
Carlos Torres-Duque, Fundación Neumológica Colombiana, Bogotá, Colombia
Mauricio Durán, Fundación Neumológica Colombiana, Bogotá, Colombia
Mauricio González-García, Fundación Neumológica Colombiana, Bogotá, Colombia
Patricia Parada, Fundación Neumológica Colombiana, Bogotá, Colombia
Juan Ramos-Bonilla, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, DC, Colombia
Introduction: Decades ago it was common among brake mechanics in high-income
countries to manipulate asbestos containing brake products, work-tasks that are no longer
performed. Air asbestos samples were rarely collected during these manipulations,
limiting our ability to understand asbestos exposure of brake mechanics, something crucial
for epidemiological studies. Brake mechanics that work in brake repair shops (BRS) in
Bogotá, Colombia still manipulate asbestos containing brake products.
Objective: Propose models to estimate personal asbestos exposures of brake mechanics
that manipulate asbestos containing brake products, based on the results of asbestos
sampling campaigns conducted in BRS located in Bogotá, Colombia.
Methods: Since 2010, personal air asbestos concentrations were determined on 28 riveters
that work in 18 brake repair shops (BRS). Work-shift personal asbestos exposures were
determined based on both 30-min personal samples collected during manipulation
activities of brake products, and personal samples collected during non-manipulation
activities. Longitudinal based linear regression models and Monte Carlo simulations were
used to construct models to estimate work-shift personal asbestos concentrations, based
on the tasks performed by workers during the work-shift. Spearman correlations were used
to evaluate the relationship between the actual and the model-estimated work-shift
personal asbestos concentrations.
Results: Three hundred and twelve (312) short-term asbestos personal samples collected
during manipulation activities, and 289 asbestos personal samples collected during non-
manipulation activities, were used to calculate 103 work-shifts personal asbestos
concentrations. Longitudinal based linear regression models showed that asbestos personal
exposures in a work-shift increase 5.25-folds with at least one manipulation activity of
asbestos containing brake products (p=0.001), increase 5.52-folds if the worker remains
inside of the manipulation area during non-manipulation activities (p=0.014), and increase
4% per each additional asbestos containing product manipulated daily (p=0.150). Monte
Carlo simulations conducted with different numbers of manipulations (i.e., 0 to 16 sets of
brake products manipulated), showed that the estimated work-shift personal asbestos
exposure mean ranges between 0.02 to 0.85 f/cc. The Spearman correlation between the
estimated and the actual personal asbestos work-shift exposure was ~0.7 (p=0.000).
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Conclusion: The models proposed were constructed based on real sampling data, and can
be applied to estimate asbestos exposures without sampling campaigns. The models can
be useful for both current and retrospective asbestos exposure studies of brake
mechanics. Caution is required because of potential underestimation of the real work-shift
exposure. The next step in the process will be to have an external validation of the
models.
327
Tu-PL-I1.4
Bayesian Approach for Summarizing Uncertainties Related to a Prevalence Estimate
Matthias Greiner, Federal Institute for Rissk Assessment (BfR) and Veterinary University
Hannover (TiHo), Berlin, Germany
Matthias Flor, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
Chrsitine Müller-Graf, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
The generic concept of prevalence is applicable to quantify the proportion of any binary
trait in a population such as proportion of contaminated food items or proportion of
consumers with a certain exposure behavior. Major sources of uncertainty of prevalence
estimates are related to the study design and sampling issues and are usually described
using the concepts of precision (statistical parameter uncertainty of the estimate) and
bias. A typical source of (information) bias is diagnostic misclassification.
Aim: We aimed at developing a statistical approach for prevalence estimation and
characterization of all uncertainties that are associated with the study data and relevant
meta-data such as diagnostic method performance characteristics.
Methods: We developed a user-friendly, universally applicable Bayesian version of a
prevalence estimator that accounts for diagnostic misclassification (based on Rogan and
Gladen, 1978; Am J Epidemiol 107.1: 71-76). The model requires input data for the
(apparent) prevalence estimate (AP) along with prior information about the diagnostic
sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) that are available from validation studies of the test or
instrument and a prior estimate for the true prevalence. Priors may also be elicited from
experts. We illustrate using a simple hypothetical example (AP = 12/100, Se = 80/120, Sp =
79/80, and a uniform, non-informative prior for prevalence).
Results: Using the example input we obtain a prevalence estimate of 0.158 (95 % credible
interval 0.056-0.281), which is adjusted for misclassification and deviates from the
unadjusted estimate (AP = 0.12). Further uncertainties can be handled using repeated
analyses with alternative priors.
Conclusions: Prevalence estimations can easily be adjusted for diagnostic misclassification
if the diagnostic performance (sensitivity and specificity) of the test or instrument has
been characterized. The use of a Bayesian model is a transparent and flexible approach
for quantifying the combined uncertainties of all model parameters which can be informed
by empirical data or expert opinion.
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Tu-PL-I1.5
Lifetime exposome modeling
Olivier Jolliet, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
"Tell me when and where you lived and worked, what you consumed and ate… and I will
tell you who you are (your exposome!). In the era of high-throughput biology and
biomedicine, genome-wide associations need to be complemented by exposome wide
associations, thus the importance to develop high-throughput exposure strategies.
Complementary to biomarker oriented approaches, this presentation explores how recent
databases enables us to trace and predict the lifetime exposure of individuals to thousands
of chemicals on the basis of the time evolution of their home location, sector workplace,
consumption patterns and eating habits.
We use measured concentrations from the OSHA Chemical Exposure Health Database to
characterize exposure to 250 chemicals per blue collars hour worked in 880 NAICS
industrial sectors. These occupational exposures are confirmed by significantly higher
biomarker levels measured in NHANES for blue collar workers compared to the rest of the
population. Coupling of household product databases with near field exposure models with
near-field modeling of product intake fractions (PiFs) provide first estimate of ranges of
exposure to cosmetics, building material or other consumer products. A spatialized
multiscale multimedia model (Pangea) provides improved resolution to better assess
environmental and food contaminants.
This presentation will show how these recent developments in exposure data and modeling
enable us to predict lifetime exposure across multiple chemicals. The approach will be
illustrated through a case study in Michigan determining the lifetime dioxin exposome of
hundreds of habitants in a contaminated area, based on their dioxin blood measurements
and phamacokinetic modeling. The study identifies as major factors of influence the
number of years lived in the contaminated area, the distance to the local incinerator and
the consumption of contaminated food. At a wider scale we will finally shortly discuss how
the exposome relates to the age response of multiple NHANES biomarkers.
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TCDD lifetime exposome of a 80 years old inhabitant in a contaminated are. in 2005 a
large part of its measured blood concnetration is due to exposure prior to 1983
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Tu-SY-A2: The Exposome: From concept to practice – II
Tu-SY-A2.1
Early Observations from EXPOSoMICS
Marc Chadeau-Hyam, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
Paolo Vineis, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
Roel Vermeulen, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
EXPOSOMICS is one of the first European large-scale project aiming at the characterisation
of the exposome compiling data and molecular profiles from bio-banked blood samples as
well as using existing cohort resources. Adopting a ‘top down’ approach, the project aims
to identify molecular signatures of several prioritised (air and water) exposures.
In order to capture the complex nature of the exposome the project design focused on the
exploration of acute, short-term and long-term effects of these exposures by using,
respectively, experimental study designs, performing personal exposure monitoring using
sensors, and modelled long-term exposures. The study also accounts for the dynamics of
the exposome by covering several critical life stages by including mother-child pairs,
children, young adults, and adult cohorts.
In this presentation, we will describe the rich exposome dataset representing both the
external and internal environments that the project has generated. We will describe its
amplitude and complexity, and will present the overall approach we have adopted to fully
exploit this unique resource.
In order to improve statistical power, Exposomics has made use of specific study designs
designs (e.g. cross-over designs, longitudinal data) which are not routinely used in an
OMIC-screening context. This raises specific methodological challenges which adds to the
typical high dimensional situation observed in computational biology. We developed
efficient models to exploit these data and to provide interpretable results. We will
describe these approaches based on a few examples.
In addition to these proof-of-principle examples, we will describe on-going work, and
short-term perspectives envisaged to exploit such information-rich exposome datasets.
From theses examples we will draw conclusions on the state of the art of ‘real-word’
exposome research, and will highlight both the advances it has already yielded as well as
the potential for further improvements. The latter will call upon an accelerated and trans-
disciplinary effort to devise scalable and interpretable methods to explore and integrate
these high resolution/high quality OMIC data sets.
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Tu-SY-A2.2
Early observations from HEALS
Dimosthenis Sarigiannis, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Aim: The exposome represents the totality of exposures from conception onwards.
Unraveling it requires simultaneously identifying, characterizing and quantifying the
exogenous and endogenous exposures and modifiable risk factors that predispose to and
predict diseases throughout a person’s life span. Using the exposome to identify causes of
human disease implies that environmental exposures and genetic variation are reliably
measured in tandem and linked through mechanistic analysis of toxicity pathways rather
than only phenotypically associated.
Methods: To better understand the interaction between environmental exposure and
disease, we need to; (a) capture the biological perturbations initiated by exposure to
environmental stressors; and (b) identify which of these perturbations overcome the
homeostasis barrier, resulting in observed alterations of the cell/tissue environment and
eventually to pathologic phenotypes. Exposure biology provides the methodological
elements for the surveillance of changes at different levels of biological organization
through the use of multiple –omics and post-omics technologies including epigenetics.
Starting from untargeted transcriptomics and metabolomics we proceed with joint analysis
of biological and metabolic processes induced by exposure to xenobiotics. In HEALS
already existing cohort samples and data are re-analyzed to derive new insight on disease
causality. Prenatal exposure of Polish mothers to phthalates was determined by (a)
untargeted metabolomics analysis (using a 600 MHz NMR) and (b) targeted metabolomics
measuring 11 phthalate metabolites in urinary samples from (n=165) mothers during the
third trimester of pregnancy (prenatal exposure) using HPLC–MS/MS. Genetic variability
and psychomotor development was assessed in their children at the age of 2 years by the
Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development.
Results: Results showed that the mothers with higher exposure to phthalates have
completely different metabolic profiles compared to the ones with lower exposure levels.
Child motor development was inversely associated with concentrations of several
phthalates (β = − 2.5; 95% CI − 4.1 to − 0.9) in the urine collected from mothers during
pregnancy.
Conclusions: Metabolic pathway analysis using Agilent GeneSpring revealed that alterations
in urine metabolites are related to the TCA cycle, suggesting impaired mitochondrial
respiration; the latter is central to energy metabolism and cellular signaling and plays
fundamental roles in synthesis of nucleotides and active transport processes. Inhibition of
mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation could also cause defective mitochondrial energy
production during fetal formation and development. Impaired mitochondrial respiration
and energy generation seem to affect early life motor development. These observations
suggest a plausible set of biological process pathways causing neurodevelopmental
disorders.
332
Tu-SY-B2: Uncertainty in scientific assessments: Recent efforts by
governmental bodies to develop guidance for assessors
Tu-SY-B2.1
Application of Quantitative Methods for Uncertainty Assessment in Chemical Risk
Assessment: 2-Dimensional-Monte Carlo Method for PBDEs in Food
David Trudel, Arcadis Schweiz AG, Zurich, Switzerland
Natalie von Goetz, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
Background
Quantitative methods for uncertainty analysis in chemical risk assessment are available,
but not yet routinely used. Among these, the probabilistic method of 2-dimensional Monte
Carlo (2D-MC) is one of the most advanced methods for refined exposure assessment: It
allows attributing the variation of exposure estimates to either variability or uncertainty
in the underlying parameters, which helps with management decisions and the allocation
of analytical resources.
Objectives
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) were selected for exemplarily showing the benefits
of using a refined quantitative method for uncertainty assessment. They are flame
retardants, which are widespread environmental contaminants and, thus, regularly
monitored in a number of food items. Due to endocrine disrupting properties of some
PBDEs refined risk assessments are of interest. We used 2D-MC for exposure assessment of
PBDEs in food in order to explore the uncertainties in the underlying dataset and identify
the most effective strategy for future sampling of food items.
Methods
The probabilistic aggregate exposure estimation was based on the extensive Irish database
on PBDE concentrations in food and on food consumption data for the Irish adult
population. The calculations were performed for nine important PBDE congeners: BDE-28,
-47, -49, -99, -100, -153, -154, -183, and -209. Only foods of animal origin and vegetable
oil were modeled, because all data points from other sample matrices (such as fruits)
were below the analytical limit of detection.
Results
The uncertainty analysis showed that dairy fat and lean fish were the most important
contributors to PBDE exposure. The dominating congeners were BDE-47, -99, and -209.
Table 1 shows the effect of using 2D-MC on the exposure estimates as compared to 1D-
Monte Carlo. The HQD is the high-quantile exposure estimate taking into account
variability and uncertainty at Q97.5, respectively.
Table 1: Exposure estimates for 1D-MC and 2D-MC
see attachment
Most of the HQD from 2D-MC are about twice as high as the high-quantile exposure Q97.5
from 1D-MC. Thus, the safety margins in risk assessments will be reduced correspondingly,
but at the same time the confidence in the risk assessments will considerably be
increased, since a high quantile for uncertainty (Q97.5) is covered.
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Table 1: Exposure estimates for 1D-MC and 2D-MC
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Tu-SY-B2.2
APROBA-Plus: An Excel tool for an approximate probabilistic risk assessment taking
uncertainties into account
Wout Slob, RIVM, Bilthoven, Netherlands
In 2014 WHO published guidance on evaluating and expressing uncertainties in human
health hazard characterization (HC). In this approach, the outcome of a HC is expressed as
an interval or distribution rather than the usual deterministic point estimate (such as RfD,
ADI), thereby communicating potential uncertainties more clearly. Risk management
protection goals, in particular the acceptable magnitude of effect (M) and associated
incidence (I) in the human population are first made explicit. The goal is to estimate the
„HDMI“, i.e. the „true“ human dose associated with M and I (e.g. body weight decreased
by ≥ 10% (M) in 5% (I) of the population). The WHO approach provides an uncertainty
distribution for the HDMI, which is calculated by probabilistically combining the individual
uncertainties in the various aspects of the HC (such as POD, inter-, and intraspecies
extrapolation). WHO also published a user-friendly Excel tool that can do those
probabilistic calculations in an approximate but quick and easy way. This tool is called
APROBA, and can be downloaded from
http://www.who.int/ipcs/methods/harmonization/areas/hazard_assessment/en/
Recently, the tool was extended by an option to enter exposure estimates, with an
uncertainty range. This extended tool (APROBA-plus) plots the uncertainty in the HDMI
against the exposure uncertainty, resulting in an ellipse that transparently indicates the
uncertainty about the distance between the HDMI and the exposure, given the information
available.
The use of APROBA-Plus was recently evaluated by applying it to 19 different substances,
showing that APROBA-Plus can indeed be used as a quick tool for risk assessment while
making the (approximate) uncertainties in both the hazard and the exposure visible in a
single plot. By making the uncertainties visible, the outcome from a risk assessment
becomes more transparent and informative than the more usual deterministic approaches,
so that risk managers can make better-informed decisions, e.g. directly taking measures
or asking for refinement of the risk assessment. If the latter, APROBA-Plus can help in
showing which aspects in the risk assessment contributed most to the overall uncertainty,
as an indication what type of refinement would be most effective. This tool could easily
serve as a standard extension of routine risk assessments.
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Tu-SY-B2.3
EFSA target audience research project on communicating scientific uncertainties
Anthony Smith, European Food Safety Authority, Parma, Italy
Background
EFSA is developing guidance on uncertainty in scientific assessments to apply across the
work of its scientific panels, staff and partners in EU member states. EFSA's Scientific
Committee considers effective communication of uncertainties vital in this process but the
literature is equivocal about the best methods to do so. Further, there is a lack of
empirical data on the best approaches for communicating scientific uncertainties to non-
technical audiences. EFSA therefore commissioned a project to generate such data
through target audience research.
Objectives
Although EFSA regularly communicates the scientific uncertainties related to its
assessments, it has not developed a model that is applied consistently across the
organisation. The project, therefore, aims to test effective methods, approaches and tools
for communicating scientific uncertainties to European and national decision-makers,
stakeholders and the general public. The results will be used to update and finalise the
guidance document under development at EFSA and also to establish best practice at EFSA
on communicating scientific uncertainties to the Authority’s broad range of stakeholders,
including decision-makers and the general public.
Methods
EFSA intends to differentiate more systematically the level of scientific technicality in the
communications messages on uncertainties intended for different target audience. EFSA
identified five main target audience groups for the project: technical policy-makers,
political decision-makers, civil society stakeholders, food chain operators and informed
members of the public. Individual representatives of these groups were selected from both
European and national levels. In focus groups of 6 to 8 people, participants complete two
tasks:
An individual task to read and evaluate nine short statements containing different
presentations of uncertainty – including quantitative and qualitative expressions of
uncertainty – relating to a case study, then answer a brief questionnaire.
A collective task involves a discussion to explore the issue of uncertainty and the case
study. The conversation is guided to cover the different ways of expressing uncertainty
used in the statements. It explores matters of clarity, usefulness, and gives participants
the opportunity to express any relevant considerations. The group discussion is recorded,
transcribed and analysed.
Results
The responses contribute to EFSA’s understanding of how different ways of expressing
uncertainty might be received by individuals and in groups. This provides a rich and
nuanced understanding of how participants respond to uncertainty information, as
individuals and as a collective. Salient themes are identified, as well as commonalities and
differences within the group.
336
Tu-SY-C2: Use of Agent Based Models in Exposure Assessment
Tu-SY-C2.1
Towards an in silico Experimental Platform for Air Quality: Houston, TX as a Case Study
Bianica Pires, Virginia Tech, Arlington, VA, United States
Gizem Korkmaz, Virginia Tech, Arlington, VA, United States
Katherine Ensor, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States
David Higdon, Virginia Tech, Arlington, VA, United States
Sallie Keller, Virginia Tech, Arlington, VA, United States
Bryan Lewis, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
Aaron Schroeder, Virginia Tech, Arlington, VA, United Kingdom
Paul Price, US EPA, RTP, NC, United States
It has been demonstrated that localized specific exposures to ozone can dramatically
increase health risks for cardiac events and asthma. Many studies, however, use 12- or 24-
hour activity summaries. Aggregating time to daily periods misses important details such
as variations in ozone levels across physical space and time, which can significantly impact
individual and population exposure levels. For example, it was found that an increase of
20 parts per billion (ppb) in ozone over a period of one to three hours is associated with a
4.4% increased risk of having an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, for which 90% of cases
result in death (Ensor et al., 2013). We seek to estimate exposure levels at a higher
granularity by coupling a spatiotemporal air quality model of ozone concentration levels
with a synthetic information model of the Houston Metropolitan Area. The synthetic
population includes socio-demographically relevant activity sequences and geo-spatially
mapped locations for these activities, thus we estimate the movements of each individual
in the population and their location second-by-second. This population contains 4.9 million
individuals, grouped into 1.8 million households, who perform activities that occur in 1.2
million physical locations. We then match the resolution of time intervals obtained from
the 47 monitors that measure ozone across Houston. While traditional approaches often
aggregate the population, activities, or concentration levels of the pollutant across space
and/or time, this research utilizes high performance computing and statistical learning
tools to maintain the granularity of the data, allowing specific exposure levels to be
attached to the synthetic individuals. Furthermore, the heterogeneous exposure levels of
the population across time are more accurately reflected, allowing for increased
sensitivity to detecting the variation of exposure across the population. Several scenarios
of the model were run at different levels of resolution, one in which individuals were
assumed to stay home all day. While average hourly exposures to ozone across the
population were similar across the scenarios, when we maintain the granularity of the
data, the variation of exposure could reach an increase of 20 ppb over a short period of
time, which could be particularly important if experienced by sensitive populations. This
results in varying levels of exposure among individuals in the same zip code,
neighborhood, block, and even household depending on their activity patterns throughout
the day.
Ensor, K.B., Raun, L.H., and Persse, D. (2013). A case-crossover analysis of out-of-hospital
cardiac arrest and air pollution. Circulation, AHA-113.
337
Tu-SY-C2.2
Using agent-based modelling for interpreting the individual exposome
Dimosthenis Sarigiannis, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Dimitris Chapizanis, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Spyros Karakitsios, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Alberto Gotti, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Aim: This paper outlines a prototype methodology for exploring and interpreting the
exposome concept at the individual level using multi-sensor data fusion and agent-based
modelling to capture behavioural determinants of exposure profiles. In this way,
cumulative exposure to major potential health stressors over critical windows of life is
estimated. The integral of cumulative exposure over one’s life course would then define
the external exposome.
Methods: Time series of data from wearable sensors used for tracking personal location,
activity intensity, food consumption and consumer product use patterns are fused using
artificial neural networks (ANNs) to derive time-activity models. Data from food
consumption and consumer product use are statistically associated to gender, age and
socio-economic status (SES) of the individuals participating in the study. Coupling time-
activity models with location data allows us to derive individual space-time trajectories.
These individual trajectories together with gender, age and SES are used as input to a
spatially explicit agent-based model (ABM). The studied population is clustered by age,
gender and SES. Through stochastic interactions among model agent clusters space-time
trajectories of population subgroups emerge from the ABM simulations. These trajectories
are then superposed onto high resolution indoor and ambient air quality maps. Food
consumption and consumer products use data are linked to residue levels (of pesticides
and other industrial chemicals) of food items and consumer products respectively. Age,
gender and intensity of activity data are taken into account for estimating population
subgroup exposure.
Results: By coupling data from multiple location, activity tracking and environmental
sensors with an urban ABM, complex exposure was estimated for a city of a population of
1.000.000. Exposure to various pollutants was found to vary significantly based on SES
conditions. In principle, people with lower income tend to live in areas characterized by
higher levels of air pollution (especially with regard to combustion-related pollutants) and
to consume food with higher content of pesticides. On the other hand, people with higher
income were exposed to higher levels of PBDEs and heavy metals.
Conclusions: Agent-based modelling proved to be a powerful tool for exposome research.
It allows the derivation of statistically robust exposure estimates at the population level
from a limited number of individual exposure profiles, while avoiding the inherent bias of
probabilistic exposure modelling based on Bayesian statistics. ABMs incorporate explicitly
socio-economic determinants of exposure and support the enhanced use of multi-sensor
systems for exposome characterization at high degree of granularity.
338
Tu-SY-C2.3
A framework for the use of agent based modeling to simulate inter- and intra-
individual variation in human behaviors
Paul Price, US EPA, RTP, North Carolina, United States
Namdi Brandon, US EPA, TRP, North Carolina, United States
Kathie Dionisio, US EPA, RTP, North Carolina, United States
Rogelio Tornero-Velez, US EPA, RTP, North Carolina, United States
Kristin Isaacs, US EPA, RTP, North Carolina, United States
Simulation of human behavior in exposure modeling is a complex task. Traditionally, inter-
individual variation in human activity has been modeled by drawing from a pool of single
day time-activity diaries such as the US EPA Consolidated Human Activity Database
(CHAD). Here, an agent-based model (ABM) is used to simulate population distributions of
longitudinal patterns of four macro activities (sleeping, eating, working, and commuting)
in populations of adults over a period of one year. In this ABM, an individual is modeled as
an agent whose movement through time and space is determined by a set of decision
rules. The rules are based on the agent having time-varying “needs” that are satisfied by
performing actions. Needs are modeled as increasing over time, and taking an action
reduces the need. Need-satisfying actions include sleeping (meeting the need for rest),
eating (meeting the need for food), and commuting/working (meeting the need for
income). Every time an action is completed, the model determines the next action the
agent will take based on the magnitude of each of the agent’s needs at that point in time.
Different activities advertise their ability to satisfy various needs of the agent (such as
food to eat or sleeping in a bed or on a couch). The model then chooses the activity that
satisfies the greatest of the agent’s needs. When multiple actions could address a need,
the model will choose the most effective of the actions (bed over the couch). In addition,
multiple activities can be linked to a single decision (e.g., commuting must precede and
follow working). An agent’s needs and the rate at which the needs increase over time are
varied across agents and are correlated with the agents’ fixed personal attributes (e.g.,
age, gender, etc.) and household physical characteristics (distance between residence and
work). Model parameters such as individuals’ rates of need increases are informed using
data from CHAD. The advantage of ABM is that, unlike CHAD, it can provide information on
human activity over periods of time longer than one day. We will present predictions for a
population of adults for the four activities and compare the model outputs to the CHAD
data. In future work we propose to extend this “need-based” framework to model usage of
consumer products. For example, each agent is assigned personal hygiene and home
cleanliness needs which drive their use of personal care products and household cleaning
supplies.
339
Tu-PL-D2: Land Use Regression Modeling – II
Tu-PL-D2.1
Effect of Monitoring Network Design on Land Use Regression Model for Estimating
Residential NO2 Concentration
Hao Wu, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Stefan Reis, NERC Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Penicuik, United Kingdom
Mathew Heal, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Land-use regression (LUR) models are increasingly used to estimate exposure to air
pollution in urban areas. An appropriate monitoring network is an important component in
the development of a robust LUR model. In this study concentrations of NO2
were simulated by a dispersion model at ‘virtual’ monitoring sites in 54 networks of
varying numbers and types of site, using a 25 km2 area in Edinburgh, UK, as
an example location. Separate LUR models were developed for each network. These were
then used to estimate NO2 concentration at all residential addresses, which
were evaluated against the dispersion-modelled concentration at these addresses. The
improvement in predictive capability of the LUR models was insignificant above ~30
monitoring sites, although more sites tended to yield more precise LUR models. Monitoring
networks containing sites located within highly populated areas better estimated across all
residential NO2 concentrations. LUR models constructed from networks
containing more roadside sites better characterised the high end of residential
NO2 concentrations but increased errors when considering the whole range of
concentrations. No particular composition of monitoring network resulted in good
estimation simultaneously across all residential NO2 concentration and of the
highest NO2 levels. This evaluation with dispersion modelling has shown that
previous LUR model validation methods may have been optimistic in their assessment of
the model’s predictive performance at residential locations. Dispersion modelling has
proven to be a useful tool for designing an effective network for LUR model development
and evaluation.
340
Tu-PL-D2.2
European models incorporating satellite and chemical transport modelling with local
variables in LUR
Kees De Hoogh, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
John Gulliver, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
Aaron van Donkelaar, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
Randall V Martin, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
Julian D Marshall, University of Washington, Minneapolis, United States
Danielle Vienneau, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
Gerard Hoek, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
Introduction. To quantify effects on health outcomes over background air pollution levels,
it is necessary to undertake large epidemiological studies and/or pool data from multiple
cohorts. Air pollution exposure estimates over large geographic areas at sufficient spatial
resolution are thus needed. Satellite-derived (SAT) and chemical transport model (CTM)
estimates of PM2.5 and NO2 are increasingly used in combination with Land Use Regression
(LUR) models to accomplish this. We aimed to compare the contribution of SAT and CTM
data to the performance of LUR PM2.5 and NO2 models for Europe.
Methods. Four sets of models, all including local traffic and land use variables, were
compared (LUR without SAT or CTM, with SAT only, with CTM only, and with both SAT and
CTM). LUR models were developed using two monitoring data sets: PM2.5 and NO2 ground
level measurements from the European Study of Cohorts for Air Pollution Effects (ESCAPE)
and from the European AIRBASE network.
Results. LUR PM2.5 models including SAT and SAT+CTM explained ~60% of spatial variation
in measured PM2.5 concentrations, substantially more than the LUR model without SAT
and CTM (adjR2: 0.33-0.38). For NO2 CTM improved prediction modestly (adjR2: 0.58)
compared to models without SAT and CTM (adjR2: 0.47-0.51). Both monitoring networks
are capable of producing models explaining the spatial variance over a large study area.
Conclusions. SAT and CTM estimates of PM2.5 and NO2 significantly improved the
performance of high spatial resolution LUR models at the European scale for use in large
epidemiological studies.
341
Tu-PL-D2.3
Modeling the Intraurban Variation in Traffic Exposure in Urban Areas in Kathmandu
Valley, Nepal
Anobha Gurung, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
Johnathan Levy, Boston University, Boston, United States
Michelle Bell, Yale University, New Haven, United States
Aim: With growing urbanization, traffic pollution has become one of the main sources of
air pollution in Nepal. Understanding the impact of air pollution on health requires
estimation of exposure. While many exposure assessment studies are available in the
developed world, such assessments are relatively scarce in developing countries. Landuse
regression (LUR) modeling is widely used to investigate intraurban variation in air
pollution, specifically traffic pollution, for Western cities. We developed LUR modeling
towards understanding intraurban variation of traffic pollution in urban areas of
Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, one of the fastest urbanizing areas in South Asia.
Methods: Over the study area, 135 monitoring sites were selected using stratified random
sampling based on building density and road density and purposeful sampling. In 2014, four
sampling campaigns were performed, one per season, for two weeks each where nitrogen
dioxide (NO2) was measured using duplicate Palmes tubes at 135 sites and Ogawa badges
at 28 sites. Ogawa badges were used to measure NO2 and nitrogen oxides (NOX).
Geographical variables (e.g., road network, landuse, built area) were used as predictor
variables LUR modeling. Predictor data were unavailable outside of the study area except
for Landsat data. Predictor variables were estimated for buffers 25-400m around each
monitoring site. When portions of buffers were outside the study area, values of predictor
variables with missing data were interpolated.
Results: Annual average NO2 by site ranged from 1.62 to 349ppb for the study area. High
completion rate by campaign was observed for Palmes tubes (90.4-95.6%) and Ogawa
badges (78.6-100%). Sensitivity analysis showed that interpolation of predictor data
outside of the study area performed well. The final model selected accounted for 51% of
the variance in NO2 levels. In the final model, length of major road, built area, and
industrial area were positively associated with NO2 concentration while normalized
difference vegetation index (NDVI) was negatively associated with NO2 concentration.
Cross validation of the results confirmed the reliability of the model.
Conclusions: Findings demonstrate that NO2 annual average concentration was higher in
the Village Development Committees (VDCs) of Kathmandu and Lalitpur than in Kirtipur,
Thimi, and Bhaktapur with variability present within each VDC. LUR modeling allows
understanding of intraurban variation of traffic pollution for better exposure estimation
for future epidemiological studies.
342
Tu-SY-E2: Exposure science meets social science: Tools for the effective
communication of the health risks associated with air pollution exposure and
implications for policy development
Tu-SY-E2.1
Personalised Air Quality Data Gathered Through Community-Based Projects as a Tool
For Communicating Air Pollution as a Public Health Risk.
Diana Silva, King’s College London, London, London, United Kingdom
Background: It is widely recognised that air pollution is a public health concern
accountable for numerous health problems and tens of thousands of premature deaths per
year in the UK. Despite this evidence, awareness of the issue is low in comparison to other
public health risks. Improved methods for engaging with the public and communicating
this risk are required.
Aim: To investigate the impact of an air pollution community-based project on
participants' perceptions and attitudes towards air quality issues.
Methods: The methodology used is rooted in Community-Based Participatory Research
(CBPR) and uses observation, surveys and interviews. A range of community groups took
part in this study, including Primary school children, senior citizens, patients from COPD
recovery groups and parents from a mother and baby group. All members of these groups
participated in an information session on air pollution causes and effects; then using
portable exposure monitors and GPS watches, a subset of individuals from each group
measured the air pollution they are exposed to as they go about their normal day.
Results: Most of the participants expressed the view that being able to collect air pollution
data themselves was a key motivator for deciding to take part in the project.
The majority of the participants stated that having access to personalised environmental
information they themselves gathered increased their air pollution awareness and their
desire to identify ways in which they could reduce their air pollution exposure.
Additionally, some participants expressed their desire to use the air pollution data
collected to raise awareness and persuade local government to address the issue. Finally,
the personal nature of some of the results and the issues around dealing with unexpected
exposures revealed some of the complexities surrounding the benefits and limitations of
communicating personal exposure data to individuals.
Conclusion: This project appears to have raised awareness of the risks of poor air quality
by supplementing information provision with active collection of personalised exposure
data. Citizens’ responses included personal behaviour change in order to reduce air
pollution exposure as well as a desire to use data to lobby local government for change.
This project also highlights the importance of suitable personal exposure data reporting,
tailored to specific settings and social surroundings.
343
Tu-SY-E2.2
Environmental exposure and citizen sensing: New modes of monitoring, new modes of
politics
Helen Pritchard, Goldsmiths, University of London, London, United Kingdom
Jennifer Gabrys, Goldsmiths, University of London, London, United Kingdom
A number of environmental sensing technologies and practices are emerging that seek to
enable citizens to use DIY and low-tech monitoring tools to understand and act upon
environmental problems such as air pollution. These “citizen sensing” projects intend to
gather data sets, which can indicate environmental change and give rise to political
action. This presentation will discuss citizen-sensing efforts related to monitoring PM2.5 in
the gas fields of northeastern Pennsylvania, and the ways in which citizen-gathered data
has generated new insights for understanding environmental exposure.
344
Tu-SY-E2.3
Evidences of a social sciences pilot research from the FP7 SEFIRA Socio-economic
implications for individual responses to Air Pollution Policies in EU +27
Benjamin Barratt, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
The SEFIRA project investigated with a pilot research the preferences, behaviour and
responses of individuals and stakeholder groups that can influence the uptake of or
resistance to EU air quality policies. Qualitative and quantitative methods have been
combined for a pilot study based on a survey involving 16,100 European citizens from 7
countries (Austria, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Poland, Sweden, United Kingdom) testing
their environmental behaviour and preferences regarding a selection of air quality
policies. In addition, qualitative research in the four metropolitan areas of Antwerp,
Malmö, Milan and Warsaw has been carried out, consulting 12 focus groups each with
about 10 citizens and interviewing 38 top experts and policy makers. From 2014 to 2016
SEFIRA has organized public meetings for the consultation of public stakeholders in
Antwerp, Warsaw, Malmö, Milan, London and Vienna that saw the involvement of more
than 200 participants from a wide range of civil society organizations, NGOs and public
institutions. Evidence from the project shows a high degree of environmental
consciousness of air quality from a wide section of the European population, at least in
urban areas, while a mismatch between scientific knowledge and perceptions among the
general population still exists. Citizens show different attitudes when they are asked to
express their preferences towards possible air quality policies, according to where they
live and their socio-economic characteristics. Overall they appear to be more willing to
reduce car use and polluting consumption patterns rather than accepting additional visible
costs and environmental taxation and point out the need for a transition to a re-
organization of mobility and work-life balance in order to reduce car use in urban areas.
The impact of European policies is often reduced in the policy translation when regional
and municipal governments face strong resistance from important economic sectors or
because of trade-offs between environment and economic growth accentuated by the
2008 economic crisis. The study confirms the necessity of a more effective integration
between social sciences and atmospheric and exposure sciences in order to improve the
design and effectivity of air quality policies on the different european, national and local
scales.
345
Tu-SY-F2: OECD Task Force on Exposure Assessment - Better exposure
science for better lives - II
Tu-SY-F2.1
Combined Exposure Assessment
Takahiro Hasegawa, OECD, Paris, France
Human and ecological receptors are continuously co-exposed to multiple chemicals;
however, chemicals have traditionally been assessed and managed on a chemical-by-
chemical basis. As a result, there is a possibility that there are instances where chemicals
that independently do not pose a risk to human health and the environment may do so
when considered in combination.
OECD is discussing technical aspects of performing a hazard and exposure assessment for a
cumulative risk assessment to provide further guidance in the following areas:
· Development of problem formulation guidance on prioritization/triggers/scope for
assessment of combined exposures.
· Considerations regarding hazard characterization to inform assessment of combined
exposures.
· Considerations regarding co-exposure characterization to inform assessment of
combined exposures.
· Considerations regarding risk assessment of combined exposures using various
approaches and capturing and communicating uncertainties in findings.
This presentation will provide an overview of the OECD’s development of guidance to
support the assessment of risks from the combined exposures to multiple chemicals.
346
Tu-SY-F2.2
Development of Internationally Harmonized Use Codes
Cathy Fehrenbacher, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, United
States
Charles Bevington, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, United States
Franklyn Hall, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, United States
Andreas Ahrens, European Chemicals Agency, Helsinki, Finland
This presentation will provide an update on the OECD Task Force on Exposure
Assessment’s (TFEA) development of internationally harmonized codes for reporting
information on uses of chemicals to inform exposure assessment. Many existing approaches
to categorize uses are broad in nature, when applied to large numbers of chemicals. Broad
categorization results in a greater number of chemicals present in any given category, and
may present challenges when used in assessing exposure. However, a very fine level of
granularity might limit the international harmonization and ease of use if chemical use
categories are too specific. Thus, it is important to balance the need for granularity with
the burden of reporting the information.
This OECD TFEA project developed proposed internationally harmonized use codes based
on a review of existing functional use and product categories, and bilateral discussions
between the United States and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). The proposed use
codes include about 120 functional use codes, about 140 product use codes, and 8
material types and 7 article categories. A comprehensive approach was taken for
development of the functional use codes, with a goal towards defining codes which are
most helpful in evaluating exposure to chemicals throughout the whole lifecycle. This
includes functions in industrial processes, in products and in articles. The product and
article use categories are intended to focus on the end-use application of chemicals within
products and articles, rather than upstream manufacturing and processing.. The proposed
internationally harmonized use codes have undergone extensive review within the TFEA,
and will be made available by the OECD for use in developing models, databases, exposure
assessments, etc.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this abstract are those of the authors and do not
represent United States Environmental Protection Agency policy or endorsement.
347
Tu-SY-F2.3
An industry perspective on future exposure science needs to support chemical risk
assessment
Oliver Price, Unilever, Sharnbrook, United Kingdom
Richard Becker, American Chemistry Council, Washington, DC, United States
Bruno Hubesch, European Chemical Industry Council - Cefic, Brussels, Belgium
The International Council of Chemical Associations’ (ICCA) Long-Range Research Initiative
(LRI), is tasked with supporting the development of high quality scientific research to
better understand the potential impacts of chemicals on human health and the
environment. The LRI develops new science to address challenging issues such as the
appropriate use of new chemical hazard data (e.g. high-throughput screening data), a
need for more accurate exposure data on chemicals used in commerce, increased public
demands for safe products and concerns about animal welfare. The LRI global research
strategy, ‘Advancing Chemical Safety Assessment for the 21st Century’, directly addresses
these challenges and consists of three priority areas (1) Innovating Chemical Testing, (2)
Understanding Everyday Exposures to Chemicals and (3) Translating research outcomes for
product safety.
Understanding exposure to chemicals remains a challenge across multiple chemical sectors
and for academics and regulators alike. Detailed understanding of how chemicals are used
and distributed is critical for assessing the potential human and environmental health risks
and for informing decisions about new innovations. LRI research in exposure science
fosters initiatives to develop predictive models for estimating environmentally-relevant
exposures to chemicals, supports the development of novel biomarkers, and advances
approaches for interpreting new and available exposure data. This presentation will
provide an overview of current industry research challenges that are tasked with
improving our understanding of consumer exposure and the incorporation of novel hazard
data to assess risks from chemicals. We present exposure science challenges to realising
quantitative in vitro to in vivo (QIVIVE). Case studies that, combine human exposure and
dose information generated using PBTK models with hazard data from high-throughput
assays to support decision making are discussed. We outline remaining uncertainties in the
approaches, such as the model applicability and performance, characterisation of
chemical-response relationships, robust use/relevance of ADME data, that once addressed
will further increase our confidence in risk-based decision making using QIVIVE.
348
Tu-SY-G2: Environmental Justice: Developing the Scientific Foundation
Supporting Cumulative Exposures/Risks/Impacts and Disparate Impacts
Research – II
Tu-SY-G2.1
Quantifying Exposure and Risk Disproportionality in Environmental Justice Populations
Timothy Barzyk, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, United States
Hongtai Huang, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Engineering, Research Triangle Park,
United States
Lawrence Martin, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C, United States
Liem Tran, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, United States
Don Catanzaro, Oneida Total Integrated Enterprises, Milwaukee, United States
Disproportionate risk estimates can indicate a predisposition within an individual or
population to be either differentially exposed or differentially affected by a given stressor
or combination of stressors, which can be especially prevalent in Environmental Justice
(EJ) communities. Research gaps remain in accurately quantifying disproportionate risk,
including: 1) the extent to which varying stressors can be combined into a single health
risk score, and 2) determining rigorous, standardized scientific methods to compare the
relative risk of each stressor in relation to the others, and to develop cross-cutting
solutions to address them. This work focuses on the latter. Stressors can be chemical or
non-chemical in origin and serve as a link between to human and ecological health. A
primary research topic is how chemicals and chemical mixtures (i.e.,
pollution/contamination), interact with those most susceptible and vulnerable to adverse
health effects associated with these exposures and how that might affect health risk
estimates (e.g., how dose-response functions might be impacted). While associations have
been well-documented (i.e., that low-income, minority populations are highly exposed or
disproportionately impacted), less has been done to determine the relative risk associated
with particular stressors in order to establish priorities for policy development and
implementation. Until quantitative techniques become available to combine varying
stressors, comparative or relative risk assessment provides an opportunity to include data,
expert advice, and local knowledge to make informed decisions about addressing risk.
These methods have been applied to multiple case studies in EPA Regions throughout
2014-2015. The process we followed was informed by stakeholder input and real-world
testing, and has been developed into a web-based software application called the
Community Cumulative Assessment Tool (CCAT), a broadly designed tool appropriate to
use for evaluating wide-ranging risk scenarios, yet retaining some user flexibility to meet
the unique needs of each assessment. We present an overview of CCAT, along with case
study results and lessons learned, to highlight the utility of comparative risk assessment
(and resulting risk management actions), especially in the absence of methods that
combine risk from varying stressors.
349
Tu-SY-G2.2
Connecting the dots: Linking quantifiable environmental justice indicators to exposure
assessment methodologies
Hongtai Huang, Environmental Protection Agency (ORISE), Durham, North Carolina, United
States
Timothy Barzyk, National Exposure Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, Durham, North Carolina, United States
Rogelio Tornero-Velez, National Exposure Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, Durham, North Carolina, United States
Cumulative risk assessment (CRA) offers a unique context for addressing Environmental
Justice (EJ) issues from scientific perspectives, especially when it comes to examining
combined effects of multiple environmental stressors1. Not only chemical stressors (e.g.
radon, toluene and particulate matter) but also non-chemical stressors (e.g. smoking,
noise and violence) can be evaluated2-4. EJ indicators, used as a tool to assess and
quantify some of these non-chemical factors, include health, economic, and social
indicators such as vulnerability and susceptibility5. Many studies have identified the
associations between EJ indicators and chemical stressors6-10, but fewer focused on the
interrelation between stressors and indicators and their effects on health. In this study,
we utilized both established and novel quantitative methods in order to better understand
how the interaction of multiple chemical and non-chemical stressors affect population
level exposure assessment. Established approaches include the Average Daily Dose (ADD)
model11 that has been commonly used in exposure assessment within the conventional
risk assessment framework12, while novel techniques encompass unsupervised data mining
methods such as association rules mining13. A major intention of this work is to quantify
what are often considered qualitative EJ indicators to provide a more accurate
representation of environmental exposures and impacts.
350
Tu-SY-G2.3
For Better or For Worse: Environmental Health Promotion in Support of Community
Action
Eric Hall, US Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, North Carolina, United States
Cheryl Johnson, People for Community Recovery (PCR), Chicago, Illinois, United States
Brandi White, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United
States
OBJECTIVE/AIM: Environmental Health Education (EHE) is effective when incorporated
with community member knowledge, environmental science, risk education, and health
education. EHE programs must inform residents about exposures affecting their health
and the attendant risks. This research assesses EHE’s impact on civic engagement,
knowledge of environmental exposures, associated health risks, and community health
outcomes.
METHODS: The focus of the research is a public housing community surrounded by
landfills, hazardous waste sites, and manufacturing facilities located in Chicago, Illinois.
An environmental justice organization, People for Community Recovery (PCR), was the
community partner. Data was collected from community residents during one week in
March 2009 using both qualitative and quantitative research methods, including a focus
group and a survey provided to two different resident groups, to understand
attitudes/beliefs about environmental exposures, hazardous wastes, landfills, lead, and
EHE preferences.
RESULTS: There were 42 community who residents participated [97.7% Black/African
American; 61.9% female; mean age: 45.1 (SD±13.5) years]. Most (79%) were concerned
about physical and social hazards. They felt that no one provided clear and pertinent
information about physical hazards. Approximately 60% believe there are too few laws
regulating environmental risks, and 64.2% do not believe government will help them with
serious health community problems. Trusted sources of EHE information include their
community-based environmental justice organization and community health workers.
DISCUSSION: This study has been useful in organizing community efforts and fostering
collaborations to improve community health. EHE initiatives can improve community
residents’ knowledge of environmental exposures and inform researchers on the broader
environmental factors that community residents consider important including socio-
economic and psychosocial stressors.
351
Tu-PL-H2: Analytical Methods - II
Tu-PL-H2.1
Towards a metrological validation of gas sensors for exposure assessment
Gertjan Kok, VSL, Delft, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands
Stefan Persijn, VSL, Delft, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands
Annarita Baldan, VSL, Delft, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands
Hugo Ent, VSL, Delft, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands
Recent years showed a strong increase in the world-wide use of new low-cost sensors in
medium and large scale environmental monitoring studies, particularly carried out in
cities. Such sensor systems are considered by many to be the future direction for ambient
air quality monitoring, and even personal monitoring. Next to their low costs other
advantages are that they can deliver real-time, spatially dense, pollution data.
For the uptake of this technology the quality of the measurement data needs to be
carefully considered. Therefore independent assessment of the sensor performance is
required. As Dutch National Metrology Institute VSL is currently developing a gas sensor
test facility based on VSL’s extensive expertise on gas mixture preparation and gas
analysis, in particular using highly selective infrared spectroscopy. This facility will allow
gas sensor manufacturers and end users to assess sensor performance and cross
sensitivities at different temperatures, pressures, relative humidities and wind speeds.
This facility will be unique in its kind, because gas reference concentrations are measured
in-situ and at a high time resolution. A large variety of molecular species can be generated
and analyzed including many reactive species such as formaldehyde and hydrogen chloride
down to the ppb level. The built up expertise is based on the outcome of MACPoll project
and on the partnership in testing of gas sensors in the KEY-VOCs project (www.key-
vocs.eu).
We will show the design of the test facility, together with our capabilities in gas
generation and analysis. Results of pilot experiments performed during the realization of
this facility will be presented. In conclusion it is anticipated that the development of this
new VSL gas sensor test facility will contribute to the harmonization of exposure
assessment.
352
Tu-PL-H2.3
A Novel Method for the Multi-Element Analysis of Dried Blood Spots
Jessica Pawly, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
Niladri Basu, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
Objective: Dried blood spots (DBS), capillary blood collected on specialized filter paper by
pricking an individual’s finger or heel, are a minimally invasive and cost effective
alternative to venipuncture for elemental analysis. Exposure assessments using DBS can
help overcome certain logistical challenges faced by researchers, particularly in terms of
data collection efforts in low- and middle-income countries as well as newborn screening
programs. Although previous studies have used DBS for elemental measurements,
technological and practical hurdles exist (e.g. detection limits, sample volume) and there
is currently no widely accepted standard method of analysis. The objective of this
research is to develop and validate a novel method of quantifying select essential
elements (copper, zinc, and selenium) and lead, a prevalent environmental contaminant,
in DBS using Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence (TXRF).
Methods: A TXRF-based method for elemental analysis was established by studying DBS
from different human blood standard reference materials (Institut National de Santé
Publique du Québec, INSPQ; n=7) with varying and known concentrations of elements.
Percent recoveries, calculated by comparing DBS to known values, and coefficients of
variation were analyzed for accuracy and precision. Stability of analyses was assessed by
comparing results over 16 batch runs. Additional work is underway to address other
factors, such as DBS storage time and temperature, as well as to increase the number of
elements that can be quantified.
Results: Percent recoveries for copper, zinc, and selenium using an entire 25uL DBS were
106.7+/-10%, 97.9+/-11.9%, 105.5+/-9.2%, respectively. Percent recoveries for copper,
zinc, and selenium using a 3mm diameter DBS sub-sample were 99.5+/-3.4%, 102.6+/-
4.4%, 100.2+/-6.9%, respectively. Preliminary results show that percent recovery of lead is
accurate at higher concentrations (>10 μg/dL).
Conclusions: These results indicate that elemental analysis of DBS using TXRF can
accurately quantify select elements using both entire and sub-sampled DBS, though
additional research is needed to improve accuracy of lead analysis. These results can help
establish a new method for elemental analyses of DBS, overcoming some of the challenges
associated with other methods.
353
Tu-PL-H2.4
Proficiency tests for external quality assurance of human biomonitoring data
Thomas Göen, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
Barbara Schaller, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
Hans Drexler, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
Background: The data derived in human biomonitoring (HBM) of chemical exposure have
extensive consequences in occupational as well as in environmental medicine. Therefore
measurements of quality assurance are a must to guaranty the reliability of these data.
Because adequate certified reference materials are not available for the most HBM
parameters, the participation in an inter-laboratory comparison tests is usually the
exclusive feasibility to receive information on comparability and accuracy. To comply with
this request a proficiency test programme for HBM parameters (GEQUAS) was started in
1982, which was adjusted over the time to toxicological as well as international
requirements.
Objectives: The presentation displays the concept of the proficiency test programme, the
requirements and limitation for the adjustment of the programme as well as an extract of
the results.
Methods: Parameter scheme, participation quota, target values, tolerance ranges and
rates of success (certificate number/participant number) were extracted from the data
and results of the last 10 runs of the proficiency test programme. Each parameter was
provided in two different concentrations. Generally, the target values and the tolerance
ranges were estimated by the results of several so-called reference laboratories. A
successful participation was certified for a parameter if the results of the participant were
found to be inside the tolerance ranges of both concentrations.
Results: 156 HBM parameters were provided in the last run (7 metals in blood in
occupational exposure range (OER), 3 metals in blood in environmental exposure ranges
(EER), 29 inorganic parameters in urine in OER, 11 metals in urine in EER, 16 organic
parameters in urine in OER, 20 organic parameters in urine in EER, 10 mercapturic acids in
urine, 10 phenolic compounds in urine, 5 amines in urine, 11 solvents in blood for
headspace technique, 12 solvents in urine for headspace technique, 15 halogenated
hydrocarbons in serum, 11 metals in plasma, 5 N-terminal valine adducts in globin). In last
runs about 200 laboratories participated, of which three-fourth were located outside
Germany. The rate of success ranged for most parameters between 60 and 100 %.
Parameters with poor rates of success in the last runs were phenol in urine, 4,4’-
methylenedianiline in urine, inorganic arsenic in urine in EER, alpha-
hexachlorocyclohexane in plasma, PCB52 in plasma, and some headspace parameters. For
the phenolic compounds comparability and rate of success decreased when glucuronide
conjugates were used in the preparation of the testing material.
354
Tu-PL-I2: Close Contact: Contaminants in Clothing
Tu-PL-I2.1
Accumulation of SVOCs in clothing from air
Tunga Salthammer, Fraunhofer WKI, Braunschweig, Germany
Erik Uhde, Fraunhofer WKI, Braunschweig, Germany
Tobias Schripp, Fraunhofer WKI, Braunschweig, Germany
Deniz Varol, Fraunhofer WKI, Braunschweig, Germany
Glenn C. Morrison, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, United States
BACKGROUND: Semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) are generally found in quite low
concentrations in indoor air. Nevertheless, they may be of importance to human health
and wellbeing, as there are exposure pathways beside inhalation, e.g. food or skin contact
to surfaces. Clothing could be of specific relevance here, since it is a porous material with
good sorption properties, and it can have close skin contact over an extended period of
time.
OBJECTIVES: Current research indicates that the human exposure towards SVOCs may be
significantly influenced by adsorption/desorption-process in clothes. Fabrics can act as
effective sinks for SVOC during production, treatment, but also during plain storage in a
closet. Especially when they are stored for a long time the uptake of SVOC like phthalates,
flame retardants, pesticides could be considerable. Due to the close contact with the skin,
a quick and effective transfer followed by dermal uptake may happen. Studying such
processes in detail, however, is difficult: The relevant target substances do typically
appear in very low concentrations in the indoor environment, and the equilibration may
take weeks to months. Also, the concentration levels to be expected in different fabric
types are still unclear.
METHODS: To study the adsorption processes a test set-up was designed. Artificial sources
provide humidified air with a defined, low contamination of several SVOC substances (4-
nonylphenol, pentachlorophenol, parathione, HHCB, PCB-28, anthracene, di-n-butyl-
phthalate, di-n-pentylphthalate, di-n-hexylphthalate). From each source a controlled air
flow is led into two small environmental test chambers (see Figure 1). In total, 9 different
fabrics were studied at different temperatures (2x cotton, 2x polyester, linen,
polyester/46% cotton, cotton/2% elasthane, viscose/5% elasthane, and polyester/viscose).
The complete system is located in a climate room to ensure a good temperature stability
of all tubing and connections. Air samples were taken from each chamber and from the air
supply (source) lines to monitor SVOC concentrations. Every 5 weeks, fabric samples were
removed and extracted to determine the SVOC content.
RESULTS: For most of the studied substances, the equilibration time exceeded 2 months.
Afterwards, fairly stable concentrations were found for a period of five months. In the
source lines, steady-state concentrations were between 0.1 µg/m³ (di-n-hexylphthalate)
and 35 µg/m³ (4-nonylphenol). In the exposure chambers, the concentrations were found
to be lower. Analysis of exposed fabric samples indicated relevant accumulation of the
target compounds in the material. Therefore dermal exposure via clothing is considered as
a relevant uptake route for SVOCs.
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Figure 1: Schematic of the experimental setup
356
Tu-PL-I2.2
Effects Of Weathering On PFASs Used In Durable Water Repellence Of Textiles
Ike Van der Veen, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Anne-Charlotte Hanning, Swerea, Mölndal, Sweden
Jana Weiss, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
Pim Leonards, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Introduction and Aim
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are used in textiles for their durable water and
soil repellent (DWR) properties. Because PFASs with long perfluorinated chains have been
shown to be persistent, bioaccumulative and (eco)toxic, the textile industry is phasing-out
the long-chain PFASs and is replacing those with alternative chemistries to deliver the
desired DWR effect.
The aim of our research in the SUPFES (Substitution in practice of prioritised fluorinated
compounds for textile applications) project is to assess the alternative DWRs to (i) their
structural properties, (ii) the loss and degradation processes, and (iii) the hazard profile
for the emitted substances.
As part of SUPFES the influence of weather conditions on DWR treatments are assessed.
Here the effect of weathering on the PFASs concentrations in outdoor clothing is
presented.
Methods
Nine samples of outdoor clothing were exposed to UV radiation, humidity, and
temperature in an aging device for 300 h, which is equivalent to the life time of the
clothing. The textile samples were, before and after aging, extracted with methanol and
analysed by LC-MS/MS.
Results
The original nine textile samples contained different levels of PFAAs with different
patterns. After aging the results are different for all samples. In two samples odd-chain
length PFAA appeared. In 5 samples the mean concentration of PFAAs increased 5 times or
more, and in one of the samples it amplified more than 100 times.
An explanation of the forming of those PFAAs might be the transformation of the
precursors fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) and fluorotelomer acrylates (FTACs), which are
used for the formation of polymers used for DWR, or by the degradation of the polymers
themselves.
The FTOH and FTAC concentrations in the textile samples before and after aging will be
discussed to get a comprehensive overview of the transformation and degradation
pathways by exposure to weather conditions.
Conclusions
Weather conditions, like sunlight, high temperature, or humidity have an effect on PFASs
used in DWR of outdoor clothing. Concentrations of PFAA increased and other PFAA were
formed during exposure to weather conditions.
357
Tu-PL-I2.3
Measurements of Dermal Uptake of Nicotine Directly from Air and Clothing
Gabriel Bekö, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
Glenn Morrison, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO, United States
Charles Weschler, Rutgers University & Technical University of Denmark, Piscataway,
United States
Holger Koch, Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social
Accident Insurance, Bochum, Germany
Tunga Salthammer, Fraunhofer WKI, Braunschweig, Germany
Tobias Schripp, Fraunhofer WKI, Braunschweig, Germany
Jørn Toftum, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
Geo Clausen, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
Recent studies suggest that dermal uptake of certain semivolatile organic compounds
directly from air can be a significant exposure pathway. This has been experimentally
confirmed for two phthalates. An experiment has been conducted to investigate if dermal
uptake of nicotine directly from air or from clothing may be similarly important. Two
subjects wearing only shorts and a third subject wearing clean cotton clothes were
exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) for three hours in a 55m3 chamber while
breathing clean air from hoods they wore. The ETS was generated by mechanically
“smoking” cigarettes, with three lit at any given time. The resulting average nicotine
concentration (475 µg/m3) is comparable to the highest levels reported for smoking
sections of pubs. Urine samples were collected immediately before exposure. For the
subjects wearing only shorts, all urine was collected for the 60 hours post-exposure. These
samples were pooled for the first 12 h, 12-36 h and 36-60 h post-exposure. For the clothed
subject, urine samples were collected until the next morning. After collecting a new pre-
exposure urine sample, this subject entered the chamber for another three-hour exposure
wearing a hood and clothes, including a shirt that has been exposed for 5 days to elevated
nicotine levels (>200 µg/m3). The urine samples were analyzed for nicotine and two
metabolites -- cotinine and 3OH-cotinine. Following exposure, the subjects who wore only
shorts excreted a significant amount of nicotine and nicotine metabolites. Assuming that
90% of nicotine and its metabolites are excreted via urine and that nicotine, cotinine and
3OH-cotinine constitute 85% of what is excreted via urine, the back-calculated minimum
amount of dermally absorbed nicotine was 570 µg for the bare-skinned subjects. For the
subject wearing clean clothes, it was 20 µg, and while wearing a shirt previously exposed
to nicotine, it was 80 µg. Peak cotinine and 3OH-cotinine concentrations in the urine of
the bare-skinned subjects were an order of magnitude higher than for non-smokers who
avoid ETS exposure and comparable to levels measured among non-smokers in hospitality
environments before smoking bans. This study indicates that meaningful dermal uptake of
nicotine can occur from exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. This is especially
important for children in homes where smoking or vaping occurs. Fresh clothing can
significantly limit dermal uptake, but clothing can also be a source if it was pre-exposed
to cigarette smoke.
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Tu-PL-I2.4
SPME-based C-history method, accurate measurement of important parameters for
assessing SVOC dermal exposure: diffusion and partition coefficients of SVOCs
adsorbed by clothing
Jianping Cao, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China, People's Republic of
Yinping Zhang, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China, People's Republic of
Aim: It has been recently recognized that the impact of clothing requires to be taken into
consideration when estimating dermal exposure to SVOCs. The knowledge of the SVOC’s
partition coefficient between the clothing and air, K, and its diffusion coefficient in the
clothing, D, is a prerequisite for estimating this impact. In this study, an approach, named
SPME-based C-history method is developed to accurately measure these two parameters.
Methods: We designed a sealed experimental chamber as illustrated in the attached
figure. Solid phase Micro-extraction (SPME) devices are employed to monitor the time
profile of SVOC concentrations in the chamber air. Analysing SVOC mass transfer in the
chamber, the SVOC concentration in the chamber air (Ca) can be expressed as: Ca=a∙(1–
b∙exp(-c∙t)); where a is a constant, t is the time, b and c are functions of K and D. b and c
can be obtained by fitting this expression to Ca measured at a series of times by SPME.
Then K and D can be calculated directly because they are functions of b and c, and we
have two equations with two unknown parameters.
Results: K and D of three kinds of phthalates (DiBP, DnBP and DEHP) adsorbed by two kinds
of clothes (pure cotton T-shirt and jeans) are measured at 25 ºC and 32 ºC. Results show
that, for DiBP and DnBP, D and K are on the order of 10e-11 and 10e5, respectively; while
for DEHP, D and K are on the order of 10-13 and 10e7, respectively. Comparing the
present K with that in the literature of the same SVOC-clothing pairs, small deviations
between them support the accuracy of the present method.
Conclusions: The proposed method together with the measured data should be useful in
more accurately estimating dermal exposure to gas-phase SVOCs.
359
Schematic of the experimental chamber and SVOC mass transfer in the chamber
360
Tu-SY-A3: The Exposome: From concept to practice – III
Tu-SY-A3.1
Sensor Technologies and the Exposome
Miranda Loh, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Denis Sarigiannis, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Alberto Gotti, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Spyros Karakitsios, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Anjoeka Pronk, TNO, Utrecht, Netherlands
Eelco Kuijpers, TNO, Utrecht, Netherlands
Isabella Annesi-Maesano, Universite Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France
Nour Baiz, Universite Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France
Joana Madureira, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
Eduardo Oliveira Fernandes, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
Michael Jerrett, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
John CherrieInstitute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
The exposome lays out a challenge to characterize exposures and exposure-related
attributes over a person’s lifetime. Historically, exposure assessment methods relied on
measurements over short periods of time or models based on short-term data collection.
Wireless technologies, downsizing and low-cost sensors provide the potential for longer-
term and more detailed data collection, which will help us better define the holism of the
exposome. Such monitoring technologies put exposure science at a new frontier with new
challenges. Several projects are exploring the use of wireless sensors in assessing the
exposome. As an example, the EU-funded HEALS project uses a variety of apps, in-home
and personal sensor devices to measure external exposure and related factors. Researcher
and participant experiences will be discussed, along with challenges in data quality, data
quantity, privacy, data analysis and interpretation and cost. Currently, sensor-based
technologies provide good opportunities to better characterize exposure information, but
technology for personalized quantification of exposure to environmental chemicals and
other hazards is limited, particularly in relation to ease of use and measurement
sensitivity / specificity requirements. Combination of sensor-based data collection with
exposure modelling to estimate personal level exposures will provide us an ability to
improve our understanding of the exposome. In the longer term, personalized monitors
such as for air quality, and even biomarkers may become a reality.
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Tu-SY-A3.2
A Time Geography of the Exposome
Michael Jerrett, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United
States
Background and Objectives: Geographers and others interested in spatial analyses have
long recognized the potential for locational tracking in exposure science. von
Haggerstrand first introduced the idea of the “Time Geography” in which an individual
would follow different hazard paths of exposure through a time-space prism. This idea can
be seen as a prelude and compliment to the exposome, which is broadly defined as the
totality of the environmental exposures an individual faces through the course of their
lifetime. The objective of this presentation will be to better link the conceptual and
modeling aspects of time geographies with the exposome. I will draw on several ongoing
and recently completed studies in Europe and North America to illustrate specific points.
Methods: With the evolution of cellular phone technologies to mobile sensing devices,
huge volumes of data can be collected on geographic position, physical activity, emotional
state, and ambient environmental conditions on smart devices carried by literally billions
of individuals globally. Smart phones can also serve as base stations for receiving and
transmitting data from other external devices either worn on the person or embedded into
urban infrastructure (e.g., pollution monitoring, heat sensing).
Results and Discussion: Although promising, tracking the time geography of exposure with
ubiquitous devices poses numerous technical, analytical, and computational challenges.
First, the data obtained from these devices is likely to be very large. For example, in a
recent study in Barcelona with 180 participants carrying a smart phone that logged
geographic position and physical activity every 10 seconds, more than 10,000,000
observations were generated in one week. Second, the data are likely to be
autocorrelated in time and space, which violates the fundamental premise for statistical
inference that the data be independent. Dealing with autocorrelation creates
computational problems that exceed the capacity of common computing platforms. Third,
the data are likely to be spatially biased because signal loss from the global positioning
system will follow distinct gradients in the urban domain based on building obstructions
and indoor environments. Temporal bias will also occur depending on wear time. For
instance, a recent study showed that only 3 days of valid data on physical activity were
obtained from phones that study participants wore for 5 days. Understanding these
sources of bias will be important for scaling up the exposure estimates. I will conclude
with some possible near and long-term resolutions to better characterize the time
geography of the exposome.
362
Tu-SY-A3.3
Metabolomics for Environmental Biomonitoring
Dean Jones, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
Background and Objectives: A broad range of environmental exposures occurs globally due
to >30,000 chemicals used in commerce. Surveillance is limited to a relatively small
number of known hazards and at-risk populations because analytic costs preclude
comprehensive monitoring. We developed high-resolution metabolomics (HRM) with ultra-
high resolution mass spectrometry coupled to liquid chromatography to provide advanced
blood chemistry for healthcare. In optimization and application to disease cohorts, the
results showed routine detection of over 10,000 metabolites and environmental chemicals.
This provided a basis to explore use of HRM for high-throughput biomonitoring of
environmental exposures.
Methods: Ultra-performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization (ESI) and
ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry is performed using commercial instruments with
Fourier-transform ion-cyclotron resonance or orbitrap detectors. Wide scan ranges are
used depending upon the instrument, typically including the range of 85-850 m/z, with
options from 50 m/z to 2000 m/z. The instruments are configured with switching valves
to enable dual chromatography (one column being washed and re-equilibrated while
samples are analyzed on a parallel column). Alternate ESI polarity with orthogonal
chromatography on the columns provides optimal performance with +ESI/HILIC and –
ESI/C18 as an optimal pair; protein is removed by addition of acetonitrile:sample
(2:1),including a mixture of stable isotopic internal standards, and samples are analyzed
with acetonitrile and formic acid gradients. Run times are typically 10 min/analysis, and
each sample is analyzed with three technical replicates. Data are extracted using
xMSanalyzer with apLCMS, and quality control and assurance are based upon mass
accuracy and reproducibility of internal standards and inclusion of pooled reference
samples before and after each batch of 20 samples. Reference standardization was used
to quantify individual environmental chemicals.
Results and Discussion:
Results establish that metabolomics analyses directed toward measurement of nutrients
and intermediary metabolism in healthy adults also provides quantitative information on
environmental chemicals with identities confirmed by ion dissociation mass spectrometry
(MS/MS) and co-elution with standards. This included metabolites of DDT and other
persistent halogenated chemicals (chlorobenzoic acid, chlorophenylacetic acid),
plasticizers (dibutylphthalate, di(2-ethylhexyl)adipate, di-isononylphthalate,
dipropylphthalate), insecticides (methomyl, pirimicarb), commercial chemicals (styrene,
tetraethylene glycol), and flame retardants (octylphenol, triethylphosphate,
triphenylphosphate). Accurate mass matches to a broad range of other chemicals were
correlated with chlorophenylacetic acid, including dichloroacetate, chloroallylaldehyde,
chlorobenzoate, nitrosonaphthalene, naphthalenesulfonic acid, cyanofenphos, pyraclofos,
1-chloro-2,2-bis(4’-chlorophenyl)ethane, and trichloroethanolglucuronide.
Targeted metabolome wide association studies (MWAS) of specific environmental
chemicals shows that perturbations of metabolism can be directly linked to the
environmental chemicals through a dose-response relationship. The results establish that
widely available ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry instrumentation can be used with
triplicate analyses and rigorous standard operating procedures to detect a wide range of
environmental chemicals within an analytical structure that is also useful for measurement
363
of many nutrients and intermediary metabolites. The results indicate that costs for
environmental biomonitoring may be controlled by incorporation of biomonitoring into
routine health analyses involving blood or urine. Although numerous obstacles wound need
to be addressed to operationalize such an approach, the capabilities are available today
and could be especially useful for undiagnosed health conditions of possible environmental
origin.
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Tu-SY-A3.4
Transcriptomics: at the interface of exposure and biological response
Jelle Vlaanderen, IRAS, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
TW Wang, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
W Hu, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, United States
N Rothman, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, United States
Q Lan, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, United States
A Spira, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
RCH Vermeulen, IRAS, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
In recent years characterization of the human transcriptome has contributed to the
refinement of clinical diagnosis of disease and the development of diagnostic and
prognostic markers. As the human transcriptome is highly sensitive to external stressors
and to inter-individual variability in biological processes, it is a promising tool for
individualized assessment of biological perturbations due to environmental stressors.
Studies of tobacco smoke have established associations between smoking patterns and
specific gene expression profiles in bronchial, buccal, and nasal epithelial cells. Showing
both reversible and irreversible transcriptomic changes. In a recent indoor air pollution
study among Chinese non-smoking women, we observed perturbations in gene expression
profiles in buccal epithelial cells due to exposure to smoky coal that were highly similar
to the gene expression profiles associated with smoking in Caucasians. We observed a
similar overlap with gene expression profiles assessed in peripheral blood that were
associated with long-term exposure to ambient air pollution. In a study among European
workers we assessed whether occupational exposure to carbon nanotubes induced
perturbations of the transcriptome in nasal epithelial cells. While we observed limited
evidence for significant perturbations of the abundance of individual transcripts due to
exposure to carbon nanotubes, changes across the transcriptome overlapped significantly
with those that were associated with smoking. The degree of overlap in transcriptome
profiles between these studies indicates shared biological pathways between these sources
of particulate matter exposure.
Successful application of transcriptomics in human studies can provide physiologically
relevant, molecular insights reflecting the interface of exposure and biological response.
365
Tu-PL-B3: Urinary Biomarkers
Tu-PL-B3.1
Three-Year Temporal Variability in Urinary Concentrations of Environmental Chemicals
among a Multi-Ethnic Cohort Of Girls In The United States.
Susan L. Teitelbaum, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York,
United States
Ashley Pajak, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States
Gayle C. Windham, California Department of Health, Richmond, California, United States
Susan M. Pinney, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Antonia M. Calafat, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United
States
Xiaoyun Ye, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, New York, New York, United
States
Manori Silva, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Michael Rybak, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United
States
Lawrence H. Kushi, Kaiser Permanente, Oakland, California, United States
Frank M. Biro, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United
States
Mary S. Wolff, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New Yokr, New York, United
States
Environmental chemicals, including phthalates, phytoestrogens and phenols, have been
widely studied in relation to human health. Exposure can be quantified using urinary
biomarkers, but the time frame that these biomarkers represent is known to be brief. The
underlying sources of exposure can be relatively constant and these biomarkers have been
shown to be predictive of exposure levels up to one year in children. Data on the temporal
variability of environmental chemical biomarkers for longer time periods are sparse,
especially among children. The objective of this investigation was to evaluate intra-
individual temporal variability in 16 urinary biomarkers (8 phthalates, 3 phytoestrogens
and 5 phenols) among a multi-ethnic cohort of girls.
Healthy girls (N=309; 6-8 years at baseline) provided 3 urine samples over a 3 year period.
To assess temporal variability we used two statistical methods, intraclass correlation
coefficient (ICC) and surrogate category analysis, used to determine how well tertile
categories based on a single measurement represented ranking on a 3-year mean
concentration.
Surrogate category analysis suggested that a single sample provides reliable ranking for all
biomarker classes; all 3 of the surrogate samples predicted the 3-year mean concentration
ranking. Of the 16 analytes, the ICC was >0.4 (range: 0.4-0.7) for 4 analytes: 2,5-
dichlorophenol; enterolactone; benzophenone-3; and mono-ethylphthalate. The ICC for 10
analytes was between 0.2-0.4, while the ICC was <0.2 for 2.
Important considerations for the use of phthalate, phytoestrogen and phenol biomarkers
include prevalence of exposure and accurate reflection of the exposure of interest. These
results indicate that a single urine sample measurement demonstrates reasonable ranking
of exposure over a 3 year period, possibly longer, for several of these environmental
366
chemical biomarkers; and provide additional support for the use of these biomarkers in
children’s environmental health research.
367
Tu-PL-B3.2
Antibiotic internal exposure levels of School Children in East China based on
biomonitoring Study
Ying Zhou, Fudan University, Shanghai, China, People's Republic of
Hexing Wang, Fudan University, Shanghai, China, People's Republic of
Qingwu Jiang, Fudan University, Shanghai, China, People's Republic of
To explore the antibiotic internal exposure levels of Chinese children, a biomonitoring
method was developed to detect total urinary concentrations (free and conjugated) of 18
representative antibiotics (5 macrolides, 2 β-lactams, 3 tetracyclines, 4 quinolones, and 4
sulfonamides) based on ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole
time-of-flight mass spectrometry. By usage of this proposed method, the urinary samples
collected from 1064 school students, which were recruited from 3 areas in East China area
in 2013, were measured. The detection frequencies of all 18 antibiotics ranged from 0.4%
to 19.6%, and 58.3% of the whole urine samples were found with target antibiotics. Of
them, 47.8% of the urine samples had a sum of mass concentration of all antibiotics
between 0.1 (minimum) and 20.0 ng/mL, and 8 antibiotics had their concentrations of
above 1000 ng/mL in some urine samples. At least one antibiotic was found in more than
50% of the whole urine samples and the proportion reached at 74.4% in one study area.
Three veterinary antibiotics, 4 human antibiotics, and 11 human/veterinary antibiotics
were detected overall in 6.3, 19.9, and 49.4% of urine samples, respectively. The results
suggested that Chinese school children were extensively exposured to antibiotics and
contaminated food or environment might be potential exposure sources.
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Descriptive analysis of target antibiotics in all subjects (n=1064)
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Tu-PL-B3.3
Plasticizer monitoring in the urine of 2 to 6 year old children from North Rhine-
Westphalia, Germany – exposure trends within a period of 4 years
Martin Kraft, North Rhine Westphalian State Agency for Nature, Environment and
Consumer Protection, Recklinghausen, North Rhine Westphalia, Germany
Susanne Rudzok, North Rhine Westphalian State Agency for Nature, Environment and
Consumer Protection, Recklinghausen, North Rhine Westphalia, Germany
Silvia Sievering, North Rhine Westphalian State Agency for Nature, Environment and
Consumer Protection, Recklinghausen, North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany
Yvonni Chovolou, North Rhine Westphalian State Agency for Nature, Environment and
Consumer Protection, Recklinghausen, North Rhine Westphalia, Germany
Wolfgang Völkel, Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, München, Bavaria, Germany
Hermann Fromme, Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, München, Bavaria,
Germany
Background: Plasticizer like phthalates or diisononyl-cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate
(DINCH) are found in many consumer products used in daily life. When present in
consumer products plasticizers can be released and incorporated by consumers. To
estimate the body burden metabolites of Phthalate and DINCH can be used for human
biomonitoring.
Aim: There is little information on the exposure to phthalates and DINCH in children under
the age of six years. Therefore, the urine of 2 to 6 year old children was examined on
selected plasticizers in winter/spring 2011/2012 and in a follow up in winter/spring
2014/2015. These surveys are part of the LUPE III project
(Länderuntersuchungsprogramm).
Methods: About 250 children participated in each human biomonitoring study. The urine
samples were taken throughout the day while attending kindergarten. Overall, 11
phthalate metabolites and 3 DINCH metabolites were measured in the urine. In addition,
information on anthropometric data, on lifestyle and environmental factors were collected
via questionnaires.
Results: The phthalate metabolites mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP) and mono-iso-butyl
phthalate (MiBP) were found most frequently and displayed the highest median urinary
concentrations in the examined children, followed by mono-ethyl phthalate (MEP),
Mono(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl)phthalate (OH-MEHP) and Mono(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl)
phthalate (oxo-MEHP). From 2011/2012 to 2014/2015, a statistically significant decrease
was found for the median of OH-MEHP and oxo-MEHP by 37 % and 42 %, respectively. There
was a statistically significant increase in median measured urinary MEP concentrations by
24 %. Considering health based assessment criteria, the urinary phthalate concentrations
were within tolerable limits, except for MnBP and MiBP. Here, 2.3 % and 5.1 % of the
examined children exceeded the tolerable daily intake (TDI).
The mediane urinary concentrations of the DINCH-metabolites cyclohexane-1,2-
dicarboxylic acid-mono(hydroxy-isononyl) (OH-MINCH) and cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylic
acid-mono(carboxyisooctyl) (cx-MINCH) were significantly increased by 100 % and 41 %,
respectively. However, the obtained values are still low compared to the most measured
phthalate metabolite concentrations and fall markedly below the health based assessment
criterion.
Conclusion: The carried out human biomonitoring studies serve as a valuable tool by
monitoring the present exposure and the possible trends of plasticizers in urine of
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children. The results of this study show statistically significant declining exposure levels of
DEHP-metabolites and an increase of DEP- and DINCH-metabolites within a period of four
years.
Tu-PL-B3.4
Assessing the impact of a single biomarker measurement to reconstruct the exposure
of pregnant women to Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
Doris Tan, INERIS, Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
Florence Zeman, INERIS, Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
Maribel Casas, CREAL, Barcelona, Spain
Amrit K. Sakhi, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
Berit Granum, Norwegian Institute of Public Health Oslo, Oslo, Norway
Cyntia Manzano, CREAL, Barcelona, Spain
Martine Vrijheid, CREAL, Barcelona, Spain
Céline Brochot, INERIS, Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
Background and Objectives: Large-scale human biomonitoring surveys typically gather
biomarker measurements from single time points. For non-persistent compounds (i.e.,
with a biological half-life of hours), the biomarker levels are known to greatly vary within
the same individual over a relatively short time period. In this work, we aimed at assessing
the impact of a single biomarker measurement to reconstruct the exposure of individuals
to a non-persistent compound (a phthalate) by testing several sampling scenarios. In
particular, we studied the exposure of pregnant women to Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
(DEHP) using the urinary concentrations of four DEHP metabolites. Phthalates are a family
of chemicals that can be found in a wide array of products, and are suspected to induce
reproductive and developmental toxicity.
Methods: Thirty women from two countries (Spain and Norway) were followed over a week
during the second trimester of pregnancy. A protocol was designed specifically to assess
the intra-individual variability over the week. Two spot samples per day (first and last
voids) and the pool of the urines collected over the week were analyzed. A toxicokinetic
model was applied to back-calculate the exposure levels to DEHP from the urinary
metabolites concentrations. Additional individual data were collected from questionnaires
and integrated in the model such as the bodyweight and the times of urination.
Results and conclusion: The measured concentrations of DEHP metabolites in urine exhibit
high variability between women and within each woman. The daily intakes (DI) were
estimated according to several scenarios based on different types of biomarkers (spot or
pool) and exposure patterns. For a continuous exposure over the week, the individual DI
were estimated between 0.49 to 7.17 µg/kg bw/d using the pool samples. On average, the
DI estimated using the 14 spot samples were lower by 14%, but discrepancies were
observed between the women. More realistic exposure scenarios were tested to improve
the model adjustment to the data when all the samples are analysed. A constant exposure
during the day and no exposure during the night were assumed. Using this scenario, the
extreme (i.e., the lowest and highest) concentrations of the metabolites were better
estimated than using a constant exposure and the estimated DI were slightly higher (10%
on average). Our results show the need to define realistic exposure scenario to describe
adequately the time evolution of the urinary concentrations over the week. Future steps
will consist in refining the scenarios using individual information.
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Tu-PL-B3.5
Urinary concentrations of parabens in young children - A human biomonitoring study
from north Rhine Westphalia, Germany
Yvonni Chovolou, North Rhine-Westphalian State Agency for Nature, Environment and
Consumer Protection, Essen, Germany
Susanne Rudzok, North Rhine-Westphalian State Agency for Nature, Environment and
Consumer Protection, Essen, Germany
Silvia Sievering, North Rhine-Westphalian State Agency for Nature, Environment and
Consumer Protection, Essen, Germany
Holger Koch, Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social
Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
Martin Kraft, North Rhine-Westphalian State Agency for Nature, Environment and
Consumer Protection, Essen, Germany
Background: Parabens are alkyl esters of para-hydroxybenzoic acid and are widely used as
antimicrobial preservatives in personal care products but also in food, beverages, food,
and pharmaceutical preparations. Although they are considered to be slightly toxic to
humans, the use of parabens has raised concern due to their possible endocrine disrupting
activities as demonstrated in several in vivo and in vitro studies.
Aim: Only a few data are available on the magnitude of children’s exposure to chemicals
present in many consumer products. The aim of this study was to determine
concentrations and profiles of parabens in young children from North Rhine-Westphalia,
Germany. These new biomonitoring data were compared to previous data from urine
samples collected in 2011/2012 as part of the LUPE III project (Länder-
untersuchungsprogramm).
Methods: Nine Parabens were measured in spot urine specimens from 255 young children
aged from 27 to 98 months. Samples were collected between December 2014 and Mai
2015.
Results: Among the nine parabens analyzed, methylparaben (MeP) and ethylparaben (EtP)
were the parabens found in most urine samples. They were detected in concentrations
above the limit of quantification (LOQ) in 100 % (MeP) and 86 % (EtP) of the urine samples.
n-Propylparaben (n-PrP) was above the LOQ in 38 % of the samples. iso-butylparaben,
benzylparaben and n-butylparaben were only detectable in < 6 % of the samples. Iso-
propylparaben, pentylparaben and heptylparaben could not be quantified in any of the
urine samples. The mean concentration of MeP was 159 µg/L, followed by n-PrP (10.4
µg/L) and EtP (3.18 µg/L). The maximal paraben levels found were 7700 µg/L for MeP, 699
µg/L for
n-PrP and 189 µg/L for EtP. A significant decrease in paraben concentrations for MeP and
n-PrP was found between our study population examined 2011/2012 and 2014/2015. The
median concentration for MeP and n-PrP decreased over a 3-year period by 85 % and 70 %,
respectively. The measured median urinary concentrations for MeP (6.91 µg/L),
n-PrP (< 0.50 µg/L) and EtP (1.02 µg/L) in our study population were in range with results
reported by several European and North American studies surveying children in various age
groups.
Conclusion:
Parabens (in particular MeP, EtP; n-PrP) were frequently found in urine from young
children indicating ubiquitous exposure to these compounds. We found decreasing mean
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urinary concentrations for MeP and n-PrP over a period of 3-4 years, which probably
reflects a reduced use of these compounds in personal care products.
Tu-SY-C3: Health effects of air pollutant
Tu-SY-C3.1
Global burden of diseases, injuries and risk factors, a bridge between disease
epidemiology, risk assessment and public health policy
Mohammad Forouzanfar, IHME, Seattle, Washington, United States
The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factors study (GBD) is a systematic,
scientific effort to quantify the comparative magnitude of health loss. In GBD 2013 the
health loss due to 240 causes of death and 301 causes of morbidity, and 79 risk factors was
estimated in terms of deaths, years of life lost due to premature death and years lived
with disability. Estimates were generated for 188 countries and for subnational locations
in China, Mexico, and the United Kingdom by age and by sex and 5 years intervals from
1990 to 2015. More than 1400 collaborators provided feedback and oversaw the project.
Moreover, GBD is equipped with a rich scientific team as well as a strong computational
infrastructure, visualizations, and communication experts for the global dissemination of
results and engagement.
In GBD 2013, we estimated that 802 million deaths were related to exposure to
environmental and occupational risks in 2013. More than 5.5 million deaths were caused
by air pollution and about one million by lead and residential exposure to radon. Satellite
measurements, a chemical transport model and ground monitoring measurements of air
particulate matter concentration were analyzed to estimate the annual average of fine
particle (PM2.5) at 0.1° × 0.1° spatial resolution. Concentration response curve analysis
provided the effect size of air pollution on the health outcomes. In 2013, 3.0% (95% CI: 2.5
– 3.5%) of the total burden (in terms of disability adjusted life years, DALYs) was lost due
to the exposure to PM2.5 pollution. Globally, 14.6% of cardiovascular deaths, 4.2% of
lower respiratory infection, 4.0% of chronic respiratory diseases deaths, and 3.6% of
cancer deaths can be attributed to exposure to PM2.5 of more than 8.7 μg/m3. Exposure
to ambient air pollution is the top environmental risk in Western Europe. The age-
standardized mortality rate in southern Europe including Italy, Spain and France is about
three-folds higher than Nordic countries except the Netherlands and Denmark with 24.8
and 15.5 deaths per 100,000 in 2013, respectively.
In this presentation, I will present an overview of the methodology for estimating disease
and risk factor burden in GBD and discuss results and challenges of quantifying ambient air
pollution adverse health effects.
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Tu-SY-C3.2
Disease Burden Estimates for Ambient Air Pollution in Finland and Related Parametric
and Model Uncertainties
Heli Lehtomäki, National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Kuopio, Finland
Arja Asikainen, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
Isabell Rumrich, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
Otto Hänninen, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
Background: Ambient air pollution is known to cause adverse health effects on humans.
National disease burden estimates for ambient air pollution have earlier mainly focused on
fine particles (PM2.5) and ozone (O3). WHO working group published new
recommendations on concentration response functions for health impact evaluations in
2015. Those recommendations included besides updates for fine particles and ozone also
concentration response functions for PM10 and NO2.
Objective: (i) To calculate updated disease burden estimates for ambient air pollution
in Finland for PM2.5, PM10, NO2 and O3 and (ii) to analyse the main model and parametric
uncertainties.
Methods: Based on established environmental burden of disease methods (Prüss Üstün
et al., 2003) and using the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Health Estimates
2012 as a background disease burden data we calculated estimates for deaths, years of
life lost and years lived with disability attributable to air pollution. Air pollution exposure
estimates covered the whole Finland for 2013 (Korhonen et al., 2015) and concentration-
response (C-R) functions were adopted from WHO working group’s recommendations
(Heroux et al., 2015).
Results: The disease burden caused by the four selected air pollutants was 5,500 DALYs
per million people in Finland (population 5.4 M) in 2013. PM2.5 had the largest share (70
%; 3,800 DALY) of the total disease burden caused by the selected air pollutants. For
PM2.5 uncertainty given in confidence intervals related to C-R functions was 2,300 DALY
(lower CI -1,100 DALY; upper CI +1,200 DALY). There are also other large uncertainties in
the disease burden estimates, for instance, in relation to the shape of C-R curve,
averaging of exposures and choice of endpoints.
Conclusions: The projects results show that PM2.5 has the biggest share of the disease
burden caused by the selected air pollutants. Even though uncertainties are large, we can
still conclude that healthwise PM2.5 is the most important air pollutant.
References:
Héroux, M. E., Anderson, H. R., Atkinson, R., Brunekreef, B., Cohen, A., Forastiere, F., ...
& Künzli, N. (2015). Quantifying the health impacts of ambient air pollutants:
recommendations of a WHO/Europe project. International journal of public health, 60(5),
619-627.
Korhonen A, Asikainen A, Rumrich I & Hänninen O, 2015. Ilmansaasteiden altistustasot
Suomessa. ISTE-report, National Institute for Health and Welfare.
Prüss-Üstün, A., Mathers C., Corvalán, C. & Woodwards, A. Introduction and methods:
assessing the environmental burden of disease at national and local levels. Geneva, World
Health Organization, 2003. (WHO Environmental Burden of Disease Series, No. 1).
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Tu-SY-C3.3
External cost of air pollution in Nordic countries evaluation using latest evidence in
EVA-model and development needs
Mikael Skou Andersen, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
The objective is to demonstrate how interdisciplinary collaboration between health
sciences, atmospheric science and socio-economic expertise can provide policy-support in
the context of air pollution control and climate mitigation policies.
Health impacts from air pollution and the related external cost have been estimated with
the integrated EVA model system. The EVA system is based on the impact-pathway
methodology, where site-specific emissions, via atmospheric transport and chemistry,
provide the basis for a concentration distribution, which together with detailed population
data, is used to estimate the population-level exposure. Using exposure-response functions
from health sciences and economic valuations, the exposure impacts are analyzed with
regard to human health impacts (mortality and morbidity) and the related external costs.
As a basis for the EVA system lifetable methodology is applied to estimate the years of life
lost by air pollution victims due to long-term chronic exposures. It is shown that using
established mortality risk ratios the average loss of life expectancy is in the range of 10-12
years, whereby the ‘harvesting’ effect hypothesis regarding air pollution can be dismissed
for chronic exposures. Sensitivity analysis is conducted to explore implications of this
finding for the final valuation of external costs, as different methodologies are preferred
for valuation of statistical lives in USA and EU respectively. The statistical life (VSL)
approach as preferred in USA produces higher external costs than the lifeyear (VOLY)
approach preferred in EU, but for our loss of life expectancy results differences are less
dramatic than conventionally assumed. Nevertheless it is cautioned that for policy support
purposes the VSL approach seems less credible than the VOLY approach, considering the
age profile of air pollution victims.
Although Nordic countries with their relatively low population densities and high
environmental standards generally experience modest external costs from air pollution,
their populations in larger urban centers are relatively more exposed. Factoring in the
external health costs in appraisals of energy technologies tend to even out the cost
advantages of fossil fuels relative to renewables and deserve more attention in the
context of climate mitigation policies.
The presentation is part of the NordicWelfAir project funded by NordForsk, the Research
Program of the Nordic Council of Ministers.
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Tu-SY-C3.4
Air pollution and fetal growth- a study on ultrasound measures of Swedish children
Ebba Malmqvist, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
Zeyan Liew, UCLA, Los Angeles, United States
karin Källén, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
Ralf Rittner, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
Lars Rylander, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
Beate Ritz, UCLA, Los Angeles, United States
Background: Air pollution has been suggested to affect fetal growth. Most studies have
relied on birth weight from birth records. Recent studies have been using ultrasound
measures of fetal growth to assess air pollution effects. All of these studies have,
however, been conducted in smaller study populations. Here, we have the opportunity to
further advance our knowledge regarding the influence of air pollution exposures on fetal
growth in a population based cohort of more than 48 000 pregnancies in women from
Southern Sweden. The large study population allows us to perform sensitivity analyses.
Methods: In this study we used outcome data from Swedish medical birth registers
and an ultrasound database for around 55 000 pregnancies with two ultrasound
measurements (one early in pregnancy and one late in pregnancy). We estimated
exposures during different parts of pregnancies for all the pregnancies in the ultrasound
database using geocoded residential adresses. The measures of air pollution exposure
were obtained through dispersion modelling with input data from an emissions database
(NOx) with high resolution (100m grids). We had knowledge from registers on potential
confounders/interfering factors and effect modifiers (e.g.parity, sex, smoking, age and
education of the mother).
Results: In this large cohort of Swedish born children, we consistently estimated
negative effects for NOx on most measures of fetal growth late in pregnancy. As an
example, we show that our modelled NOx-exposures exhibit an effect on birth weight
reducing birth weight by approximately 10g per 10 µg/m3 increment of NOx.
One of the challenges of the regulators is to assess whether or not there is a threshold for
pollution under which we do NOT expect to see any further effects and what that might
be. This study provides some insight on air polluton effect in the lower end of exposure
assessment.
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378
Tu-SY-C3.5
Implications of Nordic building stock on concentration-exposure and –respiratory
uptake relationships
Otto Hänninen, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
Background. Ambient particulate matter has been proposed to be the twelfth most
harmful environmental exposure globally. Health impact assessment is based on outdoor
concentrations, even though almost all populations in developed countries spend majority
of their time indoors. Especially in some situations like in Nordic countries due to the cold
climate, the buildings separate people indoors from outdoor pollution. Several studies
have shown that ventilation system characteristics are associated with differences in C-R
relationship. The aim of this paper is to discuss the possible interpretations of the existing
evidence on the impact of building stock and building characteristics on the health effects
of outdoor air pollution.
Methods. We conducted a literature search and discuss various possible hypotheses to
explain heterogeneity in C-R relationships observed in epidemiological studies such as
compositional differences, population structure, and behaviour and building stock. We
developed a simple single compartment complete mixing mass-balance –based modelling
environment to characterize the infiltration process in buildings of various tightness and
ventilation. The building characteristics were partly based on existing building stocks and
partly on energy efficiency driven policies for future buildings. In Europe all new buildings
are expected to be nearly zero energy buildings (NZEB) by 2020 and the whole building
stock in 2050.
Results. The Nordic building stock represents globally high fraction of mechanically
ventilated buildings applying intake air filtration in practically all new buildings and a
large fraction of the whole building stock. Moreover, the building tightness and energy
performance is planned to be substantially increased further limiting the penetration of
ambient particulate matter indoors. This seems to be the most significant regional
difference on which we have hard data on. It will be interesting and relevant to compare
these indoor exposure factors with compositional differences in PM as well as differences
in population characteristics such as age structures and population ageing.
Changes of anthropogenic emissions for the current century projected in climate changes
models suggest also substantial reductions. Together with the tightening buildings,
mechanical ventilation with filtration, and reduction of combustion engines in urban
transportation systems may lead to removal of the PM problem by the end of 21st century.
Nevertheless, over the coming decades correct targeting of policies provides substantial
opportunities for improved public health and avoided health care costs.
379
Tu-SY-D3: How can knowledge of toxicokinetics, mode of action and
biomonitoring help you in human exposure risk assessment of chemicals?
Tu-SY-D3.1
How can knowledge of toxicokinetics, mode of action and biomonitoring help you in
human exposure risk assessment of chemicals?
Manoj Aggarwal, Dow AgroSciences, Abingdon, United Kingdom
Risk assessment involves the integration of both exposure assessment and hazard
assessment. In recent years, hazard assessment of chemicals has been greatly improved
with the use of advanced technology and tools available in toxicology. The vision for 21st
century toxicity testing is to move away from traditional animal toxicity testing and rely
on in silico, in vitro and ‘omics’ tools for hazard characterization. Mode of action (MoA)
and adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) have also been incorporated into hazard
assessment, especially to better understand human relevance of hazards identified in
toxicity studies. At the same time, exposure assessment has been migrating towards the
use of internal (and absorbed dose) measures of exposure via biomonitoring. These
advances in both hazard and exposure assessment is necessitating a greater need for
understanding toxicokinetics of chemicals in animals and humans. Unique opportunities
exist to incorporate toxicokinetic measurements in toxicity studies to give better
understanding of ‘internal dosimetry’ and identification of biomarkers e.g. for
biomonitoring studies. Despite all these developments, one of the key issues remains is to
how to integrate all this knowledge into routine human exposure and risk assessments.
The objective of this symposium is to discuss current knowledge on these advanced tools
and technology, and present some case studies to demonstrate their use in integrated
human risk assessments of chemicals that achieve the goals of 21st century toxicity
assessment, while reducing uncertainties in human health risk assessments.
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Tu-SY-D3.2
Use of animal toxicokinetic and human biomonitoring data in human risk assessments
Sean Hays, Summit Toxicology, Lyons, CO, United States
Lesa Aylward, Summit Toxicology, Falls Church, Virginia, United States
Biomonitoring is increasingly being used to assess human’s exposures to chemicals.
Uncertainties in exposure assessments can be significantly reduced by the use of
biomonitoring data. However, translation of existing risk assessments into a dose metric
consistent with those measured via biomonitoring data is required to interpret the
biomonitoring data in the context of existing risk assessments. An understanding of the
toxicokinetics (TK) of chemicals in humans and/or animals provides the ability to translate
the existing risk assessments into Biomonitoring Equivalents (BEs), which can then be used
to interpret human biomonitoring data in a risk assessment context. By having this
knowledge of TK, the uncertainties in a risk assessment can be substantially reduced. This
talk will highlight how the use of TK data can reduce the uncertainty in a risk assessment
and the importance of collecting additional TK data in animal studies. Case studies are
provided to highlight these issues.
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Tu-SY-D3.3
Innovative Strategies for Agrochemical Safety Assessments: Use of Toxicokinetic Data
for ArylexTM and RinskorTM
Sabitha Papineni, Dow AgroSciences, Zionsville, Indiana, United States
Manoj Aggarwal, Dow AgroSciences, Abingdon, United Kingdom
Integrating toxicokinetics (TK) into toxicity studies, without use of additional animals,
provides valuable data on metabolism, systemic exposure and dose response for observed
toxicity. Guidance documents, such as the OECD GD 116, highlight the importance of TK
for dose level selection. Increasingly, TK data are being used to provide insights on MoA,
study design, and in vitro to in vivo extrapolation in human health risk assessments.
Described here are case studies, with the herbicides, ArylexTM (Halauxifen-methyl) and
RinskorTM (XDE-848 Benzyl Ester), highlighting the use of integrated TK approaches in
novel testing strategies to explore a MoA, or implement kinetically-derived maximum dose
(KMD) strategies, respectively. In the MoA case study, Halauxifen-methyl is rapidly
hydrolyzed in rodent liver to a single primary metabolite, Halauxifen-acid, and induces
rodent liver effects via nuclear receptor (NR) activation. Halauxifen-acid does not activate
NR and in vitro assays in rat and human blood, liver S9, and gastric fluid evaluated species
differences in hydrolysis rates. TK and hydrolysis data were incorporated into a PBPK
model for rat and human systemic exposure to Halauxifen-methyl, and supported non-
human relevance of the Halauxifen-methyl liver MoA. In the KMD case study, XDE-848
Benzyl Ester is hydrolyzed to a single primary metabolite, XDE-848 acid, which displays
non-linear kinetics based on integrated TK from 28- to 90-day toxicity studies.
Interestingly, these studies indicated no toxicity up to the limit dose (1000 mg/kg/day)
and the TK data provided strong justification for use of a KMD approach on the OECD 453
and 416 studies in the rat, and 1-year chronic toxicity study in the dog. A high dose of 300
mg/kg/day was chosen in contrast to traditional toxicity testing paradigms using a
maximum tolerated dose approach where the limit dose is chosen as the high dose in the
absence of toxicity. Taken together, integration of TK into guideline toxicity studies can
increase understanding of the intrinsic properties of a molecule to develop human health
risk assessments that utilize the best available science.
382
Tu-SY-D3.4
Kinetics in vitro versus in vivo in the context of quantitative in vitro in vivo
extrapolation (QIVIVE)
Nynke Kramer, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
A thorough understanding of toxicokinetic processes goes a long way to explaining the
variation in toxicity between chemicals, species and population groups. By using
physiologically based biokinetic models (PBBK), quantitative in vitro-in vivo (dose)
extrapolations (QIVIVE) take these processes into account, extrapolating an in vitro effect
concentration to a human relevant toxic dose. Kinetic processes in in vitro cell-based
assays has received less attention, but may also be essential for QIVIVE as the amount of a
chemical reaching the cell in an in vitro assay may be different between cell assays and
between in vitro and in vivo systems, even if the nominal or total concentration in
exposure medium is the same.
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Tu-SY-D3.5
Use of mode of action (MoA)/adverse outcome pathways (AOP) un human health risk
assessments
Bette Meek, McLaughlin Centre for Risk Science, Ottawa, ON, Canada
A MOAs/AOP comprises a series of key events, each of which has its own dose-response
relationship. Integration of AOP/MOA into risk assessment requires quantitative
assessment of the likely progression of key events, enabling a more realistic estimate of
risk and of population variability.
384
Tu-SY-E3: The Effects of Climate Change on Human Exposures to Air
Pollution
Tu-SY-E3.1
Climate change impacts on human exposures to air pollution
Lisa Baxter, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park,
North Carolina, United States
Kathie Dionisio, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Pare,
North Carolina, United States
Exposures to air pollutants both indoors and outdoors are influenced by a wide range of air
quality, meteorological, behavioral, land-use, and housing-related factors. Many of these
factors will be affected by climate change. Any changes in air quality and human
exposures due to changes in climate will in turn impact human health. The objective of
this presentation is to present an overview of approaches to characterize human’s
exposures to air pollutants and resulting health impacts in the context of climate change.
This presentation will also describe the overall organization of the symposium as well as
the importance of this topic.
Simulations of future changes in air quality from climate models are essential in projecting
human exposures and future health impacts due to climate change. It is therefore
necessary to calibrate these model outputs and to better quantify their uncertainties. The
meteorological data associated with these projections such as temperature, rainfall, and
humidity are critical determinants to human exposures to air pollutants as they impact
human activities (e.g. exercise), locations (e.g. outdoors versus indoors), and behaviors
(e.g. opening of windows and use of air conditioning). In addition to altering ambient air
quality, climate change may also alter indoor air quality. A changing climate could affect
the indoor environment in a number of ways such as changing infiltration and ventilation
patterns, leading to changes in indoor exposure to outdoor air pollutants. Finally, air
pollution exists as a complex mixture with various pollutants having their own spatial and
temporal patterns. Changes in meteorology can have different effects depending on the
pollutant altering the air pollution mixture that the population is exposed to.
The relationships between climate change and air pollution exposures is becoming
increasingly important to understand. These relationships are complex, highly variable and
depend on local conditions. An improved understanding of the impacts of climate change
on air pollution exposures will allow for the more accurate estimation of future health
risks.
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Tu-SY-E3.2
A changing climate: impacts on human exposures to O3 using an integrated modeling
methodology
Kathie Dionisio, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
Chris Nolte, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
Tanya Spero, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
Kristin Isaacs, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
Predicting the impacts of changing climate on human exposure to air pollution requires
future scenarios that account for changes in ambient pollutant concentrations, population
sizes and distributions, and housing stocks. An integrated methodology to model changes
in human exposures due to these impacts was developed by linking climate, air quality,
land-use, and human exposure models. This methodology was then applied to characterize
changes in predicted human exposures to O3 under multiple future scenarios. Regional
climate projections for the U.S. were developed by downscaling global circulation model
(GCM) scenarios for three of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC’s)
Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) using the Weather Research and
Forecasting (WRF) model. The regional climate results were in turn used to generate air
quality (concentration) projections using the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ)
model. For each of the climate change scenarios, future U.S. census-tract level population
distributions from the Integrated Climate and Land Use Scenarios (ICLUS) model for four
future scenarios based on the IPCC’s Special Report on Emissions Scenarios (SRES)
storylines were used. These climate, air quality, and population projections were used as
inputs to EPA’s Air Pollutants Exposure (APEX) model for 12 U.S. cities. Probability density
functions show changes in the population distribution of 8 h maximum daily O3 exposure
by age, gender, and city for each of the three future climate scenarios. Of the 12 cities
analyzed, some cities see an increase in the number of exceedances (e.g., Los Angeles),
while others see a decrease (e.g., Chicago). In contrast, results show that there is minimal
change in exposure distributions across future population scenarios. Thus we expect the
change in ambient air quality concentrations in future climate scenarios to have a greater
impact on future exposure distributions than potential scenarios of population change.
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Tu-SY-E3.3
Quantifying recent associations between meteorology and multipollutant day types to
inform future air quality projections
John Pearce, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United
States
Howard Chang, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Stefanie Sarnat, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Jennifer Runkle, NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information, Asheville, North
Carolina, United States
James Mulholland, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Ian Rumsey, College of Charleston, Charleston, South Carolina, United States
Lance Waller, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Background: Changes to the climate system will impact air quality and related health
effects through changes in exposure patterns. Objective: Establish influence of
meteorology on air pollution using recently observed pollutant levels and estimate
potential changes in pollutant mixtures experienced due to expected changes in climate.
Methods: We obtained four years (2011-2014) of daily average CO, NOy, SO2, O3, PM2.5
EC, PM2.5 OC, PM2.5 NO3, PM2.5 NH4, and SO4 for seven cities across the American
Southeast from USEPA’s NCore network and corresponding meteorological conditions for
each NCore site from National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) reanalysis data.
Generalized additive models (GAMs) were constructed for each pollutant in order to
establish present day associations between daily pollution and daily maximum
temperature and daily precipitation rate. Future climate conditions were obtained for
each NCcore site for the years 2030-2040 from downscaled Coupled Model Intercomparison
Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) projections using the Community Climate System Model (CCSM4.1)
and the forcing pathway of the Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP4.5) emissions
trajectory. Fitted GAMs were then used to predict corresponding responses of daily
pollution levels. Finally, self-organizing maps (SOMs) identify categories of days based on
multipollutant conditions (i.e., multipollutant day types (MDTs)) and establish differences
in present day and future day type frequencies. Results: We found that twelve MDT
profiles well explain the nature of pollutant combinations presently experienced on days
across our cities. MDTs conditions ranged from relatively clean days, high single pollutant
days (e.g., SO2), to high combination days (e.g., CO, NOy, EC). Using our present day SOM
to classify days under our future climate scenario revealed that the largest increases in
MDTs frequencies occurred on days characterized by moderate-to-high O3 pollution (21%
increase), days dominated by relatively moderate-to-high CO, NOy, and EC (10.5%
increase), and days with elevated SO2 and OC. The largest decreases occurred for
relatively clean days (10.7% decrease); we show that these days transition to a similar
profile with higher O3 in the future. Conclusion: In reality, future air quality will depend
on both emissions in the future as well as changes in meteorology; however, isolating the
influence of meteorology enables us to determine which combinations of pollutants should
be expected to experience penalties driven solely by future weather conditions. We find
combining multipollutant day typing (SOM), GAMs, and future climate predictions provides
a complementary suite of tools for investigating potential air quality changes driven solely
by future meteorological conditions.
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A 4x4 SOM illustrating twelve multipollutant day types (MDTs) identified from EPA NCore
data obtained from 7 cities in the American South during the years 2011 to 2014. Bars
represent overall mean-centered individual pollutant concentrations under each MD
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Tu-SY-E3.4
Statistical Projections of Future Ozone Levels and Their Health Impacts in 5 US Cities
Howard Chang, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
Xinyi Zhao, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
Stefanie Sarnat, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
Yang Liu, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
Various meteorological conditions are drivers of ambient air quality. Hence, there is
increasing interest in quantifying the impacts of climate change on future air pollution
levels and their associated health effects. We describe a statistical modeling framework
for projecting future ambient ozone levels. Previous studies have typically utilized outputs
from numerical models for projecting future ozone levels; however, these models are
computationally expensive and provide only deterministic projections. In contrast, a
statistical approach, driven by meteorology and precursor levels, can flexibly incorporate
various sources of uncertainties in the future projections, which may be useful to inform
public health risk assessment. We first develop statistical models for predicting daily
maximum 8-hour average ozone levels in Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Houston, and Los
Angeles based on observed daily levels of volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides.
The models account for non-linear associations between precursor levels and meteorology,
and achieve an average out-of-sample prediction R2 of 0.60. We then perform future
ozone projections using bias-corrected climate model simulations of meteorology and
changes in precursor levels. We describe a multivariate bias-correction method to account
for the complex dependent structure in meteorological variables that are often not
present in climate model outputs. Projections of health impacts, as measured by annual
excess mortality and hospital admissions, are also conducted. Finally, we quantify the
relative uncertainties in the health impact projections that are associated with
heterogeneity in ozone health effects, ozone projection uncertainty, error in climate
model bias-correction, and impacts of emission scenario on ozone precursor levels.
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Tu-SY-E3.5
Impact of Ambient Temperature on Pollutant Infiltration and Exposure Processes: How
Current Field Studies Inform Future Climate Change Effects
Donghai Liang, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Wan-Chen Lee, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Joy Lawrence, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Jeremy Sarnat, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Stefanie Sarnat, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Petros Koutrakis, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Aim. Rising temperatures associated with climate change are expected to influence future
air pollution exposures through changes in home air exchange rates, altering contributions
of indoor and outdoor particle sources to indoor air quality. Using data from current field
studies of homes in two US cities with different climatic conditions, we examine
associations between indoor concentrations of particles of outdoor and indoor origin and
ambient temperature to inform future air pollution exposure and health.
Methods. We assembled a large database of two retrospective cohorts (321 homes) in the
Boston Area and a prospective cohort (840 homes) in Atlanta. Given that generally there is
no indoor sulfur sources, indoor-outdoor sulfur ratios were used as a surrogate of total
particle infiltration for PM2.5. We used linear mixed-effects models to examine the sulfur
ratio-temperature relationship on both the whole population and a subset of naturally
ventilated homes, using archived samples in Boston. Projected meteorological values,
obtained from an ensemble of 15 Coupled Model Inter-comparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5)
models, were incorporated to predict sulfur ratio for 20 years in the future (2046-2065)
and the past (1981-2000).
Results. The average sulfur ratio in the cohorts in Boston was 0.55 ± 0.19, with a 0.04
lower sulfur ratio in homes (N=43) without air conditioning (AC) compared to those
(N=278) with AC. Temperature was the only meteorological factor found to significantly
predict sulfur ratio (p < 0.05) in both population scenarios (whole population and naturally
ventilated house only). A positive linear relationship was found between temperature and
sulfur ratio for the whole population, with every Celsius degree increase in temperature
associated with an increase of 0.006 in sulfur ratio. The predicted future summer-winter
difference in sulfur ratio was as high as 54% for naturally ventilated homes and 30% for the
whole population, using winter as the baseline. In contrast, the long-term difference was
small with a maximum of 7% and 2 % increase in sulfur ratio in summer for the
populations, respectively.
Conclusion. Substantial increment in sulfur ratio was found particularly in summer or the
20 years in the future. Ongoing analyses on the prospective cohort in Atlanta will be
compared to the sulfur ratio-temperature relationship obtained from the cohorts in
Boston. Together these analyses can help minimize exposure misclassification in future
epidemiologic studies of PM2.5, as well as provide a better understanding of the potential
influence of climate change on PM2.5 associated health effects.
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Tu-SY-F3: Current opportunities and challenges in exposure surveillance to
implement prevention strategies at the national and European scale
Tu-SY-F3.1
Occupational exposures to some chemical carcinogens by gender in France (from
Matgéné program).
Corinne Pilorget, French Institute for Public Health Surveillance / University of Lyon,
Lyon, France
Marie Houot, French Institute for Public health surveillance, Saint Maurice, France
Laurène Delabre, French Institute for public health surveillance, Saint Maurice, France
Stéphane Ducamp, French Institute for public health surveillance / University of
Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
Loïc Garras, French Institut for public health surveillance, Saint Maurice, France
Dephine Jezewski-Serra, French Institute of Public Health Surveillance, Saint Maurice,
France
Jean-Baptiste Pelletan, French Institute for public health surveillance / University of
Lyon, Lyon, France
Danièle Luce, French Institute for Public health surveillance, Saint Maurice, France
Mounia El Yamani, French Insitute for public surveillance, Saint Maurice, France
Matgéné program aims to create job-exposure matrices (JEMs) that give exposure indices
for all the French workers by period. Linking JEMs, developed for carcinogenic, agents
with occupational data allows a description of this occupational exposure to carcinogens
by gender and activity at different dates for the current job or for all the occupational life
in the French working population.
JEMs were developed for carcinogens classified in group1 or 2A by the International
Agency for Research on Cancer. These JEMs were linked with 2 dataset: a representative
sample of the French population in 2007 including complete occupational calendars and
the 1999 French Census data. For each carcinogen, exposure prevalence in 1999 and in
2007 and lifetime exposure prevalence were estimated among men and women. These
results are described by activity in order to identify the most exposed sector by gender.
Carcinogens assessed by JEMs are solvents (trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene,
methylene chloride, benzene), dusts (leather, silica) and asbestos fibers. The 1999 and
2007 exposure prevalence’s are generally low. They are higher for men (from 0.07% to
7.4%) than for women (from 0.02% to 0.38%), except for leather dust and
perchloroethylene more frequent among women. The lifetime exposure prevalence’s are
very high (i.e 5.6% of exposed men to silica in 2007 vs 15.3% of exposed men in their
career) but remain lower among women (0.75% women exposed during their career to
silica).
The highest exposed activity sectors are different by gender; the exposed men to
trichloroethylene are working mostly in shop and automobile repair (31%) while exposed
women are working mostly in rubber and plastic industry (29%).
These results highlight heterogeneous occupational exposure by gender due to different
jobs occupied by men and women. They indicate that gender is an important element to
define and prioritize prevention actions. Finally, they point out the interest to record all
occupational jobs occupied during lifetime for men and women in order to facilitate past
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exposure assessment that is essential for occupational cancers recognition or for
estimating attributable risk fractions.
Tu-SY-F3.2
Component of the Esteban study 2014-2016 to describe exposures to environmental
contaminants in the French general population
Clémence FILLOL, French Insitute for Public Health Surveillance, Saint Maurice, France
Alexis BALICCO, French Institute for public health surveillance, Saint Maurice, France
Laura BOSCHAT, French institute for public health surveillance, Saint Maurice, France
Amivi OLEKO, French Institute for public health surveillance, Saint-Maurice, France
Abdessatar SAOUDI, Franch Insitute for public health surveillance, saint maurice, France
Emmanuelle SZEGO, French Institute for public health surveillance, saint maurice, France
abdelkrim ZEGHNOUN, French Insitute for Public Health surveillance, Saint Maurice,
France
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES
As part of the French biomonitoring program, a cross-sectional survey called Esteban,
combining health exams and a nutrition study with biomarker dosages is ongoing. Its aims
in the field of exposure biomonitoring are to describe and establish reference values for
the levels of biomarkers of exposure to chemical agents present in the environment (incl.
food); to analyze the determinants of exposure biomarkers levels and to compare with
results from studies conducted abroad.
METHODS
Esteban is a cross-sectional study conducted in the continental French population (adults
aged 18-74 and children aged 6-17), which took place during 2 years between April 2014
and March 2016, to take into account seasonality of exposure to environmental and food
substances. The sampling design of the Esteban study has been defined as a stratified plan
with three degrees (primary units, households and one member per household). Each
participant answers a « questionnaire survey » (sociodemographic data, use of medical
care, dietary habits, exposures to environmental pollutants), partially conducted face-to-
face during 2 visits at home and partially self-administered and via telephone, and
undergo a «biological and clinical exam» including collection of biological samples (blood,
urine and hair, collected either at home during a visit by a nurse, or in an health center).
Biological samples are prepared and sent to a biobank, for long term conservation at -
80°C.
RESULTS
Inclusions have begun in April 2014, and full size implementation of data collection
continues until the end of March 2016. As of March 4th, 2016, 2, 350 adults and 1, 058
children have been included in the study. An iterative consensus process (adapted from
Delphi) among experts was used to obtain a prioritized list of biomarkers’ families (Metals,
Benzene, Perfluorochemicals, Pesticids, Polybrominated compounds, bisphenols,
parabens…). More than 100 biomarkers were prioritized by this method.
CONCLUSION
This survey will offer a unique opportunity to assess the levels of impregnation of the
French population by many chemicals. It will then allow comparison across time, and will
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be complementary to other national initiatives (e.g. biomonitoring in children as part of
the Elfe cohorte). The results of Esteban will be compared with surveys conducted abroad
(in other European biomonitoring programs). Perspectives are to monitor time trends in
biomarkers levels, when previous results are available and to monitor the impact of public
health policies and regulations aiming to reduce environmental exposures to chemicals.
Tu-SY-F3.3
Using human biomonitoring to assess chemical exposures in French mothers of
newborns, 2011: results obtained in the framework of the French biomonitoring
program
Clémentine Dereumeaux, French Institute for Public Health Surveillance, Saint-Maurice,
France
Abdesattar Saoudi, French Institute for Public Health Surveillance, Saint-Maurice, France
Marie Pecheux, French Institute for Public Health Surveillance, Saint-Maurice, France
Bénédicte Bérat, French Institute for Public Health Surveillance, Saint-Maurice, France
Vérène Wagner, French Institute for Public Health Surveillance, Saint-Maurice, French
Guiana
Sarah Goria, French Institute for Public Health Surveillance, Saint-Maurice, France
Serge Brunel, French Institute for Public Health Surveillance, Saint-Maurice, France
Perrine De Crouy-Chanel, French Institute for Public Health Surveillance, Saint-Maurice,
France
Clémence Fillol, French Institute for Public Health Surveillance, Saint-Maurice, France
Amivi Oleko, French Institute for Public Health Surveillance, Saint-Maurice, France
Corinne Delamaire, French Institute for Public Health Surveillance, Saint-Maurice, France
Alain Le TertreFrench Institute for Public Health Surveillance, Saint-Maurice, France
Sébastien Denys, French Institute for Public Health Surveillance, Saint-Maurice, France
Agnès Lefranc, French Institute for Public Health Surveillance, Saint-Maurice, France
Laurence Guldner, French Institute for Public Health Surveillance, Saint-Maurice, France
Aim: As part of the French human biomonitoring program, the perinatal component
provides a description of internal exposure to priority environmental contaminants among
pregnant women having given birth in continental France in 2011. The study also aims: (i)
to compare the biomarker levels with those observed in previous surveys conducted in
France and abroad (e.g. in other European HBM programs); (ii) to identify and quantify
some determinants of exposure.
Methods: Exposure biomarkers were measured in biological samples (urine, blood, cord
blood and hair) collected from pregnant women randomly selected among the participants
in the clinical and biological component of the Elfe cohort (n=4,145). Biomarkers analyzed
in the perinatal component of the French HBM program were both well-known pollutants
(e.g. toxic metals) and emerging substances (e.g. phthalates, bisphenol A, pesticides). For
each biomarker, the geometric mean and percentiles of the levels distribution were
estimated, taking into account the sampling design, in order to obtain estimates
representative of the pregnant women having given birth in continental France in 2011.
Multivariate analyses were conducted to search for determinants of impregnation levels.
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Results: Comparisons with results previously obtained in the French population highlight a
downward temporal trend in exposure to some chemicals (e.g. lead, mercury) that may be
related to regulations taken to limit exposure to these chemicals. On the opposite,
comparisons with results obtained abroad provide insight of some higher exposures in
France than in other European countries or northern America (e.g. mercury, pyrethroids)
that may partly be related to lifestyle characteristics and regulatory specificities.
Methodological aspects that might impact biomonitoring results such as progressive
improvement in measurements of emerging substances (bisphenol A, phthalates) have also
to be considered in these comparisons.
Contributors to biomarker levels in pregnant women identified in this study are mainly
consistent with those highlighted in previous studies. However interpretation of these
findings warrants caution in relation with, on the one hand the short half-life of some
biomarkers (e.g. bisphenol A, phthalates, pesticides), and on the other hand the fact that
questionnaire-collected consumption behaviors (e.g. food, tobacco) may not reflect
behaviors immediately preceding the spot biological collection used in the present study.
Conclusions: The results of the perinatal component of the French HBM program underline
the necessity to study exposure to substitutes of some chemicals (e.g. bisphenol S,
bisphenol F) and to develop multi-disciplinary approaches to assess exposure to chemicals.
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Tu-SY-F3.4
Improved Risk Assessment through the integration of toxicokinetic modelling to
connect external exposure to internal dose: the case of persistent chemicals
Camille Béchaux, ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France
Laurent Bodin, ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France
Stéphan Clémençon, TelecomParisTech, Paris, France
Amélie Crépet, ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France
Biomonitoring data has many advantages for exposure assessment since it represents an
integration of exposure from all sources and routes, takes into account the accumulation
of the chemical in the body and represents direct measurements of the dose of the
chemical substance that is really taken up from the environment (internal dose). Although
the availability of human biomonitoring data can greatly improve the risk assessment
especially for persistent chemicals, their interpretation often remains their main weakness
because of the inability to identify the different sources of exposure, their relative
contribution to the total exposure or to interpret it in terms of individual behaviors.
Consequently, biomonitoring data needs to be linked with external exposure for
interpretation through the integration of toxicokinetic modelling.
The objective of this work is thus to propose a method which makes it possible to combine
all the information available to assess the exposure and to link external and internal
exposure using relevant toxicokinetic models and integrating inter and intra individual
variability when possible.
Two case studies were conducted: dioxins with dioxin-like PCBs and cadmium. Focusing on
cadmium, concentration in the urine of the French population from French Nutrition and
Health Survey (ENNS) were used. Dietary and smoking habits recorded in the ENNS study
were combined with contamination levels in food and cigarettes to assess individual
exposures. A physiologically based toxicokinetic (PBTK) model was used in a Bayesian
population model to link this external exposure with the measured urinary concentrations.
In this model, the level of the past exposure was corrected thanks to a scaling function
which account for a trend in the French dietary exposure. It resulted in a modelling which
was able to explain the current urinary concentrations measured in the French population
through current and past exposure levels. Risk related to cadmium exposure in the general
French population was then assessed from external and internal critical values
corresponding to kidney effects.
This work illustrates how the combination of different data in a population modelling can
improve risk assessment for persistent chemical. It does not aim to convince that all this
data are needed to evaluate the risk but rather to investigate what can be learned when
combining all the data.
395
Tu-SY-G3: Advancing human exposure metrics in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
and Chemical Alternatives Assessment (CAA) – I
Tu-SY-G3.1
Framework for Multi-Pathway Cumulative Exposure for Comparative Assessments
Tom McKone, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States
Peter Fantke, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
Efforts to assess human and ecosystem exposure to contaminants released to multiple
environmental media have been evolving over the last decades. In this talk, we summarize
the development and evolution of the multimedia mass-balance approach combined with
multi-pathway exposure assessment as a framework for comparative assessment of
chemicals, products, and services. We first review the development and evolution of the
multimedia mass-balance approach to pollutant fate and exposure evaluation and
illustrate some of the calculations used in multimedia, multi-pathway exposure
assessments. The multimedia approach requires comprehensive assessments that locate all
points of chemical release to the environment, characterize mass-balance relationships,
and track contaminants through the entire environmental system to exposure of
individuals or populations or specific ecosystems. For use in comparative risk assessment,
life-cycle assessment (LCA), and chemical alternatives assessment (CAA), multimedia fate
and exposure models synthesize information about partitioning, reaction, and intermedia-
transport properties of chemicals in a representative (local to regional) or generic
(continental to global) environment with information about larger scale populations rather
than specific individuals or vulnerable subgroups. Although there can be large
uncertainties in this approach, it provides insight on how chemical properties and use
patterns map onto population-scale metrics of exposure, such as intake fraction for
characterizing human intake per unit emission and aquatic or terrestrial ecosystem
exposure concentrations per unit emission. We next discuss the reliability with which fate
models at different levels of geographic scale--from near field indoor scales to urban,
regional, continental and even global scale--can be used to determine cumulative human
exposure and/or ecosystem exposure from multiple pollutants and emissions sources. The
key question here is whether the results of cumulative assessments can provide sufficient
insight for decision makers who are concerned with life-cycle impacts and chemical
alternatives. We present a regional case study for pesticide alternatives in an agricultural
valley of California to assess the opportunities and future prospects for the multi-pathway
cumulative framework in LCA and CAA. This case reveals that the relative contributions to
cumulative pollutant intake via different exposure pathways depend on (a) persistence of
chemicals at different levels of integration (regional, urban-scale, food-web, indoors), (b)
basic chemical properties, (c) the retention of chemicals in food webs, and (d) the
retention of chemicals by indoor surfaces.
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Tu-SY-G3.2
What are the elements for considering exposure in alternative assessments?
Ann Mason, American Chemistry Council, Washington, DC, United States
Brett Howard, American Chemistry Council, Washington, DC, United States
The alternative assessment community faces a variety of challenges when considering
alternative chemistries or products. Specifically, assessors work to balance sometimes
competing goals to 1) reduce or eliminate the risk of chemical ingredients; 2) reward
chemicals and products that are designed using the principles of green engineering and
chemistry; and 3) assure functional and economic performance. Overall, any alternative
chemical or product must be measurably safer for the user and the environment, perform
similarly or better than its predecessor, and have a cost comparable to the chemical or
product it replaces. For some, the assessment includes the belief that one must move
from ‘older’ chemicals and products toward newer ones and therefore the original should
not be included during the assessment of alternatives. For others, inclusion of the original
is a necessary ‘proof point’ to justify the resources when making the case to redesign a
chemical or product or to move to a new alternative. Given the broad spectrum of
functional roles for chemicals and products, there is currently no “best” solution that will
work in all circumstances. Full alternative assessments as currently practiced involve a
substantial amount of expert resources, data, and time so it is important that they result
in clear and lasting benefits. The goal of this work is to suggest a set of elements for a
screening-level evaluation that directly responds to the question posed by the assessor and
that considers hazard and exposure within the use context of the chemical or product.
This evaluation process sets out six elements to aid the alternative assessment
practitioner during the initial comparative hazard/exposure evaluation step for a chemical
or product in their use applications. These elements allow the practitioner to consider the
results of the screening-level evaluation and decide whether a more complete alternative
assessment is needed. Specifically, this proposed screening evaluation defines the criteria,
considerations and approaches needed when using any hazard approach and any exposure
model to provide a screening-level hazard/exposure (risk) evaluation.
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Tu-SY-G3.3
What are the elements required to improve exposure estimates in life cycle
assessments?
Alexi Ernstoff, DTU, Lyngby, Denmark
Ralph Rosenbaum, Irstea, Montpelier, France
Manuele Margni, École Polytechnique de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
Peter Fantke, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
In this study we aim to identify and discuss priority elements required to improve exposure
estimates in Life cycle assessment (LCA). LCA aims at guiding decision-support to minimize
damages on resources, humans, and ecosystems which incur via providing society with
products and services. Potential human toxicity and ecosystem toxicity of chemicals posed
by different product life cycle stages are characterized in the life cycle impact assessment
(LCIA) phase. Exposure and effect quantification as part of LCIA toxicity characterization
faces numerous challenges related to inventory analysis (e.g. number and quantity of
chemicals emitted), substance-specific modelling (e.g. organics, inorganics, nano-
materials) in various environments and time horizons, human and ecosystem exposure
quantification (e.g. exposed organisms and exposure pathways), and toxicity end-points
(e.g. carcinogenicity). There are many relevant areas for improving exposure
quantification in LCIA.
We explore prioritising future work based on investigating existing mitigation efforts,
observed damages, and potential for (irreversible) harm to ensure LCIA covers at least the
most relevant concerns faced by societies today regarding chemical exposure and harmful
effects. Thereby, we structure this study of key elements identified as areas of elevated
public, industrial, regulatory, and scientific concerns.
We found the majority of missing elements are directly related to the definition of
exposed populations (both ecosystems and humans). For example, current LCIA human
toxicity methods focus on exposure of the general population via chemical emissions.
Occupational and consumer exposure to chemicals is of elevated concern for various
stakeholders and leads to millions, if not billions, of dollars of damages yearly (e.g.
through mesothelioma). Although consumer and occupational exposures often occur at
magnitudes far greater than exposure mediated via environmental emissions, they are
notably missing from current LCIA methods. As another example, recommended LCIA
ecotoxicity methods focus on freshwater ecosystems. A significant amount of resources
has been spent to mitigate damages on marine and terrestrial organisms such as fishes,
bees, and birds. However, recommended methods are currently unavailable in LCIA to
consider these organisms to evaluate the sensitivity of terrestrial and marine ecosystems.
Microbes are another elevated concern due to the rise of antibiotic resistant organisms
due to microbial exposure to disinfectants, antimicrobials and antibiotics etc. Yet, both
the microbial exposure to chemicals and human exposure to microbes (and other disease
vectors) are entirely missing from current LCIA exposure frameworks.
In all, defining exposure sub-populations and developing suitable methods can improve
exposure methods in LCIA and capture major societal concerns.
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Tu-SY-G3.4
The Current State of Alternatives Assessment in REACH – An Evaluation of 100+
Authorization Applications
Steffen Foss Hansen, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Copenhagen, Denmark
Rune Hjorth, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Copenhagen, Denmark
Molly Jacobs, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachussetts, United States
Joel Tickner, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachussetts, United States
Completion of an “Analysis of Alternatives” (AoA or AA) is a key component of
manufacturers/importers request to obtain REACH authorization of their substances.
As of March 2016, 68 opinions on applications for REACH authorization had been adopted
and 40 applications are undergoing consultations. In this analysis, we investigate how
these AAs were completed in the regulatory applications and whether they addressed key
elements of an AA based on the recent literature of current practices as well as guidance
developed by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
Based on the Guidance on Authorisation Applications developed by ECHA (2011), the work
by Geiser et al. (2015; DOI: 10.1111/risa.12507) and Jacobs et al. (2016;
http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1409581), we identified a list of 25 basic AA elements that
it seems relevant to investigate whether these have been included in the 108 applications
for authorization. Elements reviewed included: what types of alternatives (e.g. chemical,
material, product, or system alternatives) were considered; what analytical methods
(e.g., hazard assessment, life-cycle assessment, exposure assessment) are used; and how
different criteria e.g. hazard, technical feasibility and economic considerations were
weighted in the AA.
Our analysis reveals that, while the applications compare alternatives based on technical
feasibility, economic feasibility and risk, many of the applications do not include even the
most basic elements of what one would normally considered a robust AA based on the
emerging regulatory science policy literature on AA. A minority of applications provides an
extensive identification of alternatives and although ECHA (2011) does provide guidance
on what factors to consider in the assessment, a key problem seems to be that it is not
always clear how to include environmental, safety and health considerations and technical
feasibility when considering numerous alternatives. In general, most of the AA conclude
that there is no alternative available and it could seem that there is a problem in the fact
that the AA is performed by companies required to do them in order to justify continued
use of the substance that they manufacturer. The ECHA SEAC committee needs to be more
rigorous when it comes to assessing this aspect of the applications.
399
Tu-SY-G3.5
Identifying critical hazard and exposure information for Chemical Alternatives
Assessment (CAA) decision-making
Cal Baier-Anderson, US Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, District of
Columbia, United States
Background: Exposure considerations can add significant value to chemical alternatives
assessment (CAA) and assessors can benefit from a targeted approach to collecting data to
streamline the assessment and focus on relevant factors with available data. Objectives:
This presentation will focus on the use of problem formulation to identify critical exposure
information, defined as factors that may substantively change routes, patterns and/or
levels of exposure, and discuss how exposure information can be used to inform or modify
decision-making (e.g., compare exposure levels, identify differential routes of exposure,
identify critical data gaps, etc.). Methods: The conceptual model for the use of
chlorinated phosphate ester flame retardants (CPE FR) in consumer products illustrates
relevant exposure pathways and receptors in the home. Comparing conceptual model
exposure pathways and receptors with available hazard and exposure data or models
shows which exposure pathways can be quantified and which pathways contain critical
data gaps. Results: EPA/OPPT is evaluating three CPE FR chemicals [i.e., ethanol, 2-
chloro-, phosphate (TCEP), 2-Propanol, 1-chloro-, 2,2’,2’’-phosphate (TCPP) and 2-
Propanol, 1,3-dichloro-, phosphate (TDCPP)] for potential risks to human health and the
environment. These chemicals exhibit low to moderately volatility and there may be
multiple exposure pathways, including inhalation, ingestion of particles and dust, and
dermal contact. None of the chemicals have sufficient toxicological data to evaluate each
of the pathways identified, leaving data gaps. Knowing which exposure pathways are
existing (or likely) can help to prioritize needed toxicological data. Substitute chemicals
with different physical chemical characteristics (such as polymeric flame retardants)
demonstrate how the relevant exposure pathways may change, leading to different
priorities for toxicological data. Options for incorporating exposure data into the
alternatives assessment are not always straight forward. Comparing relevant pathways,
key hazards, receptors and data gaps can provide clues to how the exposure information
can be used to inform decision-making and what trade-offs are likely. The views expressed
in this presentation are those of the author and do not represent Agency policy or
endorsement.
400
Tu-SY-G3.6
Panel discussion "Ideas and debate around current challenges and gaps in addressing
exposure in LCA and CAA"
Peter Fantke, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
Kathie Dionisio, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, United
States
This is a special panel discussion slot to efficiently receiving input from a wider audience
in a lively, useful discussion of ideas and debate around current challenges and gaps in
addressing exposure in LCA and CAA focused on the following aligned talks:
1) Framework for multi-pathway cumulative exposure for comparative assessments
2) What are the elements for considering exposure in alternative assessments?
3) What are the elements required to improve exposure in life cycle assessments?
4) The (questionable) use of CAA when it comes to granting authorization of Substances of
Very High Concern (SVHCs) under the REACH regulation
5) Identifying critical exposure information for CAA decision-making
401
Tu-PL-H3: Pesticides
Tu-PL-H3.1
Influence of pesticide toxicokinetic parameters on the association between plasma and
hair concentration
Caroline Chata, LIH, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
Nathalie Grova, LIH, luxembourg, Luxembourg
Emilie Hardy, LIH, luxembourg, Luxembourg
Brice Appenzeller, LIH, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
Aims: Mainly used for the detection of medical and illicit drugs, hair analysis is
increasingly used for the assessment of human exposure to pollutants thanks to recent
progresses in analytical techniques which allowed the detection of low levels of
concentration. Although the relationship between chemicals intake and resulting
concentration in hair remains incompletely elucidated, the transfer from blood to hair
bulb is generally considered the main route of incorporation in hair.
Mechanisms of absorption, distribution and metabolization into blood should modulate the
transfer of chemicals depending on their toxicokinetic parameters, resulting in different
“blood to hair concentration” ratios.
The present work investigated the correlation between “blood and hair concentration”
and “toxicokinetic parameters” of more than twenty pesticides from different chemical
classes in animal models submitted to controlled exposure.
Methods: Two animal experiments were performed on the same strain (Lister Hooded).
The first one was conducted to observe the relationship between hair and blood
concentration. Hence, rats were administered pesticides by gavage over a 90 days-period,
3 times per week, at 7 different levels plus one control group. Each level of exposure
consisted of n=8 animals. Animals’ hair was collected at the end of the experiment by
shaving. The second one provided toxicokinetic parameters of pesticides into blood. Rats
were administered pesticides by gavage of a single dose and blood was sampled at
different times using a catheter in the caudal vein. Toxicokinetic was established with 20
different time points with a 12-repetition for each in order to reduce individual
variability.
After hair sample decontamination, pulverization and extraction, both parents and
metabolites were analyzed by GC-MS/MS. Blood was immediately turned into plasma, and
after extraction, the same compounds were analyzed also by GC-MS/MS.
Results: The data obtained for all the investigated compounds demonstrated significant
association between plasma and hair concentrations (P value of 2.97E-45 and Rpearson of
0.875), with the exception of 3 outliers. For all the target compounds, toxicokinetic
parameters (such as Cmax, tmax, Cmin, elimination half-life, area under the curve) were
investigated in order to understand the influence of these parameters on outlier’s specific
behavior.
Conclusions: Our results support that the concentration of chemicals in hair depends on
the respective concentration in plasma and suggest that for most pesticides, the transfer
from blood to hair would not represent a limiting step in the incorporation. Results will
however be analyzed more in detail in regard to compound toxicokinetic parameters.
402
403
Tu-PL-H3.2
Matphyto: a French program for retrospective pesticide exposure assessment
Laura Chaperon, French Institute for Public Health Surveillance, Lyon, France
Céline Gentil, French Institute for Public Health Surveillance, Fort de France, France
Johan Spinosi, French Institute for Public Health Surveillance, Lyon, France
Mounia El Yamani, French Institute for Public Health Surveillance, Paris, France
OBJECTIVES:
Acute effects of pesticides are well known, but information on delayed effects (e.g.
cancers) is lacking. Detailed knowledge of past occupational exposures to pesticides is
required for epidemiologic studies or monitoring survey. Retrospective assessment of
occupational pesticides exposure is complex. Because no reporting system for pesticides
use existed in France, Matphyto program has been initiated to remedy this knowledge gap.
This program consists in developing crop exposure matrices (CEMs) to pesticides, to
reconstruct historical pesticides use patterns in France. Concurrently, Matphyto lists all
active substances which are registered in France since 1961, for each crop and each use in
agriculture, in a database named CIPA.
METHODS:
The Matphyto program aims at developing CEMs for each main crop since the 60’s in both
metropolitan and overseas France. For each crop, data of the pesticides used are
collected and compiled. Different periods and geographical areas are characterized. Three
exposure indicators for each active substance and/or chemical family are defined for each
period and each geographical area: the probability, the frequency and the intensity. CEMs
are validated by agronomists.
The CIPA database was developed from Acta plant protection products indexes. This yearly
books presents data about all the active substances registered in France since 1961 and is
published by Acta, the head of the agricultural technical institutes network. In order to
ensure continuous monitoring of the registered uses of pesticides over time, an important
work of interpretation, homogenization and data input has been made. The choices made
were approved by experts from technical institutes.
RESULTS:
First, Matphyto focuses on the main French crops: straw cereals, potatoes, corn and wine-
growing. Wine-growing CEM lists the use of pesticides on 9 vineyards with 50 herbicidal
active substances, 108 insecticides and 94 fungicides from respectively 41, 25 and 35
chemical families. CEMs can be useful to the occupational medicine and to
epidemiological studies to assess more precisely pesticides exposure.
CIPA provides data on pesticides as:
• 1053 individual forms (one form for each substance) with the characteristics and
the agricultural uses of the substance,
• An Access® database which allows advanced queries about the active substances,
• Graphs from the main retrievals of the CIPA database.
CONCLUSION:
Matphyto program covers most of the crops in France. The data will be widely and freely
usable to support assessment of occupational exposure to pesticides. The first CEMs are
already available. The CIPA database is downloadable for free on the website
http://index-matphyto.univ-lyon1.fr.
404
405
Tu-PL-H3.4
Relevance of hair analysis for the biomonitoring of pesticide exposure – comparison
with blood and urine in an animal model
Brice M.R. Appenzeller, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
Emilie Hardy, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
Nathalie Grova, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
Caroline Chata, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
Olivier Briand, French Ministry of Agriculture, Agrifood, and Forestry, Paris, France
Henri Schoeder, Université de Lorraine, Vandoeuvre-lés-Nancy, France
Radu C. Duca, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
Aim: Increasing interest is currently observed in hair analysis for the assessment of human
exposure to organic pollutants. Nevertheless, only few studies have been published in this
specific field so far, and several aspects still have to be investigated for optimum use of
the information hair analysis can provide. In particular, relationships between individuals’
exposure intensity and pollutants concentration in hair were only little investigated.
The present work, based on animal experimentation, was to investigate to what extent
hair concentration was associated with level of exposure to a series of pesticides, and to
compare results obtained from hair analysis to urine and plasma, which are more
classically used in biomonitoring.
Methods: Rats (Lister Hooded, bicolor animals) were administered pesticides by gavage
over a 90 days-period, 3 times per week, at 7 different levels plus one control group (no
exposure). Each level of exposure consisted of n=8 animals. Pesticide mix consisted of
twenty different compounds (organochlorines, organophosphates, pyrethroids, carbamates
and other pesticides). Animals’ hair, urine and plasma were collected at the end of the
experiment. Black hair and white hair were analyzed separately in order to assess any
possible effect of melanin on the incorporation of chemicals in hair. After samples
decontamination, pulverization, and extraction, both parent compounds and metabolites
were analyzed by GC-MS/MS.
Results: For most of the 27 target chemicals, the level of exposure was significantly
associated with the concentration in the matrix, with coefficients of determination (R2)
>0.9 for several compounds. In hair and in plasma, the number of chemicals detected
ranged from 19 in controls to 25 in the group of highest exposure. In urine, the number of
detected chemicals ranged from 8 to 18. The comparison between white and black hair
demonstrated limited influence of pigmentation in the concentration of pesticides in hair.
The possibility to reattribute animals to their correct group of exposure based on pesticide
concentration in hair, plasma and urine demonstrated the superiority of hair, which
provided the best score for 13 out of the 27 chemicals.
Conclusions: The significant association observed here between level of exposure and
chemical concentration in hair supports the relevance of hair analysis for the assessment
of human exposure to pollutants.
406
Tu-PL-H3.5
Detection of Glyphosate and its metbolite AMPA in the urine of 2- to 6-year children
from the German state North Rhine-Westphalia
Susanne Rudzok, North Rhine Westphalian State Agency for Nature, Environment and
Consumer Protection, Recklinghausen, Germany
Silvia Sievering, North Rhine Westphalian State Agency for Nature, Environment and
Consumer Protection, Recklinghausen, Germany
Yvonni Chovolou, North Rhine Westphalian State Agency for Nature, Environment and
Consumer Protection, Recklinghausen, Germany
Martin Kraft, North Rhine Westphalian State Agency for Nature, Environment and
Consumer Protection, Recklinghausen, Germany
Aim: Human biomonitoring studies are effective tools to detect the load on the body with
harmful substances. Glyphosate is a non-selective active herbicide ingredient contained in
a number of pesticides used worldwide. Currently, various health evaluations of
Glyphosate have been published. The question came up, if and to what extent 2- to 6-year
old children are exposed to Glyphosate-residues.
Methods: Glyphosate and its metabolite AMPA were determined in spot urinary samples of
250 probands attending kindergarten in the German State North Rhine-Westphalia. The
urine was collected between December 2014 and Mai 2015 as part of the epidemiological
human biomonitoring study program in North Rhine-Westphalia. Additionally, urine
collected over a time period of 24 hours was analyzed for 50 probands. Anthropometric
data were collected by questionnaires.
Results: In 63 % of the samples Glyphosate concentrations were measured above the
detection limit of 0.1 µg/L. The median Glyphosate concentration amounted to 0.14 µg/L
and the 95th percentile was 0.97 µg/L. Based on the urinary concentration a daily intake
was back calculated and compared to the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 0.5 mg per kg
body weight per day derived newly by the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA). The
estimated daily Glyphosate intake amounted to 0.004 % and the maximum to 0.11 % of this
ADI. Thus, health related effects are presumably not expected for the measured urinary
Glyphosate concentrations.
For AMPA, 58 % of the samples were above the limit of determination, with median
concentration of 0.13 µg/L and a 95th percentile of 0.44 µg/L. The urinary concentrations
of Glyphosate and AMPA did not display a strong correlation suggesting different exposure
sources.
Furthermore, spot urinary samples were compared to corresponding 24 h urinary samples
(n = 50). The results display that the first morning urine is an appropriate survey
parameter to evaluate the daily intake of Glyphosate residues.
Conclusion: This study is the first epidemiological study determining the Glyphosate
exposure to 2- to 6-year children worldwide. Although, the results showing no presumably
expected health effects, it is undeniable, that there is a quantifiable Glyphosate body
burden in the examined children.
407
Tu-PL-I3: Understanding Exposure Measurement Error
Tu-PL-I3.1
Assessment of Multi-Pollutant Indicators of Primary Traffic Pollution in a Near-Road
Setting
Donghai Liang, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Jennifer Moutinho, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Rachel Golan, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Givat Brenner, Israel
Howard Chang, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Roby Greenwald, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Rodney Weber, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Stefanie Sarnat, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Armistead Russell, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Vishal Verma, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States
Jeremy Sarnat, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Background. Numerous approaches have been proposed to model multi-pollutant air
pollution exposures and corresponding health response. For near road settings, these
approaches are critical given the heterogeneity of the pollution mix. A better
understanding of exposure measurement error surrounding these approaches is needed for
the design and interpretation of the many observational studies linking traffic pollution
and adverse health. We conducted the Dorm Room Inhalation to Vehicle Emissions (DRIVE)
study to examine differential errors associated with using single- and multi-pollutant
primary traffic indicators in health effect studies. Methods. We measured traditional
single- and multi-pollutant traffic indicators at 8 monitoring sites (2 indoor and 6 outdoor)
ranging from 0.01 to 2.3 km away from a major highway artery. An extensive suite of
traffic pollutants was measured at each site, selected to characterize the heterogeneous
composition of primary traffic emissions, including nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide,
particle mass and number concentration, elemental and organic carbon and particulate
oxidative potential, expressed as water soluble dithiothreitol (ws-DTT) activity. We also
conducted personal exposure sampling and metabolomics analysis for 54 students living in
dormitories near (20 m) or far (1.4 km) from the highway. We quantified sources of
spatiotemporal variability in the various traffic indicators using correlation and mixed
effect modeling. Results. Spatial gradients varied substantially and differed by pollutant;
median carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, and particle number concentrations were 109%,
100%, and 67% higher outside of the near-road dorm compared to the far-road dorm.
Roadside versus near-dorm temporal correlations for all traffic indicators were strong
(Spearman’s r: 0.7-0.9); correlations were lower between the roadside and far dorm (r:
0.4-0.6), with substantial diurnal variability. In contrast to single-pollutant indicators of
traffic, ws-DTT levels were more homogeneously distributed across the study domain,
exhibiting a moderate, inverse gradient with respect to the highway source (median
outdoor ws-DTT/volume levels at the highway roadside, near dorm, and far dorm sites =
87, 107, and 124 pmol/min/m3, respectively), trends similar to overall organic aerosol and
PM2.5 mass concentrations. Conclusions. This study is among the first to comprehensively
evaluate the use of single- and multi-pollutant indicators of primary traffic exposure. Early
results suggest differences between single- and multi-pollutant indicators that have
implications for their use and interpretation in traffic-related health effects studies.
408
409
Tu-PL-I3.2
Evaluation of a Novel Approach to Refine Exposure Assessment in Epidemiological
Studies of Chemicals with Short Half-Lives
Marc-André Verner, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Fraser Gaspar, SomaLogic, Denver, Colorado, United States
Karl Forest-Bérard, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Pierre Ayotte, Université Laval, Quebec city, Quebec, Canada
Jonathan Chevrier, McGill University Faculty of Medicine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Maryse Bouchard, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Background: Epidemiological studies of prenatal exposure to environmental chemicals with
short biological half-lives usually rely on urinary metabolite levels in spot samples from
pregnant women to estimate exposure. However, studies have shown that within-person
variability in levels measured in spot samples is often greater than between-person
variability. Failure to adequately characterize between-person variability in exposure is a
major obstacle to the evaluation of exposure-outcome associations. Because collecting
repeated urine samples in large epidemiological studies is impractical, new tools are
needed to circumvent this methodological challenge.
Aim: To evaluate whether predictive models based on spot sample measurements and
sociodemographic variables can help refine the estimation of gestational exposure to
organophosphate pesticides.
Methods: We recruited 50 pregnant women during their first prenatal care visit
(gestational week 11), 43 of which provided 10 spot urine samples over 10 consecutive
days. Six dialkylphosphate (DAP) metabolites of organophosphate pesticides were
measured in the first spot urine sample and in a pool of the 10 collected samples. Linear
regression and the deletion/substitution/addition (DSA) machine-learning algorithm were
used to develop predictive models of the sum of DAPs (nmol/g creatinine) in the 10-
sample pool (dependent variable) using DAP levels in the first spot sample and data
gathered from a questionnaire (independent variables).
Results: All samples had detectable concentrations of DAP metabolites. In a univariate
regression model, the sum of DAPs in the first urine sample alone explained 23% of the
variability in the 10-sample pool sum of DAP levels. When we included reported
determinants of DAP levels in the linear regression model (i.e., maternal age, pets, fruit
and juice consumption), the model explained 38% of the variability in the 10-sample pool
sum of DAP levels. On the other hand, the DSA algorithm, which performs 10-fold cross-
validation to develop the predictive model, only selected the sum of dimethyl phosphate
metabolites in the first urine sample to predict DAP levels in the 10-sample pool.
Conclusions: In the context of our study, we did not find questionnaire data to explain
additional variance of pooled DAP concentrations in our cross-validated models. Studies
evaluating other approaches to refine exposure assessment for chemicals with short
biological half-lives are warranted.
410
Tu-PL-I3.3
3D variability of different particle metrics in urban areas: findings from the
“supersito” project in bologna (Italy)
Stefano Zauli Sajani, Arpae Emilia Romagna, Modena, Italy
Dimitri Bacco, Arpae Emilia Romagna, Bologna, Italy
Stefano Marchesi, Arpae Emilia Romagna, Modena, Italy
Arianna Trentini, Arpae Emilia Romagna, Bologna, Italy
Isabella Ricciardelli, Arpae Emilia Romagna, Bologna, Italy
Vanes Poluzzi, Arpae Emilia Romagna, Bologna, Italy
Sabrina Rovelli, University of Insubria, Como, Italy
Gianluigi De Gennaro, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
Aim
The study aims at assessing the 3D spatial variability of various particle metrics within
urban areas and the potential for misclassification in epidemiological studies.
Methods
Several monitoring campaigns were conducted in different sites and seasons during the
period 2012-2015. Measurements included size distribution, mass and chemical
composition of PM2.5. Chemical speciation were carried out in terms of a number of
metals and ions, and organic and elemental carbon. The measurement activities were
conducted in the city of Bologna (Italy), located in one of the most urbanized,
industrialized and polluted areas of Europe. Gravimetric and optical monitors were used
for PM2.5 mass. Size distributions were provided by spectrometers (FMPS-TSI). Monitoring
sites included high and low traffic areas, front and back of buildings placed near busy
streets, and high rise building with measurements at different floors. Some measurements
were also performed in terms of NO2 and BTEX.
Results
A comparison between high and low traffic sites showed a very little variability of PM2.5
concentrations (< 15%). On the contrary very strong variability was found in the finer
fractions of the size distribution and Ultrafine Particle Concentrations (3.5 times higher
concentrations at the traffic site). Measurements at the front and rear of a building which
fronted onto a major urban road showed differences very similar to those found comparing
high and low traffic areas. Marked differences in relations to traffic proximity was found
for some chemical species such as Elemental Carbon, Iron, Manganese and Tin. Little
vertical variation was found for PM2.5 while no linear trend was found for UFP. Large
vertical gradients resulted for NO2 and BTEX.
Conclusions
The results of the study provided the basis for a ranking of potential for exposure
misclassification in epidemiological studies in relation to some different particle metrics.
411
Tu-PL-I3.4
Data Assimilation for Improved Exposure Modeling of Source Impacts on PM2.5 for
Continental United States
Cesunica Ivey, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, United States
Yongtao Hu, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, United States
James Mulholland, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, United States
Armistead Russell, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, United States
Air quality models can provide temporally and spatially resolved fields for exposure
analyses as they incorporate emissions and meteorological variations and can provide
information on fields that are less routinely monitored. Further, such models can directly
link air quality impacts to sources, including impacts on ozone and secondary PM2.5
species such as sulfate, nitrate, ammonium and organic carbon (SANOC). However, such
models are potentially subject to significant biases and errors. Results from chemical
transport models (e.g., CMAQ) are influenced by uncertainties in modeled secondary
formation processes, such as chemical mechanisms, volatilization, and condensation rates.
SANOC constitutes the majority of PM2.5 mass, and reducing bias in estimated
concentrations has benefits for exposure assessments that use air quality data for health
assessments. In this work, a method for assimilating speciated observation and modeled
data is used to improve source impact estimates on PM2.5 and SANOC, which provides
quantitative estimates of source contributions and reduces bias in modeled concentrations
compared to observations. The approach uses sensitivities of both primary and secondary
source impacts from CMAQ and observations of metals, elemental carbon, and SANOC;
accounts for uncertainties in the optimization; and is applied both spatially and
temporally. We apply the method over the continental United States to provide daily
source impact fields for health analyses. The normalized mean bias for initial CMAQ-
modeled concentrations compared to observations is -0.28 (OC), 0.11 (NO3), 0.05 (NH4), -
0.08 (SO4), before applying the secondary bias correction. The bias is effectively zero
after applying the method. Further, the correlation of PM2.5 observations and modeled
concentrations improved after applying the secondary bias correction (observation and
CMAQ: r = 0.49; observation and secondary-adjusted: r = 0.89). Multiple years of fields
are being developed, and results for 2006 find that modeled source impacts and
concentrations better reflect observations.
412
Tu-PL-I3.5
Toddlers' inhalation exposure to pyrethroids in homes
Jiaqi Zhou, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, United States
Clifford Weisel, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers, The
State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, United States
Application of pyrethroid insecticides in residential settings results in children’s exposures
to these chemicals and possible adverse health effects. Household dust is a recognized
reservoir for pyrethroids and a potential medium for multi-route pyrethroid exposure. Dust
resuspension resulting from human’s activities can increase human’s inhalation exposure
to pyrethroids. Young children (one to three years old) move and play in a manner that
contribute to the resuspension of dust and since their breathing zone is closer to the floor,
will have higher inhalation exposure to pesticide laden dust than other age groups. Their
physical development stage may enhance their vulnerability to exposure to toxicants, such
as pyrethroids. Directly measuring a toddler’s exposure to household dust presents many
logistic challenges, so few studies have reported exposure levels to resuspended dust for
this age group. We simulated the dust resuspension by a toddler using a commercially
available robot, which also serves as a platform to collect air samples at the breathing
zone height. We tested 5 sets of experiments on carpet flooring. Our results showed that
pyrethroids concentrations in floor dust, stationary air samples and mobile air samples
were <1.0mg/g, 1.0-2.0mg/g, 1.0-4.0mg/g, respectively. Mean pyrethroids air
concentrations in stationary and mobile samples were 0.037μg/m3 and 0.061μg/m3,
respectively. We further characterized particle size distribution in stationary and mobile
sampling zone. Mean particle concentrations in stationary and mobile samples were
27μg/m3 and 40μg/m3, respectively. Ratio of particle counts between mobile samples and
stationary samples was 1.10—1.40 in different size ranges. Thus, the use of floor dust
samples and stationary air samples may underestimate by approximately a factor of 5 and
2, respectively, a toddler’s personal inhalation exposure to pyrethroids in residential
houses.
413
Tu-SY-A4: The Exposome: From concept to practice – IV
Tu-SY-A4.1
Statistical Inference from Multipollutant Models in Exposome Studies
Lützen Portengen, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University,
Utrecht, Netherlands
Background: the exposome constitutes a promising framework for better understanding
the effect of the totality of an individual’s exposure history, in terms of both the
compounds involved and the timing of the exposures. Although statistical methods are
available that account for the multiplicity of hypotheses being tested, those based on
simple univariate testing are unable to cope with the strong correlations that are likely to
be present between different exposures or between different exposure windows for a
single exposure, while multi-variable methods may suffer from low power due to the
resulting high collinearity. More sophisticated dimension reduction and variable selection
methods developed for machine learning tend to focus on the quality of the model
predictions, rather than the implied model structure.
Methods: we will illustrate some of the deficiencies of existing methods, and highlight
some recent developments that attempt to address these, using examples from simulation
studies.
Discussion: statistical inference in the context of a full-fledged exposome study poses
several challenges that have not been fully resolved. The dense correlation structure of
the exposome results in low power for fully agnostic analyses of single exposure effects
and interactions, which suggests that these may require large sample sizes. For smaller
samples a more realistic goal may be to identify the joint effect of groups of (correlated)
exposures, or to use stronger a-priori information on exposure effects.
414
Tu-SY-A4.2
Bioinformatics methods to enable exposome-based discovery
Chirag Patel, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
The exposome concept, defined as the comprehensive battery of environmental exposures
encountered from birth to death, promises to be a “big data” endeavor if realized. For
example, the exposome is partitioned into the "external" and "internal" components,
connoting ascertainments that occur inside and outside of the human. We claim new
analytical tools, methods, and databases will need to be built to support and enable
exposome-based discovery. Specifically, methods and databases will need to enable the
deconvolution of the internal and external exposome and associate the longitudinal
exposome with human and health and disease. In this talk, we will give a short review of
the current day computer infrastructure and new tools to accelerate the association of
high-throughput measures of environmental exposures with disease. Second, in the spirit
of reproducible and collaborative science, we will exemplify new methods and tools with
hands-on demonstrations of software packages and data for participants to try on their
own.
415
Tu-SY-A4.3
Causal Assessment of the Exposome
Roel Vermeulen, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
The Exposome has been identified as a unifying framework. The Exposome is a bold
conceptual leap, seeking to bridge the role of the environment in human disease over
multiple continua including: from populations to individuals, from external to internal
environments, from discreet exposures to life course, and from single stressors to multiple
determinants. Due to this inherent multi-dimensional complexity, exploitation of the
“Exposome” is the ultimate Big-Data opportunity to improve public and patient health. In
recent years, several studies have embraced the Exposome concept and more-and-more
studies are generating multi-dimensional data to characterize the Exposome and
associated health effects. However, the interpretation of these data is not straightforward
due to the large number of variables and general lack of biological hypothesis.
Unfortunately, a statistical and causal inference framework that fully accounts for the
inherent complexities of a comprehensive exposome analysis is only just emerging. Until
now researchers have chosen to simplify the problem by choosing easier parameters (i.e.
bivariate associations), applying dimension reduction techniques, and multiple testing
corrections to get a more restricted (tractable) number of bivariate associations. The
fundamental problem with this approach is that it assumes that important causal
relationships can be estimated via bivariate assumptions which due to its asymptotic
assumptions may not (always) hold and that proposed solution may lack direct
interpretability. As such there is a need for integrating casual assessment in the
interpretation of exposome data which can be achieved through i) causal models (e.g.
counterfactual and structural equation models) and through causal graphs; ii) the use of
prior biological and empirical knowledge; and iii) replication/validation. In this
presentation we will focus on a heuristic framework of statistical inference and Causal
assessment of Exposome data.
416
Tu-PL-B4: Occupational Exposures
Tu-PL-B4.1
Differences in Fine Particulates and Estimated Pulmonary Ventilation Rate with
Respect to Work Tasks of Wildland Firefighters: A Repeated Measures Study
Anna Adetona, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States
Olorunfemi Adetona, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
Ryan Chartier, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States
Michael Paulsen, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
Christopher Simpson, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
Stephen Rathbun, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States
Luke Naeher, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States
Background: Wildland firefighters are exposed to a mixture of chemicals found in
woodsmoke and emissions from non-woodsmoke sources such as gasoline or diesel.
Improved exposure assessment approaches capable of distinguishing among the sources
and estimating internal dose are needed for determining accurate exposure response
relationships in epidemiological studies.
Objectives: We investigated compositional differences in fine particulate matter
associated with various work tasks employed during prescribed burning. We used dual
functioning personal aerosol monitors to collect personal PM2.5 (particulate matter with
aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 microns and less) and accelerometry data on wildland
firefighters. The PM2.5 samples are being analyzed for black carbon and levoglucosan.
Methods: Repeated measures on ten wildland firefighters employed by the United States
Forest Service-Savannah River, SC and two individuals certified to work on prescribed
burns were collected on burn and non-burn days during January-July 2015. Personal
monitoring consisted of real-time and gravimetric PM2.5 (MicroPEM, RTI International,
Research Triangle Park, NC) and carbon monoxide measurements (Dräger Pac III,
DrägerSafety Inc., Pittsburgh, PA). The MicroPEM’s accelerometer data were correlated
with participant activity level to estimate average person-day ventilation rates. Estimated
ventilation rates were then applied to calculate inhaled total PM2.5 dose. Primary
analyses consisted of linear mixed-effects models.
Results: Least square means and corresponding 95% upper and lower confidence limits
[95% CLs] showed gravimetric PM2.5 did not statistically differ between firefighters who
managed fire boundaries (holders) and firefighters who conducted lighting (lighters)
(p=0.486; n=16, 290 [162, 520] µg/m3; n=30, 250 [148, 424] µg/m3, respectively). Lighters
had significantly higher ventilation rates compared to holders (p<0.0001; n=30, 30.7 [28.7,
32.8] L/min; n=16, 13.8 [12.7, 15.0] L/min, respectively). Additionally, lighters had
marginally significantly higher inhaled total dose compared to holders (p=0.0751; n=30,
1310 [561, 3054] µg; n=16, 841 [344, 2054] µg, respectively).
Conclusion: Our study is the first to apply accelerometry data to estimate ventilation rates
and inhaled particulate matter dose of wildland firefighters. We observed no difference in
PM2.5 exposure concentrations by work task; however, after adjusting for ventilation
rates, estimated inhaled total PM2.5 dose resulted in significant (marginally) differences.
Even with some uncertainty, the ability to account for ventilation rate to estimate inhaled
dose instead of the traditionally used air exposure concentration would result in more
accurate assessment of the associations between occupational exposures and biological
responses observed among wildland firefighters.
417
Tu-PL-B4.2
Occupational Heat Exposure in Washington State Roofers: A Comparison of Area,
Personal, and Core Body Temperatures.
Miriam Calkins, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
June Spector, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
Aim: In Washington State (WA), the construction industry, and roofers in particular,
experience high injury rates from falls and other mechanisms and also have the highest
rate of heat-related illness (HRI) in the state. These outdoor workers are often working in
conditions where they are not only exposed to solar radiation, but also additional sources
of heat inherent to the roofing process. The optimal use of area, personal ambient, and
internal temperature metrics for assessing the risk of heat health effects in this population
has not to date been extensively studied. The objective of this study is to evaluate the
association between occupational heat exposure, heat stress, and heat strain, in a sample
of roofing workers.
Methods: Using a repeated measures design, this study measures personal heat exposure in
a sample of roofers in the greater Seattle area during peak summertime activities. Days
are identified as either exposed or unexposed to extreme heat using thresholds selected a
priori from regionally appropriate historic trends in temperature. For this study, ambient
temperature is measured both in terms of dry temperature was well as the apparent
temperature, which accounts for humidity, solar radiation, and other meteorological
conditions. Area temperature, personal temperature, core body temperature, heart rate,
and activity level is collected continuously for each worker for an entire shift on both an
exposed and unexposed day using QUESTempTM portable wet bulb globe temperature
(WBGT) monitors, Thermochron iButtons®, CorTempTM ingestible temperature sensors,
Polar® chest band monitors, and personal ActiGraph monitors, respectively. Additional
risk factors, including job task and clothing, are collected through observations and survey
questions.
Results: This study reports the relationship between area- and personal-level ambient
temperature exposure, personal temperature and core body temperature, and personal
temperature and physiological strain using the physiological strain index (PSI), taking into
account other factors that influence heat strain, in a sample of roofers in the greater
Seattle area.
Conclusions: This study provides insight into the most appropriate approach for quantifying
occupational heat exposure, as related to the risk of heat strain, in a high-risk occupation
where area level measures may not adequately characterize potential interpersonal
variability resulting from different activities and multi-source exposures. These results are
anticipated to provide valuable information for future heat exposure and health research
and also for targeting HRI prevention efforts. Future analyses of these data will
additionally evaluate the relationship between occupational heat exposure and heat-
related injury risk.
418
Tu-PL-B4.3
Airborne dioxins, furans and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposure to military
personnel in Iraq
Mauro Masiol, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, United States
Philip Hopke, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, United States
Timothy Mallon, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD,
United States
Mark Utell, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
Objectives: The objective was to utilize the ambient concentrations of polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbon (PAH), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD) and polychlorinated
dibenzofurans (PCDF) measured at Joint Base Balard in Iraq in 2007 to identify the spatial
patterns of exposure to these species and to identify and apportion the likely sources.
Methods: The ratios of the measured species were compared to literature data for open
burning of simulated military wastes and other likely sources. Using the multiple site
measurements on specific days, contour maps have been drawn using inverse distance
weighting (IDW). Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) was applied to the data to obtain the
chemical profiles and contribution time series of the PAHs, PCDDs, and PCDFs. Conditional
probability function (CPF) analyses were performed to assess the source directionality
relative to the monitoring sites
Results: These analyses point to multiple sources of the PAH and PCDD/PCDF compounds
including the burn pit (primarily a source of PCDD/PCDFs), the transportation field
(primarily as source of PAHs) and other sources of PAHs that might include aircraft (fixed
wing and helicopter), space heating, and diesel power generation. These three source
types were identified and apportioned. The CPF plots were consistent with the assigned
source types.
Conclusions: The ambient PAH and PCDD/PCDF concentration data provided insights into
the identities and locations of their multiple sources. The PCDDs and PCDFs originated
primarily from the burn pit and were highly focused in that area. Higher molecular weight
PAHs were associated with vehicle emissions while the aircraft emissions were enriched in
low molecular weight PAHs.
419
Tu-PL-B4.4
Fungi spores dimension matters in health effects: A methodology for more detail fungi
exposure assessment
Carla Viegas, ESTeSL-IPL; ENSP - UNL, Lisbon, Portugal
Tiago Faria, ESTeSL- IPL, Lisbon, Portugal
Raquel Sabino, ESTeSL -IPL; INSA, Lisbon, Portugal
Susana Viegas, ESTeSL-IPL; ENSP-UNL, Lisbon, Portugal
Health effects resulting from dust inhalation in occupational environments may be more
strongly associated with specific microbial components, such as fungi, than to the
particles. The aim of the present study is to characterize the occupational exposure to the
fungal burden in four different occupational settings (two feed industries, one poultry and
one waste sorting industry), presenting results from two air sampling methods – the
impinger collector and the use of filters. In addition, the equipment used for the filter
sampling method allowed a more accurate characterization regarding the dimension of the
collected fungal particles (less than 2.5 µm size). Air samples of 300L were collected using
the impinger Coriolis μ air sampler. Simultaneously, the aerosol monitor (DustTrak II model
8532, TSI®) allowed assessing viable microbiological material below the 2.5 µm size. After
sampling, filters were immersed in 300 mL of sterilized distilled water and agitated for 30
min at 100 rpm. 150 µl from the sterilized distilled water were subsequently spread onto
malt extract agar (2%) with chloramphenicol (0.05 g/L). All plates were incubated at 27.5
ºC during 5–7 days. With the impinger method, the fungal load ranged from 0 to 413
CFU.m-3 and with the filter method, ranged from 0 to 64 CFU.m-3. In one feed industry,
Penicillium genus was the most frequently found genus (66.7%) using the impinger method
and three more fungi species/genera/complex were found. The filter assay allowed the
detection of only two species/genera/complex in the same industry. In the other feed
industry, Cladosporium sp. was the most found (33.3%) with impinger method and three
more species/genera/complex were also found. Through the filter assay four fungi
species/genera/complex were found. In the assessed poultry, Rhyzopus sp. was the most
frequently detected (61.2%) and more three species/genera/complex were isolated.
Through the filter assay, only two fungal species/genera/complex were found. In the
waste sorting industry Penicillium sp. was the most prevalent (73.6%) with the impinger
method, being isolated two more different fungi species/genera/complex. Through the
filter assay only Penicillium sp. was found. A more precise determination of occupational
fungal exposure was ensured, since it was possible to obtain information regarding not
only the characterization of fungal contamination (impinger method), but also the size of
dust particles, and viable fungal particles, that can reach the worker´s respiratory tract
(filters method). Both methods should be used in parallel to enrich discussion regarding
potential health effects of occupational exposure to fungi.
420
Tu-PL-B4.6
Influence of Genetic Variance on Occupational Exposure Assessment for 1,6-
Hexamethylene Diisocyanate
Kathie Y Sun, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina,
United States
John E French, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina,
United States
Jayne C Boyer, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,, Chapel Hill, North Carolina,
United States
Leena A Nylander-French, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North
Carolina, United States
Significant differences in systemic response to xenobiotic exposure result from inter-
individual genetic variation, but this variation is not included as a predictor of outcome in
current exposure assessment models. We developed an approach to investigate and
identify individual differences in genetic variation that influence biomarkers of exposure
levels. Urine biomarker 1,6-hexamethylene diamine (HDA) was measured as a quantitative
biological phenotype in a well-characterized population of automotive spray painters
exposed to 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI). Exposure measurements were
conducted over the course of an entire workday for up to three separate workdays that
were spaced approximately one month apart. Inhalation exposure was measured using
personal breathing-zone sampling while skin exposure was measured using tape-strip
sampling. Urine samples were collected throughout the workday. Our innovative statistical
modeling approach contains whole-genome markers along with other exposure predictors
to determine the contribution of individual genetic variants to the observed urine
biomarker levels among the exposed workers. The workers (n=33) were genotyped using
genome-wide Affymetrix 6.0 microarrays, which feature ~1.8 million genetic markers.
PLINK was used for the candidate-gene and genome-wide association analysis, and the
regression model that captured the most significant SNPs included population
substructure, current smoking status, HDI exposure in the worker’s breathing zone, and
HDI skin exposure level as covariates. We identified 26 significant genome-wide variants
that were associated with the urine HDA levels. Associations were adjusted for multiple
comparisons at a false discovery rate (FDR) p<0.05. We also performed a candidate gene
analysis using 19 genes encompassing 296 genetic markers associated with HDI exposure
and occupational asthma selected from published literature. No candidate genes were
significant at a FDR<0.05. The genetic contribution to variation observed in urine
biomarker levels was determined using linear mixed-effects models (LMM) that accounted
for personal HDI exposure, individual exposure determinants, and whole-genome
polymorphic markers. The biological relevance of significant variants was determined
through predictive network analysis using GeneMania, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, and
Metacore. The most significant genetic marker, rs2697962 (p=9.0E-09), was also highly
significant in the LMM (p<0.0001). This marker is located in the 3’-UTR region of PRDM2,
which encodes a zinc finger protein that is a member of a nuclear histone/protein
methyltransferase family. We found significant associations between urine HDA levels and
genetic markers in this worker population. The results indicate that we can incorporate
genetic markers with other exposure covariates in predictive exposure assessment models
to better identify individual differences in biomarker levels.
421
Tu-SY-C4: Advanced methods for characterizing air pollution exposures at
community scale
Tu-SY-C4.1
The evaluation of advanced human exposure models using personal exposure
measurements
Sean Beevers, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
James Smith, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
Aim: Results from the London Human Exposure Model LHEM (Smith et al., 2016), which
estimates human exposure in indoor and outdoor micro environments, shows exposure
indoors, travel on the London Underground (LU) and within vehicles to be important
contributors to daily PM2.5 and NO2 exposure. There is a need to evaluate the LHEM’s
predictions with personal exposure measurements, which has previously been difficult due
to a lack of data. However, personal monitoring undertaken by KCL on the London
Underground, and as part of the research council funded “Characterisation of COPD
Exacerbations using Environmental Exposure Modelling COPE” study in London, provides
opportunities to do so.
Methods:
London Underground: Exposure on the LU is currently modelled by the LHEM using a mean
of 94 μg m-3, calculated from a small number of measurements on one line using a TSI
Sidepak AM510, which requires calibration factors for this environment of iron rich
particles. Consequently, KCL have undertaken high time resolution measurements to
calculate calibration factors, to apply them to 34 hours of personal PM2.5 measurements
and to model exposure across the entire LU network.
Indoor Environment: Exposure indoors in the LHEM is currently modelled using
indoor/outdoor ratios applied to outdoor concentrations, without accounting for indoor
sources. As part of the COPE study, up to 160 patients will provide PM and NO2 exposure
data, which when paired with monitoring outside of their homes, will provide observed
indoor/outdoor ratios.
Results: We have found large variations in PM2.5 concentrations on different LU lines
including; 29 μg m-3 on the Hammersmith & City, 103 μg m-3 on the Metropolitan, 189 μg
m-3 on the Bakerloo, and 326 μg m-3 on the Piccadilly lines. Within line variation was also
important, with concentrations rapidly decreasing to ambient levels on outdoors sections
of the network. The PM2.5 indoor/outdoor ratios assumed in the LHEM ranges between
0.45 and 0.63. Comparisons with the COPE data will establish how robust these
assumptions are in modelling exposure indoors, as well as the magnitude of indoor sources
of NOX and PM.
Conclusions: The LHEM model shows that personal exposure is poorly correlated with
exposure outdoors at the residential address (Smith et al., 2016). Combining personal
monitoring with indoor and transport micro environmental exposure models represents an
important step forward for these methods.
References
Smith JD et al., 2016. Developing the London Hybrid Exposure Model (LHEM) for estimating
human exposure to NO2 and PM2.5. Submitted ES&T
422
423
Tu-SY-C4.2
Modeling Air Pollution Exposure Metrics for the Diabetes and Environment Panel Study
(DEPS)
Michael Breen, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North
Carolina, United States
Yadong Xu, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, United States
Alexandra Schneider, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for
Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
Robert Devlin, US Environmental Protection Agency, Chapel Hill, United States
Air pollution health studies of fine particulate matter (PM) often use outdoor
concentrations as exposure surrogates. To improve exposure assessments, we developed
and evaluated an exposure model for individuals (EMI), which predicts five tiers of
individual-level exposure metrics for ambient PM using outdoor concentrations,
questionnaires, weather, and time-location information. We linked a mechanistic air
exchange rate (AER) model to a mass-balance PM infiltration model to predict residential
AER (Tier 1), infiltration factors (Finf, Tier 2), indoor concentrations (Cin, Tier 3),
personal exposure factors (Fpex, Tier 4), and personal exposures (E, Tier 5) for ambient
PM. In this study, we applied EMI to predict daily PM exposure metrics (Tiers 1-5) for the
21 participants in a cohort health study in central North Carolina called Diabetes and
Environment Panel Study (DEPS). Using literature-reported parameters for the PM
infiltration model, individual predictions were compared to 76 daily measurements of Fpex
based on ratio of personal to home-outdoor sulfate concentrations from the 21
participants. Median difference between measured and modeled Fpex was 14% (25th and
75th percentiles of 7% and 34%, respectively). Using EMI, we predicted house-to-house and
temporal variability of AER, Finf, and Cin (Tiers 1-3); and person-to-person variability of
Fpex and E (Tiers 4-5). The capability of EMI could help reduce uncertainty of ambient PM
exposure metrics used in health studies, such as DEPS, in support of improving health risk
estimates.
424
Tu-SY-C4.3
Detailed near-port dispersion modeling for exposure assessments in Norfork, VA
Elizabeth Smith, US EPA, Durham, NC, United States
Timothy Barzyk, US EPA, Durham, NC, United States
Vlad Isakov, US EPA, Durham, NC, United States
Saravanan Arunachalam, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
This presentation will describe the use of reduced-form modeling for community-scale
applications that explore exposures under a suite of future scenarios to inform actions to
improve community resiliency. US Port communities are faced with a number of
opportunities and challenges related to future port operations that complicate the
assessment of trade-offs associated with decisions about 1) whether to expand to
accommodate larger ships (e.g. post-Panamax), 2) how to anticipate impacts from
potential changes in both use and distribution of alternative energy sources, and 3) how
global trade might affect numbers and sizes of ships and other transportation
infrastructure (rail, roadways) necessary to carry goods to and from other parts of the
country. Decision-makers need flexible, simple-to-use tools to assess potential changes in
exposures from a suite of air toxics associated with these multi-modal transportation
sources, and to design mitigation strategies where exposures reach unacceptable levels.
The C-PORT (Community air-dispersion model for Ports) model is designed to meet this
need. A web-based tool that can be used for mapping and analyzing exposures to traffic-
related air pollution in selected port communities, C-PORT requires no experience with
GIS or model parameterization to view and modify dispersion of emissions related to port
activities. The US EPA is working closely with several port communities across the country
to provide such broadly-accessible tools that respond to community concerns so that
management activities that improve resiliency and sustainability can be identified.
Newport News, Virginia is an early case study that has several major seaport terminals
nearby including the Newport News Marine Terminal (NNMT) and Norfolk International
Terminals (NIT). Together, these Port of Virginia terminals represent the east coast’s
deepest harbors thus will likely see some of the biggest changes in shipping resulting from
the expansion of the Panama Canal. These Virginia seaports also have the largest
percentage of rail-based cargo transport in the US, and include transportation of the
largest volume of coal in the country resulting in dispersion of significant amounts of coal
dust. An illustrative example of how the C-PORT model can be applied in the Norfolk area
to evaluate how exposures might change in the future will be presented.
425
Tu-SY-C4.4
Web-based models for exposure assessment on a community scale
Saravanan Arunachalam, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North
Carolina, United States
Brian Naess, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina,
United States
Catherine Seppanen, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North
Carolina, United States
Vlad Isakov, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, RTP, North Carolina, United States
Timothy Barzyk, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, RTP, North Carolina, United
States
This presentation will describe the web-based, easy-to-use community tools (e.g. C-LINE
and C-PORT) to study air pollution exposures due to various sources at a community scale.
C-LINE is designed to study air pollution due to traffic-related sources while C-PORT is
designed to study air pollution due to port-related sources such as ocean-going vessels, on-
terminal stationary sources, rail and trucks. The power of such tools is to be able to make
these assessments in a fairly rapid time, and to assess what-if scenarios on-demand. These
scenarios are created by changing input parameters related to activity, emissions or even
meteorological parameters and understanding changes in associated air quality and health
risk at community scales. The targeted user-community is expected to be non-technical
and less sophisticated with modeling expertise, and hence the web-based approach to
keep things more intuitive and easy to use for planning purposes. The algorithms in these
tools are reduced-form versions of other established models, and after extensive
validation, are optimized for quick execution through the web-based interface. These
tools have been developed and applied to areas within the U.S. to date. However, such
web-based, easy-to-use modeling systems are of potential interest to global mega-cities
that are seeing extensive growth in mobile source emissions and associated increases in
exposures to traffic-related air pollutants in the near-source environment. Community
groups around the world are becoming increasingly active in local initiatives that seek to
mitigate potentially harmful environmental conditions. However, there is a lack of tools
that can be applied to study near-source pollution in an easy manner, and explore the
benefits of improvements to air quality and exposures – either due to voluntary or
mandatory programs. There is interest in developing such community-scale modeling
capabilities in places where emission inventories are not readily available (e.g. India,
South America). This presentation will discuss the data / infrastructure needs for easy
adaptation and implementation of the community tools for new cities, and will show an
illustration for extending C-LINE to other cities of the world.
426
Tu-SY-D4: Human Biological Monitoring Following Chemical Incidents
Tu-SY-D4.1
The role of human biological monitoring in civil protection in Germany
Michael Mueller, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Niedersachsen,
Germany
The release of chemical, biological and radio-nuclear (CBRN-) agents creates special
scenarios which can involve the exposure of disaster relief forces and the general public.
Human biological monitoring (HBM) may be used in these incidents to determine the
absorbed and biologically active internal dose of C-agents in the human body.
In a research project the compendium “Human biomonitoring in civil protection” was
designed as a guideline for medical personnel to cover exposure of disaster relief forces
and the general public after a CBRN incident. The compendium builds on HBM procedures,
to be applied after exposure to chemical agents. HBM analysis methods were evaluated
and basic toxicity data (including biological reference and threshold values) are given for
50 agents, previously identified as relevant in German civil protection. It also describes
the sampling of human specimen to be analyzed for biological agents and radio-nuclear
target isotopes, in a single sampling approach, thus limiting the burden for potentially
exposed persons and facilitating comparison of their individual exposures to different
CBRN agents (Müller et al., 2014).
In a second step, the compendium was implemented by a workshop of end users, training
courses for medical personnel were designed and optimized by evaluation of the
participant’s feedback. In addition, an internet application was set up, including a
periodically updated list of national and international HBM laboratories.
This development comprises a German approach for HBM in civil protection based on the
obligate collection of human specimen and their subsequent analysis. Parallel
developments in the Netherlands and Belgium use the concept of a transparent decision
process for the application of HBM based on ambient monitoring data, simple dispersion
modeling and toxicokinetic modeling (Scheepers et al., 2014). Both concepts have
advantages and limitations. Nevertheless, these national approaches may serve as
examples of a European concept to be developed for the application of HBM with ample
and with limited resources of the respective countries.
References
Müller M, Schmiechen K, Heselmann D, Schmidt L, Göen T (2014) Human biological
monitoring - A versatile tool in the aftermath of a CBRN incident. Toxicol Lett 231: 306 –
314.
Scheepers PT, van Brederode NE, Bos PM, Nijhuis NJ, van de Weerdt RH, van der Woude I,
Eggens ML (2014) Human biological monitoring for exposure assessment in response to an
incident involving hazardous materials. Toxicol Lett. 231: 295 – 305
427
Tu-SY-D4.2
Human biological monitoring following chemical incidents. Use of a guideline to
support decisions to use or not use biomonitoring in The Netherlands.
Paul Scheepers, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, Netherlands
Gwendolyn Beckmann, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, Netherlands
Rob Anzion, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, Netherlands
Introduction - In the Netherlands public health advisors hazmat (GAGS) expressed their
interest in a potentional role of human biological monitoring (HBM) in the response to
chemical incidents. In 2012 a guideline was established to address this issue. End-users
with a GAGS background as well as physicians, toxicologists and researchers with a
background in exposure sciences and epidemiology contributed to the preparation of this
guideline. Since its establishment HBM was considered in a number of incidents. This
experience is used to evaluate the guideline.
Objective - To review the experience with a new guideline for decision-making regarding
the use of HBM in the context of chemical incidents.
Methods - Requests received from professional users were collated into an overview and
analyzed.
Results - Over the past three years HBM was considered in 12 chemical incidents. In five
cases experts recommended not to use HBM to resolve the questions related to exposure
and health effects. Of the cases that were followed up, three cases involved industrial
exposures (fumigants, toxic metals and organic solvent) and in one incident first
responders were involved (illicit drugs laboratory). In three remaining incidents residents
were involved (mercury, polyurethane and metals) and two of these cases involved young
children. The strength of this guideline for HBM related to chemical incidents is that it
stimulated awareness for potential pitfalls and could use a framework to take decision in
an early stage of the incident. In all of these cases this decision was made after
consultation of a toxicologist in the region or from the national poison center. An inherent
weakness of applying HBM in this setting is that HBM is often not perceived as a priority in
an early stage of an incident and some of the requests for support were too late to be able
to respond adequately.
Conclusion - HBM was employed in about half of the incidents and contributed to resolving
questions concerning exposure. In most cases HBM was used in an assessment that could
be used for reassurance of the involved individuals regarding exposure and the potential
health consequences.
428
Tu-SY-D4.3
Assessing exposures to PCBs after an accidental fire in an electric transformer in
France: (ir)relevance of human biomonitoring
Philippe Pirard, InVS, Saint-Maurice, France
Christine Ricoux, InVS, Montpellier, France
Marie-Laure Bidondo, InVS, Saint-Maurice, France
Dominique Mestre-Pujol, ARS Languedic-Roussillon-Midi-Pyrénées, Carcassonne, France
Franck Golliot, InVS, Montpellier, France
Introduction
In June 2013, a fire occurred in an electrical transformer in process of dismantling. The
local health authorities considered to launch a program of prevention of contamination,
environmental measurements, and health monitoring for the following reasons: there were
doubts on pyralene remnants in the transformer and the fire could not be extinguished
exposing to black smoke residents who refused evacuation.
Objective
The objective is to review the different steps of the procedure dealing with a power
transformer fire: from exposure identification, to potential contamination calculation,
selection of candidates for measurements and ways of differentiating acute exposure to
the fire from chronic exposure to a contaminated soil.
Methods
A field investigation was initiated with geographical grid mapping and questionnaires for
residents in order to assess the environmental and health impact. A step by step
environmental contamination (PCB-L, PCB-NL, dioxins and furans) measuring plan was
launched and a biological monitoring study (blood and urine samples, with specific blood
sampling and conservation in case of necessity of dioxine measurements) was proposed to
the symptomatic residents.
Results
Only the supposed most exposed quarter could be checked since the population ("Roma
community") concerned was difficult to approach. Recommendations to prevention dietary
contamination and tracking were scrupulously respected and no traces from the fire were
observed upon visual inspection. Most of the interviewed residents declared headaches,
and symptoms of irritation. Four residents were admitted to hospital due to a suspected of
carbon-monoxide intoxication which revealed to be compatible with smoking habits.
Measurements in soil highly exposed to fire-fighting operations and in the near field of the
transformer did not reveal elevated concentrations (PCDD-TEQ = 2,7 ng/kg – PCB-TEQ 8.0
ng/kg). It turned out there was no demand for any biological monitoring.
Conclusion
Due to the high expense and technical difficulties to perform dioxine monitoring the local
authorities stopped preparations for the monitoring process study.Targeting on PCB-
congeners (including "lower chlorinated") for biomonitoring in combination with soil
measurements could have highlighted more easily the exposure to the transformer and the
acute exposure from the past ones. Nevertheless the acceptability of biomonitoring
measurements by the exposed population remains an issue as well as the balance between
advantages and disadvantages of such an action on a public health point of view.
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Tu-SY-D4.4
Human biomonitoring for emergency responders – A valuable tool for exposure analysis
and feedback on protection measures
Michael Bader, BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany
Thomas Jaeger, BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany
Sandra Baecker, BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Ghana
Stefan Webendoerfer, BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany
Gert Van Bortel, BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany
Elke Verwerft, BASF Antwerpen N.V., Antwerpen, Belgium
Tom Van Weyenbergh, BASF Antwerpen N.V., Antwerpen, Belgium
Human Biomonitoring (HBM) is a well-established tool for the analysis and assessment of
exposure to hazardous substances under regular working conditions. However, its potential
for investigations after short-term exposure and chemical incidents is a relatively new and
fast developing field of application. In particular, emergency responders like firefighters
are potentially prone to contact with hazardous substances after chemical spills and
accidents or work in high contaminated areas. However, data on individual exposure of
firefighters to hazardous substances are still scarce. To address this issue, HBM has been
carried since more than 15 years among professional firefighters at two major chemical
production sites in Europe.
Post-exposure sampling is offered and carried out for altogether 38 different substances,
including (poly-cyclic) aromatic hydrocarbons, isocyanates, amines, phenols, alkylating
chemicals and metals. The analyses are carried out according to scientifically
recommended procedures (such as the German DFG standard operating procedures) under
quality-controlled conditions (German External Quality Assessment Scheme). Sampling
material (urine beakers, blood tubes) as well as storage capacities (refrigerators, freezers)
are available for larger sampling campaigns, if required. The professional firefighters are
regularly informed about results and new developments, the purpose, the scope and
practical aspects of the HBM programs. Detailed reports and individual feedback on the
operations are either collected by a standardized questionnaire (Ludwigshafen) or by
interview (Antwerpen).
In the course of the past 10 years, more than 1,000 samples from up to ten incident
campaigns per year were analysed, the severity of the incidents ranging widely from small
spills to larger product releases and fires. Most samples were analyzed for aromatic
hydrocarbons such as benzene and toluene. In general, excursions of occupational limit
values are rare (< 5 %) and often associated with post-campaign contaminations (skin,
clothes). In example, excursions of the internal action value for the polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAH) marker 1-hydroxypyrene (1 µg/g crea.) were observed in 4 samples (3
- 45 µg/g crea.) after an operation with dermal exposure to contaminated surfaces being
the most likely route of uptake.
The biomonitoring programs for emergency responders in Ludwigshafen and Antwerp
address the most important and critical aspects of HBM after chemical incidents:
preparedness and fast response, standard operating procedures, toxicological and medical
assessment, and communication. A particular added value of these programs is the
feedback on the efficacy of the protection equipment which is a practical support for the
post-campaign evaluation of safety and health protection measures.
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431
Tu-SY-D4.5
Human biomonitoring as a tool of objective exposure assessment: A case-study of a
major train accident with acrylonitrile in Belgium
An Van Nieuwenhuyse, Scientific Institute of Public Health Belgium, Brussels, Belgium
Tom De Smedt, Scientific Institute of Public Health Belgium, Brussels, Belgium
Koen Simons, Scientific Institute of Public Health Belgium, Brussels, Belgium
Christophe Stove, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
Peter De Paepe, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
Ben Nemery, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
Michael Bader, BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany
Christiane Vleminckx, Scientific Institute of Public Health Belgium, Brussels, Belgium
Ilse Van Overmeire, Scientific Institute of Public Health Belgium, Brussels, Belgium
Sébastien Fierens, Scientific Institute of Public Health Belgium, Brussels, Belgium
Birgit Mertens, Scientific Institute of Public Health Belgium, Brussels, Belgium
Koen De CremerScientific Institute of Public Health Belgium, Brussels, Belgium
Thomas Göen, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
Thomas Schettgen, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
Herman Van Oyen, Scientific Institute of Public Health Belgium, Brussels, Belgium
Joris Van Loco,Scientific Institute of Public Health Belgium, Brussels, Belgium
Background: Following a train derailment, several tons of acrylonitrile (ACN) exploded,
inflamed and part of the ACN ended up in the sewage system of the village of Wetteren
(Belgium).
Objectives: The objectives of the present study were: 1) To assess the human exposure to
ACN in the populations with the highest suspected exposure, i.e. the local population and
the emergency responders; 2) To investigate potential determinants of exposure to ACN;
and 3) To explore the association between a biomarker of exposure and self-reported
short-term health effects in the local population.
Methods: 242 residents and 841 emergency responders participated in the study. N-2-
cyanoethylvaline (CEV), a highly specific biomarker for ACN exposure, was measured in
blood. To account for potential influence of smoking, cotinine was determined in the
urine. Participants also filled in a questionnaire including reporting of short-term health
effects.
Results: In the evacuated zone, 37.3% of the non-smokers and 40.0% of the smokers had
CEV concentrations above the reference values of 10 and 200 pmol/g globin, respectively,
at the time of the train accident. Spatial mapping of the CEV concentrations depending on
the residential address showed a distribution pattern following the sewage system. The
most frequently reported symptoms were local symptoms of irritation. In the non-smokers,
a dose-response relation was observed between the CEV concentrations and the reporting
of short-term health effects. Overall, the value of self-reported symptoms to assess
exposure was limited, with the exception of some local symptoms known to be prominent
for the specific chemical exposure studied. Even then, consistent symptom reporting was
observed only in case of exposures that resulted in CEV values exceeding 10 times the
reference value. For the lower exposure ranges, there was no clear relationship between
symptom reporting and exposure. In the emergency responders, 26% of the non-smokers
exceeded the CEV reference value. ACN exposure among the non-smokers was predicted
by (1) the distance to the accident, (2) the duration of exposure, and (3) the occupational
function. In contrast with the local population, CEV concentrations in the emergency
432
responders remained relatively moderate and were comparable with background levels for
a smoking population.
Conclusion: The present study is one of the first to relate accidental exposure to short-
term health effects. The results of this study confirm that a critical view should be taken
when considering self-reported health complaints and that ideally biomarkers are
monitored to allow an objective assessment of exposure.
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Tu-SY-E4: Air pollution exposure assessment getting personal: a European
perspective
Tu-SY-E4.1
The use of low cost sensors to assess personal exposure to air pollution: results from
the HEALS pilot study
Miranda Loh, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Susanne Steinle, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Anjoeka Pronk, TNO, Utrecht, Netherlands
Anne Sleeuwenhoek, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Eelco Kuijpers, TNO, Utrecht, Netherlands
John Cherrie, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Dimitris Chapizanis, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Thomas Maggos, NCSR Demokritos, Athens, Greece
Mina Stamatelopoulou, NCSR Demokritos, Athens, Greece
Denis Sarigiannis, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
A pilot study for the HEALS (EU FP7) project is investigating the use of low-cost sensors for
the assessment of personal exposure to particulate matter. For over 100 parents (with a
child of <3 years) in 3 European countries (Greece, Netherlands, UK) personal time activity
patterns have been captured for 5 days with the MOVES app (May 2015- May 2016). In
parallel, indoor exposure to PM was assessed in the main living area of the home using the
Dylos, a low-cost particle counter. Particle counts per minute were transformed into
particle mass concentrations using a model developed by Semple et al. based on the
relationship between Dylos small particle counts and the TSI Sidepak. Indoor mean (SD)
PM2.5 levels measured by the Dylos were 8.9 (5.2) µg.m-3 with minute peaks reaching 791
µg.m-3. Outdoor levels around the same time period ranged from 3.4 – 13 µg.m-3 with a
mean (SD) level of 6.4 (2.9) µg.m-3. Preliminary estimates of personal exposures for
mothers in the Edinburgh study site were calculated by combining time-stamped location
with air pollution data from monitoring sites and Dylos data. Further analyses will explore
using higher spatial resolution models of particulate matter for assigning outdoor
exposures, and estimates of in-transport PM levels, to improve the estimates of personal
exposure.
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Tu-SY-E4.2
Mobile-phone based air pollution exposure assessment
Audrey De Nazelle, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
Juan Pablo Orjuela Mendoza, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
Markus Schläpfer, Santa Fe Institute, Santa Fe, United States
David Donaire, Centre for Environmental Epidemiology, Barcelona, Spain
Edmund Seto, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
Mark Nieuwenhuijsen, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology, Barcelona,
Spain
Michael Jerrett,, UCLA, Los Angeles, United States
Background
Methods integrating ubiquitous sensing technology have been proposed to address
limitations of exposures assessments in epidemiologic and health impact assessment
studies. While theoretically promising in terms of their ability to generate population-wide
exposure assessments that account for activity patterns, in actual applications, smart-
phone based exposure studies have so far incorporated only a handful of participants.
Recent studies have scaled up these approaches with 100 or more subjects. This
presentation will show results from one such study conducted as part of the
Transportation Air Pollution and Physical Activities (TAPAS) project. It will also discuss
progression towards game-changing use of big data from telecom companies for exposure
assessment.
Methods
Over a period of one year in Barcelona, Spain, 172 commuters were fitted with a smart
phone equipped with CalFit, a geo-tracking and physical activity assessment app, during
one week. Activity patterns derived from CalFit were then overlaid with spatially-resolved
land use regression (LUR) air pollution map, and exposures and inhalation of NO2 and PM
were estimated also accounting for specific microenvironment concentration ratios. In
another study, mobile phone activity data from 8 million users provided by Telecom Italia
was used to estimate exposures in 7 Italian cities. In this case, activity patterns, based on
presence of users every 15 minutes on a spatial grid varying from 0.1 to 30km2, were
overlaid with a European-wide LUR model.
Results
Exposures in the CalFit-based study in Barcelona were shown to be 20% higher when
activity patterns were accounted for (ie personal exposures) than when home based
exposures were estimated. Travel activities accounted for 11% of exposures
(concentrations), 20% of inhalation, but only 9% of time. The time weighted average
concentrations contributions from home, work and other activities were 47%, 28% and 14%.
The Italian big data showed NO2 home-based exposures were 5 to 50% higher than activity-
based exposures.
Discussion
Big data provided by telecom companies on mobile phone usage have the advantage of
enabling a representation of movements for a very broad population bases. However, the
companies are not necessarily willing or able to provide individual-based data.
Alternatively, data collected through smart phone apps such as CalFit enable detailed
435
information to assess personal exposure assessment (and potentially other health and
socio-demographic factors). However this is still a burdensome and costly process, limiting
its applicability to relatively small group sizes. Methods to bridge these two approaches
need to be investigated.
436
Tu-SY-E4.3
Measuring personal exposure to ultra-fine particles in the EXPOsOMICS project
John Gulliver, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
Gerard Hoek, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
Roel Vermeulen, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
Erik van Nunen, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
Kees Meliefste, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
Jelle Vlaanderen, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
David Donaire-Gonzalez, CREAL, Barcelona, Spain
Ariadna Curto, CREAL, Barcelona, Spain
Laia Font-Ribera, CREAL, Barcelona, Spain
Alex Ineichen, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
Mark Davey, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
Nicole Probst-HenschUniversity of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
Paolo Vineis, Im, London, United Kingdom
David Morley, I, London, United Kingdom
Debbie Jarvis, Im, London, United Kingdom
Andre Amaral, Im, London, United Kingdom
Alessio Naccarati, HuGeF Foundation, Torino, Italy
Laura Zini, HuGeF Foundation, Torino, Italy
Sabrina Bertinetti, HuGeF Foundation, Torino, Italy
Aim: To assess 24-hour personal exposures to ultra-fine particles (UFP) of individuals from
five areas in Europe taking part in the EU-funded EXPOsOMICS
(http://www.exposomicsproject.eu) project, and to provide these data to studies relating
UFP exposures to a series of omics (e.g. metabolomics, adductomics) being undertaken on
blood samples that were taken immediately after each UFP exposure measurement.
Methods. Adult and child personal exposure monitoring of UFP using the DiSCmini sensor
(Matter Aerosol AG, Switzerland) was undertaken in five areas in Europe (Adults: Basel
(Switzerland), Amsterdam and Utrecht (The Netherlands), Turin (Italy); and Norwich ( UK);
Children, Sabadell (Spain)) during 2014 and 2015. 24-hour measurements were repeated
up to three times on each participant in different seasons. Raw 1-second data from the
DiSCmini was cleaned using R scripts developed for the project. Using a completeness
threshold of > 75% in the 1-second data, a total of 495 UFP personal exposure
measurements from 162 adults and 42 children were retained to calculate 24-hour mean
and median exposures. Average and median 24-hour particle number counts (PNC)
(particles cm-3) were produced for each individual.
Results. For adults, mean UFP PNC were highest in Turin (20434; n = 108) followed by
Amsterdam/Utrecht (15429; n = 124), Norwich (14303; n = 54) and Basel (11632; n = 127).
For children (Sabadell), mean UFP were 18208 (n = 82). Values of median UFP PNC were
lower than means due to exposures overall being positively skewed: Turin (16627),
Amsterdam/Utrecht (11308), Norwich (11112), Basel (8981) and children in Sabadell
(15823). Eleven of the 24-hour mean PNC exceeded 50000 with nine of these from
Amsterdam/Utrecht and Turin.
Conclusion. Mean UFP exposures varied up to about two fold between study areas. The
EXPOsOMICS project has a rich dataset on UFP exposures to determine the contribution of
different microenvironments (e.g. home, journeys, work) to average/total exposures and
undertake omic analysis.
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Tu-SY-E4.4
Using Wearables To Quantify Personal Levels Of Physical Activity And Exposure To
Traffic Related Air Pollution In Three European Cities
Evi Dons, VITO, Mol, Belgium
Michelle Laeremans, VITO, Mol, Belgium
Juan Pablo Orjuela, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
Ione Avila-Palencia, ISGLOBAL, Barcelona, Spain
Tom Cole-Hunter, ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
Mark Nieuwenhuijsen, ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
Audrey de Nazelle, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
Luc Int Panis, VITO, Mol, Belgium
Background / aims: Being active in traffic implies exposure to elevated air pollution
concentrations which may come with a health cost. We designed a study to collect
objective and quantitative data on the health effects of being physically active in a
polluted environment as part of daily routines.
Methods: This study is part of the European project (EU FP7) Physical Activity through
Sustainable Transport Approaches ‘PASTA’. In it, 120 healthy adults (45% male, median
age 33.75y (range 18-61), 40 participants/city) wore devices to track movement, air
pollution and physiological health markers in real time (a.o. GPS, Sensewear, Zephyr
BioHarness). Participants were monitored for 7 days continuously on three occasions (in
three different seasons: cold, warm, intermediate). Measurements took place in parallel
in Antwerp BE, Barcelona ES, and London GB, from February 2015 to March 2016.
Results: Weeklong average personal exposure to black carbon was highest in participants
in Barcelona (1.7 ± 0.6 µg/m³), followed by London (1.4 ± 0.5 µg/m³) and Antwerp (1.3 ±
0.6 µg/m³) respectively. Seasonal variation was observed with highest exposures in
wintertime and lowest in summer. The intra-class correlation within participants for
weeklong personal black carbon exposure is rather low (0.17) due to variation in
background concentrations and in space-time activity patterns. Overall, participants were
considered sufficiently physically active according to WHO recommendations, with only
about 10% not meeting these recommendations. On average, we see that higher METs
(metabolic equivalents of task) correspond to higher exposures to black carbon, driven
mainly by elevated exposure during active compared to non-active travel. As our
participants are a rather active subgroup of the population, we estimate ventilation and
inhaled concentration to more accurately reflect internal exposure. Depending on the
methods and sensors used, there can be a difference of up to a factor of 2 in the
estimated inhaled concentration.
Later on in the project, personal monitoring data will be related to a number of
noninvasive subclinical health markers measured in the same individuals: blood pressure,
heart rate variability, retinal photography, lung function and lung inflammation.
Conclusions: By using mobile devices, the PASTA project is trying to further reduce
exposure misclassification by moving away from an aggregated assessment of exposure and
focus on individual risks. In the PASTA project new technologies and techniques to
estimate exposure are being upscaled to move from a handful of participants to larger
samples measuring for longer time periods.
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Tu-SY-E4.5
Moving from short-term to long-term personal exposure monitoring – the COPE study
Benjamin Barratt, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
Lia Chatzidiakou, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Elizabeth Moore, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
Sean Beevers, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
Jennifer Quint, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
Rod Jones, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Frank Kelly, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
The long term deployment of personal environmental sensors to patients with respiratory
disease provides the opportunity to investigate associations between symptoms and
environmental conditions individually, without recourse to modelling or questionnaires.
Aim: The COPE study (“Characterisation of COPD Exacerbations using Environmental
Exposure Modelling”) aims to develop a method of predicting COPD exacerbations utilising
personal air quality sensors, environmental exposure modelling and electronic health
records. Here, we present initial results from early recruits to the study.
Methods: A portable sensor unit continuously recording PM and gaseous pollution,
temperature, humidity, noise, activity level and GPS position was carried by COPD
patients for up to six months. During this period patients kept records of symptoms
relating to their condition (such as breathlessness, cough and wheeze) on diary cards and
took daily exhaled breath flow tests. An activity algorithm was developed using multi-
parameter ratios and decay rates, validated against a subset of healthy patients, who kept
electronic activity diaries. When complete, the full cohort will comprise 160 COPD
patients.
Results: Over 100 million personal exposure data points have been gathered. Associations
are being explored between COPD symptoms and exacerbations, environmental stressors
and activities such as travelling, cooking and exposure to tobacco smoke. Over a six month
period central monitors in London were able to describe approximately 12% and 27% of the
variation in personal exposure to daily mean PM2.5 and NOX concentrations respectively.
Measurements are being used to validate a hybrid time-activity model, which will then be
used to scale up results to population level.
Conclusions: Long-term deployment of personal samplers has the potential to identify
individual susceptibility to environmental stress. The use of multi-sensor monitoring units
can tag activities to time series data without recourse to an activity diary. Associations
between risk of exacerbation and activity, rather than pollutant concentration, could
produce more engaging behavioural advice to respiratory patients.
439
Daily time-activity-location patterns (minutes) matched with health symptoms for Subject
003
440
Tu-SY-E4.6
The CITI-SENSE Citizens’ Observatory Toolbox: visualising and evaluating citizen-
contributed environmental exposure information
Tom Cole-Hunter, CREAL - Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology, Barcelona,
Catalonia, Spain
Leonardo Santiago, Ateknea Systems, Barcelona, Spain
Alexander Arpaci, UBIMET GmbH, Vienna, Austria
David Broday, Technion, Haifa, Israel
Núria Castell, NILU - Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Kjeller, Norway
Karen Galea, IOM - Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Milena Jovasevic-Stojanovic, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
Tania Martínez, CREAL – Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology, Barcelona,
Spain
Johanna Robinson, JSI - Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
David Kocman, JSI - Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Vlasta Svecova, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
Jonatan MorenoIritziak Batuz, Bilbao, Spain
Hans Keune, INBO - Research Institute for Nature and Forest, Brussels, Belgium
Fintan Hurley, IOM - Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Hai-Ying Liu, NILU - Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Kjeller, Norway
Alena Bartonova, NILU - Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Kjeller, Norway
Aim: CITI-SENSE, an EU-wide project involving nine cities (partly funded by the EU FP7-
ENV-2012, grant agreement # 308524), is using participatory practices to develop the
Citizens’ Observatory Toolbox (COT) for collecting, collating and conveying a multitude of
environmental exposure information. The CITI-SENSE COT should facilitate environmental
health governance and contribute to future work with time-space-activity exposure
classification and dynamic air quality maps. All tools within it are to be made available
online upon completion of the project < http://co.citi-
sense.eu/CitizensObservatoriesToolbox.aspx >.
Methods: Environmental micro-sensor nodes for measuring air quality (AQ) are being
hosted by the public to monitor NO, NO2, O3, CO, PM2.5, PM10, and noise. Static nodes
(AQMesh pods) and portable nodes were deployed with different stakeholders, including
local authorities and medical outpatients, respectively. The portable nodes are coupled to
the ExpoApp smartphone application (Android), which also collects geolocation and
accelerometry (physical activity) data. Besides objective data, users of the CityAir
smartphone application (Android, iOS) can identify perceived AQ hotspots and emission
sources. Data from these tools is encrypted and then transmitted wirelessly and in near-
real-time to a dedicated Spatial and Environmental Data Service (SEDS) and Web Feature
Service (WFS) for processing, visualisation and evaluation by users.
Results/Conclusions: AQMesh pods with an updated algorithm are showing high
correlations for NO2 and PM2.5 when comparing 15-minute and daily averages obtained by
reference instruments at municipal monitoring stations, respectively (R2 > 0.7). The
portable nodes, due to the challenges of micro-sensors and egomotion, are communicating
real-time Air Pollution Indication (APIN) levels to users. The APIN is based upon the
Common AQ Index (CAQI) but represents minute averages, showing potential to improve
micro-environmental exposure classifications as well as personal AQ advice. Dynamic city-
wide AQ maps have been produced using data assimilation techniques, fusing data from
441
the AQMesh pods with base maps obtained by land-use regression modeling. The CityAir
application, so-far with around a thousand users and growing in popularity, is collecting
and visualising (and sharing via social media) observations in the eight project cities,
identifying emission hotspots particularly in Barcelona and Ostrava, but also with users in
the United States, India and Iran. The CityAir responses are being compared
(spatiotemporally) to AQ measured by the same individuals using portable AQ micro-sensor
nodes, and also to stationary node network-modeled values for emission source
characterisation. The products are being evaluated by focus groups of stakeholders, to
assess the usefulness of the COT.
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Tu-SY-F4: Advancing Exposure Science to Address Complex Environmental
Issues
Tu-SY-F4.1
Advancing Exposure Science to Solve Complex Environmental Issues
Jennifer Orme-Zavaleta, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park,
North Carolina, United States
Exposure science investigates the contact of humans or other organisms with chemical,
physical, and biologic stressors, and their fate in living systems. Understanding exposure
provides the real-world context for describing risk, along with information on the most
effective ways to reduce exposure and improve health. Exposure science has become more
important with the emergence of today’s complex problems including climate change,
security threats, population pressure, urbanization, depletion of natural resources, and
increased understanding of environmentally related illness. This complexity, combined
with advances in measurement and computational technologies, provides new
opportunities for advancing and using exposure science to address today’s wide range of
health challenges.
The US established an Exposure Sciences in the 21st Century (ES21) Federal Partners
Working Group that builds on a framework recommended by the National Academy of
Sciences in its 2012 report on Exposure Science in the 21st Century: a Vision and a
Strategy, and promotes Federal collaboration in the development of exposure science. The
ES21 working group is focusing on advancing exposure science through catalyzing research
including non-targeted chemical analysis, advanced GIS mapping, new biomonitoring
technologies, advanced modeling, exposure analytics and informatics, integrating this
information into the concepts of the exposome and advancing our understanding of
cumulative risks in the real-world to rapidly and prospectively predict exposure.
The focus areas in this symposium have identified three (3) critical areas including:
Advancing exposure science through technology: Focus on sensors; Advancing research on
exposures to chemical stressors; Exposure Science Research Preparedness.
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Tu-SY-F4.2
Advancing Exposure Science Through Technology: Focus on Sensors
Michele Penza, ENEA; Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and
Sustainable Economic Development, Brindisi, Jamaica
Tim Watkins, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park,
Northe Carolina, United States
Annette Guiseppi-Elie, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park,
North Carolina, United States
There is broad international commitment to the development, evaluation, and application
of novel sensor/dosimeter technologies to measure contaminants in multiple media (e.g.,
air, water, biological samples), as well as, related measures such as human activity or
non-chemical stressors. The field of sensor technology is large and diverse. This
presentation will highlight how international collaboration across agencies and sectors is
advancing the field. Two examples are provided below.
In the US, Federal Agencies are combining resources for innovative technology
development, including supporting sensor research and development, purchasing and using
sensors, making sensor data and data products available to the public, and investigating
how application of sensor technologies can help accomplish the agencies’ goals. As an
example, several agencies have worked on a coordinated Small Business Innovation
Research (SBIR) solicitation for the development of low cost, easy to use reliable sensors.
A coordinated website (Sensor Technology for the 21st Century) has been activated that
will allow researchers to explore funding opportunities beyond the announcements that
they might normally investigate. As part of a separate effort, EPA worked with NOAA on a
series of airborne field studies (known as DISCOVER AQ) to evaluate the performance of
several newly developed personal ozone monitors.
In Europe, a Concerted Action on New Sensing Technologies for Air-Pollution Control and
Environmental Sustainability is a Network funded in the framework European Cooperation
in the field of Scientific and Technical Research (COST). Specifically, COST Action TD 1105
EuNetAir is funded from 2012-2016. This international Network, coordinated by ENEA
(Italy), includes over 120 big institutions from 31 COST Countries and 7 International
Partners Countries (extra-Europe: Australia, Canada, China, Morocco, Russia, Ukraine,
USA) to create a S&T critical mass in the environmental issues. The main objective of the
Concerted Action is to develop new sensing technologies for Air Quality Control at
integrated and multidisciplinary scale by coordinated research on nanomaterials, sensor-
systems, air-quality modelling and standardised methods for supporting environmental
sustainability with a special focus on Small and Medium Enterprises.
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Tu-SY-F4.3
Advancing Research on Exposures to Chemical Stressors
Annette Guiseppi-Elie, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park,
North Carolina, United States
Kathleen Plotzke, Dow Corning Corporation, Midland, Michigan, United States
James Franklin, Environmental Chemistry Consultant, Grez-Doiceau, Belgium
Jon Arnot, ARC Arnot Research and Consulting, Toronto, ON, Canada
Significant research is being under taken by regulatory agencies and industry in the area of
chemical safety for sustainability. This presentation will provide research perspectives on
exposure evaluation for chemical stressors of broad concern with an emphasis on
advancing 21st century exposure science.
Understanding the role of exposure in assessing the actual risk for substances that are of
global interest (e.g., widespread, persist in the environment and have potential for
bioaccumulation) is critical in safety assessments of chemicals. However, while human
and ecological health may be of broad concern, how these complex issues are addressed
can be markedly different based on jurisdiction (both by agencies and countries).
As an example, persistent and bioaccummulative (PB) materials often fall into the
category of chemicals of global concern but PB materials can be defined and treated
differently under programs including, for example, the Toxic Substances Control Act under
the United States (US) Environmental Protection Agency’s New Chemical Program, the
Canadian Environmental Protection Act, and the European Registration, Evaluation,
Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). In some circumstances, exposure
may be taken into account and in others only the toxicity of the material. However, the
presence or accumulation of a chemical in the environment or in an organism does not in
itself represent an adverse biological effect. Meeting or exceeding the individual
indicators of PB or toxicity (T) does not imply that there will be exposures leading to
adverse outcomes in the environment. Such a conclusion must be based on additional,
more refined assessments of the individual lines of evidence that defines what the actual
exposure in the environment will be and if that exposure can lead to the potential for
adverse effects. Further, there is a recognized concern related to substances that
biomagnify, as these substances can accumulate in the food web in progressively higher
and unpredictable concentrations and therefore threaten top predators and humans.
Recent advances incorporating exposure properties allow for a more robust evaluation of
these types of substances to assess if these substances will exhibit these properties in the
environment and actually present a risk to organisms in the environment or to humans.
The ES21 Federal Working Group has initially identified perflorinated materials (as a case
example) for collaboration across agencies and other partners in advancing exposure
science. The goal is to build mechanisms to address more generally constituents of global
public concern with complex attendant issues.
445
Tu-SY-F4.4
Exposure Science Research Preparedness- The Disaster Research Response Program
Richard Kwok, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle
Park, North Carolina, United States
Aubrey Miller, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland,
United States
Joseph Hughes, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle
Park, North Carolina, United States
Steve Ramsey, Social and Scientific Systems, Inc., Durham, North Carolina, United States
Background
After each new environmental emergency, responders, researchers and stakeholders race
to determine known and unknown information on exposures, health impacts and to
develop questionnaires to evaluate a situation. The tools created for studying exposures
after each disaster are often difficult to find and delayed in deploying to the field by IRB
and internal processes. Multiple barriers can prevent the collection of important exposure
data that may inform policies and safety during response and recovery.
Objectives
To address the many barriers to rapid disaster research, presented by internal processes
and external policies, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) has developed a new
Disaster Research Response Program (DR2). The DR2 Program aims to develop a system of
needed products, processes, and relationships to encourage rapid ‘bench to trench’
transdisciplinary research to better understand the human health impacts of
environmental disasters for informing scientists and policymakers. Addressing issues of
ethics, exposure science, tool development and integration with emergency response,
DR2’s goals will advance the field of exposure science and disaster research, while
improving human health.
Methods
DR2 conducted a literature search to identify questionnaires used in past disasters, and
collected meta-data on tool types, languages and exposures assessed. DR2 developed the
Rapid Acquisition of Pre- and Post-Incident Disaster Data Study (RAPIDD) protocol to asses
occupational and disaster exposures among response workers. DR2 has also engaged the
NIH IRB to begin to address logistical and ethical barriers to rapidly approving a disaster
protocol. DR2 has also begun work with disaster and health response agencies to explain
the importance of exposure science and to begin integrating research into responses.
Results
DR2 has successfully removed barriers to rapid exposure research. Tools and resources are
publically available for researchers and easy to find. The RAPIDD protocol can be
customized for length of administration, and includes the ability to collect biomarkers of
exposure. RAPIDD has received conditional approval from the NIH IRB, allowing a shorter
turn around following an event. The NIH ‘Best Practices Working Group for the
Development of Special Considerations for IRB Review of Disaster and Emergency Related
Public Health Research” has begun addressing institutional barriers to rapid IRB approval.
Following multiple events in the US, DR2 has been called by other agencies for support.
The program has bridged disciplines, both internal to research organizations and with
external agencies, to improve exposure science responses to disasters and better inform
response and recovery policy.
446
447
Tu-SY-F4.5
Panel Discussion: Making Collaborations on Complex Environmental Issues Successful
Annette Guiseppi-Elie, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park,
South Carolina, United States
Jennifer Orme-Zavaleta, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research
Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States
Michele Penza, ENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and
Sustainable Economic Development, Brindisi, Israel
Aubrey Miller, National Institute of Health/National Institute of Environmental Health
Sciences, Bethseda, Maryland, United States
Kathleen Plotzke, Dow Corning Corporation, Midland, Michigan, United States
Tim Watkins, United States Enviromental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park,
North Carolina, United States
James Franklin, Environmental Chemistry Consultant, Grez-Doiceau, Belgium
The case example areas represented are some of a few of the complex environmental
issues facing government, industry and ultimately the public. The presentations provide
success stories on how to leverage resources and knowledge capital to advance solutions in
innovative ways that may not be achieved without such collaboration.
The panel discussion with provide an opportunity for recommendations on such successful
collaborations.
448
Tu-SY-G4: Advancing human exposure metrics in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
and Chemical Alternatives Assessment (CAA) - II
Tu-SY-G4.1
Integrating Exposure into Chemical Alternatives Assessment Using a Qualitative
Approach
Bill Greggs, Soleil Consulting, LLC, Sanibel, FL, United States
Scott Arnold, The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI, United States
Thomas Burns, Novozymes North America, Inc., Raleigh, NC, United States
Peter Egeghy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, NC, United States
Peter Fantke, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
Bonnie Gaborek, DuPont, Newark, DE, United States
Lauren Heine, Northwest Green Chemistry, Juneau, AK, United States
Olivier Jolliet, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
Derek Muir, Environment Canada, Burlington, ON, Canada
Joseph Rinkevich, SciVera LLC, Charlottesville, VA, United States
Neha Sunger, West Chester University, West Chester, PA, United States
Jennifer TanirILSI Health and Environmental Sciences Institute, Washington, DC, United
States
Margaret Whittaker, ToxServices LLC, Washington, DC, United States
Most alternatives assessments (AA) published to date are largely hazard-based rankings,
and as such may not represent a fully informed consideration of the advantages and
disadvantages of possible alternatives. With an assessment goal of identifying an
alternative chemical that is more sustainable, other attributes beyond hazard are also
important, including exposure, risk, life-cycle impacts, performance, cost, and social
responsibility. Building on the 2014 recommendations by the U.S. National Academy of
Sciences to improve AA decisions by including comparative exposure assessment, the HESI
Sustainable Chemical Alternatives Technical Committee, which consists of scientists from
academia, industry, government, and NGOs, has developed a qualitative comparative
exposure approach. Conducting such a comparison can screen for alternatives that are
expected to have a higher exposure potential, which could trigger a higher-tiered, more
quantitative exposure assessment on the alternatives being considered.
This talk will demonstrate an approach for including chemical- and product-related
exposure information in a qualitative AA comparison. Starting from existing hazard AAs, a
series of four chemical-product application scenarios were examined to test the concept,
to understand the effort required, and to determine the value of exposure data in AA
decision-making. The group has developed a classification approach for ingredient and
product parameters to support comparisons between alternatives as well as methodology
to address data quality. The ingredient parameters include a range of physicochemical
properties that can impact routes and magnitude of exposure, while the product
parameters include aspects such as exposure pathways, use pattern, frequency/duration
of use, chemical concentration in product, and use volume, accessibility, and disposal.
Key learnings, challenges, and opportunities for further work will also be presented.
The views expressed in this presentation do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
449
Tu-SY-G4.2
A flexible matrix-based human exposure assessment framework suitable for LCA and
CAA
Olivier Jolliet, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
Alexi Ernstoff, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
Lei Huang, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
Susan Csiszar, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Research Participation
Program at U.S. EPA, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, United States
Peter Fantke, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
Humans can be exposed to chemicals via near-field exposure pathways (e.g. through
consumer product use) and far-field exposure pathways (e.g. through environmental
emissions along product life cycles). Pathways are often complex where chemicals can
transfer directly from products to humans during use or exchange between near- and far-
field compartments until sub-fractions reach humans via inhalation, ingestion or dermal
uptake. Currently, however, multimedia exposure models mainly focus on far-field
exposure pathways. Metrics and modeling approaches used in far-field, emission-based
models are not applicable to all types of near-field chemical releases from consumer
products, e.g. direct dermal application. A consistent near- and far-field framework is
needed for life cycle assessment (LCA) and chemical alternative assessment (CAA) to
inform mitigation of human exposure to harmful chemicals. To close the current research
gaps, we (i) define a near- and far-field matrix-based exposure pathways framework that
builds on a quantitative metric based on chemical mass in products, (ii) provide input data
for the framework, e.g. chemical concentrations in products linked to functional use
categories, and (iii) propose a consistent set of underlying models to populate the matrix-
based framework for all relevant multimedia transfers and exposure pathways. Output is a
flexible mass balance-based model structuring multimedia transfers in a matrix of first-
order inter-compartmental transfer fractions. Inverting this matrix yields cumulative
multimedia transfer fractions and exposure pathway-specific Product Intake Fractions
defined as chemical mass taken in by humans per unit mass of chemical in a product.
When the chemical mass in products is unavailable from individual studies and databases,
it can be estimated from chemical-product function relationships or regulatory frame
formulations. Combining Product Intake Fractions with chemical masses in products yields
exposure estimates per unit mass compatible with LCA and CAA. We demonstrate how this
matrix-based modeling system offers a consistent and efficient way to compare exposure
pathways for different user groups (e.g. children and adults) and the general population
exposed via the environment associated with product use. Our framework constitutes a
user-friendly approach to test and interpret multiple human exposure scenarios in a
coupled system of near- and far-field pathways and helps to understand the contribution
of individual pathways to overall human exposure in various product application contexts.
When combined with toxicity information this approach is a resourceful way to inform LCA
and CAA and minimize human exposure to toxic chemicals in consumer products through
both product use and environmental emissions.
450
Tu-SY-G4.3
Integrated approach for characterizing and comparing exposure-based impacts with
life cycle impacts
Peter Fantke, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
Olivier Jolliet, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
To address hazardous chemicals in consumer products, chemical alternatives assessment
(CAA) is an emerging approach combining hazard and exposure assessment with technical
and economic feasibility. Life cycle aspects are typically not consistently considered in
CAA, but are relevant to avoid decisions that involve burden shifting or that result in only
incremental improvement. Focusing in the life cycle impacts on widely accepted and
applied impact categories like global warming potential or cumulative energy demand
aggregating several impact categories will lead to underestimations of life cycle emissions
of potentially harmful chemicals and their proposed replacements. Hence, an assessment
framework is required that is able to account for near-field consumer exposure to
chemicals in products during and after product use as well as population far-field exposure
to chemical emissions to the environment from product-related processes along the
product life cycle. We build on a flexible mass balance-based modeling system yielding
cumulative multimedia transfer fractions and exposure pathway-specific Product Intake
Fractions defined as chemical mass taken in by humans per unit mass of chemical in a
product. When combined chemical masses in products and further with toxicity
information, this approach is a resourceful way to inform CAA and minimize human
exposure to toxic chemicals in consumer products through both product use and
environmental emissions. We use an example of chemicals in consumer products to
demonstrate how this matrix-based system offers a consistent and efficient way to
compare exposure pathways for different user groups (e.g. children and adults) and the
general population exposed via the environment. We further compare toxicity-related
outcomes with outcomes from other life cycle impacts to compare the relevance of
different impact categories for different consumer product classes. Through our examples,
we will show (a) how to align assumptions used in different assessment methods in a
manner that can avoid contradictory results, (b) to consistently consider and compare all
relevant impacts, thereby avoiding burden shifting that could result from disregarding
chemical and product life cycles, and (c) to prioritize the most relevant impacts across all
life cycle stages, thereby setting the scene for a “life cycle alternatives assessment”
(LCAA).
451
Tu-SY-G4.4
A modular Human Exposure Model (HEM) framework to characterize near-field
chemical exposure in LCIA and CAA
Kathie Dionisio, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
Daniel Vallero, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
Peter Egeghy, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
Kristin Isaacs, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
Kent Thomas, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
Paul Price, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
Life Cycle Impact Analysis (LCIA) has proven to be a valuable tool for systematically
comparing processes and products, and has been proposed for use in Chemical Alternatives
Analysis (CAA). The exposure assessment portion of the human health impact scores of
LCIA has historically focused on far-field sources (environmentally mediated exposures)
while research has shown that use related exposures, (near-field exposures) typically
dominate population exposure. Characterizing the human health impacts of chemicals in
consumer products over the life cycle of these products requires an evaluation of both
near-field as well far-field sources. Assessing the impacts of the near-field exposures
requires bridging the scientific and technical gaps that currently prevent the harmonious
use of the best available methods and tools from the fields of LCIA and human health
exposure and risk assessment. The U.S. EPA’s Chemical Safety and Sustainability LC-HEM
project is developing the Human Exposure Model (HEM) to assess near-field exposures to
chemicals that occur to various populations over the life cycle of a commercial product.
The HEM will be a publically available, web-based, modular system which will allow for
the evaluation of chemical/product impacts in a LCIA framework to support CAA. We
present here an overview of the framework for the modular HEM system. The framework
includes a data flow diagram of in-progress and future planned modules, the definition of
each module including required inputs and outputs, and interactions between modules (as
inputs/outputs, and via feedback loops). Planned modules for the HEM include: 1)
Population generator module, simulating a population with associated family structures,
age, race, and physiologic characteristics representative of the U.S. population; 2)
Housing/residential characteristics module, assigning characteristics of the home such as
housing type, air exchange rates, heating fuel type, etc.; 3) Product composition module,
containing information on the chemical composition and associated functional use and
weight fractions for products; 4) Occupational exposure module, characterizing exposures
during occupational use of a product; 5) Agent-based model for simulating human
behavior; 6) Dose intake module, to bring together the personal characteristics, human
behaviors, housing characteristics, and product composition data to calculate population
intake dose; and 7) Dosimetry module, to translate intake doses into blood concentrations.
452
Tu-SY-G4.5
Automated human and environmental exposure estimation to support prioritization of
chemicals management actions
Joseph Rinkevich, SciVera LLC, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
Patricia Beattie, SciVera LLC, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
James Orchard-Hays, SciVera LLC, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
New regulations and market pressures are driving companies to implement enhanced
business processes that improve understanding of the human and environmental health
characteristics of chemicals in products and processes. Chemicals considered for use in
products and processes present varying hazard characteristics for human and/or
environmental endpoints. Some chemicals may show high hazard for one endpoint while
others may indicate high hazard for other endpoints. These varying characteristics offer
opportunity for exploration of hazard-related trade offs between preferred alternative
chemicals in specific applications. In addition to a review of chemical hazards, other
attributes such as technical and functional performance, market availability, and cost
factor into the viability of alternatives.
The practice of Alternatives Assessment (AA) can incorporate contextual review of
chemical use and predicted exposure to facilitate prioritization of alternative chemicals
for a specific application. Doing this work at scale, for dozens or hundreds of chemicals,
requires automation for reasons of efficiency and economy. Screening-level exposure
assessment and corresponding risk characterization, when automated via computer
software, can assist in the rapid, consistent, and cost-effective processing of AAs where
hazard characteristics vary across potential alternatives in a common application.
This talk will present specific examples using the cloud-based software known as SciVera
Lens® to illustrate automated exposure estimation. The examples presented will show
how automated screening-level exposure assessment and risk characterization can support
the growing need throughout the consumer product value chain to evaluate chemicals in
context of use, at scale, to enhance product and process sustainability attributes.
Chemicals vary in their available hazard data. Products, materials, and processes vary in
applicable exposure assumptions. SciVera Lens® offers significant efficiencies in applying
hazard assessments in context, as well as varying exposure scenarios across products,
materials, and processes to enable rapid screening of chemicals for hazard, exposure, and
risk.
453
Tu-SY-G4.6
Panel discussion "Challenging and discussing the presented approaches and tools to
address exposure in LCA and CAA"
Peter Fantke, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
Kathie Dionisio, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, United
States
This is a special panel discussion slot to efficiently receiving input from a wider audience
in a lively, useful discussion ofchallenging and discussing the presented approaches and
tools to address exposure in LCA and CAA focused on the following aligned talks:
1) Integrating exposure into chemical alternatives assessment using a qualitative approach
2) A flexible matrix-based human exposure assessment framework suitable for LCA and
CAA
3) Overall integrated matrix approach for characterizing and comparing exposure and
health outcomes
4) A modular human exposure model (HEM) to incorporate near-field chemical exposure in
LCA and CAA
5) Automated human and environmental exposure estimation to support prioritization of
chemicals management actions
454
Tu-PL-H4: Kinetics
Tu-PL-H4.1
Using Exposure Bands for Rapid Decision-Making in the RISK21 Tiered Exposure
Assessment
Bonnie Gaborek, DuPont, Newark, DE, United States
Rosemary Zaleski, ExxonMobil Biomedical Sciences, Inc., Annandale, NJ, United States
Hua Qian, ExxonMobil Biomedical Sciences, Inc., Annandale, NJ, United States
Olivier Jolliet, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
Michael Dellarco, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, Bethesda,
MD, United States
Neha Sunger, West Chester University, West Chester, PA, United States
Jennifer Tanir, ILSI Health and Environmental Sciences Institute, Washington, DC, United
States
The Risk Assessment in the 21st Century (RISK21) project was initiated by the ILSI Health
and Environmental Sciences Institute to address and catalyze improvements to human
health risk assessment, with an emphasis on using problem formulation and exposure to
focus the assessment. RISK21 developed a conceptual roadmap and risk matrix
visualization tool to facilitate the transparent evaluation of both hazard and exposure
components of risk assessment. Exposure tiers were defined to adapt readily available
information to more quickly inform exposure decision-making, with increasing resource
utilization and refinement at increasing tiers. In the lowest tier, Tier 0, screening level
exposure predictions can be determined with minimal information regarding the substance
or its applications. For this level, exposure banding, or grouping of substances based on
ranges of predicted exposures was developed using physicochemical properties, exposure
routes, and basic exposure models for estimating exposures to workers, consumers, and
the general population indirectly exposed via the environment. In particular, look-up
tables of banded exposure values were developed from publically-available exposure tools
(European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals (ECETOC) Targeted Risk
Assessment (TRA) for worker exposure, ECETOC TRA and European Solvents Industry Group
(ESIG) Generic Exposure Scenario (GES) Risk and Exposure Tool (EGRET) for consumer
exposure, and USEtox for indirect exposure to humans via the environment). The look-up
tables provide value because they deliver rapid, screening-level exposure estimates for a
wide range of substances and their applications with limited data knowledge or input.
When these exposure estimates are then applied to the RISK21 risk matrix visualization
tool, one can ascertain if adequate margins of safety are achieved and if a higher tier
exposure assessment is necessary for further refinement of the estimates. A hypothetical
case study demonstrated that the newly-developed exposure-banding methodologies
provide suitable conservative exposure estimates for risk assessment purposes.
Furthermore, the results of this effort showed that the RISK21 approach is useful for
problem formulation, exposure estimation, and risk assessment visualization and decision-
making.
455
Tu-PL-H4.2
Estimating the early-life exposure to two perfluorinated compounds (PFOS and PFOA)
using PBPK modeling and biomarker measurements
Céline Brochot, INERIS, Verneuil en Halatte, France
Maribel Casas, CREAL, Barcelona, Spain
Line S. Haug, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
Cyntia Manzano-Salgado, CREAL, Barcelona, Spain
Florence Zeman, INERIS, Verneuil en Halatte, France
Martine Vrijheid, CREAL, Barcelona, Spain
Context and objectives: Large-scale biomonitoring studies usually rely on biomarkers
measurements from single time points to assess the human exposure to chemicals. Reverse
dosimetry approaches were developed to help the interpretation of such biomarkers and
aim at reconstructing the external exposure using the measured biomarkers, a
physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model accounting for the processes that the
chemical undergoes in the human body and individual characteristics of the population.
Such approaches are also valuable to simulate exposure between biomarker measurement
time points, especially during critical windows of exposure. In this work, we propose to
estimate the early-life exposure of children to two perfluorinated compounds,
perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). These compounds
are ubiquitous contaminants that have been detected worldwide in environmental media
and human tissues, and are suspected to induce adverse reproductive and developmental
outcomes.
Methods: Our study involved 97 mother-child pairs, from the HELIX sub-cohort, living in
the area of Barcelona (Spain). PFOS and PFOA were measured in maternal plasma or serum
at the time of pregnancy (first trimester), and in child plasma at the age of 6-9 years old.
Realistic exposure scenarios were defined to take into account the previous pregnancy and
lactation periods of the mother. A lifetime PBPK model including childhood, pregnancy,
and lactation periods was parameterized for PFOS and PFOA, and for each woman and
child based on their individual characteristics (e.g., age, weight, birth weight of the
child).
Results and Conclusion: First the PBPK model was run for each mother to provide the
exposure estimates for the child during the pregnancy and breastfeeding period. For
PFOA, the individual daily intakes of the mothers were estimated between 3.8 and 165.7
ng/day (mean 24.8 ng/day) that are similar to previous assessment. Part of the variability
between the mothers was explained by their individual exposure scenario. The estimates
of in utero and breastfeeding exposure were used as inputs to the PBPK model for the
child together with the biomarker measurements to reconstruct his/her early-life
exposure (i.e., daily intakes). Finally the internal exposure of children was simulated in
target organs (brain, liver and kidneys) during critical time periods in the form of a
maximal concentration or a cumulated amount. These new biomarkers of internal
exposure could be used in epidemiological studies to better characterize associations
between exposure to these chemicals and health outcomes.
456
Tu-PL-H4.3
Simple Pharmacokinetic Modeling of Infant Impacts From Exposure to PCB 153 in
Mother’s Milk
Matthew Lorber, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, United
States
Leisa-Maree Toms, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Australia
Jochen Mueller, University of Queensland, Coopers Plain, Australia
Researchers in Australia have been assessing the general population body burdens of
numerous persistent contaminants such as PBDEs, DDE, and PCBs. They have been pooling
de-identified serum samples from routine pathology testing, including from infants.
Pooled samples corresponding to half year increments of infant life starting from 0 to 0.5
year up until 4 years were measured for a suite of PCB congeners, including PCB 153.
These samples were collected in 2006 and 2007 (data not published). Simple
pharmacokinetic modeling was used to assess the impact of breast-feeding on infant body
burden of PCB 153. The modeling followed procedures developed to model dioxin in
infants by Lorber and Philips (2002; EHP 110: A325). A simple one-compartment first-
order model was employed to maintain a mass balance of PCB 153 from birth until age 4.
Key concepts for dioxin brought forward include: 1) elimination in infants was very much
more rapid as compared to adults, and 2) mother’s milk concentration declined over the
course of lactation. Key parameters include: initial infant body burden, initial mother’s
milk concentration, a background exposure to PCB 153 from bottle-feeding and after
breast/bottle-feeding, and the percent of infants in Australia who breast-feed and for how
long. The infant serum data showed that infant body burdens were near 5 ng/g lipid for
every 6-month increment during the first 4 years of life. Modeling showed that this body
burden could not be duplicated by bottle feeding and background exposures; infant body
burdens dropped to below 1 ng/g lipid independent of initial infant body burden, and only
rose above 1 ng/g at age 2, to end near 2 ng/g at age 4. Breast-feeding rose infant body
burdens to above 10 ng/g within 2 months, after which it declined to just below 5 ng/g at
1.5 years of age, to end near 5 ng/g at age 4. This initial rise in modeled body burden
with breast feeding was not reflected in the data, but breast feeding appears to be the
most plausible explanation to explain measured body burdens of PCB 153 consistently in
the range of 5 ng/g lipid up until age 4. Refinements in the modeling parameters, and
modeling of other PCBs and persistent contaminants in infants from the Australian data
base are being pursued.
Disclaimer: The findings and conclusions in this abstract are those of the authors and do
not necessarily represent the official position of the US EPA.
457
Tu-PL-H4.4
Using biologically motivated models for the lactating mother and nursing infant to link
iodine deficiency with thyroid hormone production and hypothyroxinemia
Jeffrey Fisher, US Food and Drug Administration/ National Center for Toxicological
Research, Jefferson, Arkansas, United States
Eva McLanahan, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, Georgia,
United States
Iodine is an essential micronutrient for thyroid hormone formation and is obtained
primarily from food. Iodine deficiency remains a public health issue world-wide despite
ongoing interventions. Iodide deficiency during development may lead to irreversible
neurodevelopmental toxicity. The nursing infant is recognized as a sensitive
subpopulation; however, no quantitative analyses of the relationship between intake of
iodide and thyroid hormone homeostasis has been published for the nursing infant and
lactating mother. A biologically motivated model was developed to examine the effect of
iodine sufficiency and moderate insufficiency on thyroid hormone serum levels in the
nursing infant and lactating mother pair. The mechanism of action for iodide insufficiency
induced hypothyroxinemia was assumed to be a reduction in thyroid hormone production
caused by reduced organified iodine content of the thyroid gland. Hypothyroxinemia is
defined as low serum free thyroxine (fT4), while serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
remains normal. Maternal hypothyroxinemia during early pregnancy is associated with
neurological deficits in children. The adverse consequences of hypothyroxinemia in
infants and neonates are less clear. Using published statistically-derived population
reference ranges for serum TSH, free fT4, and total thyroxine (tT4) in the nursing infant,
simulations were conducted for dietary iodine intake ranging from moderately low (50-100
µg/day) to sufficient (290 to 400 µg/day). Development and calibration of the models
clearly established that the infant hypothalamic pituitary thyroid (HPT) axis is ‘revved up’
and through-put is much greater than in the adult. Interestingly, non-TSH compensatory
mechanisms, may be involved in maintaining serum thyroid hormones for conditions of
chronic intake of low dietary iodide, and are not well understood. Simulation of data sets
from intervention studies, where iodine is added to the diet of iodine deficient
populations of lactating mothers, suggests that the utilization of the iodine by the HPT is
less than would be predicted for an iodine sufficient population. The reasons for these
findings are unknown; however, the model was used to help interpret these data. This
biologically motivated model can be linked to PBPK models for thyroid active chemicals or
drugs that act on the HPT axis within the thyroid gland or elsewhere in the body such as
the brain or organs involved in deiodinase metabolism or Phase II conjugation of thyroid
hormones. Understanding the iodine- HPT axis status is fundamental to interpreting the
effects of chemicals or drugs on the HPT axis.
458
Tu-PL-H4.5
Integration of environmental and human PBPK exposure models: application of
MERLIN-Expo modelling tool to POPs exposure in Venice lagoon.
Artur Radomyski, University Ca' Foscari Venice, Venice, Italy
Elisa Giubilato, University Ca’ Foscari of Venice, Venice, Italy
Andrea Critto, University Ca’ Foscari of Venice, Venice, Italy
Philippe Ciffroy, EDF R&D, Paris, France
Céline Brochot, INERIS, Paris, France
Antonio Marcomini, University Ca' Foscari of Venice, Venice, Italy
MERLIN-Expo is a new tool for integrated exposure assessment recently developed under
the FP7 project “4FUN”. MERLIN-Expo incorporates advanced models simulating the fate
of chemicals in the environment and in human body (PBPK model) into an easy-to-use tool.
Models available in the MERLIN-Expo library are implemented on a common platform to
facilitate integrated full-chain assessments for combined exposures. Models can be used to
simulate fate of organic (PAHs, PCBs, dioxins) and inorganic contaminants. Software
enables end-user to apply set of functionalities such as uncertainty and sensitivity
analysis, dynamic deterministic and probabilistic simulations in order to address different
exposure and chemical fate problems. MERLIN-Expo was applied to assess long term
ecological and human exposure to PCBs and PCDDs in the Venice lagoon (Italy). Data from
literature describing pollution historical trends in the lagoon, estimated in dated sediment
cores, were used as time-dependent model input. In order to simulate bioaccumulation in
specific aquatic food web three models were implemented in MERLIN-Expo library:
Phytoplankton, Aquatic Invertebrate and Fish, allowing to represent specific organisms.
Aquatic food web model was then coupled to PBPK model to simulate chemical
concentration in aquatic organisms and in human serum after dietary exposure to
contaminated seafood. Modelling results are then tested against available monitoring data
on chemical concentrations in edible aquatic species and concentrations in serum of adult
men in Venice area to assess the accuracy and applicability of the proposed tool to real
complex scenarios. Full chain exposure assessment is then complemented by uncertainty
and sensitivity analysis including local sensitivity methods, screening methods (e.g. Morris
method), global regression methods (e.g. Standardised Regression Coefficients), and
global variance based methods (e.g. FAST, EFAST, Sobol). These methods allow to follow
for instance WHO (2008) recommendations to perform three stage uncertainty/sensitivity
analysis, adopting qualitative, semi-qualitative, and quantitative methods. Integration of
environmental and human exposure models in MERLIN-Expo allows comprehensive
assessment of exposure and thus better characterisation of overall risk to human and
environment especially in the case of higher tier assessment. Finally, MERLIN-Expo follows
a Quality Assurance and Standardisation process for documentation in collaboration with
CEN (European Committee for Standardisation). This makes the tool interesting and
promising for potential applications in different regulatory domains.
459
Tu-PL-I4: Neurotoxicants
Tu-PL-I4.1
Outdoor Air Pollution and Brain Morphology in the Adult Health and Behavior II and
Pittsburgh Imaging Project Cohorts
Sheila Tripathy, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, United States
Brett Tunno, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, United States
Drew Michanowicz, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts,
United States
Ellen Kinnee, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, United States
Jessie Shmool, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, United States
Peter Gianaros, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Jane Clougherty, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, United States
Background: Exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has been associated with
indicators of brain morphology. While mechanisms remain unclear, PM2.5 may impact
brain morphology through multiple pathways including systemic inflammation, disruption
of the blood-brain barrier, and/or translocation via olfactory mucosa. These effects likely
vary by PM2.5 composition, with metals [e.g., lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), zinc
(Zn)] most directly linked to adverse cognitive and neurological function. Because PM2.5
composition varies spatially, characterizing fine-scale intra-urban variation in metal
constituents is critical to understanding causal mechanisms and refining exposure-response
estimates.
Objectives: We aimed to examine spatial variation in metal constituents of PM2.5 by
developing hybrid land use regression (LUR) models for PM2.5, Pb, Mn, Zn, and Fe, and to
study relationships between PM2.5 composition and indicators of brain morphology (e.g.,
gray and white matter volume). We will also examine relationships between estimated
pollutant exposures and markers of systemic inflammation (e.g., C-reactive protein,
interleukin-6,) in two Pittsburgh based cohorts.
Methods: PM2.5 filters were collected during a monitoring campaign with 37 sites across
the Pittsburgh region during summer 2012 and winter 2013. Filters were analyzed using
inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry to determine metal concentrations. We
built hybrid LUR models using GIS-based source indicators coupled with AERMOD-predicted
industrial PM2.5 emissions to predict fine-scale metal concentration variation. These
models were used to estimate pollutant exposures within a 300 m buffer around cohort
participant addresses. Brain morphology indicators were obtained from magnetic
resonance images and inflammatory markers from blood samples of participants in the
Adult Health Behavior II and Pittsburgh Imaging Project Cohorts (n=750, mean age=42
years). Linear regression models were developed for pollutant exposures and outcomes,
adjusting for intracranial volume (for brain outcomes), age, sex and smoking status.
Results: The majority of spatial variation in metal concentrations was explained by
industrial emissions and land use. LUR R2 values of 0.52, 0.76, 0.53, and 0.75 were found
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for Pb, Mn, Zn, and Fe respectively. Preliminary results show significant associations
between total PM2.5, Pb, and Zn with markers of systemic inflammation (e.g., C-reactive
protein). No associations were found with brain morphology measures.
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Tu-PL-I4.2
Dvelopmental neurotoxicity assessment of chemical mixtures in children
Pim Leonards, VU University, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Milou Dingemans, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
Worldwide, serious concern has arisen about the increased incidence of learning and
developmental disorders in children and the potential role of exposure to neurotoxic
chemicals during early brain development. DENAMIC "Developmental Neurotoxicity
Assessment of Mixtures in Children" investigated developmentally neurotoxic effects of
low-concentration mixtures of biocides and a number of common environmental pollutants
in children. Research in DENAMIC focused on hazard characterization and epidemiology.
The hazard characterisation studied the effects of neurotoxic chemicals and mixtures
thereof using novel tools, testing methods and procedures for screening (mixtures of)
chemicals for (developmental)neurotoxicity. Rodent studies focused on the effects of low-
level exposure to biocides and mixtures on neurobehavior, cognitive and motor function,
including evaluations of underlying mechanisms of observed effects with consideration of
exposure timing, critical windows during neuronal development and consequences on
susceptibility. In the epidemiology part, prenatal and early-childhood exposure was
studied in maternal urine, breast milk, cord blood and urine of children in European
cohorts. Associations with learning and developmental disorders, including ADHD, ASD and
anxiety were explored. Prenatal and neonatal exposure profiles in the cohorts showed that
the European population is exposed to low concentrations of neurotoxic chemicals (e.g.
PCBs, organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids, PFAS, methylmercury). A number of
associations were found between the exposure of neurotoxic chemical and
neuropsychological and behavioural development in children. Factors affecting the
relative differences in socio-demographic and economic impact for (developmental)
neurotoxicity resulting from exposure to environmental neurotoxicants were also studied.
The experimental data on mixtures concluded that additivity cannot be assumed as a
default approach for risk assessment of mixtures. The risk assessment showed that the
margins of safety (MOS) in the EU are sufficient for neurotoxic and neurobehavioral
endpoints for carbaryl and cypermethrin, while for chlorpyrifos, endosulfan and
methylmercury such MOS may not be adequate in specific populations. It is therefore
recommended to investigate whether further exposure reduction measures are needed.
Moreover, current risk assessment assumes that no effect levels are safe based on
individual chemical toxicity studies. Some experiments done in DENAMIC indicate that
combined exposure to biocides or other contaminants, that individually not resulting in
any effect, may in fact cause an effect when present in mixtures. This observation brings
doubt in the present approach for risk assessment, which is based on exposure to
individual chemicals and may in fact result in an underestimation of the (human) risk.
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Tu-PL-I4.3
Developing PBPK/PD model to characterize the mixture effect of TCDD and DEHP
altering estradiol kinetic in ovary via crosstalk mechanism
Raju Prasad Sharma, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Tarragona, Spain
Marta Schuhmacher, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Tarragona, Spain
Vikas Kumar, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Tarragona, Spain
The ubiquitous presence of dioxin and phthalates in the environment and raised concern
over their common ovarian toxicity catch attention towards their mixture effect. Among
dioxin and phthalates, 2, 3, 7, 8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and Di(2-ethylhexyl)
phthalate (DEHP), are the most toxic chemicals described. DEHP and its metabolite
mono(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (MEHP), mainly affects estrogen production and action in
granulosa cell, resulting in hypo-estrogenic, polycystic ovary and anovulatory cycles,
which could leads to infertility. In parallel to this, exposure of TCDD is linked with
prevalence of endometriosis; reduced fecundity, reduced follicle number and anovulation.
To estimate the ovarian toxicity, a physiologically-based pharmacokinetic /
pharmacodynamics (PBPK/PD) model for mixture (TCDD and DEHP) was developed. This
model integrates target organ (ovary) dosimetry and dynamic response (i.e. aromatase
inhibition, CYP1B1 induction) describing time course of external exposure of mixture to
estrogen kinetics. Model simulation was performed for single as well as mixture of TCDD
and DEHP. The PBPK model was validated with previous biomonitoring study. In its turn,
pharmacodynamics simulations were compared against previously published experimental
in-vitro and in-vivo data. The simulation results shows that the mixture has synergistic
effect in inhibition of estradiol level via crosstalk of receptors PPARγ and Ahr for the
inhibition of aromatase and induction of CYP, responsible for synthesis and metabolism of
estrogen respectively. Developed PBPK/PD model shows quantitatively estimates target
tissue dosimetry and aromatase inhibition, CYP1B1 induction linked with estrogen kinetic.
Developed model can provide basis for risk assessment of chemical mixtures causing
reproductive dysfunction under different scenarios of body physiology as well as level of
chemical exposure.
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Tu-PL-I4.4
Use of Biomonitoring for Arsenic, Mercury and Lead to Assess Exposure and Health
Risks in Children in a Northern Canadian Smelter Community
Adam Safruk, Intrinsik Environmental Sciences Inc., Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Elliot Sigal, Intrinsik Environmental Sciences Inc., Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Emissions from a mine and base metal smelting complex in a northern Canadian
community have resulted in elevated concentrations of a number of metals and metalloids
in the surrounding environment. Results from a human health risk assessment indicated
that arsenic, lead, and inorganic mercury were present at concentrations in the local
environment that warranted further assessment of exposure and risk. An initial
biomonitoring study was undertaken for local children to examine urinary arsenic, blood
lead, and urinary inorganic mercury levels. Overall, 447 children participated in the study
providing 202 blood samples and 379 urine samples. The biomonitoring study was
conducted to assess exposure and potential health risks, as well as to identify personal
factors that may be associated with measured internal exposures of children in the
community. Results demonstrated that despite elevated concentrations of arsenic and
mercury in soils and other environmental media, exposure among children was low and
consistent with levels measured in national surveys and reference communities. The
geometric mean (GM) blood lead level (BLL) (2.73 µg/dL) was higher than national
averages, with 13% of children with BLLs above 5 µg/dL, indicating atypical sources of lead
exposure.
A second biomonitoring study was conducted approximately 26 months after the closure of
the smelter and the implementation of several exposure reduction measures. This follow-
up study included the collection of 119 blood samples and was designed to examine the
impact of various environmental media, including outdoor soil, household dust, tap water
and lead paint, on the BLLs of local children. Environmental samples were collected from
the households of study participants, and the relationship between lead content in co-
located environmental samples and children’s BLLs was examined. The GM BLL was 1.41
µg/dL, representing a statistically significant reduction in BLLs between studies, with 2%
of participants with BLLs greater than 5 µg/dL. Despite statistically significant
relationships between BLLs and lead content in soil, household dust, and paint, the
variability in BLLs was poorly explained by these factors alone (r2= 0.07, 0.12 and 0.06,
respectively). BLLs were considered to be within the normative range and study results
indicated additional intervention strategies were not likely to further influence BLLs in the
community. These results have important implications on future assessment of risks
associated with exposure to arsenic, lead, and inorganic mercury in soils and indicate that
soil remediation or removal may not be warranted to reduce exposure.
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Tu-PL-I4.5
Perinatal lead exposure and white matter microstructure in children
Megan Horton, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United
States
Paul Curtin, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States
Chris Gennings, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United
States
Victoria Wang, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United
States
Erika Proal, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Mexico
Lourdes Schnaas, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Mexico City, Mexico
Martha Ma. Téllez Rojo, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, United States
Ernesto Roldan-Valadez, Centro Nacional de Imagenología e Instrumentación Médica,
Mexico City, Mexico
Francisco Xavier Castellanos, New York University, New York, New York, United States
Cheuk Tang, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States
Roberta White, Boston University, New York, New York, United States
Robert WrightIcahn school of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States
Background
Perinatal lead (Pb) exposure is associated with adverse cognitive and behavioral outcomes
that may be mediated by altered brain structure and function. Childhood Pb exposure has
been associated with persistent impacts on adult white matter microstructure. The
objective of this study was to assess the impact of perinatal Pb exposure on white matter
microstructure in children using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).
Methods
This study took place in the ELEMENT cohort in Mexico City. We randomly selected 20
subjects at age 6 years for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) pilot study. DTI images
were acquired with a 3T Philips Achieva scanner using gradient echo planar imaging. A
voxel-wise statistical analysis for diffusivity measures, including fractional anisotropy (FA),
was performed along major white matter tracts. All 20 subjects had blood biomarkers of
Pb collected during 2nd and 3rd trimesters and at delivery (umbilical cord blood). We
examined correlations between Pb biomarkers and FA values. To capture associations
between perinatal Pb exposure and within-brain variability at different time points, we
focused on mean FA and standard deviation (SD) of FA across 48 template regions of
interest (ROIs); the latter metric captures bidirectional effects that may discretely
increase or decrease FA values. Linear regression models examined the association of 2nd,
3rd-trimester and cord blood Pb levels, FA and SD of FA from the ROIs.
Results
Pb levels in 2nd trimester blood were positively correlated with increased global FA after
controlling for multiple comparisons (p < 0.05). Higher cord blood Pb was associated with
increased FA (β = 0.010, p = 0.05) and increased variability of FA (β = 0.0014, p = 0.07).
Discussion
These pilot data suggest changes in white matter microstructure associated with perinatal
Pb exposure. Pathological alterations can decrease or increase FA, thus our pilot findings
may be consistent with neurotoxic effects of perinatal Pb exposure.
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Poster sessions Tuesday October 11, 2016
Biomonitoring
Tu-Po-01
Urinary formic acid as a dose biomarker for Occupational Exposure to Formaldehyde
Giovanna Tranfo, INAIL Research, Monte Porzio Catone (RM), Italy
Daniela Pigini, INAIL Research, Monte Porzio Catone (RM), Italy
Monica Gherardi, INAIL Research, Monte Porzio Catone (RM), Italy
Maria Pia Gatto, INAIL Research, Monte Porzio Catone (RM), Italy
Aim: This paper explores the possibility to assess occupational or environmental exposure
to Formaldehyde (FA) by biomonitoring, on an accessible matrix like urine. FA is a
common contaminant recently recognized as a carcinogen by IARC. Occupational exposure
occurs in anatomical pathology, engineering industries, furniture and plastic utensils
production, beauty salons and gasoline station. The SCOEL recommends a Limit Value of
0.3 ppm (8 h TWA) with a STEL limit of 0.6 ppm. Inhaled FA is oxidized and excreted as
formic acid in the urine; formic acid can derive from other metabolic sources.
Methods: A bibliographic search was performed on Scopus and PubMed, retrieving papers
published from 2006 to 2015, using key words or strings pertinent to biomonitoring for
formaldehyde exposure: 17 papers were selected and read and the use of urinary formic
acid as biomarker is discussed. Sampling and analysis of airborne FA content were also
conducted in indoor and outdoor air in non-occupational settings, according to the NIOSH
method n.2016.
Results: Formic acid stays stable in urine up to 13 days at room temperature: its
concentration is used as biomarker of exposure to FA in 5 papers, analyzed by headspace
GC-FID or HPLC/UV. In all papers measured concentrations of airborne FA were well below
the SCOEL Limit Value of 0.3 ppm, ranging from 0.009 to 0.09 ppm, while formic acid was
between 17 and 42 mg/L. In exposed workers levels were statistically significant higher
than in controls, and one paper reports higher values in gasoline station female workers
than in males. In beauty salons a background median level of formic acid is measured of
11.05 mg/L, and a post exposure of 15.22. When if data are put together a linear
relationship between airborne FA and urinary formic acid is found (figure). The formic acid
concentration corresponding to the SCOEL Limit Value of 0.3 ppm can be extrapolated,
being 84.42 mg/L, and a background level of 9.00 mg/L for no exposure. Airborne FA
levels measured in non-occupational settings would correspond to formic acid levels very
close to the calculated background.
Conclusions: Few papers were published in the last 9 years reporting the use of urinary
formic acid as a biomarker for FA exposure. Urinary formic acid seems a promising
biomarker for the measure of occupational exposure, but non for environmental. Further
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investigations is needed on this subject, a growing need, as exposure assessment is
compulsory for carcinogenic substances like FA.
Urinary Formic acid vs airborne Formaldehyde
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Tu-Po-02
A Perspective on Guidelines for Interpreting Risk at the Individual Level Derived from
Biomonitoring Data for Northern First Nations
Mylene Ratelle, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Quebec, Canada
Brian Laird, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
First Nations country foods (e.g. fish, moose, fowl), which have been associated with
lower risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes, are integral to the health and
food security of communities in the Northwest Territories. However, concerns regarding
contaminants have led to a series of contaminant advisories to reduce fish and meat
consumption. Therefore, the development of public health strategies related to
contaminant exposures from country foods in the Northwest Territories need to strike a
balance between risks and benefits. Biomonitoring is important to environmental health,
and widely used in national surveys.
The current project uses a risk-benefit approach to country food consumption in order to
improve nutrients levels while lessening contaminant levels among First Nations
communities and to estimate if current advisory levels are relevant for health policies.
This biomonitoring project, supported by the Northern Contaminant Program (NCP), is
divided into three components: 1) the implementation of biomonitoring for heavy metals,
persistent organic pollutants, essential elements, and fatty acids in blood, urine and hair
and completion of dietary surveys, 2) the return of results to individual participants,
comparing exposures to selected risk assessment guidelines, and 3) drafting public health
messaging in collaboration with community members, local governments and stakeholders.
A total of 9 communities in the Northwest Territories, Canada, were invited to participate
in the project.
The interpretation of individual biomonitoring data is challenged by the lack of relevant
biomonitoring guidelines in northern First Nations, due to different diet and genetic
toxicokinetic parameters. Instead, the primary means of interpretation of individual
biomonitoring data has been qualitative comparisons to population references: i) upper-
percentiles of exposure (95th) from population biomonitoring projects, ii) the clinical
guidance values for health in a medical perspective and iii) institutional/occupational
guidance values to insure the safety of every individual even the most susceptible. In the
specific case of a biomonitoring study designed with a risk-benefit approach, the common
use of guidelines cannot characterize contaminant risk. Overall, this project will increase
knowledge of the contaminant exposure levels in the north and will align further country
food consumption advisories.
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Tu-Po-03
Human Biomonitoring of Phthalates in Portuguese Children
Luísa Correia-Sá, REQUIMTE/LAQV - Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto do Instituto
Politécnico do Porto, Porto, Portugal
Claudia Pälmke, IPA- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German
Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
André Schütze, IPA- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German
Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
Sónia Norberto, CINTESIS - Centro de Investigação em Tecnologias e Sistemas de
Informação em Saúde, Centro de Investigação Médica, Porto, Portugal
Conceição Calhau, CINTESIS - Centro de Investigação em Tecnologias e Sistemas de
Informação em Saúde, Centro de Investigação Médica, Porto, Portugal
Valentina F. Domingues, REQUIMTE/LAQV - Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto do
Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 431, 4200-072
Porto, Portugal, Porto, Portugal
Holger M. Koch, IPA- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German
Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
Phthalates are dialkyl or alkylary esters of the ortho-benzene dicarboxylic acid (phthalic
acid). Because phthalates are not chemically bound to the polymer they are constantly
released into the environment. The dietary source is considered the main source of
population exposure to high molecular weight (HMW) phthalates. For low-molecular
weight (LMW) phthalates other lifestyle-dependent exposure pathways seem to be more
relevant. As a result, the general population is widely and continuously exposed to
phthalates. Some phthalates, such as DnBP, DiBP, BBzP, DEHP and DiNP are developmental
and reproductive toxicants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phthalates exposure
of 112 Portuguese children (obese/overweight (cases) and healthy weight (controls)).
Urine samples collected in 2014/2015 were analyzed for phthalate metabolites using on-
line HPLC–MS/MS with isotope dilution after enzymatic deconjugation. Most of the
measured metabolites were above the limits of quantification (79 to 100 % positive
detects, with the exception of MCHP, MnPEP and MnOP which were detected to a much
lower degree). For the LMW phthalates the median creatinine adjusted values of MEP were
the highest (65.87 µg/g for the cases and 54.84 for the controls), followed by DiBP
metabolites (2∑DiBP 22.16 and 31.68 µg/g, for cases and controls respectively), DnBP
(2∑DnBP 15.19 and 18.04 µg/g, for cases and controls respectively), MMP (around 3.00µg/g
for all the population), and MBzP (around 2.00µg/g for all the population), respectively.
For the HMW phthalates the median creatinine adjusted concentrations of the DEHP
metabolites were the highest (4∑DEHP for cases presented a value of 34.90 and for
controls a value of 49.19 µg/g) followed by DiNP metabolites (∑3DiNP 12.74 and 16.96
µg/g for cases and controls respectively), and DiDP (3∑DiDP 3.19 and 3.84 µg/g for cases
and controls respectively). The results showed an omnipresent phthalate exposure in the
participating children and are in line with previous DEMOCOPHES data (except for MiBP,
MnBP and MBzP) from Portugal and other parts of Europe. Obese/overweight children had
significantly lower HMW phthalate levels than controls, which might be due to dietary
consultation program set up for these children.
Acknowledgments: L. Correia-Sá is grateful to FCT by the grant (SFRH/BD/87019/2012),
financed by POCH, subsidized by Fundo Social Europeu and Ministério da Ciência,
Tecnologia e Ensino Superior.
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Tu-Po-04
The development of a ‘point of care’ fluorescent immunosensor for the benzene
biomarker S-PMA in human urine
Cees Koopal, TNO, Utrecht, Netherlands
Anjoeka Pronk, TNO, Zeist, Utrecht, Netherlands
Sjaak van Veen, TNO, Utrecht, Netherlands
Tim Meijster, Shell, Den Haag, Netherlands
Jan Urbaus, Shell, Den Haag, Netherlands
Paul Aston, AB Biomonitoring, London, United Kingdom
Background
Biomonitoring of occupational exposure to benzene can be done using an ELISA based
method that measures S-PMA in urine. ELISA assays are usually performed in a laboratory
by specialized personnel, resulting in a lag time of several weeks between urine collection
on work locations and assay results. We aimed to develop a proof of concept for a
fluorescent immunosensor based on an existing S-PMA ELISA assay for in the field
biological monitoring of benzene with which results can be obtained within hours and
analyses can be done at logistically challenging locations. In this project a point of care
(POC) test, with sufficient sensitivity to detect levels below the current occupational
exposure limit was developed (0.5 ppm benzene).
Development of the method
A unique sheep anti-PMA antiserum also used in the lab assay (AB Biomontoring, UK) was
purified and labeled with a fluorescent probe. The resulting labeled antibodies were
utilized in a fluorescent immunosensor format. The counter part of the format was a PMA-
hapten, conjugated to a carrier protein and immobilized on a glass surface with low
background binding properties. Based on these immunochemical building blocks, an
inhibition assay was developed with S-PMA as the sample in solution. The performance of
the assay was tested using both calibration and human urine samples spiked with S-PMA.
Results and conclusions
Preliminary validation results of the developed inhibition assay for S-PMA samples in
human urine are promising. These will be presented together with the outline of the
envisaged POC instrument format for benzene occupational biomonitoring deployable in a
field situation. A POC assay can be performed on the spot by less specialized personnel
such as a nurse or occupational physician, thereby providing results that are relevant for
taking direct management measures.
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Tu-Po-05
Human Biomonitoring of Di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate in Portuguese Children
Frederik Lessmann, Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German
Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bochum,
Germany
Luísa Correia-Sá, REQUIMTE/LAQV - Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto do Instituto
Politécnico do Porto, Porto, Portugal
Conceição Calhau, CINTESIS - Centro de Investigação em Tecnologias e Sistemas de
Informação em Saúde, Centro de Investigação Médica, 2º piso, edif. Nascente, Faculdade
de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
Valentina F. Domingues, REQUIMTE/LAQV - Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto do
Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Porto, Portugal
Tobias Weiß, Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social
Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
Thomas Brüning, Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social
Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
Holger M. Koch, Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social
Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
Di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DEHTP) is used as a substitute for di(2-ethylhexyl)
phthalate (DEHP), an ortho-phthalate based plasticizer that is classified and labeled due
to its toxicity to reproduction. Due to the ongoing substitution process, increasing DEHTP
exposures of the general population seem likely. Previous HBM studies have shown that
children are exposed to plasticizers to a higher degree than adults.
For this study, we obtained 107 spot urine samples of Portuguese children (55 girls and 52
boys, aged 4-17) collected in 2014/2015. 68 of these children were classified as
overweight/obese according to the body mass index and received specific nutritional
guidance. The other 39 children were normal weight and did not receive any specific
nutritional guidance. The samples were analyzed for the specific sidechain-oxidized
monoester metabolites of DEHTP (5OH-MEHTP, 5oxo-MEHTP, 5cx-MEPTP and 2cx-MMHTP)
by a previously published online-SPE HPLC-MS/MS method with isotope dilution.
We detected the main specific metabolite 5cx-MEPTP in almost all samples (98 % >LOQ)
with a median concentration of 4.4 µg/L (maximum concentration 2220 µg/L). Compared
to the, so far, only existing data of a pilot biomonitoring study with 34 German adults
(median 0.9 µg/L, maximum: 38.7 µg/L), the levels determined in this study were higher.
The other DEHTP metabolites correlated well with 5cx-MEPTP but were detected at lower
levels and rates.
The concentrations of 5cx-MEPTP in overweight/obese children with specific nutritional
guidance (median 3.1 µg/L) were lower compared to normal weight children (median 5.2
µg/L) but not significantly different (Mann-Whitney-U; p=0.11). Gender specific
differences in metabolite levels could not be observed.
With this study we provide a first data set documenting the omnipresent DEHTP exposure
of the participating Portuguese children.
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Tu-Po-06
Concentrations of urinary biomarkers of non-persistent environmental pollutants
among 316 Polish men - patients of infertility clinic.
Bartosz Wielgomas, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Pomorskie, Poland
Anna Klimowska, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Pomorskie, Poland
Joanna Jurewicz, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Łódzkie, Poland
Michał Radwan, “Gameta” Hospital, Łódź, Łódzkie, Poland
Paweł Radwan, "Gameta" Hospital, Łódź, Łódzkie, Poland
Wojciech Hanke, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Łódzkie, Poland
Aim
The major aim of this study was to assess exposure to non-persistent environmental
pollutants among fertile men, patients of infertility clinic.
Methods
The study population consisted of 316 men who were attending an infertility clinic in
Łodź, Poland for diagnostic purposes and who had normal semen concentration of 15-
300 mln/mL. Methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, butyl- and isobutyl- parabens, 3,5,6-trichloro-2-
pyridinol, 4-nonylphenol, 1- and 2-naphthols, benzophenone-3, triclosan and bisphenol-A
were determined in urine samples by gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC-
MS/MS).
Results
Naphthols, 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol, benzophenone-3, methyl paraben and bisphenol A
were detected in over 95% of the samples. 4-nonylphenol was not detected in any sample
(LOD=0.5 ng/mL). Most of the studied biomarkers were present at levels observed in other
populations over the world. Slightly higher levels of urinary naphthols in Polish men in
comparison to other populations in Europe might be a result of air pollution and exposure
to polycyclic hydrocarbons.
Conclusion
This is the first study to document widespread exposure to a number of environmental
chemicals among Polish men. Further studies are needed especially to confirm the high
exposure to naphthalene and identify possible sources of exposure.
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Tu-Po-07a
Development of capability and capacity to conduct biomonitoring in NJ
Zhi-Hua (Tina) Fan, New Jersey Department of Health, Trenton, New Jersey, United
States
Chang Ho Yu, New Jersey Department Of Health, Trenton, New Jersey, United States
Eric Bind, New Jersey Department of Health, Trenton, United States
C. David Riker, New Jersey Department of Health, Trenton, United States
Douglas Haltmeier, New Jersey Department of Health, Trenton, United States
Robert Servis, New Jersey Department of Health, Trenton, United States
Marilou Palencia, New Jersey Department of Health, Trenton, United States
Chris Hargrave, New Jersey Department of Health, Trenton, United States
Jhindan Mukherjee, New Jersey Department of Health, Trenton, United States
Susan Muscato, New Jersey Department of Health, Trenton, United States
Bahman Parsa, New Jersey Department of Health, Trenton, United States
New Jersey Department of Health, Public Health & Environmental Laboratories
Environmental and Chemical Laboratory Services
New Jersey (NJ) is home to the highest number and density of Superfund/National
Priorities List sites compared to the rest of US, and NJ residents are disproportionally
exposed to a variety of environmental pollutants. There was no biomonitoring program in
NJ until the NJ Department of Health (NJDOH) received a 5-year grant from CDC to
establish a state-wide biomonitoring program in 2014. Under this grant, NJDOH will
increase its capability and capacity to conduct chemical analyses related to biomonitoring
while working to build a sustainable program to assess State residents' exposures to
harmful chemicals both within and beyond the scope of the grant. The target analytes
include heavy metals, perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), and polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCBs).
To achieve the primary goal of the grant of developing laboratory capability and capacity,
additional staff were recruited and trained and new instrumentation, i.e. SPE-LC-MS/MS
for PFCs analyses and GC-HRMS for PCBs analyses, has been acquired. The sample
receiving and login method has been developed to handle logging a large number of
specimens into LIMS. In addition, the CDC SPE-LC-MS/MS Method (6304.04, 2013) for PFCs
testing was optimized by changing the analytical column, mobile phase composition,
gradient program, and cleaning procedures. The modified method is more than ten times
sensitive than the CDC method, with better resolution and a shorter run time (10’ vs. 15’).
To demonstrate its capabilities, NJDOH will conduct three biomonitoring projects. One of
the projects is to measure toxic heavy metals (e.g., mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium),
PFCs and PCBs in remnant blood/serum or urine specimen from clinical laboratories and
blood banks throughout the state. To date, 800 of the 3000 targeted whole blood samples
and 200 of the 1000 targeted urine samples have been collected for metals analyses using
ICP-MS, 80 serum samples have been collected of the 500 targeted for PFCs analyses using
SPE-LC-MS/MS, and 1000 targeted for PCB analyses using GC-HRMS. Analyses are in
progress and the body burdens of environmental contaminants for the study population
will be characterized by socio-demographic strata (i.e., age, gender, race, and location by
county). The results will also be compared to the general US population using the latest
NHANES data. The foundation and future of the program continue to be solidified through
473
the establishment of the NJ State Biomonitoring Commission and through the forging of
partnerships with key collaborators.
Environmental/Human Health
Tu-Po-07b
From the farm to the fork: fungal occupational exposure in the swine meat supply
chain
Carla Viegas, ESTeSL-IPL, Lisbon, Portugal
Catia Pacífico, ESTeSL-IPL, Lisbon, Poland
Tiago Faria, ESTeSL-IPL, Lisbon, Portugal
Anita Gomes, ESTeSL-IPL; Faculty of Medicine of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
Susana Viegas, ESTeSL-IPL; ENSP-UNL, Lisbon, Portugal
Feed production, swine and slaughterhouses were already reported as occupational
environments with high fungal contamination. This condition can ultimately lead to the
development of several health effects. This study aimed at characterizing the
occupational exposure to fungal burden in the three different settings.
Air samples were collected from the three different settings through an impaction method
onto malt extract agar (MEA) supplemented with chloramphenicol (0.05%), alongside with
surface swabs. Outdoor samples were also performed to be used as reference. All the
collected samples were incubated at 27ºC for 5 to 7 days. In addition, we collected air
samples using the impinger method in order to perform real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR)
amplification of genes from Aspergillus sections Circumdati, Flavi and Fumigati.
In the swine feed unit 1906 isolates were counted in the air, being 54.6% from
Cladosporium sp. and 35.8% from Alternaria sp.. In addition Mucor sp., Rhyzopus sp.,
Alternaria sp. and Chrysonilia sitophyla were detected in the surface samples. Warehouse
and the silage were the most contaminated. In one swine 80.6% of the 3080 isolates found
in air belonged to Cladosporium sp., followed by Aspergillus ochraceus complex and
Fusarium graminearum complex (3.7%). In the surfaces, countless colonies of Mucor sp.
and Rhyzopus sp. were detected. The air from the other swine presented a total of 5080
isolates and Cladosporium sp. (52.7%), A. ochraceus complex (23.7%) and Penicillium sp.
(11.9%) were present. Scopulariopsis candida, Penicillium sp. and Rhyzopus sp. were
detected in surfaces. In the slaughterhouse, the most prevalent species in air were the
ones belonging to Cladosporium sp. (48.2%), followed by Penicillium sp. (31.8%) and
Aureobasidium sp. (10.6%). 51.8% from 850 isolates were present in the gutting section. No
contamination was found in the surfaces. Molecular tools were only able to detect the
presence of A. fumigatus complex. However, qPCR analysis successfully amplified DNA
from the A. fumigatus complex in 10 out of 20 sampling sites where the presence of this
fungal species was not identified by conventional methods. Although both swine units
showed the highest fungal load, in all the 3 settings fungal species with toxigenic potential
were present. Therefore, is important to consider interactions between fungi and
mycotoxins and this should be taken into account in the risk assessment process.
Importantly, the molecular tools applied allowed to target selected fungal indicators,
allowing a more precise characterization of the fungal burden.
474
475
Tu-Po-09
Harmonizing exposure metrics and methods for sustainability assessments of food
contact materials
Alexi Ernstoff, DTU, Lyngby, Denmark
Olivier Jolliet, University of Michigan, School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, United
States
Monia Niero, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
Peter Fantke, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
We aim to develop harmonized and operational methods for quantifying exposure to
chemicals in food packaging specifically for sustainability assessments. Thousands of
chemicals are approved for food packaging and numerous contaminates occur, e.g.
through recycling. Chemical migration into food, as a function of the chemical, food, and
package properties and storage conditions, is responsible for human exposure to many
chemicals of concern. In addition to complying with regulatory standards, stakeholders
concerned with environmental sustainability draw on strategies such as Life Cycle
Assessment (LCA) and Cradle to Cradle to support packaging design. Each assessment has
distinct context and goals, but can help manage exposure to toxic chemicals and other
environmental impacts. Metrics and methods to quantify and characterize exposure to
potentially toxic chemicals specifically in food packaging are, however, notably lacking
from such assessments. Furthermore, previous case studies demonstrated that sustainable
packaging design focuses, such as decreasing greenhouse gas emissions or resource
consumption, can increase exposure to toxic chemicals through packaging. Thereby,
developing harmonized methods for quantifying exposure to chemicals in food packaging is
critical to ensure ‘sustainable packages’ do not increase exposure to toxic chemicals.
Therefore we developed modelling methods suitable for first-tier risk screening and
environmental assessments. The modelling framework was based on the new product
intake fraction (PiF) exposure metric, with units of chemical mass taken in by exposed
persons versus chemical mass within a product. To model this metric, we used analytical
approximations for regulatory models. We investigated model results for various chemical-
package-food combinations to facilitate operation in assessments and identify
combinations of priority.
Modelling results predicted with accuracy previous findings, that exposure is dependent on
diffusive and partitioning behaviors according to each chemical-package-food
combination. Harmonizing exposure modeling with environmental assessments, like LCA,
finally facilitates including exposure to chemicals as a sustainable packaging design issue.
Results were demonstrated in context of the pilot-scale Product Environmental Footprint
regulatory method in the European Union. Increasing recycled content, decreasing
greenhouse gas emissions by selecting plastics over glass, and adding chemicals with a
design function were identified as risk management issues.
We conclude developing an exposure framework, suitable for sustainability assessments
commonly used for food packaging, is feasible to help guide packaging design to consider
both the environment and human exposure. Future work is required for refinement and
operationality. This is the first study addressing the need for quantitative, harmonized
exposure metrics and methods for food packaging within sustainability assessment
frameworks.
476
477
Tu-Po-12
Exposure to diesel emissions among truck drivers and consequent health risks
prevention through PAH biomonitoring assessment
Ikhtiar Uddin, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Afshan Naseem, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
Audil Rashid, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Unavoidable occupational exposure to petrochemicals is an increasingly health risk which
is marked as key environmental stressor for truck drivers. Exposure to diesel exhaust was
quantified using PAH biomonitoring and associated health effects were assessed. We
monitored pyrene levels in serum and its metabolite 1-hydroxy pyrene in urine. Self-
reported health status of truck drivers (n=81) was noted using self-structured
questionnaire item with focus on physical symptoms (e.g. skin lesions, eye redness,
dryness of tongue/lips, appetite loss, acidity after meals at workplace) and neurasthenic
symptoms (e.g. energy loss, fatigue, fainting, twitching, sleeplessness, irritability, body
aches). These PAH exposure estimates were correlated with symptoms of health disorders
to examine the occupational exposure effects. Median serum pyrene was 2 to 8-fold higher
in smokers compared to non-smokers. Our logistic regression model has predicted up to
63% serum pyrene attributed by active smoking and urinary 1-hydroxy pyrene was most
strongly affected work hours per day (OR=3.13, 95% CI=1.27–9.25). Neurasthenic symptoms
were found in 44% of the subjects and were associated with years of involvement in job.
Occupational association of continuous ten years or more as truck driver has attributed
substantial development of neurasthenic effects (OR=2.79, 95% CI=1.38–5.59). These
individuals rated their overall health and functional capacity significantly poorer than that
of urban area general population. Our study may prove helpful in the implementation of
human biomonitoring as an instrument for health risk assessment among occupational
exposure to petrochemicals.
478
Tu-Po-13
Development of emission standards for metallurgical industry based on results of
human health risk assessment
Arina Petrosian, State Institution "O.M. Marzeyev Institute for Public Health of the
National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
Olena Turos, State Institution “O.M. Marzeyev Institute for Public Health of the National
Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine”, Kyiv, Ukraine
Oksana Ananyeva, State Institution “O.M. Marzeyev Institute for Public Health of the
National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine”, Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine
Varvara Morguleva, State Institution “O.M. Marzeyev Institute for Public Health of the
National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine”, Kyiv, Ukraine
Background/Aims: As part of the integration processes on Ukraine's implementation of
international standards: Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution, Directive
2010/75/EU, Directive 2008/50/EU etc, the question arises as to reduce and control
emissions of pollutants into the air from industrial and preventing their impact on public
health.
The aim of the research is development of emission standards for РМ, NO2, SO2 and CO
from the metallurgical industry based on results human health risk assessment. The study
included 61 stationary source emissions of iron production equipment by 9 powerful
metallurgical enterprises of Ukraine.
Methods. Averaged (1, 24-hours, annual) concentrations were calculated using air
pollution dispersion model ISC-AERMOD v.8.8.9 (80 receptor points with 500 m grid
spacing, 10 km buffer zone). Application of this modeling algorithm allowed counting in
terrain, land-use peculiarities, annual meteorological observations, source parameters and
emission characteristics in calculation procedure. Computed concentrations were
compared with field data in terms of consistency. Demographic data (for adult and child
population) was processed by ArcGIS 10.0 tools and decoded according to the places of
residence. Zones of the highest density of exposed population were identified. Risk
criteria assessment was completed according to approved U.S. EPA, WHO procedure of risk
assessment.
Results. According to the data obtained in applied dispersion model and field studies it
was found that the highest levels of inhalation effects on peoples are characteristic of
emission of NO2, SO2 and CO. Averaged concentrations were: РМ (min/max, mg/m3: C1-
h=0,03÷0,52, C24-h=0,004÷0,06, Can=0,001÷0,009); NO2 (min/max, mg/m3: C1-
h=0,012÷0,63, C24-h=0,004÷0,095, Can=0,001÷0,005); SO2 (min/max, mg/m3: C1-
h=0,011÷0,64, C24-h=0,013÷0,12, Can=0,001÷0,007) and CO (min/max, mg/m3: C1-
h=0,48÷5,8, C24-h=0,26÷1,21, Can=0,031÷0,14). Calculated risks are subject to acute and
chronic health effects of inhaled exposed population and implemented conservation
measures to reduce emissions. Found that in case of emission standards (emission at
source) on equipment for iron metallurgical enterprises at level: PM – 50 mg/m3; CO – 50-
2890 mg/m3 (for various technological production units); NO2 – 120 mg/m3; SO2 – 200
mg/m3, risk to the population is at a minimum.
Conclusion. This research is allowed to unify the requirements related to air quality
control and to the adoption of adequate environmental protection measures, in
accordance with European standards.
479
480
Tu-Po-16
Assessing and managing infectious risk: a conceptual model for exposure scientists
Yuli Huang, National Kaohsiung First University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung,
China, Republic of (Taiwan)
Bing-Mu Hsu, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, China, Republic of (Taiwan)
Recent emergence in infectious disease outbreaks such as Zika virus, enterovirus, rotavirus
and foodborne diseases have brought forth the importance of infectious disease
prevention. Various models have been proposed for estimating the infectious risk.
Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA), for example, uses risk assessment
framework similar to that for chemical risk assessment, and predicts risk of infection
under given exposure scenarios. A problem with the approach is that actual dose-response
model for a pathogen may be available. In addition, it is often difficult to estimate
retrospectively for potential exposure or dose level. There are two major differences
between chemical and microbial risk assessment. Unlike chemical hazards which typically
require a long time to develop, infection may occur as a result of single or multiple
exposures, and the exposure level are often difficult to quantify. In many cases, exposure
to pathogen may only be assessed qualitatively. In order to better assess risk of infection,
a conceptual model is proposed that looks at likelihood of pathogen exposure as a proxy
for infection risk. The conceptual model consists of three main component: pathogen,
environment and host. The three components intersect with each other. In most
situations, the pathogen may be present in the ambient environment, but does not
present a health risk until upon exposure. Interactions between host and environment may
be considered an exposure, but risk of infection would only be considered when pathogen
may come in contact. Even if a host is to come in contact with the pathogen, infection
may not occur unless the individual is susceptible to the pathogen. Only susceptible hosts
are subject to infection upon pathogen exposure, thus the risk of infection rely on two
essential conditions: exposure to pathogen and susceptibility to infection. The emergence
of a disease outbreak may be considered a result of increased exposure, but in some cases
an outbreak may be a result of increased susceptibility. Environmental monitoring for
potential pathogen exposure may help reduce the risk of infection, and reducing
susceptibility (e.g., through immunization) may help prevent infection.
481
Tu-Po-17
Heritability of Synergistic Interactions Following Co-Exposure to Anticancer Drugs in
Genetically-Diverse Lymphoblastoid Cell Lines
Kyle Roell, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
John Jack, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
David Reif, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
Alison Motsinger-Reif, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
Real-world exposure scenarios for environmental chemicals or pharmacological drugs often
involve significant co-exposure, wherein mixtures of several compounds are involved.
However, interindividual responses are most often studied within a single-compound
scenario, despite clinical evidence that compounds do not act independently when co-
administered. Such synergistic (or antagonistic) effects occur between chemicals when the
observed effect of the combination is more (or less) than what would be predicted from
the effects of each agent working alone. Modeling synergistic interactions presents
challenges in both quantitative modeling and underlying biology. There are a number of
statistical methods for modeling synergy from a qualitative perspective, but rigorous
quantification and detection of synergy, specifically within drug/chemical mixtures, is
limited. Additionally, more investigation is needed into underlying mechanisms of
synergistic effects, particularly in regards to potential genetic etiology. We have taken a
novel approach to study synergy between chemotherapeutic drugs by applying known
methods to show that synergy is heritable in a proven model of cytotoxic response using
lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs). First, we used the Chou Talalay combination index
approach to quantify synergy and results suggest interactions among common
chemotherapy drugs. Next, we then used these results to test for a genetic component of
variation in synergistic response. Importantly, we identified significant genetic
components (> 50% heritability) among several drug combinations. Building on this
evidence of a heritable component in synergistic response to co-exposure, we are
performing genome wide association studies to identify candidate genes that explain a
significant amount of synergistic variation.
482
Tu-Po-18a
Improving Risk assessment of Metal mixture for Neurotoxicity: in-vitro Toxicological
interactions studies of metal mixture
Venkatanaidu Karri, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Tarragona, Spain
Marta Schuhmacher, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Tarragona, Spain
David Ramos-López, Parque Científico de Barcelona (Barcelona Science Park), Barcelona,
Barcelona, Spain
Vikas Kumar, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Tarragona, Spain
Raju Sharma, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
Human exposure to toxic heavy metals is a global challenge. Frequently occurring metals
in environment as Pb, Cd, As and MeHg often in concurrent exposure, have a common
disease outcome of cognitive dysfunction. Potential risk of metal mixture exposure could
be more than single metal due to their common mode of actions which may have
synergistic or additive interaction profile rather than independent as often assumed. Until
now, there are no reported published studies that extend the analysis to these metals
simultaneously to understand the common mechanism. Experimental data on mixture has
been real constraint in development of predictive risk assessment models linking external
exposure to adverse outcomes. In a recent review report, we have found that the
combination of metals may produce additive/synergetic effects due to their common
binding affinity with NMDA receptor (Pb, As, MeHg), Na+ - K+ ATP-ase pump (Cd, MeHg),
biological Ca+2 (Pb, Cd, MeHg), and Glutamate neurotransmitter (Pb, MeHg). To further
validate these assumptions and determine interaction profile of metal mixtures, in-vitro
approach (cytotoxicity and proteomics) has been proposed. The specialised cell culture
system can predict the toxicity of complex mixtures and to gain further insight into the
mechanistic processes of these metal mixtures. The objective of this study is to develop
the efficient approach for assessment of metal mixture (Pb, Cd, As, MeHg) interaction
profile by using the cytotoxicity studies. We present the preliminary results of our
cytotoxicity experiments.
In this study, we employed mice HT22 cell line as an in-vitro model to evaluate the
interaction profile of these metal mixtures. Based on the review report, we investigated
preliminary MTT/NR cytotoxicity screening by using reference IC50 values of Pb, Cd, As
and MeHg for neuronal cells (in vivo) as a reference dose. With the literature reference
doses of these metals, results shows more than 95% mortality of cells for both individual
and combination of mixture. This indicates higher sensitivity of HT22 cell line to the in
vivo metal concentrations values. Further, screening with lower doses shows the
percentage of cell death decreases and with new dose-response curves we were able to
establish new IC50 values for Hippocampal cells. For certain mixture combination, we
have found that 50% inhibition of cells for mixture shifts to lower concentration compare
to individual dose curve, which shows more than additive effects of these mixture
combinations. This screening test will help us for selecting the defined concentration and
mixture combination for further proteomics analysis.
483
Measuring/monitoring/strategy
Tu-Po-19
Creating a risk index for allergic diseases with indoor and outdoor risk factors in Seoul:
SungChul Seo, Korea University, Seoul, Korea, South
Dohyeong Kim, University of Texas at Dallas (, Richardson, Texas, United States
Ki-Youn Kim, Catholic University of Pusan, Busan, Korea, South
Hanjong Ko, Korea National Open University, Seoul, Korea, South
Background: The existing literatures on allergic diseases have identified indoor and
outdoor environmental risk factors but not considered the relative weight for each factor,
or considered relative weights but not linked analysis to geographic location at
disaggregated levels. The lack of understanding for spatial variation of various risk factors
results in uninformed decisions on allocating resources to reduce allergic disease burden.
We aimed to develop a risk index and explore the spatial association of a risk index with
allergic diseases.
Method: We used GIS and statistical modeling to analyze the household survey data
collected from 2,147 children in kindergarten located in Seoul, including a series of indoor
risk factors for allergic diseases. As for outdoor risk factors, since there are only 25
monitoring stations measuring the level of ambient air pollutants in Seoul, a spatial
interpolation technique was used to match with the survey data. By integrating all
relevant data, we performed statistical analysis on all data layers together.
Results: Statistical analysis reveals that each of three allergic diseases is associated with a
different group of risk factors (e.g., asthma with SO2, indoor smoking, mold, atopic
dermatitis with NO2, gender, and allergic rhinitis with ozone, indoor leaking, etc.). Using
the coefficients from the statistical models, we created risk index for each allergic disease
for every household in the survey, along with district-level priority maps coded by the
index covering the entire area of Seoul. The resulting maps use weighted risk factors to
spatially locate modeled risk zones and highlight critical areas for targeted intervention.
This GIS-based statistical approach enables environmental and public health policymakers
to design and implement programs that protect people before they suffer from allergic
diseases, and advance the scientific community’s understanding of the spatial distribution
and magnitude of allergic diseases.
484
Tu-Po-20
Importance of size-selective particle sampling for assessing occupational exposures –
Results from three different occupational settings
Susana Viegas, ESTeSL-IPL, Lisbon, Portugal
Tiago Faria, Environment and Health Research Group - ESTeSL/IPL, Lisbon, Portugal
Carla Viegas, Environment and Health Research Group - ESTeSL/IPL, Lisbon, Portugal
Elisabete Carolino, Environment and Health Research Group - ESTeSL/IPL, Lisbon,
Portugal
Sampling the total air concentration of particulate matter (PM) only provides a basic
estimate of exposure that normally not allows correlating with the observed health
effects. Therefore is of extreme importance to know the particles size distribution and, in
more detail, the exposure to fine particles (≤ 2.5 µm). This particles dimension
corresponds to the respirable fraction, the one that can result, besides local effects, in
systemic effects due to particle deposition and clearance from the lungs and transport
within the organism.
This study intended to describe occupational exposure to PM2.5 in three units located near
Lisbon: swine and poultry feed production and waste management. It was performed a
size-selective particle sampling in three to five workplaces of each unit with an aerosol
monitor (DustTrak II model 8532, TSI®).
Data showed poultry feed unit with higher values, with statistical significant differences
from the others units (p's <0.05). In swine feed values range was 0.007 to 0.143 mg/m3
(0.054 + 0.042), being the reception room the workplace with higher values, in poultry
feed the values were between 0.028 and 0.198 mg/m3 (0.098 + 0.061) with the bagging
line as the workplace with higher values and, finally, in waste management values ranged
from 0.036 to 0.059 mg/m3 (0.046 + 0.006) being the sorting cabinet the workplace with
higher values (Figure 1)
This data allow a better estimation of particle penetration into the thoracic and
respiratory regions of the respiratory tract and a better prediction of PM exposure health
effects. Additionally, allows also to identify the workplaces where investment to prevent
and control exposure should be prioritize.
485
Figure 1 - Distribution of PM2.5 values in each occupational setting
486
Tu-Po-21
French interregional variability of exposure to sunscreen products
Laëtitia Noël, Laboratory of risk assessment for consumer, Brest, France
Audrey Bernard, Laboratory of risk assessment for consumer, Brest, France
Anne-Sophie Ficheux, Laboratory of risk assessment for consumer, Brest, France
Nicolas Dornic, Laboratory of risk assessment for consumer, Brest, France
Gregoire Chevillotte, Laboratory of risk assessment for consumer, Brest, France
Alain-Claude Roudot, Laboratory of risk assessment for consumer, Brest, France
Sunscreen products are used by a significant part of the French population, between 14
and 46 % for adult depending on the type of product. Sunscreen use depends partly on the
need to protect the skin from sun adverse effects and can thus differ according to the
region of France the user live. The aim of this work was to assess the variability in the
quantity and frequency of sunscreen products use between the Ile-de-France, the North
and the South of France and to evaluate the corresponding cutaneous exposure.
A web questionnaire was conducted among 5657 French adults, on the usage patterns of
141 cosmetic products, including sunscreen products. This survey allowed an assessment of
the frequency of use for all products used during the past 12 months by each participant.
As geographical area of residence was inquired, frequency of use has been assessed for the
Ile-de-France, the North and the South of France. Then a face-to-face survey was
conducted on 1078 French people in order to assess the amount of cosmetic products
consumed by the French population. It was performed in four towns in order to represent
the different French region and for solar products; data were also collected during the
summer on the beach. The frequency and quantity of sunscreen products use for the
different region were then compared by running Mann-Whitney statistical analyses with
the XLSTAT software in order to assess the interregional variability. Probabilistic exposure
assessment to sunscreen products was performed using Monte Carlo random simulations
with @Risk 6 software.
Results obtained for the frequency and the quantity of use of sunscreen in spray indicated
significant statistical differences between regions of France. A mean frequency of 86.34
uses per year and a mean amount of 3.46 g/use were obtained for the North. The mean
frequency was of 100.84 uses per year and the mean amount was of 5.49 g/use in the
South. For Ile-de-France, the mean frequency was of 82.71 uses per year and the mean
amount was of 5.55 g/use. The exposure assessment to this product gave a mean
cutaneous exposure of 17.49 mg/cm2/year in the North, 26.22 mg/cm2/year in the Ile-de-
France and 30.69 mg/cm2/year in the South. Similar results were obtained for other
sunscreen products.
Results of this study showed the importance of taking into account the variability between
subpopulations in order to ensure the consumer safety correctly.
487
Tu-Po-23
TTC for botanicals – data analysis to substantiate and extend the TTC approach to
botanicals
Kirstin Kosemund, Procter & Gamble, Schwalbach, Germany
The presence of botanicals in consumer products has become an important consumer
criterion for the purchase of specific product formulations. Botanicals are complex
mixture of mostly unknown natural chemicals and classical toxicological data are often
lacking. While some botanicals are used broadly for human and animal survival as food,
flavours/spices, or medicines, some botanicals are also known to cause various toxic
effects. The combination of these uncertainties makes risk assessment for botanicals a
challenging task. Establishing safe botanical exposure levels in absence of carcinogenicity
and genotoxicity data, which address the most sensitive endpoint becomes a critical and
often rate limiting step in botanical risk assessment. To support the presence of single
chemical substances at low exposure levels in consumer products the TTC based approach
can be used in absence of full toxicological characterization. This approach can also serve
as a basis for deriving exposure limits for botanical substances. The TTC decision tree
approach starts with the identification and evaluation of possible structural alerts for
genotoxicity and high potency carcinogenicity. This step applies an exposure threshold of
0.15 µg/person/day (Munro, 1996, Kroes, 2004). We propose to extend the TTC approach
to botanicals, relying on this first TTC exposure limit of 0.15 µg/day (0.0025 µg/kg
bw/day) and adjusting it based on the concentration of natural chemical constituents of
concern that are found in plants. An evaluation of genotoxic/DNA reactive substances
found in plants has been made and the concentration data in plants compiled. Based on
the analysis of these data in many hundred plant species, we have derived upper
confidence levels for the concentration of substances of concern in plants that can in turn
be used to extend the TTC for crude botanical mixtures.
488
Tu-Po-24
Characterization of indoor air quality by canister sampling and TD-GC-MS analysis
Gwendolyn Beckmann, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen,
Netherlands
Rob B.M. Anzion, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
Paul T.J. Scheepers, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
Background
A canister is a vacuumed container designed for air sampling. This technology is available
for a range of air sampling applications, including personal air sampling. Canisters have a
number of interesting features but are still not much used in Europe. We have explored
the value of canisters in our field of interest: indoor air quality (IAQ).
Objective
Evaluation of the measurement of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)in indoor air by
canister sampling followed by analysis on a thermal desorption gas chromatograph mass
spectrometer (TD-GC-MS) system. We performed an exploratory study on the impact of
emissions from emergency helicopters and testing diesel-fueled emergency power supplies
as potential sources of contamination of our hospitals’ IAQ.
Method
For the VOC measurements air samples were collected using Entech Silonite canisters
equipped with CS1200 Silonite coated samplers or grab samplers (Interscience). For
calibration, we used TO14 and TO15 calibration standard VOC mixtures that were provided
in gas cylinders. For calibration the cylinder was connected to an air server (Series 2,
Markes). The analytical instrument consisted of a thermal desorber (Unity 2, Markes) and a
gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (Focus/ISQ , Thermo). We collected samples of 100
- 250 mL per canister.
Results
The limit of quantification for VOCs was 0.1 µg/m3. Healthcare workers were asked to
collect a grab sample when they picked up a kerosene odor. Simultaneously a sample was
collected at a service building near the helicopter platform. In a second campaign we
collected indoor air samples at two operation rooms before and during the test run of an
emergency power supply. These measurements were compared to the results of a
reference sample that was collected at the exhaust outlet of the power supply. Relating
to the indoor air quality in the hospital, the concentrations of acetone, isopropanol and
ethanol were somewhat elevated due to cleaning and disinfection practices. We did not
detect VOCs in the indoor air that were characteristic for helicopter emissions or diesel
exhaust.
Conclusion
Canisters can be used for self-assessment grab sampling in addition to the conventional
use of air sampling pumps.
489
Tu-Po-25
Recovery rates in the measurements of the concentrations of organophosphorus
pesticide metabolites in urine extracted from children’s diaper
Naoko Oya, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
Yuki Ito, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
Keisuke Hioki, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
Arisa Aoi, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
Yuka Sugiura, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
Jun Ueyama, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
Tomoko Oguri, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya,
Japan
Sayaka Kato, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
Takeshi Ebara, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya,
Japan
Michihiro Kamijima, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya,
Japan
Background: Recently epidemiological studies to examine the relationship between
pesticide exposure and neurodevelopmental effects have attracted more attention.
Although central nervous system rapidly develops in early childhood, no basic information
about pesticide exposure of children who cannot control urination has been available in
the world.
Objectives: This study aimed to increase the sensitivity of the measurements of
concentrations of organophosphorus pesticide (OP) metabolites in urine extracted from
used diaper and determine urinary concentrations of OP metabolites in 1.5-year-old
children.
Methods: Urine samples were extracted from the diapers by acetone, dried up with a
gentle nitrogen stream, and were stored at -80 ºC until analyses. Urinary
dimethylphosphate (DMP), diethylphosphate (DEP), which passed through the solid-phase
extraction (SPE) column, and dimethylthiophosphate (DMTP), diethylthiophosphate
(DETP), dimethyldithiophosphate (DMDTP), and diethyldithiophosphate (DEDTP) which
were extracted from SPE column using 2.5% NH3 water including 50% acetonitrile, were
analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry
(LC-MS/MS). Both recovery rate throughout SPE procedure and whole procedure including
urine extraction from a diaper were calculated. In order to improve recovery rate during
SPE procedure, elution conditions were examined. Furthermore, we recruited 18-month-
old children participating in Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS) at the Aichi
Regional Center of JECS as an adjunct study, and we collected used diapers from 104
children (18-21 months of age, 53 males and 51 females) from June 25 to July 31 in 2015
(participation rate was 82%) and determined urinary concentrations of OP metabolites.
Respective deuterium-labeled dialkylphosphates (DAPs) were used as internal standards.
Results: The condition using 2 ml solution of 2.5% NH3 including 50% acetonitrile at 30ºC
yielded the highest recovery. Recovery rates of SPE procedure and extracted procedure
from diaper of DMP, DEP, DMTP, DETP, DMDTP, and DEDTP at the low (DEDTP 0.22~DMP
26.3 µg/L) and high (DEDTP 20.09~DMP 313.43 µg/L) concentrations were 110.3% and
69.7%, 107.4% and 23.7%, 85.5% and 23.0%, 110.7% and 47.7%, 99.5% and 61.7%, 75.1% and
61.7%, respectively. The geometric means of the urinary DMP, DMTP, DMDTP, DEP, DETP,
DEDTP, and total DAPs (ΣDAPs) in 104 children were 6.6 (0.74-98.2), 1.9 (ND-78.3), 1.6
490
(ND-117.1), 0.2 (ND-88.2), 0.2 (ND-5.9), 0.1 (ND-1.5) µg/L and 116 (8.8-1389.0) nmol/L,
respectively. Between-individual variability of ΣDAP was about 160 times. In conclusion, a
highly sensitive method for the simultaneous quantitation of urinary OP metabolites from
used diaper was developed, which could be applied to determine urinary concentrations of
OPs metabolites in 1.5-year-old children.
491
Tu-Po-26
A study design to assess exposure levels of insecticides in 1.5-year-old children in
Aichi Regional Subcohort of the Japan Environment and Children’s Study
Yuki Ito, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
Takeshi Ebara, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya,
Japan
Naoko Oya, Nagoya City University Gradute School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
Jun Ueyama, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
Tomoko Oguri, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya,
Japan
Sayaka Kato, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
Michihiro Kamijima, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya,
Japan
Background: A nationwide and government-funded birth cohort study in Japan named the
Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS) started from January 2011 to elucidate
environmental factors that affect children’s health and development. After 3-year
recruitment period of pregnant women living in designated study areas including Aichi,
Japan, the children to whom they gave birth are now followed until 13 years old.
Objectives: This presentation aims to describe a study protocol of an adjunct study of
JECS to assess exposure levels of insecticides in 1.5-year-old children in Aichi.
Methods: For this adjunct study, we have recruited 1.5-year-old JECS participants since
June 2015, which will be completed in June 2016. Their guardians are asked to take part
in the study at health-care centers on the occasions of municipal checkups for children at
the age, and informed consents for this study were obtained. Food intake questionnaire to
assess exposure amount of insecticides from diets was developed based on data about
permitted application of pesticides for registered crops in Japan. The intake of each crop
is counted as a number of child-size spoons by the guardians at home for each of three
meals during the day, and is recorded on the questionnaire. The questionnaire also asks
them whether or not spraying insecticides during the preceding week. To collect urine,
the children wear designated disposable diapers during the night following the three meals
recorded, and the questionnaire and the used diapers are sent to our laboratory as
refrigerated cargoes.
Results: We collected the questionnaire and used diapers from 618 children from June 25
through December 31 in 2015 (consent rate was 79.1%). Their months of age were between
17 and 24 and the mode was 19 (54.9%). Three hundred and eighteen male and 300 female
children were enrolled. One thousand children in total are expected to take part in this
adjunct study by the end of the recruitment period. Age of the mothers at the delivery
and the birth weights of the participating children are distributed from 18 to 44 (median,
33; interquartile range, 30-36) and from 815 to 4,400 (median, 3,044; interquartile range,
2,748-3,282), respectively. The rate of low birth weight (<2500 g) was 9.5%. These
demographic data suggest that the subjects in this survey represent the population in Aichi
regional subcohort of JECS and entire population in Aichi. Thus, it is expected that this
study reveals exposure levels of insecticides in the area.
492
Tu-Po-27
Indoor air quality in French hospitals: large scale sampling campaigns and first
physical-chemical results
Arnaud Florentin, Lorraine University, Nancy, France
Olivier Blanchard, EHESP, Rennes, France
Alexandre Rivier, CHRU de Nancy, Nancy, France
Pierre-Yves Donnio, CHU de Rennes, Rennes, France
Monique Guillaso, CHRU de Nancy, Nancy, France
Pierre Le Cann, EHESP, Rennes, France
Amandine Luc, CHRU de Nancy, Nancy, France
Sorya Belaz, CHU de Rennes, Rennes, France
Fabien Mercier, EHESP, Rennes, France
Emilie Surget, EHESP, Rennes, France
Jean-pierre Gangneux, CHU de Rennes, Rennes, France
Estelle BauresEHESP, Rennes, France
Aim
Indoor air quality in hospital is an important issue. Currently, the biological indoor air
quality monitoring and control in hospital are necessary and integrated in prevention
strategy of hospital-acquired infections. However, the chemical contamination of indoor
air in hospitals, although it is established, is little-known and rarely studied. This chemical
contamination may be associated with a wide range of specific compounds emitted from
various used products and materials but also influenced by the outdoor environment.
Finally some activities in link with practical in hospital may also lead to human exposure.
Methods
This study was conducted in June 2014 and February 2015 (“summer” and “winter”
sampling campaigns) during twice four consecutive days in two hospitals in Rennes
(Brittany, West part of France) and in Nancy (Lorraine, East part of France). For each
hospital, air samples were collected in seven rooms (the reception hall, a patient room, a
nursing care, the parasitology mycology laboratory, a post-anesthesia care unit, a plaster
cutting room and the flexible endoscope disinfection unit) in order to estimate the spatial
(related to the healthcare activities and between 2 hospitals) and temporal (daily, weekly
and seasonal) variability. During these both campaigns, 34 volatile organic compounds
(VOCs), 7 aldehydes and 13 semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) were measured.
PM10 and PM2.5 samples were collected and gravimetric analysis was used to determine
the particle mass on the filter. In parallel, microbial agents (culture and PCR: bacteria,
fungi and viruses), ambient parameters (temperature, relative humidity, pressure and
carbon dioxide) and the particles number (from 0.3 to 25 µm) were measured.
Results
The results showed that the main chemical compounds found are in the same order in the
both hospital. Mean concentrations were for alcohols (334 and 23 µg/m3 respectively for
ethanol and isopropanol) but also several aromatic and halogenated hydrocarbons,
aldehydes (4.5 µg/m3 for formaldehyde), ketones (17 µg/m3 for acetone), ethers (9.5
µg/m3 for ether) and terpenes (2.7 µg/m3 for limonene). The SVOCs were quantified in all
the sampling rooms (mainly phthalates: 0.26 µg/m3 for diisobutylphtalate). Mean
concentrations were for fungi (226CFU/m3) and bacteria (352CFU/m3). The results are in
the same order in two hospitals.
Conclusion
493
Our study showed a low chemical pollution in the two hospitals. We found a spatial and
temporal variability of fungal and particulate contamination that seemed correlated with
the activity and ventilation.
494
Tu-Po-28
Testing a procedure for the identification of emerging chemical risks in the food chain
Caroline Gabrielle Merten, European Food Safety Authority, Parma, Italy
Jan Oltmanns, Forschungs- und Beratungsinstitut Gefahrstoffe GmbH (FoBiG), Freiburg,
Germany
Marie-Léonie Bohlen, Forschungs- und Beratungsinstitut Gefahrstoffe GmbH (FoBiG),
Freiburg, Germany
Sylvia Escher, Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine ITEM,
Hannovre, Germany
Oliver Licht, Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine ITEM,
Hannovre, Germany
Matthew Macleod, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
Vittorio Silano, European Food Safety Authority, Parma, Italy
Nikolaos Georgiadis, European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Parma, Italy
Georges Kass, European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Parma, Italy
The aim of this study was to test whether substance-specific data generated and made
available in electronic form under REACH can be used for the identification of substances
of potential concern in the food chain. For this purpose, 100 data-rich substances
registered under the REACH regulation together with four substances selected as positive
controls were evaluated. The procedure consisted of a multi-step selection process
following a sequence of selection criteria. The evaluation criteria took into account
parameters related to exposure (tonnage information, environmental release,
biodegradation, potential for bioaccumulation) and toxicity endpoints (repeated dose
toxicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity and genotoxicity). All substances were
scored for each parameter grouped into six blocks of parameters. The ACC-HUMAN steady
software was used to evaluate the potential for bioaccumulation. The extraction of
experimental data generated under REACH was successful in principle, but encountered
several problems, both in relation to the extraction process itself and the subsequent
evaluation steps. Overall, the approach developed showed a good level of differentiation
between the percentage of high and low scores (potential exposure or potential toxicity).
Several weighting scenarios were developed to aggregate the parameters related to
exposure with those related to toxicity endpoints and to enable a quantitative ranking of
the 100 data-rich substances. These scenarios identified substances produced in high
tonnage, subject to environmental release with limited biodegradation and high potential
for accumulation in food as substances of potential concern in the food chain due to their
toxicity profiles. The four positive control substances received a high score. Additional
analyses compared the scores derived from experimental data with those derived from
predicted (in silico) data for the same set of 100 substances, allowing to adapt our
approach to data-poor substances of potential concern. The critical point in the scoring
system is that all individual scores are kept separately allowing further differentiation in
the possible scenarios. In conclusion a procedure was developed that consisted in a multi-
step selection process allowing the identification of chemical substances of potential
concern for the food chain and that could be adapted using a tiered approach to screen
the entire dataset currently registered under the REACH regulation.
495
Tu-Po-29
Assessment of exposure to Aflatoxin M1 Oaxaca cheese in the population of Veracruz
City, Mexico
Estela Hernandez, Université Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France
Alejandra Ramirez-Martinez, Université Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France
Nathalie Wesolek, Université Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France
Anne-Sophie Ficheux, Université Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France
Nicolas Dornic, Université Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France
Marco Antonio Salgado, Instituto Tecnológico de Veracruz, Veracruz, Mexico
Guadalupe del Carmen Rodriguez, Instituto Tecnológico de Veracruz, Veracruz, Mexico
Alain-Claude Roudot, Université Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France
Víctor José Robles, Instituto Tecnológico de Veracruz, Veracruz, France
In Mexico, several grain producing states have climatic conditions that promote the
presence and growth of mycotoxin-producing fungi, such as Veracruz. Veracruz is an
important producer of milk for dairy products (such as cheese) and grains for cattle
consumption. Taking in consideration that some grains produced on the state may be
contaminated by Aflatoxin B1 and may be present in milk products as Aflatoxin M1 it is
fundamental to assess the exposure of population to this toxin. The present study focused
on the exposure of the population of Veracruz City, one of the biggest urban areas in the
state via the consumption of Oaxaca cheese. Oaxaca cheese is one of the most consumed
cheeses in the region; its consumption has not been assessed until now. To achieve this
goal the intake of Oaxaca cheese, as well as the levels of Aflatoxin M1 in Oaxaca cheese
were evaluated. Dietary intake of Oaxaca cheese was assessed via a 7-day food dairy
questionnaire. A total of 1100 people were interviewed during 2014 and 2015. 25 samples
of Oaxaca cheese from different small markets in the city were randomly sampled during
2014 and 2015. The obtained samples were analyzed to determine the concentration
levels of Aflatoxin M1 following validated methods including immunoaffinity
chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence
detection. The exposure of the population of the city of Veracruz to Aflatoxin M1 was
assessed through the combination of the Probabilistic Density Functions (PDF) for Aflatoxin
M1 levels and the consumption data of Oaxaca cheese (Probabilistic Methodology). Results
showed that 92% of the samples concentration level was below 0.02 μg Aflatoxin M1/kg.
This concentration levels are below the safety levels set by the European Commission.
Evaluation studies showed that exposure of children was higher than that found in adults
(1.1 x 10-4 μg AM1/kg bw/day vs 4.56 x 10-5 μg AM1/kg bw/day, respectively). These
values revealed that population of Veracruz City does is not at risk to Aflatoxin M1 via the
consumption of Oaxaca Cheese. The present study is the first investigation on the
exposure of Mexican population to Aflatoxin M1.
496
Tu-Po-30
Associations between plasma concentrations of PCB 28 and possible indoor exposure
sources in Danish school children and mothers
Lisbeth E. Knudsen, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are ubiquitously present in the environment and are
suspected of carcinogenic, neurotoxic and immunotoxic effects. Significantly higher
plasma concentrations of the congener PCB 28 occur in children compared to adults.
Exposure in schools may contribute to this difference.
PCB 28 was analyzed in plasma samples from 116 children aged 6-11 years and 143
mothers living in an urban and a rural area in Denmark and participating in the European
pilot project DEMOCOPHES (Demonstration of a study to COordinate and Perform Human
Biomonitoring on a European Scale). In Denmark, PCBs were used in construction in the
period 1950-1977, and year of construction or renovation of the homes and schools was
used as a proxy for indoor PCB exposure. Linear regression models were used to assess the
association between potential PCB exposure from building materials and lipid adjusted
concentrations of PCB 28 in plasma, with and without adjustment for potential
confounders.
Amongst the 116 children and 143 mothers, we were able to specify home construction
period in all but 4 children and 5 mothers leaving 111 children and 138 mothers for our
analyses. The median lipid adjusted plasma PCB 28 concentration was 3 (range: 1-28) ng/g
lipid in the children and 2 (range: 1-8) ng/g lipid in the mothers.
Children living in homes built in the PCB period had significantly higher lipid adjusted
plasma PCB 28 concentrations compared to children living in homes built before or after
the PCB period. Following adjustment for covariates, PCB 28 concentrations in children
were 40 (95% CI: 13; 68) percent higher than concentrations of children living in homes
constructed at other times.
Our results suggest that PCB exposure in the indoor environment in schools and homes
constructed during the PCB period may contribute significantly to children’s plasma PCB
28 concentration. Efforts to minimize PCB exposure in indoor environments should be
considered.
Egsmose EL, Bräuner EV, Frederiksen M, Mørck TA, Siersma VD, Hansen PW, Nielsen F,
Grandjean P, Knudsen LE. (2016) Associations between plasma concentrations of PCB 28
and possible indoor exposure sources in Danish school children and mothers. Environment
International 87: 13-19.
497
Tu-Po-31
General rules for a unified Hazard banding in compliance with the new Globally
Harmonised System (GHS) for use in control banding tools
Mario Arnone, IFA of the DGUV, Sankt Augustin, Germany
Many control banding tools use hazard banding in risk assessments for the classification of
hazards arising from occupational handling of hazardous substances. Hazard bands can be
assigned using the hazard communication elements from the label or the safety data sheet
(SDS) of chemical products.
The Globally Harmonised System (GHS) has resulted in a change in the hazard
communication elements, i.e. hazard (H) statements instead of risk-phrases. In addition to
the new H statements, GHS leads also to changes in the dilution rules for the classification
of mixtures. Due to this fact hazard banding schemes that depend on the old form of
safety information have to be adapted to the new legislation. The simple translation from
R-phrases to H statements is problematic and not always possible. Therefore general rules
for the assignment of hazards to hazard bands are proposed.
As basis for the assignment of hazard bands, the H statements and the dilution rules from
GHS are used. All H statements were assigned to six hazard bands with respect to the
severity of the underlying hazard. These hazard bands range from n.a. = “not applicable”
for e. g. highly self-diluted products or non-health related statements through A = “low
hazard”, B = “moderate hazard”, C = “high hazard” and D = “very high hazard” to E =
“extremely high hazard”. To support the important principle of substitution, the last one
is reserved for proven carcinogens or mutagens, while all less severe hazards are assigned
at worst to hazard band D. Hazard bands are assigned specifically to the route of exposure
concerned in the respective H statement. This enables the user to adjust risk management
measures to the specific uptake route.
The rules for assigning hazard bands with respect to the severity of the hazard to
encourage substitution and the exposure route are in line with the requirements for
qualitative risk characterisation described e.g. in the REACH guidance. The SDS of the
products as source of the required hazard information and the GHS regulation as basis for
the assignment of hazard bands ensures that the new hazard banding is in conformity with
the new legislation on classification and labelling of chemicals.
This presentation will demonstrate that the implementation of this GHS hazard banding in
various control banding tools can result in a unified classification of health hazards from
the handling of hazardous substances.
498
Tu-Po-32
Identification and Treatment Options for Waste Streams of Certain Bromine Containing
Flame Retardants (WAFER)
Mohamed Abdallah, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Martin Sharkey, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
Harald Berresheim, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
Stuart Harrad, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
The WAFER project (http://www.wafer-research.com/) aims to evaluate the use of a
portable XRF instrument in waste sites across Ireland for the purposes of screening items
treated with brominated flame retardants (BFRs) classified as persistent organic pollutants
(POPs). A database of the concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and
hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) in various waste categories is also being established to
streamline the screening process.
Approximately 1000 samples are being taken from a range of waste items, which maight
have been treated with PDBEs and/or HBCDDs including: casings from waste electrical and
electronic equipment (WEEE); foam and upholstery from soft furnishings; foam and
upholstery from end-of-life vehicles (ELVs); as well as expanded and extruded polystyrene
building insulation foams.
Preliminary results obtained for polystyrene foam items have shown a strong correlation
(n=71, P<0.05) between the XRF-measured total bromine content and that of GC/LC-MS
measured POP-BFR content. In other subgroups of WEEE plastics from IT waste items, large
and small domestic appliances, soft furnishing foams and fabrics and ELVs; not all samples
with high Br counts (XRF measured) corresponded to high levels of POP-BFRs. This may be
explained by the use of other BFRs in these samples (e.g. TBBP-A) or the use of the deca-
BDE commercial formulation, which is not yet listed as a POP.
Overall, XRF readings show considerable variations in bromine content across the entire
range of sampled items with notable highs of several tens of thousands of ppm in foam and
upholstery items and concentrations in excess of 100,000 ppm in certain waste items,
potentially well above the European Commission lower POP concentration limits of 0.1%.
499
Tu-Po-33
Consumer behaviour - compilation and evaluation of primary data
Astrid Heiland, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
Jan Oltmanns, Forschungs- und Beratungsinstitut Gefahrstoffe GmbH (FoBiG), Freiburg,
Germany
Marie-Leonie Bohlen, Forschungs- und Beratungsinstitut Gefahrstoffe GmbH (FoBiG),
Freiburg, Germany
Eva Kaiser, Forschungs- und Beratungsinstitut Gefahrstoffe GmbH (FoBiG), Freiburg,
Germany
Stefanie Klenow, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
Klaus Schneider, Forschungs- und Beratungsinstitut Gefahrstoffe GmbH (FoBiG), Freiburg,
Germany
Patterns of product use by consumers are essential information in consumer exposure
scenarios. Frequency, duration, amount of products used, and product use location are
parameters of interest. Fact sheets (e.g. from RIVM) and specific consumer exposure
determinants (SCEDs, developed by industry associations) provide defaults derived from
studies and expert judgement. These defaults are implemented in exposure calculation
tools to support e.g. registrants to fulfil their information requirements under REACH. In
this process, the origin and the designated purpose of the exposure parameters are often
unclear and poorly documented. The objective of the project was to establish an
inventory of the parameter values on the amount, duration, frequency, and location of
consumer product use. The compilation was restricted to mixtures regulated under
REACH. An extensive literature research was carried out to identify relevant studies that
investigated exposure parameters. These parameters along with additional information
regarding study design as well as a scoring that considers quality, validity, and
applicability were recorded in an MS Excel® file. The products were categorized according
to the REACH use descriptor system, which includes e.g. cleaning agents, adhesives, paints
and lacquers. Overall, 37 relevant studies were identified that allowed extraction of
parameter values, resulting in 822 datasets of which 43% related to use frequency, 26% to
product amount, and 23% to use duration. The location of consumer product use is
documented in relatively few datasets (9%). Looking at the product types, most datasets
(57%) addressed cleaning activities followed by the use of air care products (10%) and
paints (8%). To evaluate the quality of parameter values, a scoring system based on
features which characterise empirical studies (e.g. study design, number of subjects, level
of detail) was developed. The majority of datasets yielded a score of more than 60 (out of
120) for almost all parameters, but only a small fraction (about 10%) received a score of
90 or higher. However, none of the datasets achieved a score of 100 or higher. In
conclusion, the knowledge base of published product use is weak. Our findings strongly
call for further surveys focusing on consumer behaviour. The project was carried out by
the Forschungs- und Beratungsinstitut Gefahrstoffe GmbH (FoBiG) in cooperation and on
behalf of the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR).
500
Tu-Po-34
ETS personal exposure levels of Japanese people measured by using a passive nicotine
sampler
Satoshi Nakai, Yokohama National University, Yokohama, Japan
Miyuki Noguchi, Seikei University, Tokyo, Japan
Yoshihiro Suzuki, Sibata Scientific Technology, Ltd., Souka, Japan
Keiichi Arashidani, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan,
Kitakyushu, Japan
Yukio Akiyama, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Kitakyushu,
Japan
Takashi Amagai, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan
Yoshika Sekine, Tokai University, Hiratsuka, Japan
Hiroshi Satoh, Nagasaki International University, Sasebo, Japan
Hideaki Matsuki, Tokai University, Isehara, Japan
Yukio Yanagisawa, Kaisei Academy, Tokyo, Japan
Background: ETS (environmental tobacco smoke) is one of the public concern. It is
necessary to assess ETS personal exposure levels to evaluate the health effects and health
risk of ETS. However, there have not been so many quantitative assessments about ETS
exposure for epidemiologic study. In order to investigate the ETS exposure levels and the
relationship between ETS exposure and factors including smoke perception, we conducted
a nicotine exposure study. This study was conducted as a part of “comprehensive study on
the social acceptance of ETS evaluated from the personal exposure and perception”. In
this paper, the distribution of ETS exposure levels was described.
Methods: Twenty-four hour ETS exposure levels for adult and child volunteers were
measured by using improved MoNIC (monitor of nicotine) passive sampler at six areas in
Japan. They were also asked to record the number of active and passive smoking, time
activity pattern, etc. by using a questionnaire. For children, guardians were requested to
fill the questionnaire.
Results: One-hundred sixty subjects (age 1 to 79) were included in this study. Median ETS
exposure level for adults (>12 years old, passive smoker) was 1.1 μg/m3 (IQR (interquartile
range): 0.2-4.6 μg/m3) and for children was 0.3 μg/m3 (IQR: LOT-2.9 μg/m3). A clear
relationship between measured exposure levels and the number of passive smoking (self-
reported) was observed. ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve analysis showed
that adult non-smokers, passive smokers and active smokers could be well classified based
on nicotine exposure. Median Ceq (Cigarette equivalent) exposure estimated based on
nicotine was 14 cigarettes per year for adults. Personal cigarette acceptance was not
related to ETS exposure.
501
Tu-Po-35
Features of the air pollution from the pig farm in view of targeted chemical pollutants
Eugene Slautenko, State Institution "Public Health Institute" National Academy of Medical
Sciences of Ukraine, Kiev, Kiev, Ukraine
Features of the air pollution from the pig farm in view of targeted chemical pollutants
Slautenko E., Turos O., Mykhina L.
State Institution "Public Health Institute" National Academy of Medical Sciences of
Ukraine, Kiev
As part of research of air hygiene laboratory field measurements of pollutant emissions
have been produced in the air. Measurements were carried out in the summer of 2011, the
functioning of the area pig farm with capacity of 30 thousands heads.
Measurements have been carried taking into account the definition of targeted pollutants,
are part of the pig farm emissions (hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, total suspended particles
(TSP).
Comparison of the results was carried out with the existing Ukrainian criterion for
evaluating a time averaging 30 minutes.
After the results are compared with the current criteria, data on concentrations of
pollutants were obtained in the air: pollution due to ammonia emissions and TSP are
missing, but there are excess hydrogen sulfide (at a distance of 200 meters - 0.038 mg /
m³ - 2.5 times, at a distance of 500 meters - 0.0043 mg / m³ - 1.1 times, and at a
distance of 1000 meters - 0.04 mg / m³ – 5.0 times).
Thus, the measurement results indicate a lack of contamination of the sanitary protection
zone of the air emissions of ammonia and TSP and presence of hydrogen sulfide in
concentrations exceeding the statutory criteria, depending on the distance (200, 500 and
1000 meters).
Based on the results, it has been suggested on the summation of the concentrations of
hydrogen sulfide emissions from pig and hydrogen sulfide emissions from livestock farms
belonging to the local population.
The results make it possible to reduce the size of regulatory sanitary protection zones of
livestock farms subject to the application of modern production technologies and the
content of fattening pigs, the organization of production of ventilation systems and
technological content of the process of cattle that reduce hydrogen sulphide emissions to
the level of regulatory criteria.
502
Tu-Po-36
How to reach harmonised exposure assessment under REACH (on behalf of REACH
Exposure Expert Group - REEG)
Astrid Heiland, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
Morgane Thierry-Mieg, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health
and Safety, Maisons-Alfort Cedex, France
The adoption of the REACH regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 has changed the chemical policy
of the European Union (EU). Not only industry, but also exposure assessors of the
authorities have to deal with the challenges of the new obligations under REACH and
associated topics. It turned out that the primary assumption that an exposure assessment
on a very generic base is sufficient in cases where Article 14(4) of the REACH regulation is
fulfilled causes several difficulties from a scientific point of view. Thus the question arose,
how exposure assessors of authorities can exchange their experience outside of the policy
making processes and reach a common understanding for a harmonised exposure
assessment. The objective of the REACH Exposure Expert Group (REEG) is to provide a
forum where exposure issues regarding worker, consumer, and the environment can be
discussed on a scientific basis to reach a common understanding and to identify needs for
further developments in order to tackle these issues. Exposure assessors from Member
States who are authorised to deal with REACH registration dossiers have organised
themselves into an informal network since 2013. Important tools for communication are
annual meetings, telephone conferences between the members of fluctuating working
groups, and the information exchange via an online exchange platform provided by the
French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (Anses). The
group currently counts about 50 members from 17 countries. To define the role of REEG, a
written mandate has been worked out: REEG “is an informal, permanent group of experts
from Authorities. It deals with human and environmental exposure to chemicals in the
context of REACH. (…) The REEG aims at maintaining informal exchanges between
exposure experts on the technical level. Therefore, no “REEG opinion” can be expected.
(…) The condition to join the REEG is to be authorised to deal with registration dossiers.”
Several topics are being discussed and/or have been presented at the annual meetings and
in between since the beginning in 2013: information exchange on daily experience
(substance evaluation, national strategies on screening of substances to prioritise),
intermittent exposure, combined exposure, children`s exposure, tool
developments/evaluation (ConsExpo, Chesar, IUCLID-OHTs on exposure, E-TEAM),
guidance documents (national and ECHA), recycling, exposure factors, etc. Information on
national exposure projects are compiled within REEG to stimulate synergism between the
members for improving the exposure assessment in the context of REACH.
503
Tu-Po-37
Aggregate exposures to indoor semivolatile organic compounds in France.
Maud Pelletier, INSERM-U1085, Irset-Research Institute for Environmental and
Occupational Health, Rennes, France
Nathalie Bonvallot, INSERM-U1085, Irset-Research Institute for Environmental and
Occupational Health, Rennes, France
Corinne Mandin, INSERM-U1085, Irset-Research Institute for Environmental and
Occupational Health, Rennes, France, Marne la Vallée, France
Olivier Ramalho, University of Paris-Est, Scientific and Technical Center for Building
(CSTB), Marne la Vallée, France
Fabien Mercier, INSERM-U1085, Irset-Research Institute for Environmental and
Occupational Health, Rennes, France
Wenjuan Wei, University of Paris-Est, Scientific and Technical Center for Building (CSTB),
Marne la Vallée, France
Jean-Paul Lucas, University of South Brittany, Vannes, France
Barabara Le Bot, INSERM-U1085, Irset-Research Institute for Environmental and
Occupational Health, Rennes, France
Olivier Blanchard, INSERM-U1085, Irset-Research Institute for Environmental and
Occupational Health, Rennes, France
Philippe Glorennec, INSERM-U1085, Irset-Research Institute for Environmental and
Occupational Health, Rennes, France
Aim: Many chemicals emitted indoors - such as plasticizers, flame retardants, pesticides -
are semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) and partition between gas phase and indoor
surfaces, including airborne particles, settled dust and body surface. Indoor exposures
thus may occur via inhalation, dust ingestion and dermal contact.
Methods: Two French nationwide surveys were conducted with sampling of airborne
particulate (n=285, 2003-2005) and settled dust (n=145, 2008-2009), with analysis of
respectively 66 and 48 SVOCs from different chemical families: phthalates, bisphenols,
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, pyrethroids, organophosphorus, organochlorines,
synthetic musks, polychlorinated biphenyls and polybromodiphenylethers. Gas phase
concentrations were modelled from other media according to partitioning theory. Human
exposure factors and indoor air transdermal permeability coefficient were used to
calculate, with Monte-Carlo simulations, doses through inhalation, dust ingestion and air-
skin contact, for children under 6 years old.
Results: Results will be presented as ingestion-equivalent doses, and relative contribution
of each pathway to total indoor exposure dose will be displayed.
Conclusion: These aggregate exposures will enable in a next step characterizing
cumulative exposures to indoor SVOCs with common toxic effects.
504
Tu-Po-38
Exposure to particulate matter in temple
Ching-Chun Lin, National Taiwan University/Institute of Occupational Medicine and
Industrial Hygiene, Taipei, China, Republic of (Taiwan)
Meng-Shan Tsai, National Taiwan University/Institute of Occupational Medicine and
Industrial Hygiene, Taipei, China, Republic of (Taiwan)
Pau-Chung Chen, National Taiwan University/Institute of Occupational Medicine and
Industrial Hygiene, Taipei, China, Republic of (Taiwan)
Backgrounds: Many evidence revealed that exposure to ambient particulate matter
(PM) is associated with adverse health effects. To pray in temples is a regular activity in
Buddhism and Taoism societies; however, the incense-burning in temples produced
numerous PM affecting human health.
Methods: We monitored the temple in Taipei when people at high activity period, usual
activity period, and weekend. PM concentrations were measured by MOUDI(micro-orifice
uniform deposit impactor) and TSI 3321 Aerodynamic Particle Sizers(APS) for long term,
and DUSTTRAK II 8530for short term. We adjusted considered relative factors and
compared the measurement ten years ago which had 7 incense burners and nowadays with
3 incense burners. We also compared the measured concentrations in the study, Taiwan
air quality regulations, and U.S.EPA air quality standards for further decision.
Results: Above 90% of incense-burning particle sizes were less than 2.5μm. Furthermore,
measured PM concentrations were higher than Taiwan air quality regulations and U.S.EPA
air quality standards.
Conclusions:
The air quality and the pollutants in the temple related to the public health impact. The
policy should have the solution to reduce the environmental exposure and the high
concentrations of pollutants emitted from incense burning should be more concern.
505
Tu-Po-39
Measurement of cortisol in human hair as a biological marker of chronic stress
Ching-Chun Lin, National Taiwan University /Institute of Occupational Medicine and
Industrial Hygiene, Taipei, China, Republic of (Taiwan)
Meng-Shan Tsai, National Taiwan University/Institute of Occupational Medicine and
Industrial Hygiene, Taipei, China, Republic of (Taiwan)
Pau-Chung Chen, National Taiwan University /Institute of Occupational Medicine and
Industrial Hygiene, Taipei, China, Republic of (Taiwan)
Background: Cortisol was considered as a “stress hormone” that gets released in order to
show “fight or flight response” at stressful conditions. Hair , is an emerging biological
specimen , in addition to non-invasive, easy to save , you can also back the case of long-
term exposure scenario
Moderate storing condition and explore specific duration of exposure make hair species
getting notice in recent years. Stress hormone levels in hair became a novel biomarker to
evaluate chronic stress.
Aim:This study aimed to develop an analytical method by LC-MS/MS to quantify the
concentration of cortisol, cortisone in hair, serum, urine and saliva. Structured
questionnaire were used to evaluate stress level to investigate the correlation between
concentrations of biomarkers and stress.
Methods: There were 12 male and 19 female adult volunteers were recruited in this study.
Serum, urine and saliva were collected once a month at the morning within three months.
Hair samples were collected at the end of the third month. We developed analytical
method by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to quantify the
concentration of hair, serum, urine and saliva. Type A personality, consciously stress level,
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)
were used to evaluate the stress level of the study subjects. Pearson’s correlation
coefficients were applied to evaluate the correlation.
Results: The limit of detection and limit of quantitation were 1.47 and 4.47 (pg/mg),
respectively. The detection rate which above limit of quantitation of cortisone levels in
hair was 100.00%. Median of hair cortisol levels in our study population was 8.04 (pg/mg).
We found that levels of cortisone in serum, urine, and saliva had significant correlation.
We did not find significant correlation between levels of cortisol and cortisone in hair and
stress-related outcomes.
Conclusions: The cortisone in hair and stress-related biomarker have well correlation in
our study population. IN future, cortisone could be used as the indicator of stress level.
506
Tu-Po-43
Magnitude and spatial patterns of ultrafine particulate matter associated with aircraft
arrivals near Boston Logan Airport.
Chloe Kim, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
Yorghos Tripodis, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
Jonathan Levy, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
Background: Aircraft emissions can influence exposures to multiple air pollutants at local
and regional scales, but their magnitude and spatial extent have not been well
characterized. For ultrafine particulate matter (UFP), studies have shown highly elevated
concentrations immediately downwind of departing aircraft, with rapid declines as a
function of distance, but the spatial patterns associated with aircraft arrivals are more
uncertain. Some studies have shown that traffic-related UFP far exceeds aircraft
contributions, while others have shown aircraft contributions exceeding the contribution
from traffic over large areas. However, few studies have had the necessary air pollutant
and flight activity data to definitively quantify the influence of aircraft arrivals on UFP
concentrations.
Objective: The goal of our study was to investigate the effect of aircraft arrivals on
ambient UFP concentrations, as well as to determine what characteristics of aircraft have
a more significant impact on UFP concentrations.
Methods: Real-time UFP concentrations were collected using TSI 8775 Condensation
Particle Counter between March 9, 2011 and May 31, 2011 at a fixed site underneath a
flight arrival path but upwind of major roadways in Boston, Massachusetts. We gathered
real-time flight activity data from the Federal Aviation Administration’s Performance Data
Analysis and Reporting System that included the location of each individual aircraft in
three dimensions and the aircraft attributes, along with timely meteorological data. We
constructed a time series regression model predicting UFP concentrations as a function of
flight activity and meteorology, incorporating methods to account for temporality.
Results: Our regression model was able to isolate the contribution of aircraft arrivals to
UFP concentrations at a fixed site underneath a flight path, capturing the influence of
aircraft location, attributes, and meteorology on measured concentrations.
Conclusions: Using novel real-time data on UFP concentrations and aircraft source
attributes, we were able to ascertain the contribution of a defined source to measured
concentrations and develop a statistical approach that could be applied to other near-
airport settings.
507
Tu-Po-44
Personal Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), Fine Particulate Matter
(PM2.5), and Carbon Monoxide (CO) During Cookstove Use in Rwandan Households
Zoe Frolking, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
Joseph A Pedit, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
Karin Yeatts, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
Pamela Jagger, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
Sara Abdoulayi, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
Sudhanshu Handa, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United
States
Leena A Nylander-French, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC,
United States
The World Health Organization has estimated that exposure to toxins and smoke emitted
from cookstoves leads to 4.3 million premature deaths annually. Nearly three billion
people, mostly in developing countries, rely on solid-fuel-burning cookstoves to prepare
food and heat their homes. The relationship between personal exposure to indoor air
pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and adverse
health effects is well established. Little attention has been given to polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs); one of the primary sources of PAH exposure is indoor cookstove use.
The goal of our study is to quantify and characterize the exposure to PAHs, PM2.5, and CO
produced by cookstove smoke in peri-urban Rwandan households. Comprehensive exposure
assessments were carried out in 180 households during July-August 2015. In each
household, the primary cook’s exposure to PAHs was measured using a PUF/XAD2 sampler
(SKC, Eighty Four, PA) over a 24-h period. CO exposure was determined using a CO monitor
(EL-USB-CO; Lascar, Erie, PA). Finally, PM2.5 exposure was measured using gravimetric
analysis of Teflon filters. We also recorded kitchen ventilation and size as well as fuel
type, quantity, and moisture content. Of the households surveyed, 74% cooked primarily
inside during the seven days prior to sample collection. The majority used charcoal stoves
as their primary cooking method; 70% used portable charcoal stoves, 18% used fixed
charcoal stoves, and the remaining 12% used a clay stove, three-stone fire, or other stove.
Charcoal was used as the primary fuel source in 94% of the households. Preliminary GC-MS
analysis shows that the most prominent PAHs emitted from the charcoal-burning
cookstoves were chrysene and indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene (IP). Other PAHs detected included
naphthalene, benzo(ghi)perylene (BghiP), fluorene, and pyrene. According to relevant
literature, the experimental ratio of 0.66 for IP:IP+BghiP concentrations indicates that the
observed PAHs originate from the burning of biomass, rather than from liquid fossil fuels.
Spikes in CO measurements align well with expected cooking times, as did stove
temperature increases measured by stove-use monitors (Digit-TL, LabJack Corporation,
Lakewood, CO, USA). Some CO spikes were unaccompanied by increases in stove
temperature, indicating the presence of other exposures (trash burning, transportation,
unmonitored stoves, etc,). The results of this research will aid in both understanding the
personal exposure from cookstove emissions and the development of new, safer methods
for food preparation and home heating. This has the potential to improve the health
outcomes of millions of people globally.
508
Tu-Po-45
Viability of Cultured Primary Human Skin Cells Treated with HDI Monomer and HDI
Isocyanurate
Leena A Nylander-French, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North
Carolina, United States
Jayne C Boyer, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina,
United States
Kaitlyn Phillips, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina,
United States
Laura Taylor, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina,
United States
Rachel Johnson, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina,
United States
The monomer and oligomer, 1,6 hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) and HDI isocyanurate,
respectively, are components in sprayed polyurethane coatings. Exposure via the lungs
and skin can lead to sensitization and chemically induced asthma. Much research has
focused on effects of exposure on respiratory and immune cells. Using the luminescent
ATP-viability assay (CellTiter-Glo®, Promega, Madison, WI), we have studied the effect of
a 4-h exposure to HDI monomer or HDI isocyanurate on the viability of three types of
cultured primary human skins cells (fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and melanocytes) from
several individuals to determine inter-individual variation and cell-type specific toxicity.
Preliminary LD50’s (50% lethal dose) of HDI- and isocyanurate-treated cells in
unsupplemented culture medium range from 30–2000 µM for the HDI monomer and 0.7 µM
for the oligomer. Similarly, published IC20 (20% inhibitory concentration) data using HDI-
treated respiratory and immune cancer cells lines range 40–500 µM. Aerosolized paints
typically contain 1% HDI monomer, which is the equivalent of 60 mM, The lethal doses in
cultured cells are well below observed exposure concentrations in occupational settings
and, thus, the in vitro data may predict dermatologic health issues with occupational
exposures to the monomer. HDI isocyanurate, which can make up to 96% of sprayed
polyurethane coatings, may be more toxic than the HDI monomer due to its extra reactive
NCO group, and the much greater potential for exposure may make it a more significant
health problem. HDI isocyanurate constitutes the largest inhalation and skin exposure and
has been shown to possess a greater sensitizing capacity than HDI monomer. Further, HDI
isocyanurate penetrates the skin faster than HDI monomer. Our dose/response data
obtained with normal human cell cultures indicate that skin cell sensitivity to death by HDI
varies among individuals but not between cell types from the same individual. We have
also observed a hormesis effect at very low doses in some individuals. Our data will aid
understanding of individual sensitivity to diisocyanate exposure as well as the relative risk
associated with different diisocyanate forms.
509
Tu-Po-47
Estimation of the daily soil/dust (SD) ingestion rate of children via hand-to-mouth
contact using tracer elements
Jin Ma, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China, People's
Republic of
Soil/dust (SD) ingestion by children is a recognized potential route of exposure to soil
pollutants. Estimates of SD ingestion play an important role in risk assessment. Recently,
some values of SD ingestion have been reported by USEPA, JPNEPA, AUEPA. However,
there is very limited information available regarding the exact amounts of SD ingestion,
especially from children’s hands, but hand-to-mouth contact has been proven to be an
important pathway of SD ingestion for children. Information regarding the rates of SD
ingestion for children in China is very limited. We therefore measured the amount of SD on
children’s hands using hand wipes in Gansu Province, northwest China, and used the
results to estimate potential SD ingestion from hand-to-mouth contact.
In this study, a total of 60 children (31 males and 29 females) between the ages of 3 and
12 years were randomly selected from Lanzhou City in Gansu Province, northwest China.
Hand (soil/dust) SD samples from these children were collected using hand wipes. We
determined the approximate amounts of hand SD and the concentrations of three tracer
soil elements (Ce, Y, and V) in these samples.
The approximate amounts of hand SD ranged from 42.28 to 173.76 mg, with a median
value of 85.42 mg. In addition, the mean amounts of hand SD estimated using the
concentrations of Ce, Y, and V in the samples were 4.63, 3.43, and 3.42 mg, respectively.
The amount of hand SD varied greatly among the age groups: primary school children had
more hand SD than kindergarten children, males had more hand SD than females, and
children from rural areas had more hand SD than those from urban areas. The rates of
daily ingestion of hand SD for kindergarten and primary school children were estimated to
be 7.73 and 6.61 mg/d, respectively.
SD ingestion rates in this study were much lower than those of previous studies on dust
ingestion via the hands, indicating that the values of SD ingestion rates were
overestimated. These results will further facilitate the assessment of children’s exposure
to SD and our understanding of the potential health effects.
510
Tu-Po-48
Aeroallergenic Monitoring of Ambrosia in Kyiv
Irina Kovtunenko, SI „О.M. Marzeyev Institute for Public Health, National Academy of
Medical Sciences of Ukraine”, Kyiv, Ukraine
Introduction. The prevalence of allergic diseases has increased in recent decades in the
industrialized world. On allergy suffers from 30 to 40% of the world's population. The
research is devoted to the problem of biological ambient air pollution caused with the
pollen of allergenic plants which the past few years has become one of the leading
environmental pollutants.
Materials and methods. Duration of investigation was from January 2014 to August 2015.
Ambient air are collected for visual identification and enumeration of pollen grains on the
building roof at the height of 25 m above ground using 7 day recording volumetric spore
trap Burkard. The device is calibrated to collect 10 L/min of air. Annual sampling period
was from January 1 to December 31 (at least covering starts of pollination of Alnus and
Corylus until the end of Artemisia and Ambrosia period). Daily recording period - 00:00 -
24:00 hours. We are conducting compound light microspore with magnification 400x and
resolution (numerical aperture of the objective) 0,65 for examining samples.
Results. It was observed that during 2014 concentration of Ambrosia pollen grains
increased at the end of August – at the beginning of September. It was detected
sufficiently highest levels of pollen grains - 1245 gr/m3 during August peak and 980 gr/m3
during September peak. In summer and winter months, Ambrosia pollen grains in samples
were not found. It was noticed seasonal movements of the concentrations of Ambrosia
pollen grain from sporadic in April (7 gr/m3) to some outbreak in May (38 gr/m3) and to
some increasing in October (237 gr/m3).
Similar results were observed in 2015. In March, concentration of Ambrosia pollen grains
was 3 gr/m3, in May it increased to 262 gr/m3 and in August it increased abruptly to 1828
gr/m3. However, in contrast to 2014, in summer months, 2015 Ambrosia pollen grains
were found – during June concentration of Ambrosia pollen grains was 45 gr/m3 and during
July, it was 22 gr/m3.
Conclusion. This study, based on time series analysis adjusting for meteorological factors
and air pollution variables, assessed the short-term effects of allergenic Ambrosia pollen
of Kyiv, Ukraine. It affords us additional opportunities for informing the population about
the terms of the highest risk of allergic diseases’ outbreaks and help to support the
medical treatment of the population.
511
Tu-Po-49
Health based policy advice on consumption of home-produced eggs to achieve
exposure reduction for POPs
Ann Colles, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
Christa Cornelis, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
Mirja Van Holderbeke, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
Els Van de Mieroop, Provincial Institute of Hygiene, Antwerp, Belgium
Melissa Paulussen, Provincial Institute of Hygiene, Antwerp, Belgium
Greet Schoeters, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
Marjory Desmedt, Flemish Environment Agency, Antwerp, Belgium
Maja Mampaey, Environment & Health, Flemish Government, Brussels, Belgium
Introduction
The community of Menen, Flanders, hosts a municipal waste incinerator, active until 2005,
and an active metal recycling plant. Elevated levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
and dioxins have been repeatedly measured in air samples and in locally grown food. In
2002-2006, measurements of persistent organic compounds (POPs) in cord blood and in
peripheral blood of adolescents showed higher internal exposure in Menen compared to
other regions in Flanders. These higher exposures were associated with consumption of
locally grown food. After local authorities discouraged consumption of local eggs since
2003, lower POPs blood levels were observed in 2010.
Aim
To verify whether home-produced eggs in the region of Menen were again safe to
consume.
Method
In 2013, at 14 locations in the region of Menen, home-produced chicken eggs were
collected. The levels of dioxins, furans and PCBs were determined in the yolks by gas
chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry. The levels of dichloro-diphenyl-
trichloro-ethane or DDT compounds were determined by gas chromatography - electron
capture detector.
Results
Median concentrations in eggs were 11.64 pg TEQWHO98/g lipids for sum of dioxins, furans
and PCBs, 21.30 ng/g lipids for marker-PCBs and 229.45 ng/g lipds for sum of DDT
compounds.
The European maximum levels for food do not apply to home-produced chicken eggs.
Therefore, reference values for a safe consumption were calculated from our results,
based on available toxicological guidance values. Comparing POPs levels in the eggs with
these reference values enabled to establish a health based and age dependent
consumption advice concerning home-produced eggs. For areas close to the industrial site
the previously introduced consumption ban was remained. For parts of Menen outside this
precautionary area, a custom-made consumption advice was formulated. Afterwards, this
advice was customized for different pollution levels, allowing implementation all over
Flanders.
Conclusion
Combining data from multiple environmental compartments enables to identify ways to
achieve exposure reduction and establishing health based consumption advice for locally
grown food.
512
513
Tu-Po-51
Personal particulate matter exposure assessment of rural Malawian children and
device wearability considerations
Ryan Chartier, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States
Mukesh Dherani, The University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
Aim: Three billion of the world’s poorest people rely on solid fuels (wood, crop wastes,
dung, charcoal and coal) and simple open fires and stoves for their everyday cooking
needs. This results in high levels of exposure to smoke pollution among family members,
including young children. This study aims to: (1) quantify the personal particulate matter
(PM) exposures of children <5 years of age, (2) examine the child/mother exposure
relationship, (3) assess the comfort and wearability of personal exposure platforms for
children, and (4) provide wearing platform recommendations to aid future study design.
Methods: This study is being carried out at the Karonga Prevention Study site of the CAPS
Trial in conjunction with another effort focusing on the impact of improved stoves on
reductions in PM2.5 exposure and nasopharyngeal carriage of streptococcus pneumoniae in
6 month old Malawian children. Newborns are recruited through study site surveillance in
homes recruited to CAPS, and for which the intervention group already has the Philips
stove. A subset of these children, along with older siblings (< 5 years) and their mothers,
are recruited to take part in the current study. The 48-hour PM2.5 personal exposure
levels and patterns of the children are measured using the RTI Enhanced Children’s
MicroPEM (ECM) monitor while the mother wears a v3.2 MicroPEM.
Results: Preliminary data for 6 month and 6 week olds from this cohort indicate that
children residing in homes using an improved Philips stove have slightly lower exposures
53.9 [38.1, 69.6] µg/m3 than those in homes using a 3-stone fire 66.8 [47.7, 85.9] µg/m3.
Additionally, we observed that PM2.5 exposures are significantly higher (p=0.0476) for 6
month old children 72.1 [42.7, 101.4] µg/m3 when compared to 6 week old children 48.7
[42.0, 55.5] µg/m3. The waking hour wearing compliance (% sample time device is moving)
was calculated using the monitor’s onboard accelerometer and determined to be 44.6%
[41.6, 47.6]. These data indicate the device is being properly deployed for the youngest
and most at-risk children.
Conclusions: While this work is ongoing, the preliminary results demonstrate that it's
possible to confidently and accurately measure the personal PM exposures of small
children. Accurate assessment of children’s exposure to PM from solid fuel cooking is
necessary to define exposure/health relationships and to inform research funding and
policy decisions. Additional pilot efforts, with similar goals to this study, will be underway
in Peru and Ghana in the spring of 2016.
514
Tu-Po-53
An Integrative Oxidative Potential Assay for Data Sharing and Validation Across
Laboratories
Michelle North, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Angela Huang, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Alison Traub, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Jianhuai Ye, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Arthur Chan, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Krystal Pollitt, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, United States
Greg Evans, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Aims: Oxidative potential (OP) provides a biologically-relevant indicator of the potential
toxicity of complex multi-component environmental pollutants. However, several methods
are employed for the assessment of OP, making sharing and validation of data across
laboratories difficult. The overarching goal of this research is to integrate the ascorbate,
glutathione and 1,4-dithiothreitol assays of OP and assess the activity of standard
reference materials (SRMs) to establish an assay with enhanced transferability and
potential applications in multicenter studies. This project focused on enhancing the
between-lab standardizability of the glutathione component of the integrated assay.
Glutathione depletion can be measured by incubating particulate suspensions in synthetic
respiratory tract lining fluid (RTLF), which models the antioxidants in the human lung,
including 2mM each of ascorbate, glutathione and urate. The aim of this study was to
establish chemical and particulate positive controls, with linear concentration-depletion
characteristics against glutathione in RTLF, to aid in inter-assay and inter-laboratory data
integration.
Methods: H2O2 was tested as a chemical control at concentrations ranging from 0.25-30%,
and the following SRMs from 25-200μg/ml; Steel Flue Dust (Ministry of the Environment
(MOE), SIFD-700-1985), non-ferrous dust (Canadian Reference Material PD-1), ultrafine
dust (Powder Technology, ISO-12103), and incinerator fly ash (MOE, IFA-100-1987).
Incubations in RTLF were carried out at 37C for 4h. The glutatione concentration
remaining was calculated by measuring total glutathione and glutathione disulphide
(GSSG) using GSSG-reductase-5,5’-dithio-bis(2-nitrobenzoic acid). Additionally, an
experimentally-produced naphthalene secondary organic aerosol (SOA) was assessed to
pilot the transferability of the assay.
Results: H2O2 was found to be a suitable chemical positive control, with linear depletion
at concentrations of 0.25-2.5%. Steel flue dust and incinerator fly ash did not deplete
glutatione at study concentrations. Ultrafine and non-ferrous dust demonstrated linear
depletion of glutathione, equivalent to 1% and 4.7% depletion per 10μg/ml increase in
particulate, respectively. As non-ferrous dust generated the strongest response of the
SRMs, it was chosen as the particulate-based positive control for standardization. SOA
demonstrated linear depletion of glutathione equivalent to 34% of the activity of non-
ferrous dust, confirming the ability to standardize unknown samples against an easily
transportable SRM.
Conclusions: The addition of H2O2 and non-ferrous dust standard curves as chemical-based
and particulate-based positive controls will aid in enhanced internal validation and
multicenter studies. The chemical control demonstrates the standardization of reagents,
while the particulate control ensures a similar matrix to experimental samples, and thus
will be used to normalize particulate suspension OP activities.
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516
Tu-Po-54
Legacy and Emerging Flame Retardants in Fire Station Dust
Beverly Shen, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States
Ranjit Gill, California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Berkeley, California,
United States
Joginder Dhaliwal, California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Berkeley,
California, United States
F. Reber Brown, California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Berkeley, California,
United States
Myrto Petreas, California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Berkeley, California,
United States
S. Katharine Hammond, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United
States
Sharyle Patton, Commonweal, Bolinas, California, United States
Aim
Firefighters are exposed to a unique profile of potentially fire-related chemical
contaminants, including dioxins, antimony, and other metals. In 2011, we measured
chemical contaminants, including polybrominated biphenyl ethers (PBDEs), in the dust of
20 California fire stations and found elevated levels of PBDEs (median level of BDE-209:
47,000 ng/g) as compared to California residences and other occupational settings from
around the world. PBDEs have been phased out of commercial use, but other flame
retardants are replacing them. In this study, we measured concentrations of PBDEs and
organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) in dust from 25 fire stations, 5 from each of 5
states: California, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, and Texas.
Methods
Sampling packets were mailed to each fire station for collection of vacuum cleaner bags.
Sampling packets included a sample collection protocol, a building characteristics and
work practices questionnaire, and a re-sealable polyethylene bag. Dust samples were
requested from vacuum cleaner bags used in the firefighter living quarters. At the lab, the
dust samples were sieved to remove fibers and debris larger than 150μm. The resulting
dust fraction was aliquoted (~50 mg), spiked with carbon-13 labeled PBDE and deuterated
OPFR internal standards (9 PBDEs and 5 OPFRs) and extracted by sonication in a 3:1
hexane:acetone solution. The extracts were cleaned using a Florisil gel column and then
solvent-exchanged into isooctane and spiked with labeled recovery standards (PCB-209 and
TPP). OPFR extracts were further diluted (1:5) before analysis by EI-GC/MS/MS. PBDEs
were analyzed using high resolution EI-GC-MS.
Results
Eighteen PBDEs were detected in the fire station dust samples and with concentrations
ranging over 5 orders of magnitude; major congeners including BDE-47 and BDE-99 had
some of the highest concentrations. Five OPFRs were detected with concentrations
ranging over 2 orders of magnitude; the major congener TDCIPP had some of the highest
measured concentrations. The median levels of flame retardants were as much as 2-fold
greater than those measured in residential settings.
Conclusions
Flame retardants are ubiquitous. Firefighters may potentially be exposed to higher levels
of flame retardants, both legacy and emerging, than the general population.
517
Tu-Po-55
Developing a new Indoor Stationary and Personal Passive Air Sampler from PDMS and
XAD-coated PDMS
Joseph Okeme, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Atousa Abdollahi, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Suman Dhal, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Liisa Jantunen, Environment Canada, Egbert, Ontario, Canada
Mahiba Shoeib, Environment Canada, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Cassandra Rauert, Environment Canada, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Jeff Brook, Environment Canada, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Miriam Diamond, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Passive air samplers (PAS), particularly personal passive air samplers (PPAS) have long
been used to monitor exposures in occupational settings but are less well characterized
for non-occupational use. Our goal was to develop a reliable, versatile, and relatively
inexpensive and easily used PAS for stationary measurements and PPAS for personal
measurements of a range of semi-volatile organic compounds (SOVs). We report on PAS
and PPAS consisting of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and a newly designed PDMS coated
with styrene divinyl benzene co-polymer (PDMS-XAD). The target analytes included
phthalate esters, halogenated and organophosphate ester flame retardants, PAH and
perflourinated compounds. We conducted several calibration studies. First, two indoor
air calibration studies were conducted to determine passive sampling rates by deploying
stationary PDMS PAS and comparing with air concentrations measured using two low-
volume active air samplers analyzed for gas and particle phases separately. Over the study
50 day study, surface-area normalized uptake rates of PDMS were comparable to the more
commonly used polyurethane foam (PUF) stationary samplers housed in a single bowl
shelter, with rates ranging between 0.6 to 1.5 m3 day-1 dm-2 for brominated flame
retardants and phthalates. In the second calibration study we expanded the number of
target chemicals with the PDMS-XAD design because of the increased sorptive capacity of
XAD. As a PPAS, we again tested the PDMS worn pinned to the lapel (close to the
breathing zone) and a co-deployed low-volume active sampler. Sufficient masses of some
flame retardants and phthalates were detected after 3 to 4 days of wearing the PPAS for
~7 hours per day. Finally, we tested the PDMS for use as a “mail out” sampler to question
whether the mailing process would contaminate the sampler. In general, we found low
levels of flame retardants and phthalates in the mailed PDMS (which were in the mail from
2 days to a week), except for DEHP which is ubiquitous in the environment. These results
show promise for using PDMS as a stationary and personal passive air sampler with the
possibility of distribution and return through the mail system.
518
Tu-Po-56
Personal, indoor and outdoor PM2.5 exposure characterization for household air
pollution related to cooking in Lampang, Thailand
Ilse Ottenbros, Utrecht University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
George Downward, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
Roel Vermeulen, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
Suleeporn Sangrajrang, National Cancer Institute Thailand, Bangkok, Thailand
Aim – Household Air Pollution (HAP) is a large contributor to lung cancer incidences in low-
& middle-income countries due to the combustion of solid fuels. This study characterizes
personal, indoor and outdoor PM2.5 concentrations related to cooking activity in the
province of Lampang, Thailand.
Methods – This study design provides a characterization of air pollution levels in the area
of Lampang, Thailand (n=52), to find patterns between cooking characteristics (e.g. type
of fuel, volume of fuel used), individual-level characteristics (e.g. age) and household
characteristics (e.g. ventilation), since they may contribute to variations in personal
exposure between and within individuals. 2 times 24-hour filter measurements were
carried out at females cooking on gas, wood or charcoal; after which PM2.5 and PM2.5-
absorbance concentrations were derived. In addition, personal real-time aerosol mass
concentrations (mg/m3) were collected and temperatures of the cooking stoves were
monitored continuously. Stationary indoor (living environment) and outdoor filter
measurements were carried out to characterize the local PM¬2.5 concentrations.
Household characteristics, meteorological characteristics and activity questionnaires were
collected to investigate possible contributing variables to the exposure.
Results – The found GM personal PM¬2.5 concentrations for cooking were 14.0(±1.7),
35.8(±2.0), 38.3(±3.0) and 45.1(±1.8) µg/m3 for respectively gas, wood, charcoal and
wood+charcoal. Personal absorbance values were respectively 1.1(±1.8), 4.5(±2.1),
3.7(±2.7) and 5.7(±2.0). Spearman correlation analysis showed high correlations between
personal and indoor measurements (r=0.8, p<0.001) and between indoor and outdoor
measurements (r=0.9, p<0.001). The found peaks in the temperature of the cooking stove
could be mainly related to peaks in the real-time aerosol mass concentrations. Per
individual aerosol mass concentration peaks not related to cooking matched additional
exposure sources, which can be used to correct for the total exposure concentration due
to cooking. Linear mixed effect modelling showed that the type and volume of fuel used,
the minutes the stove was heated and the age of the subject were the main contributors
to personal PM2.5 exposure concentrations.
Conclusion – This study characterizes exposure variables and their interrelationships from
both 24-hour and real-time measurements, which contributes to future HAP exposure
modelling and prevention of related health effects.
519
Tu-Po-58
Development of a new microextraction method and on-line derivatization coupled with
GC-MS for analyzing of five metabolites of synthetic pyrethroids in urine samples
Anna Klimowska, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
Bartosz Wielgomas, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
Sample preparation step is usually the most expensive and time consuming part of
laboratory work during the assessment of exposure to environmental chemicals. In order
to reduce expenses and/or increase throughput of analytical methods much efforts are
made for miniaturization and automatization. The main goal of this work was to simplify
and automate the sample preparation technique before GC-MS analysis of urinary
biomarkers of pyrethroid exposure. A novel microextraction by packed sorbent (MEPS)
method coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was developed for
determination of five urinary metabolites of synthetic pyrethroids: cis-2,2-dimethyl-3-(2-
chloro-3,3,3-trifluoro-1-propenyl)-cyclopropanecarboxylic acid, cis/trans-3-(2,2-
dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane-1-carboxylic acids, cis-(2,2-dibromovinyl)-2,2-
dimethylcyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid and 3-phenoxybenzoic acid.
MEPS is a miniaturized solid phase extraction (SPE) utilizing a manually operated
semiautomatic syringe equipped with a needle combined with SPE sorbent. Several
significant factors affecting MEPS performance like: sample pH, type of extraction
packing, type and volume of washing solvent, number of draw-eject cycles, volume and
type of elution solvent were optimized.
MEPS was performed using C18 solid phase, which was conditioned with methanol (4×50µL)
and 2% formic acid in water (3×20µL). Subsequently the enzymatically hydrolyzed urine
sample (3×100µL) was loaded and the bed was washed with 30% methanol in water
(3×50µL). Then the sorbent was dried under vacuum and finally analytes were
simultaneously derivatized and eluted with the mixture of 1% 1,1,1,3,3,3-
hexafluoroisopropanol and 2% diisopropylcarbodiimide in n-hexane (2×40µL). Forty
microliters of the extract were injected into GC-MS system using large volume injection
mode (LVI). Optimized method was then validated and LODs in the range of 0.06 - 0.42 ng
mL-1, correlation coefficient above 0.990 and precision below 17% were obtained for all
analytes.
The proposed method is very fast, simple and environment friendly. In comparison with
reference extraction method (liquid-liquid extraction) the volume of sample and organic
solvents and time of extraction procedure were significantly decreased. The new approach
can be used to routine monitoring studies of evaluation of human exposure to synthetic
pyrethroids.
520
Tu-Po-59
Risk Assessment Guidance for Enzyme-containing Products
Francis Kruszewski, American Cleaning Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, United
States
Aim:
The purpose of this guidance, as provided by the American Cleaning Institute (Washington,
D.C.), is to describe the potential health hazards of enzymes present in consumer products
and provide a framework for manufacturers of these products to conduct risk assessments
to help ensure the safety of new products containing enzymes.
Methods:
Enzymes generally have good safety profiles. However, enzymes like many other proteins
can act as allergens and induce the production of allergen-specific IgE antibody upon
repeated inhalation or exposure to mucous membranes that may lead to allergy symptoms,
including asthma. The primary challenge associated with enzyme use is preventing the
generation of allergen-specific antibody and the development of symptoms of Type 1
hypersensitivity. This hazard is the primary focus for the risk assessment for enzymes and
must be managed carefully. Another hazard that also should be addressed is primary
irritation of the eye and skin. However, most uses of enzymes in consumer products do
not pose a likelihood of causing irritation. If the risks posed by enzymes are not managed
appropriately, the consequences may spread beyond a single product or company. This
could lead to unwarranted limitations on the use of enzyme technology in other consumer
applications. Therefore, it is recommended that companies using enzymes responsibly
consider how they are managing enzyme safety including the conduct of appropriate risk
assessments and risk management programs. The preferred approach is for product
manufacturers to develop comprehensive programs to assess and manage the risks of using
enzymes in consumer products. Such programs will include measures to manage exposures
to enzymes. The program design should be developed on a case-by-case basis to address
parameters specific to the type of product and its applications.
Results:
Experience in the cleaning products industry demonstrates that the potential risk of
adverse effects can be successfully managed by identifying the hazards, carefully assessing
exposure, characterizing the risk and then applying appropriate risk management.
Conclusions:
Good understanding of the hazards and exposures for enzymes as used in consumer
products will lead to informed decisions about the potential risks and the development of
sound approaches to manage these risks. This guidance document outlines strategies and
methods that have been used successfully by the cleaning products industry.
521
Tu-Po-60
Characterization of E-cigarette Users: a Descriptive Analysis of Participants Exposed to
E-cigarettes in Maryland.
Stephanie Jarmul, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Angela Aherrera, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Pablo Olmedo-Palma, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Rui Chen, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Ana M. Rule, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Ana Navas-Acien, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Background: Electronic-cigarette devices (e-cigarettes) or vaporizers, allow users to inhale
an aerosol (usually containing nicotine) into their lungs. These devices are often regarded
and marketed as a safe alternative to tobacco cigarettes and their widespread use is
transforming the pathway to nicotine addiction, as well as creating new potential toxic
exposures.
Objectives: The study objectives were to analyze e-cigarettes as a possible exposure
pathway for toxic and carcinogenic metals based on preliminary data of metals found in
the vaped aerosols. This poster presents the demography and vaping behaviors of the
participants in order to better understand the exposed population and design specific and
targeted interventions.
Methods: Seventy participants were recruited during a 7-month period through social
media outlets, flyers, and in-person recruitment in Baltimore, Maryland. Participants
included never smokers, dual users of both cigarettes and e-cigarettes, and sole e-
cigarette users. A questionnaire was administered with 65 questions addressing overall
health status, smoking habits, demographic characteristics, and beliefs/perceptions of
electronic cigarette safety. Biospecimen samples of hair, urine, saliva, and exhaled breath
were also collected from each participant, as well as e-cigarette juice and vaped
condensate.
Results: Participants in the study had a mean age of 32 years, and were predominately
white males. Ninety percent of sole e-cigarette users were previous smokers. Of those who
had never smoked cigarettes prior to vaping, 4 out of 5 (80 %) were under the age of 25. E-
cigarette juice consumption varied greatly among participants, with a range of 5-240
ml/week reported by the subjects. A majority of the participants use e-juices with
nicotine concentrations below those of tobacco cigarettes, yet less than 50% intend to quit
or lower their nicotine levels further. As our preliminary data show metals such as tin,
lead, and copper in vaped e-cigarette condensate, these devices may be exposing e-
cigarette users to toxic and carcinogenic metals.
Conclusion: Little is known about the vaping behaviors and demography of e-cigarette
users, nor the possible exposures to toxic metals from e-cigarette use. This study seeks to
provide a descriptive analysis of e-cigarette use in Maryland in order to better understand
metals exposure among the study subjects and overall perceptions of e-cigarette users. As
a majority of e-cigarette users in this study claim to use these devices as a safe
alternative to tobacco cigarettes, more research is needed to define the short and long-
term health effects of e-cigarette vapors.
522
Tu-Po-61
Generation of omics data using ‘challenging samples’
Kirsten Hertoghs, GenomeScan, Leiden, Netherlands
The effect of external exposures on the individual health status is often measured by –
omics analyses. However, sample collection is challenging. Extraction of enough and
sufficient quality DNA and/or RNA to generate a biologically relevant dataset, often more
so.
In this technical poster, GenomeScan gives a short overview of the most state-of- the-art
techniques to measure the whole exposome. Together, methylation assessment, gene-
expression analysis and (targeted) SNP profiling give a comprehensive overview of the
individual and its response to external stressors.
Large amounts of DNA/RNA or high quality is not a prerequisite anymore. The techniques
have been refined so that robust datasets (under ISO 17025) can be obtained. DNA
sequencing protocols were adapted so that the input material could be lowered. DNAseq
results are generated starting from solely 125 pg DNA (~20 cells). For mRNA, reliable
transcriptomics results are now routinely generated using only 5 ng DNA, by either rRNA
depletion or poly-A selection.
Furthermore, FFPE samples of which the DNA is partially degraded by e.g. fragmentation
and de-amination, can be reliably measured using restoration techniques. Methylation
assays were performed using FFPE DNA, fragmented into 100-300 bp lengths. A high
concordance of >0.98 was observed between methylated C-residues after restoration.
Even for diagnostic purposes, degraded FFPE material can also be used as starting
material. A whole exome sequencing (WES) validation test, performed on a selection 8
FFPE DNA samples, yielded the correct diagnosis of all 8 patients.
The latest DNA-, RNA-, and Methylseq techniques can robustly measure genomics,
transcriptomics and methylomics. In conclusion, current technology offers sufficient tools
to perform genomic cohort analyses , even the most challenging samples.
DNAseq on ultra-low input amounts
523
Late Breaking Abstracts
Tu-LBA-11
Human in vitro skin permeation rates for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are
altered with co-exposures to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVs)
Nancy B. Hopf, Institute for Work and Health (IST), Epalinges-Lausanne, Switzerland
Philipp Spring, Centre hospitalier universitaire vaudois CHUV, Lausanne, Switzerland
Nathalie Hirt-Burri, Centre hospitalier universitaire vaudois CHUV, Lausanne, Switzerland
Benjamin Sutter, Institut National de Recherche et de Securite INRS, Nancy, France
Silvia Jimenez, Institute for Work and Health (IST), Epalinges-Lausanne, Switzerland
David Vernez, Institute for Work and Health (IST), Epalinges-Lausanne, Switzerland
Aurélie Berthet, Institute for Work and Health (IST), Epalinges-Lausanne, Switzerland
Road construction workers are simultaneously exposed to two carcinogens; solar
ultraviolet (UV) radiation and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in bitumen
emissions. The combined impact of the two carcinogens may contribute to an increased
risk for skin cancer due to photogenotoxicity and enhanced PAH skin permeation rates.
AIM: Our aims were to compare skin permeation rates for selected PAHs with and without
simultaneous UV exposures, and to explore two possible photogenotoxicity biomarkers in
vitro: p53 for DNA damage and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1) for degeneration of
dermal extracellular matrix.
METHOD: We used flow-through diffusion cells mounted with human viable skin (not
previously frozen) to measure permeation rates over 24 hours for five PAHs; naphthalene,
chrysene, anthracene, pyrene, and benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) in a mixture (5 mg/ml of each)
with co-exposure to solar UV radiation (equivalent to a day of sun exposure ~ 600 J/m2)
generated by a solar simulator (Solar Light LS1000). Human skin was obtained from
abdominoplasty surgery patients (N=3) after informed consent (DAL biobank). MMP1 was
determined by real time PCR and p53 by histology.
RESULTS: Naphthalene, pyrene, and BaP in the PAH mixture permeated human skin
greater without compared to with simultaneous exposures to UVs (13.3 vs 6.7 ng/cm2 for
naphthalene, 3.32 vs 2.77 ng/cm2 pyrene, and 0.94 and 0.34 ng/cm2 for BaP,
respectively). Time until breakthrough (Tlags) were similar for naphthalene (4-5h) and
pyrene (7-8h) co-exposed or not to UVs; while rapid (1h) without UVs and longer (3h) with
UVs for BaP. Anthracene and chrysene permeated skin to a greater extent with
simultaneous exposures to UVs compared to without (1.76 vs 2.89 ng/cm2 for anthracene
and 0.49 vs 0.73 ng/cm2 for chrysene, respectively). UV co-exposure did not change the
Tlags for anthracene (7h) and chrysene (1h). Permeation rates increased for anthracene
and chrysene; and decreased for naphthalene, pyrene, and BaP. Possible explanations are
that i) skin metabolizes PAHs thus the sum of the parent compound and metabolites
should be measured or ii) UVs reacts with PAHs which undergo radical reactions producing
reaction products. MMP1 could not be determined due to insufficient RNA. Qualitative
interpretation of p53 indicated greater damage after simultaneous exposure to PAHs and
solar UV compared to either exposures separately.
CONCLUSION: All PAHs measured had permeation rates between 0.34 and 13.3 ng/cm2 and
permeated skin within 1-7h. Co-exposures to UVs altered PAHs skin permeation rates and
could potentially increase DNA damage.
524
Tu-LBA-12
AirSensEUR: Open platform and open access air quality monitoring
Laurent Spinelle, European Comission - Joint Research Center, Ispra, Varese, Italy
Michel Gerboles, European Commission - Joint Research Center, Ispra, Varese, Italy
Alexander Kotsev, European Commission -Joint Research Center, Ispra, Varese, Italy
Marco Signorini, Liberaintentio SRL, Malnate, Varese, Italy
AirSensEUR is an open platform that facilitates the use of low-costs gaseous sensors for the
monitoring of air pollution at low concentration levels. The platform has been developed
by the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission (JRC) and LiberaIntentio, an
Italian SME specialized in IoT. All development aspects are made freely available through
the use of public licenses. AirSensEUR is a multi-sensor platform that has the capacity to
behave as a node within a network of multi sensors. It has been developed assuring
compliance with the INSPIRE Directive (Infrastructure for Spatial Information in the
European Community), ensuring interoperability and easy access to the observation data
being collected.
This platform is composed of a sensor shield, a host board and web server. The sensor
shield (Figure Part A1) was designed to measure the low currents of electrochemical
sensors. It is a high precision 4-channel sensor board with temperature/humidity and
pressure sensors mounted on an ancillary board. Details of its electronic and operability
are given in Gerboles et al., AirSensEUR, Part A: Sensor shield (ISSN 1831-9424).
The host board (Figure Part A2) is based on a low cost Arietta G25 module from
ACMESystem. It also accommodates a micro-SD card, a GPS, a GPRS and a Wi-Fi access
point. The whole system can be powered by a high capacity battery, through USB or power
line. The host board gathers data form the sensor shield and GPS into a local sqlite3
database, stored on the SD card. These data are then pushed via GPRS or Wi-Fi to an
external server through a standard-based transactional Sensor Observation Service (SOS-
T). Details are given in Gerboles et al., AirSensEUR, Part B: Host platform, influx datapush
and assembling of AirSensEUR (in press).
Observations are stored on the AirSensEUR server (Figure Part B) in a PostgreSQL/PostGIS
database together with additional metadata. The use of the SOS ensures compliance with
the requirements of the INSPIRE Directive. Apart from legal compliance SOS facilitates
data interoperability, as it can be retrieved and directly re-used by standard clients.
Furthermore, the use of PostgreSQL database makes it easy to interface sensor
observations with open source GIS applications. Data correction can be easily done using
the “R” statistical package, e.g. allowing the development of on-the-fly calibration of
sensors against existing monitoring stations.
In conclusion, AirSensEUR is an easy to configure platform which is sensitive enough to
measure ambient air pollution in the range expected at background and traffic sites. It is a
promising technology which provides new opportunities for the monitoring of population
exposure in mobile context and fixed measurements.
Architecture of AirSensEUR
525
Tu-LBA-13
Exposure to Flame Retardant Chemicals in the Home and Increased Risk for Papillary
Thyroid Cancer
Kate Hoffman, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
Julie Ann Sosa, DUKE CANCER INSTITUTE, DURHAM, NC, United States
Amelia Lorenzo, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
Craig Butt, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
Albert Chen, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
Heather Stapleton, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
Aims: Thyroid cancer is the fastest increasing cancer in the US. While increased exposure
to radiation has been hypothesized to play a role, recent studies suggest other
environmental factors are likely responsible. Exposure to flame retardant chemicals (FRs)
also is increasing, raising concerns about potential health impacts, as animal studies
indicate that some FRs can disrupt thyroid function and homeostasis. Furthermore, some
FRs are classified as probable carcinogens.
Methods: We are conducting a case controlled study investigating the impact of FR
exposures on papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) occurrence and severity. We have recruited 52
participants with PTC and 52 matched controls. Because levels of FRs in household dust
are strongly correlated with personal exposure, we visited participants’ homes and
collected dust samples. Participants also provided a blood sample. Several classes of FRs
were measured in dust and a few PBDE congeners in serum. Demographic, lifestyle, and
environment information were collected via questionnaire, and tumor histology data were
abstracted from medical records.
Results: Study participants ranged from 21 to 80 years of age, and the majority were
female (83%), reflecting a known gender difference in PTC risk. One third of cases had
nodal metastases (36%), and 42% were positive for the BRAFV600E mutation. Our results
suggest that higher levels of some FRs, particularly BDE-209 and tris(2-
chloroethyl)phosphate (TCEP) in dust are associated with an increased PTC odds. Those
with BDE-209 concentrations in household dust above the median were 2.73 times as likely
to have PTC (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.14, 6.58) relative those with low BDE-
209. Associations differed by the presence of BRAFV600E mutation; those with the highest
levels of BDE-209 were 10 times as likely to have PTC and be negative for the BRAFV600E
mutation (95% CI: 1.10, 92.50). However, BDE-209 tended to be most strongly associated
with less aggressive tumors (e.g. smaller tumors confined to the thyroid). Conversely,
TCEP was associated with larger, more aggressive tumors. For example, those with high
TCEP levels in dust were 6.33 times more likely to have PTC with nodal metastases (95%
CI: 1.38, 28.96). Although not related to case status, data suggest that higher serum BDE-
153 levels may be associated with more aggressive tumors (i.e. nodal metastases,
OR=2.63; 95% CI: 0.68, 10.27), while serum BDE-47 was associated with increased odds of
PTC without BRAFV600E (OR=4.83; 95% CI: 0.99, 23.59).
Conclusions: Taken together, our results suggest exposure to FRs in the home environment
may well be associated with the occurrence and severity of PTC. More research is needed
to verify these results in a large population, and if validated, steps should be taken to
mitigate exposures.
526
Tu-LBA-14
Disposition of Silver Nanoparticles and C60 in Non-pregnant and Pregnant Rats After
Intravenous or Oral Exposure and the Effect on the Biochemical Profile in Urine
Ninell Mortensen, RTI Internatinoal, RTP, NC, United States
Rodney Snyder, RTI International, RTP, NC, United States
Sherry Black, RTI International, RTP, NC, United States
Wimal Pathmasiri, RTI International, RTP, NC, United States
James Harrington, RTI International, RTP, NC, United States
Keith Levine, RTI International, RTP, NC, United States
Anita Lewin, RTI International, RTP, NC, United States
Timothy Fennell, RTI International, RTP, NC, United States
Susan Sumner, RTI International, RTP, NC, United States
Aim: To determine the changes due to the physiologic state of pregnancy, in tissue
distribution, internal dose, elimination, and metabolic perturbations, due to Engineered
Nanomaterials (ENMs) C60 and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with different coating and
different sizes.
Methods: Single doses of 5% polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-saline vehicle or uniformly carbon-
14-labeled C60 [14C(U)]C60 (~0.2mg [14C(U)]C60 kg–1 body weight) in 5% PVP were
administered to non-pregnant or pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats intravenously (i.v.). For
AgNP, two coatings (PVP and citrate) and two sizes (20 and 110 nm) were administered
either i.v. (1 mg kg-1 body weight) or by oral gavage (p.o., 10 mg kg-1 body weight) to
investigate the role of AgNP coating, size, and route of administration. To compare the
distribution of AgNP and free silver ions, groups of rats were administered silver acetate
(AgAc) either i.v. or p.o., at the same nominal silver concentration as AgNP dosed rats.
Pregnant rats were exposed to AgNP on gestation day 18 and euthanized at 24 or 48h post-
exposure. [14C(U)]C60 was administered to pregnant rats at different stages of
pregnancy. The concentration of ENMs in tissues was measured using inductively-coupled
plasma mass spectrometry (silver), or liquid scintillation counting (C60). Broad-spectrum
NMR metabolomics analysis of urine was conducted as a discovery tool to determine
metabolites and metabolic pathways that were perturbed as a result of exposure.
Results: The physiological state was found to have influenced tissue distribution and
internal dose of both ENMs. ENMs were detected in both the placenta and fetus for all
exposure groups. The distribution of ([14C(U)]C60) in pregnant rats was influenced by both
the state of pregnancy and time of termination post exposure. For AgNP the route of
administration, nanoparticle size, and coating had a profound impact on tissue
concentration of silver. The tissue distribution and internal dose differed between AgNP
and AgAc. Metabolomics analysis of urine demonstrated that AgNP exposure in both non-
pregnant and pregnant rats impacted carbohydrate, lipid, and amino acid metabolism and
transport. In female non-pregnant rats ([14C(U)]C60) impacted pathways related to
nicotine signaling and tricarbonic acid cycle. For pregnant rats nicotine signaling pathway
and N-acylethanolamine, HSRL5-transacylation pathway were perturbed 24 h post
exposure, while vitamin B and regulation of lipid metabolism were perturbed 8 days after
exposure.
Conclusions: Our work demonstrated that pregnancy impacts the tissue distribution of
[14C(U)]C60 and AgNP in rats, and that both ENMs cross the placenta and reach the
developing fetus.
[U19ES019525, Fennell; 1U24DK097193-01, Sumner]
527
Tu-LBA-15
Assessing the effect of using exposure imputation approaches on the association
between nitrate concentrations in public drinking water and birth outcomes in Ohio,
2006-2013
Larissa Pardo, United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Washington, DC,
United States
Michael Wright, United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Cincinnati,
OH, United States
Background: Epidemiologic evidence suggests that in utero nitrate exposures are
associated with adverse reproductive outcomes. Study limitations have included limited
sampling frequency and exposure misclassification, which may have diminished the ability
to quantify exposure-response relationships.
Objective: This retrospective cohort study examines the effects of using various exposure
imputation methods on the association between nitrate exposures in public drinking water
and low and very low birth weight (LBW, VLBW) in infants born in Ohio from 2006-2013.
Methods: Sampling frequency of nitrates from 1,045 Ohio public water systems (PWSs)
ranged from 1-92 times per year. Most PWSs sampled annually, wherein an imputation
method based on the exposure distribution for each year by quarter was used to estimate
quarterly exposures. Birth data included all term singleton births (n=1,085,948). Nitrate
data were matched to maternal zip code at time of birth. Nitrate exposure was calculated
as an average concentration of exposure during pregnancy. Logistic regression was used to
estimate the association between nitrate exposure and both LBW and VLBW. Potential
confounders included maternal age, number of prenatal care visits, change in maternal
weight (during pregnancy), pre-pregnancy body mass index, marital status, maternal
education, smoking, race/ethnicity, gestational age, and parity.
Results: Non-imputed and imputed nitrate exposure values were highly correlated
(rs=0.87;p<0.05) with an overall range of 0.003 to 57.9 mg/L. When comparing non-
imputed versus imputed exposure quartile classifications, the 72% of non-imputed quartile
1 scores that were reclassified were all now in the intermediate quartiles. Quartile 4
results were largely unchanged, with only 7% of non-imputed scores reclassified as quartile
3. When comparing non-imputed versus imputed exposures with VLBW (aOR=0.89; 95%CI:
0.63, 1.26 vs. aOR=1.15; 95%CI: 0.90, 1.48), preliminary results appear to be attenuated.
We saw null results for LBW irrespective of the exposure metric used.
Discussion: Although our preliminary results showed little evidence of associations
between in utero nitrate exposures and fetal growth retardation; we saw changes in VLBW
when comparing the use of non-imputed versus imputed exposures. We also saw some
evidence of exposure misclassification based on preliminary imputations. Given the
potential for seasonal fluctuations in nitrate concentrations, the available monitoring data
does not allow for consideration of more narrow exposure assessment windows (e.g.,
trimesters). Future analyses will consider integration of private water system data, more
advanced imputation techniques to address un-captured temporal variability, and
consideration of the cumulative impacts of joint exposure to co-occurring pesticides.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this abstract are those of the authors and do not
necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. EPA or the ORISE.
528
529
Tu-LBA-16
Biomarkers to assess exposure to nickel and chromium from e-cigarette use
Angela Aherrera, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore,
Maryland, United States
Pablo Olmedo-Palma, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health,
Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Stefan Tanda, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
Walter Goessler, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
Maria Grau-Perez, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore,
Maryland, United States
Stephanie Jarmul, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health,
Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Rui Chen, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore,
Maryland, United States
Joanna Cohen, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Ana Rule, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore,
Maryland, United States
Ana Navas-Acien, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore,
Maryland, United States
Background
Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use is increasing worldwide, yet little is known about the
chemical components of e-cigarette devices and e-liquids, including their potential as an
exposure pathway to metals. Nickel (Ni) and chromium (Cr) are frequent components of e-
cigarette heating coils and have been found at high levels in e-liquid and aerosol. We
assessed the association of e-cigarette use patterns and e-liquid metal concentrations with
Ni and Cr biomarker concentrations in e-cigarette users from Maryland.
Methods
We recruited 64 e-cigarette users from December 2015 to March 2016. Urine, saliva, and
exhaled breath condensate (EBC) samples were collected along with e-liquid from the
dispenser (no contact with the coil), the condensed aerosol, and the remaining e-liquid in
the tank (in contact with coil). Ni and Cr concentrations were measured using ICP-MS.
Results
The median Ni and Cr concentrations were 0.73 and 0.39 μg/g of creatinine in urine, 3.11
and 1.71 μg/L in saliva, and 1.25 and 0.29 μg/L in EBC. Urine Ni concentrations were
positively associated with increased Ni concentrations in condensed aerosol (p for trend
0.03). Saliva Cr concentrations were positively associated with Cr concentrations in
condensed aerosol (p for trend 0.02) and with the e-liquid in the tank after contact with
the heating coil (p for trend 0.02). We found no association between e-liquid in the
dispenser and metal biomarkers. Regarding e-cigarette use patterns, increased urine Ni
concentrations were observed in participants who had an earlier time to first vape in the
morning (≤ 15 minutes)(p for trend 0.014). Participants who consumed more e-liquid per
week (35 to 60 ml) and who also vaped at a higher voltage (4.1 to 4.5 volts) had higher
saliva Ni concentrations than those who consumed less e-liquid (5 to 30 ml) and vaped at a
lower voltage (2.1 to 4 volts).
Conclusion
Nickel in urine and chromium in saliva were positively associated with the concentrations
of these metals in condensed aerosol and/or e-liquid in the tank, but not with the e-liquid
530
before coil contact. Higher e-cigarette use and potentially higher voltage were associated
with higher Ni biomarkers. Additional studies with a larger sample size and comparison to
a reference group are needed to confirm that e-cigarette use increases chromium and
nickel exposure.
Metal levels in urine (μg/g of creatinine) by participant characteristics. Horizontal lines,
interquartile ranges; squares, medians; dotted vertical line, the geometric mean for the
overall study sample.
531
Tu-LBA-17
Metal concentrations in e-cigarette liquid and aerosol samples: the contribution of the
metallic coils
Pablo Olmedo-Palma, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore,
Maryland, United States
Stefan Tanda, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
Walter Goessler, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
Maria Grau-Perez, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland,
United States
Stephanie Jarmul, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland,
United States
Angela Aherrera, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland,
United States
Rui Chen, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United
States
Ana Navas-Acien, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New
York, United States
Ana Rule, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United
States
Aim: In recent years, e-cigarette use has markedly increased worldwide. Potentially
healthier than tobacco, these devices contain a metallic coil (made of Ni, Cr, Al and other
metals) which heats the e-liquid to produce the aerosol. Our objective was to investigate
the possible transfer of metals from the heating coil to the e-liquid and generated aerosol.
Methods: We sampled 57 modified devices (called MODs) and 37 disposable cartridges (22
used for aerosol samples 15 used for liquid samples) for 5 different brands of “cig-a-like”
devices available in Maryland (United States). MOD liquid samples were collected before
they were added to the device and after the device had been used to generate the
aerosol. Cig-a-like liquid samples were centrifuged from the cartomizers before being
vaped. Aerosol samples from MODs and cig-a-like devices were collected using a method
that condenses the aerosol back into liquid form. Samples were diluted in acid and
analyzed by ICP-MS.
Results: In modified devices (MODs), the median (IQR) in e-liquid from the dispenser (no
contact with the coil), the condensed aerosol, and the remaining e-liquid (in contact with
coil) was, respectively, 11.6 (7.2-21.0), 16.2 (12.1-20.8), 31.4 (17.5-115) µg/kg for Al;
0.35 (0.35-2.25), 10.9 (0.4-43.8), 57.9 (18.0-222) µg/kg for Cr; 2.08 (0.71-41.04), 63.6
(6.2-286.3), 246.0 (72.1-762.3) µg/kg for Ni; 13.2 (6.9-23.6), 496 (228-806), 431 (154-
1505) µg/kg for Zn and 0.47 (0.24-1.04), 14.4 (3.3-34.8), 40.1 (13.7-188.2) µg/kg for Pb. In
cig-a-like devices, the median (IQR) in the condensed aerosol and e-liquid from the
cartomizer was, respectively, 112 (105-123), 193 (152-226) µg/kg for Al; 1.25 (0.4-11.35),
62.2 (18.5-192.9) µg/kg for Cr; 62.2 (17.8-238), 338 (62-1026) µg/kg for Ni; 681 (324-
1283), 1215 (664-14060) µg/kg for Zn and 1.49 (0.56-7.98), 24.1 (2.7-747.2) µg/kg for Pb.
We also found detectable and potentially high concentrations of other metals such as Mn,
Fe, Cu, and Sn in MODs and cig-a-like devices, as well as Sb and W in the cig-a-likes.
Conclusions: E-cigarettes are a source of toxic metals such as Cr, Ni and Pb. For MOD
devices, metal concentrations were low in the original dispenser and higher in the
condensed aerosol and the e-liquid remaining in the tank, supporting that coil contact
induced e-liquid contamination. Metal concentrations were generally higher in cig-a-likes
532
versus modified devices. In MODs, metal concentrations in the aerosol increased with
voltage.
533
Tu-LBA-18
Metal concentrations in processed meat samples.
Pablo Olmedo-Palma, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore,
Maryland, United States
Rui Chen, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United
States
Maria Grau-Perez, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland,
United States
Keeve Nachman, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland,
United States
Fernando Gil, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
Ana Rule, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United
States
Ana Navas-Acien, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New
York, United States
Aim: Processed meat products could constitute a relevant source of cadmium (Cd)
exposure as they contain heavily processed animal tissues, potentially including organ
meats (e.g. kidneys, liver) which are known to accumulate this metal. A recent study
found that processed meat consumption is associated with higher urinary Cd levels in
American Indian populations. We analyzed Cd together with zinc, arsenic, tin and lead in
heavily processed meat products commonly found in U.S. supermarkets.
Methods: 75 samples of processed meat products were acquired in Baltimore, MD from 3
types of supermarkets. First, we acquired 5 different products (beef franks, wieners, pork
cheese sausages, bologna and spam) at a low-cost supermarket (5 samples of each
product, n=25). Then, we bought the same products from the same brands in a medium-
cost supermarket (n=25). Finally, we purchased 5 different similar products (beef hotdogs,
chicken hotdogs, turkey hotdogs, cheese franks and turkey bologna) from a high-cost
supermarket (5 samples of each product, n=25). Samples were acid digested in a
microwave-assisted system and analyzed by ICP-MS.
Results: The median (IQR) Cd for the products with the highest Cd levels was 7.95 (7.83-
8.67) μg/kg for beef franks (from low-cost supermarket), 7.81 (7.34-8.00) μg/kg for pork
cheese sausages (from low-cost supermarket), and 6.55 (3.56-6.59) μg/kg for bologna
(from medium-cost supermarket). The product with the lowest Cd concentrations was
spam (from medium-cost and low-cost supermarkets) having all the samples under the
limit of detection. The median (IQR) Zn for the products with the highest Zn levels was
25.8 (24.2-26.3) mg/kg for cheese franks (from high-cost supermarket) and 25.1 (23.3-
26.0) mg/kg for beef hotdogs (from high-cost supermarket) while bologna (from medium-
cost supermarket) with 8.1 (7.9-10.0) mg/kg showed the lowest Zn levels. All samples
tested displayed undetectable As, Sn, and Pb concentrations except one sample of beef
franks with detectable Pb levels.
Conclusions: Processed meat products analyzed generally presented detectable Cd levels
and practically undetectable levels of other potentially toxic elements such as As, Sn and
Pb. Zn was widely detectable in all of the samples tested, evidencing that these meat
products are a source of this essential metal. More research is needed to understand the
source of cadmium in processed meats with detectable concentrations and to assess the
importance of these foodstuff, including a wider variety of processed meat products, as a
dietary source of Cd and other metals.
534
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
We-SY-A1: Detection of new and emerging risks of chemicals (NERCs); the
need for interdisciplinary cooperation
We-SY-A1.1
SIGNAAL, OSH-vigilance put into practice
Annet Lenderink, Netherlands Center for Occupational Diseases, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Lode Godderis, KULeuven, Center for Environment and Health, Leuven, Belgium
Background
Changes at work may lead to new occupational health risks. Our goal was to develop,
implement and evaluate an online tool called SIGNAAL for the notification and assessment
of these new occupational risks in the Netherlands and Belgium. The presentation will
outline the possibilities and problems of the system as a first step in Occupational Health
and Safety (OSH) vigilance; a possible approach to handle new and emerging health risks.
Methods
An online reporting tool was developed with an online form, a public website and an
evaluation procedure. Since July 2013, Dutch and Belgian occupational physicians can
report suspected new combinations between health problems, exposure and / or the work
situation at www.signaal.info. Each report is reviewed by at least two occupational health
experts. For unknown and new cases, targeted research on the etiology is carried out in
the scientific literature using a special search string developed for Evidence Based
Occupational Medicine. Finally, on the basis of a joint and preferably interdisciplinary
consultation, we deduced the occupational nature of the reported diseases as well as their
newness.
Results
Between 2 July 2013 and 1 December 2015, 21 reports were registered in SIGNAAL. The
cases mentioned relate to various health problems in different sectors. Currently, 16
reports were fully reviewed while the other cases are still under investigation. Of these 16
cases, one case was considered a well-known work-related disease. One case was
considered to be a new association of health problems and exposure at work. Then, six
cases were known, but rarely reported work-related diseases and in eight cases the known
disease was reported in a work situation which was not described before. Some examples
will be presented to illustrate how possible new occupational health risks can be assessed,
but also which obstacles and pitfalls were encountered.
Conclusion
An online reporting system designed within the occupational health framework can provide
valuable data on the possible risks of new and emerging occupational diseases by creating
a structured tool for reporting and evaluating new associations of health problems and
exposure on the workplace. SIGNAAL is a first step in Occupational Health Vigilance.
Further work is needed to develop tools for strengthening and validating these signals
through thorough methods of assessment, interdisciplinary discussion between experts and
proper dissemination of the results to relevant stakeholders.
535
We-SY-A1.2
The Dutch approach on handling occupational dermatology
Thomas Rustemeyer, VUmc university medical centre, Amsterdam, Noord Holland,
Netherlands
Western communities have realised a great improvement on work safety and effects on
the health of employees. This is by far related to the reduction of acute intoxications and
incidences. On a long term perspective, a diversity of chemical exposures and working
conditions may have a negative effect on the health siutaion of employees. In the
Netherlands a national system warning system has been established to detect new risks
and to alarm on the presence of known existing risks. This network includes medical
specialists seeing patients with potential occupational related dermatoses. On a regular
emerging risks asre discussed and the management of existing risks are improved in order
to lower occupational related dermatological and allergological related diseases.
Furthermore, a strong emphazise has been put on post-academical education of
professionals to improve early detection of known diseases and warning of potentially new
risks.
536
We-SY-A1.3
Talc dust: Food for thought
Jos Rooijackers, NECORD, Utrecht, Netherlands
Remko Houba, NECORD, Utrecht, Netherlands
Introduction: Chronic health effects of occupational exposure to dust, gases and vapours
are not well recognised by health professionals and neglected by public authorities and
employers, leading to missed diagnoses and putting employees in danger. In 2012 an
employee of a chocolate products plant was diagnosed with talcosis. Talc (magnesium
silicate) is often used in the food industry. Although talc is considered to be safe by oral
route, inhalation of talc is a well known cause of granulomatous lung disease and fibrosis.
The company was not aware of this risk.
Objectives: To identify exposed workers at risk of talcosis and to define control measures.
Methods: Exposure assessment consisted of semi-quantitative evaluation for all job titles
with potential talc exposed tasks. In addition, personal respirable talc measurements were
performed. Medical evaluation in 111 workers consisted of a questionnaire on occupational
history and respiratory symptoms. Cumulative exposure was estimated as the product of
the total number of days worked and job title with relevant talc exposure as dummy
variable. Based on estimated cumulative exposure workers were referred for clinical
investigation including a HRCT scan of the thorax.
Results: Full shift personal respirable talc exposure varied between job titles (range TWA
0.05- 0.54 mg/m3) and were often close to or exceeding the Dutch OEL of 0.25 mg/m3.
During some tasks high peak exposures occurred, e.g. up to 9 mg/m3 respirable talc during
filling the talc storage box. HRCT scan was performed in 18 highest exposed workers with
8-40 work years. In addition to the index case, for one worker with NSIP on the HRCT
talcosis was confirmed by lung biopsy. In another worker HRCT showed a nodular pattern.
Several control measures have effectively reduced exposure.
Discussion: Once an index-case has been diagnosed, further actions depend on many
players and factors. In the Netherlands, limitations may occur on every level, both at
expertise in occupational medicine, multidisciplinary team work, executing and financing
a surveillance. Alternatively, tools for early identification of health risks of occupational
exposure to agents aimed at primary prevention is even more challenging.
Conclusion: Inhaled talc was an unidentified hazard in this food processing plant. This may
apply to other industries as well.
This study showed that comprehensive surveillance programmes including exposure
assessment and structured medical evaluation are the keystone of prevention and
contribute to a safe and healthy workplace.
537
We-SY-A1.4
The NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation Program and Investigations of New and Emerging
Hazards
Teresa Seitz, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention / National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Health Hazard
Evaluation (HHE) Program conducts evaluations at U.S. workplaces to learn whether
workers are exposed to hazardous materials or harmful conditions, including new and
emerging chemicals. The Program is legislatively mandated to conduct these workplace
evaluations when requested by the employer, a union representative, or three or more
employees. This presentation will highlight the Program’s authority to conduct these
workplace evaluations and discuss its operating procedures and products. This public
health practice program has received over 10,000 requests for assistance since it began in
1971, following the passage of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 that
created NIOSH and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The
Program currently receives about 250 requests for assistance each year. A triage process is
used to prioritize requests that will receive on site evaluations. An interdisciplinary team
of industrial hygienists, physicians, and other subject matter experts from NIOSH (health
communicator, psychologist, epidemiologist, ergonomist) conduct the workplace
evaluations. An important component of this work is the inclusion of employee and
employer representatives during all phases of the evaluation. Most evaluations have both
an exposure and health component. The exposure assessments can include personal and
area air monitoring, surface sampling (including dermal assessments), record reviews,
workplace observations, and assessment of engineering and administrative controls and
personal protective equipment use. The health component can include confidential
employee interviews, medical record reviews, exams, questionnaires, biological
monitoring, and medical testing. The final product of the evaluations is a report that is
provided to employer and employee representatives and is posted in the workplace. Final
reports provide recommendations to correct identified hazards and contain a plain
language summary that is posted in the workplace along with the final report. Final
reports are also available to the general public on the NIOSH website. To further
disseminate important findings from these evaluations, results are often shared in peer-
reviewed and trade publications, blogs and other social media outlets, and at technical
and trade conferences. Results from these investigations have been used in developing
NIOSH, OSHA, and ACGIH occupational exposure limits, and other national guidance
documents. Case studies from two HHEs involving new and emerging chemical hazards will
be discussed.
538
We-SY-A1.5
Panel Discussion
Nicole Palmen, RIVM, Bilthoven, Netherlands
General Discussion
This symposium will give an overview of several existing examples of organizations that
identify, prioritize, evaluate and establish potential NERCs. Once a potential NERC is
identified, the causal relationship between exposure (or work) and the health effect needs
to be established by an interdisciplinary expert group. They should study whether the
signal is real and whether additional research is necessary to confirm the signal.
During a general discussion, the speakers and attendants will discuss:
• Minimal conditions needed to identify, prioritize and evaluate the causal
relationship between exposure to the NERC and the health effect;
• Effect of national policies;
• Bottlenecks in identification, prioritization and evaluation of NERCs;
• How can these bottlenecks be solved;
This will be organized by putting forward some propositions at which both public and
speakers can reflect.
539
We-SY-B1: The Worker Health and Efficiency (WE) Program: Understanding
and mitigating the risks of Chronic Kidney Disease in El Salvadorian
Sugarcane Cutters.
We-SY-B1.1
Mesoamerican Nephropathy – A Primer
Ilana Weiss, La Isla Foundation, Chicago, Illinois, United States
Over the course of the last two decades a form of Chronic Kidney Disease not related to
the traditional risk factors of diabetes and hypertension has emerged throughout Central
America and Mexico. This new form of kidney disease, called Mesoamerican Nephropathy
(MeN) or Chronic Kidney Disease of unknown cause (CKDu), predominantly affects
sugarcane cutters. Prevalence in several sugarcane communities in Nicaragua is as high as
41%, with high numbers in similar populations also documented in Costa Rica, Guatemala,
and El Salvador.
There is a general consensus within the scientific community that MeN is multi-factorial
and that the primary driver is occupational—heavy labor in extreme heat. Sugarcane
cutting is repetitive high-intensity work carried out in conditions of formidable heat
stress. Exposure to pesticides and silica are other hypotheses that need to be further
explored.
Those who cut cane come from impoverished, vulnerable communities living in precarious
conditions, without access to adequate healthcare, education, food or housing. In
addition to grinding poverty, many contend with some of the worst gang violence in the
world. Workers are usually paid per ton cut—a rate that varies from less than $1 USD/ton
in Nicaragua, to about $2.40/ton in El Salvador. Some places in El Salvador pay workers
per tarea, or predetermined area. Salaries are generally about $5/day.
Work cutting sugarcane is often the only option for poor populations with little or no
schooling. Sugarcane is a monoculture that has grown rapidly in the last 40 years
displacing traditional subsistence crops and uprooting traditional farming populations. As
land under cane has quadrupled, so has the likelihood of CKD for men in the cane
producing areas of the region.
540
We-SY-B1.2
Pesticide and silica exposure in sugarcane cutters in El Salvador
Brian Curwin, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH,
United States
Ilana Weiss, La Isla Foundation, Ada, MI, United States
Cynthia Striley, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH,
United States
Marissa Alexander-Scott, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health,
Cincinnati, OH, United States
One occupational risk being considered as a potential etiologic factor in chronic kidney
disease of unknown origin (CKDu) in Central America is pesticide exposure. There have
been a few studies in El Salvador, Sri Lanka, and the US that have suggested pesticides
may be linked to CKD and end stage renal disease (ESRD). Silica exposure has also been
shown to be associated with nephrotoxicity and CKD in several occupations. The purpose
of this study was to assess occupational exposures among sugarcane workers in El Salvador
to 2,4-D and glyphosate, 2 commonly used herbicides in sugarcane production, and to a
lesser extent to assess exposure to silica. The study took place in El Salvador during the
sugarcane harvest (zafra) in March 2016. Forty sugarcane cutters were surveyed, 20 from
a coastal sugarcane field and 20 from an inland field at higher elevation. Each worker was
sampled for three consecutive days. Each sampling day, hand wipe and urine samples
were collected from each worker and analyzed for glyphosate, and 2,4 D; area air samples
were collected near the sugarcane being harvested and analyzed for glyphosate, 2,4-D,
and silica. Additionally, drinking water samples for each cutter was collected and
analyzed for glyphosate, and 2,4-D.
The fieldwork was ongoing at the time of abstract submission. A total of 236 urine
samples, 118 hand wipe samples, 30 air samples, and 40 water samples were collected.
The relationship between pesticide and silica exposure and various factors and practices
such as field location (inland versus coastal), personal protective equipment (PPE),
pesticide application schedule, and harvest production, was evaluated. The relationship
between pesticide and silica exposure and markers of kidney function including urinary
albumin and serum creatinine was also evaluated by combining the pesticide exposure
results with kidney function results obtained from the Worker Health and Efficiency (WE)
study.
541
We-SY-B1.3
Assessing Heat and Dehydration in Sugarcane Harvesters
Rebekah Lucas, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Ilana Weiss, La Isla Foundation, Chicago, Illinois, United States
Sandra Peraza, Universidad de El Salvador, San Salvador, El Salvador
Emmanuel Ricardo Jarquin Romero, Agency for Agricultural Health and Development
(AGDYSA), San Salvador, El Salvador
Theo Bodin, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
Introduction: Sugarcane cutters work in difficult, hot and strenuous work conditions.
These work conditions are believed to be key causal factors in the chronic kidney disease
of unknown origin (CKDu) epidemic occurring in Mesoamerica. The aim of this study was
to assess the level of heat stress and dehydration in sugarcane cutters. This study formed
part of a larger Worker Health and Efficiency (WE) Program, an intervention implementing
OSHA’s ‘Water.Rest.Shade’ recommendations.
Methods: Data were collected in a cohort of two groups of sugarcane cutters (totaling 60
individuals) during 2015 and 2016 harvests. Outdoor Wet Bulb Globe Temperatures (WBGT)
was calculated (WBGT (outdoor) = 0.7WB + 0.2G + 0.1DB) via the QuesTemp °34. Heart
rate (HR, Polar) was recorded in 10-11 workers per day, for seven workdays in 2015. An
algorithm using sequential HR data was used to estimate body core temperature (Tcore) in
these workers. Heart rate, gastro-intestinal temperatures (TGI, Equivital, vitalsense),
heat and dehydration symptoms, and water consumption were recorded in 11 workers
during three workdays in 2016.
Preliminary Results: WBGT reached 32.5°C (95% confidence interval [CI]: 33.9 to 31.1°C),
with 77% (95% CI: 83 to 72%) of the day spent working at a WBGT above 26°C (threshold
limit for continuous harvesting at 100%). Heart rates averaged 54%HRmax (95% CI: 56 to
53%HRmax) across all workdays, with workers spending on average 36% (95% CI: 42 to
31%HRmax) of their workshift (including rest breaks) at and above 50%HRmax. This
corresponded to an average estimated Tcore of 37.5°C (95% CI: 37.6 to 37.4°C) and a
maximum Tcore of 38.0°C (95% CI: 38.1 to 37.9°C) across all workdays. On average,
workers’ estimated Tcore exceeded 37.9°C for 14% of their workshift (95% CI: 19 to 9%).
TGI averaged 37.5°C (95% CI: 37.7 to 37.4°C) across a workshift and reached a maximum
of 38.4°C (95% CI: 38.7 to 38.1°C). Two out of 11 workers TGI exceeded 39.0°C during
their workshift.
Conclusions: The hot and strenuous nature of sugarcane cutting determines that internal
body temperature for the majority of workers exceeds 38°C and can on occasion reach
very high temperatures. This is unsurprising given that the large majority of the workshift
is carried out in hot conditions exceeding international threshold limits for continuous
work. The long term health impact of such chronic heat exposure is still to be elucidated.
542
We-SY-B1.4
Assessing Heat Stress Symptoms using Repeated Symptom Questionnaires in Sugarcane
Cutters
Catharina Wesseling, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
Theo Bodin, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
Ilana Weiss, La Isla Foundation, Chicago, Illinois, United States
Dorien Faber, La Isla Foundation, León, Nicaragua
David Wegman, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, United States
Aim. Heat stress from extremely heavy work in a hot environment is thought to be the
main driver of the Mesoamerican nephropathy epidemic in Central America. The Worker
Health and Efficiency (WE) Program assessed the feasibility of implementing an
intervention providing water, rest and shade in cane cutters in El Salvador during the
harvest 2014-2015, and has extended the effort during the harvest 2015-2016. Repeated
surveys are an important method to assess symptoms of heat stress and dehydration.
Methods. A group of 60 cane cutters participated in the first year of the intervention that
was implemented two months into the harvest and effected January–April 2015.
Questionnaires were administered at baseline (November 2014), pre-intervention (January
2015), and post-intervention (at the end of harvest in April 2015); in addition, a short
questionnaire was completed biweekly in-between the main data collection events. 41
cutters completed the 3 main questionnaires. Baseline questionnaires addressed work
history, general health, fluid intake and symptoms of heat stress and dehydration. Follow-
up questionnaires addressed fluid intake and recent symptom occurrence. Similar methods
are currently used during the second year of the intervention, harvest 2015-2016, with a
larger study population of 250 cutters in three locations.
Results: During the first year of the WE-Program, water intake increased 25% on the group
level post- compared to pre-intervention. Little difference in symptoms occurred between
baseline and pre-intervention but a decrease occurred in most symptoms post-intervention
compared to pre-intervention. Reduced symptom reports occurred for very little urine,
feeling feverish, exhaustion, heart racing, cramps, nausea, stomachache, diarrhea,
dizziness and disorientation while there was no change in symptoms of dysuria and dark
urine. On the individual level, associations between symptoms and water intake and
workload over time were unclear during the first year of the study. These relationships are
further assessed with the larger group of the 2015-2016 harvest, as well as potential
associations between symptoms and biomarkers of kidney function and hydration.
Conclusions. Overall, the decrease in heat stress symptoms post-intervention indicate
improved working conditions at the group level post-intervention. With the experience
gained by the WE-Program in year-1, the questionnaire was improved, both with regard to
symptom questions and questions about fluid intake. The possibility to use symptoms not
only as outcomes of heat exposure but also as proxies of heat exposure with biomarkers of
kidney function and hydration as outcomes is being explored.
543
We-SY-B1.5
From Intervention to Policy
Jason Glaser, La Isla Foundation, Chicago, Illinois, United States
Authors: Jason Glaser (La Isla Foundation, London School of Hygiene and Tropical
Medicine)
Title: From Intervention to Policy
Background: In Mesoamerica CKDu (Chronic Kidney Disease of unknown cause) is epidemic
among sugarcane workers and present in other workers. Excessive heat stress and
workload are believed to contribute to onset and acceleration of CKDu. The Worker Health
and Efficiency (WE) program is the first intervention evaluated that addresses excessive
heat stress and workload in sugarcane workers.
Aims:
• Develop a demonstration program to illustrate features and challenges associated
with the WE program implementation.
• Demonstrate need for governments and industry to address CKDu and excessive
heat stress in sugarcane and other populations.
• Use the resulting press, political and industry attention to push for a wider agenda
of worker protections.
Methods: The WE Program is an open lab that evolved into an observatory. Results were
used to inform industry and governments. Coordination with media outlets supported good
actors while isolating less noble actors while providing a way forward.
Results: Health and productivity indicators from program are encouraging. Results drove
policy discussions and measurable change in companies and governments. This has led to
private and public policy changes that benefit the health of sugarcane and other at-risk
workers. Advances include: leading mills in the region sharing best practices, a
presidential decree in Costa Rica on heat stress and mitigating risks of CKDu, and new
changes ensuring protections against heat stress and CKDu in sustainable certification
programs and industry giants like Nestle. A CKDu specific pilot project also started for The
US Department of Labor. The speed of these exchanges and policy changes has exceeded
expectation.
Conclusion: An evidenced-based dialog between sugar industry farmers, millers, buyers,
and governments was created. This has led to private and public policy changes that
benefit the health of sugarcane and other at-risk workers.
Qualifications:
I conceptualized WE Program, led international effort for improved working conditions,
hired the research team, and was directly involved with the US Governments and Costa
Rican Governments prioritizing this issue as part of their labor and occupational health
agendas.
544
We-SY-C1: What are the requirements for nanomaterial exposure models? – I
We-SY-C1.1
caLIBRAte – establishment of the next generation nano-risk risk governance framework
Keld Alstrup Jesen, National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen,
Denmark
Background: caLIBRAte is a new project addressing the EU Horizon NMP30 call for a next
generation risk governance framework to support the European nanotechnology
innovation. The general uncertainty about the potential human and environmental risks of
manufactured nanomaterials (MN) and new nanoproducts may be significantly reduced if
safety is taken into consideration during innovation and development. Due to lack of
exposure data and incomplete documentation of MN hazards, such risk assessment need to
strongly rely on precautionary or predictive model estimates. Before true benefits of such
a paradigm can be reached, confidence must be established in the results generated by
such prospective models. This can be achieved if predictive models are thoroughly tested,
calibrated, and demonstrated in relevant use scenarios.
Objective: The key objective of the caLIBRAte project is to establish a Systems-of-Systems
(SoS) framework for nano-risk governance, which consists of calibrated qualitative to
quantitative predictive models for assessment and management of both human and
environmental risks of MN and MN-enabled products as well as scanning tools for
identification of emerging risks. The SoS framework will specifically support safety in
innovation by aligning suitable framework models to support the different decision steps in
a “Cooper Stage-Gate®”-type of Idea-to-Launch innovation model as well as the
conventional ISO 31000 risk governance framework.
Methods: The caLIBRAte nano-risk governance framework will link different models for: 1)
screening of apparent and perceived risks and trends in nanotechnology; 2) control
banding, qualitative and fully integrated predictive quantitative risk assessment
operational at different information levels; 3) safety-by-design and multi-criteria decision
support methods; 4) risk surveillance, -management and -guidance. The SoS Nano-Risk
governance framework:
- shall enable systematic risk analysis with clear understanding of data gaps and
uncertainties in the assessments for further risk mitigation and management.
- models will all be refined, tested, calibrated and documented to the greatest extent
possible.
- enable high reliability and quality of risk assessment and management of MN and MN-
enabled products to increase the trust and confidence in all steps of the industrial and
regulatory risk governance and communication and risk transfer between stakeholders.
Results: The establishment of a specific and scientifically documented risk governance
system for MN and MN innovation is expected to be a major step forward. The outcome of
this approach should be safer and state-of-the-art-assessed MN and MN-based products
with the chance for faster implementation and better competitiveness and profit of MN as
a key-enabling technology.
545
We-SY-C1.2
Development of ConsExpo nano: a tool to investigate potential consumer exposure to
nanomaterials in consumer spray products
Christiaan Delmaar, RIVM, Bilthoven, Netherlands
Benjamin Makkes van der Deijl, RIVM, Bilthoven, Netherlands
Roel Schreurs, RIVM, Bilthoven, Netherlands
Susan Wijnhoven, RIVM, Bilthoven, Netherlands
The potential exposure of consumers to nanoparticles raises concern about possible
adverse health effects. As the dermal and oral absorption of nanoparticles form non-food
consumer products seems to be limited, these concerns are mainly on the potential
inhalation of nanoparticles as aerosol from consumer products in applications as spray
cans, pump sprays or powders.
To assess consumer exposure to nanoparticles from sprays and powders, RIVM has
developed ConsExpo nano (see Figure ), an adaptation of the ‘exposure to spray’ model
from the ConsExpo tool for nanomaterial spray scenarios. In this new tool, apart from
mass, alternative dose metrics such as total number or total surface area of the
nanoparticles inhaled have been suggested, allowing the exposure assessor to evaluate
various alternatives.
Because the most relevant effect after inhalation exposure to nanomaterials is the
induction of inflammation in the alveoli (Braakhuis et al. (2014)), and one of the most
critical determinants of this effect is both the magnitude and duration of the alveolar load
of a nanomaterial, ConsExpo nano combines models that estimate the external aerosol
concentration in indoor air, with models that estimate the deposition in and clearance of
inhaled aerosol from the alveolar region. The tool is currently online, but additional
comments are highly appreciated via consexpo@rivm.nl.
Reference
Hedwig M Braakhuis, Margriet VDZ Park, Ilse Gosens, Wim H De Jong and Flemming R
Cassee
Physicochemical characteristics of nanomaterials that affect pulmonary inflammation.
Particle and Fibre Toxicology 2014, 11:18
546
ConsExpo nano home screen
547
We-SY-C1.3
The SUN 3-Tier modelling-based consumer and worker exposure assessment models
Antti Joonas Koivisto, National Research Centre for the Working Environment,
Copenhagen, Denmark
Aiga Mackevica, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
Martie Van Tongeren, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Araceli Sanchez, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Laura MacCalman, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Wouter Fransman, TNO, Zeist, Netherlands
Ilse Tuinman, TNO, Zeist, Netherlands
Steffen Foss Hansen, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
Keld A Jensen, National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen,
Denmark
Exposure assessment models are critical when the impact of nanomaterials on human
health is to be estimated. Human exposure may occur in occupational environment or
during use of the product. The SUN project develops a modelling-based 3-tier model for
the assessment of inhalation, dermal and inadvertent oral consumer and occupational
exposure to nanomaterials. In tier-approach the potential level of exposure decreases
when model tier-level (accuracy) is increased. The Tier-1 assessment is based on risk
categorization or control-banding procedures, while Tier-2 is based on first-order
semiquantitative exposure prediction and Tier-3 is a quantitative exposure prediction. All
three tiers will be developed for inhalation exposure, whereas Tier-2 or Tier-3 models
will, to the extent possible, be established for dermal and inadvertent oral exposure
assessment. A key-criterion for the higher-tier SUN models is the access to quantitative
data on the source term. This is exemplified by the Danish NanoSafer Control Banding and
quantitative occupational exposure assessment model.
The occupational exposure is usually well controlled where the processes and
environmental conditions are known. Thus, the exposure assessment can be made by using
Tier-2 or Tier-3 models where conceptual information is needed. In consumer exposure,
the exposure scenarios conceptual information is usually no as well known and
nanomaterial release from the product may change during the use. Thus, in consumer
exposure assessment, all exposure pathways (inhalation, dermal, oral) needs to be
estimated using the highest potential nanomaterial release.
Here is presented the parameterization principle of the exposure models. Models
performance was tested by comparing predicted inhalation exposure potentials with
measured occupational exposure levels in paint industry (Figure 1) and nanodiamond
handling in laboratory and to laboratory measurements during electrostatic spray
deposition process and powder pouring. Dermal exposure potentials and inadvertent oral
exposure levels were predicted for the occupational exposure scenarios and compared
with the measured levels in laboratory experiments.
548
Figure 1. Measured and modelled (NF/FF model and NanoSaferII) near field (NF) and far
field (FF) respirable mass concentration time series during powder pouring in a paint
factory Gravimetrical personal and NF samplers show the mean mass concentration lev
549
We-SY-C1.4
Guidance for linking exposure assessment to risk assessment of nanomaterials
Albert Koelmans, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands
Our understanding of the environmental fate and effects of engineered nanomaterials
(ENMs) is in a state of fast transition. Recent scientific developments open new and
powerful perspectives to define a framework for the prospective risk assessment of ENMs
in aquatic ecosystems. This requires abandoning the reductionist’s approach of
mechanistic analysis on particle or cellular scales and calls for engineering solutions that
deal with uncertainties by applying assessment factors and probabilistic approaches. An
ecological risk assessment (ERA) framework for ENMs is similar to that for other classes of
substances, in that it requires clear protection goals based on ecosystem services,
evidence-based concepts that link exposure to effects, and a transparent tiered effect
assessment. This presentation discusses approaches to assess and link exposure and effects
of ENMs in the natural environment. This includes recent developments in validated
spatially resolved ENP fate modeling (i.e. NanoDUFLOW), which greatly expands the
potential of retrospective as well as prospective exposure assessments. For the effect
assessment, we advise a cost-effective screening based on principles of read-across as a
conservative first tier. The feasibility of using species sensitivity distributions (SSDs) as a
higher tier option is discussed. Controlled model ecosystem field experiments are
proposed as a highest experimental tier, and are required for calibration of the lower
tiers. An outlook to unify information from various tiers by experimental work, fate
modeling, and effect modeling as cost-effective prospective tools for the ERA of ENMs is
provided.
550
We-SY-C1.5
Modeling the fate of nano- and microplastic in freshwater systems
Ellen Besseling, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands
Joris Quik, RIVM, Bilthoven, Netherlands
Albert Koelmans, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands
Riverine transport to the marine environment is an important pathway for microplastic.
However, fate and transport models for nano-, and microplastic are lacking. Here we
present a spatiotemporally resolved hydrological model that accounts for advective
transport, homo- and heteroaggregation, sedimentation-resuspension, polymer
degradation, presence of biofilm, and burial of nano- to millimetre sized microplastic (100
nm – 10 mm). Literature data were used to parameterize the model, except for the
attachment efficiency for heteroaggregation, which was determined experimentally. The
attachment efficiency ranged from 0.004 to 0.2 for 70 nm and 1050 nm polystyrene
particles aggregating with kaolin or bentonite clays. Modelled effects of polymer density
(1 – 1.5 kg/L) and biofilm formation were not large, due to the fact that variations are
largely overwhelmed by excess mass of suspended solids that form heteroaggregates with
pristine microplastic. Particle size had a dramatic effect on the modelled fate and
retention of microplastic and on the positioning of the accumulation hot spots in the
sediment along the river. Remarkably, retention was lowest (18-25%) for intermediate
sized particles of about 5µm, which implies that the smaller submicron particles as well as
larger microplastic are preferentially retained. Our results suggest that not all
microplastic reaches the sea, and that river hydrodynamics affects microplastic size
distributions with profound implications for emissions to marine systems.
551
We-SY-D1: Biomonitoring: The Genie is out of the Bottle: Challenges in Data
Quality and Interpretation
We-SY-D1.1
1. Study quality: Biomonitoring, Environmental Epidemiology and Short-lived
Chemicals (BEES-C) Instrument
Judy LaKind, LaKind Associates, LLC, Catonsville, MD, United States
The quality of exposure assessment is a major determinant of the overall quality of any
environmental epidemiology study. The use of biomonitoring as a tool for assessing
exposure to ubiquitous chemicals with short physiologic half-lives began relatively
recently. These chemicals present several challenges, including their presence in
analytical laboratories and sampling equipment, difficulty in establishing temporal order
in cross-sectional studies, short- and long-term variability in exposures and biomarker
concentrations, and a paucity of information on the number of measurements required for
proper exposure classification. To date, the scientific community has not developed a set
of systematic guidelines for designing, implementing and interpreting studies of short-
lived chemicals that use biomonitoring as the exposure metric or for evaluating the quality
of this type of research for WOE assessments or for peer review of grants or publications.
We describe key issues that affect epidemiology studies using biomonitoring data on short-
lived chemicals and propose a systematic instrument the Biomonitoring, Environmental
Epidemiology, and Short-lived Chemicals (BEES-C) instrument for evaluating the quality of
research proposals and studies that incorporate biomonitoring data on short-lived
chemicals. Quality criteria for three areas considered fundamental to the evaluation of
epidemiology studies that include biological measurements of short-lived chemicals are
described: 1) biomarker selection and measurement, 2) study design and execution, and 3)
general epidemiological study design considerations.
552
Figure 1. Biomonitoring, Environmental Epidemiology and Short-lived Chemicals (BEES-C)
Instrument
553
We-SY-D1.3
Urinary dilution—do we know what we are doing? Correction methods and
controversies
Ana Navas-Acien, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
Chin-Chi Kuo, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, China, Republic of (Taiwan)
Pablo Olmedo-Palma, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD,
United States
Urine biomonitoring is critical in exposure sciences and environmental epidemiology. 24-
hour urine collection, however, is challenging and both biomonitoring and environmental
epidemiology generally rely on spot urine samples. A major limitation of spot urine
samples is measurement error introduced by differences in urine dilution, which can be
quite substantial. While for many environmental chemicals concentrations in spot urine
samples are generally considered valid surrogates of exposure and internal dose, there are
concerns regarding the best method to control for urine dilution. The most common
approach includes dividing or adjusting for urinary creatinine. Urine creatinine is a useful
molecule to adjust for urine dilution because it is constantly produced and secreted in the
urine throughout the day. While urinary creatinine is a standard method clinically used to
adjust for urine dilution, it can itself induce confounding and/or measurement error as
creatinine production is related to muscle mass, nutritional status and other factors that
vary across individuals. Additional methods to account for urine dilution include specific
gravity and osmolality. Those methods have also limitations as they can be influenced by
factors that affect urine density such as glucosuria or proteinuria. In this presentation,
different methods for correcting urine dilution and their impact in biomonitoring and
environmental epidemiology will be presented, including case studies of the association of
arsenic and cadmium with chronic health outcomes.
554
We-SY-D1.4
Capturing temporal variability and transient exposures—is biomonitoring the right tool?
John Meeker, University of MIchigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
Susan L. Teitelbaum, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United
States
The use of biomonitoring in epidemiology studies to investigate the potential role of
exposure to environmental contaminants in the development of many diseases and
disorders has rapidly increased in recent years. Research efforts to date have varied
greatly in study design as well as in their application of exposure biomarkers, and,
consequently, in their contribution to our current knowledge of these exposure-disease
relationships and utility in risk assessment policy setting efforts. Exposure measurement
error and misclassification stemming from temporal variability in exposure can be
immense and have detrimental impacts on the quality of an epidemiology study and
interpretation of study results. While the potential for measurement error can be
substantially reduced in many cases through careful considerations in study design and
selection of the appropriate exposure measures, these details are often overlooked which
can result in poor or inefficient use of research resources given the current high
measurement cost for many exposure biomarkers. Evidence from recent studies on
temporal stability metrics such as intraclass correlation, sensitivity, specificity, and
positive or negative predictive value will be reviewed for biomarkers of exposure for a
range of legacy and emerging chemicals of concern. Consequences of these and other
metrics on the potential for the different types of exposure measurement error, and how
that information should be used to inform study design and translation, will be discussed.
Potential enhancements or alternatives to these approaches aimed at improving exposure
assessment for epidemiology in the future will be proposed, as will future research needs
in this area.
555
We-SY-D1.5
Challenges in Interpreting Biomonitoring Data: Special Considerations in Childhood and
Pregnant Women
Mary Mortensen, U.S. Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, GA, United States
Pharmacokinetics encompasses the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination
of a chemical from the body and can be influenced by life stages. Biomonitoring, the
measurement of a chemical or metabolite, usually in blood or urine, is a tool to assess
human exposure. This presentation will focus on how biomonitoring measurements and
their interpretation can be affected by physiologic differences in childhood relative to
adulthood and changes that occur during pregnancy. Examples will illustrate the following
situations:
• Children have a smaller muscle mass than adults, so the typical child produces less
creatinine than the adult. When used to “adjust” a urinary biomarker measurement, the
child’s lower urinary creatinine concentration can lead to confusing results, with a
considerably higher “adjusted” concentration than the original (volumetric) measurement.
Numerous other factors including time of day, age, sex, race/ethnicity, and certain
disease states also affect urine creatinine, limiting its value as a urinary dilution adjustor.
Alternatives to creatinine adjustment have been proposed, including use of urine
creatinine as a covariate in regression models and calculation of the biomarker excretion
rate.
• Compared to adults, children may demonstrate behaviors (e.g., mouthing), dietary
(e.g., reliance on dairy and less dietary variety) and other differences (e.g., higher
respiratory rate, greater ventilation ratio relative to adults) that influence exposure
likelihood to ingest or inhale chemicals. The child’s resulting exposure may be greater
than the adult, on a bodyweight basis.
• During the first trimester of pregnancy, renal clearance and total body water
increase dramatically. Non-persistent chemicals that are primarily eliminated in urine may
have a shortened elimination time. Depending on collection timing, urine concentrations
may be exceptionally high if maximum elimination occurred during the sampling interval,
or very low or non-detectable if most of the chemical was eliminated prior to sampling.
• Placental transfer and breast milk can be significant elimination routes for low
molecular weight or lipid soluble chemicals. Particularly for lipid soluble chemicals that
are stored in fat, successive pregnancies may reduce serum chemical concentrations, so
parity is an important variable to ascertain in studies of women exposed to these
chemicals.
Epidemiologists should be attentive to physiologic and behavioral differences that may
influence sample collection design and the interpretation of biomonitoring measurements.
556
We-SY-E1: Exposure to SVOCs in the Indoor Environment - Products,
Emissions, Exposure, Pharmacokinetics and Biomarkers – I
We-SY-E1.1
Exposure to SVOCs in the Indoor Environment – Products, Emissions, Exposure,
Pharmacokinetics and Biomarkers
John Little, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
A systematic and efficient strategy is needed to assess and manage potential risks to
human health that arise from the manufacture and use of thousands of chemicals. Among
available tools for rapid assessment of large numbers of chemicals, significant gaps are
associated with the capability to evaluate exposures that occur indoors. For semi-volatile
organic compounds (SVOCs), an important class of indoor pollutants which includes
plasticizers, flame retardants, and pesticides, exposure is strongly influenced by the types
of products in which the SVOCs are present (for example, are they additives or are they
sprayed or applied to interior surfaces), the characteristics of the indoor environment in
which the emissions occur (for example, the air exchange rate and the concentration and
type of airborne particles), the behavior of the occupants who are present in the
environment (for example, the food they eat, the cosmetics they apply and the clothes
that they wear) and their physiological characteristics (for example, their breathing rate
and their metabolic rate). In this symposium, we will begin with products and emissions
and work our way through exposure, pharmacokinetics, and biomarkers, illustrating and
integrating the complex interactions that govern the entire exposure pathway.
557
We-SY-E1.2
Comparison of available methods to measure the source/sink characteristic parameters
important for estimating indoor exposure to SVOCs
Yinping Zhang, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China, People's Republic of
Jianping Cao, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China, People's Republic of
Aim: Widely used in various indoor materials and products, semi-volatile organic
compounds (SVOCs) are ubiquitous in indoor environments. Due to extremely low vapour
pressure, SVOCs tend to redistribute from their source materials to indoor air, interior
surfaces (e.g., the ceiling, walls, indoor material surfaces, human skin, and clothing),
dust, and suspended particles. Associations between human exposure to several indoor
SVOCs and adverse health effects (e.g., asthma, birth defects, obesity, and cancer) has
been made. To quantify exposure to indoor SVOCs, characterizing the emission behaviour
of SVOC source materials and adsorption behaviour of indoor sink materials is a
prerequisite. Through mass transfer analysis, key parameters that characterize the SVOC
source or sink behaviours have been identified. Various measuring methods have been
developed and used to determine these characteristic parameters and examine the
relevant mass transfer models. The aim of this paper is to review existing methods for
measuring the SVOC source/sink characteristic parameters, focusing on their principles,
precisions and time durations. Areas for further research are also identified.
Methods: The papers are found using the key words “SVOC” (or “phthalate”, “flame
retardant”, and “polychlorinated biphenyl”), “measure”, “emission” or “sorption” in
Google Scholar, as well as other papers that cite these papers or have been cited by these
papers.
Results: The methods were reviewed in the order of years they were proposed. In the
early studies, the methods widely used for VOCs measurement were directly employed to
measure the SVOC source/sink parameters. However, several features of SVOCs, including
the low gas-phase concentration, strong sorption onto surfaces (including the interior
surfaces of test chamber and the sampling lines), and ubiquity in laboratory environments,
reduce the measurement precision and accuracy, prolong the experimental duration and
complicate the analysis of resulting data. Lately, the methods specially designed for
SVOCs were developed based on deeper mass transfer analysis, shortening the
experimental duration and increasing the measurement accuracy.
Conclusions: Further research may focus on developing methods that can simultaneously,
rapidly and accurately measure SVOC source and sink parameters in a single test run. In
addition, to better identify the accuracy of determined parameters, inter-laboratory study
using either the same method or different methods to test the same SVOC source/sink
parameters will be valuable.
558
We-SY-E1.3
Predicting SVOC Emissions into Air and Foods in Support of High-Throughput Exposure
Assessment
Kristin Isaacs, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States
Chantel Nicolas, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Research Triangle Park,
North Carolina, United States
Derya Biryol, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Research Triangle Park, North
Carolina, United States
John Wambaugh, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States
The release of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) from consumer articles may be a
critical human exposure pathway. In addition, the migration of SVOCs from food
packaging materials into foods may also be a dominant source of exposure for some
chemicals. Here we describe recent efforts to characterize emission-related parameters
for these exposure pathways to support prediction of aggregate exposures for thousands of
chemicals For chemicals in consumer articles, Little et al. (2012) developed a screening-
level indoor exposure prediction model which, for a given SVOC, principally depends on
steady-state gas-phase concentrations (y0). We have developed a model that predicts y0
for SVOCs in consumer articles, allowing exposure predictions for 274 ToxCast chemicals.
Published emissions data for 31 SVOCs found in flooring materials, provided a training set
where both chemical-specific physicochemical properties, article specific formulation
properties, and experimental design aspects were available as modeling descriptors. A
linear regression yielded R2- and p- values of approximately 0.62 and 3.9E-05,
respectively. A similar model was developed based upon physicochemical properties alone,
since article information is often not available for a given SVOC or product. This latter
model yielded R2 - and p- values of approximately 0.47 and 1.2E-10, respectively. Many
SVOCs are also used as additives (e.g. plasticizers, antioxidants, lubricants) in plastic food
packaging. Migration of these chemicals into foods is a complex kinetic process; the speed
of migration and ultimate partitioning of chemical depends on the properties of the food,
the chemical migrant, and the packaging material. A linear regression model was
developed for equilibrium chemical migration (mass/area) from publically-available data
collected in a variety of foods and food simulants for different conditions (e.g.
temperatures; polymer formulations). The regression yielded an R2=0.71; significant
predictors included the initial concentration of the migrant in the packaging, chemical
properties (logP; vapor pressure), temperature, and food type (e.g., fatty, aqueous).
Migration predictions were combined with food intakes from the National Health and
Nutrition Examination Survey to estimate screening-level exposures to over 1500 additives
and contaminants potentially present in food packaging. This abstract does not necessarily
reflect U.S. EPA policy.
559
We-SY-E1.4
A quantitative visual dashboard to explore exposures to consumer product ingredients
Daniel Vallero, National Exposure Research Laboratory, Research Triangle Park, North
Carolina, United States
Peter Egeghy, National Exposure Research Laboratory, Research Triangle Park, NC, United
States
Heidi Hubbard, ICF International, Durham, NC, United States
Tao Hong, ICF International, Durham, NC, United States
Cara Henning, ICF International, Durham, NC, United States
The Exposure Prioritization (Ex Priori) model features a simplified, quantitative visual
dashboard to explore exposures across chemical space. Diverse data streams are
integrated within the interface such that different exposure scenarios for “individual,”
“population,” or “professional” time-use profiles can be interchanged to tailor exposure
and quantitatively explore multi-chemical signatures of exposure, internalized dose
(uptake), body burden, and elimination. Ex Priori will quantitatively extrapolate single-
point estimates of both exposure and internal dose for multiple exposure scenarios,
factors, products, and pathways. Currently, EPA is investigating its usefulness in life cycle
analysis, insofar as its ability to enhance exposure factors used in calculating
characterization factors for human health.
560
We-SY-E1.5
PFASs and PFRs as SVOCs: Measurements and Modeling
Thomas Webster, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
Aim: Per- and poly-fluoro alkyl substances (PFASs) and organophosphate flame retardants
(PFRs) are compounds of emerging concern as indoor contaminants. Recent research
suggests that indoor exposure may make substantial contributions to body burdens. Indoor
air concentrations of fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) have been linked to body burdens of
stable PFAS (following metabolic conversion). Organophosphate flame
retardants/plasticizers such as triphenyl phosphate (TPHP), tris(2-chloroisopropyl)
phosphate (TCIPP), tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) and tris(1,3-dichloro-isopropyl)
phosphate (TDCIPP) in indoor air and/or dust also lead to exposure and their metabolites
can be measured in urine. However, the routes of indoor exposure to these compounds are
not well understood. The aim of this paper is to estimate the relative importance of three
indoor pathways—inhalation, dust ingestion, and vapor-to skin transfer followed by dermal
absorption.
Methods: Physical-chemical properties were estimated using SPARC for the following
compounds: 6:2 FTOH, 8:2 FTOH, 10:2 FTOH, TPHP, TCIPP, TCEP, TDCIPP. Measurements
of these compounds in indoor air or dust were abstracted from the research of our group,
our collaborators or the literature. The gas phase concentrations of the compounds were
estimated from the air or dust concentrations. The screening-level model of Little et al
(2012) was then used to estimate indoor exposure and relative contributions from the
three pathways for adults and children (dermal absorption following contact with surfaces
is not in the model).
Results and Conclusions:
FTOHs are on the volatile end of SVOCs and the screening model estimates that indoor
exposure to the three FTOHs is nearly 100% via inhalation. Inhalation is also the dominant
pathway for two of the PFRs: TCIPP and TCEP. In contrast, dermal exposure (following
absorption of vapor to skin) equals or exceeds inhalation, as does inadvertent dust
ingestion—for the other two PFRs: TPHP and TDCIPP. These latter results (combined with
the absence in the model of dermal absorption following contact with surfaces) suggest
application of dermal absorption models to skin wipe measurements, followed by
comparison with urinary biomarkers. Important caveats of these conclusions will be
discussed, including the poor information on dust ingestion rates, particularly for adults.
561
We-SY-F1: Exposure science informing policy decision-making - I
We-SY-F1.1
Improving chemical exposure scenarios for informed regulatory risk management
Jean-Christophe Dewart, Cefic aisbl, Brussels, Belgium
Tanya Dudzina, Exxon Mobil Petroleum and Chemical B.V.B.A., Machelen, Belgium
Frank Schnoeder, DuPont de Nemours (Deutschland) GmbH, Neu-Isenburg, Germany
Donna Seid, Ashland Inc., Barendrecht, Netherlands
Jan Urbanus, Shell (c/o Belgian Shell NV), Brussels, Belgium
Under EU REACH, Exposure Scenarios (ESs) are a set of Operational Conditions (OCs) and
Risk Management Measures (RMMs) that describe how a substance that is hazardous to
human health or the environment, as such, or in a mixture or an article, can be safely
used at each stage of its lifecycle. When such a substance is manufactured or imported in
quantities greater than 10 tonnes per year, the ESs are developed and become part of the
substance’s chemical safety report (CSR) submitted to ECHA and forwarded to downstream
users (DUs) via Safety Data Sheets (extended SDSs).
The derivation of an ES is an iterative process involving communication up and down the
supply chain aiming to arrive at an accurate description of use and use conditions (OCs and
RMMs). The registrants of substances can then update their CSRs and ESs accordingly. The
ultimate goal is to ensure ESs are meaningful, comprehensible, realistic and up-to-date. .
The CSR/ES Roadmap* was launched as a cross-stakeholder action plan involving
registrants, their customers, industry sector organisations and Competent Authorities to
address these challenges. It builds on the experience drawn from these actors towards
achieving the goals of the REACH Regulation for the safe use of chemicals. Keeping up-to-
date information on the actual conditions of use of chemicals communicated through
supply chains is crucial to ensure safe use downstream and to allow for appropriate
prioritisation of substances for further regulatory actions.
The speaker will present key deliverables generated under the CSR/ES Roadmap. The talk
will introduce a package of standard phrases (ESCom) developed to make the supply chain
communication easy, efficient and transparent. In addition, the presenter will cover
sector use maps and related specific exposure assessment inputs (i.e. SpERCs, SWEDs and
SCEDs) developed by DU sector associations. Use maps are intended to be an efficient and
effective means to inform registrants about realistic OCs and RMMs implemented at a DU
level for generic uses of substances. The presenter will also showcase tools developed to
support DUs in derivation of safe use information for mixtures and verifying conformity
with the advice communicated by substance suppliers in the extended SDSs.
*The CSR/ES Roadmap, a cross-stakeholder plan of actions to 2018, ECHA, July 2013
562
We-SY-F1.2
Approaches for feeding use and exposure information into prioritisation of substances
for regulatory action under REACH
Andreas Ahrens, European Chemicals Agency, Helsinki, Finland
The presentation will provide an overview on which kind of information on use and
exposure ECHA receives with the registration dossiers and how this information can help in
priority setting for post-registration action under REACH. The presentation will cover
current practice (and its limitations) and future opportunities.
Post registration action under REACH includes evaluation of registration dossiers
(compliance check), substance evaluation, harmonised classification and labelling,
identification of candidate substances for authorisation, and restrictions. Together with
the information on the substance properties, information on the types of uses (and the
related exposure potential) form the basis for setting priorities on substances that matter.
The information on uses includes: Indication on whether the substance is used at industrial
sites, by professionals outside industrial sites, in consumer products and/or in articles;
characteristics of worker tasks carried out with the substance, types of consumer
products, environmental release patterns; tonnage of substance per use; indication on
whether the substance is used in a rigorously contained manner. Substances with wide
dispersive uses are given priority over substances with limited number of users and low
exposure potential. The challenge is however to assess the information provided with the
registration dossiers against these criteria in practice. The presentation will explain how
ECHA has operationalised the generic criteria, and how IUCLID 6 and Chesar 3, ECHA’s
tools for registrants, facilitate the relevant information to be reported to ECHA. Finally
the presentation will point out the common interest between industry and authorities in
obtaining correct and relevant use and exposure information for reducing the rate of false
positives and false negatives in priority setting.
563
We-SY-F1.3
Potential policy impact of REACH restrictions (Article 68.2) on CMR substances present
in construction articles in the EU and the related consumer exposure
Katleen De Brouwere, VITO, Mol, Belgium
Lieve Geerts, VITO, Mol, Belgium
Marc Lor, VITO, Mol, Belgium
Aim
Exposure of consumers to substances that are carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for
reproduction (CMR), is being addressed in the REACH legislation (EC No 1907/2006) of
which restriction is one potential management option. The aim of the project was to
screen for substances classified as CMR 1A/1B (CLP Regulation EC No 1272/2008) which
are likely to be present in construction materials and for which consumer exposure is
possible.
Methods and Results
In a first part of the study, we used REACH Article 33 requests, the publically accessible
part of the ECHA database and other information sources on release of substances from
construction articles (e.g. BUMA database ) to identify the CMR 1A/1B substances that are
likely to be present in construction articles present on the nowadays EU market. In total,
31 CMR 1A/1B substances with at least one use in a construction article (CA) have been
identified. An overview of the identified CMRs, in relation to specific CA categories will
be presented.
For substances and mixtures, merely the presence of a substance is enough to assume
exposure, based on the precautionary principle. However, for articles (REACH definition
Art.3.3), it is the release rather than the presence of a substance in the article that drives
potential consumer exposure.
In the second part of the study, it was investigated whether the presence of the 31
indentified CMR 1A/1B substances in CAs actually resulted in release and consumer
exposure.
In order to assess the likelihood of exposure arising from CAs, 5 criteria have been
applied: 1) presence of CMR 1A/1B substances in CA; 2) emission of CMR 1A/1B substances
from CA (from test chamber results); 3) estimated exposure (modelling); 4); measured
indoor exposure (monitoring Indoor Air Quality in buildings); 5) source apportioning
supporting that CA are the main source of indoor exposure. Moving from criterion 1 to 5
gives increasing evidence for exposure to CMR 1A/1B substances in relation to the
presence of CA.
Conclusion
For some of the 31 identified CMR 1A/1B substances, consumer exposure arising from
construction articles has been demonstrated. For other substances, monitoring data
suggest that they do not occur in indoor environments, and thus the articles do not lead to
consumer exposure. However, for the majority of the substances, the evidence is less
clear and more monitoring data are needed to make a sound assessment.
Acknowledgements: this study was commissioned by the European Commission, DG
Environment.
564
We-SY-F1.4
Approaches for refining the assessment of short-term infrequent consumer exposures
in support of risk management decision making
Tatsiana Dudzina, ExxonMobil Biomedical Science Inc., Brussels, Belgium
Hua Qian, ExxonMobil Biomedical Science Inc., Annandale, New Jersey, United States
Rosemary Zaleski, ExxonMobil Biomedical Science Inc., Annandale, New Jersey, United
States
Jennifer Foreman, ExxonMobil Biomedical Science Inc., Annandale, New Jersey, United
States
Carlos Rodriguez, Procter and Gamble, Brussels, Belgium
Consumer exposure to substances in products may last from seconds to hours per use
event and occur on a regular or sporadic basis (e.g. every day vs. few times a year). The
default approach in consumer exposure assessment is to assume that the products are
used daily taking the event exposure as a starting point, for which the control of risk
should be demonstrated. However, for realistic risk assessment it is essential to consider
product application time patterns to match the actual exposure duration and frequency
with the corresponding DNEL. For the purpose of comparison to a long-term daily DNEL,
ECETOC has developed a use frequency banding approach and included it as a refinement
option in the latest version of the ECETOC TRA tool. The four frequency bands allow
adjusting the daily event exposure up to a factor of 100 aligning the exposure scenario
frequency with the long-term DNEL that assumes daily exposure. The approach follows
common practices from other well established higher tier exposure tools, and yields more
conservative exposure estimates than a straight linear averaging approach.
In the context of the third update of the Guidance on Information Requirements and
Chemical Safety Assessment, the European Chemical Agency and interested stakeholders
discussed different approaches to the assessment of risk for long-term effects from short-
term infrequent exposures. The concept was reviewed and adapted several times during
the Partner Expert Group (PEG) consultation bringing together experts from industry and
national competent authorities. By comparing the results of the differing approaches, an
assessment of the relative impact on exposure and risk modeled output will be made.
When developing risk assessment approaches, integrated engagement from both the
toxicology and exposure fields is ideal.
565
We-SY-F1.5
Development of an Ontology for Occupational Exposure
Heidi Hubbard, ICF International, Durham, North Carolina, United States
Arun Varghese, ICF International, Durham, North Carolina, United States
Peter Egeghy, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States
Daniel Vallero, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States
When discussing a scientific domain, the use of a common language is required,
particularly when communicating across disciplines. This common language, or ontology, is
a prescribed vocabulary and a web of contextual relationships within the vocabulary that
describe the given domain with a view to organizing information. This presentation
describes a methodology to ontology development that uses machine learning and natural
language processing algorithms, including vector space language models, lexical relation
extraction, and topic discovery algorithms, to define an ontology for describing
occupational exposures. By applying these automated processes to support expert
judgment, a much larger body of literature can be considered than if an individual was
required to evaluate each document. Additionally, computer-generated synonym lists can
work as an aid to researchers by suggesting keywords that may not otherwise be
considered.
In order to use the automated tools, publicly available scientific abstracts from PubMed
were gathered using keywords related to “occupational exposure”. The titles and
abstracts from each study were combined into a single text field. This textual vector was
analyzed using ICF’s DoCTER (Document Classification and Topic Extraction Resource) tool
to determine clusters and inter-cluster distances that were used to suggest taxonomies.
Then, ICF’s L-Rex (Lexical Relationship Extractor) and ToxSyn (Toxicologic Semantic
Similarity Discovery) tools were used to propose ontology rules, by finding synonyms,
antonyms, hyponyms and hypernyms, discovering range-domain relationships, and
assessing term similarity queries. These results were used to develop a semantic model or
visual representation of the ontology pattern suggested for describing occupational
exposures.
Disclaimer: The views of the authors of this presentation are those of the authors and do
not represent Agency policy or endorsement.
566
We-SY-G1: Pesticide Exposure: Developing Monitoring, Methods and Modeling
in Human Health Risk Assessments (Consumer and Worker Risk) - I
We-SY-G1.1
The use of small-scale human volunteer studies in pesticide exposure assessment
Kate Jones, Health & Safety Laboratory, Buxton, United Kingdom
Background
Although there are many pesticides approved for use globally and the approvals process is
quite rigorous in the amount of data required, there is often a lack of human data. Small
human volunteer studies can often provide valuable information about metabolism,
biomarker output and toxicokinetics that can help inform sampling strategies for pesticide
exposure assessment, particularly in the absence of other human exposure data. The UK
Health and Safety Laboratory has conducted a number of such studies for different
pesticides.
Methods
Controlled human volunteer studies for pesticides have generally looked at oral or dermal
exposures, inhalation studies are rarely done. Oral dosing usually complies with the
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for the particular active substance; dermal dosing is usually
calculated from the ADI assuming a likely ‘worst-case’ penetration rate. Multiple
biological samples are then taken for several days following the dose. Blood samples may
be analysed for the active substance or for effect markers (such as cholinesterase activity
for organophosphate pesticides). A complete urine collection over a defined time period
is usually accomplished using timed voids. Urine samples are analysed for the parent
compound or relevant metabolites as well as creatinine concentration, and volume is also
measured.
Results
Volunteer studies have been used to determine whether metabolites identified in animal
studies are relevant to humans – this allows biomonitoring to be considered as part of
exposure assessment. Examining the toxicokinetics of the absorption and elimination and
calculating the half-life of excretion can inform the sampling strategy, determining the
timing of samples to best capture the potential exposure. Dermal dosing studies can
provide more realistic estimates of uptake, which can be used to better inform models
and to determine whether control measures are needed specifically to prevent skin
exposure. The metabolite concentrations measured from a fixed known dose are also
useful for putting results from actual exposure scenarios into context and can provide a
view on whether a benchmarks such as ADIs (for the general population) or Acceptable
Operator Exposure Levels (for workers) have been exceeded. Although volunteer studies
are, by necessity, limited in scope and power they are nevertheless a valuable resource in
contextualising exposure data.
[Examples for at least three different pesticides will be discussed]
© Crown Copyright 2016
567
We-SY-G1.2
Exposure assessment using biological monitoring for pesticide users in amenity
horticulture.
Alison Connolly, National University of Ireland, Galway, Galway, Ireland
Kate Jones, Health and Safety Laboratory, Buxton, United Kingdom
Karen Galea, Centre for Human Exposure Science (CHES), Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Laura MacCalman, Centre for Human Exposure Science (CHES), Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Anne Sleeuwenhoek, Centre for Human Exposure Science (CHES), Edinburgh, United
Kingdom
Laura Kenny, Health and Safety Laboratory, Buxton, United Kingdom
Marie Coggins, National University of Ireland, Galway., Galway, Ireland
It is estimated that approximately 2.5 billion tonnes of pesticides are used annually
worldwide. Occupational exposures to pesticides products have been linked to a number
of adverse health effects including development of cancers, respiratory diseases,
detrimental reproductive health, neurological diseases and mental illnesses. A significant
proportion of the research on occupational exposures to pesticides has focused on
agriculture use and little data is available on exposure levels during pesticide use in
horticultural and amenity gardening.
This research project involved using biological monitoring to assess exposure to pesticides
in horticulture and amenity gardening. The study was conducted from June to October
2015 among horticultural workers involved in the maintenance of historic properties and
ornamental gardens. Two active ingredients, fluroxypyr and glyphosate, were chosen as
they were the pesticides of highest volume used by the horticulture group. Pesticide
metabolites were measured in urine samples, collected before work tasks and within one
hour of completing the work task. Four similar exposure groups were defined: spraying
glyphosate with a manual knapsack, spraying glyphosate with a pressured applicator,
spraying glyphosate with a large droplet applicator and spraying fluroxypyr with a tractor
mounted boom sprayer. A total of 80 exposure measurements were collected (40 paired
samples). Contextual information regarding the worker, the task and the environment was
recorded for each task sampled.
Qualitative dermal exposure assessments will be performed using the GuLF DREAM
assessment tool, (the GUlf Long-term Follow-up DeRmal Exposure Assessment Method).
Model predictions will be correlated against actual exposure data. The biological
monitoring results will be presented at the conference.
568
We-SY-G1.3
Developing an operator exposure database in Brazil
Daniele Lautenschalaeger, PROHUMA, Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Regulatory safety decisions should consider both the hazard(s) and the exposure(s)
associated with a pesticide and its uses. An extensive dataset of toxicological studies to
identify pesticide hazards and characterize its levels of concern for registration purposes
is often available. In contrast, data to characterize operator exposures from mixing,
loading and applying pesticides in Brazil are fewer and less robust. To overcome this
limitation, PROHUMA was established. The main objective is to develop a generic pesticide
handler exposure database with data that are considered to be representative of Brazilian
scenarios in order to support operator risk assessment in the country.
The database will ultimately combine existing handler exposure data with new data from
studies that will be conducted locally if necessary. In 2013, a preliminary comparison
between Brazilian scenarios and scenarios from generic databases to assess their
representativeness was done and estimated high similarity between Brazilian and North
American practices. Next step is a deeper analysis of these and other exiting data for
possible inclusion into the Brazilian database. The result will then be used to identify
gaps in the Brazilian exposure data to cover handler scenarios of interest. PROHUMA will
address these gaps by conducting, state-of-the-art operator exposure studies in Brazil,
using Brazilian resources and expertise.
The systematic knowledge generated by the whole process will enable the development of
a science based operator risk assessment that reflects Brazilian agriculture. Also, the
deeper understanding of the current agricultural practices will allow the revision and
improvement of risk management measures currently in place.
569
We-SY-G1.4
Residential Exposure Assessment to Direct Spray Drift in the United States: A Review of
the Environmental Protection Agency Approach and Comparison to the European
Approach
Curt Lunchick, Bayer, Durham, North Carolina, United States
In the United States the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) evaluates the
potential non-occupational, residential exposure to conventional pesticides that results
from the direct deposition of spray drift to residential lawns and from the volatilization of
conventional pesticides after completion of the application. Exposure to direct drift is not
assessed in the United States because this is a label violation that is addressed through
enforcement. This presentation will focus on the direct deposition of spray drift and
compare the EPA approach to the EU approach which involves estimating direct drift
exposure. In November 2013, the EPA published its proposed approach to assessing
residential exposure resulting from spray drift. Although the proposed approach has not
been formally finalized it has been used by both the EPA and registrants since 2013. The
approach taken in the US combines the drift modeling from the AgDRIFT model with the
residential exposure assessment methodology presented in the 2012 Residential Exposure
Assessment Standard Operating Procedures. AgDRIFT is a model based on drift data
developed by the Spray Drift Task Force and permits a first tier assessment of drift
deposition resulting from aerial, groundboom, and orchard airblast applications. The
Residential SOPs permits a first tier assessment of adult and child exposure resulting from
contact with pesticide residues deposited on residential turf. An assessment of adult and
toddler exposure to residential turf adjacent to an agricultural groundboom pesticide
application will be presented and compared to the EU approach of estimating the
exposure to direct drift from a similar groundboom pesticide application.
570
We-SY-G1.5
Residential Exposure Assessment to Direct Spray Drift in Europe: A Critical View on
EFSA’s Default Values for Groundboom Applications
Christian Kuester, Bayer, Monheim, Germany
In the last years three approaches have been developed to assess residential exposure to
Plant Protection Products during application via direct spray drift in Europe:
The EUROPOEM II module and the UK model are based on constant exposure figures in ml
spray/person while the approach by Martin et al. (2008) is based on drift percentage
values.
On 1st of January 2016 a new EFSA guidance on assessing exposure to operator, workers,
bystanders and resident has entered into force. New direct drift figure values have been
introduced leading to exposure values for groundboom applications which are up to 125
times higher than before. These new drift values were derived from the “Bystander and
Residential Exposure Assessment Model (BREAM)”, a model developed by the SILSOE spray
drift application unit under the commission of UK’s Chemical Regulatory Directorate
(CRD). Unfortunately, no access to the model was granted to stakeholders during the
reviewing process of the EFSA guidance, making the whole model developing process
highly opaque and thus incomprehensible. After several enquiries industry got finally
access to the model by mid of 2015, but still without having enough information about the
underlying data and the applied algorithms to understand the mechanism behind. It
remained a black box and parts of the data-set were not disclosed. After intensive
investigative work some of the main mechanisms behind the model have become a bit
clearer. These mechanisms will be critically reviewed in the presentation and
considerations for a more realistic approach for exposure calculations will be proposed.
571
Worst Case x Worst Case Assumptions vs. Realistic Conservatism - A proposal for a
Reasonable Refinement.
572
We-SY-H1: Tool and methods for an exposure driven safe by design approach
for nanomaterials - I
We-SY-H1.1
Safe by Design for nanomaterials, products and processes: the role of exposure
science.
Martie Van Tongeren, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Jerome Rose, CEREGE, Aix-en-Provence, France
Armand Masion, CEREGE, Aix-en-Provence, France
Paul Westerhoff, Arizona State University, Temp, Arizona, United States
Nanotechnology is a fast growing sector with ever increasing variety and complexity of
new materials. Currently, risk assessment is struggling to keep up with the innovation and
hence more emphasis will need to be placed on Safe by Design, whereby health, safety
and environment are taken into account early in the innovation chain to ensure that risks
are managed properly. The SbD concept for nanomaterials is currently being developed
and tested in a number of EU FP7 and H2020 projects (NANOREG, PROSAFE, NANOREG2).
Exposure plays an important role in this area, as Safe by Design refers not just to reducing
the hazard potential of the nanomaterials but also to reducing the release and exposure
potential of products and processes. This paper will summarise the results of a two day
workshop organised by the EU-US Community of Research working group on Exposure to
nanomaterials through its life cycle, on 26-28 April 2016 in Aix-en-Provence, France. This
workshop brought together leading exposure scientists in the field of nanotechnology from
Europe and the US and aimed to develop exposure-driven risk assessment approaches and
how such approaches can be used within the safe by design concept. It will also provide
an introduction to the symposium on “Safe by Design for nanomaterials, products and
processes: the role of exposure science”.
573
We-SY-H1.2
Framework on Release of nanomaterials: Concept, test procedures and link to
exposure assessments
Thomas Kuhlbusch, IUTA e.V., Duisburg, Germany
Heinz Kaminski, IUTA, Duisburg, Germany
Araceli Sanchez Jiminez, IOM, Edinburg, United Kingdom
Yaobo Ding, Universities of Lausanne and Geneva, Lausanne, Switzerland
Martie van Tongeren, IOM, Edinburg, United Kingdom
Michael Riediker, IOM, Singapore, Singapore
Simon Clavaguera, CEA, Grenoble, France
Henk Goede, TNO, Rijswijk, Netherlands
Burkhard Stahlmecke, IUTA, Duisburg, Germany
Release is the prerequisite for exposure and may also significantly alter the hazard
potential of a given nanoobject. Hence the understanding of release as well as its linkage
to emissions and exposures is of basic importance to be able to predict potential effects
on humans or the environment.
The presentation will introduce a „Framework on Release“ which is based on
material properties and release processes enabling the linkage to exposure scenarios via
the development of release scenarios. One release scenario may consist of several release
processes such as mechanical, thermal or chemical stress. The combined effect of the
release processes are subsequently combined to specific release scenarios representing
real world work places in companies but also during construction or other activities. Figure
1 also depicts some other uses of the “Framework on Release”.
To facilitate the assessment of the effect of release processes on possible
emissions, test stands have to be developed, evaluated and linked to real work processes.
Based on these laboratory results as well as the construction of release scenarios the
combined information may be used to e.g. form release classes which by itself can be
linked to exposure and hence to e.g. tier 1 of the tiered exposure assessment approach.
Furthermore, by ranking the release classes, based on their dependence on
nanomaterial and release process, a safer-by-design is facilitated.
The presentation will give an overview on the conceptual approach, the state-of-
the art in release testing and will open up the discussion on the linkage of the “Framework
on Release” to existing regulation.
The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Research
Council under the European Union's FP7 (FP/2007-2013)/ERC Grant Agreement n.263215
(MARINA project) and Grant Agreement n.604602 (FNN project).
574
Figure 1. Linkage of release processes to regulatory and safety needs in nanotechnology.
575
We-SY-H1.3
Safety by design using dustiness and release rate data in modelling of potential
exposure
Keld Alstrup Jesen, National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen,
Denmark
Background
The ability of a powder to liberate dust during processing and handling is an important
indicator of exposure. Standards in development for dustiness testing include
determination of respirable mass concentrations along with the airborne particle size-
distributions and the dust particle generation rates during testing. Dustiness data can
therefore also be applied for safety-by-design assessment: a lower dustiness index, a
coarser dust particle size-distribution and slow particle generation rates would indicate
the lowest risk of exposure.
Objective
The objective of this study is to illustrate how application of powder dustiness data can be
used to select and produce materials in a safer-by-design approach.
Methods
Dustiness data are generated using a rotating drum dustiness tester, which enables
gravimetric data (mg/kg powder) on respirable dustiness levels (D50=4µm) and real-time
data on particle number concentrations and particle size-distributions in the dust cloud
covering the entire size-range of respirable dust. These data enables calculation of a time-
resolved particle generation rate. The dustiness data are further used for model estimates
of exposure in given exposure scenarios using the NanoSafer v 1.1 predictive first order
exposure model.
Results
An already published study demonstrated the potential use of dustiness data considering
dustiness levels and dustiness kinetics of four different molecular pharmaceutical active
powder ingredients (Levin, Koponen, and Jensen. Journal of Occupational and
Environmental Hygiene 11(3):165-77, 2014). Investigations into different material
compounds illustrate that powder dustiness may be affected in different ways as a
consequence of physicochemical modifications. For example, chemical surface
modifications of a series of Ca-carbonates showed increased dustiness and finer particle
sizes after chemical modification. Surface modification of bentonite and conversion into
different organoclays on the other hand appears to reduce the dustiness levels and release
kinetics. Consequently, dustiness tests may be used to assess whether different material
modifications may also be beneficial in a safety-by-design approach.
576
We-SY-H1.4
Mesocosms: an approach for a realistic assessment of environmental release of
nanomaterials
Armand Masion, CNRS-CEREGE, Aix en Provence, France
Catherine Mouneyrac, UCO, Angers, France
Carlos Fito, ITENE, Barcelona, Spain
Melanie Auffan, CNRS-CEREGE, Aix en Provence, France
Nanomaterials are released to the environment at various stages of their life cycle and
thus various stages of their transformations. Standard aging procedures give valuable
information that is relevant for both consumer and environmental exposure but do address
biological factors. Mesocosm are an elegant approach of assessing the effects of
nanomaterials in a somewhat controlled setting while preserving the complexity of a
"miniature" ecosystem. The present presentation describes the implementation of indoor
mesocosm set-ups to the monitoring of the fate of nano enabled products in fresh- and
saltwater environments. Careful equilibration of the mesocosm before the contamination
phase is a pre-requisite for a meaningful experiment. Exposure scenarios can be simulated
to be acute (one dosing of the nanoresidue) or chronic (several increments of
nanomaterials added over time). Aggregation behavior, and consequently bioavailability of
the nanomaterial, depend on the contamination mode. Commercial available CeO2 and
Ag0 based products at several stages of alteration were introduced in these mesocosm.
The distribution of the nanomaterials / nanoresidue in the mesocosms (water column,
sediment, biota) is controlled by the surface chemistry of the introduced material. The
results can used for biovavilability and transfer prediction purposes.
577
We-SY-H1.5
GUIDEnano safe by design strategies to reduce release of NM from nano-enabled
products
Alejandro Vilchez, LEITAT Technological Centre, Barcelona, Spain
Camilla Delpivo, Leitat Technological Center, Barcelona, Spain
Olga Chibová, INOTEX spol, Dvůr Králové n.L., Czech Republic
Cristiano Citterio, LATI Industria Termoplastici, Vedano Olona VA, Italy
Rinaldo Zanasca, LATI Industria Termoplastici, Vedano Olona, Italy
Alexei Antipov, PlasmaChem GmbH, Berlin, Germany
Socorro Vázquez-Campos, LEITAT Technological Center, Barcelona, Spain
GUIDEnano is an EU project aimed at developing a web-based Tool to evaluate and
manage human and environmental health risks posed by nano-enabled products,
considering the whole product life cycle. The Tool will be validated by different real case
studies in collaboration with industrial partners. The final version of GUIDEnano Tool will
guide the nanotech-industries to apply the most suitable risk assessment and risk
mitigation strategies for their nano-enabled products.
This presentation will be focused on GUIDEnano Safer-by-design (SbD) strategies proposed
to reduce NM release into the human and environmental compartments, NM that are more
compatible with the matrices in which they are incorporated and consequently reducing
their release during the use of nano-enabled products. The results will be presented for
the following two case studies:
1) An antibacterial treatment of textiles employing nano-silver (Ag NM). During the
process, Ag NM adsorbed on the textile fibres are easily washed off, ending in laundering
waters. To reduce the Ag release and improve the duration of the textile antibacterial
property, AgNPs were modified in their surface. To validate the SbD strategies, textiles
were subjected to a common house-hold washing (simulated by laboratory washing
machines). Then, the collected waters were analyzed to determine NM concentration and
form.
2) TiO2 NM used in polymeric nanocomposite as UV filtering agent, however the TiO2
photocatalytic activity cause polymer degradation, that promote NM release from the
substrate. To reduce release of NM, surface chemistry on the TiO2 was performed.
Polymer samples treated with TiO2 and with the SbD NM were exposed to different ageing
cycles, including UV-light irradiation, to simulate their use. UV filtering properties were
monitored for aged samples and the run-off waters
578
We-PL-I1: Waterborne Contaminants
We-PL-I1.1
Circadian Exposomics and Diurnal Variation of Urinary Trihalomethanes
Pantelis Charisiadis, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
Stephanie Gaengler, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
Xanthi Andrianou, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
Ratanesh Seth, University of South Carolina, Columbia, United States
Saurabh Chatterjee, University of South Carolina, Columbia, United States
Konstantinos Makris, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Limassol, Cyprus
Aim: We applied external and internal exposure metrics (metabolomics) to evaluate the
exposure-effect association between diurnal exposures to common disinfection by-
products (trihalomethanes, THM) and 4-hydroxynonenal histidine adducts (HNE-His), a
surrogate of hepatic CYP2E1 enzyme activity and lipid peroxidation product.
Methods: Seven young healthy adults were recruited. An activity day was designed where
each participant conducted four well-controlled activities that could generate THM in the
surrounding indoor environment (showering, hand dishwashing, mopping, and bathroom
cleaning); another sampling day was included with none of the aforementioned activities
(control). Each participant collected spot urine samples at predetermined intervals
(before and after each activity) on both days. Urinary THM and HNE-His levels were
measured using gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) and
immunoassay test, respectively. Urine samples were prepared for the metabolomics
protocol, followed by urea depletion, extraction and derivatization prior to obtaining full
mass spectra. Spectral data preprocessing, i.e. deconvolution, and compound
identification techniques were implemented and followed by chemometrics analysis.
Results: During the activity day, a discrete diurnal pattern was consistently observed with
higher creatinine-adjusted urinary THM levels during the late afternoon towards evening
than those during the morning. Temporal trends of within-subject variation between
urinary HNE-His and urinary THM levels were observed. Chemometric analyses explored
the differential expression of metabolite profiles under the circadian influence and
accounted for the effect of external THM exposures on hepatic biological pathways.
Conclusions: The inclusion of diurnal measurements in exposome studies is warranted to
better describe the dynamic changes in exposure patterns between and within subjects
that are prospectively followed during critical life stages. Research is needed to
understand whether such diurnal fluctuations of biomarkers of exposure and effect could
be linked with alterations in an individual’s circadian rhythm.
579
We-PL-I1.2
Disinfection by-product exposures and the risk of specific cardiac birth defects
Wright J. Michael, US EPA/ORD, Cincinnati, OH, United States
Amanda Evans, Campbell University, Lillington, NC, United States
John Kaufman, Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health, cincinnati, OH,
United States
Zorimar Rivera-Núñez, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States
Michael Narotsky, US EPA/ORD, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
Background: Epidemiological studies suggest that women exposed to disinfection by-
products (DBPs) in treated water have an increased risk of delivering babies with
cardiovascular defects (CVDs), though evidence for specific DBP-birth defect associations
is limited. It also remains unclear which DBP metrics of the complex mixtures found in
drinking water are the best surrogates for assessing potential risk related to reproductive
toxicants.
Methods: We conducted a case-control study of all birth defects in Massachusetts from
2000-2004 with complete trihalomethane (THM) and haloacetic acid (HAA) data. We
randomly matched 904 CVD cases to 10 controls (n=9040) based on week of conception.
We used weight-averaged aggregate first trimester DBP exposures across all quarterly
monitoring sample locations linked to individuals based on residence at birth. Adjusted
odds ratios (aORs) were calculated for nine CVDs in relation to categorical DBP exposures
including bromoform, chloroform, dibromochloromethane (DBCM), bromodichloromethane
(BDCM), monobromoacetic acid (MBAA), dichloroacetic acid (DCAA), trichloroacetic acid
(TCAA), and summary DBP measures (HAA5, THMBr, THM4 and DBP9).
Results: We detected strong associations for Tetralogy of Fallot and the upper exposure
categories for TCAA, DCAA, and HAA5 (aOR Range: 3.34-6.51) including positive exposure-
response relationships for DCAA and HAA5. aORs consistent in magnitude were detected
for atrial septal defects and bromoform (aOR=1.56; 95%CI: 1.01, 2.43), as well as DBCM,
chloroform, and THM4 (aOR Range: 1.26-1.67). With the exception of chloroform, TCAA,
and HAA5, consistently elevated aORs were detected for ventricular septal defects (VSDs)
and every DBP metric including bromoform (aOR=1.85; 95%CI: 1.20, 2.83), MBAA
(aOR=1.81; 95%CI: 0.85, 3.84), and DBCM (aOR=1.54; 95%CI: 1.00, 2.37).
Conclusions: Overall, we saw limited evidence of risk of CVDs based on DBP surrogate
mixture measures such as THM4 and DBP9; however, several associations were detected
between individual DBP species and specific types of CVDs. For example, bromoform was
consistently associated with elevated aORs for all the individual and group CVDs that were
examined. To our knowledge, this is the first epidemiological study of birth defects to
develop multi-DBP adjusted regression models and is only the second study to evaluate
brominated THMs or HAAs. Our findings, therefore, inform exposure specificity for the
consistent associations previously reported between THM4 and CVDs including the VSDs.
The views expressed in this abstract are those of the authors and do not necessarily
reflect the views or policies of the US Environmental Protection Agency.
580
We-PL-I1.3
Associations Between Musculoskeletal Birth Defects and Disinfection By-Product
Exposures in Massachusetts, USA
John Kaufman, Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health, Cincinnati, United
States
Michael Wright, US EPA, Cincinnati, United States
Amanda Evans, Campbell University, Lillington, North Carolina, United States
Zorimar Rivera-Nunez, Washington University, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States
Epidemiological studies have shown that in utero exposures to disinfection by-products
(DBPs) in treated water are associated with increased risks for some birth defects, though
evidence for musculoskeletal defects (MSDs) is limited. Most studies of DBPs and birth
defects have been limited by the use of surrogate metrics which may not accurately
represent the complex mixture of reproductive toxicants.
We used a case-control design of MSDs in Massachusetts from 2000-2004 with complete
trihalomethane (THM) and haloacetic acid (HAA) data. We randomly matched each of the
187 cases to 10 controls based on week of conception. We used weighted averages of first
trimester DBP exposures across quarterly water sampling locations linked to individuals
based on residence at birth. We calculated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) between five MSD
variables and 13 DBP metrics categorized based on distributions of the available data,
including bromoform, chloroform, bromodichloromethane (BDCM), dibromochloromethane
(DBCM), THMBr (sum of bromoform, BDCM, DBCM), THM4 (sum of chloroform and THMBr),
trichloroacetic acid (TCAA), dichloroacetic acid (DCAA), monochloroacetic acid (MCAA),
dibromoacetic acid (DBAA), monobromoacetic acid (MBAA), HAA5 (sum of TCAA, DCAA,
MCAA, DBAA, and MBAA), and DBP9 (sum of THM4 and HAA5).
Compared to the lowest exposure categories, we observed elevated aORs for the
combined MSD group for all quintiles of DBP9 (aOR range: 1.73-2.80) and for the highest
quartiles of THM4 (aOR=3.75; 95%CI: 1.33-10.56) and chloroform (aOR=2.82; 95%CI: 0.98-
8.10). We observed elevated aORs between upper limb reduction (n=53) and the highest
bromoform decile (aOR=1.83; 95%CI: 0.42-7.89), and for all quartiles of THM4 (aOR range:
2.41-7.59), chloroform (aOR range: 3.32-6.59), and THMBr (aOR range: 1.34-2.03), with
positive exposure-response relationships detected for THM4 and chloroform. We observed
elevated aORs for diaphragmatic hernia (n=41) for the upper decile of dibromoacetic acid
(aOR=2.18; 95%CI: 0.53-8.98), as well as positive exposure-response relationships for
tertiles of THM4 (aOR range: 3.36-5.81), chloroform (aOR range: 1.94-3.51), and BDCM
(aOR range: 1.34-1.58). We observed elevated aORs for gastroschisis or omphalocele
(n=66) for all HAA5 quintiles (aOR range: 1.55-1.90) and all TCAA quartiles (aOR range:
1.83-2.19).
Although these rare outcomes resulted in limited statistical power, we saw elevated risks
associated with different surrogate DBP metrics as well as with several individual DBP
species. Though our analyses were limited by aggregate exposure data which may result in
measurement error, this is the first study of MSDs and DBPs to examine HAAs, and the first
MSD study to develop multi-DBP-adjusted regression models.
581
We-PL-I1.4
Spatial-temporal Indoor Exposures in Homes Affected by Trichloroethylene (TCE) -
contaminated Soil and Groundwater – Preliminary Findings
Leonid Turczynowicz, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Dino Pisaniello, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Terence Wiliamson, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Aim
The evaluation of indoor exposures to trichloroethylene (TCE) arising from vapour
intrusion has not yet resulted in structured measurement methodologies which ensure
confidence in risk assessment. A study was designed to examine indoor spatial and
temporal TCE concentration changes and influencing variables for the purposes of
improved exposure assessment. This is considered an area requiring exploration, as the
toxico-kinetics following TCE inhalation is relatively rapid.
Methods
An abandoned house in a TCE-affected area was monitored over a 16-month period for
indoor TCE concentrations plus a range of variables known to influence such
measurements. Indoor spatial TCE distribution was assessed using five locations with
passive sampling undertaken at a consistent height of 1.5 metres. Two outdoor locations
were used on the north and south-western sides of the house. A solar powered
meteorological station was established on the northern side of the property. A
combination of experiments concurrently measured indoor air TCE concentrations over 4-
h, 6-h, 24-h and 7-day periods, outdoor TCE concentrations, real-time meteorological
variables and indoor temperatures; air exchange rates; soil vapour and sub-slab TCE
concentrations, and indoor and outdoor TCE flux concentrations. Real-time changes in
indoor volatiles were also examined during detailed observation periods using a suitably
calibrated photo-ionisation detector with logging capabilities.
Results
Seasonal and spatial differences in indoor air TCE concentrations were observed. Outdoor
TCE concentrations were a minor contributor to indoor concentrations. Winter indoor air
concentrations based on 24-h averages were up to an order of magnitude greater than
those in summer. Spatial differences were observed between the front and rear of the
house with the rear consistently higher across all seasons. Concurrent short-term (4-h and
6-h) and longer term (24-h and 7-d) averaged monitoring suggested shorter period peak
concentrations were occurring which were consistent with elevations observed during
periods with real-time PID logging.
Conclusions
Measurement methods need to account for spatial and seasonal indoor air concentration
changes. The magnitude of the observed differences may in some cases shift the
evidenced-based decision-making process. Shorter-term peak concentrations were
contributing to exposures but were not obvious if longer term averages were the only data
examined. The significance associated with short-term peak inhalation exposures
warrants closer examination in terms of adverse pathology considering the relatively rapid
toxico-kinetics of TCE inhalation. Further exploration of the data using multivariate
methods will examine influencing variables.
582
We-PL-I1.5
New Approaches to Legionella Detection in Environmental Samples – The Way to Better
Risk Assessment in Outbreak Situations
Bernadett Bartha, Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Munich, Germany
Sandra M. Walser, Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Munich, Germany
Bernhard Brenner, Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Munich, Germany
Stefanie Huber, Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Munich, Germany
Christiane Höller, Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Munich, Germany
Michael Seidel, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
Caroline E. W. Herr, Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Munich, Germany
Background
Legionnaires´ disease is a severe acute pneumonia caused by bacteria of the genus
Legionella. Outbreaks occur throughout the world, and the fast identification of the
infection sources is essential for a successful outbreak management. The culture-based
standard method used for Legionella quantification is impeded by uncertainties, the
concentrations are often underestimated and analysis takes 3 to 12 days. In most cases
culture-independent methods, like quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), give a
better estimation of exposure levels and provide results within a few hours. However,
conventional qPCR does not distinguish between living and dead cells or remaining DNA
fragments and could lead to an overestimation of the risk.
Objectives
For a better quantification of viable Legionella spp. and Legionella pneumophila in water
and aerosol samples the live/dead qPCR method was tested in a BMBF framework project
(LegioTyper). The method is based on the selective removal of DNA from dead cells using
the intercalating agent propidium monoazide (PMA).
Our aim is to investigate the usability of culture-independent methods, like the PMA-qPCR
for routine application in the laboratory praxis or during an outbreak situation. Its use in
combination with other analysis methods (e.g. antibody microarray) may lead to more
rapid identification of potential sources.
Methods
Legionella pneumophila ATCC33152 strain was cultivated on GVPC agar plates. After five
days of incubation, a part of a single colony was suspended in sterilized tap water and
serial dilution was prepared in order to find the suitable cell concentration for qPCR
measurements. The bacteria suspension was divided into two aliquots. To prepare dead
cells, one of the aliquots was heat-inactivated and used as control. PMA treatment
conditions were optimized by exposing the samples to different PMA concentrations
followed by different light-exposure times.
Results
The cell concentrations were adjusted between 103 and 104 GU/100 µl in the spiked water
probes according to the quantification range of the qPCR method. PMA treatments of
spiked water samples containing L. pneumophila in this range showed just a moderate
signal reduction in case of heat-killed cells compared to live cells. Based on the results,
there is an urgent need for further optimization of the method in relation to
environmental samples to obtain an effective and reliable method for a better risk
assessment.
583
584
We-SY-A2: New Data Streams for 21st Century Exposure Science
We-SY-A2.1
Merging methods, measurements and models to estimate metabolism rates in fish and
select mammal species
Jon Arnot, ARC Arnot Research and Consulting, Toronto, Canada
Karen Foster, Karen Foster Environmental Research, Peterborough, Canada
Alexandra Looky, ARC Arnot Research and Consulting, Toronto, Canada
Trevor Brown, ARC Arnot Research and Consulting, Halifax, Canada
James Armitage, AES Armitage Environmental Sciences, Toronto, Canada
Ester Papa, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
John Nichols, US EPA, Duluth, United States
Chemical concentrations in humans and ecological receptors are required for the exposure
and risk assessment of thousands of chemicals; however, there are few or no measured
concentration data available for the vast majority of chemicals. In the absence of
measured concentrations, models are often used to predict exposures and concentrations
in receptors. A key parameter required to calculate concentrations is the chemical half-
life in a receptor. Half-life data are also required for reconstructing exposures and
interpreting biomonitoring data, i.e., relating external exposure estimates (e.g., intake
rates in mg/kg/d) with internal concentrations (blood, tissues) and biomarkers of
exposure. For hydrophobic, low volatility chemicals the chemical half-life is largely
determined by the biotransformation (metabolism) rate constant. Chemical
biotransformation rates are also required for in vitro to in vivo extrapolation and reverse
toxicokinetics. Despite the fundamental value of biotransformation rate information,
relatively few measured in vivo data are available compared to the thousands of
commercial chemicals requiring evaluation. The objectives of this research are to
compile, evaluate and compare existing in vivo, in vitro and in silico data streams for
estimating biotransformation rates for organic chemicals in fish and select mammalian
species. The literature and existing publicly available databases of in vitro (S9,
hepatocytes, microsomal assays) and in vivo biotransformation rate estimates in mammals
(humans and rodents) and fish are collected and evaluated. In vitro to in vivo
extrapolation models are developed and applied to the in vitro data to obtain estimates of
hepatic clearance, and as applicable, whole body biotransformation rate (clearance, or
half-life) estimates. In vitro biotransformation rate estimates and in silico predictions
from existing screening-level quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) are
compared to in vivo biotransformation rate estimates. The data compilation includes: (1)
whole body biotransformation rate constant estimates for approximately 940 chemicals in
humans and 700 organic chemicals in fish and (2) in vitro biotransformation rate constants
measured for 8,000 chemicals in humans and 130 chemicals in fish. Key uncertainties and
challenges comparing the datasets are described and a strategy to address data gaps and
uncertainty for estimating biotransformation rates is discussed.
585
We-SY-A2.2
Leveraging Publically Available Chemical Functional Use Data in Support of Exposure
Prediction
Kristin Isaacs, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States
Katherine Phillips, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Research Triangle Park,
North Carolina, United States
Peter Egeghy, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States
Kathie Dionisio, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States
John Wambaugh, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States
The U.S. EPA Exposure Forecasting (ExpoCast) project aims to provide rapid screening-
level exposure predictions for thousands of chemicals, most of which lack detailed
exposure data. Chemical functional use - the role a chemical plays in processes or
products (e.g. solvent, antimicrobial, plasticizer) - may be a useful heuristic for predicting
exposure potential in that it reflects both the compound’s likely physical properties as
well as the product formulations, consumer articles, or industrial processes in which it
may be used. Functional use information is also critical in alternatives assessment, in
which safer chemicals that can perform a particular role in products are identified. Here,
data on chemical functional use for more than 14,000 chemicals were collected from
publically available government, manufacturer, and industry sources. A new standardized
Functional Use (FUse) database was created by harmonizing 240 function categories across
sources. The FUse database was used to build machine-learning classifier models for
function and consumer product weight fraction using descriptor sets of either chemical
structure or a combination of predicted physical-chemical properties and chemical
structure. Statistically robust models (i.e., those passing a y-randomization test and
having 5-fold cross-validation error of <25%) were built for 44 functions and weight
fractions. The final models were applied to a library of 8,500 mostly data-poor chemicals,
including those being tested using high-throughput methods in the U.S. interagency
Toxicology in the 21st Century (Tox21) program. In addition, the predictions generated by
the classification models were used to screen the chemical library for potential
alternatives on the basis of an average in-vitro bioactivity metric generated from a suite
of 16 Tox21 assays. Functional role could be predicted with high probability (>80%) for
2,332 chemicals; of these chemicals, 1,034 had a lower bioactivity metric than at least
one known chemical with that function. The presented functional use database and
models have wide applications both in alternatives assessment and in the refinement and
parameterization of heuristic-based and mechanistic models of human exposures in
ExpoCast. This abstract does not necessarily reflect U.S. EPA policy.
586
We-SY-A2.3
New Data from EPA’s Exposure Forecasting (ExpoCast) Project
John Wambaugh, U.S. E.P.A., Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
Alice Yau, Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, United States
Anne Marie Gregg, Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, OH, United States
Ann Louise Sumner, Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, OH, United States
Kristin Favela, Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, United States
Derya Biryol, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Research Triangle
Park, NC, United States
Peter Egeghy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, United
States
Chris Grulke, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, United
States
Kristin Isaacs, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, United
States
Xiaoyu Liu, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, United
States
Kamel Mansouri, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Research Triangle
Park, NC, United States
Chantel NicolasNorth Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, United States
Katherine Phillips, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC,
United States
Ann Richard, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, United
States
Caroline Ring, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Research Triangle
Park, NC, United States
Woodrow Setzer, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC,
United States
Jon Sobus, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, United
States
Antony Williams, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC,
United States
Russell Thomas, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC,
United States
The health risks posed by the chemicals in our environment depends on both chemical
hazard and exposure. However, relatively few chemicals have estimates of exposure
intake, hampering risk estimations for thousands of chemicals. The U.S. EPA Exposure
Forecasting (ExpoCast) project aims to provide rapid, provisional exposure predictions for
all commercially used chemicals. In order to provide rapid predictions of human and
ecological exposure, the EPA is developing mathematical models, organizing and analyzing
extant data, and using new tools such as screening-mode mass spectrometry (MS) to
collect new data on chemical properties, use, and occurrence. The pilot phase of the
ExpoCast data collection has focused on four activities: 1) high throughput
physicochemical property measurements, 2) new biomonitoring data, 3) chemical
emissivity data for articles of commerce, and 4) chemical deformulation of consumer
products and articles of commerce. As an example of ExpoCast data collection, a selection
of 100 objects that might be found in the home was screened using gas chromatography
587
(GC) x GC time of flight MS, and 3803 unique chemical signatures were observed in test
objects. 1608 of the signatures could be confirmed or tentatively identified. Only 184 of
the 1608 chemicals had previously been known to have potential proximate or “near field”
sources of exposure. The new data streams will be used to expand the domain of
applicability, and to refine, and validate existing ExpoCast models. This abstract does not
necessarily reflect U.S. EPA policy.
588
We-SY-A2.4
Rapid methods to estimate exposure to VOCs and SVOCs in the indoor environment
John Little, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
A systematic and efficient strategy is needed to assess and manage the potential risks to
human health that arise from the manufacture and use of thousands of chemicals. Among
available tools for rapid assessment of large numbers of chemicals, significant gaps are
associated with the capability to evaluate exposures that occur indoors. For both volatile
organic compounds (VOCs) and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), exposure is
strongly influenced by the types of materials and products in which the chemicals occur.
For VOC emissions, important parameters governing exposure are the diffusion coefficient
(D), and initial material-phase concentration (C0). A simple method for determining D and
C0 using data from ventilated chamber tests and dimensionless analysis is developed and
validated using VOC emission data from a material emissions database. With these
parameters in hand, screening-level estimates of inhalation exposure to VOCs can be
made. For SVOCs, there are two primary SVOC source classes: additives in products used
indoors and ingredients in products sprayed or applied to interior surfaces. In both cases,
important parameters governing exposure are the gas-phase concentration in equilibrium
with the material or product (y0) and the partition coefficient between airborne particles
and air (Kp). We have developed simple methods to measure these two parameters.
Then, accounting for product use, emission characteristics, and the properties of the
SVOCs, we estimate exposure via inhalation of SVOCs in the gas-phase, inhalation of SVOCs
sorbed to airborne particles, ingestion of SVOCs sorbed to dust, and dermal sorption of
SVOCs from the air into the blood. Further development of a comprehensive set of models
for estimating exposure to volatile chemicals in materials and products is needed. When
combined with rapid toxicity estimates, screening-level exposure estimates for both VOCs
and SVOCs can be used for health-risk-based prioritization of a wide range of chemicals of
concern.
589
We-SY-A2.5
Targeted and Non-Targeted Approaches to Measuring SVOC Exposure Using Handwipes
and Indoor Dust
Heather Stapleton, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
Lee Ferguson, Duke University, Durham, United States
Bernadette Vogler, Duke University, Durham, United States
Stephanie Hammel, Duke University, Durham, United States
Kate Hoffman, Duke University, Durham, United States
Craig Butt, Duke University, Durham, United States
Thomas Webster, Boston University, Boston, United States
Several classes of semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) are used as additives in plastics
and textiles found in a number of consumer products and building materials. As a result,
SVOCs are ubiquitously detected in the indoor environment, and a number of these
compounds are suspected of being linked with health effects including
neurodevelopmental effects and metabolic disorders. Human exposure can occur through
contact with consumer products, indoor furnishings, inhalation, and inadvertent ingestion
of indoor dust. Many of these contaminants are endocrine disruptors, including phthalates,
flame retardants, and pesticides. Using mass spectrometry based approaches, we have
previously shown that a range of brominated and organophosphate SVOCs are ubiquitous
and abundant in indoor dust samples and are frequently detected in handwipes collected
from people. For several of these chemicals, levels measured on handwipes are predictive
of levels measured in the body. However, there are likely other SVOCs present in these
samples that are “missed” using our targeted analyses. Therefore, we developed a non-
targeted, HPLC-HRMS analytical method to identify mixtures of SVOCs present in 10 paired
samples of hand-wipes and household dust. We utilized a stepwise workflow based on use
of accurate molecular mass, high-fidelity isotope measurements, and data-directed
HRMS/MS spectra for querying public molecular databases. An LTQ-Orbitrap Velos mass
spectrometer operated in either positive or negative ESI mode was programmed to acquire
continuous high-resolution (R>100,000) full-scan (m/z 150-2000) data as well as data-
dependent CID spectra concurrently. Chromatograms were then processed for molecular
feature detection and annotation with molecular formula and structure based on accurate
mass, isotope abundance, intensity, MS/MS spectrum, and retention time filtering.
Tentative identifications of compounds in individual samples, by accurate mass (80%) and
MS/MS library match scores (>50%), were used to compile a list of putatively identified
compounds. Using this approach, 13 chemicals were tentatively identified and
demonstrated significant associations between handwipes and dust extracts. These SVOCs
included tricresyl phosphate (plasticizer), triclocarbon (antimicrobial agent), Sudan 3
(diazo dye) and imazalil (fungicide). These results demonstrate that non-targeted
analytical approaches can enable a much more comprehensive exposure data sets for
SVOCs than targeted approaches alone, and can provide unique “leads” for further
investigation of health effects.
590
591
We-PL-B2: Exposure Factors
We-PL-B2.1
Update to the U.S. EPA’s Guidelines for Human Exposure Assessment
Nicolle Tulve, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North
Carolina, United States
Marian Olsen, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, New York, New York, United States
Michael Broder, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, District of Columbia,
United States
The mission of the U.S. EPA is to protect human health and the environment by
understanding, characterizing, and reducing risks associated with exposure to
environmental contaminants. Exposure science characterizes, estimates, and predicts
exposures and provides information for developing exposure and risk assessments as well
as effective strategies for reducing exposure and risk. When conducting a risk assessment,
an assessor needs to understand whether an agent may cause an adverse health effect and
how exposure to that agent may be reduced. Advances in the field of exposure science
require updated resources for conducting exposure and risk assessments. The Guidelines
for Human Exposure Assessment has been prepared to provide an updated resource for
exposure and risk assessors and managers both within and outside the Agency. This
document builds on the 1992 Guidelines, incorporating advances in the field that have
occurred since the Guidelines were originally published. It reflects the best science
currently conducted across the Agency. This updated document describes the principles
of exposure assessment, provides guidance on approaches to conduct an exposure
assessment, presents references for more detailed information, and supplies hyperlinks to
exposure assessment tools and technical documents. The Guidelines are arranged into
chapters, each of which explores a component of the exposure assessment process,
including: basic concepts and principles in exposure science; planning and scoping;
incorporating lifestages, vulnerable groups, and populations of concern into an
assessment; collecting and using data; using models; planning an observational exposure
measurement study; evaluating uncertainty and variability; and presenting and
communicating results. This presentation will highlight and showcase many of the updates
in the document and provide an update on the review and publication status of the
document.
592
We-PL-B2.2
Total Exposure Health - A Revolutionary Way to Think of Exposure and Primary
Prevention
Richard Hartman, United State Air Force, Falls Church, Virginia, United States
Col Kirk Phillips, US Air Force, Fall Church, Virginia, United States
Background: Private and public sector organizations in the US have made strides toward
achieving the President’s Precision Medicine Initiative (PMI), an approach for disease
prevention and treatment that takes into account an individual’s unique genes,
environment, and lifestyles to provide personalized healthcare. However, they have
overlooked one key factor that influences individual health risks, which drives policy as
well as protective and clinical interventions: the exposure.
In response to the PMI, we created Total Exposure Health (TEH) which associates
exposures to the individual’s DNA enriching primary prevention with forward vision using
advancements in medicine, science, technology, and informatics.
Objectives: To present TEH as it's being operationalized in the US Air Force and
demonstrate how: 1) TEH advances epidemiology, bioinformatics, and “Big Data” by
aggregating and analyzing large amounts of specific group and individual exposure data
using advanced informatics to provide individual and population health risk analysis; 2)
TEH incorporates environment, workplace, and lifestyle exposures by accounting for all
exposures and their ties to genetics/genomics and a person’s predispositions to disease;
and 3) TEH fosters research and technology by supporting sensor development and applied
toxicology models for rapid identification of unknown threats and low-level exposure
biomarkers in human genomics. Collectively, TEH provides a pathway to personalized
health to maximize human performance and ultimately overall well-being.
Methods: Currently, we have the ability to collect refined information on the individual
based on their exposure and genetics which allows us to focus on unique interventions. We
will discuss various operational models to show how TEH takes our existing knowledge of
“exposures” and connects them to the individual’s organ systems, cellular function, and
DNA, along with how classic exposure modeling advances science, technology, medicine,
and informatics. We will also show how TEH will position “exposure scientists” to improve
the patient/provider experience with a focus on individual exposures (unique and
targeted).
Results: Exposure means different things to different people, so we conveniently packaged
TEH into a simple brand. We revealed TEH as a catalyst to move exposure health away
from animal data and population models to individual personalized effects of exposure.
We also found TEH fosters innovations in research and technology development and can
promote economic development, particularly in science, technology, engineering and
mathematics (STEM) career fields. Lastly, we found TEH to be a system integrator
between programs, policies, and disciplines that creates collaborations to bridge the
divide between “Precision Medicine” and “Population health”.
593
We-PL-B2.4
Emerging exposure and policy interventions: A vulnerability analysis for urban
population to air-borne particulate matter
Audil Rashid, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan
Faiza Naseem, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China, People's
Republic of
Muhammad Ubaid Ali, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Human exposure to environmental contaminants is unprecedented. World Health
Organization has highlighted environmental disease burden a major health risk for
developing countries. In the successive years (2012–14), two major hospitals in Rawalpindi
city have witnessed rapid increase in air borne health anomalies among population such as
upper respiratory tract infections, chest congestion, allergic response etc. Human
exposure to air pollutants in urban environment cause considerable disease burden
however, a scientific assessment is necessary to attribute health risks. Based on this
premise, this study was conducted in urban area of Rawalpindi city with an aim to analyze
population exposure to dust and particulate matter (PM) in relation to their vulnerability
for disease susceptibility. Data from hospital records as well as through questionnaire-
based survey was collected about exposure estimates, work environment, disease history,
socio-demographic aspects and health risk type. The observed population (males=452 and
females=128) of adult ages had numerous exposure durations ranging from 4 to 12 h day–1.
Chi square test revealed ‘age’ and ‘occupation’ significant but ‘gender’ inconsistent with
respiratory symptoms. A Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.74 was maintained for reliability of
health variables. Logistic regression analysis showed ‘shortness of breath’ (β= 2.62; odds
ratio=13.8; 95% CI = 3.63–52.41) has highest risk factor followed by ‘eye redness’ (β= 1.14;
odds ratio=3.1; 95% CI =1.55–6.30). Overall a direct relationship between exposure to dust
and PM with population illness was observed especially during construction of Rawalpindi
Metro Bus Project in 2014. We conclude that degradation of environmental health has
strong negative impact on general urban population that has not only lowered their
functional capacity but also placed them at higher risk category. To overcome this
challenge, prevention of human exposure to air pollution can be an effective intervention
measure especially for people who are more vulnerable.
594
We-PL-B2.5
Human Exposure Factors as a Potential Determinant of Heterogeneity in City-Specific
Associations between PM2.5 and Mortality
Lisa Baxter, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park,
North Carolina, United States
Kathie Dionisio, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park,
North Carolina, United States
Lucas Neas, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Chapel Hill, North Carolina,
United States
The inability to explain the city-to-city heterogeneity in PM2.5 mortality risk estimates
observed in multi-city studies remains a key uncertainty in the examination of the
relationship between short-term PM2.5 exposures and mortality. Measurements from
fixed-site monitors are often used as surrogates of exposure but may introduce bias into
the observed risk estimates if the relationship between fixed-site monitor measurements
and personal exposures varies by city. Factors that can affect personal exposures include
housing characteristics (e.g. home age and size), commuting patterns (e.g. commuting
distance and times), and climatic factors (e.g. cooling and heating days).
The objective of this analysis is to determine whether human exposure factors can help
explain the observed heterogeneity in the associations between PM2.5 measured at fixed-
site monitors and total non-accidental mortality. Rate ratios were generated for 313 core-
based statistical areas and their metropolitan divisions across the continental United
States for 1999-2005. Log rate ratios (betas) were derived from a model adjusting for
time, an interaction with age-group, day of week, and natural splines of current
temperature, current dew point, and unconstrained temperature at lags 1, 2, and 3. The
heterogeneity in the betas was assessed by linear regression with inverse variance
weights. The human exposure factors examined included housing type (e.g. detached vs.
attached home), number of rooms in residence, commuting time and modes, type of
heating fuel used, and annual cooling and heating degree days.
Overall a 1.02% (95% CI 0.86-1.18) increase in non-accidental mortality per 10 micrograms
per cubic meter increase in 24-hour average PM2.5 concentrations at lag 1 was observed.
Factors related to home size, fraction of duplex homes and median number of rooms,
were associated with a 0.13% and 0.26% increase in mortality, respectively. A positive
association of 0.32% was also observed with annual number heating degree days.
Therefore larger homes and colder temperature were associated with increases in
mortality. For heating fuel type, results depended on the type of fuel used. A larger
fraction of homes heated using utility gas was negatively associated with mortality (-
0.41%) while having a larger fraction of homes heated with oil was positively associated
(0.14%) with the percent increase in mortality.
Multi-city population-based epidemiological studies have observed heterogeneity between
city-specific PM2.5-mortality effect estimates. One possible reason for the differences
observed between cities may be differences in human exposure factors.
595
We-SY-C2: What are the requirements for nanomaterial exposure models? – II
We-SY-C2.1
A Multimedia Model For Nanoparticle Fate And Biotic Update In The Environment
Stephen Lofts, NERC Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster, United Kingdom
Egon Dumont, NERC Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Wallingford, United Kingdom
Virginie Keller, NERC Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Wallingford, United Kingdom
Richard Williams, NERC Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Wallingford, United Kingdom
Antonia Praetorius, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
Frank von der Kammer, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
Geert Cornelis, Swedish Agricultural University, Uppsala, Sweden
Susana Loureiro, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
Nico van den Brink, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands
Predicting the behaviour of manufactured nanomaterials (MNMs) following release into the
environment is key to assessing their ultimate fate and potential risks. Developing models
of MNM transfer through environmental compartments following release is therefore an
essential component of assessing their environmental sustainability.
MNMs present a specific challenge to models due to their chemical and physical diversity,
for example metals, metal oxides, carbon nanotubes, quantum dots. Furthermore, MNMs
are frequently manufactured with capping agents or other types of coatings, or may be
enclosed within product matrices (for example, antifouling paints containing zinc or
copper-based MNMs). Such modifications increase the physicochemical complexity of the
particles and may further modify their environmental behaviour. Additionally, MNMs may
transform prior to environmental release (for example, in sewage treatment works) or
following environmental release (for example, by dissolution or heteroaggregation).
Environmental models of MNMs thus require the capability to simulate a wide range of
physicochemical forms and behaviours, within a single framework. Such a framework
ideally needs to be readily updatable, to permit simulation of MNMs not yet in commercial
use.
The NanoFASE Horizon2020 project (2015-2019) aims to tackle the particular issues of
multimedia nanoparticle modelling by developing a spatially-explicit, gridded dynamic
model of nanoparticle transport, transformation and biouptake (the NanoFASE model)
using object-oriented programming (OOP) concepts. The OOP approach allows for the
system to be considered as a linked set of ‘objects’ representing entities such as a layer of
soil or sediment, a population of organisms, or a population of nanoparticles. The
complete model system will comprise terrestrial and aquatic compartments, with a link to
atmospheric deposition modelling, to allow holistic simulation of nanoparticle fate and
biouptake. It is intended for application at scales up to that of a large European river
catchment.
The model will be divided into ‘transport’ and ‘transformation’ components. The transport
component will handle the bulk movement of MNMs, for example in river flow, settling
sediments, soil porewater and surface soil erosion to waters. The transformation
component will handle key MNM transformations and reactions within environmental
compartments, such as heteroaggregation and adsorption of environmental species such as
dissolved organic matter. MNMs will be categorised by ‘type’, where all MNMs within a
596
single ‘type’ will share common algorithms for transformations within each environmental
compartment. The number and nature of the types simulated will be readily extensible,
thus allowing for the efficient addition of new nanoparticle types to the model.
Object arrangement for the transport component of the NanoFASE model
597
We-SY-C2.2
Modeling Environmental Interactions of Nanomaterials in Aquatic Ecosystems
Mark Wiesner, Duke University, Center for the Environmental Implications of
NanoTechnology, Durham, North Carolina, United States
Environmental transformations and exposure are key elements in determining the
environmental and health effects of nanomaterials. The study of nanomaterial impacts on
environment, health and safety (nanoEHS) has been largely predicated on the assumption
that exposure and hazard can be predicted from physical-chemical properties of
nanomaterials. This approach is rooted in the view that nanoöbjects essentially resemble
chemicals with additional particle-based attributes that must be included among their
intrinsic physical-chemical descriptors. The complexity of a system’s effects on
nanoparticle properties tends to obscure predictive links between intrinsic properties of
nanomaterials and their impacts. An expedient alternative to directly linking ENM
properties to impacts is to focus on standardized reproducible measurements of relevant
nanomaterial behaviors in relevant systems that can inform near-term decision-making.
We refer to procedures that produce such measurements as functional assays.
Tools for predicting the environmental behaviour include functional assays that can be
used to evaluate nanomaterial properties in complex or reference systems. Simulations
show that nanoparticles introduced in a complex, albeit greatly simplified environment
exhibit a wide range of behaviors depending on their affinities for each other and their
concentrations. The complexity of these interactions appears to be governed by the
relative affinity of nanoparticles for each other (autoaggregation) and with background
particles (heteroaggregation) and other native surfaces. A functional assay for determining
the affinity of nanoparticles for complex mixtures of native particles will be presented.
This talk will summarize a series of laboratory and mesocosm studies designed to evaluate
such interactions. Cases of bioüptake, trophic transfer, material transfer and cycling of
nanomaterials observed in these experiments will be presented in concert with analysis of
the relative toxicity of engineered nanomaterials observed to date compared with more
conventional contaminants. Principles for conducting studies using nano-scale phases in
toxicity studies will be discussed in the context of transport and transformations of
nanomaterials to be considered.
598
We-SY-C2.3
Environmental Exposure Modeling Of Engineered Nanoparticles
Johannes Meesters, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands
Joris Quik, RIVM, Bilthoven, Netherlands
Dik Van de Meent, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands
Jan Hendriks, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands
Bart Koelmans, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands
The novel developed tool SimpleBox4nano (SB4N) covers the necessary adjustments to
make the multimedia fate model SimpleBox (SB) used for environmental risk assessment of
chemicals fit for nano. SB4N enables simulation of the environmental fate of engineered
nanoparticles (ENPs) attached to natural particles and the chemical distribution within
compartments to be calculated with rates instead of partitioning equilibria, including
dissolution as a removal or transformation process. SB4N is a deterministic model requiring
single values for physical and chemical properties of the ENPs and emissions as default
inputs. In reality the model parameters reflecting the environment are subjected to
natural variability, whereas the input parameters are subjected to uncertainty. Therefore,
data have been collected for all of SB4N’s input and model parameters reflecting realistic
distributions of variability and uncertainty. These distributions have been inserted in
Monte Carlo (MC) simulations of the environmental fate of the three mostly used metal
oxide ENPs in Europe nano-TiO2, nano-ZnO and nano-CeO2. From this evaluation of the
confidence in the predicted environmental concentrations (PECs) calculated with SB4N, it
is concluded that screening level multimedia fate models are appropriate for conservative
estimations of environmental exposure to ENPs. Uncertainties in ENP emissions,
physicochemical properties and natural variability of the environmental system only leads
to a variation in total PECs that is comparable to that of conventional chemicals: a factor
10 for air and water, 10,000 for sediments, and 100 for soil. Species concentrations of
ENPs as free pristine , hetero-aggregated with natural colloid particles, or attached to
coarse particles is less feasible to extrapolate to other nanomaterials, because they
strongly depend on their physicochemical properties. Evaluation of the influence of ENP
properties on their environmental fate indicates that the most environmentally persistent
ENPs are determined to be insoluble (< 10-10 s-1), small (persistency decreases with ENP
size), and have attachment efficiencies high enough to accumulate in soil (> 10-6) and
sediments (>10-6), whereas ENPs that are persistent in a free pristine state are large,
insoluble (<10-10 s-1 )and have low attachment efficiencies (<10-6). Ultimately, the goal
of environmental exposure estimation is to predict whether exposure concentrations
exceed predicted no-effect concentrations. A case study on nano-TiO2 proves that
accounting for exposure to hetero-aggregates is crucial in environmental risk assessment.
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Natural variability and uncertainty in probabilistic environmental exposure estimation.
600
We-SY-C2.4
Panel discussion on the requirements for nanomaterial exposure models
Joris Quik, RIVM, Bilthoven, Netherlands
Exposure models for nanomaterials are currently available and under active development.
However, the relevance of these models for application by industry or to support policy is
not always clear. What is the relevant output of such exposure models for nanomaterials
in order to support safe innovation? How does that output relate to the regulatory
definition of a nanomaterial? What are relevant or acceptable input data requirements,
considering users in policy and industry? The previous presentations will form the basis for
a panel discussion of these topics.
601
We-SY-D2: Biomonitoring: Uses in Policy and Regulations and Enhancements
as a Result of Collaborative Efforts
We-SY-D2.1
The US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)
Antonia Calafat, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, United States
People in modern societies are potentially exposed to thousands of environmental
chemicals. Some of these chemicals are toxic in animal studies and replacement chemicals
are entering consumer markets. Understanding the extent of exposures to both original
and replacement chemicals is of public health interest. Biomonitoring measurements (i.e.,
amounts of a given chemical present in the body) are used more and more to quantify
exposures within populations. Biomonitoring programs are particularly useful for assessing
human exposures to environmental chemicals. In the United States, one of these
programs, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) is conducted
annually since 1999 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. NHANES
participants undergo a physical examination, answer comprehensive questionnaires on
demographics and health behaviors (including diet), and provide detailed medical history,
as well as biological specimens (i.e., blood and urine)—some of which are used to assess
exposure to select chemicals. NHANES biomonitoring data have important uses in public
health. NHANES data showed that exposure to some chemicals is prevalent and may
reflect lifestyle differences. NHANES biomonitoring data have also been used to establish
reference ranges, to provide exposure information for risk assessment (e.g., set
intervention and research priorities, evaluate effectiveness of public health measures),
and to monitor exposure trends. For example, NHANES data suggest that reformulation of
commercial products and regulations limiting phthalate plasticizer content in certain
applications in the United States during the last decade may have had important
implications for exposures to phthalates and their commercial replacements.
602
We-SY-D2.2
Health Canada's human biomonitoring initiatives and their use in public policy
Douglas Haines, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Ellen Lye, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Tye E. Arbuckle, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Ottawa, Ontario,
Canada
Shawn Donaldson, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Ottawa, Ontario,
Canada
Human biomonitoring (HBM) is used as an indicator and quantitative measure of exposure
by measuring environmental chemicals, their metabolites or reaction products in
biological specimens. We describe Health Canada’s HBM initiatives in the general
population, pregnant women, indigenous peoples, and northerners and highlight the use of
their results in public policy.
The Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) launched in 2007 is a nationally-
representative cross-sectional direct health measures survey. National HBM blood and
urine data are available for ages 6-79 years in CHMS cycle 1 (2007-2009), and for 3-79
years in cycles 2 (2009-2011) and 3 (2012-2013). Field collection has been completed for
cycle 4 (2014-2015), with cycle 5 (2016-2017) in progress and planning for cycle 6 (2018-
2019) being finalized. HBM results for about 270 chemicals are expected over these cycles.
The Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals Study was established to obtain
Canadian HBM data for pregnant women and their infants and to examine potential
adverse effects on pregnancy and infant health. About 2000 pregnant women from 10 sites
across Canada were recruited between 2008 and 2011. Maternal blood, urine, hair and
breast milk, cord blood and infant meconium were analyzed for a range of environmental
biomarkers.
The First Nations Biomonitoring Initiative is a representative survey of First Nations
peoples 20 years and older, living on reserve south of the 60th parallel. It was conducted
in 2011 and has provided HBM blood and urine data for 97 chemicals.
The Northern Contaminants Program, established in 1991, has undertaken targeted HBM
studies in Canadian Arctic communities with a focus on metals and persistent organic
pollutants (POPs).
The chemicals measured in these initiatives include metals, trace elements, PCBs,
organochlorines, dioxins, furans, flame retardants, perfluoroalkyl substances,
environmental phenols, triclocarban, acrylamide, chlorophenols, pesticides, phthalates,
volatile organic compounds, PAHs, and tobacco biomarkers.
Results from these initiatives have established baseline HBM concentrations in Canadians.
They have been used in federal regulatory risk assessment and management of chemicals
(e.g. cobalt, lead , perfluorooctanoic acid, selenium, triclosan, phthalates). HBM studies
have informed public health advisories on the consumption of traditional diets and
exposure to contaminants. HBM data are part of the Canadian Environmental Sustainability
Indicators national reporting and fulfill international reporting under the Stockholm
Convention on POPs, the Minamata Mercury Convention and the Arctic Monitoring and
Assessment Programme. Concurrent efforts are underway to develop statistically- and
risk-based concepts and tools to interpret HBM data.
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We-SY-D2.3
The German Human Biomonitoring Program
Marike Kolossa-Gehring, German Environment Agency (UBA), Berlin, Germany
André Conrad, German Environment Agency (UBA), Berlin, Germany
Christine Schulz, German Environment Agency (UBA), Berlin, Germany
Ulrike Fiddicke, German Environment Agency (UBA), Berlin, Germany
Petra Apel, German Environment Agency (UBA), Berlin, Germany
Gerda Schwedler, German Environment Agency (UBA), Berlin, Germany
The German population is still substantially exposed to chemicals. Some of which have
already been restricted and cannot be reasonably further regulated, others just recently
raised concern. Exposure levels as well as their sources and development over time are
well documented by the German human biomonitoring (HBM) program consisting of the
population-representative German Environmental Survey (GerES) and the German
Environmental Specimen Bank (ESB). GerES and ESB data are used to derive reference
values for selected chemicals, analyse trends, identify sources, derive exposure reduction
measures, and identify highly exposed sub-groups.
The information is transferred specifically to the federal government and other policy
makers, the scientific community and the general population including sub-groups with
special needs for risk-communication.
Policy makers are supplied with vital information via specific reports including proposed
mitigation measures. Peer reviewed papers, congress participations and organisation of
workshops are used to put our scientific approaches and results under scientific scrutiny
and stimulate further research. Results are communicated to the general public via
brochures, TV and radio interviews, respective websites, as well as personal counseling.
For ethical reasons, participants of GerES and USB are informed as soon as possible about
the concentrations of analysed substances in their blood, urine, drinking water and indoor
air samples or whether a concentration was elevated according to either the statistical
derived reference value or the toxicologically derived HBM-value, both stipulated by the
German HBM Commission. The reference values are defined according to the 95th
percentiles of the measured concentrations of selected substances in human samples (e.
g. blood or urine). Hence, they allow for identifying unusually high body burden of
individuals, they cannot serve to evaluate health risks. Later can be achieved by mean of
the health-related biological exposure assessment values (HBM values). The derivation of
HBM-values is another key activity of the HBM Commission. The HBM-I value represents the
concentration of a substance in blood, urine or serum at or below which, according to
current knowledge and assessment by the HBM Commission, there is no risk of adverse
health effects. Above HBM-I health effects cannot be ruled out any more with sufficient
certainty. The HBM-II value defines the concentration above which adverse health effects
are to be expected. Consequently, exposure reduction measures and the provision of
biomedical advice are strongly recommended when HBM-II is exceeded.
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We-SY-D2.4
The Flemish Environment and Health studies, a participative approach with impact on
policies
Greet Schoeters, VITO, Mol, Belgium
Ilse Loots, Uantwerpen, Antwerp, Belgium
Karen Van Campenhout, Flemish Governement, Brussels, Belgium
Hana Chovanova, Flemish governement, Brussels, Belgium
Baeyens Willy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
Van Larebeke Nick, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
Elly Den Hond, Scientific Institute of Public Health, Brussels, Belgium
Tim Narwot, University Hasselt, Hasselt, Belgium
Isabelle Sioen, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
Bert Morrens, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
Ann Colles, VITO, Mol, Belgium
Vera NelenPIH, Antwerp, Belgium
Background: Flanders, the Northern part of Belgium, is heavily industrialised, very densily
populated and has a dense network of traffic roads. Since 2002, chemical exposure of the
population is monitored by human biomonitoring. This HBM program is the core activity of
the Center of Expertise on Health and Environment which combines surveillance with an
interdisciplinary research program that is engrafted on the biomonitoring framework.
Objectives: “Monitoring for action” has been the first slogan and primary goal of the
Flemish Environment and Health Surveillance (FLEHS) program. This implies that a
scientific approach has been developed to make sure that the HBM data are fit for purpose
and used to inform policy options.
Methods: Each HBM cycle has been framed in a code of conduct that has been agreed upon
by the different stakeholders. Transparency of the process, open communication of the
results, the willingness to take into account different perspectives and subsidiarity are
the corner stones of our “playing rules .” Multicriteria decision frameworks have been
developed to select priority pollutants for biomonitoring, to select hot spot areas for
biomonitoring and to prioritise the outcome of human biomonitoring programs for further
actions. These consultations involve representatives from environment and health
agencies, experts from inside and outside the FLEHS consortium and representatives from
the civil society.
Results:
In different successive HBM campaigns we obtained exposure data of more than 50
prioritised environmental chemicals in three age groups (newborn – mothers, adolescents
and adults) in a geographically representative sample of the Flemish population. We have
evaluated in three hot spot areas whether exposure in adolescents was higher than in the
reference adolescent population. Exposure markers were evaluated in relation to effect
biomarkers and to specific health parameters such as performance in neurobehavioural
tests, reporting of doctors’ diagnosed asthmas and allergies, health records on puberty
development.
Conclusion:
The participative evaluation of the results has resulted in actions including sensibilisation
of the public, regulatory measures and optimization of the environmental monitoring
networks.
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606
We-SY-D2.5
European Human Biomonitoring Initiative: objectives and strategy
Catherine Ganzleben, Euroepan Environment Agency, Copenhagen, Copenhagen City,
Denmark
Greet Schoeters, VITO, Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
Argelia Castaño Calvo, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Madrid, Spain
Denis Sarigiannis, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Marike Kolossa-Gehring, Umweltbundesamt, Berlin, Greece
Ovnair Sepai, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
Jean Philippe ANTIGNAC, L’Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire, Agroalimentaire et de
l’Alimentation Nantes-Atlantique, Nantes, France
Jana Klánová, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
Erik Lebret, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven,
Netherlands
Robert BAROUKI, French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM),
Paris, France
The proposal for a European Human Biomonitoring initiative was developed by a
consortium of representatives from 26 countries, with input from the European
Environment Agency, in response to a Horizon 2020 call, under the Work Programme on
Health, demographics changes and well-being. The proposal was submitted in April 2016
and, if accepted, the initiative will launch early 2017. This presentation will outline the
objectives and strategy of the initiative.
The overarching goal of the initiative is to generate knowledge to inform the safe
management of chemicals and so protect human health in Europe. We will use human
biomonitoring to understand human exposure to chemicals and resulting health impacts
and will communicate with policy makers to ensure that our results are exploited in the
design of new chemicals policies and the evaluation of existing measures.
Key objectives include:
• Harmonizing procedures for human biomonitoring across 26 countries, to provide
policy makers with comparable data on human internal exposure to chemicals and
mixtures of chemicals at EU level;
• Linking data on internal exposure to chemicals to aggregate external exposure and
identifying exposure pathways and upstream sources. Information on exposure pathways,
including environmental, occupational, consumer and dietary exposure, is critical to the
design of targeted policy measures to reduce exposure;
• Generating scientific evidence on the causal links between human exposure to
chemicals and negative health outcomes; and
• Adapting chemical risk assessment methodologies to use human biomonitoring data
and account for the contribution of multiple external exposure pathways to the total
chemical body burden.
We will achieve these objectives by harmonizing human biomonitoring initiatives in 26
countries, drawing on existing expertise and building new capacities. To this end, we will
create a robust Human Biomonitoring Platform at European level, supported by National
Hubs in each country. The National Hubs will consolidate expertise and experience at
national level, feed priorities up to EU level, and coordinate activities between the
national and EU level.
607
The initiative will contribute directly to the improvement of health and well-being for all
age groups, by investigating how exposure to chemicals affects the health of different
groups, such as children, pregnant women, foetuses and workers. We will also investigate
how factor such as behavior, lifestyle and socio-economic status influence internal
exposure to chemicals across the EU population. This knowledge will support policy action
at EU and national levels to reduce chemical exposure and protect health.
608
We-SY-E2: Exposure to SVOCs in the Indoor Environment - Products,
Emissions, Exposure, Pharmacokinetics and Biomarkers – II
We-SY-E2.1
Investigating Associations Between Flame Retardant Application in Televisions and
Furniture with Indoor House Dust Levels
Stephanie Hammel, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
Kate Hoffman, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
Amelia Lorenzo, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
Heather Stapleton, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
Flammability regulations such as California Technical Bulletin 117 have historically
influenced flame retardant (FR) chemical use in consumer products that are common to
indoor environments. The use of FRs in consumer products has led to their near ubiquitous
presence in indoor air and dust and to exposure among the general population. Studies
have demonstrated that FR levels in house dust are predictive of human serum levels,
suggesting most exposure occurs in the home. However, it is unclear which products
contribute most to FR levels detected in house dust. With recent global phase-out of
polybrominated diphenyl ethers, organophosphate FRs and other brominated compounds
have been increasingly used in residential furniture. Decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209)
has historically been applied to electronics such as televisions but are slowly being
replaced by other compounds such as decabromodiphenylethane (DBDPE) and 2,4,6-
tris(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)-1,3,5-triazine (TTBP-TAZ). We collected paired samples of
polyurethane foam from residential furniture (n=97), TV wipes (n=111), and house dust
(n=103) from participants' living areas to determine if the presence and levels of FRs in
furniture and TVs were predictive of dust levels. Higher levels of pentaBDEs, tris(1-chloro-
2-isopropyl)phosphate (TCIPP), and brominated components associated with Firemaster®
550 (FM550) in dust were significantly associated with their respective detections in
furniture (Z=2.4-3.0, p=0.01). BDE-209 and DBDPE were detected in over 80% of TV wipes
with TTBP-TAZ detected in 20%. A weak positive association between BDE-209 on TV
surfaces and in dust was observed in paired samples (rs=0.2, p=0.1). Levels of BDE-209 on
TV wipes were significantly greater in cathode ray tube (CRT) TVs compared to flatscreen
TVs (Z=5.4, p=0.0001). A comparison of foam and TVs suggests that TV wipes may
experience more confounding with other variables (e.g. time TV is on, cleaning, etc),
which should be explored further. In dust samples, flooring type (carpet vs. wood) was not
found to be associated with FR dust levels; however, it was associated with dust mass
loading within the designated living space.
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We-SY-E2.2
Fate and Transport of Phthalates in Indoor Environments and the Influence of
Temperature: A Case Study in a Test House
Ying Xu, The University of Texas at Austin, Ausitn, United States
Chenyang Bi, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, United States
A case study in a test house was conducted to investigate the fate and transport of benzyl
butyl phthalate (BBzP) and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) in residential indoor
environments and the influence of temperature. Total airborne concentrations of
phthalates were sensitive to indoor temperatures, and their steady-state concentration
levels increased by a factor of three with an increase in temperature from 21 to 30 ºC.
Strong sorption of phthalates was observed on interior surfaces, including dust, dish
plates, windows, mirrors, fabric cloth, and wood. Equilibrium partitioning coefficients for
phthalates adsorbed to these surfaces were determined, and their values decreased with
increasing temperature. For impervious surfaces, dimensionless partitioning coefficients
were calculated and found to be comparable to reported values of the octanol-air
partition coefficients of phthalates, Koa, suggesting that an organic film may develop on
these surfaces. In addition, sorption kinetics was studied experimentally, and the
equilibration time scale for impervious surfaces was found to be faster than that of fabric
cloth. Finally, using an indoor fate model to interpret the measurement results, there was
good agreement between model predictions and the observed indoor air concentrations of
BBzP in the test house.
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Abstract Figure
611
We-SY-E2.3
Distribution of SVOCs between gas phase, particle phase and settled house dust
Tunga Salthammer, Fraunhofer WKI, Braunschweig, Germany
Tobias Schripp, Fraunhofer WKI, Braunschweig, Germany
BACKGROUND: The physical and chemical properties of compounds are frequently applied
for modeling their distribution between different media. A similar approach is used in
indoor sciences for estimating their distribution and dynamics between gas phase, particle
phase and settled dust for estimating human exposure (see Figure 1). This, however,
requires a detailed understanding of the environmentally important compound
parameters, their interrelation and of the algorithms for calculating kinetic and
partitioning coefficients.
OBJECTIVES: Parameter uncertainties and variations of indoor conditions might influence
the distribution behavior of compounds in the indoor environment. A problem occurs for
compounds of medium volatility. In this case the description of their gas/particle
distribution behavior is due to large errors.
METHODS: The gas/particle partitioning of semi volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) is
usually estimated on basis of physico-chemical models. The parameters of major concern
for the determination of the partitioning constant Kp are the saturation vapor pressure
(p0), the Henry’s law constant (H), the octanol/water partition coefficient (KOW), the
octanol/air partition coefficient (KOA) and the air/water partition coefficient (KAW).
RESULTS: Calculated gas/particle distributions and fractions can widely differ due to the
uncertainties in predicted p0 and KOA values. This is not a serious problem if the target
com-pound is of low or high volatility, but in the intermediate region even small changes
in p0 or KOA will have a strong impact on the expected partition behavior. The precision
in prediction is also affected by a superposition of uncertainties in models and the physical
parameters. Gas/particle partitioning is usually based on adsorption or absorption theory
and does not consider the physical and chemical structure of the particle surface. The
particle concentration [TSP] also has a strong influence on the particle associated
fraction. The KOA value can only be used for particle absorption from the gas phase if the
organic portion of the particle is high. The same is true for absorption in settled house
dust. For most SVOCs, reliable experimental vapor pressures are not available. Estimation
methods often lead to partially significant deviations in the predicted values. Moreover
many algorithms do not distinguish between structural isomers. KOA is commonly derived
from KOW and KAW coefficients by KOA=KOW/KAW. Moreover, KAW and p0 are
fundamentally related to H. Experimental KOA and H values are not available for most
SVOCs and have to be calculated from QSPR approaches. This means that KOW can be
calculated from p0 and vice versa.
612
Figure 1: Distribution of SVOCs between gas phase, particle phase and settled house dust
in the indoor environment
613
We-SY-E2.4
A rapid method for measuring the air/surface partition coefficient of SVOCs
Clara Eichler, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
Yaoxing Wu, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
John Little, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
The potential health risks of human exposure to semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs)
emitted from consumer products and materials in the indoor environment are of public
health concern, but the assessment of this exposure is still difficult. Models estimating the
exposure rely on key emission parameters which are often not available. Therefore,
methods are required to measure these parameters. One important key parameter is the
air/surface partition coefficient, KS, because it controls the temporal dynamics and
distribution among many states in indoor environments. An estimation of KS using the
partition coefficients between octanol and air, Koa, and between octanol and water, Kow,
is not always sufficient, as KS changes for different combinations of SVOC compounds,
sources and sorption materials. A simple and rapid method based on passive sampling
technique was thus developed to measure air/surface partitioning coefficients of SVOCs.
The method uses disks made of the targeted material as the receiving phase. Phthalates in
two types of polyvinyl chloride flooring (VF) were selected to test the method as the
emission source, and aluminum was chosen as the test material surface. Solvent extraction
and chromatographic technique were used for sample analysis. A diffusion model has been
developed to predict the uptake rate of the passive sampler that collects phthalates
emitted from the VF surface. The values of KS and an additional parameter y0, the gas-
phase SVOC concentration immediately adjacent to the material surface in a consumer
product, were obtained by fitting the diffusion model to the sampling data. Fitting the
experimental data for the diffusion of DEHP from one type of VF to aluminum to a
diffusion model shows a KS of 320 m. The results agree well with those measured in
previous tests. The method proved useful and could be easily expanded to other
combinations of SVOCs, sources and sorption materials. As increasing numbers of such
measurements are completed, the method would make a great contribution to the
assessment of the potential exposure to SVOCs in indoor environments and can help with
the exposure based prioritization of chemicals and products.
614
We-SY-F2: Exposure science informing policy decision-making – II
We-SY-F2.1
Analyzing short-term benzene exposure data to assess the effectiveness of control
measures in the refining sector
Daan Huizer, Caesar Consult, Nijmegen, Netherlands
Joost van Rooij, Caesar Consult, Nijmegen, gld, Netherlands
Background
Recent research has suggested that regular, short-term exposures to benzene may be
associated with an increased risk of developing myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS);
haematological (blood-related) medical conditions with ineffective production of the
myeloid class of blood cells.
It is generally believed that exposures to benzene and benzene-containing products are
well controlled within industry. However, given the recent findings of a possible
association of MDS at exposure levels that approach some Short Term Exposure Limits
(STELs), it would seem prudent to summarize benzene exposures in various operations to
evaluate the effectiveness of available control measures for short-term benzene
exposures.
Objectives
In this presentation the gathering, compiling and evaluation of monitoring data on regular
short-term peak exposures to benzene at workplaces in the supply chain for petroleum
products are discussed. Information on existing industry practices and control strategies in
place are reviewed to allow the formulation of guidance in this context.
Methods
A baseline review of short-term benzene exposure data in peer-reviewed literature and
CONCAWE sector-reports was performed. Next, a standardized collection format was
developed to collect short-term benzene exposure data from individual companies in the
sector. Available benzene data were extracted for identified work area, job groups and
tasks, in accordance with the REACH task descriptors (CONCAWE) as used within the
sector. A task-exposure matrix was built in which summary statistics of the collected data
are presented for each task, when data availability allowed this.
Further analysis was performed to identify tasks for which existing industry practices
appeared either sufficient or insufficient to control short-term exposure levels of
benzene. Additional gap analysis identified tasks for which no or limited data were
available.
Results
Over 2000 short-term benzene exposure measurements were collected from 8 relevant
work areas in the refining sector. A task-exposure matrix covering up to 25 job groups and
40 unique tasks/activities was built. Although the data collection has been finalized, data
analysis is currently ongoing.
In the presentation the final results will be presented, covering exposure levels based on
the aggregated monitoring data and identified efficiencies of available risk management
measures (RMM) and/or operational conditions (OC).
615
616
We-SY-F2.2
Practical workplace specific risk communication including exposure assessment data
Koen Verbist, Cosanta B.V., Amstelveen, Netherlands
Background
To comply with legislations like REACH and the CAD much effort and money is invested by
companies in the exposure and risk assessment process and in determining control of risks.
Where needed additional risk management measures are implemented to reduce
exposure. However, the step of adequately informing and instructing employees to work
safely with the substances should not be neglected or forgotten.
Objectives
To make sure that employees work safely with hazardous materials a project was
organized to develop ready-to-use risk based workplace instruction cards that include
information on the exposure assessment. The cards will be generated with the already
available and widely used internet tool Stoffenmanager®.
Methods
Stoffenmanager® Premium clients were invited to participate in the project and give their
input and comments on the draft versions of the instruction cards. Generic model
exposure parameters were translated into understandable language for employees. A
visual language expert reviewed all texts and further refined the instructions.
Results
Specific risk driven instruction cards were developed that can be generated for each
performed risk assessment within Stoffenmanager®. This can be for a single substance of
for a mixture. The instruction card is a translation of the exposure assessment parameters
into understandable language. The cards has a visual look-and-feel. If personal protective
equipment is required, this is directly visible. Two categories of instructions are included.
The first category can be influenced by the worker (e.g. applying LEV). This category is in
the imperative mood. The second category describes these parameters that are more
related to the process and much less likely to be influenced by the worker (e.g. the room
volume, of the task descriptor). These parameters are descriptive in language.
Discussion
Stoffenmanager® is being used both under REACH as higher tier tool and under the CAD
legislation. For REACH mostly ECETOC TRA will be used as primary tool for the risk
assessment. As a result exposure scenarios (for mixtures) coming from REACH and
translated into eg. SUMI’s will mainly include the ECETOC TRA parameters and will be
generic. Downstream users applying Stoffenmanager® can easily compare the REACH
exposure scenarios with their own specific risk driven instruction cards to see if they
comply to the REACH regulation. If not, they can adjust their operational conditions and
risk management measure or choose to forward their risk assessment report.
617
We-SY-F2.3
Interval testing: A new validation method for models in occupational safety and health
Dorothea Koppisch, Institute of Occupational Safety an Health of the German Social
Accident Insurance (IFA), 53757 Sankt Augustin, Germany
Mario Arnone, Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident
Insurance (IFA), 53757 Sankt Augustin, Germany
Rainer Van Gelder, Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social
Accident Insurance (IFA), 53757 SanktAugustin, Germany
Stefan Gabriel, Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social
Accident Insurance (IFA), 53757 SanktAugustin, Germany
Aim
Model developers in the field of occupational safety and health often see themselves
confronted with the demand that the exposure estimation should be conservative. This
means that if a working place is classified as safe, it should really be safe. This demand is
often translated into: overestimation by a model is better than underestimation. On the
other hand model results should correlate with measured exposure.
To meet both requirements exposure modelling in the field of occupational safety and
health should include not only a point estimate for the exposure level. In addition to
providing estimates for the mean or median of the exposure distribution it would be
better to provide also an estimate for the variation so that higher and lower percentiles
can be modelled. If these considerations are met and the variation of exposure is also
modelled, it is important that this is also reflected by the validation method.
This presentation will therefore introduce a new validation method called interval testing.
In order to show the usefulness of this method, it will be demonstrated using the
Stoffenmanager® model and data from the German exposure database MEGA.
Methods
For interval testing a model that estimates not only the mean exposure, but also
percentiles, is needed. It is then possible to define percentile intervals. For this study we
chose the following set of percentile intervals: (0, 50], [51, 60], [61, 70], [71, 75], [76,
80], [81, 90], [91, 95], [95, 100). For every data point of the validation data set the
measured value is compared with the modelled percentiles in order to sort it into the
appropriate percentile interval. The number of data points in every percentile interval is
then compared with the expected number and Chi² is calculated.
Two model algorithms from Stoffenmanager® are used as examples.
Results
The interval testing method can be used to validate Stoffenmanager®. For algorithm one
(handling of powders and granules) a Chi² of 13.90 (p>0.05) is found and for the second
algorithms (abrasive processing of wood and stone) a Chi² of 122.98 (p<0.001).
Discussion/Conclusion
The variability of exposures over time, between and within workers should be reflected in
modelling and model validation. If a model gives not only a point estimation of the
exposure height, but also percentiles, the new validation method presented in this talk –
interval testing – fulfils these requirements.
618
We-SY-F2.4
Integrated exposure assessment to PAHs arising from the use of petroleum substances
Katleen De Brouwere, VITO, Mol, Belgium
Gudrun Koppen, VITO, Mol, Belgium
Chris Money, Cynara Consulting, Brockenhurst, United Kingdom
Hans Ketelslegers, Concawe, Brussels, Belgium
Aim
Exposures to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous. There are many
sources and many routes by which human exposure to these substances occurs. However,
the contribution of petroleum substances (PS) to PAH exposures for the general population
(i.e. non-professional) has not been widely characterised and therefore the impact is not
fully established. In view of the potential for petroleum substances to be included in the
different REACH processes (notably Evaluation and Authorisation), the aim of the project
was to identify integrated multi-source, multi-route (MSMR) exposure model(s) suitable for
characterising exposure to PAHs including those arising from the direct consumer use of
petroleum substances, as well as those occurring indirectly (such as those arising as the
result of the combustion of fuels).
Methods and results
A list of 24 ‘available integrated exposure tools’ was compiled based on models screened
within 2 recent projects on integrated exposure modelling, namely the project 4-Fun
(http://4funproject.eu/: “The FUture of FUlly integrated human exposure assessment of
chemicals”) and the the CEFIC LRI project TAGS (http://cefic-lri.org/projects/b5-certh-
realistic-estimation-of-exposure-to-substances-from-multiple-sources-tags/). After a first
screening of model relevance for PAHs, a systematic inventory of various model aspects
of relevant models was made, such as 1) model purpose, 2) exposure pathways considered
in the models, 3) model applicability domain, 4) model parameterization, 5) exposure
pathways aggregation method, 6) ease of use of model, The result of this inventory will
be presented.
A workshop was organized to discuss with model developers the application options of the
models for predicting exposures to PAHs from the use of petroleum substances, and the
possibility to verify the outcome with suitable validation data.
As an outcome, 2 models (MerlinExpo and INTEGRA) were selected as the most promising
MSMR tools to assess PAH exposures arising from the use of petroleum substances, and to
compare the predicted exposure with validation data such as biomonitoring data.
Way forward
Exposure to PAHs in 5 distinct consumer use and environmental exposure scenarios of
petroleum substances will be modelled using MerlinExpo and INTEGRA, and compared with
biomonitoring data. Preliminary results and experiences with the models will be
presented.
619
We-SY-F2.5
A study preparing for a strategy for a non-toxic environment, according to the 7th
Environmental Action Programme
Urban Boije af Gennäs, DG Environment of the European Commission, Sweden
This presentation will provide a background and present an ongoing study preparing for
the strategy for a non-toxic environment, which according to the EU 7th Environment
Action Program (7th EAP) is to be presented by 2018. The study focuses on seven topics
being substitution, substances in articles and non-toxic material cycles, protection of
children and vulnerable groups, very persistent chemicals, innovation, development of
green chemicals and early warning of approaching chemicals threats.
Aim
The aim is to study a selection of the topics highlighted in the 7th EAP in the context of a
future non-toxic environment strategy. The study will identify gaps, deficits and options
for improvement in current policies as well as gaps regarding knowledge and
methodologies. A final report is due in the first half of 2017 and will form part of the basis
of a non-toxic environment strategy, which is to be presented by the Commission in 2018.
Methods
For each topic, the study includes a literature review, describing the health and
environmental issues, the current state of play of policy, gaps and deficits as well as
improvement opportunities and best practices. Further, a workshop was held in Brussels
on June 8-9 to collect input from experts and stakeholders, in particular on improvement
opportunities and experiences from past and ongoing activities. Interviews and
questionnaires are also used in the study.
Results
The results of literature review, workshop and other collection of facts and views is to be
presented in an interim study report during the summer 2016. Apart from descriptions of
status quo for the different sub-study topics, the interim report will include preliminary
listings of improvement opportunities to address the identified gaps and deficits as well as
best practices. These findings will be further processed during the remaining part of the
study and presented in a final report during the first half of 2017.
Conclusions
A preliminary conclusion is that there is a large interest in the topics included in the study
in academia, among different kinds of stakeholders both in Europe and beyond. The level
of activity in looking for and trying out different kinds of solutions to the problem involved
is also considerable. There also seems to be strong interconnections and possible also
synergies between different measures to address gaps and deficits identified.
Keywords: EU, 7th Environment Action Program, strategy for a non-toxic environment,
substitution, substances in articles, non-toxic material cycles, protection of children,
vulnerable groups, very persistent chemicals, innovation, development of green
chemicals, early warnings, approaching chemicals threats.
620
621
We-SY-G2: Pesticide Exposure: Developing Monitoring, Methods and Modeling
in Human Health Risk Assessments (Consumer and Worker Risk) – II
We-SY-G2.1
Pesticide Exposure: Developing Monitoring, Methods and Modeling in Human Health
Risk Assessments (Consumer and Worker Risk)
Muriel Ramirez-Santana, Universidad Catolica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile
Floria Pancetti, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile
Paul Scheepers, Radboud UMC, Nijmegen, Netherlands
Koos Van der Velden, Radboun UMC, Nijmegen, Netherlands
Nel Roelevelt, Radboud UMC, Nijmegen, Netherlands
Liliana Zuniga, Universidad Catolica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile
Rodrigo Sandoval, Universidad Catolica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile
Sebastian Corral-Zavala, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
Introduction: Chile has experienced increase of agricultural activity in recent years,
leading to enhanced use of pesticides. Organophosphates pesticides (OPP) cause 39% of
occupational acute pesticide intoxications. While acute poisonings are easily diagnosed,
chronic exposure often goes unnoticed. Biomarkers available today only serve to diagnose
acute poisoning. There is no biomarker available to monitor chronic exposure.
Aim: We studied the activity of the erythrocyte enzyme acyl peptide hydrolase (ACPH) as a
potential new biomarker for chronic exposure to OPP, relating its activity to cognitive
performance and comparing ACPH performance with established biomarkers.
Methods: A total of 268 study participants were recruited: 81 environmentally exposed
(EE), 87 occupationally exposed (OE), and 100 in a reference group (RG). The population
was homogeneous in age, smoking habits, alcohol and drugs consumption. Blood was
collected and analyzed for erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (AChE), plasma cholinesterase
(BChE) and erythrocyte ACPH exopeptidase activity. The neuropsychological assessment
included general mental state, memory, language, attention, praxis, executive function,
psychomotricity and mood.
Results: During fumigation, the biological tolerance value (BTV) based on 70 % of
individual baseline enzyme activity was exceeded for AChE in 28.2% of EE and 24.4% of OE
and in 29.5 % and 16.7% for BChE, respectively and 33.3% and 11.5% for ACPH, respectively
(for RG these measurements were not performed). For cognitive performance a fair
performance in RG (2% low scores) was observed, whereas both EE and OE showed a
significantly lower performance in nearly all tests. The most affected endpoints were
memory, executive function and psychomotricity. A predictive model was constructed to
relate enzyme activities to cognitive outcomes. In this model the most influential variable
was an exposure index based on the number of years of employment and information on
OPP exposure from a questionnaire; whereas the biomarkers did not contribute
significantly to predict cognitive outcome.
Conclusions: Both residents and workers in an agricultural Chilean setting showed
cognitive impairment. Biomarker levels indicated higher frequencies of impaired enzyme
activities in residents than in workers but did not predict neuropsychological outcome. An
index of exposure based on information provided by questionnaire (years living in
agricultural area or working in contact with pesticides) was more informative in this
respect.
622
We-SY-G2.2
The Cumulative Aggregate Risk Evaluation System - Next Generation (CARES NG) Model:
Progress and Next Steps
Bruce Young, Bayer CropScience, RTP, North Carolina, United States
Jennifer Lantz, Bayer CropScience, RTP, North Carolina, United States
The Cumulative Aggregate Risk Evaluation System – Next Generation (CARES NG) model is
an updated version of the previous CARES model developed in 2001. The CARES NG model
is designed to estimate consumer exposures to pesticides in the United States from food,
drinking water, and residential use. The software has undergone extensive upgrades to a
cloud-based application built upon public data, updated exposure algorithms, and
improved user functionality. The dietary (food and water) module utilizes US consumption
data (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005 to 2010) translated to raw
agricultural commodities (RAC) based on EPA’s recipe file. The dietary user interface
allows input of residue values, processing factors, and percent crop treated with built in
rules to create the appropriate distribution of values according to EPA SOP. Multiple
approaches to estimating dietary exposure are available: acute non-temporal, multi day
temporal (repeating diet and match diet), chronic, and within day (event or minute
based). The residential module consolidates the EPA 2012 residential SOPs for both
handler and post-application exposure calculations into a simple decision tree containing
the default parameter inputs. The residential user interface allows input of product use
scenarios for a given residential use pattern with product-specific parameters.
Approaches to estimating residential exposure depend on the level of refinement required
and the data available and are accommodated in this module: non-temporal
(deterministic), temporal by day (probabilistic), and temporal within day (event or minute
based). The temporal approach will incorporate probability of product use and the human
behavioral data (Consolidated Human Activity Database; CHAD) to estimate exposure
within day (event based). Using the temporal based dietary and residential approach, the
CARES NG model has the ability to aggregate exposure (single chemical) and cumulative
exposure (multiple chemicals) by all possible exposure routes: oral (dietary), dermal,
inhalation, and oral (incidental). The within day exposure approach provides minute by
minute exposure estimates for all routes of exposure which can then be used in
physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models. This presentation will highlight the
features of this “state of the science” model that can accommodate both low to high tier
assessments.
623
We-SY-G2.3
Approaches to Assessing Longitudinal Dietary Exposure in the CARES NG Software
Giulia Vilone, Creme Global Ltd, Dublin, Ireland, Ireland
Cian O'Mahony, Creme Global ltd, Dublin, Ireland, Ireland
The Cumulative and Aggregate Risk Evaluation System – New Generation (CARES NG®) is a
web-based platform for conducting exposure and risk assessments for pesticide residues on
foods consumed over several time frames, from the single-day acute assessments up to
chronic intakes. In particular, the CARES NG platform was designed to assess exposure
levels over 365 days for the US population, using different averaging periods within the
365 day period. CARES NG provides two models to carry out this type of analysis, both
based on the food intake data recorded in the NHANES/FCID 2005-2010 database. These
models require information on subjects’ characteristics such as their diet or the possible
change in their bodyweight over the time period considered. The NHANES surveys contain
a large amount of data about each participant which provides a detailed picture of their
health and physical situation at the time of interview and up to two days of food
consumption, but no long-term data are present in the database. Since no data exists
covering this period of time, these long-term data must be modelled. The first exposure
model uses the short-term data in NHANES to cover the 365 days; the body-weight is kept
constant and the two days of food consumption data are randomly repeated throughout
the year. The second model attempts to refine the longitudinal exposure levels by 1) using
body-weight growth models to assess the changes in the body-weight of children,
adolescents and pregnant women over one year and 2) mixing the subject’s food
consumption 2-day diaries with the consumption data of other NHANES subjects having
similar characteristics.
The processes followed to create the CARES NG long-term exposure models will be
presented, as well as comparisons between the summary statistics of the outputs obtained
from the two models to show the impact that the underlying assumptions have on the
results.
624
We-SY-G2.4
Case Study Comparison of Acute and 21-Day Rolling Average Dietary Exposure
Assessments Conducted with DEEM-FCID and CARES NG
Jason Johnston, The Acta Group, Washington, DC, United States
Estimating dietary exposures to pesticide residues in treated agricultural commodities,
livestock commodities and water plays an important part in the regulation of the safe use
of pesticide products. Software tools to conduct such assessments have been developed
over time. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has used DEEM-FCID (the Dietary
Exposure Evaluation Model - Food Commodity Intake Database) successfully for such
purposes for many years. However, as regulatory requirements have evolved, increasingly
complex assessments are now sometimes required. In an effort to meet those needs, a
task force was created to update and expand the Cumulative and Aggregate Risk
Evaluation System - Next Generation (CARES NG). For DEEM-FCID n-day average exposure
calculations are typically conducted using 2-day average food consumption estimates and
n-day water residues. CARES NG includes a feature that permits calculation of n-day
rolling average exposures using time-series drinking water residues with one of two
approaches to assessing food consumption, i.e., alternate use of food consumption data
from two-day surveys or creation of food consumption time-series profiles using data from
similar individuals. The aim of this case study is to compare acute and 21-day rolling
average dietary exposure estimates for a chemical generated using DEEM-FCID and CARES
NG. Similarities and differences in model-generated exposure estimates will be discussed
in terms of underlying modeling differences.
625
We-SY-G2.5
Quantification of Dermal Pesticide Absorption from Dried Foliar Residues
James Clarke, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
Sarah Cordery, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
Neil Morgan, Syngenta, Bracknell, United Kingdom
Peter Knowles, Syngenta, Bracknell, United Kingdom
Richard Guy, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
Pesticides go through rigorous assessments to ensure that their use does not represent an
unacceptable risk to human health. For re-entry workers who may come into contact with
treated surfaces after application during tasks such as crop inspection or harvest, dermal
exposure is estimated using simple predictive models. Determination of a systemic dose
from this predicted exposure relies on applying a factor for dermal absorption. Currently,
dermal absorption studies involve the concentrated product and one or more
representative spray dilutions. There is no recognised protocol for measuring dermal
absorption for foliar residues and in the EU risk assessments adopt the highest measured
value from these studies or a more precautionary default, although previous work (Belsey
et al. 2011) showed that absorption from dried residues was different than from aqueous
solutions.
A key aim of this study was to develop a novel method for assessing the dermal absorption
of pesticides from dried foliar residues, with the ultimate aim of using this method to
obtain more realistic absorption values for risk assessment.
It is important that this method is as close to a real field scenario as possible, yet is simple
and easily reproducible. To this end, a laboratory technique was developed (Clarke et al.,
2015) based on applying pesticides to an inert platform to create uniform dried deposits of
pesticide mimicking foliar residues, which could be transferred by a standardised process
to skin membranes and absorption measured in vitro in conventional Franz diffusion cells.
Absorption values from a range of pesticides as dried residues were measured and
compared to those from spray dilutions applied to the skin at an equivalent dose level.
This demonstrated that the percentage absorption from the dried residue was consistently
lower than from the spray dilution.
Further work using this method is investigating the effects of dose and formulation type on
absorption from residues. The work is providing valuable insight into a poorly documented
area of exposure science and has the potential to allow more realistic risk assessments
than those which may currently overestimate exposure and prevent the registration of
safe and effective products.
References
Belsey, N.A., Cordery, S.F., Bunge, A.L. & Guy, R.H., 2011. Assessment of dermal
exposure to pesticide residues during re-entry. Environmental Science & Technology, 45:
4609-4615.
Clarke J.F., Cordery S.F., Morgan N.A., Knowles P.K. & Guy RH. In vitro method to
quantify dermal absorption of pesticide residues. Chem Res Toxicol. in press, 2015
626
We-SY-H2: Tool and methods for an exposure driven safe by design approach
for nanomaterials - II
We-SY-H2.1
Harmonisation of exposure assessment strategies and data storage to support data-
driven safe by design approaches
Wouter Fransman, TNO, Zeist, Netherlands
Nanotechnology is a fast growing sector with ever increasing variety and complexity of
new materials. Currently, risk assessment is struggling to keep up with the innovation and
hence more emphasis will need to be placed on Safe by Design, whereby health, safety
and environment are taken into account early in the innovation chain to ensure that risks
are managed properly. Exposure plays an important role in this area, as Safe by Design
refers not just to reducing the hazard potential of the nanomaterials but also to reducing
the release and exposure potential of products and processes. This presentation will
emphasize the need for an exposure database, collating measurement data of airborne
nanoparticles to permit data-driven safe by design approaches by exposure modelling,
exposure scenario building, risk management and development of occupational exposure
limits.
In the past decade a series of international workshops have been organized to discuss
nano-specific issues in exposure assessment research related to the three identified
topics: (i) measurement strategies; (ii) analyzing, evaluating, and reporting of exposure
data; and (iii) core information for (exposure) data storage. Preliminary recommendations
were achieved with respect to (i) a multimetric approach to exposure assessment, a
minimal set of data to be collected, and basic data analysis and reporting as well as (ii) a
minimum set of contextual information to be collected and reported. To make progress in
the process of harmonization, it was concluded that for research in studying exposure to
nanoparticles, there is a need for an occupational exposure database to permit data-
driven safe by design approaches by exposure modelling, exposure scenario building, risk
management and development of occupational exposure limits. Amongst a working group
of PEROSH institutes a database structure called NECID (Nano Exposure and Contextual
Information Database) was developed, which include exposure data and contextual
information. The database facilitates the comparing and sharing of nano exposure data,
because the exposure data of different institutes are collected and stored in a harmonized
way. The database is based on the characteristics of existing databases (ART, MEGA) and
the NANOSH dataset. As nanomaterials have distinctive characteristics and the
measurement strategy is based on a multimetric approach, additional variables have been
introduced.
627
We-SY-H2.2
Occupational exposure during the production, simulated use and end-of-life stages of
nanoenabled products for energy harversting and energy storage
Simon Clavaguera, CEA, Grenoble, France
Sébastien Artous, CEA, Grenoble, France
Cécile Philippot, CEA, Grenoble, France
Dominique Locatelli, CEA, Grenoble, France
Sébastien Jacquinot, CEA, Grenoble, France
Bryony Ross, IOM, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Laura MacCalman, IOM, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Martie Van Tongeren, IOM, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Nanotechnology is a fast growing sector with ever increasing variety and complexity of
new materials. Currently, risk assessment is struggling to keep up with the innovation and
hence more emphasis will need to be placed on Safe by Design, whereby health, safety
and environment are taken into account early in the innovation chain to ensure that risks
are managed properly. Exposure plays an important role in this area, as Safe by Design
refers not just to reducing the hazard potential of the nanomaterials but also to reducing
the release and exposure potential of products and processes.
This work presents the results of comprehensive experimental campaigns focused
on the assessment of occupational exposure to next-generation nanomaterials covering
two case studies along the life cycle of nanoenabled products for energy harversting and
energy storage.
The first value chain investigated was the production and simulated used of nanoenabled
thermoelectric generators. The following scenarios were monitored: mechanosynthesis,
sintering, grinding, diamond sawing, thermopressing and simulated use. The second value
chain was the production and the end-of-life of nanoenabled electrodes for Li-ion
batteries. The following scenarios were monitored: powder handling, weighing, mixing,
transferring and mechanical recycling (shredding) of electrodes.
Measurements were performed complementary in both lab and pilot line facilities
in order to reproduce an industrial environment. The boundaries of the system relevant
for the present study are the indoor air and indoor surfaces which are considered potential
occupational endpoints for inhalation and dermal exposure. The methodology used for the
exposure evaluation followed the “French approach” (Durand et al. 2012) and the
nanoGEM / OECD Tiered approach. Thanks to several granulometers and counters
measurements include concentration of particles, either background or activity, size, size
distribution, state of agglomeration / aggregation, specific surface area, morphology and
chemical composition. Exposure data and contextual information were gathered according
to NECID requirements to facilitate the comparing and sharing of nano exposure data.
The results will be presented in terms of exposure and control bands (ISO/TS12901)
to identify and document the best operative conditions on health, safety and environment
for each scenario studied.
The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Union's FP7
Grant Agreement n.604602 (FutureNanoNeeds project) and 310584 (NanoReg project).
C. Durand, et al. (2012) NanoSafe 2012 French approach for characterizing potential
emissions and exposure to aerosols released from nanomaterials in workplace operations.
C. Asbach, et al. (2012) nanoGEM Standard Operation Procedures.
OECD report ENV/JM/MONO(2015)19.
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We-SY-H2.3
Prevention through design (PtD): selection of proven risk management measures
(RMMs) to control the exposure to ENMs
Carlos Fito, ITENE, Paterna, Spain
Maida Domat, ITENE, Paterna, Spain
The use of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) is growing continuously due to the increasing
number of applications, promoting the development of a new generation of innovative
products that have created tremendous growth potential for a large number of sectors.
However, along with the benefits, there is an on-going debate about their potential
effects on the human health or the environment.
For a comprehensive risk assessment of ENMs, information is needed with respect
to the intrinsic harmfulness of the particle, likelihood of exposure, and efficacy of
workplace controls. Major investments have been done so far on the characterization of
the toxicological profile. However, research aiming to improve our understanding of the
possible exposure, as well as on the effectiveness of common risk management measures
is far less advanced.
This work presents experimental data on the effectiveness of respiratory and
dermal protection equipment, and local exhaustive ventilation (LEV) systems to control
the exposure to ENMs in occupational settings. New experimental data on the protection
factors achieved under representative exposure scenarios, as well as recommendations for
the design of PPE and ECs will be presented. The testing activities were conducted after
the validation of a set of standardized procedures, including the evaluation of the
permeation to ENMs for dermal protective equipment, total inward leakage (TIL) inward
leakage for respirators and filters, and capture efficiency for ventilation systems. The
experimental work was conducted in a dedicated nano-aerosol exposure chamber where
several exposure scenarios can be reproduced.
The results from the test suggest that the control of exposure via inhalation is a
key priority. Respirators provided medium performance levels of filtration efficiency
against NMs. The performance levels determined suggest that face seal leakage, and not
filter penetration, is a key parameter to be considered when working with NMs. The
evaluation of dermal protective equipment showed very low permeation levels, meaning
that common measures are effective. The capture efficiency of the LEV systems was
demonstrated to be adequate.
The data are compiled in a library of nano-specific RMMs developed using Microsoft
Excel®. The library helps stakeholders to select proper measures depending of the type of
ENM and process, guiding the user in the selection of proven risk management measures.
The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Union's FP7
Grant Agreement n. 310584 (NanoReg project), and the LIFE project NanoRISK (LIFE
ENV/ES/000178)
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Figure 1. Experimental set up for effectiveness testing studies
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We-SY-H2.4
The use of quantitative exposure models within the safe by design concepts
Laura MacCalman, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Araceli Sanchez-Jiménez, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Emmanuel Belut, INRS, Nancy, France
John W Cherrie, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Lang Tran, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Martie Van Tongeren, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Measurement of engineered nanomaterials (ENM) is not straightforward, particularly
because of the limitations of current equipment and the lack of commercially available
personal monitors. For this reason exposure models are being increasingly used to
estimate potential exposure to ENM in the workplace and for consumer exposure. Current
tools available for risk assessment of ENM are qualitative, or semi-quantitative and
typically aim to provide a category of exposure potential (along with hazard and risk)
rather than a quantitative air concentration.
As part of the NANoREG project a quantitative two-box source-receptor exposure model
has been developed. The model predicts size-resolved aerosol number concentration over
time given information on the emission rate and pattern of emission, along with the
dimensions of the room and ventilation rate. The model accounts for: deposition of
particles to walls, floors and other surfaces, dilution due to ventilation and agglomeration
of particles over time, using particle-size specific equations. Validation of the model is
being undertaken to compare the estimates to measurements obtained during a large-
scale experiment.
The model can be used to evaluate the impact of changing the exposure scenario (e.g.
increasing/decreasing ventilation rate, changing the local controls used, amending the
size of the room, adding more emission sources). This enables an assessment of the
impact of changes and by exploring the different aspects of the exposure scenario allow
for the process, and associated controls, to be implemented in such a way to sufficiently
control exposure, thus promoting the “safer by design” paradigm. The model is currently
being developed into a user-friendly tool which will enable users to easily make such
evaluations and assessments.
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We-SY-H2.5
Is the environment the great “post release equaliser” for nanomaterials, and can we
design to help it?
Claus Svendsen, CEH, Oxford, United Kingdom
As many nanomaterials are specifically designed to be highly reactive or have special
properties to enable reactive their functions.. It should be considered if materials could
be designed to “lose their nano properties” once they are released from the product or
place where the function is required. Using the NanoFASE (http://nanofase.eu/) project's
exposure assessment framework, this talk will look methods to identify what properties
could be targeted as features of materials to help drive such post release “accelerated
degradation” and properties that help “targeted fate properties determination” to
encourage only less reactive forms of NMs are released and that these where possible NMs
to end up in the least hazardous form in the least hazardous place in the environment.
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We-PL-I2: Indoor Environment
We-PL-I2.1
Flammability Standards Impact Flame Retardant Concentrations in Dust
Robin Dodson, Silent Spring Institute, Newton, MA, United States
Kathryn Rodgers, Silent Spring Institute, Newton, MA, United States
Joseph Allen, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
Jose Guillermo Cedeno Laurent, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA,
United States
Adrian Covaci, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk-Antwerp, Belgium
Giulia Poma, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk-Antwerp, Belgium
Govindan Malarvannan, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk-Antwerp, Belgium
Ruthann Rudel, Silent Spring Institute, Newton, MA, United States
Gale Carey, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, United States
Aim: Furniture flammability standards are typically met with chemical flame retardants
(FRs), and the nature and amount of FRs used depends on the properties of the material
and on how the performance-based test is conducted. In the U.S., most furniture
purchased by colleges and universities meets one of two flammability standards: Technical
Bulletin (TB) 117 or TB 133. In the absence of national flammability standards, California’s
TB 117 and TB 133 have become the de facto national standards. Because TB 133 requires
furniture to withstand a much larger test flame than TB 117, we hypothesize that TB 133
furniture have different FR profiles and potentially higher levels of FRs compared to TB
117 furniture, and that these FRs will migrate out of furniture and into dust.
Methods: We collected 96 vacuum dust samples from residential spaces on 2 northeastern
U.S. college campuses adhering to either TB 117 or TB 133. Chemical analysis targeted 54
FRs, including 12 polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners, 20 other brominated
FRs, 2 Dechlorane Plus isomers, 3 hexabromocyclododecane isomers, 12 organophosphate
flame retardants (OPFRs), and 5 polybrominated biphenyls.
Results: PBDEs and OPFRs were found in the majority of dust samples, and OPFRs tended
to have the highest median dust concentrations. Median levels were comparable to our
previous measurements in California house dust; however, maxima were up to 100x higher
than previous residential measurements. The maximum TDCIPP (chlorinated “tris”)
concentration was 170,000 ng/g, higher than levels previously reported in U.S. dust, even
office dust, which tends to be higher than house dust. Dust concentrations of several FRs,
including BDE 209, decabromodiphenylethane (DBDPE), anti-Dechlorane Plus, and tri-
(2ethylhexyl) phosphate (TEHP), were significantly higher on the TB 133 campus compared
to the TB 117 campus. BDE 209, and its replacement DBDPE, are used in textile back-
coatings to meet stricter upholstered furniture flammability standards, like TB 133. Dust
concentrations in samples collected from student dorm rooms (i.e. sleeping spaces) were
generally higher and more variable than concentrations in samples collected from common
spaces in residence halls. This is likely a result of additional furnishings and electronics
brought in by students.
Conclusions: FR concentrations varied by flammability standard used. The high density of
FR-treated products, including furniture, furnishings, and electronics, in student dorm
633
rooms likely led to elevated levels for some FRs. Results will be used to inform
institutional purchasing policies and local flammability standards.
We-PL-I2.2
Individual-Level Home Environmental Exposures are Associated with Respiratory
Outcomes in the Kingston Allergy Birth Cohort (KABC)
Michelle North, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Elizabeth Lee, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
Vanessa Omana, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
Jenny Thiele, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
Yuchao Wan, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Miriam Diamond, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Jeff Brook, University of Toronto and Environment Canada, Toronto, Canada
Anne K. Ellis, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
Aims
The KABC was instigated to study environmental influences on the developmental origins
of allergic disease. Kingston General Hospital was chosen as the collection site, as it
serves a mixture of rural and urban residents with diverse socioeconomic status (SES) and
a high prevalence of maternal smoking. The aim of this study was to evaluate prenatal and
early life associations between various indoor air quality/home environment factors and
parental reports of wheeze or cough without a cold in cohort children to age 2.
Methods
Pregnant women gave informed consent and completed a health/environmental survey
(n=557). Umbilical cord blood was collected from 413 deliveries, and follow-up surveys to
age 2 yielded data on 232 children. We examined home-environment characteristics by
urban/rural residence and SES. We employed multivariate Cox proportional hazard models
to examine factors associated with the development of parentally-reported respiratory
symptoms (wheeze or cough without a cold) to age 2 years.
Results
The KABC encompassed a high proportion of rural residents (42.4%), and prenatal exposure
to smoke (25.9%). Rural participants exhibited higher SES income measures, but lower
education, compared to urban dwellers. Urban and low-SES families were more likely to
report living near traffic-related air pollution sources, and low-SES families reported living
in older homes. The incidence rate of parental reports of respiratory symptoms was 0.19
cases/person-year. Breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life was significantly associated
with a lower rate of respiratory symptom development, while low-SES was associated with
a higher risk of symptoms. Important indoor environmental factors were identified. The
regular use of air fresheners in the home and the self-reported presence of mold in the
home was associated with a higher incidence of respiratory symptoms in the children.
Conclusions
We found that both residing in rural/urban and high/low-SES areas affected characteristics
of the home and potential environmental exposures. Early exposure to mold, the regular
use of air fresheners in the home and tobacco smoke were associated with a higher
incidence of parental reports of wheeze and cough, while breastfeeding was negatively
associated with those symptoms. Home visits have been carried out for the collection of
dust samples for chemical analyses, including phthalates, flame retardants, and polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons. Analyses of dust samples in tandem with epigenetic analysis of
634
umbilical cord and peripheral blood are ongoing to reveal environmental biomarkers that
may underlie the increased risk for respiratory symptoms observed in this study.
We-PL-I2.3
The application of the DYLOS to assess indoor residential PM2.5 aerosols in the HEALS
pilot study
Anjoeka Pronk, TNO, Zeist, Utrecht, Netherlands
Remy Franken, TNO, Zeist, Netherlands
Eelco Kuijpers, TNO, Zeist, Netherlands
John Bartzis, IPTA, Greece, Greece
Thomas Maggos, IPTA, Greece, Greenland
Mina Stamatelopoulou, IPTA, Greece, Greece
Denis Sargiannis, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Susanne Steinle, IOM, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Miranda Loh, IOM, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
John Cherrie, IOM, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Background
Particulate matter (PM) is a major source of indoor air pollution. Low cost real time
particle counters are becoming available. As part of the HEALS pilot protocol, the DYLOS is
being used in 150 homes of families across Europe to estimate exposure to PM. The aim of
this study was 1) to assess the validity of the DYLOS and 2) to calibrate and validate a
method for the conversion of the particle number concentrations (PNC) obtained by DYLOS
to PM2.5 mass.
Methods
Side by side measurements were collected for 3-5 days in the homes of four volunteers
with the Dylos DC1700™ (0.5 - 20µm, 2 size bins) and the APS™ Aerodynamic Particle
Sizer® (0.5 - 20µm, 52 size bins). For two volunteers a total of ten 24h gravimetric PM2.5
samples (Harvard impactor or Harvard PEM) were collected simultaneously. Correlations
between the obtained PNCs were calculated. DYLOS-PNC0.5-2.5 was converted to PM2.5
mass concentration as follows. First, the APS-PNC0.5-2.5 was converted to the PM2.5 mass
based on the mean particle density (1.6 g/cm3) and mean aerodynamic diameter by size
bin (n=22). The gravimetric data were used for calibrating this conversion. Then a second
order polynomial equation was used to fit the DYLOS-PNC0.5-2.5 on the calculated PM2.5
mass for a random sample of 33% of the data. The derived model was validated internally
with the remaining 67%. In addition, for external validation, thirty 24h gravimetric PM2.5
samples were collected in parallel with the DYLOS data among HEALS pilot study
participants.
Results
Preliminary results indicate that the PNC obtained by Dylos correlated well with the PNC
obtained by APS (R2>0.92). It was observed that the Dylos slightly underestimated particle
counts at particle number concentrations above 30 particles/cm3. The internal validation
of the model for converting DYLOS-PNC0.5-2.5 to PM2.5 mass demonstrated a high
correlation (R2=0.76). The external validation of the model with the gravimetric samples
is ongoing.
Discussion
635
This study in a real home setting indicated a high correlation between PNC0.5-2.5
obtained by DYLOS and APS. The fitted model for converting the Dylos PNC0.5-2.5 to
PM2.5 mass gave results that are comparable to applying a previously published model
based on an experimental setting. The model will be used to obtain PM2.5 mass
concentrations in the HEALS pilot study. Preliminary conversions for the 40 Dutch homes
demonstrate a median modelled PM2.5 mass of 6.7 µg/m3 (P5-P95: 6-8 µg/m3).
636
We-PL-I2.4
Naturally ventilated schools located near traffic hotspots in developing countries: Risks
and exposure to carcinogenic pollutants
Darpa Jyethi, Indian Statistical Institute, Tezpur, India
P S Khillare, School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi,
Delhi, India
S. Sarkar, NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore,
Singapore, Singapore
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) associated with the inhalable fraction of
particulate matter were determined for 1 year at a school site located in proximity of
industrial and heavy traffic roads in Delhi, India.
PM10 (aerodynamic diameter ≤10We-SY-D4.2 μm) levels were ∼11.6 times the World Health
Organization standard. Vehicular (59.5 %) and coal combustion (40.5 %) sources accounted
for the high levels of PAHs (range 38.1–217.3 ng m−3) with
four- and five-ring PAHs having ∼80 % contribution. Total PAHs were dominated by
carcinogenic species (∼75 %) and B[a]P equivalent concentrations indicated highest
exposure risks during winter. Extremely high daily inhalation exposure
of PAHs was observed during winter (439.43 ng day−1) followed by monsoon (232.59 ng
day−1) and summer (171.08 ng day−1). Daily inhalation exposure of PAHs to school
children during a day exhibited the trend school
hours>commuting to school>resting period in all the seasons. Vehicular source
contributions to daily PAH levels were significantly correlated with the daily inhalation
exposure level of school children. A conservative estimate of ∼11 excess cancer cases in
children during childhood due to inhalation exposure of PAHs has been made for Delhi.
637
We-PL-I2.5
Indoor Exposure to Particulate Matter – What do we know about exposures and their
health consequences?
David Butler, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Washington, DC,
United States
Guru Madhavan, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Washington,
DC, United States
Aim
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine---in response to a request
from the US Environmental Protection Agency---conducted a February 2016 workshop
intended to benchmark the state of the science regarding indoor exposure to particulate
matter, with a focus on PM2.5 and ultrafine particles. The workshop addressed the indoor
and outdoor sources of indoor PM, particulate dynamics and chemistry, the determinants
of exposure levels, characterization of the nature of exposures, exposure mitigation,
identified and emerging health concerns, interventions and risk communication. Special
attention was paid to attributes of the exposures that are of greatest concern for
occupant health, exposure modifiers, vulnerable populations, risk management, and gaps
in the science. The workshop brought together engineers, epidemiologists, building
professionals, clinicians, risk communications specialists and other researchers interested
in the interface between the indoor environment and occupant health. Participants
included in-person attendees and over 400 people from 12 countries who connected to the
event via a live webcast.
Methods and Results
Workshop speakers identified some of the key drives of variation in indoor levels; new and
relatively underappreciated sources of PM, including e-cigarettes and desktop 3-D
printers; and building characteristics that influence the penetration of outdoor sources.
They discussed the role of particle resuspension in personal exposure as well the utility
and limitations of present-day exposure measurement devices. Speakers considered the
ways that occupants influence the composition of indoor PM, the socioeconomic
determinants of exposures, the effectiveness of filtration in exposure mitigation, and how
weatherization and other energy-conservation measures may have unintended health
consequences. New research on indoor PM and cardiovascular health, birth outcomes, and
neurological and psychiatric disorders was shared. And the challenges of communicating
indoor PM risks and exposure mitigation strategies were discussed.
Conclusions
The conference presentation will summarize the major issues identified in the workshop
and the participants’ suggestions for addressing knowledge gaps. These included the needs
for better research on how exposures are influenced by the chemical breakdown of
building materials, more integration between epidemiologists and exposure scientists to
address exposure misclassification and improve health effect estimates, and to draw
lessons from decision science to inform how best to communicate indoor PM risks and the
means to mitigate them.
638
We-SY-A3: New Frontiers in Toxicology Create New Challenges for Risk
Assessment: What must Exposure Scientists do to Meet the Challenge?
We-SY-A3.2
PBPK Modelling for Environmental Chemicals: Linking to In Vitro Data
Harvey Clewell, ScitoVation, Durham, North Carolina, United States
Miyoung Yoon, ScitoVation, Durham, North Carolina, United States
The field of toxicology is currently undergoing a global paradigm shift to use of in vitro
approaches for assessing the risks of chemicals and drugs, yielding results more rapidly
and more mechanistically based than current approaches relying primarily on live animal
testing. However, the use of in vitro data in risk assessment entails a number of new
challenges associated with translating the in vitro data on bioactive concentrations into
estimates of safe in vivo exposures.
When used within a Mode of Action / Adverse Outcome Pathway framework,
physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models provide an effective tool for
conducting quantitative in vitro to in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE). Their physiological
structure facilitates the incorporation of in silico- and in vitro-derived chemical-specific
parameters in order to predict in vivo absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion.
In particular, the combination of in silico and in vitro parameter estimation with PBPK
modeling can be used to predict the in vivo exposure conditions that would produce
chemical concentrations in the target tissue equivalent to the concentrations at which
effects were observed with in vitro assays of tissue/organ toxicity. They can also support
the identification of potentially susceptible populations associated with age-dependent
pharmacokinetics or metabolic polymorphisms.
This presentation will describe the key elements of IVIVE and the critical issues that must
be addressed to move forward. Two examples of PBPK-based IVIVE will be described: the
use of in vitro assays and PBPK modeling to estimate a margin of exposure for endocrine
active compounds and the use of in vitro metabolism data and PBPK modeling to evaluate
early life sensitivity to pesticides.
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We-SY-A3.3
Multi-route Temporal Exposure Models for Pesticides in CARES NG and Linking to PBPK
Modelling
Cian O' Mahony, Creme Global, Dublin, Ireland
Giulia Vilone, Creme Global, Dublin, Ireland
The Cumulative and Aggregate Risk Evaluation System (CARES) for is a model and software
for determining pesticide exposure in US consumers from food, drinking water, and
residential exposure due to the use of products containing pesticides as active ingredients.
The software has been migrated to a cloud based system accessible via the web, and the
models and databases updated. This is with a view to developing a suite of fast and robust
exposure models, from simple point estimate calculations of exposure to high-tier,
temporal cumulative and aggregate exposure models covering the dermal, oral and
inhalation routes. In the case of the latter, one of the key requirements of the system is to
be able to produce output that can be linked with PBPK models, in order to develop more
refined estimates of consumer exposure based on the time-course of a chemical within the
body. This is with a view to developing a more refined estimate of consumer risk in a
population, rather than just estimating the total daily externally applied dose of pesticide
per route of exposure.
The technical details of the multi-route, subject-based temporal exposure model will be
presented, as well as the how a generic output structure can be generated with that can
in turn be linked to a given PBPK model. Considerations that will be discussed will include
subject-based anthropometric data, time steps and dose metrics used for different routes
and sources of exposure.
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We-SY-A3.4
Going from in vitro (“hazard”) data to final assessment and the need for refined
exposure estimates in the assessment of genotoxicity risk
Christina Hickey, Firmenich, Plainsboro, New Jersey, United States
Tetyana Kobets, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, United States
Matthew Tate, Gentronix, Alderley Edge, United Kingdom
Gary M. Williams, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, United States
Benjamin Smith, Firmenich, Plainsboro, New Jersey, United States
For genotoxic events the traditional assumption is that there may not be a threshold
dose,and that some degree of risk exists at any level of exposure; leading to
recommendations that exposure should be as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA). Such
recommendations are of limited value, especially for materials that are present naturally
in the diet, as it does not allow comparison with estimates of human intake nor
carcinogenic potency. While negative results in an in vitro tier one test indicate that DNA
damage is unlikely to be induced, any chemicals that produce positive results are then
evaluated through higher tier testing in animal models. These second tier tests are
designed to reduce false positive results, yet they still maintain a certain level of
uncertainty. False positive results in tier one tests can often result from high doses of
chemicals being used that are not relevant to actual human exposures. Further, it has
been demonstrated that some chemicals which generate DNA damaging effects at high
doses do not act the same at low doses, suggesting that thresholds for DNA damaging
chemicals do exist. To expand on this concept we use Point of Departure (PoD) estimates
from an in vitro screening assay (Bluescreen™HC), the Turkey Egg Genotoxicity Assay
(TEGA), and available in vivo data, in an attempt to identify if tier one in vitro thresholds
can provide sufficient information for human health risk assessments and how these
compare to estimated dietary intakes. Identifying thresholds estimated to be well above
potential human exposures, estimated from current dietary intake values, would suggest
that these chemicals are not a risk to human health. Furthermore, modifying the testing
approach to consider relevant human exposures, could allow for exposure-based data
waiving, thereby reducing the number of animal tests conducted and the uncertainty
associated with them.
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We-SY-A3.5
A computational framework for incorporating dermal penetration and elimination
pathway predictions into provisional PBPK models: A practical tool in high throughput
chemical risk assessment
John Troutman, The Procter & Gamble Company, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
To further the use of non-animal hazard data into emerging risk assessment frameworks, a
combination of pharmacokinetic and toxicity information is needed to calculate internal
and external dose metrics. Internal dose can provide a linkage to in vitro effect data,
allow for a combination of external doses to facilitate aggregate exposure assessment,
maximize the ability to compare studies on related chemicals done by different dose
routes and species. In this presentation, first we demonstrate the direct linkage between
a dermally applied dose and the resulting internal dose and then explore methods to
understand the resulting internal dosimetry when measured data to parameterize a PBPK
model are missing or incomplete. We have developed an approach for rapid
parameterization of dermal PBPK model based solely on in silico QSAR-derived chemical
inputs. A computational model for the a priori prediction of renal and metabolic clearance
mechanisms was employed in the development of this screening level model. It is
anticipated that this screening level information can be used to assess the need for
additional data generation when greater accuracy is required (based on projected worst
case margins of safety). Importantly, being able to predict whether a compound will be
renally eliminated without biotransformation will decrease the number of chemicals for
which hepatic clearance will need to be measured experimentally. These concepts can be
evaluated and used to help drive decisions and efficiency in safety testing of cosmetics
and personal care products. A comparison of model simulations to experimental data will
illustrate the approach.
642
We-SY-B3: Occupational Exposure Models - Development and/or Evaluation
of REACH and other European and US models and tools (including tool for
nanomaterials) - I
We-SY-B3.1
The challenge of model building
John Cherrie, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Exposure models and associated software tools are increasingly being used for regulatory
purposes and in epidemiological studies. This presentation discusses some of the
fundamental issues involved in constructing exposure models and tools.
Models should have a clear theoretical conceptual framework that is ideally articulated in
advance of more detailed model building. The conceptual model is a simplification of
reality that embodies enough detail of the real situation to enable predictions that are
sufficiently reliable for a specific need. The clear advantage of models based on a
conceptual framework is the ability to more explicitly define the model applicability
domain. Surprisingly, there is no real consensus on the theoretical basis for human
exposure, and this is a major impediment to reliable and consistent model building.
Regardless of the form of the final model it needs to have some mathematical expression
to facilitate prediction of exposure in new circumstances, e.g. deterministic or
probabilistic. The parameters for the model can be derived from prior data or can be
assigned a priori. For inhalation exposure models there is a considerable amount of data
available, although not always with the necessary metadata to define all model
parameters. For dermal and inadvertent ingestion exposure good quality exposure data is
almost completely lacking.
The key to judging the utility of any model or tool is its ability to predict an outcome in
realistic scenarios. Assessment of the validity of a model across the whole applicability
domain is an essential perquisite for trusting the reliability of the results. To do this
properly is expensive and time-consuming and so most exposure models are inadequately
validated. Limited availability of exposure data again hampers the validation of reliable
models.
Models may be implemented in the form of a software tool or otherwise to predict
exposure in practice. There should be some appropriate guidance and exemplars for
individuals using the tool and appropriate quality assurance procedures to ensure that
ongoing use continues to produce reliable predictions. The latter point is almost
completely ignored in exposure science where there has been little attempt to evaluate
the within and between assessor variability in modelled exposure, or provide quality
assurance systems for tool use.
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We-SY-B3.2
ETEAM: Overview of the project background
Martin Tischer, Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA), Dortmund,
NRW, Germany
Several 1st tier exposure models such as ECETOC TRA, MEASE, EMKG-EXPO-TOOL,
STOFFENMANAGER and RISKOFDERM are recommended by the European Chemicals Agency
(ECHA) for estimating occupational exposure. The risk assessment under REACH follows a
tiered approach in which the first tier should provide a conservative (i.e., protective)
system that can discriminate between substances in scenarios of some concern and those
which are considered save. Although the tier 1 models claim to have a broad range of
applicability, none of these models has been extensively validated during their
development. The German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, (BAuA)
has therefore initiated and sponsored a comprehensive Evaluation of the Tier 1 Exposure
Assessment Models (ETEAM). Carried out by the Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM
Edinburgh) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology (ITEM Hannover) the ETEAM project
was intended to compare and contrast the different REACH Tier 1 exposure assessment
models using an integrated approach (s. fig1) that includes a conceptual evaluation, an
external validation exercise and a between user reliability (BURE) / user-friendliness
study. An international Advisory Board has provided objective scientific advice to the
project and made available workplace exposure data for use in the external validation
process.
The results of the ETEAM project will assist industry and registrants to choose the most
appropriate model for a given exposure situation. In addition, its results will help
authorities to assess whether or not an exposure scenario presented by a registrant is safe
and to estimate how conservative the exposure estimates are. Finally the results are
intended to identify areas of concern where model developers are encouraged to revise
and improve the models.
Fig.1: Integrated approach of the ETEAM study
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Integrated approach of the ETEAM study
645
We-SY-B3.3
Conceptual Evaluation and Uncertainty of Tier 1 Exposure Assessment Models Used
Under REACH
Susanne Hesse, Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hannover,
Germany
Stefan Hahn, Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hannover,
Germany
Judith Lamb, Occupational Health and Safety Services, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Martie van Tongeren, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Aims and background:
The tier 1 tools ECETOC TRA, MEASE, EMKG-EXPO-TOOL, STOFFENMANAGER© and
RISKOFDERM are frequently used in exposure assessments under REACH. In this context the
ETEAM project represents the first comprehensive evaluation of these tools. The
conceptual and uncertainty analyses are two parts of this project, which aim to describe
the models’ background and identify possible reasons for a deviation between estimate
and reality.
Methods and tasks:
In the course of the conceptual evaluation a general evaluation of the models' concepts
was done, including a description of the tools, their design and use as well as their
historical background. The algorithms, underlying principles and data were described.
An applicability matrix was developed, which summarises the models’ scope and can be
used to identify appropriate models for different exposure situations. A so-called usemap
was created that facilitates the conversion of the different use categorisation systems into
each other (e.g. DEO units, PROCs).
In the course of the uncertainty analysis different aspects were evaluated which may lead
to an uncertainty of the model estimate, i.e. a difference between estimate and
experimental exposure value. These sources of uncertainty include assumptions within the
model algorithm, but also omitted influences. Sources of uncertainty can also be the
model’s input parameters, i.e. their definition within the model or their model inherent
reflection, e.g. efficiency of ventilation.
All identified sources of uncertainty were categorised as far as possible according to
transparency, knowledge base, input parameter quality and their effect on the exposure
estimate. Results were collected in an evaluation matrix and discussed in a qualitative
way.
Results and conclusion:
It can be summarised that based on the models’ concept alone no recommendation of a
“best” model can be made as the models show very different scopes and designs. All
models are uncertain depending on situation and substance assessed. Many input
parameters show a high vagueness which may lead to high variability concerning their
assignment (e.g. use category, intrinsic dustiness).
646
We-SY-B3.4
Validation and between-user variability of tier 1 exposure models
Martie Van Tongeren, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Judith Lamb, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Karen Galea, Institute of Occupational medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Laura MacCalman, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Risk assessment under REACH follows a tiered approach in which the first tier should
provide a conservative system that can discriminate between substances in scenarios of
concern and those which are considered safe. Several 1st tier assessment tools such as
ECETOC TRA, MEASE, EMKG-EXPO-TOOL, STOFFENMANAGER and RISKOFDERM are
recommended by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) for estimating occupational
exposure. In this paper we present results of comparison of model estimates with
measured exposure levels and the between-user reliability of the different Tier 1 tools.
Measurement data with descriptions of exposure situations and were obtained from
providers in Europe and the US. Information on the exposure situation was used to
generate exposure estimates using different tools. The level of conservatism was
determined by the fraction of the measurement that exceeded the tool estimates (high:
≤10%; medium 11≤25% and low >25%). The impacts of various exposure determinants as
implemented in the tools were investigated using linear mixed effects statistical models.
Differences in the level of conservatism for all of the tools were observed between
exposure category, PROC codes, data providers and the presence/ absence of local
exhaust ventilation. Correlations between the measurement results and tool predictions
were generally stronger for powders and non-volatile liquids than for the other exposure
categories.
The between-user reliability for the Tier 1 tools was investigated using a remote-
completion exercise and focus group. Tool parameters and other factors potentially
associated with between-user variability, for example user demographics and previous
exposure assessment and tool-use experience, were identified and evaluated. In the
remote-completion exercise, participants (N=146) generated dermal and inhalation
exposure estimates (N=4066) from a defined set of exposure situation descriptions/Tier 1
tool combinations over a fixed time period. Qualitative information on decision-making
processes associated with tool use was collected during the focus group. Significant
variation was observed between users when selecting task/ activity, dustiness and risk
management measures within the tools. Considerable variability in the resultant user-
generated exposure estimates for the same situation was observed, which appeared to be
unrelated to user characteristics.
The results of these analyses show that tools are generally conservative, although some
tools may not be sufficiently conservative for all types of exposures and exposure
situations. More importantly, the high level of between-user differences suggests that
quality control / assurance procedures are important when using these exposure tools.
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We-SY-B3.5
Implications of the eteam project results
Martin Tischer, Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA), Dortmund,
NRW, Germany
Overall the comparison of the tool estimates with measurement data within ETEAM
suggests that whilst the tools tend overall to be conservative, they may not be sufficiently
conservative in all situations. In addition the statistical analyses of the between user
reliability study (BURE) results suggest that when presented with brief, identical
descriptions of exposure situations, user variation in the choice of input parameters can
lead to very different results. Both underestimation of exposure and the impact of user
variation could have serious consequences. Workers’ health might be at risk, if an
exposure scenario is incorrectly diagnosed as ‘safe’. The economic situation of
organizations could be unnecessarily burdened if an exposure scenario is incorrectly
diagnosed as ‘unsafe’, which could lead to costly over-engineering.
As a consequence more confidence in the level of conservatism and accuracy of the model
may be necessary. The registrant can help to reduce the uncertainty within risk
characterisation by comparing the estimates from a range of sources, including other tools
and measured data. For competent authorities REACH offers a regulatory basis to request
such independent measurement data by way of the substance evaluation process. It
should be highlighted therefore, that member states competent authorities should be
aware of exposure estimates that may underestimate exposure, whereby the need for
further investigation increases if the risk characterisation ratio approaches 1. In
consequence the risk assessment is always a trade-off between uncertainty and level of
required conservatism that should be considered in the substance evaluation process.
Further tool developments and improvements should consider user friendliness
implications, the ability of users to choose the correct input parameters and the level of
detail that the tool provides. The BURE has shown that there are some parameters which
are prone to induce a high level of variability due to their vague definition. In particular
these are: the use categorisation for all tools, the intrinsic dustiness which is defined
qualitatively, the type of setting (professional/ industrial) and the definition of risk
management measures. The resulting variability can potentially be decreased in different
ways. Obviously, the definition of the corresponding parameters should be as precise as
possible to reduce the need for subjective interpretation. However, the knowledge of the
user about their tool is also of high relevance, therefore to decrease the total level of
uncertainty, it is crucial that they are well informed about both the models and the
situations that will be assessed.
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We-SY-B3.6
External validation of exposure assessment tools used under REACH
Eun Gyung (Emily) Lee, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health,
Morgantown, West Virginia, United States
Judith Lamb, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Nenad Savic, Institute for Work and Health (IST), Epalingen-Lausanne, Switzerland
Bojan Gasic, Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), Zurich, Switzerland
Christian Jung, Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA), Dortmund,
Germany
Martin Tischer, Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA), Dortmund,
Germany
Jongwoon Kim, KIST Europe, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Saarbruecken,
Germany
Martin Harper, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West
Virginia, United States
Exposure assessment tools used under REACH were evaluated using measurement data.
Five tier 1 models: the ECETOC TRAv2, TRAv3, EMKG-EXPO-TOOL, MEASEv1.02.01,
Stoffenmanager®v4.5, and one tier 2 model, the Advanced REACH Tool (ART), were
included. Sixty-seven Exposure Situations (ES) based on tasks/chemicals were developed
from NIOSH field surveys to collect workers’ exposure measurements, and circulated to
seven organizations (from the US and Europe) for coding of the situations into the tool
parameters. Input parameters for each model were then agreed and each model was used
to generate estimates of exposure for each ES. The exposure data and model estimates
were compared in six categories: Aqueous solutions (n=4; for MEASE, Stoffenmanager, and
ART), Liquids with a vapor pressure (VP) ≤ 10 Pa at room temperature (n=5; for all but
MEASE), Liquids with a VP > 10 Pa at room temperature (n=419; for all but MEASE), Metal
processing (n=15; only for MEASE), Powder handling (n=20; for all models), and Solid
objects (n=20; for all models). The level of conservatism of the model estimates were
defined as high, medium, and low if the proportion of exposure measurements (%M)
exceeding the model estimates (T) was ≤10%, 11≤25%, and >25%, respectively. The
comparison was made using T derived from the point estimates for the TRAv2, TRAv3 and
MEASE, the upper range value for the EMKG-EXPO-TOOL, and 90th percentile value for the
Stoffenmanager and ART. Overall, the level of conservatism was in the order of the EMKG-
EXPO-TOOL (%M>T=2%; highest), Stoffenmanager (%M>T=8%), TRAv2/MEASE (%M>T=9%),
TRAv3 (%M>T=26%), and ART (%M>T=59%; lowest). All tier 1 models exhibited high levels of
conservatism except for the following categories: Liquids with a VP > 10 Pa for TRAv3
(%M>T=29%) and Solid objects for MEASE (%M>T=25%) and Stoffenmanager (%M>T=100%).
The TRAv3 was less conservative than the TRAv2. Stoffenmanager resulted in 100% of
%M>T for the solid objects because of an assumption of zero emissions from solid objects.
The ART tool resulted in low levels of conservatism for all exposure categories showing a
range of %M>T from 30% to 80%. The study findings clearly suggest needs of improvements
for each model. Although the present study covers a broader range of exposure situations,
still further validation studies are necessary, especially for those categories with
insufficient data.
649
We-SY-C3: Wristband Samplers Advancing Chemical Exposure Science – I
We-SY-C3.1
The wristband sampler saga
Kim A. Anderson, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States
Glenn R. Wilson, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States
Richard P. Scott, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States
Steven G. O'Connell, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States
The nature of the silicone wristband sampler will be explored. Fundamentals, uptakes and
stability testing for over 100 organic contaminants with the wristband sampler will be
described. Organic chemicals that will be discussed include flame retardants, polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons, oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, BTEX, alkanes,
polychlorinated biphenyls, fragrance and other consumer products, pesticides and
phthalates. The volatile and semi-volatile organic chemicals (boiling point <450 C) for a
series of stability studies were quantified from the wristband for multiple times (e.g. 3
days, 1 week, 4 weeks, 3 months) and temperatures (e.g. -20, 4, and +30C) and will be
reported. Most of the chemicals, over 95%, were within 25% of the original starting
concentrations. Comparisons with other approaches, and limitations of the technology
will be present.
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We-SY-C3.2
Moving Forward: Personal Exposure Monitoring, Citizen Science, and Disaster Research
Aubrey Miller, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
Liam O'Fallon, NIEHS, Dur, N, United States
Joseph Hu, N, Durham, N, United States
April Bennett, N, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
Richard Kwok, NIEHS, Du, No, United States
Leslie Reinlib, NIE, Du, No, United States
David Balshaw, NI, Du, N, United States
Background
Responses to various disasters and emerging threats including the World Trade Center
attack, Gulf Oil Spill, Superstorm Sandy, and the Ebola outbreak have revealed the dire
need for improved ability to perform rapid data collection and research for such events.
As such, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Disaster Research Response Program (DR2)
was created to build and promote tools, processes, and relationships to collect vital
exposure and health information in response to environmental disasters. Additionally, the
advent of new personal exposure monitoring devices such as "wristband samplers" is
opening new frontiers for research, including community-engagement and citizen science
in response to disasters.
Objectives
Facilitate understanding of the current gaps in critical human health and exposure data
needed to inform risk assessment and and applied public for disasters and other emerging
threats. Provide information regarding newly evolving programs, tools, and exposure
assessment strategies to enhance rapid data collection for time-critical responses.
Strengthen awareness of the efforts and challenges associated with the implementation
worker and community data collection and environmental data management.
Methods
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) intramural and extramural
research responses to situations such as the Gulf Oil Spill, hydraulic fracturing, ebola
epidemic, and other events will be used to highlight various efforts to implement timely
health and exposure data collection, including the use of mobile devices, portable
samplers, and the inclusion of citizen science. Additionally, NIEHS reviewed hundreds of
articles and websites related to disasters to identify and make publicly available data
collection tools for use by the research community. For identified tools, metadata was
also developed to help researchers review and understand the utility of the various tools
for differing situations.
Results
The NIEHS program has created a publicly accessible repository of over 165 questionnaires
and data tools used in past disasters for use in future situations. Additionally, a novel
human subject reviewed protocol that can be rapidly used for future disaster situations
has been developed. This protocol also includes the ability to perform medical testing and
the collection of exposure data, including, biospecimens. Large-scale tabletop exercises
and new networks linking academia, public health officials, and impacted communities
have also been created to test initiatives and to implement enhanced environmental
health and exposure research in response to emergencies. As such, the research
community is now poised to begin moving into a new era of “strategic science” as part of
disaster response efforts.
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652
We-SY-C3.3
Using Simple Wristband Samplers to Detect Chemical Exposures, Engage Citizen
Scientists, and Inform Policy
Lindsay McCormick, Environmental Defense Fund, Washington, DC, United States
Jennifer McPartland, Environmental Defense Fund, Washington, DC, United States
Christopher Portier, Environmental Defense Fund, Thun, Switzerland
Sarah Vogel, Environmental Defense Fund, Washington, DC, United States
Aim: Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) works to better understand health impacts from
environmental exposures in order to drive health protective chemicals policies. EDF is
interested in innovative approaches to improve the real-world exposure knowledgebase.
Here we discuss a pilot project that explored the use of passive, silicone wristband
samplers to characterize individual chemical exposures and our future planned activities.
The objective of the pilot was to explore the functionality and utility of the wristbands
and develop effective risk communication approaches. EDF’s broader goals are to 1) help
fill knowledge gaps on individual chemical exposures, 2) raise awareness through active
engagement with citizen scientists, and 3) use the generated data to inform policy.
Methods: EDF deployed passive, silicone wristband samplers to 28 non-random volunteers
(worn continuously for one week). Oregon State University performed a qualitative
analysis for the presence of 1,418 chemicals and a quantitative analysis of a panel of 40
flame retardants. EDF developed individualized reports that were electronically delivered
and verbally reviewed during individual in-person or phone meetings.
Results: In total, 57 chemicals were detected in the qualitative analysis across all
wristbands (average 15 chemicals/wristband). Detected chemicals included polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons, flame retardants, synthetic and natural fragrances, pesticides,
preservatives and plasticizers. There was considerable overlap in chemical exposures
across participant wristbands; for example, the synthetic fragrance galaxolide was
detected in every wristband. The quantitative flame retardant analysis identified 12
distinct compounds across all the wristbands, including PBDEs and other halogenated
flame retardants. Exposure levels varied greatly; among wristbands with detects, PBDE 49
had the narrowest range of detection (3x concentration difference) and PBDE 99 had the
largest range (255x concentration difference).
Conclusions: While this was not a random sample of individuals, we found the wristbands
to be a highly effective engagement tool. Participants reported high compliance,
increased awareness, and a desire to learn more. We experienced several challenges in
risk communication owing to data gaps on exposure sources, current inability to derive
external to internal dose estimations, and lack of safe/regulatory action levels for many of
the detected chemicals. We found comparing individual results to the group to be an
effective communication method. We are exploring future projects that would engage a
geographically-diverse network of “citizen scientists” to collect and share chemical
exposure data. Possible policy uses of these projects include informing prioritization of
chemicals for targeted assessment and evaluating the effectiveness of chemical exposure
mitigation strategies.
653
We-SY-C3.4
Assessing preschool children’s exposure to flame retardants, using silicone wristbands,
and links with teacher-rated social behaviors
Molly Kile, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
Shannon Lipscomb, Oregon State University, Bend, OR, United States
Megan MacDonald, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
Megan McClelland, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
Richard Scott, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
Steven O'Connell, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
Kim Anderson, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
Background: Young children are exposed to a mixture of flame retardants. Silicone
wristbands can be used as passive sampling tools for measuring personal environmental
exposure to organic compounds. There is also concern that some flame retardants
negatively impact neurocognitive development.
Methods: We recruited a cohort of 92 preschool aged children (3-5 years) in the state of
Oregon to wear a silicone wristband passive sampling device for one week. The
wristbands were analyzed on an analytical method that could detect 41 different flame
retardant compounds including brominated diphenyl ethers (BDEs) and organophosphate
flame retardants (OPFRs). Children’s social behaviors were rated by their preschool
teachers using the Social Skills Improvement System Rating Scale. Covariates were
measured through a family survey and included child age, gender, family context (parent
education, employment, income, and home learning environment), and adverse
experience (e.g. lived with family member with substance abuse or mental illness,
experienced violence or trauma, neglect, or witnessed domestic violence).
Results: Seventy-seven caregivers returned the wristbands for analysis of 35 PBDEs, 4
OPFRs, and 2 other brominated flame retardants. A total of 20 compounds were detected
above the limit of quantitation during the 7 day exposure assessment period. Multiple
regression analyses (controlling for child age, gender, family context, and adverse
experience) indicated that total polybrominated diphenyl ether exposure was linked to
children’s poorer assertion skills on the teacher-rated scale. Total organophosphate flame
retardant exposure was linked to children’s lower responsibility and higher externalizing
behaviors based on teacher ratings.
Conclusions: This descriptive cross sectional study showed that the vast majority of
preschool children tolerated the silicone wristband sampler and that they were exposed to
a mixture of volatilized PBDEs and OPFRs. A dose-response relationship was observed
between total exposure to flame retardants and poorer social skills (e.g., lower assertion,
responsibility and higher externalizing behaviors) observed in preschool. Further studies
are warranted that would identify sources of exposure and further explore a potential
causal relationship between flame retardant mixtures and social behaviors in children.
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We-SY-C3.5
Quantifying Exposure to Flame Retardants and Polyfluorinated Compounds using
Silicone Wristbands and Handwipes
Stephanie Hammel, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
Kate Hoffman, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
Craig Butt, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
Rebecca Siebenaler, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
Rochelle Cameron, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
Thomas Webster, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Kim Anderson, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States
Heather Stapleton, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
Flame retardants (FRs) and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are semi-volatile
compounds that partition in varying degrees between gas phase and particles. Applied to
consumer products, they are emitted over time and are exposure sources in indoor
environments. Recently, we experimented with handwipes as metrics of exposure to FRs
and PFASs. Silicone wristbands have also been used to characterize exposure to volatile
and semi-volatile contaminants, including FRs. Here, we compared the utility of
handwipes and wristbands for predicting internal dose and exposure to FRs and PFASs. Two
cohorts of 40 participants each were recruited in 2015 to examine exposure to FRs and
PFASs, separately. We collected urine to evaluate FR metabolites and serum samples to
examine PFASs. Two FRs measured on wristbands, tris(1,3-dichloroisopropyl)phosphate
(TDCIPP) and tris(1-chloro-2-propyl)phosphate (TCIPP), were more highly correlated with
their corresponding urinary metabolites (rs=0.6, p=0.001) compared to handwipes. This
provides a strong indication that FR concentrations captured by wristbands are
representative of internal dose. Three of four FR compounds (TDCIPP, TCIPP, mono-
substituted isopropyl triaryl phosphate) analyzed on wristbands were also associated with
handwipe levels (rs=0.3-0.7, p=0.05). Decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) was measured
on all wristbands (geometric mean (GM)=47.9 ng/band) despite having low vapor pressure
(estimated 9.02E-13 Pa), suggesting that wristbands capture particle-associated
chemicals. 6:2 and 8:2 flurotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) and fluorotelomer diphosphate
esters (diPAPs) were commonly detected on wristbands (GM=1.1-190.4 ng/band) and
handwipes (GM=0.9-19.3 ng/wipe). We did not observe significant correlations with serum
levels of perfluorinated carboxylic acids (e.g. PFOA) or sulfonic acids (e.g. PFOS).
However, 6:2 FTOH, 6:2 diPAP, and 8:2 diPAP on wristbands were highly correlated with
handwipe levels (rs=0.4-0.8, p=0.05). Our results demonstrate that both handwipes and
wristbands are useful in assessing inhalation and dermal exposure to FRs and PFASs;
however, wristbands may be more useful in predicting internal dose than handwipes.
655
We-SY-D3: UBA HBM Colloquium I - Human Biomonitoring in International
Population Studies Improving our Knowledge of Environmental Public Health
We-SY-D3.1
Describing exposures to pesticides in French pregnant women: results from the
perinatal component of the French HBM program based on the Elfe cohort
Clémentine Dereumeaux, Santé publique France, Saint-Maurice, France
Vérène Wagner, Santé publique France, Saint-Maurice, France
Sarah Goria, Santé publique France, Saint-Maurice, France
Perrine de Crouy-Chanel, Santé publique France, Saint-Maurice, France
Clémence Fillol, Santé publique France, Saint-Maurice, France
Sébastien Denys, Santé publique France, Saint-Maurice, France
Pesticides are extensively used in France for both agricultural and residential uses.
Although results of epidemiological studies are still controversial, exposures of pregnant
women to environmental pesticides is suspected to have adverse effects on pregnancy
outcomes and infant development. However, little is known about impregnation levels by
pesticides among French pregnant women and the potential sources of exposure, including
the residential proximity to crops.
In this context, Santé publique France, the French national public health agency, has
implemented a perinatal component as part of the French human biomonitoring (HBM)
program. The aim of this study was to describe impregnation levels by various chemicals
(metals, bisphenol A, phthalates, pesticides and persistent organic pollutants) and to
identify their determinants, in French pregnant women. The presentation will focus on
outcomes concerning pesticides.
The study population was based on a random selection of 1 077 mothers who have been
enrolled in the Elfe cohort (the French Longitudinal Study since Childhood) in 2011.
Exposure biomarkers of pesticides (metabolites of atrazine, glyphosate, propoxur,
chlorophenols, dialkylphosphates and pyrethroids) were measured in spot urine samples
collected from pregnant woman just after her admission to the maternity unit for
delivery. Simultaneously, data about potential sources of exposure to pesticides during
pregnancy related to food intakes and life style characteristics were collected, as well as
sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics. The presence of crops in the
vicinity of pregnant woman’s municipality of residence was also used to identify the
determinants of exposure to pesticides.
In this study, metabolites of pyrethroids were quantified in all French pregnant women,
with the exception of 4-F-3-PBA. One out of two pregnant women had quantified levels of
dialkylphosphates, however percentages of quantification were lower for propoxur (and its
metabolite, 2-IPP), chlorophenols and herbicides (atrazine and metabolites, glyphosate
and AMPA). The results of the study have shown that pyrethroids levels increased with the
domestic use of pesticides during pregnancy (insecticides, anti-lice and anti-mite), the
consumption of tobacco and alcohol. The possible presence of crops close to the place of
residence was also related to higher pyrethroids levels. However interpretation of these
findings warrants caution because of potential misclassification of exposure due to the
short half-life of pesticides in the human body, glyphosate in particular.
656
For the first time in France, this study provides a national representative description of
impregnation levels by pesticides among French pregnant women and their determinants.
These results will provide relevant information for Public Health actors.
657
We-SY-D3.2
The German Human Biomonitoring Program: a Powerful Tool for Accomplishing Public
Health Tasks
André Conrad, German Environment Agency (UBA), Berlin, Germany
Christine Schulz, German Environment Agency (UBA), Berlin, Germany
Maria Rüther, German Environment Agency (UBA), Berlin, Germany
Hans-Wolfgang Hoppe, Medical Laboratory Bremen, Bremen, Germany
Steffen Uhlig, QuoData, Dresden, Germany
Marike Kolossa-Gehring, German Environment Agency (UBA), Berlin, Germany
Introduction:
As surveillance tool for human exposure to chemicals and other substances, human
biomonitoring (HBM) serves important public health tasks: HBM can be applied for
elucidating associations between exposure and health issues, gaining early warnings on
public health problems, providing the scientific basis for public health strategies,
evaluating the impact of policy actions, monitoring the degree of achievement of public
health objectives, and facilitating priority-setting. This is demonstrated by results of the
German HBM Program of the German Environment Agency (UBA).
Methods:
The German HBM program consists of the German Environmental Survey (GerES) and the
Environmental Specimen Bank (ESB). GerES is a cross-sectional population study carried
out repeatedly since 1985. In addition to HBM GerES comprises indoor and drinking water
monitoring as well as extensive interviews. Since 1985, the ESB collects human samples
from 20-29 years old participants on a yearly basis which are cryo-archived and
(retrospectively) analyzed for various pollutants.
Results:
ESB data documents an increase of the glyphosate background exposure in Germany from
2001 to 2012: The fraction of quantifiable concentrations in 24 h-urine increased from 10
% to almost 60 %. The subsequent decrease to 40 % in 2015 might indicate the impact of
changes of glyphosate application on the human exposure. This, however, needs to be
confirmed by ongoing ESB and GerES monitoring.
GerES results on the association between urinary Hg concentrations and the number of
amalgam fillings triggered a public health recommendation of the German Federal Health
Office in 1992 to consider dental amalgam cautiously for children. Also against this
background, the fraction of 6 to 14 years old German children exceeding health-based
HBM assessment values for Hg in urine decreased from approx. 2 % in 1990/92 to almost 0
% in 2003/06. Statistical analysis of ESB data reveals regional differences in the overall
decrease in amalgam fillings in Germany. As dental amalgam became less relevant, food
consumption gains relatively more importance for the internal Hg exposure.
Time-trends of perfluorinated compounds in ESB blood plasma samples collected from
1982 to 2010 document changes in human exposure and confirm i. a. the effect of
voluntary and regulatory action. However, as current GerES participants still exceed the
health-based HBM assessment values for PFOS and PFOA, a further reduction of the
exposure in Germany is necessary.
Conclusions:
By way of various examples, GerES and ESB demonstrate how HBM serves key public health
tasks. The German HBM program underlines numerous health gains due to environmental
regulation. On the other hand, both studies timely reveal needs for increased attention
658
and/or further action in environmental policy-making for maintaining and improving
health and wellbeing in Germany.
References:
WHO 2016, Public health surveillance.
http://www.who.int/topics/public_health_surveillance/en/
UBA 2016, German Environmental Specimen Bank.
https://www.umweltprobenbank.de/en/
UBA 2016, German Environmental Survey. http://www.uba.de/geres/
659
We-SY-D3.3
NHANES: Biomonitoring experience and results
Antonia Calafat, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, United States
Biomonitoring provides a quantitative measure of the amount of a given chemical present
in the human body. Biomonitoring measures, which integrate all sources and routes of
exposure, are increasingly used to estimate human exposures. In particular, biomonitoring
programs are useful for investigating human exposure to environmental chemicals. One of
these programs, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) is
conducted annually by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. NHANES collects
data on the health and nutritional status of the general U.S. population, as well as
biological specimens which can be used to assess exposure to select chemicals. NHANES
biomonitoring data have shown that exposure to some chemicals is widespread. NHANES
data also suggest variability in exposure by sex, age, and race/ethnicity, likely as a result
of lifestyle differences. This presentation will provide an overview on the use of NHANES
biomonitoring data to establish reference ranges, provide exposure information for risk
assessment (e.g., set intervention and research priorities, evaluate effectiveness of public
health measures), and monitor exposure trends.
660
We-SY-D3.4
Biomonitoring as part of exposome measurement in Japan Environment and Children’s
Study
Shoji F. Nakayama, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan
Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS) is a national birth cohort study launched in
2011 by the Ministry of the Environment. JECS is designed to evaluate the effect of the
environment on children’s health and development. A total of 103,000 mother–child pairs
were registered. Biological samples, such as blood, urine, cord blood, breast milk and hair
were collected during pregnancy, at birth and a month after birth from mothers, children
and fathers. Questionnaires have been administered to obtain the exposure and health
outcome information. Numerical models are used to estimate air pollutants and physical
environment (e.g. noise, radiation).
JECS considers the concept of ‘exposome’ seriously. Every exposure during pregnancy and
childhood could affect children’s health and development. While JECS considers the
environment broadly including chemical, physical and biological factors as well as socio-
economic status, behavioural environment and community environment, chemical
exposure is one of the main focuses of the study. In JECS, exposures are
measured/estimated by a variety of methods including biomarkers, questionnaires,
interviews, direct observations, personal sampling, sensing and simulation models.
Biomonitoring is a major tool for the chemical exposure measurements.
Biomonitoring for epidemiological studies needs to be very well designed. It is not
population based but individual based. The sampling scheme is important but options are
limited for large-scale studies. In most cases, only spot samples can be collected. Thus,
biological and statistical consideration plays an important role. In the session, JECS
approach to the specific chemicals as well as untargeted ones will be presented.
661
We-SY-D3.5
Canadian Health Measures Survey: Derivation of human biomonitoring reference values
for the general population
Douglas Haines, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Cheryl Khoury, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Gurusankar Saravanabhavan, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Kate Werry, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
The interpretation of human biomonitoring (HBM) data and its incorporation in the
development of policy decisions is valuable for protecting public health. HBM reference
values (RV95), defined as the 95th percentile of the measured chemical concentration of
the reference population, within the 95% confidence interval, is an instrument enabling
such interpretation. RV95s indicate the upper bound of background exposure to a given
chemical at a given time. The nationally representative Canadian Health Measures Survey
(CHMS) is the most comprehensive direct health measures survey conducted for the
general population in Canada. The CHMS is ongoing and, to date, HBM data for 176
chemicals in blood and urine, including metals and trace elements, persistent organic
pollutants (POPs) and non-persistent chemicals and corresponding questionnaire and
health biomarker information are available from three cycles of the CHMS (2007-2013).
We report the RV95s developed for a range of environmental chemicals measured as part
of the CHMS.
We used a systematic approach based on the reference interval concept proposed by the
International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine and the
International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry to derive RV95s for chemicals using the
latest CHMS biomonitoring data. Biomarkers were chosen based on specific selection
criteria, including widespread detection in Canadians (≥ 66% detection rate). For each
chemical, a reference population was constructed based on an a posteriori selection
approach with specific criteria for exclusion (e.g. smoking, seafood consumption, fasting)
and partitioning (age, sex) of the data. Separate RV95s were derived for sub-populations
in cases where partitioning was deemed necessary. RV95s were computed for 12 metals
and trace elements in blood and 14 in urine, for 21 POPs in blood plasma, and for 41 non-
persistent chemicals including six in blood, 33 in urine and two haemoglobin adducts.
RV95s ranged as follows: metals and trace elements in blood from 0.18 µg/L (cadmium) to
7900 µg/L (zinc), in urine from 0.17 µg/L (antimony) to 1400 mg/L (fluoride); POPs in
plasma from 0.018 µg/L (PCB 201) to 21 µg/L (perfluorooctane sulfonate); non-persistent
chemicals in blood from 0.072 µg/L (o-xylene) to 0.21 µg/L (toluene), in urine from 0.063
µg/L (4-hydroxyphenanthrene) to 790 µg/L (triclosan), and haemoglobin adducts between
100 pmol/g Hb (acrylamide) and 130 pmol/g Hb (glycidamide).
These RV95s are the first reference values derived for the general Canadian population.
RV95s are statistical values used strictly as indicators of exposure. Because toxicological
information of the environmental chemicals is not incorporated in their derivation, RV95s
cannot be used directly to predict any adverse health outcomes in the population.
Nonetheless, they provide a reference point against which individual and population HBM
results from other surveys and studies can be compared. RV95s are not fixed but can be
updated using HBM data from future cycles of the CHMS.
662
We-SY-E3: Exposure to SVOCs in the Indoor Environment - Products,
Emissions, Exposure, Pharmacokinetics and Biomarkers – III
We-SY-E3.1
Using Ultrafine Particles as a Metric for Characterizing SVOC Contamination of Surfaces
Lance Wallace, None, Santa Rosa, CA, United States
Charles Weschler, Rutgers Univ, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States
Wayne Ott, Stanford Univ, Palo Alto, Ca, United States
Alvin Lai, City University, Hong Kong, China, People's Republic of
Background: A 2014 study (1) suggested that ultrafine particles (UFP) from heated metal
surfaces may be created by desorption of SVOCs from the surfaces, followed by nucleation
as the air diffusing from the heat source cools and becomes supersaturated with vapor-
phase SVOC molecules.
Objectives:
1. Test this theory by applying to surfaces other than metal, including porcelain and glass
2. Estimate the buildup over time of SVOCs encountered in a residence
3. Consider transfer of skin oil to cooking pans as determined by UFP counts
Methods: Use electric burner or laboratory hot plate to heat cooking pans, Petri dishes,
and aluminum foil, measuring UFP by a condensation particle counter (CPC) and a
Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS) to provide size-resolved emissions as a function of
temperature and time exposed to indoor air.
Results: Most of the surfaces tested could be driven to near-zero particle production
following repeated heating to temperatures in the range of 150-300 degrees C. Aluminum
foil from inner portions of a newly purchased roll appeared to be free of SVOC
contamination. Newly purchased Petri dishes had varying amounts of contamination,
sometimes near-zero. These “clean” surfaces were then exposed to indoor air for
increasing periods of time up to 150 days. Total mass produced ranged from 500 µg for
longer exposures. Longer exposures shifted the UFP size distribution to the right (from
modes of 5 nm to >50 nm). Total particle concentrations in a 25.8 m3 room ranged from a
few thousand to more than a million per cubic centimeter. Washing pans with detergent
produced no particles if sterile gloves were employed, but copious particles if bare hands
were employed.A single thumbprint on a previously cleaned (by repeated heating) pan
could produce one million particles, although most were greater than10 nm in diameter
and thus had negligible (greater than 0.1 µg). Multiple thumbprints were capable of
producing one hundred million particles and greater than 100 µg mass. (1) Wallace, L.A.,
Ott, W.R., and Weschler, C.J. (2014) Ultrafine particles from electric appliances and
cooking pans: experiments suggesting desorption/nucleation of sorbed organics as the
primary source. Indoor Air 2015:536-546.
663
CPC, SMPS, and Petri dishes set out for exposure to SVOCs
664
We-SY-E3.2
Contribution of Dermal Absorption to Body Burdens of SVOCs: Absorption from Air vs.
Absorption from Skin Surface Lipids
Charles Weschler, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States
Aim: This presentation will contrast SVOC uptake directly from room air and SVOC uptake
from skin surface lipids following contact transfer with contaminated surfaces.
Methods: kp_b is the permeability coefficient that applies to the transport of an SVOC
from air at the skin’s surface through the stratum corneum/viable epidermis composite
(sc/ve) to dermal capillaries, while kp_l is the permeability coefficient that applies to the
transport from skin surface lipids through the sc/ve to dermal capillaries. Partitioning
between surface lipids and interfacial air is describe by the coefficient Klg and occurs
relatively quickly. Klg can be used to relate kp_b and kp_l:
kp_b = kp_l × Klg
kp_g is the permeability coefficient that applies to the transport of an SVOC from room air
through the layer of air adjacent to skin and then through the sc/ve to dermal capillaries.
The coefficient for mass transport through the layer of air adjacent to the skin is denoted
as hm (typically ~ 6 m/h). kp_g can be estimated with a resistor in series approach:
1/kp_g = 1/hm + 1/ kp_b
Using methods described in Weschler & Nazaroff (Atmos Environ 2008), kp_b, kp_l, kp_g
and Klg have been calculated for SVOCs commonly found indoors.
Results: SVOCs can be divided into three categories with respect to kp_b:
i) kp_b > 500 m/h. In this category resistance across the air adjacent to skin is much
larger than across the sc/ve. Hence kp_g ~ hm, and, for equivalent SVOC activities in room
air and skin surface lipids, uptake from air occurs at a much slower rate than from surface
lipids.
ii) 500 m/h > kp_b > 0.2 m/h. In this category kp_g is impacted by both resistance
across the air layer and resistance across the sc/ve. For equivalent SVOC activities, uptake
from room air occurs at a somewhat slower rate than from surface lipids.
iii) kp_b < 0.2 m/h. In this category resistance across the air layer is much smaller than
resistance across the sc/ve. Hence kp_g ~ kp_b, and, for equivalent SVOC activities,
uptake from air occurs at the same rate as from surface lipids.
Conclusions: For SVOCs with large permeability coefficients, if their activities are
equivalent in room air and surface lipids, dermal uptake from surface lipids is much
larger. Given kinetic constraints, contact transfer from indoor surface films may be
necessary to achieve activities in skin surface lipids approaching those in the room air.
665
We-SY-E3.3
Determination of SVOC Volatilization from Porcine Skin for Assessing Inhalation
Exposure Following the Use of Cosmetics: Experimental Study for
Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5)
Tatsiana Dudzina,
Elena Garcia Hidalgo, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
Natalie von Goetz, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
Background
Leave-on cosmetic ingredients of low or moderate volatility are SVOCs. Consumer
exposure to these substances is often assumed to occur primarily via dermal absorption. In
reality they may volatilize from skin and represent a significant source for inhalation
exposure. Often, evaporation rates of pure substances from inert surfaces are used to
inform human exposure assessment to product mixtures.
Objectives
We developed a method for measuring chemical evaporation rates of substances in
cosmetics under realistic consumer exposure conditions from porcine skin in vitro. For the
test substance D5 volatilization was compared between neat substance and two relevant
cosmetic formulations from both inert and skin surfaces.
Methods
Series of experiments were carried out in a custom-made ventilated chamber fitted with a
vapor trap. Single doses were applied neat and in commercial deodorant and face cream
formulations to aluminum foil and porcine skin membranes mounted on static diffusion
cells at ambient air (23°C) and skin (32°C) temperature. The condition-specific
evaporation rates were determined as the chemical mass loss per unit surface area at 1-
1.25 h post dose time intervals. Product weight loss was monitored gravimetrically and the
residual D5 concentrations in formulations were analyzed with GC/FID.
Insert attachment
Figure 1: Experimental chamber for determining the evaporation rates
Results
For neat D5, the evaporated mass increased linearly with time. From aluminum surfaces
the release of D5 occurred very fast with mean rates of 0.029 mg cm−2 min−1 and 0.060
mg cm−2 min−1 at 23°C and 32°C, respectively. The effect of surface temperature on the
evaporation rate was statistically significant. Unlike observed in the experiments with
aluminum foil, the mean evaporation rates from porcine skin in vitro were similar for neat
and formulated forms of D5 (mean group difference is not statistically significant) and
ranged between 0.056 and 0.058 mg cm−2 min−1 (at 32°C). The results for the face cream
deviate from the overall trend showing a substantially faster evaporation from skin surface
compared to aluminum.
Statistical analysis of experimental data confirmed a significant effect of cosmetic
formulations on the evaporation of D5 with the largest effect (twofold decrease of the
evaporation rate) observed for the neat/face cream-pair at 32 °C.
The developed method can be used to assess more accurate volatilization rates for
dermally applied SVOCs. These rates are important for achieving an appropriate route-
apportionment (between inhalation and the dermal route) in exposure modeling for
dermally applied SVOCs.
666
Figure 1: Experimental chamber for determining the evaporation rates
667
We-SY-E3.5
The role of clothing in dermal uptake of SVOCs from indoor air
Glenn Morrison, Missouri University of Science & Technology, Rolla, MO, United States
Analyses of exposure to indoor air pollutants focus primarily on inhalation of gases and
particles. However, dermal uptake directly from air has recently been shown to be
significant for some semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs). We hypothesized that
wearing clothing should enhance this effect if the fabric was first allowed to equilibrate
with SVOCs present in indoor air. Simple mass transport models demonstrate that close-
fitting clothing would reduce external mass-transport resistance and increase uptake
relative to bare skin. To experimentally assess the effect, we measured uptake of selected
airborne phthalates for an individual wearing clean clothes or air-exposed clothes and
compared these results with dermal uptake for bare-skinned individuals under otherwise
identical experimental conditions. When compared against the average results for bare-
skinned participants, clean clothes were protective, whereas clothes exposed to
phthalates dramatically increased dermal uptake of DEP and DnBP. An advanced model of
dermal uptake that includes clothing predicts that dermal uptake is most sensitive to a
very human variable: the frequency of laundering clothing.
668
We-SY-E3.6
Towards understanding the role of clothing in human exposure to SVOCs
Miriam Diamond, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Amandeep Saini, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Clara Thaysen, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Rachel McQueen, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Liisa Jantunen, Environment Canada, Egbert, Ontario, Canada
Joseph Okeme, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Estimates have shown that clothing, followed by household textiles, have the largest
surface area of all materials indoors. Clothing is unique amongst indoor materials in its
intimate role in everyday life. As with other materials indoors, clothing can act as a sink
and source with respect to indoor SVOC concentrations. Our aim was to investigate the
role of clothing as a sink and source of SVOCs. A series of experiments were conducted to
quantify the uptake of selected SVOCs from air to fabrics and then SVOC release during
laundering. The results showed the high sorptive capacity of cotton, polyester and rayon
for gas- and particle-phase halogenated flame retardants (HFRs) and phthalate esters.
Measured fabric-gas phase distribution coefficients were 6.5-7 (log units) after 56 days
with modeled equilibrium partition coefficients of 8-12 (log units). Concentrations of
Σ5phthalates, Σ10HFRs and Σ8OPEs were 200, 70 and 500 ng/dm2 after 30 days of uptake.
Uptake prior to reaching equilibrium appeared to be air-side controlled for gas-phase
compounds, but equilibrium is estimated to be reached after >10 years for PBDEs. Uptake
rates of 0.4–0.9 m3 air equivalent/day.dm2 fabric translate into the accumulation of
SVOCs in 100 m3 of equivalent air per day by 2 m2 of clothing typically worn by a person.
Cotton, polyester and rayon accumulated similar masses of halogenated flame retardants
(not including organophosphate esters or OPEs) and higher molecular weight phthalates
when expressed on a planar basis but cotton had lower concentrations when expressed
according to specific surface area, which was high for cotton. Cotton accumulated more
OPEs and lower molecular weight phthalates than polyester for which several explanations
are offered. Cotton and polyester showed similar release of SVOCs to laundry water
where the percentage release was a function of water solubility and KOW. In controlled
laundry experiments, release to laundry water was > 80% of OPEs and low molecular
weight phthalates, ~50% for OPEs with aromatic structures, and <20% of high molecular
weight HFRs and phthalates. In conclusion, these results point to the role of clothing and
other textiles in the fate of SVOCs indoors; results suggest that clothing is a continual sink
for non-polar SVOCs (e.g., BFRs) and a transient sink for polar SVOCs (e.g., OPEs). The
results also suggest different implications for dermal exposure from clothing to HFRs vs
OPEs, with phthalates being intermediate.
669
We-SY-F3: Measuring marijuana exposure in a changing legal landscape
We-SY-F3.1
Exposure to THC in Dutch suspected impaired drivers
Beitske Smink, Netherlands Forensic Institute, The Hague, Netherlands
Aim of this presentation is first to describe the legal procedure, sampling and analytical
methods that are used to detect exposure to THC in suspected impaired drivers and
second, to explain the scientific base of the proposed legal limits for THC.
According to the Dutch Road Traffic Act, it is forbidden to drive under the influence of a
substance of which a driver ought to know that it can affect the driving performance
negatively. For alcohol, legal limits, related to accident risk, have been laid down. For
drugs, no legal limits have been laid down and driving impairment has to be evaluated
case-by-case, based on the results of blood analysis. In 2015, the Dutch Road Traffic Act
was changed; it is expected to come into force in 2017. The new law comprises limits for
the nine most frequently detected drugs in blood as well as the use of oral fluid tests as a
screening for drugs. The results of this oral fluid test will have to be confirmed in blood.
After alcohol, the next most frequently detected drug in drivers is cannabis. Based on
scientific literature, the proposed legal limit for single cannabis use is 3.0 ng THC/ml
whole blood (impairment limit). In case of multi-drug use, the proposed legal limit for THC
is 1.0 ng/ml in whole blood (analytical limit). These limits take into consideration that
THC may come from passive inhalation of cannabis smoke. The prevalence of THC in blood
of suspected impaired drivers was investigated by reviewing the results of the Netherlands
Forensic Institute (NFI) during the years 2009-2012. The identification and quantification
of THC and metabolites was performed by using a validated UPLC-MS/MS (ultra
performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry) method. The limit of
quantification was 1 µg/L.
THC was demonstrated in 36% (1085/3038) of the blood samples of suspected impaired
drivers. In 69% (748/1085) of the cases, no other illicit drug was detected. The most
frequently detected combinations of THC and other illicit drugs in drivers were THC and
amphetamines 14% (153/1085), THC and cocaine 5.7% (62/1085), THC and GHB 2.7%
(29/1085). Alcohol was not included in the review of the cases because the results of the
alcohol breath test (if performed) were unknown.
Introduction of threshold values in the law is expected to make prosecution of an impaired
driver more efficient, because it will obviate discussions on e.g. circumstances, tolerance
and passive inhalation of cannabis.
670
We-SY-F3.2
Exposures Related to Marijuana use by Smoking, Vaping, and Ingesting
Benjamin Blount, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Chamblee, Georgia, United
States
Abstract: Ten marijuana users were studied in a metabolic ward following controlled
smoking, vaping, and ingesting of marijuana products. Study participants were restricted
to non-tobacco smokers so that tobacco exposures did not confound marijuana exposures.
Urine samples collected before and at multiple times after each exposure will be assayed
for cannabinoids (5 metabolites), nicotine (7 metabolites), volatiles (6 metabolites), PAHs
(9 metabolites), heterocyclic amines (7 metabolites), and creatinine. Exposure doses will
be calculated for cannabinoids, and exposure to harmful combustion products will be
discussed in the context of potentially harmful exposures to active users. Potential
exposure from secondhand and thirdhand marijuana smoke exposure will also be
discussed.
671
We-SY-F3.3
Marijuana smoke exposure among hospitalized children exposed to tobacco smoke
Karen Wilson, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
Binnian Wei, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
Michelle Torok, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
Langing Wang, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
Michelle Robinson, Children's Hospital, Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
Benjamin Blount, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
Background: Marijuana smoking is becoming increasingly legal in the United States. Most
places with legal recreational use do not restrict use in the presence of children, but the
prevalence and effects of exposure on children are not well known. Parents who smoke
tobacco are also more likely to also use marijuana, increasing the risk for children’s
exposure to multiple types of smoke.
Objectives: To determine the prevalence of marijuana smoke exposure among children
with a parent who smokes tobacco.
Methods: As part of a randomized controlled trial of an inpatient parent smoking
cessation intervention, we have recruited 123 children with at least one parent who
smokes tobacco. Parents completed a survey about tobacco and marijuana use in the
home, as well as collecting the child’s health information and demographic
characteristics. 101 children provided a urine sample, and there was sufficient remaining
for this study from 58; samples were tested for cotinine (LC/MS) and NNAL (LC/MS) at the
laboratory at UCSF. Samples from children whose parents consented for future research
(N=43) will be anonymized and shipped on dry ice to the laboratory at the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, and will be analyzed for ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
and 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC (COOH-THC) using UHPLC-MS/MS, with limits of detection (LOD)
of 0.005 and 0.015 ng/mL, respectively. Chi-square tests will be done in SAS to assess
bivariable differences in exposure by demographics, cotinine level, and clinical status.
Results: We expect to find a high prevalence of marijuana smoke exposure in this cohort,
and that marijuana levels will correlate strongly with cotinine and NNAL. This
information will help us to understand the relationship between tobacco smoke and
marijuana smoke exposure in children.
672
We-SY-F3.4
Exposures Resulting From Active Use of Marijuana via Smoking
Peggy Van der Pol, Trimbos-instituut, Utrecht, Netherlands
Raymond Niesink, Trimbos-instituut, Utrecht, Netherlands
Background and aims: In the Netherlands, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentrations
increased from approximately 5-7% in the 1970s and an average 8% in the 1990s up to 20%
in 2004 and decreased thereafter (Pijlman et al., 2005; Niessink at al., 2015). Although
increased THC concentrations in cannabis may lead to higher THC-exposure, cannabis
dependence and treatment need, users self-report to adapt the actual intake of THC
through reduced inhalation of THC containing smoke (titration). This is supported by
protocolled laboratory studies (Hunault 2008), but users’ ability to estimate the dose and
potency of their cannabis remains unknown and titration has not been assessed in a
naturalistic setting.
Methods:
In a naturalistic experiment, heavy cannabis users (n = 98) brought their own cannabis,
rolled a joint and smoked it ad libitum. First, THC concentration of their cannabis and the
total amount of cannabis in their joint were objectively measured and compared with self-
reported estimates of dose and potency. Second, it was assessed whether those using
stronger cannabis used lower doses or inhaled less smoke.
Results: Objective estimates of doses per joint (0.07–0.88 g/joint) and cannabis potency
(1.1–24.7%) varied widely. Self-reported measures of dose were imprecise, but at group
level, average dose per joint was estimated accurately with the number of joints made
from 1 g, whereas a photo card resulted in serious underestimation. THC concentration in
cannabis was associated with subjective potency and with cannabis price, but not with
level of intoxication.
THC concentration in cannabis was correlated positively with cannabis dose per joint, but
the resulting THC concentration per joint (range 0.24–15.72%) was associated negatively
with inhalation volume.
Conclusions: Self-report measures relating to cannabis use appear at best to be associated
weakly with objective measures. Of the self-report measures, number of joints per gram,
cannabis price and subjective potency have at least some validity.
Although more potent cannabis was used in larger doses per joint, cannabis users titrate
their delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol intake by inhaling lower volumes of smoke when
smoking strong joints. However, this does not fully compensate for the higher cannabis
doses per joint when using strong cannabis. Thus, users of more potent cannabis are
generally exposed to more delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. (Van der Pol et al., 2013,
Addiction, 108, 1801–1808; 109, 1101–1109)
673
We-SY-F3.5
Diversity of Modes of Exposure to Marijuana in a Sample of US Adult Co-Users of
Marijuana and Tobacco
Arno Hazekamp, Bedrocan Beheer BV, Veendam, Netherlands
Erica Peters, Battelle Public Health Center for Tobacco Research, Baltimore, MD, USA
Aim
Vaporizing has become a popular alternative to smoking for recreational and medicinal
consumption of cannabis. Currently available vaporizing devices range from large tabletop
units connected to electric outlets, to small battery operated handheld vape-pens. Some
vaporizers need to be loaded by the user with herbal cannabis, while others rely on
preloaded cartridges filled with so-called e-liquids containing cannabis extracts. Besides
the psychoactive cannabis compound THC, increasingly the non-psychoactive cannabinoid
CBD is also consumed in this form. Although it is claimed that vaporizing is healthier than
smoking, virtually none of the currently available vaporizers, or the cartridges that are
used with them, have been tested for any form of safety or efficacy. This presentation will
present an overview of scientific data currently available about vaporizing cannabis and
cannabinoids.
Methods
This presentation provides an overview of analytical data on the safety, reproducibility
and efficacy of vaporizing cannabis for medicinal purpose. This data was obtained by the
author during his scientific work over the last 15 years on medicinal cannabis as part of
the Dutch Medicinal Cannabis Program. Vaporizers covered include the Volcano Digit and
Medic by Storz&Bickel, the MiniVap vaporizer by Hermes Medical Engineering, and various
others. Special attention will be given to the chemical composition of the vapor released
by vaporizers, and the risks of environmental exposure to secondhand vapor. Parameters
studied include type and dose of cannabis used, airflow, temperature setting, and type of
heating source.
Results
Based on the lessons learned on vaporizing cannabis and cannabinoids, an optimized
strategy is presented for the application of vaporizing for medical use. By a systematic
evaluation of tested parameters, evaporation of active cannabis components is
maximized, while avoiding the creation of harmful degradation products. Based on the
obtained results, a prototype of an optimized vaporizer is currently entering clinical trials,
and is being approved as a medical device. These data are important for use of vaporizers
in public spaces, as well as for the set-up of clinical trials, where occupational exposure to
cannabis compounds is often considered a serious risk by medical staff.
Conclusions
Vaporizing has the potential to replace smoking of cannabis, specifically for medical use.
Lessons learned in this arena can be applied to consumption of recreational cannabis use,
in order to reduce health risks for cannabis users, and limit secondhand exposure to THC
and other harmful compounds.
674
We-SY-G3: Exposure Science and 21st century oil and gas development – I
We-SY-G3.1
Unconventional Natural Gas Waste Injection and Public Health
Erin Haynes, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Natural gas extraction has boomed in the last decade due to the new technique of high
volume horizontal hydraulic fracturing or unconventional natural gas (UNG) extraction.
Approximately five to six million gallons of water are used to fracture each shale gas well,
and it’s estimated that 30% to 70% returns to the surface. This flow back water or brine
contains the complex chemical mixture used for fracturing and also naturally occurring
toxicants from underground including metals, volatile organics, and radioactive
compounds. These fluids contain toxics that may result in reproductive or developmental
toxic exposures if found in drinking water. The primary option for management of UNG
extraction waste is underground injection. In Ohio, these well are referred to as Class II
wells, which were originally drilled and designed for conventional gas or oil extraction and
are being repurposed UNG extraction waste injection. In Ohio there are 214 active Class II
injection wells that receive UNG extraction waste In 2014, Ohio injected 924 million
gallons of UNG extraction waste fluid into these wells, about half from neighboring states.
Very little research has focused on the environmental public health hazards of UNG
extraction waste management. This talk will include a summary of the current peer-
reviewed literature on UNG extraction waste and the potential environmental public
health issues identified in Ohio.
675
We-SY-G3.2
A summary of fires, explosions, and pollutant releases at Oil and Gas Operations in
Colorado from 2000 to 2014.
Benjamin Blair, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
Lisa McKenzie, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, United States
Benjamin Allshouse, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, United States
Lindsay Taylor, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, United States
John Adgate, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, United States
Oil and gas operations have the potential for catastrophic incidents and accidents, such as
fires, explosions, and pollutant releases. However, the prevalence and causes of these
events are unclear. Using publicly available documents, we estimated the number of fires,
explosions, and pollutant releases at oil and gas development sites in Colorado from 2000
to 2014 and investigated the cause of each event. A total of 124 fires and explosions were
reported between 2000 and 2014. There was an average annual rate of 1 fire or explosion
for every 4,490 active wells with a highest total rate was 1 fire or explosion for every
2,660 active wells in 2008. The proximity of homes to fires and explosions was much closer
in the more populated Denver Julesburg Basin than the less populated Piceance Basin. We
also evaluate 4,673 pollutant release reports between 2000 and 2013 and we find an
average of 1.0% and up to 1.5% of active wells had a reported release per year. The
ignition sources of the fires and explosions and the cause of pollutant releases will also be
discussed. To our knowledge, this is the first summary of fire, explosions, and notable
releases at oil and gas sites at a state level and provides a template to determine rates
and assess catastrophic risks from these operations.
676
We-SY-G3.3
Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Methane, Carbon Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide, and
Ozone in the Denver-Julesburg Basin Across Regions of Various Oil and Gas Production
Densities
Joanna Casey, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States
Ashley Collier, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States
Ricardo Piedrahita, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States
Michael Hannigan, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States
In recent years along the Colorado Front Range, there has been an influx of people in the
midst of an expanding oil and gas production industry. These trends have resulted in more
people living in areas of increasingly dense oil and gas production activities. To explore
how the density of oil and gas production activities can influence air quality, a set of
atmospheric trace gases were measured via a network of ten air quality monitors over the
course of 3 months in 2015 and 2016. The attached figure includes a map of the field sites
and a picture of an air quality monitor. The measured gases included methane, carbon
dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone. Relevant environmental variables including
temperature, humidity, wind speed, and wind direction were also measured. Through
analysis of the relative abundance and correlations among the measured gases at each
sampling site, we gained information about the regional distribution of emissions and
mixing patterns throughout the basin. Patterns of short-term, dynamic enhancements of
methane, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide were observed at some of the sampling
sites, which indicate the presence of nearby sources. Wind speed and direction were used
to determine likely sources of these plumes. Carbon monoxide was used as a combustion
tracer. Ratios among these gases pointed to the nature of emission sources. Measured
concentrations of carbon monoxide and ozone, both known to be harmful to human
health, are presented in context with World Health Organization exposure limits. Spatial
variability in methane, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone were observed across
the basin. In general, higher levels of methane were observed in areas of higher oil and
gas production density, particularly at night when stable atmospheric conditions and a low
planetary boundary layer generally settled into place.
677
Left: Map of the Denver-Julesburg Basin with air quality monitoring sites indicated by
yellow circles and oil and gas wells indicated by green circles. Right: Air quality monitor
at the Platteville Atmospheric Observatory field site with oil and gas pr
678
We-SY-G3.4
Noise Levels from a Producing Oil Well Pad and their Potential Impacts on the
Surrounding Community
William Allshouse, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, Colorado, United States
Benjamin Blair, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, United States
Madeline Newman, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, United States
Stephen Brindley, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, United States
Lisa McKenzie, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, United States
John Adgate, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, United States
With the rise of unconventional oil and gas (O&G) development, including hydraulic
fracturing and horizontal drilling, public concern about potential health effects for those
living in proximity of these operations has also increased. Research on exposures to date
has mainly focused on chemical releases into the air and water from O&G development,
with little documentation about the noise produced. Noise is generated during all stages
of O&G well development and operation life cycle. In order to document the noise
experienced by a community living close to a well pad, we measured noise levels near an
oil production site at approximately 350, 500, and 1000 feet in multiple directions and at
different times of day over the course of several months. We removed measurements that
were influenced by documented persistent community noise not originating from the well
pad (n=48), and analyzed the remaining data points (n=192). Noise levels of the remaining
space/time data points ranged between 35.3 and 62.6 A-weighted decibels (dBA), with a
mean of 48.5 dBA (SD=5.4 dBA). The noise levels recorded at 500 feet from the well pad
(the current setback between a well and residence in Colorado), exceeded 50 dBA in 34.4%
of measurements. Additionally, noise was highest in the evening compared to morning and
afternoon (p<0.01), when people were most likely to be home. Since noise levels
exceeding 50 dBA have been associated with adverse health effects in other studies, we
conclude that noise from O&G operations warrants further investigation.
679
We-SY-G3.5
Movement of PAHs emitted from natural gas extraction wells
L. Blair Paulik, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States
Kevin A. Hobbie, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States
Diana Rohlman, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States
Richard P. Scott, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States
Laurel Kincl, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States
Erin N. Haynes, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Kim A. Anderson, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States
Natural gas extraction (NGE) has expanded rapidly in the United States in the last 15
years. Air emissions are a major pathway through which NGE may impact the health of
nearby communities and workers. However, few studies have directly measured emissions
coming from NGE. Recent research has suggested that NGE emits polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs). This study used passive air samplers to measure PAHs in two
concentric rings, around active NGE wells (n=3) and sites permitted to host future well
pads (n=2). At each site, an inner ring of three samplers was placed approximately 60
meters from the well pad and an outer ring of three samplers was placed approximately
120 meters from the well pad. At sites without wells, samplers were placed in these two
rings around the proposed well pad location. The study was conducted in a rural Ohio
community with a high density of NGE activity. Volunteer landowners were identified
through collaboration with a local concerned citizens group, and were engaged as citizen
scientists. Samplers were deployed for 20-28 days in spring 2014. Citizen scientists
returned samplers with 100% compliance. Samples were analyzed for 62 PAHs using GC-
MS/MS, and total levels were summed (∑PAH). Benzo[a]pyrene equivalent values, BaPeq,
were calculated using the EPA’s 2010 relative potency factors to compare carcinogenic
potency of PAH mixtures. Isomer ratios were used to identify sources of PAH mixtures.
∑PAH levels were significantly higher at sites with active NGE wells than at sites without
wells (Wilcoxon rank sum test, p < 0.005). Median ∑PAH levels were two-fold higher at
sites with active NGE wells than at sites without wells. Isomer ratios indicated that PAH
mixtures at sites with active NGE wells had more petrogenic signatures, while sites
without wells had more pyrogenic signatures. This is consistent with NGE well sites being
more heavily affected by emissions from within the earth. At sites with NGE wells, there
was an increasing trend in BaPeq measured in inner rings (closer to NGE well) than in
outer rings. This suggests that carcinogenic potency of PAH mixtures may increase closer
to NGE wells.
680
We-PL-H3: Spatio-Temporal Measures – I
We-PL-H3.1
Measuring and assessing individual exposures of external radiation doses in the
evacuation zone in Fukushima
Wataru Naito, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tsukuba,
Japan
Motoki Uesaka, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology,
Tsukuba, Japan
Chie Yamada, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tsukuba,
Japan
Background: The accident at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant on March 11, 2011,
released radioactive material into the atmosphere and contaminated the land in
Fukushima and several neighboring prefectures. Five years after the Fukushima accident,
the radiation levels have greatly decreased due to physical decay, weathering, and
decontamination operations in Fukushima. The populations of 12 communities were forced
to evacuate after the accident; as of March 2016, the evacuation order has been lifted in
only a limited area, and permanent habitation is still prohibited in most of the areas. In
order for the government to lift the evacuation order and for individuals to return to their
original residential areas, it is important to assess current and future realistic individual
doses in the evacuation areas.
Aim: We used personal dosimeters, called "D-shuttle", along with the Global Positioning
System and Geographic Information System to elucidate realistic individual external doses
and to relate individual doses, ambient doses, and activity-patterns of individuals in the
evacuation zones in Fukushima.
Results: The results showed that the measured individual doses were well correlated to
the ambient doses based on the airborne monitoring survey, and the results of linear
regression analysis suggested that the additional individual doses were on average about
one-fifth that of the additional ambient doses. The reduction factors, which are the ratios
of the individual doses to the ambient doses, were calculated to be on average about 0.15
and 0.3 for time spent at home and outdoors, respectively. Analysis of the contribution of
various activity patterns to the total personal dose demonstrated good agreement with the
average fraction of time spent daily in each activity, but the contribution due to being
outdoors varied widely.
Conclusions: Our results are a valuable contribution to understanding realistic personal
doses and the corresponding airborne monitoring-based ambient doses and time-activity
patterns of individuals in the affected areas. Furthermore, the results provide important
information for predicting future cumulative doses after the return of residents to
evacuation zine in Fukushima.
681
We-PL-H3.2
Bridging Exposure Science and Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials (RCCT’s
Ellen Kinnee, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Jessie Shmool, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Fernando Holguin, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
United States
Jane Clougherty, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
New therapeutic interventions are normally evaluated using randomized controlled clinical
trials (RCCT), wherein randomization is assumed to balance both measured and
unmeasured confounders across treatment allocation arms. Social and environmental
exposures, however, vary by location, and geographically-clustered or population-
stratified RCCT’s may fail to fully account for their effects. In the case of asthma,
accounting for these exposures may be critical to assessing treatment efficacy.
We developed a database of residential addresses for participants of three clinical trials
being conducted as part of the AsthmaNet research network at 29 sites across the United
States. Participants consented to sharing their primary residential address and length of
residence at that location with our team. Addresses were uploaded by the clinical trial
coordinators at each site to a secure web-based platform. Baseline measurements were
uploaded by the AsthmaNet Data Coordinating Center and addresses and medical
information stored under separate logins, linked only by Patient ID. This separation
throughout the geographic analyses ensures patient confidentiality.
Residential addresses were geocoded in GIS using a composite locator to determine the
most accurate point locations and then linked to baseline measures to obtain lung function
indicators. 583 residential points across 19 cities were successfully uploaded, geocoded,
and matched to baseline data. We found significant variation in mean baseline PFEV1 from
77-101 (+/- 6.8%) and other measures of lung function by city. We also found a substantial
variation across the cohort in Census Tract SES and distance to nearest major road, both
within and between cities. Patients were disproportionately recruited from areas of lower
Census Tract SES, compared to city averages. Currently, we are evaluating correlations
among lung function, distance to the nearest major roadway, and other environmental
exposure indicators.
Incorporating GIS-based techniques and strategies for addressing spatial exposures into
RCCTs is a novel solution towards better understanding which chronic exposures may
meaningfully affect response to a clinical intervention. This innovation has broad
implications for both clinical networks and multicenter studies.
682
We-PL-H3.3
Long-Duration Spatiotemporal Modeling of Nitrogen Oxides for Exposure Estimation at
High Resolutions
Lianfa Li, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
Fred Lurmann, Sonoma Technology, Inc., Petaluma, California, United States
Rima Habre, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
Robert Urman, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
Beate Ritz, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
Frank Gilliland, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
Jun Wu, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, United States
Background: Spatiotemporal models of air pollutants, especially those of high spatial and
temporal resolution, are often needed in the epidemiological studies on health effects of
chronic and acute exposure to air pollution. However, for the estimation of long-duration
exposures, model predictions are often limited by spatial and temporal availability of the
field measurements and the value range of the covariates from the training sample.
Aim: To develop a multi-level spatiotemporal model for southern California that can
reliably estimate nitrogen oxide concentrations over a long time span (22 years, 1992-
2013) with high spatiotemporal resolution by combining long-term monitoring data with
high temporal definition from SCAQMD and data from sporadic measurement campaigns
conducted by UCI, UCLA and USC that are short-term but highly spatially defined.
Methods: Continuous biweekly measurement (44 sites; 16,168 biweekly measures) from
the US EPA’s routine monitoring stations and sporadic measurements from intensive field
campaigns (1320 sites; 3,014 biweekly measures) were collected from 1992 to 2013.
Temporal basis functions were used to extract the long-duration temporal trends from
continuous routine monitoring data. Thiessen polygons were constructed around the
selected sampling sites to capture influence of spatial effects from the neighboring areas.
Seasonal and local variation of pollutant concentrations were modeled in a non-linear
fashion using spatiotemporal covariates such as meteorological parameters, traffic
density, and estimated local traffic emissions from the CALINE4 dispersion model. In order
to minimize the influence of uncertainties of the covariates, constrained optimization was
used to adjust the estimates of concentrations at the target locations. Leave-one-
community-out cross validation were conducted for model evaluation.
Results: The most important predictors (variances explained>=10%) included the first
temporal basis trend, traffic density, population, county-level means of concentration and
spatial effects. Meteorological factors accounted for a smaller portion (approximately 9%)
of the variance, likely due to the first temporal basis function having also captured the
majority of the seasonal fluctuations. Spatial effects indicated considerable influence of
spatial autocorrelation on the target communities. The final R2 was about 0.90,
comparing observed biweekly trends of concentrations to predicted values at individual
sampling site. Leave-one-community-out cross validation produced an R2 of 0.71-0.79
(root mean square error: 5.40 ppb for NO2; 10.43 ppb for NOx).
Conclusions: Our model can reliably estimate spatiotemporal concentrations of nitrogen
oxides over a large metropolitan area for a long overall period of 22 years. This model
will be useful in studies of acute or short-term health effects of air pollution.
683
We-PL-H3.4
Measurement and Geospatial Modelling of Ultrafine Particle Concentrations
Greg Evans, Southern Ontario Centre for Atmospheri Aerosol Research, University of
Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Kerolyn Shairsingh, Southern Ontario Centre for Atmosperic Aerosol Research, University
of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Kelly Sabaliauskas, Southern Ontario Centre for Atmospheric Aerosol Research, University
of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Cheol-Heon Jeong, Southern Ontario Centre for Atmospheric Aerosol Research, University
of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Jonathan Wang, Southern Ontario Centre for Atmospheric Aerosol Research, University of
Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Nathan Hilker, Southern Ontario Centre for Atmospheric Aerosol Research, University of
Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Jeff Brook, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Toronto, Canada
Aims: Ambient ultrafine particle concentrations in cities can provide a valuable metric of
exposure to traffic related air pollution. However, these concentrations can be influenced
by multiple sources and processes. Data mining can enable deconvolution of signals to
help isolate these different sources and processes.
Methods: Particles smaller than 100 nm have been measured in and around Toronto,
Canada for almost ten years. The applied methodologies have included continuous
measurements at fixed sites, multi-site intensive sampling campaigns, and mobile
sampling on foot, in cars, and in a mobile laboratory. The instruments used have included
high time resolution nanoparticle sizers and portable particle counters. Intensive sampling
campaigns were conducted in winter and summer and included measurements at 22 sites
across the city.
Results: Mining of these data allowed resolution of a range of temporal and spatial
patterns. Factors governing the high frequency, diurnal, seasonal and multi-year patterns
thereby identified will be discussed. Different strategies were applied to isolate temporal
signals within the ultrafine particle concentration time series data. These included
isolation of the regional background using signal deconvolution. This method of estimating
regional background was found to yield concentrations that were comparable to
coincident measurements made at background monitoring sites. Short lived spikes (<1
min) caused by plumes from passing vehicles were found to be useful for estimating
emission factors for individual vehicles. These data revealed that a wide range of emission
factors exist across Toronto’s vehicle fleet, and that a large fraction of the emissions
originate from the smaller portion of high emitting vehicles. Finally, isolation of a local
urban signal was found to improve geospatial modeling through land use regression.
Creation of geospatial surfaces based on data collected from fixed sites at different times
of the day allowed concentration surfaces to be produced illustrating the combined
temporal and spatial patterns.
Conclusions: Ultrafine particles were found to exhibit a high level of spatial and temporal
variability across Toronto, Canada. Evaluation of these patterns required collection of
large quantities of data using a range of methodologies. Statistical mining was found to
enhance the types of knowledge that could be extracted from these data.
684
685
We-PL-H3.5
Seasonal difference of exposure factors of personal care products in Korea
Miyoung Lim, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea,
South
Ji Young Park, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea,
South
Wonho Yang, Daegu Catholic University, Daegu, Korea, South
Seungyul Park, World Research Inc., Seoul, Korea, South
Kiyoung Lee, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea,
South
Personal care products (PCPs) are widely used in the world. PCPs contain a variety of
chemicals that can enter the body and cause potential adverse health effects. Exposure to
these chemical can be affected by PCPs usage pattern. Since PCPs usage pattern may be
different by season, understanding seasonal variation is critical for accurate measurement
of consumer product exposure. The aim of this study was to determine seasonal difference
of PCPs usage and exposure factors. For consumer product exposure assessment, we
developed a database of national representative exposure factors of consumer products.
The exposure factors of 5 PCPs including toothpaste, shampoo, hair conditioner, face
cleanser and body cleanser, were determined in winter of 2013 and summer of 2014.
Trained interviewers visited each household and conducted face-to-face interviews using
the questionnaire. This questionnaire contained detailed information of PCPs usage. We
obtained survey data from 10,000 people (5,010 men and 4,990 women) in winter of 2013
and 3,000 people (1,282 men and 1,718 women) in summer of 2014. The study population
was selected by regional, gender and age prorated square root extraction in Korean
population.
For toothpaste and shampoo, no difference was observed between two seasons. Hair
conditioner had 10.1% use rate difference between winter and summer. For hair
conditioner, face cleaner and body cleanser, the use rate was higher in summer than in
winter. The use rates also differed by gender, age, and income groups. Most PCPs were
used more frequently by female, the young (15-34years) and middle (35-49 years) aged
groups, medium (monthly household income $2,000-$4,000) and high (monthly household
income >$4,000) income groups. The five PCPs investigated in this study were used on a
daily basis. Frequency of every 5 PCPs usage was higher in summer than in winter.
Otherwise, seasonal variation of use time and amount per application was different by
products. Use time and amount of toothpaste, shampoo, and hair conditioner per
application was higher in summer than in winter. Face cleanser and body cleanser showed
opposite trend.
The national representative exposure factor showed seasonal difference of the 5 PCPs
usage. With higher exposure factors in summer, more conservative exposure and risk
assessment should utilize summer exposure factors of the 5 PCPs Accurate exposure
factors are a critical component of exposure and risk assessment to ensure the safe use of
PCPs.
686
We-PL-I3: Sensor Technology
We-PL-I3.1
A Trial of Low-Cost Sensors to Observe Variations and Sources of Airborne Particle
Levels in Homes in a Wood-Burning Community
Ian Longley, National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research, Auckland, New Zealand
Gustavo Olivares, National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research, Auckland, New
Zealand
Sam Edwards, National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research, Christchurch, New
Zealand
Erin Riley, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
Substantial exposure to air pollutants, even of outdoor origin, occurs within the home.
Exposure may occur due to infiltration, direct exposure to indoor sources (including
combustion and non-combustion sources), and from the faulty or unintended use or
performance of heating appliances. However very little data exists describing the variation
in exposure between homes and across populations, and the relative contributions of each
source-impact pathway.
A sensor package has been developed (“PACMAN”) with the aim of characterising indoor
concentrations of particulate matter and the contributing sources by using rapid direct-
reading dust and gas sensors and analysing the temporal structure of the data collected to
infer source activities. 10 PACMAN devices were deployed in private homes in the New
Zealand town of Rangiora in late winter 2015 for a period of approximately one month as
part of the “Community Observation Networks for Air” initiative.
Data quality was variable with some sensors suffering from unexplained drift.
Nevertheless, “emission events” were able to be extracted from the time series of most of
the dust sensors. In most homes these events were not regular and were observed on an
average of two events per week or less. In one home an average 19 emission events were
detected per week. Events were classified on whether they were associated with a
simultaneous increase in CO2 (presumed combustion sources). These events were found to
decrease in frequency during the study whereas dust events not associated with CO2
remained consistently frequent. The provision of precise timing of these events has
provided the basis of preliminary source identification. The high resolution data also
provides substantial data on air mixing rates and relative exposures. Once these emission
events were removed from the dataset, evidence of infiltration could be observed by
comparison with outdoor PM10 and dust levels.
687
We-PL-I3.2
Metabolomic and inflammatory responses to in-vehicle traffic pollution in a panel of
car commuters
Chandresh Ladva, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
Rachel Golan, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, Israel
Roby Greenwald, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States
Karan Uppal, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
Donghai Liang, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
ViLinh Tran, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
Tianwei Yu, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
Dean Jones, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
Jeremy Sarnat, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
Aim: Advances in high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) have
enabled metabolomics to emerge as a sensitive tool for measuring environmental
exposures and corresponding biological response. Using measurements collected as part of
a large, panel-based study of car commuters, the current analysis examines in-vehicle air
pollution concentrations, targeted inflammatory biomarker levels, and metabolomic
profiles to trace potential metabolic perturbations associated with on-road traffic
exposures.
Methods: A 60-person panel of adults participated in a crossover study, where each
participant conducted a highway commute and randomized to either a side-street
commute or clinic exposure session. In addition to in-vehicle exposure characterizations,
the participants contributed multiple dried blood spots over the course of each day for
targeted pro-inflammatory and vascular injury biomarkers and plasma twice each day for
high-resolution metabolomics. Samples were analyzed on a Thermo QExactive MS system
in positive electrospray ionization (ESI) mode and resolution of 70,000 with C18
chromatography. Data were processed using apLCMS and xMSanalyzer on the R statistical
platform.
Results: Four of 7 targeted inflammatory cytokines, including hs-CRP, IL-1β, and TNF-α,
were significantly higher after highway exposure but not following clinic exposures in
stratified analyses by commute type. Metabolomic analyses across all plasma samples
yielded 4,177 robust features with coefficients of variation across triplicates below 30% in
the positive mode. Within highway commute days (N = 35), 2 features differed
significantly (False Discovery Rate < 0.05) between morning and evening plasma
collections.
Conclusions: Initial results indicated that the protocol yielded rich targeted and
untargeted biological information, with some indication of exposure response. Our results
demonstrate that detecting metabolic perturbations in a panel study are feasible, but only
in a subset of highway commutes without controlling for subject effects. Multivariate
analysis with metabolomic profiles and targeted biomarkers is currently being conducted
to further trace potential metabolic perturbations associated with corresponding changes
in the targeted inflammatory biomarkers.
688
We-PL-I3.3
Using Wearable Cameras to Identify Microenvironments Relevant to Particulate
Exposure in India
Maëlle SALMON, ISGlobal, Center for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL),
Barcelona, Spain
Santhi Bhogadi, Public Health Foundation of India, New Delhi, India
Srivalli Addanki, Public Health Foundation of India, New Delhi, India
Pavitra Madhira, Public Health Foundation of India, New Delhi, India
Margaux Sanchez, ISGlobal, Center for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL),
Barcelona, Spain
Julian D. Marshall, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
Cathryn Tonne, ISGlobal, Center for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL),
Barcelona, Spain
Aim: Time-activity data can help identify activities with high personal exposure to
particles such as cooking with solid fuel. We compared two methods for obtaining detailed
information on exposure-relevant activities: hands-free wearable cameras and self-
reported time-activity diaries.
Methods: In a peri-urban/rural area near Hyderabad, India, we recruited 40 adult
participants to wear a hands-free Autographer camera on 6 occasions for non-sleeping
periods within 24 hours. Images were annotated by trained coders, who applied codes
from 5 non-exclusive categories: travel, occupation, cooking, indoor/outdoor location and
presence of other combustion. Coders underwent training ensuring inter-rater agreement.
We analyzed codes using an open-source package in the R programming language
developed as part of the project. Participants also completed an hourly time-activity
questionnaire including 12 exclusive possible activities and 8 exclusive possible locations.
Results: Photos from 218 participant-days were collected; annotation by coders (4 hours of
work per each participant-day) is underway. Preliminary annotation results (n=10
participant-days) indicate photos covered on average 12 hours per day, with on average
1483 pictures. The median number of pictures per hour was 100. Time spent in the kitchen
had a median of four minutes (IQR: 2-28min). Average travelling time was one hour
(range: 0 to 2.5 hours). Nearly all (99%) pictures were codable as indoor/outdoor.
Participants spent on average (sd) 7 hours (4) indoors and 5 hours (2) outdoors. Out of
time spent outdoor according to self-reported questionnaire, 18% was classified as indoor
by coded pictures. Conversely, out of the time spent indoor according to the
questionnaire, 32% was classified as outdoor by coded pictures. Pictures seem to provide
more accurate and detailed information than self-reported time-activity diaries about
microenvironments and duration spent in them. Microenvironments potentially associated
with high air pollution exposure such as “visible flame or smoke” were identified from the
wearable camera data (two events identified in two participants, respectively one hour
and 5 minutes), which were not reported in the questionnaire.
Conclusions: Wearable cameras are a relatively recent tool. Compared to self-reported
hourly time-activity diaries, they offer considerably higher temporal resolution and a more
objective means to identify activities and locations relevant to air pollution exposure.
Future analyses will investigate how activity codes derived from wearable cameras
correspond with personal particulate exposure measured by a collocated RTI MicroPEM.
689
Example of annotated participant-day: each tick corresponds to one picture. Codes are
grouped in 5 categories.
690
We-PL-I3.4
Individual variation in temporal relationships between exposure to radiofrequency
electromagnetic fields and non-specific physical symptoms: A new approach in
studying ‘electrosensitivity’
Rik Bogers, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven,
Netherlands
Anne Van Gils, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
Sander Clahsen, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM),
Bilthoven, Netherlands
Wendy Vercruisse, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM),
Bilthoven, Netherlands
Irene Van Kamp, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM),
Bilthoven, Netherlands
Christos Baliatsas, Netherlands institute for health services research, Utrecht,
Netherlands
Judith Rosmalen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
John Bolte, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment of the Netherlands
(RIVM), Bilthoven, Netherlands
Background
Everyday exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) emitted from
wireless devices such as mobile phones and base stations, radio and television transmitters
is ubiquitous. Some people attribute non-specific physical symptoms (NSPS) such as
headache and fatigue to exposure to RF-EMF. Previous laboratory studies or studies that
analyzed populations at a group level did not find evidence of an association between RF-
EMF exposure and NSPS.
Objectives
We explored the association between exposure to RF-EMF in daily life and the occurrence
of NSPS in individual self-declared electrohypersensitive persons using body worn
exposimeters and electronic diaries.
Methods
We selected seven individuals who attributed their NSPS to RF-EMF exposure. The level of
and variability in personal RF-EMF exposure and NSPS were determined during a three-
week period. Data were analyzed using time series analysis in which events in exposure
were correlated with NSPS.
Results
We found statistically significant correlations between (perceived and actual) exposure to
wireless internet (WiFi) and base stations for mobile telecommunications (GSM+UMTS
downlink) and NSPS scores in four of the seven participants. In two persons a higher EMF
exposure was associated with higher symptom scores, and in two other persons it was
associated with lower scores.
Conclusions
RF-EMF exposure was associated with NSPS in some but not all of the selected self-
declared electrohypersensitive persons.
691
Self-rated score for lightheadedness and measured downlink exposure (rate of change
metric) in participant #8
692
We-PL-I3.5
Low-cost sensors to estimate long-term exposure to household air pollution
Ariadna Curto, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona,
Spain
David Donaire-Gonzalez, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL),
Barcelona, Spain
Gregory A Wellenius, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United
States
Julian D Marshall, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
Mark J Nieuwenhuijsen, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL),
Barcelona, Spain
Cathryn Tonne, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona,
Spain
Aim: Household air pollution (HAP) is a major public health threat in developing countries,
where people are highly exposed to smoke from combustion of solid fuels. However, there
is no low-cost gold-standard sensor for assessing long-term exposure to HAP. This study
compares three low-cost air pollution sensors against equivalent benchmark sensors in a
controlled wood-combustion experiment.
Methods: Sampling was conducted in a single-family house in Spain during five non-
consecutive days. Sensors were co-located 1 m away from an indoor fireplace and 0.6 m
above the ground. Fire was set once per day with hardwood logs and kept burning for 12
hours including a minimum of 2 hours with an opened window. To measure particles less
than 2.5 µm in diameter (PM2.5), two low-cost light-scattering particle counters, the
HAPEX (HAPEX Nano, Climate Solutions Consulting) and the TZOA-R (Model RD02, MyTZOA),
were compared against a DustTrak (Model 8534, TSI Inc.). A low-cost electrochemical
data-logger, the EL-USB-CO (Lascar Electronics Ltd.), was compared against a Q-Trak
(Model 7575, TSI Inc.) for carbon monoxide (CO) measurements. To study within-device
variability, multiple examples of the low-cost devices were employed each day. PM2.5
values from DustTrak were corrected for relative humidity. Statistical analyses were
conducted using Spearman correlation and Concordance Correlation Coefficient (CCC).
Results: An average of 50.7 kg of wood per day was consumed. Temperature and relative
humidity reached during fire hours ranged from 18 to 44.8ºC and from 4.4 to 42.5%,
respectively. One out of the two units of HAPEX and two out of the three units of TZOA-R
failed during sampling; reasons are unknown. The three units of EL-USB-CO failed two out
of the five sampling days, also owing to unknown reasons. Correlations were: 0.63 for
HAPEX/DustTrak, 0.78 for TZOA-R/DustTrak, and 0.54 for EL-USB-CO/Q-Trak (all P<0.001).
Agreement was moderate for HAPEX/DustTrak (CCC (95%CI) = 0.68 (0.67-0.69)) and TZOA-
R/DustTrak (0.46 (0.43-0.49)), and high for EL-USB-CO/Q-Trak (0.79 (0.78-0.80)).
Agreement between the three EL-USB-CO units among the two successful sampling days
was 0.69 (0.53-0.86).
Conclusions: Our tests reveal moderate to high correlations and agreement among low-
cost devices, but also a higher than expected device-failure rate. All of the measurements
require post-processing (e.g., moving average, outlier detection), rather than
straightforward use of devices’ raw output. Low-cost sensors for measuring PM2.5 and CO
are desirable, but may not yet be ready to replace more established exposure assessment
methods.
693
We-SY-A4: Exposure Sciences with Stakeholders in Contested Societal
Debates About the Risk of Toxic Substances
We-SY-A4.1
Including stakeholders in exposure science. An introduction to tailor-made approaches
in The Netherlands
Jeroen Devilee, RIVM, Bilthoven, Urecht, Netherlands
In the exposure science during a contested societal debate, we react differently than in
the old days. In a part of the approaches, we follow the advice of the proponents of post
normal science to start a dialogue with an ‘extended peer community’ consisting of all
those affected. This is specifically meaningful, when facts are uncertain, values in
dispute, stakes high and decisions urgent.
The inclusion of such an ‘extended peer community’ in our scientific practice is a type of
risk governance. Risk governance is a process in which the different stakeholders
collectively try to minimize the exposure to a hazard and to keep health risks to an
acceptable level. Besides a traditional risk assessment, this process includes a
characterization of the type of risk (simple, uncertain, disputed), a concern assessment
and a certain level of stakeholder engagement. In the events that a governance process
failed, stakeholders collectively try to repair it. Exposure science is a part of this process.
In the design of exposure science studies, the advice of advocates of this post normal
science is implemented in very different ways. In fact, the governance approaches in the
aftermath of an exposure to toxic substances in the Netherlands are tailor-made. The
approaches chosen are dependent upon the given micro contexts of risk governance. One
of the elements of this context are the ideas of experts, the public and other stakeholders
about the relation between science, policy and society. Dependent upon the dominant
ideas in a particular case, an approach is developed. To illustrate: Weiss (2003)
categorizes experts in: environmental absolutists, cautious environmentalists,
environmental centrist, technological optimists and scientific absolutists.
Another element of the micro context of risk governance, is the effect of media attention.
Public turmoil is often the result of the social amplification of risk. Social amplification is
sometimes the primary reason why a topic gets on the policy agenda and is a recurrent
phenomenon. It makes that the discussion about a subject can go up and down for a
significant period. Because of revitalized discussion, additional governance arrangements
are sometimes needed.
Other relevant elements of micro contexts include policy mandate, level of risk and
concern, budgets etc. In this symposium, different governance approaches that suit the
different micro contexts of the exposure to toxic substances will be presented. All cases
will present the roles for exposure science, the expectations about the outcomes and
relevant agenda building mechanisms.
694
We-SY-A4.2
Exposure to Hexavalent Chromium and Health Effects among Military Personnel:
Designing the Study Using Input from Stakeholders
Rob Beelen, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven,
Netherlands
A group of former employees of the Dutch Ministry of Defense, who linked their health
effects to occupational chromium exposure, contacted the Dutch media. Due to this media
attention and the increasing number of (former) employees who were worried (>2,000
individuals), the Dutch Ministry of Defense asked the National Institute of Public Health
and the Environment (RIVM) to conduct a study on the health effects of occupational
chromium exposure.
The Ministry asked the RIVM to:
1. Define research questions by consulting the stakeholders
2. Conduct a study to answer these research questions
A committee consisting of members of the Ministry and trade unions supervises the study.
All stakeholders (e.g. employees, trade unions, Ministry of Defense) were invited to send
in their questions for the study. This has resulted in more than 1,400 questions. These
questions were summarized in 34 research questions. The committee decided which
questions had to be investigated.
The study was divided in sub studies based on the research questions, and for each sub
study a study proposal was developed. These proposals were evaluated by a review group
of experts nominated by the different stakeholders.
The research questions were divided in:
1. General questions about hexavalent chromium
2. What was the situation at work during the time of occupational exposure, including
the amount of occupational exposure and comparison with occupational standards (e.g.
appropriate preventive measures and medical surveillance)?
3. Which health risks were/are associated with occupational exposure to hexavalent
chromium?
4. Is the Ministry of Defense liable for health damage?
For answering the second research question the stakeholders are important. Especially the
(former) employees themselves have useful information on exposure assessment.
Therefore a participatory approach of research is used.
While the study is unfolding it is interesting to see that this study started off with a
suggested link between occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium and health effects
and, by consultation of different stakeholders, the scope of the study has widened to
include many more related aspects.
695
We-SY-A4.3
Public risk perception of exposure to poly-urethane used in house insulation – The
Dutch approach of developing an evidence-based diagnostic guideline
Thomas Rustemeyer, VUmc university medical centre, Amsterdam, Noord Holland,
Netherlands
The insulation of private homes with poly-urethane foam is popular in the Netherlands
since few years. Soon thereafter, occupants started to report on a diversity of health
complaints. Among these are headaches, tiredness, loss of concentration, weakness and
shortness of breath. The affected occupants experienced severe impact on their own and
their family lives. For several occupants leaving their own homes seemed to be the only
solution to reduce symptoms. Public media took up these reports, which soon thereafter
resulted in a political discussion. An early conclusion was the lack of knowledge on the
appropriate medical diagnostic procedures in occupants with suspected health problems
related to exposure to polyurethane insulation foam. The Dutch ministry of social affairs
and employment stimulated the formation of a scientific working group on PUR insulation
foams. The primary goal is the development of a multidisciplinary guideline for the
appropriate diagnostic work-up procedures. Hereto, several medical specialists and public
health experts were contacted about their willingness to participate. The secondary goal
will be broad implementation of the guideline in daily practice and monitoring of the
effectivity. Finally, these scientific data will be published and made publically available.
696
We-SY-A4.4
Exposure science, what else? Pesticides and residents.
Mark Montforts, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM),
Bilthoven, Netherlands
Possible health effects of pesticides used in bulb fields in the vicinity of homes raised
public concern following broad media coverage in 2011. Consequently, the Ministry of
Environment asked the Dutch Health Council for advice. In the complete absence of data,
the Health Council recommended to initiate an exposure study among residents. The
ministry commissioned RIVM to undertake this research.
We will present how RIVM used laymen experts and stakeholders to both formulate
research aims and make choices in strategic issues during the research. An advisory board
of stakeholders (residents, farmers, industry, local administrators, health professionals,
and environmental organizations) formulated a shared objective for this exposure
research. Accepting that there may be diverging opinions on the final recommendations,
they agreed that knowledge on the exposure was lacking and that this should be the
primary concern of the study. How much are people, living close to agricultural fields,
exposed to pesticides?
By design, the research bridges disciplines of epidemiology, toxicology, experimental field
research and environmental fate modelling, working together in a consortium. The
research proposal was well received in an international peer review process, as well as by
a national science advisory committee and the stakeholders. The researchers will gather
samples of outdoor and indoor air, dust, soil and garden plants, as well as the urine of
participating residents. Residents will record dietary and behavioral patterns. This
information will be connected to data and measurements of pesticide spraying in, and
emission from, nearby fields.
In the first phase (2015-2018) only spray applications in bulb fields are examined. The
experiences and results of the first phase will be used to optimize the design of a second
phase, in stone fruits. In 2016 the first growers and residents were included for the field
experimental work. Monitoring, research into toxicokinetics, and preparations for
analytics and modelling are ongoing. Therefore no study results will be presented.
The process made way, given the complexity of the issue (intensive agriculture in a
densely populated landscape, variable climatic and geographic conditions), for a research
that not just collects anecdotal information in a few subjects. It aims to capture the
driving factors so that, no matter the situation (crop, weather, substance, location),
predictions can be made. Exposure science is expected to enable an evidence based
assessment and appraisal of the issue, resulting in (if deemed relevant) targeted research
into potential health effects, validation of authorization procedures, or other measures.
697
We-SY-B4: Occupational Exposure Models - Development and/or Evaluation
of REACH and other European and US models and tools (including tool for
nanomaterials) - II
We-SY-B4.1
TREXMO: a Translation Tool to Support the Use of Regulatory Occupational Exposure
Models
Nenad Savic, Institute for Work and Health (IST), Lausanne, Switzerland
Bojan Gasic, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), Bern, Switzerland
David Vernez, Institute for Work and Health (IST), Lausanne, Switzerland
Background: Occupational exposure models vary significantly in their complexity, purpose
and the level of expertise required from the user. The available supporting documentation
does not prevent a correct use of the models. This may result incorrect or different
choices made by the users and further affect risk characterization.
Objective: The goal was to implement the most often used exposure models in a single
platform and to provide a support to improve their use. Decreasing the number of choices
required from the users seemed to be a good strategy to limit possible implementation
errors and, ultimately, between-user variability.
Methods: Briefly reviewed published documentation for six models: Advanced REACH Tool
(ART), STOFFENMANAGER®, ECETOC TRA (v.3), MEASE, EMKG-EXPO-TOOL and EASE
(v.2.0), were used a systematic comparison and establishing of the translations between
them. Defined parameters options in these models together with their workflows were
“cloned” into a unique platform. The established translation rules were programmed to
connect every pair of the six models. Furthermore, a high number (~1000 per exposure
type) of exposure situations (theoretically possible) was systematically generated and used
to statistically examine capabilities of the developed tool.
Results: The new tool developed, TREXMO or Translation of Exposure Models enables semi-
automatic translations between the six models. A set of the options selected in one model
can be partly or entirely converted into the corresponding options in the other five models
describing the same exposure situation. The users, therefore, may or may not be required
to make additional choices. Depending on the number of additional choices required and
the model selected for a translation from the ART, TREXMO can reduce the number of
possible outcomes by 1-4 orders of magnitude. Guided by these translations, a higher
consistency, between the users, is expected. Reduced number of choices and therefore
lower possibility for an erroneous option selected should support a better use of the
models. Furthermore, as less expertise is required, the users may become more motivated
to use several models for a same exposure situation and therefore make risk
characterization more robust in TREXMO.
698
We-SY-B4.2
Confirmation of the NIOSH Occupational Exposure Banding Process
Lauralynn McKernan, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati,
OH, United States
NIOSH recognizes that chemicals are being introduced at a rate that significantly outpaces
occupational exposure limit (OEL) development. While NIOSH develops new OELs and
updates existing OELs, guidance is needed for the thousands of chemicals that lack
exposure limits. To that end, NIOSH has developed a draft occupational exposure banding
protocol to address the myriad unregulated chemicals in commerce. The protocol would
sort chemicals into five air concentration bands based on toxicity. Chemicals with the
lowest toxicity would be grouped in band A, while band E would include the most toxic
chemicals. These band assignments are known as occupational exposure bands (OEBs). The
proposed protocol uses a three-tiered evaluation system and gathers available
toxicological data from preselected sources to select the appropriate band or range of
chemical concentrations. Important questions include the reliability of the protocol over a
variety of chemical types and families and the reproducibility of the system across users.
In preliminary testing of the draft occupational exposure banding protocol, the
concentration range corresponding to each band was compared with published OELs for
600 chemicals banded in Tier 1 of the protocol. Overall, the resulting bands were as or
more protective than the published OEL >90% of the time. Preliminary evaluation of novel
user experiences with the Tier 2 banding protocol indicated some inconsistencies in
application of the protocol across users. Further analysis indicated that one of the primary
reasons for the inconsistencies was the user not following the instructions. NIOSH staff are
working to simplify and clarify the instructions to ameliorate that issue.
699
We-SY-B4.3
Evaluation of available dermal exposure models.
Jody Schinkel, TNO, Zeist, Netherlands
Henk Goede, TNO, Zeist, Netherlands
Wouter Fransman, TNO, Zeist, Netherlands
Anjoeka Pronk, TNO, Zeist, Netherlands
Suzanne Spaan, TNO, Zeist, Netherlands
Rianda Gerritsen, TNO, Zeist, Netherlands
Aims and background
Many occupational exposure models have been developed to estimate occupational
exposure levels (as a point estimate or ranges) to hazardous chemicals via inhalation
and/or the skin as part of the risk assessment process. In spite of the great acceptance
and use of these tools in Europe and the US, these models have not been comprehensively
validated. In this part of the symposium the available generic dermal exposure models or
tools will be presented and evaluated.
Methods
Generally available dermal exposure models were evaluated based on their structure,
their methodology, their applicability domain, and in the way they express dermal
exposure. Furthermore, an overview of the results of available validation studies will be
provided.
Results and conclusions
Although dermal exposure is a highly relevant exposure route for workers, the efforts
undertaken with regard to dermal exposure modeling are limited compared to inhalation
exposure modelling. Less (sophisticated) models are available and the validation of these
models is very limited.
700
We-SY-B4.4
Evaluation of tools for estimating (occupational) exposure to nanomaterials
Laura MacCalman, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Sami Goekce, IST - Institute for Work and Health, Lausanne, Switzerland
Lucie Sikorova, VSB - Technical University Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
Radka Prichystalova, VSB - Technical University Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
Carla Alexander, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Martie Van Tongeren, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Araceli Sanchez Jimenez, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
A number of tools have been developed to estimate the exposure, hazard and risk of
nanomaterials. These tools are generally focussed on occupational exposure, although
some do exist which consider consumer exposure. These tools are being increasingly used
to make some assessment of the potential risk associated with the use of nanomaterials so
it is important to understand how reliable these tools are. As part of the NANoREG project
a number of these tools have been evaluated by comparing the results of the various tools
to each other and to measurements, where applicable. As part of this work a small-scale
inter-user study has also been undertaken. The inter-user study focussed on 3 commonly
used occupational nano control banding tools (Stoffenmanager Nano, Nanosafer and
Control Banding Nanotool), one consumer tool (Consexpo Nano) and the Advanced REACH
Tool (ART), which could be applicable for nanomaterials in certain circumstances. Over 40
people completed exercises where they were asked to use a specific tool for a specific
exposure scenario and provide information on both the answers and the inputs. The
analysis will focus on evaluation of the variability of these inputs, and the answers
obtained. The analysis will look at how different groups of users compare and at whether
there are key parameters within each tool which drive the variability between these
groups. The results will provide valuable information to users and tool developers on how
variable the tools are and the potential difficulties with using such tools, particularly for
exposure scenarios which are not fully characterised and all required information in not
available.
701
We-SY-B4.5
ChemSTEER: A Computerized Tool for Assessing Workplace Releases and Exposures of
Chemicals
Nhan Nguyen, US EPA, Washington DC, Virginia, United States
The Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT) of the United States Environmental
Protection Agency (US EPA) has developed several exposure assessment tools, databases
and models to evaluate the fate of chemicals when they are used and released to the
environment and how workers, the general public, consumers and aquatic ecosystems may
be exposed to the chemicals.
This presentation will provide an overview of a computerized tool for estimating
workplace releases and exposures of chemicals during various activities including
manufacture, processing (e.g. formulation) and industrial and commercial uses. The tool
consists of peer reviewed mathematical models and industry- specific release and
exposure scenarios that can be used to estimate exposures and releases in the absence of
data and/or to augment available data. The tool is used routinely as part of the risk
assessment of new chemicals in the Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT) of
the US EPA. It can also be used to develop estimates of workplace exposures and releases
of existing chemicals.
This tool, Chemical Screening Tool for Exposures and Environmental Releases
(ChemSTEER), was originally designed for internal use by staff in EPA/OPPT for estimating
workplace exposures and releases of new chemicals. The latest version of the tool,
ChemSTEER version 3.1, has significant improvements over earlier versions: (1) it is more
user-friendly, (2) it includes a new mass balance model for estimating vapor
concentrations using a near-field/far-field approach, (3) it includes pre-defined scenarios
that minimize the effort required to prepare assessments, and (4) it allows easier access
to release and exposure models.
Note: The views in this abstract are those of the authors and do not represent Agency
policy or endorsement.
702
We-SY-C4: Wristband Samplers Advancing Chemical Exposure Science – II
We-SY-C4.1
Silicone Wristbands as a Complementary PAH Exposure Assessment Tool
Holly Dixon, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
Laurel Kincl, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
David Camann, Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, United States
Antonia Calafat, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
Julie Herbstman, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY,
United States
Kim Anderson, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
Assessment of an individual’s chemical exposures is vital in determining if such chemical
exposures are associated with adverse health effects. However, there is currently a lack of
inexpensive, easy-to-use technology to accurately assess human exposure to
environmental chemicals. Current exposure science studies primarily rely on
questionnaires, biological samples, and active air sampling devices to evaluate human
toxicant exposure. In this study, silicone wristbands were used within an established
Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health birth cohort and compared to
conventional exposure assessment methodologies. Wristbands and air monitoring
backpacks were deployed together on 20 pregnant women for 48 hours. At the end of the
48 hours, a single spot urine sample was also collected. The wristband extracts were
analyzed for 62 PAHs at Oregon State University, the polyurethane foam (PUF) and filter
extracts from the backpacks were analyzed separately for 20 PAHs at Southwest Research
Institute, and the urine samples were analyzed for 8 hydroxy-PAHs (OH-PAHs) at the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. PAH concentrations in the backpack (PUF and
filter combined) and the OH-PAHs in the urine samples are not correlated for seven of the
eight PAH comparisons; however, naphthalene and 1-OH-naphthalene, are moderately
correlated (Rs=0.50 and p=0.02). The backpack and wristband comparisons result in
significant correlations for naphthalene (Rs =0.72, p=0.0003) and fluorene (Rs=0.68,
p=0.001). The wristband was also correlated with the 1-OH-metabolites in urine, including
1-OH-naphthalene (Rs=0.48, p=0.03) and 1-OH-phenanthrene (Rs=0.74, p<0.01). Overall,
the PAH/OH-PAH concentrations in backpacks and urine samples are more positively and
significantly associated with PAH concentrations in wristbands than the associations
between concentrations in backpacks and urine samples. We acknowledge the limitations
of a small sample size, yet these results suggest that wristbands are more predictive of
predominant OH-metabolites in urine than any component in the backpack, either the PUF
cartridge or filter.
703
We-SY-C4.2
Passive wristband samplers assess PAH exposure of individuals living near natural gas
extraction
L. Blair Paulik, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States
Erin N. Haynes, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Diana Rohlman, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States
Kevin A. Hobbie, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States
Laurel Kincl, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States
Kim A. Anderson, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States
Natural gas extraction (NGE) has expanded rapidly in the United States in the last 15
years. Air emissions are a major pathway through which NGE may impact the health of
nearby communities and workers. However, no study has directly measured the individual
exposures of people living or working near NGE. Recent research has suggested that NGE
emits polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). This study used passive wristband samplers
(PWS) to measure individual PAH exposures in a rural Ohio community with a high density
of NGE activity. Volunteers were identified through collaboration with a local concerned
citizens group, and the study engaged participants as citizen scientists. Participants (n=23)
each wore one PWS for 20-22 days in May 2014. Participants were asked to complete daily
exposure and health logs. We had over 91% participant compliance with the PWS. Each
PWS was analyzed for 62 PAHs using GC-MS/MS and the total levels were summed (∑PAH).
Results were divided into three groups: active NGE well reported on participant’s property
(n=3), active NGE well reported on neighbor’s property (n=4), and no active NGE well
reported on property (n=14). These groups corresponded to participants living less than
0.75 km, between 0.75 and 2.0 km, and farther than 2.0 km from an active NGE well,
respectively. ∑PAH levels were significantly higher in PWS from participants who had NGE
wells on their property than in PWS from participants without NGE wells on their property
(Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test, p < 0.05). Median ∑PAH was more than four-fold higher in PWS
of participants living within 0.75 km of active NGE wells than in PWS of participants living
farther than 2.0 km from active NGE wells. Additionally, ∑PAH in PWS was not correlated
with primary or secondary exposure to cigarette smoking, as reported in the daily health
logs (r2 = 0.01). These findings suggest that having an NGE well on your home property
may increase personal exposure to PAHs.
704
We-SY-C4.3
Passive Sampler Devices (PSDs) Adapted for Use in Horses -Sentinels for Human Health
Risks
Lane G. Tidwell, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregpm, United States
Kathleen R. Mullen, College of Veterinary Medicine - Cornell University, Ithaca, New York,
United States
Dorothy Ainsworth, College of Veterinary Medicine - Cornell University, Ithaca, New York,
United States
Kim Anderson, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States
Passive sampling devices (PSDs) have been established as a robust technology for detecting
persistent organic pollutants in the aqueous and atmospheric compartments. Many
different persistent organic pollutants have been associated with the potential for
increased frequency of adverse health outcomes in humans. We adapted this methodology
to investigate a Pennsylvania (PA) farm that had experienced a high number of neonatal
(unrelated) foals born with neurodevelopmental disorders (dysphagia, altered mentation).
The farm was situated in a region active in unconventional natural gas development
(UNGD, hydraulic fracturing). Neonatal foals, born on a control farm situated 400 km east
in New York (NY) and owned by the same individual, were free of the same neurological
signs. We hypothesized that environmental chemical exposure was associated with the
development of the neurological disorders. PSDs, affixed to the halters of 23 horses
residing on the affected and control farms, were deployed and retrieved at 6-week
intervals over a 13-month period (2014-2015). In addition to the halter PSDs, samplers
were also deployed in the ambient atmosphere and in the water sources at both farms.
PSDs were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed using gas chromatography-mass
spectrometry for 62 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and for 1182 chemicals of concern
respectively. During the study period, a total of 161 halter samplers were deployed and
95% were retrieved. In preliminary data, 5 compounds—diisobutyl phthalate,
phenanthrene, pyrene, cyhalothrin and PCB 96—were detected either solely, or in
considerably higher concentrations at the PA farm compared to the control farm. Current
efforts are underway to determine if environmental chemicals are detectable in equine
tissues and if their presence is linked to neurodevelopmental defects and/or endocrine
dysfunction in the horses. To our knowledge, this is the first instance of PSDs being
deployed on horses for the purpose of assessing organic contaminant exposure. Easy
adaption of PSD methodology to the horse enhances investigations of environmental
chemical exposure and the associated adverse health risks in domestic animals and in
humans. (Funding NIEHS; Zweig Memorial Fund for Equine Research).
705
We-SY-C4.4
Silicone wristbands detect individuals’ pesticide exposures in West Africa
Carey Donald, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
Richard Scott, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
Kathy Blaustein, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
Mary Halbleib, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
Makhfousse Sarr, United Nations, Dakar, Senegal
Paul Jepson, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
Kim Anderson, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
We detected between 2 and 10 pesticides per person with novel sampling devices worn by
thirty-five participants who were actively engaged in farming in Diender, Senegal.
Participants were recruited to wear silicone wristbands for each of two separate periods
of up to 5 days. Individual pesticide exposure profiles were highly individualized with only
limited associations to demographic data. Using a 63-pesticide dual-column gas
chromatography-electron capture detector (GC-ECD) method, we detected pyrethoid
insecticides most frequently, followed by organophosphate pesticides which have been
linked to adverse health outcomes. This work provided the first report of individualized
exposure profiles among smallholder farmers in West Africa, where logistical and practical
constraints have prevented use of more traditional approaches to exposure assessment in
the past. The wristbands and associated analytical method enabled detection of a broad
range of agricultural, domestic, legacy and current-use pesticides, including
esfenvalerate, cypermethrin, lindane, DDT, and chlorpyrifos. The method is a candidate
for more widespread use in pesticide exposure and health monitoring, and in the
development of evidence-based policies for human health protection in an area where
food security concerns are likely to intensify agricultural production and pesticide use in
the near future.
706
Frequencies of detected pesticides by concentration. Each line represents the frequency
that met or exceed a given concentration threshold
707
We-SY-C4.5
Personal Passive Sampling in Peru: Magnitude and Sources of Diverse Chemicals
Measured with Silicone Wristbands
Alan Bergmann, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States
Luis Vasquez, Yantalo Peru Foundation, Yantalo, Peru
Paula North, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
Kim Anderson, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States
Silicone wristbands are a novel passive sampling device (PSD) for measuring lipophilic
chemicals in the personal environment of people, bridging the gap between environmental
and internal concentrations. Inexpensive and noninvasive, wristband PSDs are efficient at
evaluating personal exposures in distant populations. We demonstrate this technology in a
developing region of Peru, the Alto Mayo. Sixty-nine volunteers from four communities of
the Alto Mayo wore wristbands for 31-34 days. We analyzed the wristbands for 63
pesticides by GC-ECD, 62 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by GC-MS/MS, and
screened for 1408 compounds with GC-MS coupled with automated spectral deconvolution
and reporting software. We compared the wristband results between demographic groups
in the Alto Mayo and to water and air (ambient) samples collected with low density
polyethylene PSDs. For all deployments, trip and field blanks accounted for artifacts of
sampling methods and surrogate compounds accounted for loss during extraction.
Chlorpyrifos, DDT and its metabolites, and cypermethrin were the most commonly
detected pesticides in both the ambient and personal environment of Alto Mayo residents.
Chlorpyrifos was detected up to 2 ng/L in water and from 17 to 9000 ng/g in wristbands.
Summed PAHs ranged three orders of magnitude, from 315 to 172,000 ng/g wristband
highlighting a large discrepancy among individual exposures, but there were no differences
between groups. PAH isomer ratios indicate a pre-dominantly pyrogenic signature of PAHs
in wristband samples. An additional 65 compounds were detected with the GC-MS
screening method. Differences in the presence and magnitude of pesticides and personal
care products suggest chemical use patterns that influence exposure between regions.
Silicone wristbands account for many sources of contaminants that contribute to human
exposure including ambient water and air. These results demonstrate the utility of
wristbands to evaluate individual and population exposures to many contaminants and link
environmental contamination to human exposure.
708
We-SY-D4: UBA HBM Colloquium II - New HBM Methods for Emerging
Chemicals – Supporting Science and Policy Making
We-SY-D4.1
Introducing the Cooperation for the Promotion of Human Biomonitoring: Our
Achievements and the Way Ahead
Marike Kolossa-Gehring, German Environment Agency (UBA), Berlin, Germany
Ulrike Fiddicke, German Environment Agency (UBA), Berlin, Germany
Petra Apel, German Environment Agency (UBA), Berlin, Germany
André Conrad, German Environment Agency (UBA), Berlin, Germany
Introduction: Human biomonitoring (HBM) yields sound data on the human exposure to
chemicals. Thus, HBM provides information on the need for further action in policy-making
or the sufficiency of already applied regulation. HBM also supports the identification of
population subgroups that are higher exposed than others and therefore need increased
attention in environmental health and consumer protection.
Methods: A joint project for increasing the knowledge on chemicals taken up by people
from manifold sources and for further improving HBM by developing new analytical
methods was started by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature
Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB) and the German Chemical Industry
Association (VCI) in 2010. The German Environment Agency (UBA) supports this
cooperation by scientific counseling and leading the head office.
The cooperation focuses on substances either with potential health-relevance and/or for
which an exposure of the general population can be assumed. For many chemicals falling
into this category, currently no analytical method for human samples (e. g. urine or blood)
exists that allows a specific and sensitive detection of environmental exposure. Hence, a
main goal of the cooperation is to develop reliable biomonitoring methods for up to 50
substances by 2020. All these methods will be cross-validated by the independent expert-
working group “Analyses in biological Materials” of the German Research Foundation
(DFG). VCI is responsible for the development of the methods. This often includes
metabolism studies to identify the relevant biomarkers. UBA supports BMUB in the
application of the methods, usually within the framework of the German Environmental
Specimen Bank (ESB) and the German Environmental Surveys (GerES). Additionally, the
German Human Biomonitoring Commission derives human biomonitoring assessment values
for the selected chemicals.
Results: Since 2010, methods for 14 chemicals have been developed, including i. a.
plasticizers, flame retardants, and technical solvents. The most current methods
developed are for the preserving additive CIT/MIT, the plasticizer DEHTP, the antioxidant
BHT, and the fragrance Lysmeral. In 2016 method development started for the flame
retardant TDCP, the UV filters Uvinul A Plus and Avobenzon, the plasticizer DBA, and the
fuel additive Keromet MD. All in all 34 methods have been selected for method
development so far. The current status of method development, an overview on scientific
709
articles on methods already available, and envisaged future methods are available on the
UBA website.
Conclusions: To reach the envisaged number of selected substances for method
development of 50 within 10 years, up to 16 more substances will be selected. The
cooperation demonstrates that the ongoing development of new analytical methods is vital
for fully utilizing HBM’s potential for environmental health and consumer protection. In
view of the large variety of chemicals available on the market, human exposure
assessment by HBM strongly depends on the number of sound analytical methods available
and their ongoing application in population studies.
References:
UBA 2016, Cooperation for the promotion of human biomonitoring.
https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/en/topics/health/assessing-environmentally-related-
health-risks/human-biomonitoring/cooperation-for-the-promotion-of-human
710
We-SY-D4.2
New biomonitoring methods for HBCDD, BHT and 4-MBC
Wolfgang-Julius Gries, Currenta GmbH & Co. OHG, Leverkusen, Germany
Gabriele Leng, Currenta GmbH & Co. OHG, Leverkusen, Germany
1. Analytical determination of hexabromocyclododecane in plasma
HBCDD is a brominated flame retardant which is used in polystyrene plastics, electronic
devices and especially in insulation boards’ in house buildings. Technical HBCDD is a
mixture of the three major diastereomeres α- HBCDD, β-HBCDD and ɣ-HBCDD. HBCDD can
be brought into the environment during the whole life time cycle of an HBCDD containing
end product and can be detected worldwide in soil, sediment and water as well as in fat
tissues of organisms. As HBCCD was found in mother milk a sensitive analytical method for
the determination of HBCDD in the population was required. The developed analytical
method allows a LOD of 0.03 µg/L and a LOQ of 0.1 µg/L by applying LC-MS/MS and
threefold lower LOD and LOQ could be achieved with UPLC-MS/MS.
2. Rapid and selective UPLC-MS/MS determination of 2,6-Di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxytoluene
(BHT) residues in human urine
BHT is used as an antioxidant in food, animal feedstuff, cosmetic products, lacquers and
drugs, i.e. an exposure of population is probable. The object of this method development
was the sensitive and selective determination of the BHT metabolite 3,5-Di-tert-butyl-4-
hydroxybenzoic acid (BHT-acid) in human urine. Analytical determination was done after
enzymatic hydrolysis by LC-LC/MS-MS technique in which the first column was used for
sample clean up and the second one was used for chromatographic separation. BHT-acid
could be measured in ESI + mode reaching a LOQ of 0.2 µg/l urine.
3. Rapid and sensitive UPLC-MS/MS determination of specific metabolites of 3-(4-
Methylbenzyliden)camphor in human urine
3-(4-Methylbenzylidene) camphor is used as an UV filter in sunscreen lotions up to a
concentration of 4 %. Human studies have shown that the dermal absorption is in the
range of approximately 0.5%. The identified metabolites 3- (4-carboxybenzylidene)
camphor (cx-MBC) and 3-(4-carboxybenzylidene)-6-hydroxycamphor (cx-MBC-OH) were
selected as specific marker in urine. Analytical determination was done after enzymatic
hydrolysis by LC-LC/MS-MS technique in which the first column was used for sample clean
up and the second one was used for chromatographic separation. The obtained LOQ was
0.15 µg/l for cx-MBC and 0.3 µg/l for cx-MBC-OH in ESI - mode.
711
We-SY-D4.3
Urinary metabolites of the UV filter Ethylhexyl Salicylate to be used as biomarkers of
exposure in human biomonitoring
Daniel Bury, Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social
Accident Insurance (IPA), Bochum, Germany
Peter Griem, Symrise AG, Holzminden, Germany
Frank-Hinrich Köster, Symrise AG, Holzminden, Germany
Thomas Brüning, Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social
Accident Insurance (IPA), Bochum, Germany
Holger Martin Koch, Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German
Social Accident Insurance (IPA), Bochum, Germany
2-Ethylhexyl salicylate (syn. EHS, octyl salicylate, octisalate) is a UV filter substance used
in one third of sun screen formulations and in other personal care products in
concentrations up to 5% (maximum authorized concentration within the USA and the
EC)[1,2]. Fish model experiments indicated endocrine disrupting activity of EHS [3].
Because of the likely exposure of the general population, EHS was selected as a substance
of interest by the cooperation project between the German Federal Ministry for
Environment (BMUB) and the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI), which has the
aim to provide biomarker based exposure data for fifty emerging substances of concern.
In a human metabolism study (one male volunteer) three alkyl chain oxidized EHS
metabolites (hydroxy EHS, oxo EHS, and EHS carboxylic acid) were tentatively identified as
possible biomarkers of exposure. After custom synthesis of analytical standards (unlabeled
and stable isotope labeled) and development of an analytical method post dose urine
samples (5 mg EHS) of three male volunteers were analyzed. We report the elimination
kinetics for these EHS metabolites. The results also allowed the calculation of urinary
conversion factors.
In further studies the occurrence of the identified EHS metabolites in samples from the
general population and their suitability as biomarkers of exposure will be investigated.
The study has been approved by the ethical review board of the Ruhr-University Bochum
(Reg. No.: 4288-12).
712
We-SY-D4.4
Human biomonitoring of the exposure to the flavorant 2-(4-tert-
butylbenzyl)propionaldehyde (lysmeral)
Gerhard Scherer, ABF Analytisch-Biologisches Forschungslabor GmbH, Munich, Germany
Max Scherer, ABF Analytisch-Biologisches Forschungslabor GmbH, Munich, Germany
Holger Koch, Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social
Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
Andre Schütze, Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social
Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
Nikola Pluym, ABF Analytisch-Biologisches Forschungslabor GmbH, Munich, Germany
Dusan Krnac, ABF Analytisch-Biologisches Forschungslabor GmbH, Munich, Germany
Gerhard Gilch, ABF Analytisch-Biologisches Forschungslabor GmbH, Munich, Germany
Edgar Leibold, BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany
Aim: 2-(4-tert-Butylbenzyl)propionaldehyde, also known as lysmeral, lilial or lily-aldehyde
(CAS No 80-54-6) is a synthetic fragrance used in a variety of consumer products like
perfumes, after shave lotions and cosmetics. Due to its broad application, lysmeral was
selected for the development of a biomonitoring method for the general population within
the frame of the cooperation project of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment
(BMUB) and the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI).
Methods: A method based on UPLC-MS/MS was developed for the simultaneous
determination of potential biomarkers of lysmeral in human urine samples. Sample clean-
up was performed by liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) after enzymatic hydrolysis of the
conjugates. Quantification was achieved by standard addition using stable-isotope labeled,
authentic reference standards. The method was applied to urine samples collected in an
ethicall-approved study with 5 subjects, who received one oral dose of lysmeral as well as
to spot urine samples provided by 40 volunteers from the general population.
Results: The method is characterized by its robustness, reliability and excellent sensitivity
as proven during method validation according to FDA and DFG guidelines. The following
four lysmeral metabolites were identified as suitable biomarkers of exposure for lysmeral
in human urine samples: lysmerol, lysmerylic acid, hydroxylated lysmerylic acid and tert-
butylbenzoic acid (TBBA). After oral administration, the urinary excretion reached its
maximum (Tmax) after 2 - 5 h, showing faster kinetics for the primary (lysmerol,
lysmerylic acid) as compared to the secondary metabolites (hydroxylated lysmerylic acid,
TBBA). More than 90 % of all measured lysmeral metabolites were excreted after 12 h.
After 48 h, when the renal excretion is virtually complete, TBBA, lysmerol, lysmerylic acid
and hydroxyl-lysmerylic acid represent on average 14.3, 1.82, 0.20 and 0.16 %,
respectively, of the dose administered. In total, the 4 metabolites represent about 16.5 %
of the dose. With the conversion factors derived from the human study, we estimated
median exposure doses for lysmeral in a group of 40 human volunteers of approximately
140 – 220 µg per day.
Conclusion: The lysmeral metabolites lysmerol, lysmerylic acid, hydroxyl-lysmerylic acid
and TBBA in urine are suitable biomarkers of exposure and can be applied, either single or
in any combination, for biomonitoring of the general population
713
We-SY-D4.5
Human metabolism of the biocidal compounds methylisothiazolinone and
chloromethylisothiazolinone: excretion kinetics of N-methylmalonamic acid in urine
Thomas Schettgen, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
Jens Bertram, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
Thomas Kraus, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
Introduction: Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and the mixture of Chloromethylisothiazolinone
(CIT) and MIT (CIT/MIT (3:1)) are important biocidal active substances (ASs) and are used
widespread as preservative agents in industrial applications, cosmetic and household
products. Both substances have skin-sensitizing properties and are well absorbed orally
and dermally. An increasing frequency of contact allergies to both MIT and CIT/MIT (3:1)
in recent years has raised concerns about the use of these biocides. Human biomonitoring
might help to evaluate the extent of exposure to MIT and CIT/MIT (3:1) in the general
population and to elucidate main exposure pathways. The main urinary metabolite of MIT
and CIT in rats was reported to be N-methylmalonamic acid (NMMA). However, data on
human metabolism of both substances and kinetics of urinary excretion of NMMA are
lacking. Therefore, it was the aim of the present study to fill this gap by the investigation
of the urinary excretion of NMMA after oral dosage of isotopically labelled MIT and CIT to
human volunteers.
Methods: Four volunteers (2 m/2 f) received one dosage (2 mg) of 13C3-MIT and d3-CIT
separately and at least 2 weeks apart. Consecutive urine samples were collected over 48
h. For the determination of urinary NMMA, a previously developed GC/MS/MS-method was
applied. The study has been reviewed and approved by the institutional review board of
the RWTH Aachen University (EK 336/14).
Results: Both substances are rapidly metabolized in humans. The mean creatinine-
corrected peak excretions of urinary NMMA from four dosings were 2.5 h and 2.9 h after
oral dosage of 13C3-MIT and d3-CIT, respectively. The mean urinary half-lives of excretion
of labelled NMMA were determined to be 6.1 h and 7.6 h for 13C3-MIT and d3-CIT,
respectively. With respect to MIT, mean excretion of NMMA within 48 h accounts for 23.7
% (18 – 30.9 %) of the dose. Concerning CIT, urinary NMMA accounts for 13.3 % (10.9 – 15.9
%) of the dose with more than 90 % excreted within the first 24 h. No gender differences
in toxikokinetics were observed.
Conclusion: The present study is the first to investigate human metabolism of the biocidal
compounds MIT and CIT. The results of this study confirm rapid metabolism of both
substances and the urinary excretion of NMMA as major human metabolite and potential
biomarker of exposure. The kinetic data obtained in this study might be useful for
exposure assessment in the general population.
714
We-SY-D4.6
Human Biomonitoring of the fragrant compound Geraniol – The challenge of exposure
assessment of natural products and nature-identical chemicals
Thomas Jaeger, BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany
Sandra Baecker, BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany
Edgar Leibold, BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany
Holger Koch, Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social
Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
Michael Bader, BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany
Geraniol is a fragrant compound with a rose-like smell, and is versatilely utilized in
cosmetic and hygiene products as well as in household cleaners. The annual worldwide use
exceeds 1,000 metric tons. For this purpose, geraniol is either extracted from essential
oils (natural product) or is chemically synthesized (natural-identical flavouring) on an
industrial scale. Within a collaboration project between the German Chemical Industry
Association (VCI) and the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature
Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB), an analytical method for the
determination of geraniol metabolites in human urine was developed. In addition, a
volunteer study was carried out in order to investigate the human metabolism of geraniol.
A method was developed and validated for the analysis of the main urinary metabolites of
geraniol, namely Hildebrandt acid, 8-carboxygeraniol, geranic acid and 3-
hydroxycitronellic acid. Sample preparation involves enzymatic hydrolysis and liquid-liquid
extraction. The analyses are carried out by liquid chromatography with tandem mass
spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) which offers a sensitive and specific quantification of the four
metabolites. The volunteer study showed that a large percentage of the administered
geraniol is metabolized to urinary eliminated Hildebrandt acid, geranic acid and 3-
hydroxycitronellic acid. 8-Carboxygeraniol is only a minor metabolite (<2 % of the dose).
However, it seems to be a specific biomarker for geraniol while the other metabolites may
have different precursors, e.g. citral. The elimination of all metabolites was fast, with
peak concentrations at 1.5 – 5 hours after oral ingestion and subsequent elimination half-
lives of 2 – 5 hours. In the course of the method validation, background values of all
metabolites were detected in spot urine samples of persons without occupational exposure
to geraniol.
In conclusion, the novel analytical method enables the determination of 8-
carboxygeraniol, Hildebrandt acid, geranic acid and 3-hydroxycitronellic acid in human
urine. 8-Carboxygeraniol seems to be a specific and thus promising biomarker for geraniol
exposure. The application of the method to samples of the general population, together
with the results of the metabolism study may assist in the exposure assessment and
evaluation of the daily uptake of geraniol by food and/or consumer products.
715
We-SY-E4: Exposure to SVOCs in the Indoor Environment - Products,
Emissions, Exposure, Pharmacokinetics and Biomarkers – IV
We-SY-E4.1
Probabilistic prediction of indoor aggregate SVOC exposure
John Kissel, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
EPA’s CTEPP study collected extensive environmental measurements and urinary
biomarkers relevant to SVOC exposures in probabilistically selected populations totaling
roughly 250 children in Ohio and North Carolina. Environmental measurements were
focused on indoor contaminant levels in residences and daycare facilities and included
duplicate dietary samples. For a very limited subset of the target SVOCs a mass balance
between exposures predicted from environmental measurements and those estimated
from observed biomarker excretion can feasibly be attempted. Requisite data exist for the
parent/metabolite pair of chloropyrifos (CPS) and trichloropyridinol (TCPy), and for
pentachlorophenol (PCP) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), which are excreted
as conjugates of the parent compound. Initial evaluations were limited to consideration of
dietary and non-dietary ingestion and inhalation exposure. In all three cases, application
of commonly applied exposure assumptions and measured environmental contamination
levels leads to under-prediction of observed urinary biomarker excretion (assuming
pseudo-steady state conditions). This gap remains if alternative sources of urinary
metabolites are considered. Barring fundamental sampling or analytical error, non-trivial
contributions from additional exposure pathways are a possible explanation. Candidate
pathways include dermal absorption and ingestion by means other than dust/soil or
dietary inputs. Weschler and Nazaroff have proposed that dermal absorption of vapor
phase SVOCs can exceed inhalation exposure under some circumstances and have
presented a mechanism for evaluation of the relative contributions of those pathways to
aggregate exposure. However, given the apparently very minor contribution of inhalation
to predicted aggregate exposures of the CTEPP subjects to the three feasibly evaluated
SVOCs, plausible multiples of inhalation exposures also appear inadequate to close the
mass balances. Examination of surface harvesting by dermal contact and subsequent
dermal absorption or of hand-to-mouth or object-to-mouth contact with surface films (as
opposed to dust) permits back-calculation of requisite exposure factors. However,
evaluation of the plausibility of those results suffers from a lack of prior empirical
investigations of key underlying phenomena (e.g., hand washing efficiency or surface
contamination replenishment rates). The CTEPP database remains a suitable test bed for
aggregate exposure models.
716
We-SY-E4.2
Characterizing Cumulative Uptake of Indoor SVOCs Based on Physicochemical
Interactions Between Humans and Their Residential Environments
Tom McKone, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States
Srinandini Parthasarathy, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United
States
Humans spend a significant proportion of their daily schedule inside of buildings. In
modern buildings there are concerns about human exposure to a broad range of semi-
volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) that are transferred from building materials,
furniture, consumer products and personal-care products to indoor surfaces and indoor
dust. The relative contributions from dermal uptake, inhalation, and non-dietary ingestion
to cumulative uptake have often been separated into studies that consider these as
separate pathways. The cumulative dermal uptake (DU) along with inhalation and non-
dietary ingestion (NDI) intakes of SVOCs in residential environments are complex activity-
based processes that cannot be fully understood without linking human pharmacokinetics
with building system chemistry and physics. In this paper we will, through theory and
examples, explore an alternative approach to finding simple relationships among the
complexity of this multi-route exposure problem. The field of environmental chemistry has
set out a process for considering competing pathways of active and passive mass transport
in environmental systems that include indoor environments. This process depends on an
explicit treatment of chemical-solution thermodynamics and mass balance, with a clear
emphasis on chemical potential and mass transport via diffusion- and advection-driven
processes. The sources and fate of SVOCs in the indoor environment are altered not only
by human activity and the materials of the building, but also by the chemistry of clothing,
skin, saliva, lungs, liver etc. Once we capture the complex interactions of humans within
the various media of the indoor environment, we find parsimonious patterns that arise to
help see our way through some of the complexity. But the common modeling approach of
distinguishing for DU and NDI between active and passive exposure fails to explain this
pattern. Using an alternative approach that captures multiple and more complex
interactions provides key insight for both ongoing modeling and experimental efforts.
Among the insights gained we illustrate how this approach reveals the importance of
considering characteristic system (residential, human) time scales for assessing the
potential of human intake of chemicals released to residential environments.
717
Multiple routes of exposure in residential environments
718
We-SY-E4.3
A modelling framework to link aggregate exposure pathways with internal exposures
Jon Arnot, ARC Arnot Research and Consulting, Toronto, Canada
Lauren Hughes, ARC Arnot Research and Consulting, Toronto, Canada
Xianming Zhang, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
John Westgate, ARC Arnot Research and Consulting, Toronto, Canada
James Armitage, AES Armitage Environmental Sciences, Toronto, Canada
Peter Egeghy, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, United States
Humans are exposed to numerous chemicals from various exposure pathways. Exposure
pathways include direct ingestion of food and beverages, inhalation of air, indirect
(passive) dermal, direct dermal, hand-to-mouth contact and dermal contact with indoor
materials and surfaces. Exposure can be quantified based on multimedia contact rates and
with absorbed intake rates. Chemical concentrations in the body (internal exposures) are a
function of chemical contact rates, absorption efficiencies, internal distribution,
biotransformation rates and elimination rates (passive and active). Measured exposure
data are generally quite limited compared to the numbers of chemicals in use and
requiring exposure and risk evaluations. Empirical and mechanistic models are necessary
to address data gaps and to improve understanding of chemical exposure pathways
corresponding to concentrations associated with biological activity and possible adverse
effects. The objectives of this research are to develop and evaluate a screening-level
model for estimating potential risks to exposures of organic chemicals from multimedia,
multipathway exposures. The Risk Assessment IDentification And Ranking-Indoor and
Consumer Exposure (RAIDAR-ICE) model is an evaluative, steady-state mass balance model
that links far-field exposure pathways (i.e., ingestion of food and water) with indirect and
direct near-field exposure pathways (i.e., dermal, inhalation and non-dietary ingestion) to
predict human intake rates and concentrations (i.e., skin surface, whole body). Effects
(toxicity hazard) data can be included as model input for risk estimation and risk-based
prioritization. RAIDAR-ICE is an extension of the Indoor Chemical Exposure
Classification/Ranking Model (ICECRM, 2014) that links an indoor fate mass balance model
with a three compartment human toxicokinetic model and indirect near-field exposure
pathways. The model is described and applied to evaluate chemicals for exposure and risk
potential including preliminary model evaluations with select semi-volatile organic
chemicals (SVOCs).
719
We-SY-E4.5
Biomarkers of human exposure to organophosphate flame retardants
Adrian Covaci, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk-Antwerp, Belgium
Nele Van den Eede, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk-Antwerp, Belgium
While the demand for flame retardants, such as organophosphate esters (PFRs), has
increased following the banning of several brominated flame retardants, there are still
major uncertainties regarding the human exposure to these compounds. Biomonitoring is
considered the best approach to monitor internal exposure, yet little is known regarding
the metabolic processes PFRs undergo in the human body and the identity of biomarkers of
exposure. In the present study, we aim at presenting recommendations on the selection of
the target biomarkers to be used when assessing the human exposure to PFRs through
biomonitoring. These recommendations are largely based on our recently published in vivo
and in vitro data completed with in vivo literature data. More precisely, we evaluate the
usefulness of oxidative metabolites specific for one parent PFR as compared to non-
specific or infrequently detected diesters formed by hydrolytic processes. Exposure
biomonitoring studies for rapidly cleared chemicals require identification of stable (and
specific) major metabolites for parent chemicals of interest.
We have reported the in vitro metabolism of several PFRs, including tris(1-chloro-2-propyl)
phosphate (TCIPP), tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP), tris(2-butoxyethyl)
phosphate (TBOEP), ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate (EHDPHP), triphenyl phosphate (TPHP),
resorcinoldiphenyl phosphate (RDP) and V6, by human liver enzymes. Several metabolites,
such as diesters and oxidative metabolites, have been suggested as potential useful for
biomonitoring in urine. For the selection of biomarkers for PFR exposure, we have based
our conclusions on findings from biomonitoring (in vivo) studies in urine and on the
identification of PFR metabolites in in vitro liver preparations.
Together with the corresponding diesters (BDCIPP, BDCIPP, BBOEP, and DPHP), specific
metabolites formed by oxidative metabolism, such as bis(1-chloro-2-propyl) 1-hydroxy-2-
propyl phosphate (BCIPHIPP), (bis(2-butoxyethyl) 3´-hydroxy-2-butoxyethyl phosphate
(HO-TBOEP), bis(2-butoxyethyl) 2-hydroxyethyl phosphate, and (hydroxyphenyl diphenyl
phosphate (HO-TPHP), are suggested to be used in biomonitoring studies. The in vivo
formation of some PFR metabolites has not been confirmed, and as a result, their
suitability for human biomonitoring is still unknown.
720
We-SY-F4: E-Cigarettes, Exposures, and (Health) Effects
We-SY-F4.1
An Overview of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s E-cigarette work
Patrick Breysse, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United
States
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) are
rapidly growing in popularity, especially among youth and young adults. E-cigarettes are
battery powered aerosol generating devices that use a resistive heating coil to vaporize a
solution containing propylene glycol, glycerin, flavors, frequently nicotine, and sometimes
ethanol and water. The solution, also known as e-liquid, is contained in a disposable or
refillable cartridge depending on the design of the e-cigarette. This presentation will
open the e-cigarette symposium with Aan overview of the current state of the science,
including recent work this presentation will discuss the e-cigarette work from the CDC’s
Division of Laboratory Sciences Tobacco Lab characterizing potentially harmful chemicals
and components of the devices. Specifically, the presentation will include recent
information about flavors, nicotine, and pH in the e-liquid, as well as the potential for
exposure to metals (from sources such as the heating coil or solder joints), and volatile
organics (from sources such as combustion at the heated coil. The factors affecting
nicotine delivery in e-cigarettes and the select toxicity profile of e-cigarettes will be
presented.
721
We-SY-F4.2
Properties of E-Cigarette Emissions that Promote Secondhand Exposure
Jonathan Thornburg, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
Seung-Hyun Cho, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
Use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), such as electronic cigarettes (e-
cigarettes), is increasing in the United States and globally. Despite the growing use of e-
cigarettes, little is known about the physical and chemical properties of e-cigarette
emissions exhaled by the user that determine the extent of secondhand exposure. The
objective was to produce a physiologically relevant e-cigarette aerosol for assessing
secondhand exposure by mimicking the temperature and humidity found in a user’s
respiratory system. This approach produced an exhaled aerosol with more representative
physical and chemical properties than sampling directly from the e-cigarette. The output
from the system corresponded to the expected aerosol size distribution and chemical
composition in the user’s lungs. We used the multi-path particle dosimetry (MPPD) model
to predict the deposited and exhaled fractions of the e-cigarette aerosol. Our experiments
evaluated the emissions produced by two e-liquids from one device. The aerosol size
distribution produced by both liquids under dry and humid conditions were different. We
found that elevated humidity and residence time inside the simulated lung activated the
growth of condensation nuclei. The resulting aerosol size distribution inside the simulated
lung had a smaller median diameter (184 nm versus 220 nm) but had a broader range (GSD
of 3.4 versus 2.8). The aerosol chemical composition changed under humid conditions
because the humectants promoted absorption of nicotine, flavorings, and preservatives
into the liquid droplets. Nicotine and propylene glycol were the only compounds found in
both the gas and aerosol phase. The measured e-cigarette emission aerosol size
distribution was the input into the MPPD model. The dosimetry model predicted that 47%
of mass of inhaled emission were deposited in the lung, with 40% in the alveolar region,
and 53% was exhaled. These initial data provide evidence that secondhand exposure to e-
cigarette emissions can be significant. The size distribution and chemical composition of
the exhaled emissions promote a stable aerosol that can travel significant distances within
an environment.
722
We-SY-F4.4
The Health Risks of Using E-cigarettes
Wouter Visser, Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM),
Bilthoven, Netherlands
Liesbeth Geraets, Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM),
Bilthoven, Netherlands
Walther Klerx, Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM),
Bilthoven, Netherlands
Ed Stephens, University of St. Anders, St Andrews, United Kingdom
Lya Soeteman-Hernández, Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment
(RIVM), Bilthoven, Netherlands
Esther Croes, Trimbos Instituut, Utrecht, Netherlands
Paul Schwillens, Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM),
Bilthoven, Netherlands
Hans Cremers, Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM),
Bilthoven, Netherlands
Peter Bos, Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM),
Bilthoven, Netherlands
Reinskje Talhout, Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM),
Bilthoven, Netherlands
E-cigarette use has increased rapidly in the past few years. Accordingly, concerns
regarding the health effects associated with the use of these devices has grown. We have
performed an assessment of the health risk to e-cigarette users in three steps: Firstly,
given the enormous variety of products on the market and differences in vaping behaviour,
a market survey was conducted to identify exactly which products (devices and e-liquids)
were popular and to obtain data regarding the vaping behaviour of users. Secondly, we
established the concentrations of harmful components in the aerosol and in e-liquids by
chemical analysis. Finally, we used the data from the market survey and the chemical
analysis to perform an assesment of the health risks e-cigarettes present to users, taking
into consideration different user profiles.
Several impurities were found in e-liquids and aerosol, including di- and triethylene glycol,
formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrolein, metals and nitrosamines. The observed aldehydes
were highly variable and did not originate from the e-liquid but were generated during the
heating process. Similarly, metals in the aerosol originated from the vaporiser rather than
the e-liquid.
The levels of several components in the aerosol present a risk to human health. Inhalation
of the aerosol can lead to irritation and damage of the respiratory tract, palpitations, a
decreased lymphocyte count and an increased risk of developing cancer. However, the
risks are highly dependent on the behavior of the e-cigarette user and are not as severe as
the risk associated with smoking tobacco sigarettes.
723
We-SY-F4.5
Electronic Cigarette Social Gatherings: Attendees and Exposures
Jona Johnson, UGA, Athens, Georgia, United States
E-cigarette use is so popular that conventions designed to bring e-cigarette users together
in a social setting are held nearly monthly across the United States. These gatherings can
range from being held at a local e-cigarette shop with a crowd of 100 attendees to being
as large as a regional convention that draws thousands of people We developed a 25-
question, multiple-choice survey to disseminate at a Southeastern e-cigarette convention.
Of particular interest were questions designed to characterize potential for secondhand
exposure in public places and health effects experienced by both users and those around
them during e-cigarette use. 125 respondents completed this survey. Of these
respondents, 71.2% were males (n=89) and 28.8 % were female (n=36). The average age of
males was 31.2 years old (95% CI: 28.9-33.5); the average age of females was 28.8 years
old (95% CI: 24.8-32.8). 50.4% (n=66) of respondents reported using their e-cigarette more
than 30 times a day. 53.4% (n=70) of respondents have used an e-cigarette for 1-5 years,
though 41% (n=54) of respondents began using an e-cig in the past year, indicating that e-
cigarette use is growing. 85.5% (n=112) of respondents were prior users of traditional
tobacco cigarettes. Most respondents (86%, n=112) use a second generation, or “mod”, e-
cigarette device. These devices are known to increase the amount of nicotine and VOCs
delivered to and exhaled by the user. 40% (n=44) of respondents use their e-cigarette in
public places (i.e. churches and shopping malls), demonstrating the opportunity for public
secondhand exposures. Over 20% (n=28) of respondents reported experiencing adverse
health effects while using an e-cigarette, including throat and eye irritation, headaches,
nausea, and coughing. These effects are likely a result of the VOCs in the e-cigarette
vapor. Roughly a quarter of respondents reported that while using an e-cigarette,
someone around them has complained of skin or eye irritation and headaches, though
some (n=14) reported complaints about the vapor or smell produced by the e-cigarette.
Our data indicate that e-cigarette use is increasing and use in public places is common. It
is noteworthy that the health effects reported are correlated with the VOCs identified in
literature to be in e-cigarette vapor. Additionally, we measured salivary cotinine in non-
vaping volunteers who attended an e-cigarette convention to characterize secondhand
exposures. Data were analyzed by API LC/MS/MS. Data will be compared with current
secondhand exposure among the U.S. population measured by serum cotinine in the
NHANES database.
724
We-SY-G4: Exposure Science and 21st century oil and gas development – II
We-SY-G4.1
Exposure Assessment in Unconventional Natural Gas and Health Studies
Sara Rasmussen, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United
States
Hugh Ellis, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
Kirsten Koehler, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United
States
Brian S. Schwartz, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins School
of Medicine, and Geisinger Health System, Baltimore, MD, United States
Background: Unconventional natural gas development (UNGD) has environmental and
community impacts. Psychosocial stress, changes in socioeconomic status, and exposure to
noise, vibration, light, and air and water pollution are biologically plausible pathways for
UNGD to affect health. Epidemiology studies have used geographic information system
(GIS)-based metrics as proxies for UNGD activity and have found associations between
these metrics and health outcomes. However, studies have used different metrics, making
comparison across studies and understanding what each metric captures difficult, and
these metrics have only incorporated wells, whereas other components of UNGD, namely
compressors and impoundments, are also have potential environmental impacts.
Objective: Our goal was to characterize impoundments and compressors related to UNGD
in Pennsylvania, explore the relationships among metrics capturing different components
of UNGD, and compare GIS-based UNGD metrics used in health studies to date.
Methods: To characterize compressors, we visited Pennsylvania Department of
Environmental Protection offices and abstracted data on compressor stations’ locations,
engines, dates, and emissions. For impoundments, we used aerial imagery to identify
locations, sizes, and dates. To evaluate metrics capturing different components of UNGD,
we created a fishnet grid across 38 counties in Pennsylvania and assigned grid points the
metrics for impoundments, compressors, and four phases of well development (pad
preparation, drilling, stimulation, and production) on January 1 and July 1 of 2005-13. We
used principal component analysis (PCA) to understand the relationships among these six
metrics. To compare different UNGD metrics used in health studies to date, we identified
three types of objective asthma exacerbations (oral corticosteroid medication orders,
emergency department visits, and hospitalizations) among asthma patients (n= 35,508) in
the Geisinger Heath System in Pennsylvania using electronic health records from 2005-
2012. We assigned patients different GIS-based UNGD metrics (inverse distance, inverse
distance squared, and in buffers) that have been used in health studies and compared
associations.
Results: We identified 457 compressor stations and 1,218 impoundments related to UNGD
in Pennsylvania. The metrics for impoundments, compressors, and four phases of well
development were highly correlated. The first PCA component, which explained 58 to 94%
of the variance on the days evaluated, was strongly positively correlated with all six
metrics. The regressions comparing GIS-based UNGD metrics found different associations
between the UNGD metrics and asthma exacerbations.
725
726
We-SY-G4.2
Study Design and Implementation Approaches for Conducting Population-Based Studies
Near Oil and Natural Gas Development Sites: A Case Study from the Denver Julesburg
Basin
John Adgate, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, United States
Lisa McKenzie, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, United States
William Allshouse, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, United States
Benjamin Blair, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
Stephen Brindley, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, United States
Jennifer Peel, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
Stephanie Malin, Department of Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
The process of estimating exposure and health risk from the wide range of stressors
present near oil and gas development (OGD) sites in communities is complex. This is
partially due to the recent changes in production practices, recent shifts in the intensity
of development, and the challenge of recruiting a representative sample of subjects from
the population at risk. In this presentation, we discuss the study design deployed to
evaluate differences in exposure and response to chemical and nonchemical stressors from
OGD in two Colorado communities in the Denver Julesburg Basin. Our multifaceted study
design used community level surveys, measurement of biomarkers of subclinical effects,
and community noise and air monitoring to obtain data on chemical and non-chemical
stressor exposure and response in both communities. Challenges in implementing the study
included uncertainty introduced by the recent reduction in the pace OGD and varying
levels of subject willingness to participate in the two communities. Using examples from
our work we describe strategies to address these design and implementation challenges,
discuss results, and present our approach to communicating our results to community
partners and other stakeholders.
727
We-SY-G4.3
Assessing the potential link between chemical exposures from unconventional oil and
gas development and risk of childhood leukemia
Elise Elliott, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
Pauline Trinh, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
Xiaomei Ma, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
Brian Leaderer, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
Mary Ward, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, United States
Nicole Deziel, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
Introduction: Knowledge of health risks of unconventional oil and gas development is
sparse, though epidemiologic studies are emerging. Childhood leukemia can be an
important outcome to study, as it may be an early indicator of environmental hazards due
to the short disease latency and vulnerable exposed population. The objective of this
analysis was to evaluate evidence for potential carcinogenic and leukemogenic chemical
contaminants in air and water associated with unconventional oil and gas development to
inform exposure and health studies. Methods: We obtained a list of 1178 chemicals
detected in hydraulic fracturing fluids and wastewater from the US Environmental
Protection Agency and constructed a list of 135 air pollutants potentially associated with
unconventional oil and gas development based on a comprehensive literature review. We
systematically assessed the carcinogenicity and leukemogenicity of these chemicals by
searching International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) monographs and evaluating
whether the monographs cited findings related to leukemia and/or lymphoma. Results:
Most chemicals were not evaluated by IARC (91% and 79% of potential water and air
pollutants, respectively). Of the 119 unique compounds evaluated (111 and 29 potential
water and air pollutants, respectively), 55 (49 and 21 potential water and air pollutants,
respectively) were known, probable, or possible human carcinogens. Of these 55
compounds, 21 (17 and 7 potential water and air pollutants, respectively) were associated
with increased risk of leukemia and/or lymphoma. Examples include 1,3-butadiene,
benzene, cadmium, diesel exhaust, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Conclusions:
Our assessment underscores the need for air, water, and/or biological monitoring in
communities near oil and gas activity and provides support for the investigation of possible
associations between unconventional oil and gas development and risk of cancer,
particularly leukemia/lymphoma.
728
We-SY-G4.4
Childhood Leukemia and Residential Proximity to Oil and Gas Development
Lisa McKenzie, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Campus,
Aurora, Colorado, United States
William Allshouse, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz
Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
Tim Byers, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Campus,
Aurora, Coloraod, United States
Edward Bedrick, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States
Berrin Serdar, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Campus,
Aurora, Colorado, United States
John Adgate, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Campus,
Aurora, Colorado, United States
Background: In the United States, oil and gas development (O&GD) has grown rapidly over
the past 15 years because of technological advances in hydraulic fracturing, horizontal
drilling, and 3D-seismicity. These technological advances have facilitated extraction of
petroleum reserves from shale and other tight formations, resulting in extensive de-
centralized dispersion of oil and gas wells and associated facilities across populated
areas. OG&D has the potential to emit known carcinogens into the air and water.
Objective: We examined associations between childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia
(ALL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and residential proximity to O&GD using a
population-based case-control study design.
Methods: Children were aged 0-24 years, living in rural Colorado, and diagnosed with
cancer between 2001-2013. We calculated inverse distance weighted oil and gas well
counts within a 10-mile radius of residence at cancer diagnosis for each year in a 10 year
latency period to estimate residential exposure. Logistic regression, adjusted for known
risk factors, such as gender, race, and elevation of residence, was used to estimate
associations across exposure tertiles for 87 ALL cases and 50 NHL cases, compared to 528
controls with non-hematologic cancers
Results: Overall, ALL cases among 0-24 years old were more likely to live in the highest
exposure tertiles compared to controls (trend p-value = 0.046), but findings differed
substantially by age. For ages 5-24, ALL cases were 4 times as likely to live in the highest
exposure tertile, compared to controls, with a monotonic increase in risk across exposure
tertiles (trend p-value = 0.013); while ALL cases ages 0-4 years were no more likely to live
near O&GD than controls. No association was found between NHL and exposure to O&GD.
Conclusions: We observed an association between ALL at ages 5-24 and exposure to O&GD.
Future studies should incorporate information on O&GD activities and production levels
near homes, schools, day care centers, provide age-specific residential histories, and
address other potential confounders, and environmental stressors.
729
We-PL-H4: Spatio-Temporal Measures – II
We-PL-H4.1
Assessing the Impact of the El Niño Southern Oscillation Phenomenon upon Extreme
Weather/Climate Events at the Local and Regional Level Across the Contiguous United
States
Narges Khanjani, Kerman Medical University, Kerman, Iran
Chengsheng Jiang, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, Maryland, United
States
Sutyajeet Soneja, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, Maryland, United
States
Ghassem Asrar, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, Maryland, United
States
Amir Sapkota, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, Maryland, United
States
Aim
Increasing body of literature suggests that some characteristics of extreme events (e.g.,
frequency, duration, and intensity) are affected by a changing climate. Large-scale
weather phenomenon, such as the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO), is known to affect
weather events at regional and local level, globally. No studies to date have investigated
how ENSO may modulate the frequency of extreme heat and precipitation events at a
local level. In this study, we utilized a historical weather/climate dataset to provide
quantitative estimates on how ENSO has influenced extreme heat and precipitation events
at the local and regional level across the contiguous United States. This information is of
particular importance for understanding the impact and risk of these events on human
health, for preparedness, recovery, and long-term adaptation measures.
Methods
We used a 30-year baseline (1960-1989) dataset to derive extreme heat and precipitation
events for counties within the contiguous U.S. from 1960 to 2010. We obtained
information regarding the phases of ENSO (El Niño, La Niña, and Neutral condition) from
the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center. Stratifying across the ENSO
phases, we computed descriptive statistics of the spatial (Census division) and temporal
(seasonal, inter-annual, as well as longer time periods) characteristics of extreme heat
and precipitation events. We also determined the difference of extreme heat and
precipitation events for the three phases of ENSO for each climate region within the U.S.
Results
We found the Northwest, Upper Midwest, Central, and Northeast climate regions of the
U.S. to have less extreme precipitation events during El Niño, relative to the ENSO Neutral
phase. In contrast, the West, Southwest, Southeast, and South climate regions showed
more extreme precipitation events during El Niño relative to the ENSO Neutral phase.
During La Niña events, the Northwest, Central Northwest, and Upper Midwest climate
regions showed more extreme precipitation during La Niña relative to the ENSO Neutral
phase. However, the West, Southwest, South, Southeast, and Northeast climate regions
showed less extreme precipitations events during La Niña in comparison to the ENSO
Neutral phase. ENSO’s impact upon extreme heat events also varied considerably by
climate region.
730
Conclusion
Our study demonstrates that the frequency of extreme weather events varies considerably
during ENSO phases, which has a strong but uneven influence on weather across the globe.
Studies investigating the link between climate change and mitigation/adaptation
measures, including those focused on assessing impact to human health, need to account
for this phenomenon.
731
We-PL-H4.2
Spatial Variability of Air Quality Data from Extensive Mobile Monitoring with Google
Street View Cars
Kyle P Messier, University of Texas at Austin; Environmental Defense Fund, Austin, Texas,
United States
Shahzad Gani, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States
Steven P Hamburg, Environmental Defense Fund, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Roel Vermeulen, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
Joshua S Apte, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States
Aim: The distribution of urban concentrations of air pollutants such as ultrafine particles
and black carbon can vary sharply over fine spatial scales (~ 1 - 300 m). This spatial
variation is not usually well-represented by routine fixed-site observations. Data from
mobile air quality monitoring platforms can contribute to a richer understanding of
intraurban variation in air pollution. However, previous mobile monitoring campaigns have
deployed few repeat measurements. Goals of this analysis are to (1) investigate the
stability of spatial trends detected by mobile monitoring and (2) quantify the spatial
variability of mobile monitoring data using geostatistical techniques.
Methods: We collected an extensive dataset of routine mobile air quality measurements in
the San Francisco Bay Area using a fleet of Google Street View cars with fast-response (1
Hz) particle instrumentation. These vehicles collect 40-60 h per week of daytime air
quality measurements, including black carbon (BC) and nitrogen oxides (NO and NO2). The
dataset presented here incorporates >1200 h and >28,000 km of on-road data collected
from May-Dec 2015. Within our core sampling region, we made ≥ 20-40 sampling trips
along every public street, yielding ~20,000 repeatedly sampled 30 m road segments. We
systematically sub-sample this dataset to investigate how many samples are required to
develop stable estimates of long-term spatial trends. We estimate the spatial
autocorrelation of temporally reduced concentration fields for BC, NO, and NO2.
Results: Preliminary results indicate BC, NO, and NO2 medians for 30 m road segments
have high correlation (R-Squared ≥ 0.75 for BC and NO; R-Squared ≥ 0.60 for NO2) with
their long-term medians after about 15 drives. Over all driving, median BC, NO, and NO2
concentrations were roughly twice as high on highways as on major arterial roads, and
twice as high on arterials as on residential streets. Geostatistical covariance analyses
indicate distinct near-source and regional-scale processes that govern the spatial
variability of pollution.
Conclusions: Our results on the stability of long-term medians will help inform future plans
for mobile monitoring air quality campaigns. Nitrogen oxides and BC are substantially
higher on highways compared to major arterial roads, which are higher than residential
roads. Spatial auto-correlation ranges can help inform monitoring density needs for both
mobile and fixed-site monitors.
732
We-PL-H4.3
Temporal Trends in Exposure to C4-C8 Perfluoroalkyl Substances among U.S. Adults
Sherry (Xiaoyun) Ye, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United
States
Kayoko Kato, Centers for Disease Control and prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
Janice Ma, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
Akil Kalathil, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
Lily Jia, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
Antonia Calafat, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
Aim: Polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) may persist in people and the
environment. Since early 2000s, manufacturing practices of some PFASs, such as
perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), have changed, and
shorter alkyl-chain PFASs are increasingly used in commerce. Because short-chain PFASs
have been detected in tap and surface water, interest exists in evaluating human exposure
to these chemicals. Unlike PFOA and PFOS, short-chain PFASs have relatively short
elimination half-lives and likely eliminate in urine.
Methods: In 2001, 2009, 2012, and 2015, we collected 431 spot urine samples anonymously
from convenience groups of demographically diverse adults in the Southeastern United
States. We assessed exposure to C4-C8 PFASs from the urinary concentrations of PFASs
quantified by mass spectrometry; limits of detection (LODs) were at or below 0.1 ng/mL
for all PFASs.
Results: We did not detect perfluorobutane sulfonate, perfluorohexane sulfonate, or
PFOA. By contrast, we detected perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBuA), perfluoropentanoic acid
(PFPeA), and perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) in samples collected in 2015. PFBuA was
most frequently detected (>50%) with 90th percentile concentration at 0.35 ng/mL;
detection frequency and 90th percentile concentrations for the other compounds were
28%, 0.14 ng/mL (PFPeA) and 5%, 20,000
vehicles/day) with distance-decay gradients varying depending on pollutant, traffic and
meteorology. The most pronounced variations were observed for PNC. Median PNC 0-50 m
from major roads were ~45% higher compared to areas 400-800 m from major roads. PNC
were highest in winter (37,000 #/cc in Boston; 35,000 #/cc in Chelsea) and lowest in
summer (18,000 #/cc in Boston; 14,000 #/cc in Chelsea), higher on weekdays compared to
weekends, and higher during morning rush hour compared to later in the day. Spatial
variations in PNC distance-decay gradients were non-uniform largely due to contributions
from local street traffic. Similar spatial and temporal patterns were observed for the
other pollutants; however, the near-roadway gradients were less pronounced compared to
PNC.
Conclusions: Datasets containing fine-scale temporal and spatial variation of air pollution
concentrations near busy urban roadways and highways may be useful for informing
exposure assessment efforts.
734
We-PL-H4.5
Relationships of Indoor, Outdoor, and Personal Exposure to Fine Particles
Concentrations in Hong Kong
Kin Fai Ho, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Xiao-Cui Chen, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Steven Sai Hang Ho, Institute of Earth Environment, CAS, Xi'an, China, People's Republic
of
Chi Sing Chan, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Junji Cao, Institute of Earth Environment, CAS, Xi'an, China, People's Republic of
Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationships of indoor, outdoor and
personal exposure to PM2.5 and their chemical components in Hong Kong.
Method: A random sampling strategy was applied to recruit forty non-smoker adults (age >
18 years of age) resided in different areas of Hong Kong for non-occupational personal
exposure measurement purpose. Twenty-four hours integrated personal exposure samples
of PM2.5 were collected for two consecutive days during summer and winter of 2014. 10
out of 40 subjects have been selected to conduct simultaneous indoor sample, outdoor
ambient sample, and personal exposure sample collection during summer and winter,
respectively. Gravimetric PM2.5 mass analyses were determined in all samples.
Results: Personal PM2.5 exposures demonstrated the significant seasonal difference (p <
0.01) with a higher average concentration in winter (35.2 ± 16.7 μg m-3) than in summer
(18.1 ± 10.3 μg m-3). Personal exposures were lower than corresponding indoor (27.0 ±
17.6 μg m-3) and outdoor (28.7 ± 14.8 μg m-3) concentrations during the study period.
Generally, there are high statistically significant correlation coefficients of personal
exposure associated with both indoor (r = 0. 647, p < 0.01) and outdoor concentrations (r =
0.640, p < 0.01), which suggesting that personal exposures were influenced by both
ambient and indoor particle sources.
Discussion: Average indoor, outdoor and personal PM2.5 levels were higher in winter when
compared to summer, these findings are consistent with the results reported previously in
the literature. Although less indoor activities was observed during the measurement
period, P/O and I/O ratios higher than unity were observed during the sampling days.
Personal exposure levels were more strongly associated with indoor air pollution levels
than with outdoor concentrations. Although PM2.5 mass was the primary focus of analysis,
future plans included the investigation of chemical and toxicological characteristic of the
PM2.5 samples.
735
We-PL-I4: Continuous/Real Time Measures
We-PL-I4.1
Wearable and Stationary IoT Chemical and Location Sensor Devices with Emergency
Communication.
Kenneth Brown, NIOSH, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Kenneth Mead, NIOSH, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Peter Shaw, NIOSH, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Ronald Kovein, NIOSH, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Robert Voorhees, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Adam Brandes, MeasureNet Technology, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Samuel Glover, NIOSH, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
John Snawder, NIOSH, Cincinnati, Ohio, Uruguay
Michael Breitenstein, NIOSH, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Real-time knowledge of both a worker’s location and hazardous exposure improves vital
emergency response time and protects emergency responders by providing critical
environmental hazard data prior to the responders entering the accident scene. NIOSH
recently published research on a wearable device called the Chemical Exposure Monitor
with Indoor Positioning (CEMWIP). (J Occup Environ Hyg. 2016 Jan 19:1-37. EPUB). The
project adopted an interdisciplinary team approach that included a chemist, industrial
hygienist, statistician, electrical engineer, and a software developer to produce a real-
time direct reading exposure assessment method. The CEMWIP system was laboratory
tested for chemical sensor and real-time location system (RTLS) accuracy and precision.
The method combined the RTLS and a wireless direct-reading method (DRM), and provided
simultaneous exposure alerts to both the exposed worker and a remote monitor with
location and exposure data at set exposure levels. Data were wirelessly and
simultaneously collected from sensors every second, for volatile organic compounds
(VOCs) concentration, location, temperature, humidity, and time. The streaming data
were collected and graphically displayed in real-time onto digital floorplans and could
subsequently be evaluated as a three-dimensional hazard maps showing peak exposure
with location. While CEMWIP used a PID sensor to measure VOCs for proof of concept,
different sensors could be exchanged depending upon the expected types of exposure. A
new proposal will be also presented that applies the CEMWIP method for research into
laboratory safety by adding manual and automated emergency communication for times of
incapacitating events to notify emergency medical services, when response time and
location are critical for life. The laboratory sensor would continuously monitor and
remotely display worker hazardous exposure information. An incapacitating event would
be detected by an accelerometer if the worker is down triggering automatic emergency
communication. Pressing the alert button would contact monitoring personnel and provide
emergency responders with worker location and hazard information. Research will be
extended from indoors to outdoors for field workers venturing into lone-worker situations.
New research will also develop, and test stationary sensors with a triggered sampling
device with further enhancements two-way communication and the remote alarm
capabilities of the CEMWIP system. Finally, a pilot study with a cohort of laboratory
personnel will provide data on wearability, worker compliance, dependability, durability,
736
accuracy, precision, sensitivity, and effectiveness for improving safety both in the
laboratory and field.
CEMWIP method provided indoor VOC concentration and location data for a 3-D hazard
map.
737
We-PL-I4.2
Exposure Assessment Using Long Term Sampling with Evacuated Canisters in both
Occupational and Non-Occupational Indoor Environments.
Alan Rossner, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, United States
Ryan Ryan LeBouf, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health,, Morgantown,
West Virgina, United States
Marley Carroll, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, United States
Emily Sullivan, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, United States
There is an essential need for tools that result in more effective indoor air quality and
vapor intrusion (VI) exposure assessments that provide representative data of long-term
human exposures. Evacuated canisters have been used for many years to evaluate
ambient and indoor air environments. Recently, capillary flow controllers have been used
to sample at very low flow rates (0.1 to 0.5 mL/min). Capillary flow controllers have a
well-defined drop in flow rate over the sampling period as the pressure in the canister
rises. Under extreme circumstances, this will give rise to a positive or negative bias in
sampling results when peak exposures are present. This study was conducted to assess the
performance of the capillary flow controller coupled with evacuated canisters during
exposures to volatile organic compounds. Six flow controllers coupled with 400-mL
evacuated canisters were tested in a small chamber (32 L) to evaluate sampling bias with
respect to grab samples using canisters. All samples were analyzed by a gas
chromatograph/flame ionization detector. A 2ppm concentration of toluene was
generated in a chamber as a background concentration and peaks of 200 ppm (100x) were
generated at the beginning of the test period to assess positive sampling bias and also at
the end of the period to assess negative sampling bias. A series of experiments were run
for 4 and 8 hours, as well as several for up to 3 week sampling periods with six replicate
canisters per experiment. The reference concentration was established using a series of
canisters drawn directly from the chamber. Comparison of the reference values to the
concentrations collected by the capillary flow controllers allowed for an assessment of the
capillary flow controller sampling bias. The bias for all experiment trials ranged from
0.01% to -25% as compared to the reference concentrations. Relative standard deviations
ranged from 1.0% to 16.3% for the trials. Reducing the sampling period from 8 hours to 4
hours caused a decrease in sampling bias from -25% to -16% for a peak at the end of the
sampling period. Samples collected at low flow rates with the capillary flow controller
were found to provide results comparable to the reference method. Sampling bias can be
reduced by filling the canister to ~ 35% capacity during sampling. The new canister
method captures the advantages of both canisters and sorbent samplers without their
limitations by allowing for long term (hours to weeks) exposure assessments.
738
We-PL-I4.3
Innovative Sensors and Models for City-Level Air Pollution Exposure Monitoring
Nicholas Hamm, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
E. Alfredo Vásquez Gómez, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
Ipsit Dash, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
Rene Otjes, Energy Centre of the Netherlands (ECN), Petten, Netherlands
Sandra van der Sterren, Gemeente Eindhoven, Eindhoven, Netherlands
Vera van Zoest, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
Andre van der Wiel, Scapeler.com, Eindhoven, Netherlands
Gerard Hoek, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
Alfred Stein, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
Aims: Space-time resolved estimates of air pollution exposure require information on the
movement and location of study subjects together with predictions of air pollution
concentration; however, the possibilities are typically limited by the available data. The
Dutch city of Eindhoven (90 km2, 225,000 inhabitants) has two monitoring stations in the
LML (Dutch national air quality monitoring system), yielding hourly data. This has been
augmented (2013) by 35 “Airboxes” equipped with low-cost sensors for particulate matter
(PM), NO2, O3 and ultra-fine particles delivering measurements every 10 minutes, as part
of the ILM AiREAS initiative. These data pose new opportunities but raise new challenges,
specifically: How should the data be organized? What are their quality and how can this be
evaluated automatically? What are the appropriate models to provide spatial-temporal
measures of exposure? What spatial and temporal resolutions can be achieved?
Methods: The variability in the PM data was evaluated using descriptive statistics and the
variogram (to explore spatial autocorrelation), allowing exploration of different spatial
and temporal resolutions. The ILM PM data were validated against the LML data in 2013
and 2015. For analysis we used Bayesian maximum entropy (BME) and space-time dynamic
models. Both allowed additional information, for example dispersion model output and
weather data, to be incorporated. We used a service oriented architecture (SOA), based
on standards from the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC), to organize the data.
Results: The exploratory analysis showed that the variability in the ILM PM data increased
from 10% to 16% (coefficient of variation) between 2013 and 2015 The ILM data tended to
record lower values than the LML data, although the peaks and troughs were still
observed. The 10-minute data were typically too noisy to allow the identification of
spatial correlation, although this was clear when averaged to 1-hour averages and for
longer time periods. Using BME we were able to integrate the dispersion model and ILM
data, yielding an RMSE of 1 µg m-3 for daily PM2.5. The SOA was effective to combine
different datasets (e.g., ILM and LML) and to implement simple geostatistical models in an
automated fashion.
Conclusions: Using low-cost sensors allowed us to identify spatial and temporal patterns
that are valuable for spatial prediction at sub-daily time resolutions. These patterns can
be identified and modelled using space-time geostatistics e.g., BME. Standards based
methods should be used for organizing, archiving and disseminating data and are essential
for future automated analysis.
739
We-PL-I4.4
Real time detection and characterization of bioaerosols from environmental sources
Sean Tyrrel, Cranfield University, Cranfield, United Kingdom
Zaheer Nasir, Cranfield University, Cranfield, United Kingdom
Mohanad Jawad Jawad, Cranfield University, Cranfield, United Kingdom
Gill Drew, Cranfield University, Cranfield, United Kingdom
Alan Nelson, Cranfield University, Cranfield, United Kingdom
Aim:
Biowaste and intensive agriculture industries emit bioaerosol of significance to human
health. Whilst progress has been made in characterising emissions from these industries
relatively little headway has been made in: understanding exposure of the general public
to bioaerosol from these sources; putting process-based exposures into the context of
background exposure to natural bioaerosol; or in quantifying health risk and setting
health-based standards. A critical limiting factor is the lack of advanced microbiological
methods to characterise and quantify bioaerosol emissions and dispersion. Our current
evidence base is almost entirely reliant on short duration “snapshot” sampling and
culture-dependent microbiology.
Methods:
Among emerging techniques, laser induced fluorescence has shown promise in exploring
bioaerosol properties with high time and size resolution (Pan et al. 2015). Continuous real
time measurements were carried out to monitor the number concentration of different
particulate categories detectable using a novel Spectral Intensity Bioaerosol Sensor
(SIBS)(Droplet Measurement Technologies, USA) which is a development of the WIBS 4-A
technology described by Toprak and Schnaiter (2012). Measurements were made at
distance of approximately 50 m from the operational area of a green waste composting
facility in eastern England during a 4 hour period encompassing periods of active
composting as well as a period of relatively low activity.
Results:
The SIBS device generated real time information on the number concentration of total and
fluorescent particles which are assumed to represent the bioaerosol fraction. There was
an association between periods of composting activity and higher particulate
concentrations. There were distinct differences in fluorescence emission characteristics
from particles detected at the composting and a background site (data not shown)
demonstrating the possibility of classifying bioaerosols.
Conclusions:
Fluorescence based real time measurement of bioaerosols will contribute significantly to
advancing the existing state of knowledge on bioaerosol detection and emission
characteristics from different environmental sources which will in turn inform enhanced
exposure assessment and modelling.
Reference:
Pan, Y. L. (2015). J. Quant. Spectrosc. Radiat. Transf. 150, 12-35
Toprak and Schnaiter (2012) Atmos. Chem Phys. 12, 17607–17656
Acknowledgement:
This work was supported by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and Defence
Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl). This award is made under the auspices of the
Environmental Microbiology and Human Health programme.
740
Representative number size concentration of particles in different categories generated by
the SIBS at an operational composting site during a 4 hour sample of the working day
741
We-PL-I4.5
Characterizing real-time vertical air pollution gradients in an urban environment -
Vegas (vertical gradient study)
Marloes Eeftens, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
Mark Davey, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
Alex Ineichen, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
Danyal Odabasi, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
Ming-Yi Tsai, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
Background
Spatial contrasts in air pollution concentration are characterized at increasingly high
resolution. Yet, air pollution monitoring and modelling studies commonly only consider
proximity to sources in the horizontal plane while differences in air pollution exposure in
the vertical dimension; eg, depending on the floor of residence, are rarely characterized.
Objectives
We aimed to understand how the real-time vertical gradients for three different air
pollutants depend on traffic intensity, street configuration and seasonality.
Methods
Measurement sites were selected along 11 streets in Basel, Switzerland on two quiet (50-
100 vehicles/30min), four medium-traffic (100-250 vehicles/30min) and five busy streets
(over 300 vehicles/30min), with different street configurations. We measured Particle
Number Concentration (PNC, a measure for ultrafine particles), particulate matter smaller
than 2.5µm (PM2.5) and black carbon (BC, a measure for soot) using real-time instruments
at up to six different heights above ground (1.5, 4, 7, 11, 17 and 25 meters)
simultaneously, during the winter and (upcoming) summer seasons of 2016. Baskets
containing the instruments were hung from a bucket truck, which remained at each
sampling site for 30 minutes during off-peak hours. Average 30-minute concentrations
were calculated for each street and for each height.
Results & discussion
Concentrations were highly correlated between the different sampling heights (e.g. for
1.5m and 7m) for UFP (R2=0.98), BC (R2=0.74), and (R2=96). Wintertime PNC
concentrations were typically 19% lower at 7m than at 1.5m, and 50% lower at 25m than
at 1.5m. The decrease in concentration was consistently larger for busy streets than for
medium-traffic streets and for quiet streets (e.g. for a height difference 1.5m and 7m:
29%, 22% and 14%, respectively). We found no significant vertical gradient for PM2.5, even
between 1.5m and 25m. PM2.5 is known to be a secondary aerosol showing less spatial
variability. For BC, we found no substantial differences between the heights of 1.5m and
7m, whereas we saw a median reduction of 25% in BC concentration with increasing height
from 1.5m to 25m. The absence of a BC gradient between 1.5m and 7m may be due to a
major source of BC: the tailpipes of diesel trucks, which are commonly higher than the
tailpipes of cars.
Conclusion
If we measure and model air pollutants only at ground level, we may substantially
overestimate exposure at higher floors for some pollutants. This is especially true for
pollutants whose levels decrease sharply within close proximity of the source, such as
PNC.
742
Poster sessions Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Biomonitoring
We-Po-01
Relationship between the external exposure and biomarker of 1-bromopropane in
workplace
Yu-Wen Lin, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, China, Republic of (Taiwan)
Jyun-De Wu, Chang Jung Christian University, Tainan City, China, Republic of (Taiwan)
Cheng-Ping Chang, Chang Jung Christian University, Tainan City, China, Republic of
(Taiwan)
Hui-Ling Lee, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, China, Republic of (Taiwan)
Chung-Han Ko, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, China, Republic of (Taiwan)
Aims: 1-Bromopropane (1-BP) has been applied as the metal cleaning agents in
manufacture industries since the ozone-depletion substances were banned. Exposure of 1-
bromopropane has been found in related with the peripheral neuropathy. The ACGIH
classified 1-BP as an A3 chemical. Several occupational disease cases due to the 1-BP
exposure were confirmed in Japan, USA, China and Taiwan. This study investigated the
exposure profiles of workplaces using 1-BP. Also, the 1-BP metabolite, n-acetyl-S-(n-
propyl)-L-cysteine (AcPrCys) in urine was quantified to establish the relationship between
the external dose and internal dose of 1-BP.
Methods: Three factories that using 1-BP for metal cleaning were investigated. The 1-BP
sampling protocol was modified from OSHA Methods No. 1017 and NIOSH No. 1025. The
sampling flowrate was set at 200 mL/min. The sampling durations were 6 hours. All
samples were analyzed by GC/MS with a method detection limit of 0.84 ppb. The urine
samples were collected on the day that the personal air samples collected. n-Acetyl-S-(n-
propyl)-L-cysteine (AcPrCys), the 1-BP metabolite, was selected as the biological exposure
index (BEI) and quantified by HPLC-MS/MS. The limit of quantitation was 0.023 ng/mL. A
total of 100 area and personal air samples and 76 urine samples (before and after the work
shift) were collected from three plants. The study was proofed by the Fu Jen Catholic
University IRB.
Results: The 1-BP concentrations of the 95th percentiles of exposure group (cleaning
operation) were ranged from 31.44 to 41.96 ppm for personal samples. The 95th
percentile1-BP concentrations of area samples air were ranged from 20.43 to 41.84 ppm.
The AcPrCys concentrations in urines were between 11.58 mg/g cre and 4,945.71 mg/g cre
before shifts, and the AcPrCys concentrations in urines were from 3.72 mg/g cre to
7,818.26 mg/g cre after shift. The correlation between the after-shift urine AcPrCys
concentrations and the 1-BP concentrations of personal air samples was significant (r =
0.679, p = 0.05). This implied that “after-shift” is a better specimen collecting time for 1-
BP BEI, AcPrCys.
743
Conclusions: The personal air sampling results exceeded Cal OSHA PEL 5 ppm and ACGIH
TLV®-TWA 0.1 ppm. The after-shift urine concentration of AcPrCys was a good biomarker
to represent the internal dose of 1-BP exposure. Meanwhile, from the occupational
hygiene concern,effective engineering control, respiratory protection program and dermal
protection program should be implanted to limit the exposures.
We-Po-02
Human Urinary Biomarkers of the UV Filter Ethylhexyl Salicylate
Daniel Bury, Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social
Accident Insurance (IPA), Bochum, Germany
Peter Griem, Symrise AG, Holzminden, Germany
Frank-Hinrich Köster, Symrise AG, Holzminden, Germany
Thomas Brüning, Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social
Accident Insurance (IPA), Bochum, Germany
Holger Martin Koch, IPA, Bochum, Germany
2-Ethylhexyl salicylate (syn. EHS, octyl salicylate, octisalate) is a UV filter substance
regularly used in sun screen formulations and in other personal care products [1,2] in
concentrations up to 5% (maximum authorized concentration within the USA and the EC).
Fish model experiments showed endocrine activity of EHS under the conditions of the test
[3]. Due to its widespread use, internal exposure of the general population towards EHS is
not unlikely. Thus, EHS was selected as a substance of interest by the cooperation project
between the German Federal Ministry for the Environment (BMUB) and the German
Chemical Industry Association (VCI), which has the aim to provide biomarker based
exposure data for fifty emerging substances of concern.
We investigated metabolism and renal excretion of EHS after oral dosage (5 mg) in three
male individuals. Consecutive urine samples were collected for a period of 48 h after
dosage. Urine samples were analyzed with online-SPE-LC-MS/MS after enzymatic
deconjugation.
In this manner, we tentatively identified three predicted alkyl chain oxidized metabolites
of EHS (hydroxy EHS, oxo EHS, and EHS carboxylic acid). Analytical standards as well as
stable isotope labeled internal standards for these metabolites were obtained, to allow
quantitative analysis of urinary metabolite concentrations. We here report the presence of
the three metabolites in urine after oral exposure, as well as their elimination kinetics and
urinary conversion factors.
Further studies will investigate the occurrence of the identified EHS metabolites after
dermal exposure, as well as their occurrence in samples from the general population. The
suitability of the metabolites as biomarkers of exposure will be evaluated.
The study has been approved by the ethical review board of the Ruhr-University Bochum
(Reg. No.: 4288-12).
References
[1] Kerr et al. Clinical and experimental dermatology 2011;36:541–3.
[2] Manová et al. The British journal of dermatology 2014;171:1368–74.
[3] Kunz et Fent Aquatic Toxicology 2006;79:305–24.
744
745
We-Po-03
Detection of tetrahydroxylated metabolites in hair as biomarkers of human exposure
to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Nathalie Grova, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Human Biomonitoring Research Unit,
Luxembourg
Emilie, Marie Hardy, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
Brice M.R. Appenzeller, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
This study aimed at developing a method for the determination of tetrahydroxylated
metabolites (tetra-OH-PAHs) in hair as new biomarkers of exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic
Hydrocarbons. This method based on gas chromatography coupled with tandem mass
spectrometry allowed the quantitative analysis of 10 tetrahydroxylated metabolites
representative of 4 parent PAH’s (phenanthrene (Phe), chrysene (Chry),
benz[a]anthracene (B[a]A) and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P)). Negative chemical ionization was
selected for the analysis of tetra-OH-PAHs in hair. The calibration curve performed on 10
concentration levels was linear from the LOQ up to 40 pg/mg for all the isomers of tetra-
OH-Phe, tetra-OH-Chry, tetra-OH-B[a]A and tetra-OH-B[a]P tested. The coefficients of
determination were above 0.970 and the recoveries established for each compound were
evaluated between 55.0 % and 82.6 %. This method allows reaching LOQs ranging from
0.05 to 1 pg/mg in hair depending on compound.
The applicability of tetra-OH-PAH analysis in hair as biomarkers of PAH exposure was
evaluated in a dose-response study conducted on 64 rats (Long Evans females / n= 8 per
groups) under repeated exposure (3 times per week) to a mixture of 16 PAHs at low doses
(0.01 – 0.8 mg/kg) for 90 days. The analysis of rats’ hairs demonstrated the presence of 1
isomer of tetra-OH-Phe, 4 isomers of tetra-OH-B[a]A, 2 isomers of tetra-OH-Chry and 4
isomers of tetra-OH-B[a]P. With the exception of B[a]A-r-7,t-8,c-9,t-10-tetrahydrotetrol,
B[a]A-r-7,c-8,t-9,t-10-tetrahydrotetrol and B[a]P-r-7,t-9,t9,c-10-tetrahydrotetrol, which
were only measured at the two highest level of exposure, all tetra-OH-PAHs were
detected in hairs of rats, whatever the dose of exposure. Strong linear relationship (R2
ranging between 0.805 and 0.964, p<0.001) was observed between the administered dose
and the tetra-OH-PAH concentration in hairs for 7 out of the 10 analytes.
To confirm whether the method was sufficiently sensitive to monitor environmental levels
of exposure in humans, 34 hair specimens collected from the general population were
analyzed. The results demonstrated the presence of 10 different tetra-OH-PAHs in the hair
of volunteers, the most common being Phe-r1,t-2,t-3,t-8-tetrahydrotetrol and B[a]P-r-7,t-
8,t-9,c-10-tetrahydrotetrol. By widening the range of PAH metabolites used as biomarkers
of exposure so as to include the analysis of PAH tetrahydroxylated forms (especially those
exhibiting more than 5 aromatic rings), the method presented here will enable multi-
exposure assessments which are more accurately representative of actual situations of
exposure to these compounds.
746
We-Po-04
Trisaminohexyl Isocyanurate, a Biomarker for HDI Isocyanurate Exposure
Zachary Robbins, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina,
United States
Wanda M Bodnar, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina,
United States
Zhenfa Zhang, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina,
United States
Avram Gold, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina,
United States
Leena A Nylander-French, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North
Carolina, United States
Exposures to monomeric and polymeric 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) in the
automotive refinishing industry have been well characterized. However, biological
monitoring is limited to a hydrolysis product of HDI monomer, 1,6-hexamethylene diamine
(HDA). Further, inhalation and skin exposures to HDI monomer during painting operations
are low compared to its oligomers. HDI isocyanurate constitutes the largest fraction of
inhalation and skin exposures in automotive spray paints and has been shown to possess a
greater sensitizing capacity than HDI monomer. Additionally, HDI isocyanurate penetrates
the skin at a faster rate than HDI monomer, emphasizing the need to shift research focus
towards the fate of HDI isocyanurate after exposure. We have developed a sensitive and
specific method to quantify trisaminohexyl isocyanurate (TAHI), a hydrolysis product of
HDI isocyanurate, in urine. Two end of day urine samples were collected from two spray
painters exposed to HDI isocyanurate during automotive spray-painting operations. Urine
samples were hydrolyzed with sulfuric acid, made basic with sodium hydroxide, and
extracted with dichloromethane. The extracts were derivatized with acetic anhydride and
excess reagent was removed with phosphate buffer and sodium sulfate before sample was
dried and reconstituted with water for analysis. A calibration curve was created by spiking
urine from non-exposed persons with the synthesized standard TAHI with a concentration
range of 0.04-5.00 µg/L and a synthesized internal standard trisaminoheptyl isocyanurate
(TAHpI; 2.5 µg/L). Samples were analyzed with nanoUPLC-ESI-MS/MS for the precursor ions
m/z 553.3 (trisacetamidohexyl isocyanurate, TAAHI) and m/z 595.3 (trisacetamidoheptyl
isocyanurate, TAAHpI) using selected reaction monitoring. Urine samples collected from
two workers with significant breathing-zone and skin exposure to HDI monomer (breathing
zone: 216 and 79.5 µg/m3; skin: 8.3 and 1.3 µg/mm3) and HDI isocyanurate (breathing
zone: 65432.3 and 20926.6 µg/m3; skin: 3949.1 and 366.0 µg/mm3) had TAHI levels of
0.43 and 2.29 µg/L, respectively, while HDA concentrations in the same samples were 0.21
and 0.37 µg/L, respectively. The results indicate that this method can be used to
quantitate HDI isocyanurate biomarker TAHI in urine of exposed workers. Quantitation of
HDI isocyanurate biomarker in urine in conjunction with HDI monomer biomarker from
workers exposed to HDI-containing spray paints will aid in the investigation of the adverse
effects of inhalation and skin exposure and individual susceptibility in exposed workers.
747
Environmental/Human Health
We-Po-05
Indoor environmental quality in multi storey office buildings and implication on the
health and safety of workers. Evaluation of Lagos State Government buildings in
Nigeria
Shamusideen Kadiri, Zub Chord Tech Ventures, Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
INTRODUCTION:
Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) refers to the quality of a building’s environment in
relation to the health and wellbeing of those who occupy space within it. IEQ is
determined by many factors, including lighting, air quality, and damp conditions. Workers
are often concerned that they have symptoms or health conditions from exposures to
contaminants in the buildings where they work. One reason for this concern is that their
symptoms often get better when they are not in the building. An office building should
satisfy occupants’ needs and promote efficiency of indoor environmental quality. The
success or failure of a building depends on the implementation and sustainability of the
IEQ. The building should be designed with the aim of producing a high-quality interior
environment, so that the health and safety (H&S) of the occupants or employees are not
compromised. In this paper we describe health risks associated with indoor environments,
illuminate barriers to overcoming these risks, and provide policy recommendations to
achieve healthier indoor environments.
METHODS. The overall purpose of the study was to determine the level of satisfaction of
building occupants’ in terms of Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) and how it affect their
health and safety vis-a-vis their productivity at work. The questionnaire was in five
sections (A-E). The designs of the questionnaire envisage a maximum of 15 minutes for its
completion.
RESULTS.Observations from the data led to the view that the satisfactory level of IEQ
awareness is low among the employees It was found out most these employees faces a
multitude of Hazards in their offices which include biological and chemical contaminants,
as well as poor ergonomics, lighting, and physical design. These hazards cause and
exacerbate a variety of adverse health effects in them, ranging from asthma to sick
building syndrome to cancer.
CONCLUSIONS Organisational structure needs to be formed that will enlighten occupants
about factors that contribute to poor indoor air quality (IAQ). Employees must be well
informed of such risks in order to make useful health decisions; they must also understand
both the health consequences of poor indoor environmental quality, and some simple and
feasible interventions to improve IEQ. Indeed, policy changes at multiple levels are
needed to achieve healthy workplace indoor environments.
748
We-Po-06
Long-term exposure to ambient air pollution and ischemic heart disease among elderly
residents of Tokyo metropolitan area, Japan
Haruya SAKAI, Japan Automobile Research Institute, Tsukuba, Japan
Tazuko Morikawa, Japan Automobile Research Institute, Tsukuba, Japan
Yukika Toda, Japan Automobile Research Institute, Tsukuba, Japan
Tsuyoshi Ito, Japan Automobile Research Institute, Tsukuba, Japan
Akiyoshi Ito, Japan Automobile Research Institute, Tsukuba, Japan
Hiroshi Koike, Japan Automobile Research Institute, Tsukuba, Japan
Hiroki Kishikawa, Mukogawa Women's University, Nishinomiya, Japan
Masaji Ono, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan
Kenichi Azuma, Kinki University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
Satoshi Nakai, Yokohama National University, Yokohama, Japan
Iwao Uchiyama, Louis Pasteur Center for Medical Research, Kyoto, Japan
Numerous epidemiological studies have demonstrated an association between traffic-
related air pollution and ischemic heart disease (IHD) in the United States and Europe.
However, there are few studies describing the association between air pollution and IHD in
Japan. The objective of this study was to examine the association between traffic-related
air pollution and IHD in elderly people living in Tokyo metropolitan area, Japan. The
subjects included 6,000 elderly people (≥ 65 years old in April 2014) who lived in roadside
(< 50 m from highway) and non-roadside (> 500 m from highway) areas. IHD was assessed
using self-reported doctor diagnosis and history of medication for myocardial infarction
and/or angina pectoris collected by questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised 52 items,
including body height, body weight, smoking status, drinking habits, and medical history of
both the study participants and their parents. To assess the individual levels of exposure
to traffic-related air pollution, the annual concentrations of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and
elemental carbon (EC) in fine particles at participants' residential addresses in 2009 were
estimated using two plume dispersion models: the National Institute of Advanced
Industrial Science and Technology - Atmospheric Dispersion Model for Exposure and Risk
Assessment (AIST-ADMER) and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry - Low Rise
Industrial Source dispersion model (METI-LIS). A total of 3,190 participants answered the
questionnaire (1,589 from roadside areas and 1,601 from non-roadside areas). The
estimated annual exposure levels of NOx and EC for each participant varied from 11.5 to
110 ppb, and 0.217 to 3.29 µg/m3, respectively. We stratified all participants into four
groups by exposure levels for each pollutant. After adjusting for confounders (sex, age,
body mass index, smoking status, and drinking habits), multiple logistic regression analyses
revealed that compared to participants with the lowest exposure levels of NOx (11.5–27.9
ppb) and EC (0.217–0.577 µg/m3), odds ratios for participants with the highest NOx
exposure (45.7–110 ppb) and participants with the highest EC exposure (1.14–3.29 µg/m3)
were 1.47 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.96–2.27) and 1.41 (95% CI 0.92–2.20),
respectively. These results suggest that there is a positive association between long-term
exposure to traffic-related air pollution and IHD among elderly residents of Tokyo
metropolitan area, Japan.
749
We-Po-08
Life-stage specific windows of susceptibility to lead and manganese exposure and
children’s behavior
Megan Horton, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United
States
Paul Curtin, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States
Sandra Martinez, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Mexico City, Mexico
Chris Gennings, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United
States
Lourdes Schnaas, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Mexico City, Mexico
Martha Maria Téllez Rojo, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Mexico
Manish Arora, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States
Robert Wright, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United
States
Background: One challenge in children’s environmental health is to identify windows of
susceptibility for environmental toxicants such as neuroactive metals. We recently
developed cutting-edge methods to objectively identify windows of susceptibility to
environmental toxicant exposure throughout gestation and early childhood. Using our
novel tooth biomarker with distributed lag models (DLMs), we identified sensitive windows
for the associations between perinatal exposure to lead (Pb) and manganese (Mn) with
children’s behavior.
Methods: We collected deciduous teeth from 85 subjects enrolled in the ELEMENT cohort
and used DLM regression to examine the time dependent associations between perinatal
exposure to Pb and Mn with performance on the composite scores of the Behavior
Assessment System for Children (BASC-2) at 4-5 years of age. These models regress tooth
Pb and Mn along a moving window of weeks starting in the 2nd trimester (-4m) through the
first 12 months of life (12m) to predict behavior at 4-5 years of age. Susceptibility
windows are identified by time points where Bonferroni-adjusted 95% confidence intervals
on the association between exposure and outcome do not include 0. Analyses controlled
for child sex and socioeconomic status (SES).
Results: Exposure to higher Pb or Mn near 12m was associated with significantly worse
BASC internalizing scores (p < 0.05). Mn had 2 windows of vulnerability; higher Mn
exposure in the 2nd trimester was associated with significantly better BASC-2 performance
(i.e., lower scores). This is biologically consistent with Mn acting as both a nutrient and
toxicant at different developmental windows.
Discussion: Using novel tooth-matrix biomarkers that provide both prenatal and postnatal
measures of exposure, we observed that higher Pb and Mn exposure at 12-months of age
was associated with lower performance on behavior measures at 4-5 years of age.
Prenatal Mn exposure, however, was associated with better behavioral outcomes.
750
We-Po-11
Short-term effects of exposure to air pollution and mortality: are those previously
diagnosed with cancer at greater risk?
Paul Villeneuve, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada
Yi Li, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Shirley Mills, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Keith Van Ryswyk, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Eric Lavigne, Health Canada, Ottawa, Canada
Aim: It is well recognized that short-term, or daily increases, in air pollution
concentrations increases the risk of mortality. A number of studies have also found that
those with pre-existing disease such as diabetes, or a history of heart disease, may be
particularly susceptible to these effects. To date, there have been few attempts to
examine whether those previously diagnosed with cancer may be more vulnerable due to
their comprised health status.
Methods: We applied a time-stratified case-crossover study to investigate whether
increases in NO2 and PM2.5 were associated with increased risks of mortality. These
methods were applied to approximately 200,000 deaths that occurred within the Ontario
Tax cohort. These deaths occurred in a follow-up of approximately 660,000 adults who
lived in the province of Ontario and who were followed up between 1981 and 2004.
Diagnoses of cancer were determined through record linkage to national cancer incidence
data. Daily estimates of air pollution were assigned based on the reported place of death
obtained from death certificates. Conditional logistic regression methods were applied to
characterize the risk of death, and adjustment was made for meteorological variables
including temperature, and relative humidity.
Results: We found that daily increases in NO2 were associated with increased mortality
during the warm season, but not during the cool season. In particular, a 5 ppb increase in
NO2 was found to increase mortality by 0.9% (95% CI=0.2%-1.6%). Stratified analyses of
individuals based on whether they had previously diagnosed with cancer or not revealed
no substantial differences in risk.
Conclusions: This study confirmed previous findings that short-term increases in air
pollution are associated with increases in mortality. Importantly, our findings suggest that
those diagnosed with cancer are not a susceptible population
751
We-Po-13
Factors Affecting Occupational Health Among Mushroom Farmers Dond Poo Daeng
Village Huai Po Sub – Distric, Muang Distric,Kalasin Province
Kallaya Harnpicharnchai, Faculty of Public Health, Mahasarakham, Thailand
Factors affecting occupational health were examined on mushroom farmers in Dond Poo
Daeng Village Huai Po Sub – Distric, Muang Distric, Kalasin Province. The study was
devided into two parts. The first part was collecting the data of mushroom farmers using
interview forms. The first part included general information, working history, smoking
habit, exercise habit, and habit of wearing personal protective equipment and past health
history symptoms. The second part was collecting atmospheric bioaerosal (n=120) by the
area sampling technique, in accordance to NIOSH Manual of Analytical Method number
0800. The samples were the 41 mushroom farmers working the day shift.
The results showed that most mushroom farmers were female (94.6%). Their average age
was 44.3±7.57 years old. Most education level was primary school (88.9%). Approximately,
82.50%, 36.7% and 60.0% of them had non-smoking, drinking alcohol and exercising,
respectively. For the results of the air sampling analysis showed that the highest average
concentrations of bioaerosal, fungi and bacteria , were 1182 ± 546 CFU/m3 and 2601 ± 462
CFU/m3 respectively.
The occupation (Working history), congenital disease, skin dermatitis and allergy (past
health history) and habit of wearing personal protective equipment was significantly
associated with respiratory symptoms (p-value<0.05).
KEY WORDS: OCCUPATIONAL HAELTH / MUSHROOM FARMERS / BIOAEROSAL
752
We-Po-15
Mercury exposure and it's health effect on children in six cities, China
Daeseon Kim, National Institute of Environmental Research, Korea, Inchon, Inchon, Korea,
South
Si Eun YOO, National Institute of Environmental Research, Inchon, Inchon, Korea, South
Sang Hoon Nam, National Institute of Environmental Research, Inchon, Inchon, Korea,
South
Seung Do Yu, National Institute of Environmental Research, Inchon, Inchon, Kyrgyzstan
Kyunghee CHOI, National Institute of Environmental Research, Inchon, Inchon, Korea,
South
Xiaochuan Pan, School of Public Helath, Peking university, China, Beijing, Beijing, China,
People's Republic of
Aims: "Mercury exposure and it’s health effect on children in China" has been conducted
from 2012 to enhance the infrastructure for international joint research by building the
Korea-China cooperation network and to protect children’s health from environmental
pollution between the two countries.
Methods: 1,008 students of fourth grade from twelve elementary schools were recruited in
six areas in six provinces which were ranked in high mercury emission on 2005, Suning in
Hebei, Lanzhou in Gansu, Tieling in Liaoning, Nanning in Guangxi, Xinxiang in Henan
Province, and Shizuishan Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. Urine and hair samples were
collected from twelve areas as biomarker samples, but blood samples were collected from
only one area, Suning, along with a questionnaire survey, neurobehavioral test and
balance test.
Results: In the geometric mean(GM), blood mercury was 0.44 ㎍/L, urine mercury 0.68 ㎍
/g-cr and hair mercury 0.28 ㎍/g in total samples. The GM of urine mercury were 0.36 in
Suning, 0.28 in Lanzhou, 0.82 in Tieling, 0.44 in Nanning, 0.44 in Xinxiang and 0.44 ㎍/g-cr
in Shizuishan. The GM of hair mercury were 0.14 in Suning, 0.18 in Lanzhou, 0.35 in
Tieling, 0.50 in Nanning, 0.12 in Xinxiang and 0.15 ㎍/g in Shizuishan. Samples were
divided into four groups by mercury concentration, the 1st group was the highest 25%
samples and 4th group was the lowest 25% samples in mercury concentration. In the
neurobehavioral test, the 1st group in urine showed relatively higher score than the 4th
group in memory scanning(MS) test (p<0.05). Hair mercury was found that higher score in
the 1st group in visual retention, MS, aim tracing test (p<0.01). In postural reaction, the
1st group in hair mercury showed higher value in tremor test and body sway test, the 1st
group in urine showed the relation with sway area in body sway test.
Conclusion: Tieling, the largest Hg-emitting area among 32 provinces in China, showed
the highest Hg concentrations in urine among 6 survey areas and other 5 areas showed no
significant differences. Nanning showed the highest mercury in hair, 2-3 times higher that
other areas. In the NES results, the high group (25%) with high Hg concentrations showed
high neurobehavioral performance. In balance test, the 1st high Hg group showed
statistically high significance in reaction time and body sway. In exposure factors, hair
mercury showed relation with family income, adjacency with car road, frequency of fish
intake, frequency of marine product intake.
753
We-Po-16
Toward a Comprehensive Assessment of the Health Effects of Chronic VOC Releases
from Gas Stations
M. Hilpert, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United
States
B. Adria-Mora, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United
States
M. Grau-Perez, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United
States
K.E. Nachman, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United
States
J. Ni, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
A.M. Rule, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United
States
Aims: The aim of this study is to provide a better understanding of the health effects of
hydrocarbon releases, which chronically occur at gas stations. Such releases are of
concern, because fuel contains toxic chemicals such as BTEX. We are specifically
interested in quantifying the amounts released to the aqueous, atmospheric, and
subsurface environments, and in assessing associated environmental exposures.
Methods: We reviewed the literature in order to assess vapor releases that occur during
vehicle refueling and that occur through the vent pipe of storage tanks. We also reviewed
policies with regard to the implementation of pollution prevention technology.
Furthermore, we performed laboratory experiments in order to determine the fate of
spilled fuel.
Results: Employees at service stations are among those with greatest exposure to benzene
originating from gas stations. However, also occupying residences, businesses, and other
structures neighboring gas stations can be exposed to fuel vapors originating at the gas
station, though typically at lower concentrations. While it is clear that populations living
near gas stations are exposed to released chemicals, health effects are not well
understood.
Our experiments with spilled fuel droplets have shown that evaporation is greater for
gasoline, while infiltration is greater for diesel spills. Diesel has therefore a higher
potential for soil contamination because of the higher infiltrated mass.
Discussion: Despite the poor understanding of the health effects of living near gas stations,
policies are not uniformly implemented that would minimize chronic vapor releases by
adoption of available pollution prevention technology. This is in part due to the fact that
cost-benefit analyses typically only account for the cost of implementation and
maintenance of such technology. We believe that policy makers should also account for
public health burdens due to released pollutants and energy-saving benefits due to
valuable hydrocarbons not wastefully released to the environment.
754
We-Po-17
Municipal Solid Waste Burning: Discoloring the Taj Mahal and Human Health Impacts in
Agra
Raj Lal, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States
Ajay Nagpure, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States
Lina Luo, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Sachi Tripathi, Indian Institute of Technology - Kanpur, Kanpur, India
Anu Ramaswami, Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States
Michael Bergin, Duke University, Durham, United States
Armistead Russell, Georgia Tech, Atlanta, United States
The Taj Mahal – an iconic World Heritage monument built of white marble – has become
discolored with time, due, in part, to high levels of particulate matter (PM) soiling its
surface. Such discoloration has required extensive and costly treatment and despite
previous interventions to reduce pollution in its vicinity, the haze and darkening persists.
PM responsible for the soiling has been attributed to a variety of sources including
industrial emissions, vehicular exhaust and biomass burning, but the contribution of the
emissions from the burning of open municipal solid waste (MSW) may also play an
important role. A recent source apportionment study at the Taj Mahal showed biomass
burning emissions, which would include MSW emissions, accounted for nearly 40% of
organic matter (OM) – a component of PM – deposition to its surface; dung cake burning,
used extensively for cooking in the region, was the suggested culprit and banned within
the city limits, although the burning of MSW, a ubiquitous practice in the area, may play a
more important role in local air quality. Using spatially detailed emission estimates and air
quality modeling, we find that open MSW burning leads to about 150 (+-130) mg m-2 yr-1
of PM being deposited to the surface of the Taj Mahal compared to about 12 ( +-3.2) mg
m-2 yr-1 from dung cake burning. Those two sources, combined, also lead to an estimated
713 (377-1050) premature mortalities in Agra each year, dominated by waste burning in
socioeconomically lower status neighborhoods. An effective waste management strategy
would reduce soiling of the Taj Mahal, improve human health, and have additional
aesthetic benefits.
755
Modeled PM concentrations from MSW and dung cake burning in Agra
756
Measuring/monitoring/strategy
We-Po-18
Associations among personal care product use patterns and exogenous hormone use in
the NIEHS Sister Study
Kyla Taylor, NIEHS, Durham, United States
Donna Baird, NIEHS, DURHAM, United States
Amy Herring, UNC, Chapel Hill, United States
Hazel Nichols, UNC, Chapel Hill, United States
Lawerence Engel, UNC, Chapel Hill, United States
Dale Sandler, NIEHS, Durham, United States
Melissa Troester, UNC, Chapel Hill, United States
Background: It is hypothesized that certain chemicals in personal care products may alter
risk of adverse health outcomes. The primary aim of this study was to use a data-centered
approach to classify complex patterns of exposure to personal care products and to
understand how these patterns vary according to use of exogenous hormone exposures,
oral contraceptives (OCs) and postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT).
Methods: The NIEHS Sister Study is a prospective cohort study of 50,884 U.S. women.
Limiting the sample to non-Hispanic blacks and whites (N=47,019), latent class analysis
(LCA) was used to identify groups of individuals with similar patterns of personal care
product use based on responses to survey questions. Personal care products were
categorized into three product types (beauty, hair, and skincare products) and separate
latent classes were constructed for each type. Prevalence differences (PD) were
calculated to estimate the association between exogenous hormone use, as measured by
ever/never OC or HT use, and patterns of personal care product use.
Results: Three latent classes were identified for both the beauty and hair product groups;
the skincare product group had four classes. There were strong differences in latent class
distribution by race, particularly for hair care products. Irrespective of race, exogenous
hormone exposures were associated with higher levels of product use, especially beauty
and skincare products.
Discussion: Personal care product usage patterns differed by race and were associated
with ever OC and HT use. Future studies should consider personal care product exposures
with other exogenous exposures when modeling health risks.
757
758
759
We-Po-19
Factors determining the variability of exposure to contact allergens from topical
aromatherapy
Olivia YAOUANC, LERCCO, Brest, France
Nicolas DORNIC, LERCCO (laboratoire d'évaluation du rsique chimique pour le
consommateur - Laboratory of chemical risk assessement for the consumer), brest, France
Anne-Sophie FICHEUX, LERCCO, Brest, France
Audrey BERNARD, LERCCO, Brest, France
Grégoire CHEVILLOTTE, LERCCO, Brest, France
Alain-Claude ROUDOT, LERCCO, Brest, France
Essential oils are products of complex composition, which can be used in different ways by
the consumer, i.e. per oral, inhalation or dermal route. For the latter, it appears that the
consumption of such products entails exposure to contact allergens in varying amounts,
depending on the type of oil applied. The aim of this work was to study the factors that
may influence inter-individual variability of exposure to these allergens.
A study was conducted on the Lavender, an essential oil particularly consumed, as
demonstrated our previous work on essential oils consumption by the French population.
To do this, the qualitative and quantitative composition of the different types of Lavender
oils has been sought in the available publications. Different oils sold on the market were
then bought in different locations, e.g. pharmacies or shops, and then weighed to
determine the exact mass of the essential oils drops. The properties of the containers, i.e.
size of the bottles, diameters and length of the dropper were also studied. Different
scenarios were then considered in order to assess the exposure to contact allergens from
lavender by a probabilistic method, using Monte Carlo random simulations with @Risk 6
software.
Our results show that among the "classic" determining factors such as the amount applied
on the skin and the frequency of use, types of hybrid, geographical origin of the original
plant but also the manufacturing process are factors that may influence the exposure.
Surprisingly, for an equivalent consumption with two references of oils, an a priori
innocuous parameter such as the size of the dropper can vary the exposure in µg / cm2 in
the ratio of one to two for an individual.
With so many different factors, the exact exposure of the consumer resulting from
essential oil consumption is difficult to ascertain. Besides this, our study shows the value
of setting standards at a Community level for essential oils, in order to protect consumers
against skin sensitization.
760
We-Po-20
Task-based approach used on surfaces sampling strategy definition – The case of
antineoplastic occupational exposure
Susana Viegas, ESTeSL-IPL, Lisbon, Portugal
Ana Cebola Oliveira, Environment and Health Research Group/ Lisbon School of Health
Technology, Lisbon, Portugal
Mário Pádua, Environment and Health Research Research Group/Lisbon School of Health
Technology, Lisbon, Portugal
Task-based approach implicates identifying all the tasks developed in each workplace
aiming to refine the exposure characterization. The starting point of this approach is the
recognition that only through a more detailed and comprehensive understanding of tasks is
possible to understand, in more detail, the exposure scenario. In addition allows also the
most suitable risk management measures identification. This approach can be also used
when there is a need of identifying the workplace surfaces for sampling chemicals that
have the dermal exposure route as the most important. In this case is possible to identify,
through detail observation of tasks performance, the surfaces that involves higher contact
(frequency) by the workers and can be contaminated.
A study was developed in one Portuguese Hospital aiming to identify the surfaces to
sample when performing occupational exposure assessment to antineoplastic agents. The
selected sampling spots were judged to be the surfaces potentially contaminated and,
simultaneously, more frequently handled/touched by the workers in each task. 5-
fluorouracil (5FU) was used as surrogate marker for surfaces contamination by all
antineoplastic drugs. Samples were collected by wipe-sampling method and analyzed by
HPLC-DAD.
45 samples were analyzed from different surfaces (antineoplastic preparation and
administration services). Results ranged from < LOD to 75.24 ng/cm2. The higher value
was obtained in a support table of the antineoplastic preparation room. The following two
values (42.57 and 57.70 ng/cm2) were obtained in surfaces of the administration room
handle/touch normally without protection gloves: chair used by the nurses for doing
therapeutic registers and the phone, also used only by the nurses of the administration
room.
Results point out for the importance of task-based approach for surfaces sampling strategy
definition and for the improving of the cleaning protocols (surfaces to clean, cleaning
products and cleaning frequency). Additionally, this approach allowed the identification of
the tasks (surfaces) that represent higher risk for workers.
Keywords: Task-based approach; occupational exposure assessment; surfaces sampling;
antineoplastic agents
761
We-Po-22
The MAPEC_LIFE Study: indoor/outdoor air pollution exposure and lifestyles of the
prospective cohort
Antonella De Donno, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
Francesco Bagordo, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
Claudia Zani, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
Elisabetta Ceretti, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
Milena Villarini, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
Samuele Vannini, Univeristy of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
Annalaura Carducci, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
Beatrice Casini, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
Sara Bonetta, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
Tiziana Schilirò, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
Silvia Bonizzoni, Comune di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
Alberto BonettiC.S.M.T. Gestione S.c.a.r.l., Brescia, Italy
Tiziana Grassi, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
Marcello Guido, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
Gabriele Devoti, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
Umberto Gelatti,University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
MAPEC_LIFE Study Group, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
Background. The MAPEC-LIFE project (Monitoring Air Pollution Effects on Children for
Supporting Public Health Policy) is a multicentre study that seeks to assess the association
between concentrations of certain atmospheric pollutants and early biological effects in
children aged 6-8. The study protocol envisages: recruitment of 1000 primary
schoolchildren in five Italian cities (Brescia, Lecce, Perugia, Pisa and Torino); sampling in
two seasons of exfoliated buccal mucosa cells and salivary leukocytes; assessment of
genotoxic damage in the sampled cells respectively by micronucleus cytome assay and
comet assay; atmospheric monitoring near the schools involved, evaluation of the
concentration of genotoxic contaminants and the in vitro toxicity of PM 0.5.
In order to evaluate the confounding role of other factors to which the subject may be
exposed, the parents of the children participating in the study were asked to fill in an ad
hoc questionnaire preliminarily subjected to feasibility and realibility tests. The results of
the investigation of the indoor/outdoor exposure and some aspects of the lifestyles of the
children enrolled are presented.
Methods. The questionnaire was subdivided into different sections: criteria for inclusion in
the study, personal information, and information about the parents, children’s homes,
lifestyles, indoor/outdoor exposure and diet. The questionaire was filled in twice, during
each biological sampling (winter 2014-2015 and spring 2015).
Results. 1356 valid questionnaires were collected in the first season and 1164 (50.9%
males, 94.4% born in Italy) in the second, with a fall of 14.2%. The analysis of the data on
specific exposures highlights differences between the various cities and between the two
seasons.
Conclusions. Information on outdoor and indoor environmental exposure and the lifestyles
of participating children can be integrated with the results of environmental and
biological monitoring in order to construct a global model of genotoxic risk that can be
used to support environmental policies.
762
Components of the MAPEC_LIFE Study Group:
Serio F., Idolo A., De Giorgi M., Tumolo M.R., Verri T., Covolo L., Donato F., Feretti D.,
Festa A., Limina R.M., Viola G.C,V., Zerbini I., Fatigoni C., Levorato S., Monarca S.,
Moretti M., Salvatori T., Donzelli G., Verani M., Bruni B., Bonetta Si., Carraro E., Gilli G.,
Pignata C., Romanazzi V., Furia C., Codenotti R., Colombi P., Crottini S., Gaffurini L.,
Zagni L..
763
We-Po-23
Interpolation in between Road Measurements in Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Field
Exposure Assessment
Sam Aerts, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
Wout Joseph, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
Loek Colussi, Radiocommunications Agency, Amersfoort, Netherlands
Jos Kamer, Radiocommunications Agency, Amersfoort, Netherlands
Luc Martens, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
John Bolte, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment of the Netherlands
(RIVM), Bilthoven, Netherlands
In some European countries, radio communication agencies carry out large-scale
radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic field (EMF) measurements for ether regulation. In
this study, we assess the possibility of using this existing database for the assessment of RF
exposure over large areas. Using a car-mounted frequency-selective measurement system,
signals from mobile-phone base stations in the 900 and 1800 MHz bands were measured
within (I) and around (R) a residential area. Then we interpolated the data on the edge
(along both a closed and an open loop) complemented with increasing amounts of inner
data to achieve progressively accurate exposure models. Through analysis of a 50-point
validation, we found that 80 inner data points per km2 could be sufficient to obtain an
accurate interpolation model
Three regions in Amersfoort, The Netherlands with car measurements along ring (red) and
inner (blue) roads. “Inner” measurements outside the area demarcated by the ring road
were removed from the inner data set (I).
764
We-Po-24
Exploring determinants of exposure to formaldehyde in a hospital pathology laboratory
Esther Beckers, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, Netherlands
Cornelis van Loon, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, Netherlands
Exploring determinants of exposure to formaldehyde in a hospital pathology laboratory
Esther AB Beckers1, Cornelis J van Loon1, Coos Diepenbroek2, Paul TJ Scheepers3
1. Master students Biomedical Sciences, Radboud university medical centre/Radboud
University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands;
2. Department of Pathology, Radboud university medical centre, Nijmegen, the
Netherlands;
3. Department for Health Evidence, Radboud university medical centre, Nijmegen,
the Netherlands
Introduction: Formaldehyde is used for tissue fixation in pathologic-histological practice of
an academic hospital in the Netherlands. Due to its high vapor pressure, formaldehyde
evaporates quickly at room temperature, resulting in inhalation exposure in hospital
workers. In 2012, the IARC has classified formaldehyde as a group 1 human carcinogen.
Therefore, additional exposure monitoring is enforced in the Netherlands since January,
2015. Currently, the Dutch occupational exposure limit (OEL) is 0.15 mg/m3 (0.1 ppm) for
8 hours (8-h OEL) and 0.5 mg/m3 (0.4 ppm) for 15 minutes (15-min OEL).
Aim: The aim of the study was to identify which determinants are contributing to
formaldehyde exposure and could be used in further mitigation steps.
Methods: Background levels, 8-h and 15-min exposure concentrations of formaldehyde
were measured as time-weighted averages (TWA), using 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine
(DNPH) impregnated adsorption tubes. These were used for active sampling: both in the
breathing zone of workers and on fixed locations. In addition, local exhaust, room
ventilation, room air exchange rate and air flow patterns were determined.
Results: The 8-h and 15-min OELs were not exceeded. All TWA concentrations were below
0.15 mg/m3. Inter-individual differences in personal exposure levels indicated that the
distance to emission sources is a significant determinant, e.g. body height was identified
as a contributing factor to higher exposure levels, at least in one worker. Waste bins were
identified as an important contributing source: a TWA concentration of 6.5 mg/m3 over a
period of 15 min was found.
Conclusion: Although no exceedances of current OELs were observed, some determinants
of exposure need further mitigation. Future exposure assessments will be required in
order to confirm the effectiveness of interventions reducing formaldehyde exposure.
765
We-Po-25
Pesticide residues in bayberry (Myrica rubra) and cumulative exposure assessment for
consumers in Zhejiang, China
Guiling Yang, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Institute of Quality and
Standard of Agricultural Products, Hangzhou, China, People's Republic of
As the presence of pesticides in bayberry has raised serious concern from the public in
China, 44 pesticides in 157 bayberry samples were determined from 2013-2014. 99 samples
had at least one pesticide. 77 samples contained more than two pesticide residues.
Probabilistic exposure assessments were performed for single detected pesticides and for
cumulative assessment groups: organophosphate, benzimidazole, triazole, pyrethroids and
pesticides with anti-androgenic effects. The respective mean hazard quotient (HQ) of all
the pesticides ranged from 0.005 - 0.16 below 1. EDI of cyhalothrin at P97.5th was 1.11 of
acceptable daily intake (ADI) for children; the estimated short-term intake (ESTI) at
P97.5th is 1.9 and 1.78 of acute reference dose (ARfD) for adult and children,
respectively. EDI of the pesticides with anti-androgenic effects ranged from 0.15-2.46 of
ADI, the probability of exposure exceeding the ADI was 7.1% and 31.1% for adults and
children, respectively. EDI of pyrethroids pesticides ranged from 0.01-1.11 of ADI, and the
probability of exposure exceeding the ADI was 3.8% for children. Exposures for other
pesticide groups were below 1.0. Actually the occurrence of frequency was 9.55% for the
combination of cyhalothrin and cypermethrin and the combination of pesticides with anti-
androgenic effects has not been found. Therefore, the unacceptable risk should be
concerned from pythroids.
766
We-Po-26
Combination of food monitoring and total diet studies in a combined food safety
approach – Results from the TDS-Exposure Project
Anna Elena Kolbaum, Federal Institute for risk assessment (BfR), Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Pia Pfennigwerth-Pelka, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Berlin,
Germany
Katrin Uhlig, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Oliver Lindtner, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Total diet studies (TDS) as well as food monitoring (FM) aim to collect data about
contaminants in foods. However, although both approaches pursue the same objective,
they are different in ways of food sampling, preparation and analysis. Consequently, the
results are of different quality depending on the research question. One objective of the
TDS-Exposure project was to clarify for which questions TDS or FM data are the suitable
choice and how both approaches can optimally be combined to achieve the best possible
results in terms of exposure assessment and risk management decisions. A literature
review on the objectives, benefits and limitations of both approaches was carried out in
the databases PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and LitDok (internal database, BfR). Titles
and abstracts from 663 publications from the last five years were screened for relevance,
and 153 finally classified as relevant. Advantages and disadvantages of TDS and FM data
were worked out and described. A decision tree and one flow chart for combining TDS and
FM data were drafted and then filled and adapted with information extracted from the
literature. The decision tree describes the application of TDS and FM data in exposure
assessment. It clearly documents that FM has its strength mainly where knowledge about
variability is required, like acute exposure assessment, checking compliances of maximum
levels, or chronic exposure assessment based on high percentiles of concentrations. In
contrast, TDS data is preferred as cost-effective approach in questions where total food
intake has to be considered for a large number of substances. Further TDS can be used to
refine exposure by considering foods as consumed and addresses substances like process
contaminants that can’t be analysed in unprocessed foods. These findings are further used
to develop a food safety concept where TDS and FM complement each other in an
integrated approach. The concept proposes to start with a “screening TDS” to draw a first
landscape of substance distribution in the food supply. These data are then extended in a
“refined TDS” and data gaps are complemented by advising the FM respectively.
Subsequently, benefits from each method are used for a cost-effective organization of
follow up monitoring activities; e.g. results from TDS can set priorities for FM towards a
more targeted approach, whereas information about variability from FM can help to
support adequate planning of following TDS projects.
767
We-Po-27
Analysis of Toolkit and Strategy Developments for the Exposure Assessment of
Nanomaterials in Consumer Products
Yasmin Sommer, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
Aim: Consumer products involving engineered nanoparticles and nanomaterials are
available on the market with a wide variety of applications and uses in different
regulatory fields. Considerable scientific effort has been made to ensure their safe use,
identifying nano-specific requirements and adapt toolkits and strategies for a robust
realistic exposure assessment. This study aims to state the current status for assessments
in a regulatory context.
Methods: Based on a literature research characteristic and boundaries of models employed
for exposure assessments were compiled and trends in model development and additional
information sources as well as remaining challenges and uncertainties in the strategies
analysed.
Results: Several nano-specific tools are available and developments of additional tools
envisaged. Many nano-specific tools currently available only support initial, low tier
assessments. Since 2015 ConsExponano enables nano-specific higher tier assessments for
inhalative exposures in seven dose measure metrics. Validation of tools for quantitative
assessments is generally missing. In the context of the REACH regulation field
measurements are regarded as a current alternative to model based assessments.
Publications on release measurements from consumer products are increasing especially
for particles associated to a high prevalence. For regulatory purposes their value depends
on a thorough characterization and documentation of analytical set-up and results.
Employment of different protocols may impact the results obtained.
Conclusion: The best strategy for an exposure assessment needs to be decided on a case
by case basis. Some assessments will involve (non)nano-specific tools or nano-specific
tools for workers. Field measurements are a mean to address uncertainties in terms of
realistic exposure prediction. However, both ways of quantitative assessment incorporate
challenges for realistic assessments. Efforts for improvement would profit from a better
knowledge of the use of nanomaterials in consumer products.
768
We-Po-28
Development of an on-line analytical method for the quantification of carbamate
pesticides and metabolites in human matrices
Pim Leonards, VU University, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Worldwide, serious concern has arisen about the increased incidence of learning and
developmental disorders in children. From a scientific point of view, there is no doubt
that exposure to neurotoxic chemicals during early brain development can adversely
affect learning and development. Various recent epidemiological studies have indicated
that exposure to low doses of environmental biologically active contaminants during
human development can have deleterious effects on cognitive development in childhood.
The European commission-funded project DENAMIC "Developmental Neurotoxicity
Assessment of Mixtures in Children" investigates neurotoxic effects (e.g. learning and
developmental disorders) of low-concentration mixtures of pesticides and a number of
common environmental pollutants in children. Because of recent concerns of cognitive and
neurobehavioral effects related to pesticide exposure and if proven necessary the
possibility to protect future generations by regulatory measures, DENAMIC will primarily
focus on possible neurotoxic effects of pesticides (e.g. organophosphate, carbamates,
pyrethroids, organochlorine). One of the aims is to study perinatal and early-childhood
exposure in maternal urine and cord blood, as well as breast milk and urine of the child.
Data and samples from existing European cohorts with different exposure profiles, both
pre-and postnatal, (Norway, Netherlands, Slovakia and Spain) are studied, which offers
the possibility to distinguish between pre-and postnatal exposure effects and identify the
susceptible period. Associations between chemical exposure and learning (cognitive) and
neurobehavioural (ADHD, ASD, anxiety) development or disorders will be studied. The aim
of this paper is to present the development of an on-line LC-MS/MS for the detection and
quantification of carbamates and metabolites in urine, serum and breast milk. The
developed sample prepartion method consist of a deconjugation step, and an on-line
extraction, clean-up, and separation method combined with LC-MS/MS. The compounds of
interested were fractionated using a Restricted Access Material (RAM) from the matrix,
and then transferred to the analytical column before detection with LC-MS/MS. Different
parameters for the RAM material were optimised to provide acceptable recoveries.
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We-Po-29
Mercury exposure in small and artisanal gold mining in Suriname
Romilda Boerleider, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen,
Gelderland, Netherlands
Daphne van den Oetelaar, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen,
Gelderland, Netherlands
Lisa Nijzink, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, Gelderland,
Netherlands
Bianca Jubitana, Medische Zending, Paramaribo, Netherlands
Jan Quik, Bureau voor Openbare Gezondheidszorg, Paramaribo, Suriname
Paul T. Scheepers, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen,
Gelderland, Netherlands
In Suriname small and artisanal gold mining (ASGM) is a source of livelihood for more than
20,000 people. Gold miners use mercury during the extraction of gold from ore and may
be exposed to mercury vapors by inhalation. Both miners and inhabitants of villages in the
mining areas may be exposed to methyl mercury through dietary intake. Both short-term
and long-term inhalation exposure to high concentrations of mercury vapor and methyl
mercury can lead to serious health effects in the miners population and their offspring.
The primary aim of our study was to evaluate the level of awareness concerning the
potential health effects due to mercury exposure. Secondly, we assessed the feasibility of
introducing a program to monitor mercury exposures by use of biological monitoring.
We recruited residents from villages and miners in the small scale gold mining regions in
the inland of Suriname. The study protocol was submitted to the ethical committee in
Suriname. Information on the awareness and knowledge of health implications of mercury
exposures was collected by interviews using semi-structured questionnaires by researchers
who were familiar with the cultural background and could speak the local language. An
information program was introduced involving individual consultations and group
information sessions. Two months later the questionnaire study was repeated in the same
participants to find out about the effectiveness of the information campaign. In a
subgroup of the population additional interviews were conducted to find out about the
feasibility of collecting biological materials in adults and children.
Conclusion: The acquired data can be used to evaluate the need for information regarding
the health risk of mercury. The effectiveness of an information campaign was assessed and
resulted in improvements of this campaign. It is considered feasible to initiate a pilot
study for a monitoring program involving the collection of biological media. Cultural
aspects need to be addressed and the least invasive methods of sample collection are
preferred, especially in children.
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We-Po-30
Research on Fugitive Formaldehyde and TVOC in Public Exhibition Area—A
Measurement and Control Study
Chane-Yu Lai, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, China, Republic of (Taiwan)
Chuan-Chen Yu, Chung-Shan Medical University, Taichung, China, Republic of (Taiwan)
Wen-Hsin Su, Chung-Shan Medical University, Taichung, China, Republic of (Taiwan)
INTRODUCTION
Many exhibitions usually take place in large exhibition centers, for instance, art, painting,
sculpture, or popular science. Due to discrepancies of interior design following by
exhibition topics or exhibition duration, the exhibition partition changes couple times
every year. Labors who rebuild the exhibition partition often enclose the construction
field or process to avoid produce nuisance. For this manner, the labors in the enclosure
construction area will expose to high concentration of pollution. During the reconstruction
of exhibition partition, lots of plywood is used for exhibition decoration. However, the
plywood contains a lot of formaldehyde base resins, and will slowly and repeatedly release
the formaldehyde and volatile organic compound species (VOCs) which is great harmful to
people who work in exhibition places.
MATERIALS/METHODS
In this study, formaldehyde and TVOC evaporated from exhibition places in a public
museum were taken for analysis to estimate the exposure of workers in the exhibition
partitions, and the using or not using green building materials (GBM, class F1 plywood)
were compared and used as suggestions for controlling the hazard from exhibition
partition. The MiniRAE 2000 VOC direct reading instrument and Taiwan Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) NIEA (A715.15B) TVOC standard sampling methods was utilized to
monitor and evaluate the TVOC concentration at the exhibition partitions.
RESULTS
The result showed that the museum used energy-saving, recirculation system, positive
pressure, and few exhaust air and the mean of ACH was only 2.3. As for the STER A1, using
the GBM, reused plywood and under charcoal filtered recirculation air condition, the
concentration of formaldehyde was between 0.01 and 0.02 ppm; however, while not using
the GBM, during the decoration and floor waxing, the highest concentration was around
0.09 ppm.
DISCUSSION
As figure 1(a), after a sampling cycle, the concentration of formaldehyde using the GBM
was low. As figure 1(b), concentrations of TVOC during floor waxing was high, the standard
analysis methods show that was caused by 2 - (2-Ethoxyethoxy) ethanol; without consider
alcohol, the TVOC were under the standard value 0.56 ppm.
CONCLUSIONS
The local exhaust ventilation devices and the GBM, or other air filters were suggested to
control the above hazardous pollutants in this study. The ACH should increase to 8 ~12,
and the recirculation air volume should reduce to lower the accumulation of
formaldehyde.
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Figure 1. Concentration in the STER. a) Formaldehyde, b) TVOC.
772
We-Po-31
Study on Bioaerosol Characteristics in Semi-indoor Wood Processing Workplace
Chane-Yu Lai, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, China, Republic of (Taiwan)
Hsiang-Yu Huang, , Chung-Shan Medical University, Taichung, China, Republic of (Taiwan)
Kai-Ling Huang, Chung-Shan Medical University, Taichung, China, Republic of (Taiwan)
INTRODUCTION
From literature review, wood processing workers were found to expose to occupational
hazards and induced to have occupational asthma. For the reason, the study investigated
the biological exposures, included concentration of wood dust, bioaerosol, identification
of bioaerosols, endotoxin, and mycotoxin in wood processing workplaces.
MATERIALS/METHODS
An Anderson 6 stage bioaerosol sampler, Biosampler, AGI-30, and SKC Aluminum cyclone
with polycarbonate (PC) filter were used to sample bioaerosols. Moreover, SKC
Aluminum cyclone was used to collect respirable sawmill wood dust.
RESULTS
The results as showed in Fig.1 a and b: the highest concentration of contained endotoxin
was found in cultured Pantoea agglomerans, and was about 0.8 EU/m3. The range of
endotoxin concentration sampled by using SKC Aluminum cyclone with PC filter was about
2.2E-6~5.2E-6 EU/m3.
DISCUSSION
The concentration of Gram-negative bacteria appeared statistically associated with the
ambient temperature and humidity (P<0.05). The concentration of endotoxin measured in
the study did not exceed the DECOS health exposure recommendation 50 EU/m3 criteria.
CONCLUSIONS
At present, Taiwan have no complete specification for content restrictions and exposure
limit in respirable wood dust, endotoxin and mycotoxin in workplace environment. The
study recommended the related regulations should be established to prevent the increase
of the disease in the future.
773
Fig.1. a) Concentration of endotoxin distribution within the culture of Gram-negative
bacteria using Anderson 6 stage sampler; b) Concentration of endotoxin eluted from PC
filter using SKC Aluminum cyclone.
774
We-Po-32
Sampling Evaluation of Bioaerosol and Antibiotic-Resistant Characteristics in Intensive
Care Unit
Chane-Yu Lai, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, China, Republic of (Taiwan)
Nien-Hsin Wu, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, China, Republic of (Taiwan)
Ya-Hue Lin, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, China, Republic of (Taiwan)
An-Ru Kuo, OSH co., Ltd., Taichung, China, Republic of (Taiwan)
Objective: Our research was based in a medical center’s Internal Medicine Intensive Care
Unit (MICU)and Surgery Intensive Care Unit (SICU) located in central Taiwan. The
research objective focus on the bioaerosols and their antibiotic-resistant characteristics in
both MICU and SICU.
Methods: Three bioaerosol samplers were utilized (Anderson six-stage, AGI-30, and
BioSampler) for sampling before and during patient visiting. Upon acquisition of samples,
they were inoculated and cultured on BBL ™ Trypticase ™ Soy Agar (with 5% Sheep Blood
) medium for growth. The bacterial colonies were later identified and analyzed for
antibiotic-resistant characteristics via BD Phoenix ™medium ted microbial identification
and susceptibility test analyzer.
Results : Research results have showed from the bioaerosol samples acquired within the
MICU that dominant concentration of bacteria and fungi were below cut off size of 3.3 μm,
and they had high possibility to enter human lung’s alveolar regions of the body, thereby
causing opportunistic infections. The factor of season and air change rate per hour did not
statistically associate with bioaerosol concentration (P>0.05); However, factor of
patient visiting and temperature, relative humidity during sampling showed statistically
agreement with bioaerosol concentration (P<0.001). In terms of bacterial strain
identification, Gram-positive bacteria were mainly isolated with risk group (RG)of II. As
for antibiotic-resistant bacteria analysis of MICU, strains were identified 63.5 % that were
resistant to National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA)designated first (17 types
)and second (18 types)line antibiotics. This phenomenon could very likely affect the
medical staffs working within the hospital environment.
Conclusions: As a result, recommendations for MICU ventilation designs should be carefully
evaluated for the effectiveness of controlling nosocomial infections as well as proper
implementation of personal protective equipment in order to reduce bioaerosol
opportunistic infections and harmful exposure effects.
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We-Po-33
POLYDIMETHYLSILOXANE AS A PERSONAL PASSIVE AIR SAMPLER (PPAS) FOR MEASURING
SEMI-VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
Joseph Okeme, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Miriam Diamond, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Yuchao Wan, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Michelle North, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Arthur Chan, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Jeff Brook, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Greg Evans, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Paul Demers, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Roel Vermeulen, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
Jelle Vlaanderen, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
Lutzen Portengen, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
Anke HussUtrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
Gerard Hoek, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
Shelly Tse, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
XianQiang Lao, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Kin-Fai Ho,Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Feng Wang, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Exposure to semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) that are released from a variety
indoor sources has been linked to a range of potential health effects. Limiting human and
ecosystem exposure to SVOCs can be intiated from knowing their abundance. This
objective is usually met by measuring stationary SVOC levels in micro-enviroment.
Personal levels, due to personal activity and proximity to SVOC sources, are usually higher
and more reflective of an individual’s actual exposure circumstance than are stationary
levels. Personal Passive air samplers (PPAS) have been used to monitor exposures in
occupational settings but are less well characterized for non-occupational use. This
project was aimed at developing an easily used PPAS for measuring levels of SVOCs in a
non-industrial indoor environment. We have used commonly available rubber,
polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), as PPAS. PDMS collects and retains a wide range of
chemicals and is easy to use.
PDMS wristbands were worn by participants at all times for a duration of a week while
leading their normal lives. Post-deployment samples were extracted and analysed for
phthalate esters, halogenated and organophosphate ester flame retardants (BFRs and
OPFRs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) using gas chromatography mass
spectrometry (GC-MS). Surrogate recoveries raged from 80 to 120%. Preliminary results
show that BFRs levels were generally < MDL. Σ5phthalates ranged from < 0.10 to 62
µg/wristband. PAH and OPFRs were measured in the range of 1km were found to be on average 9.4
dBA (SE=3.9) higher outdoors relative to indoors (p=0.02). Examining noise levels across
multiple distance categories, all measurements within 300 meters of the station were
deemed to be 10 dBA (SE= 3.6) higher (p1km). Lastly, daytime noise levels for all locations
780
within 750m of the station were found to be 3.4 dBA (SE=1.2) higher relative to nighttime
levels (p<0.01).
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that living near a natural gas compressor station results in high
environmental noise exposures for nearby residents. Future studies on a larger scale are
needed to confirm these findings and evaluate potential health impacts.
We-Po-38
Determining Exfiltration Estimates for Particulate Matter from the Use of Alternative
Cookstoves in a Village-Like Household in Rural Nepal
Sutyajeet Soneja, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, Maryland, United
States
James Tielsch, George Washington University, Washington DC, United States
Subarna Khatry, Nepal Nutrition Intervention Project Sarlahi, Kathmandu, Nepal
Benjamin Zaitchik, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Frank Curriero, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Patrick Breysse, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Aim
Half of the world’s population utilizes solid fuels for cooking (in developing countries),
with resultant pollution levels well over WHO air quality guidelines. Alternative stoves, an
intervention option to reduce household air pollution, are designed to burn solid fuels
more efficiently and in many cases redirect pollution outdoors via the use of a chimney.
Particulate matter (PM) generated from cooking fires settles and deposits on surfaces
within the home, as well as exits the home thereby entering ambient air. The amount of
air pollution exiting homes when alternative stoves with chimneys are utilized is not
known. In this study, PM exfiltration estimates are presented for four types of alternative
stoves within a village-like home in rural Nepal. Developing an understanding of these
exfiltration estimates allows for a more comprehensive assessment to be provided on the
impact that alternative cookstoves utilizing chimneys have upon outdoor air quality and
subsequent effects including health and climate change.
Methods
A test house representing a village kitchen was built in rural Nepal, with a water-boiling
test conducted for all trials to simulate a typical cooking session. Four alternative stoves
with chimneys were examined, including an alternative mud brick stove, original Envirofit
G3355 model, manufacture altered Envirofit G3355, and locally altered Envirofit G3355.
Multiple linear regression was utilized to determine estimates of PM exfiltration.
Results
Overall exfiltration fraction average (converted to a percent) for the four stoves were:
Alternative mud brick stove with chimney 56%, original Envirofit G3355 model with
chimney 87%, manufacture altered Envirofit G3355 model with chimney 69%, and locally
altered Envirofit G3355 model with chimney 69%. This is in contrast to a previous study
conducted by our group where we determined overall exfiltration from a traditional, mud-
based stove with no chimney to be 23%.
Conclusion
Alternative cookstoves resulted in higher overall average exfiltration due to direct (via a
chimney) and indirect (windows, doors, and cracks in the wall) ventilation relative to
781
traditional, mud-based stoves. This contrast emphasizes the need for an improved
understanding of the climate and health implications that are believed to come from
implementing alternative stoves on a large scale and the resultant shift of exposure
burden from indoors to outdoors.
782
We-Po-39
Indoor exposure to outdoor air pollutants controlled by different urban design
strategies
Zhiwen Luo, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
Jian Hang, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China, People's Republic of
Man Lin, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China, People's Republic of
Background:
In compact mega-cities such as London and Beijing, motor vehicle emissions have been a
major source of local urban pollutions especially from the urban viaduct. However, a
significant part of exposure to outdoor pollution occurs indoors as people spend over 80%
of their time living indoors and the outdoor pollutants can penetrate indoors. Urban design
can affect the outdoor air pollution as well as indoor-outdoor exchange, and therefore
indoor exposure, however, little research has quantified such impact.
Aim:
The aim of this paper is to investigate the impact of urban design strategies on the indoor
exposure to outdoor traffic pollutants for different age-groups of population.
Methods:
Coupling indoor and outdoor Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model is used to simulate
the airflow and pollution dispersion between the street canyon and building interior
space. Building intake fraction was introduced to evaluate the accumulated intake
fraction indoors from the outdoor mobile vehicle emission.
Results:
Our studies provide new insights on how to reduce indoor exposure to outdoor origins by
improving outdoor urban design rather than focusing on building design itself. Detailed
results drawn from this study show: 1) When the aspect ratio equals 1, indoor personal
exposure to street pollution will be reduced if the single pollutant source is elevated by
the viaduct; 2) High upstream velocity can depress the pollutant concentration. Pollutant
dispersion can be stronger by great ground heating intensity under same upstream
velocity; 3) The indoor exposure to street pollution can be lessened when broadening the
street under the condition of same building height and source strength; 4) Personal intake
fraction ranges from 1500 to 6500 ppm depending on the different urban canyon and
building design.
783
We-Po-40
Associations Between Lifestyle and Air Pollution Exposure
Maciej Strak, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht, Netherlands
Nicole Janssen, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM),
BIlthoven, Netherlands
Rob Beelen, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven,
Netherlands
Oliver Schmitz, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
Derek Karssenberg, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
Danny Houthuijs, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM),
Bilthoven, Netherlands
Martin Dijst, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
Bert Brunekreef, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University,
Utrecht, Netherlands
Gerard Hoek, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht,
Netherlands
Aim
Administrative data cohorts have size advantages over individual cohorts in investigating
air pollution risks, but often lack information on individual risk factors related to lifestyle.
If there is a correlation between lifestyle and air pollution then omitted lifestyle variables
result in biased risk estimates.
Methods
We used a recent Dutch national health survey of 387,195 adults to investigate the
associations of PM10, PM2.5, PM2.5-10, absorbance, OPDTT, OPESR and NO2 annual
average concentrations from ESCAPE land use regression models with smoking habit,
alcohol consumption, physical activity and BMI. We assessed the associations with and
without adjustment for neighborhood- and individual background characteristics typically
available in administrative cohorts.
Results
Current smoking and alcohol consumption were generally positively associated with air
pollution, e.g., smoking 10 cigarettes/day was associated with 1% increased annual
average NO2 concentration. Physical activity and overweight were negatively associated
with air pollution. The associations were small but significant and remained after
adjusting for other potential confounders. Direction and magnitude of the associations
depended on the pollutant (PM2.5 the least), use of continuous vs categorical scale of the
confounder and level of adjustment.
Conclusions
In a recent Dutch national health survey, individual lifestyle-related risk factors were
weakly associated with long-term exposure to air pollution. However, this association
could potentially lead to bias in risk estimates from administrative cohorts.
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We-Po-44
IPCheM: the reference platform for chemical monitoring data in Europe
Silvia Dalla Costa, European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Italy
Stylianos Kephalopoulos, European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Italy
Alberto Cusinato, European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Italy
Paolo Leva, European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Italy
Otmar Geiss, European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Italy
Anita Radovnikovic, European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Italy
Vittorio Reina, European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Italy
Salvatore Tirendi, European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Italy
Alexandre Zenie, European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Italy
One of the major gaps in our knowledge base supporting chemical policies is the lack of
information on the burden of chemical exposure to humans and the environment.
Occurrence data on chemicals in the environment, food and human body are produced by
many European governmental and research institutions and industrial partners, through
monitoring programs and various funded projects at both EU and national/regional levels.
IPCheM (The Information Platform for Chemical Monitoring Data) was recently developed
on initiative by the European Commission (DG ENV and DG JRC) in close co-operation with
the European Environment Agency and the European Food Safety Authority. It represents a
single access point for searching, retrieving, pulling and analyzing chemical occurrence
data across various media (environment, human biomonitoring, food/feed, indoor air and
products) from multiple underlying databases hosted by several collaborating entities both
in Commission Services, EU Agencies, EU Member States and other international
organisations. Through its tailored access, it supports the needs of several categories of
end-users including academia, industry and policy making.
IPCheM is handling in a transparent way data retrieved from heterogeneous data sources
serving a multitude of chemical policies and provides different level of data accessibility
to different users’ typology in accordance with the conditions of data access and use
defined by the data providers.
The long-term ambition of IPCheM is to help enhancing and boosting comparability, quality
and standardisation of data and metadata information, thus increasing the knowledge base
for sound exposure and risk assessment, management and communication.
This paper will outline the policy context and present the IPCheM’s architecture,
capabilities, functionalities and tools for selecting, visualizing, viewing spatial and
temporal trends, filtering, comparing and performing statistical analyses of actually more
than 20 million of occurrence data on chemicals from 19 studies at pan-European and
Member States levels.
785
We-Po-45
Development of a Source-Exposure Matrix for Occupational Exposure Assessment of
Electromagnetic Fields in the INTEROCC Study
Javier Vila, ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL),
Barcelona, Spain
Joseph D. Bowman, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH),
Cincinnati, OH, United States
Jordi Figuerola, ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL),
Barcelona, Spain
David Morina, 1ISGlobal, Center for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL),
Barcelona, Spain
Laurel Kincl, 5Oregon State University (OSU), , Oregon, USA, Corvallis, Oregon, United
States
Lesley Richardson, University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM), Montreal,
Quebeq, Canada
Elisabeth Cardis, ISGlobal, Center for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL),
Barcelona, Spain
Introduction: As part of the INTEROCC study, we collected information on work with
sources of exposure to electric and magnetic fields (EMF) by using a detailed source-based
questionnaire, covering the entire EMF frequency range (from 0 Hz to 300 GHz). To
estimate occupational exposure of study subjects to the EMF sources identified, we
constructed a database of source-based measurements from published and unpublished
literature. The aim of the current work was to summarize these measurements into a
source-exposure matrix (SEM), accounting for their quality and relevance. Methods: We
developed methods for combining available measurements based on the assumptions of
log-normality and symmetric quantiles of EMF data. Pooled estimates were weighted by
our confidence in the combined measurement data. Arithmetic and geometric means, as
well as estimates of variability and maximum exposure were calculated by EMF source,
frequency band and dosimetry type. Results: The SEM contains confidence-weighted
exposure estimates for the electric (E-field) and magnetic (H- and B-field) fields for 312
EMF exposure sources. Operator position geometric mean electric field levels for RF
sources ranged between 0.8 V/m (plasma etcher) and 320 V/m (RF sealer), while magnetic
fields ranged from 0.02 A/m (speed radar) to 0.6 A/m (microwave heating). For ELF
sources, electric fields ranged between 0.2 V/m (electric forklift) and 11,700 V/m (HVTL-
hotsticks), while magnetic fields ranged between 0.14 µT (visual display terminals) and 17
µT (TIG welding). Conclusion: The methodology developed allowed the construction of an
EMF-SEM from measurements collected from the literature and may be used to summarize
similar exposure data for other physical or chemical agents. The SEM will be used together
with detailed information on distance to the source, automation, and other determinants
of exposure reported by the study subjects, to calculate indices of cumulative exposure to
EMF for their use in the analysis of brain tumours risk associated with these exposures.
The SEM will also be offered publicly for its use by other researchers.
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We-Po-46
Development of a generic PBPK model for pyrethroids to assess the cumulative
exposure of populations
Paul QUINDROIT, French National Institute for Industrial Environment and Risks (INERIS),
Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
Celine BROCHOT, French National Institute for Industrial Environment and Risks (INERIS),
Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
Context and objective: Pyrethroids are ubiquitous insecticides used in many areas such as
agriculture, housing maintenance, and human or veterinary medicine. Over the last
decade, biomonitoring studies have shown the wide exposure of human populations in
many countries. The human biomarkers are usually the concentrations of pyrethroid
metabolites in urine. The interpretation of these biomarkers to assess the environmental
exposure of populations to a specific pyrethroid can be difficult since pyrethroids share
metabolic pathways and common metabolites. In this work, we propose to develop a
model that will link the exposure to three pyrethroids (permethrin, cypermethrin and
cyfluthrin) to the urinary concentrations of their common metabolites (DCCA, 3-PBA and F-
BPA).
Methods: The model is based on toxicokinetic models that describe the fate of the
compounds in the human body: a generic and gender-dependent physiologically based
pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was adapted to the toxicokinetics of permethrin,
cypermethrin and cyfluthrin, and simple compartmental models were developed to
describe the levels of the metabolites in blood and urine. The PBPK model for the parent
compounds and the compartmental models for metabolites were then connected together
at the level of the metabolic sites. The whole model is therefore able to link the exposure
of humans to three pyrethroids to the levels of urinary metabolites. A literature review
was conducted for the parameterization. Human specific data were available for the
absorption and excretion rates. In silico QSAR models were used to predict the other
unknown parameters such as the partitioning into the tissues, the unbound fractions in
tissues and blood, and the metabolic rates.
Results and conclusion: Human toxicokinetic data obtained under controlled exposure
studies or after poisoning were used to evaluate the model predictions. Several scenarios
were tested: exposure to one parent compound, different pathways of exposure (oral,
dermal and inhalation) and different biological matrices (blood, urine). On average, our
results showed good agreement between the predicted and measured levels. Then we
predicted the urinary DCCA concentration following a cumulative exposure to
environmental concentrations of permethrin, cypermethrin and cyfluthrin and identified
the key determinants of the DCCA concentration in urine (i.e., metabolic rates in liver,
liver:blood partition coefficients, urinary flow…). This model will be extended to other
pyrethroids and metabolites, and could then be used to assess the exposure of human
population using individual biological measurements collected in biomonitoring campaigns.
787
We-Po-47
Computer simulation of particulate matter formation during heating commercial
cooking oils
Mehdi Amouei Torkmahalleh, Nazarbayev University, Astana, 53 Kabanbay Batyr Ave.,
Kazakhstan
Aida Kadyrbayeva, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan
Ulmeken Kaibaldiyeva, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan
Aim: Developing a new simulation tool to predict PM formation during cooking activities
People mostly spend their time indoors which increases the importance of indoor
particles. Cooking was found to be one of the main sources of indoor particulate matter
(PM). Cooking emissions may have significant effects on human health, and thus,
understanding the contribution of cooking elements such as oil to PM emissions is critical.
Cooking oils compose of triglycerides such as palmitin and linolein. The primary
mechanisms for producing PM by cooking could be the supersaturation of the generated
vapour organic compounds due to rapid cooling after mixing with indoor air followed by
homogenous or heterogeneous nucleation.
Method: The current study simulated the heating process of safflower and olive oils to
predict the supersaturation of the produced organic vapour and resulting particulate
matter (PM) mass. Heating of the oils was simulated for the temperature range of 50 to
197C (Figure 1). Heated oils were mixed with air flow at 23C and RH=40%, simulating
dilution of the produced oil vapour in normal residential kitchens. NRTL activity
coefficient model and ideal gas law were employed to predict the phase equilibria of the
heated oils. Saturation level of air-oil vapour mixture was estimated by the following
equation.
S=(P∑Yi )/P_dew
where P_dew is dew pressure of the PM phase at the mixture temperature and P∑Yi is sum
of the partial pressure of the condensable components after mixing with air. The PM
formation was considered to occur when S values exceeded 1.
Results: When S exceeded 1 at 197 C, PM formed. Increased Relative humidity (RH) or
moisture content of air flow was found to increase PM mass which could be attributed to
the condensation of water vapour onto the PM phase. Further simulation studies were
performed to investigate the impact of table salt on supersaturation of the produced
vapour chemicals. It was found that addition of table salt to the heated oil reduced the
supersaturation level and the PM mass due to the reduced vapour pressure of the organic
compounds compared to the heated pure oil at the same temperature. This observation is
in good agreement with the experimental finding of Amouei Torkmahalleh et al. (2013).
Conclusion: Computer simulation showed a good agreements with experimental finding
and can help us to better understand the PM formation and resulting PM composition.
788
Flowsheet Diagram
789
We-Po-48
On the importance of developing integrative modelling approaches within the
framework of human exposure assessment.
Mouhamadou Sy, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
Matthias Greiner, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
Human populations can be exposed to chemical hazards present in the environment and in
particular to chemicals present in food. In practice, environmental and human exposure
assessments are generally conducted independently on the basis of multiple sources data
and relying on separately developed methods, models and scenarios. Connecting the
assessments of environmental and human exposure by developing multimedia modelling is
of great interest in order to better characterize the different routes across which human
populations can be exposed to chemicals. Significant efforts were recently made to
improve information by conducting Total Diet Studies (TDS) and collecting human
biomonitoring data although these study types have not been considered in combination to
study total exposure.
Aim: The background objective of this study is to develop integrative approaches that
accommodate available data sources for relating external and internal exposure.
Specifically, this study aims at developing methodological tools to account for the
different routes while assessing human exposure to chemical contaminants or residuals.
Methods: Approaches will be developed for multi-pathway and multimedia exposure
models using food monitoring data, the results of total diet studies and environmental and
biomonitoring data. Bayesian modelling will preferably be adopted enabling the
combination of a priori knowledge (e.g. expert advices) and multiple data sources (e.g.
TDS and human biomonitoring data), and to capture uncertainty/variability. This
conceptual approach will be applied focusing on case-studies relevant to German dietary
patterns by considering the results of the German total diet study.
Results and discussion: This study will allow better understanding the total chemical
exposure of the German population by the identification of sensitive exposure patterns
(e.g. high consumers of particular food items). These results, which aim at bridging the
gaps between environmental and human exposure assessment models, will improve the
characterization of the contribution of environmental processes while predicting on a
population level the internal exposure of human to chemical (or radioactive) substances.
Keywords: chemical exposure assessment, external exposure, internal exposure,
integrative approaches.
790
We-Po-51
Conceptual framework describing a child’s total (built, natural, social) environment in
order to optimize health and well-being
Nicolle Tulve, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North
Carolina, United States
Jazmin Ruiz, Xerox Corporation, Webster, New York, United States
Kim Lichtveld, University of Findlay, Findlay, Ohio, United States
Sally Darney, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park,
North Carolina, United States
James Quackenboss, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Las Vegas, Nevada, United
States
The complexity of the components and their interactions that characterize children’s
health and well-being are not adequately captured by current public health paradigms.
Children are exposed to combinations of chemical and non-chemical stressors from their
built, natural, and social environments at each lifestage and throughout their lifecourse.
Children’s inherent characteristics (e.g., sex, genetics, pre-existing disease) and their
activities and behaviors also influence their exposures to chemical and non-chemical
stressors from these environments. We describe a conceptual framework that considers
the interrelationships between inherent characteristics, activities and behaviors, and
stressors (both chemical and non-chemical) from the built, natural, and social
environments in influencing children’s health and well-being throughout their lifecourse.
This framework is comprised of several intersecting circles that represent how stressors
from the total environment interact with children’s inherent characteristics and their
activities and behaviors to influence their health and well-being at each lifestage and
throughout their lifecourse. We used this framework to examine the complex
interrelationships between chemical and non-chemical stressors for two public health
challenges specific to children: childhood obesity and general cognitive ability. One
systematic scoping review showed that children’s general cognitive ability was influenced
not only by chemical exposure (e.g., chlorpyrifos), but by the interrelationships between
chemical and non-chemical stressors (e.g., neighborhood-level socioeconomic factors and
chlorpyrifos exposure). This systematic scoping review also suggested that non-chemical
stressors may modify the response to chemical exposures (for general cognitive ability:
e.g., prenatal lead exposure and maternal self-esteem). Another systematic scoping
review showed that numerous chemical and non-chemical stressors are linked to childhood
obesity. Using this conceptual framework and these systematic scoping reviews, we
hypothesize that multiple chemical and non-chemical stressors are interacting to impact
childhood obesity and general cognitive ability, suggesting the importance of a conceptual
framework describing the interrelationships between inherent characteristics, activities
and behaviors, and stressors (both chemical and non-chemical) from the built, natural,
and social environments. By better understanding these complex interactions, decision
makers can make informed choices for child-specific environments that optimize health
and well-being within the home and community.
791
We-Po-53
A three dimensional land use regression model for NO2 in an urban environment -
Vegas (vertical gradient study)
Danyal Odabasi, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
Alex Ineichen, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
Mark Davey, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
Marloes Eeftens, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
Background
Numerous land use regression models exist that explain and predict spatial contrasts of air
pollution concentrations at a high spatial resolution. Long-term exposure estimates
derived from such models have been linked to substantial differences in the risk of
respiratory disease and mortality. However, the exposure assessment for these studies
typically does not consider differences in air pollution levels with increasing height above
the ground despite the very conceivable likelihood that people living on lower floors
(closer to a major source: traffic) are differently exposed than their neighbours on higher
floors.
Objectives
We aim to study how traffic intensity, street configuration and season influence the
vertical pollution gradient. We further aim to build a 3-dimensional land use regression
model for NO2 for Basel, which can explain and predict both horizontal and vertical
pollution patterns.
Methods
We selected 25 buildings along residential streets in Basel, Switzerland where we
measured NO2 concentrations at 3 different heights per building simultaneously. Small
shelters containing passive Passam samplers were hung on the front façade (street-side) of
each building. 30-Minute traffic counts were performed during off-peak hours. The aspect
ratio (average building height/width of the street) was determined as a measure of street
configuration for each location. The samplers remained in place for a 14-day period from
25/26 February until 10/11 March 2016 and were subsequently analyzed in the laboratory.
The same locations will be sampled once more in early summer 2016.
Results & discussion
Based on the traffic counts, the locations were grouped into 10 quiet streets (fewer than
100 cars per 30 minutes), 5 medium traffic streets (100-250 cars per 30 minutes) and 10
busy streets (over 250 cars per 30 minutes) based on off-peak traffic counts. Aspect ratios
were on average 0.72 (range 0.34 -1.20). As next steps, we will evaluate how these and
other factors can explain the measured contrasts in NO2 concentration at ground level, as
well as the vertical gradient. It is likely that the vertical gradients are different in summer
and winter: in the summer season, traffic emissions from the nearby road are the only
major local contributor to NO2, while in winter, both traffic emissions and rooftop-level
emissions from residential heating constitute major sources, creating a less predictable
vertical gradient.
792
We-Po-54
Modeling the Health Benefits of Local and Regional Emission Control Policies in the US
Aviation Sector
Lindsay Underhill, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
Stefani Penn, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
Scott Boone, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
Sarav Arunachalam, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United
States
Jonathan Levy, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
BACKGROUND. The impact of aircraft emissions on human health is of growing concern due
to increasing demands for air transportation and expected decreases in other prominent
sources of combustion-related pollutants. Ground level ozone (O3) and fine particulate
matter (PM2.5) are believed to drive the majority of health-related impacts, such as
premature mortality, caused by air pollutants overall and from aviation sources. While the
health implications of national-scale emissions control strategies for aviation and other
source sectors have been estimated, few studies have developed and implemented
modeling approaches that could examine the differential health implications of an array of
geographically targeted policy measures.
METHODS. In this study, we applied the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model
with the Decoupled Direct Method (DDM) to predict airport-specific contributions of
individual precursor pollutants to ambient concentrations of O3 and PM2.5 for 66 airports
across the US, which collectively represent 77% of national aviation fuel burned. We
quantified health damage functions, in terms of premature mortality per ton of landing
and take-off (LTO) cycle emissions by pollutant and airport, and constructed regression
models to explain variability as a function of basic population and meteorological factors.
We applied these regression models to estimate health damage functions for 203
additional airports, allowing for health impacts to be calculated for 97.5% of national
aviation fuel burned. We developed multiple hypothetical policy scenarios, including
regional to national-scale implementation of alternative fuels as well as geographically-
focused flight activity measures, and examined the air quality and public health
implications.
RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS. Results suggest important regional differences in health
damage functions, related to background pollutant concentrations and population
patterns, with corresponding differences in health benefits of regional implementation of
alternative fuels. Variability in health damage functions is much greater between airports
than between regions, given the significance of population density, suggesting the
heightened importance of airport-specific health risk estimation for policy measures that
can be targeted toward individual airports. Overall, this study demonstrates the utility of
health damage function modeling as a low-cost, efficient approach to evaluating the
health benefits associated with a variety of emission reduction strategies involving diverse
sets of pollutants across a range of populations and geographic regions.
793
We-Po-56
Combining background and local effects models of ambient ultrafine particle
concentration to predict exposure at residences in an urban area
Matthew Simon, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States
Alex Bob, City of Somerville, Somerville, MA, United States
Allison Patton, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
Doug Brugge, Tufts University, Boston, MA, United States
John Durant, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States
Aim: Exposure to traffic-related ultrafine particles (UFP; <100 nm diameter) is associated
with markers of cardiovascular disease risk. More accurate exposure estimates are needed
to reduce exposure misclassification in health studies; however, because UFP
concentrations are highly variable in space and time, accurate estimation is a considerable
challenge. Our aim was to develop UFP exposure estimates for individuals in the Boston
Puerto Rican Health Study cohort by developing hourly regression models of traffic-related
particle number concentration (PNC; a proxy for UFP) that consider both urban
background and local-source contributions.
Methods: To build the models, PNC was measured by continuous monitoring at a stationary
site in Boston, Massachusetts (USA) and by mobile monitoring along a fixed route in the 40-
km^2 study area on 49 days (3-6 hours/day) between December 2011 and November 2013.
The background model was generated from log-transformed hourly first percentile of 1-
minute PNC measurements from the stationary site. The local effects model was
generated from the residuals of the log-transformed mobile PNC measurements relative to
the background measurements. Average hourly traffic, meteorology, chemical species
indicators of secondary photochemical oxidation pathways, and land-use data (e.g.,
distance from highways) were used as explanatory variables in the two models. Both
models were evaluated by R^2 and root-mean-square-error (RMSE), and validated by 10-
fold cross-validation. Additionally, results from the summation of the two models were
compared to ambient PNC measured outside 14 homes in the study area. Measurements
were made continuously for six consecutive weeks at each home between May 2012 and
November 2013.
Results: Measured UFP concentrations at homes ranged from 700-210,000 particles/cc and
modeled concentrations ranged from 800-260,000 particles/cc. Model adjusted-R^2 was
0.58 (RMSE = 0.42). Cross validation resulted in an R^2 standard deviation of 0.02.
Compared to ln(PNC) at the 14 homes, the model overestimated observations, but
predicted ln(PNC) were all within a factor of 1.45 of observed ln(PNC) values.
Conclusions: We found that separating background and local effects improved overall UFP
exposure estimates at residences in an urban area. Additionally, accounting for secondary
particle formation pathways improved model fit.
794
We-Po-57
Analyzing participant interactions with personalized report-back: data from DERBI, an
online reporting tool
Herbert Susmann, Silent Spring Institute, Newton, MA, United States
Ruthann Rudel, Silent Spring Institute, Newton, Massachusetts, United States
Katherine Boronow, Silent Spring Institute, Newton, Massachusetts, United States
Laurie Havas, Child Health and Development Studies, Berkeley, California, United States
Kenneth Arnold, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
Robin Dodson, Silent Spring Institute, Newton, Massachusetts, United States
Krzysztof Gajos, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
Barbara Cohn, Child Health and Development Studies, Berkeley, California, United States
Julia Brody, Silent Spring Institute, Newton, Massachusetts, United States
Participants in studies of emerging contaminants have traditionally not received their own
results, although, in response to changing ethical norms, studies increasingly provide
personal results as print material. Web-based reports provide novel ways to efficiently
provide personalized reports and also to research participants’ experience receiving
results. We developed DERBI (Digital Exposure Report-Back Interface) to generate web-
based personalized exposure reports for 295 women in the Child Health and Development
Studies monitored for 42 environmental contaminants, including organochlorine
pesticides, PCBs, flame retardants, and perfluorinated compounds. Participants accessed
their report through a secure online interface. 147 participants were given access to
reports that included individual and study-wide results, while the other 148 participants
initially received only the study-wide results. The individual reports show personal results,
along with contextual information about exposure sources, possible health effects, and
what can be done to reduce exposure. Graphs show comparisons to the median for women
of similar age in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Study (NHANES). The web
reports include individualized summaries that “headline” important aspects of each
participant’s results. We recorded participant actions on the website, including page
loads, mouse movements, and page scrolling. From these low level events we derived
analytics like how long each participant spent viewing her results and the most common
paths participants take through their reports. We found that participants spent a median
of 20 minutes viewing their report, and that 89% of participants viewed the detailed
results page of at least one of the chemical groups headlined for them. Furthermore,
participants who had access to their individual results spent twice as much time on their
report than participants who received only study-wide results. The differences in each
participant’s use of the DERBI, as evidenced in the analytics data, illustrates how digital
report-back allows researchers to support the individual interests, concerns, and learning
styles of participants in exposure studies.
795
We-Po-58
Urban air quality assessments using low-cost mobile sensor ‘AirBeam’
Chris Lim, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
Ruzmyn Vilcassim, NYU School of Medicine, New York, United States
Terry Gordon, NYU School of Medicine, New York, United States
George Thurston, NYU School of Medicine, New York, United States
Background: Low-cost sensors are increasingly being utilized to assess personal-level
exposures and to measure ambient air pollution levels. A citizen-science approach for data
collection, especially in urban locations, allows for identification of spatiotemporal
hotspots and characterization of small-scale pollutant gradients. The sensors’ capabilities,
accuracy, and inter-instrument variability must be tested and characterized in detail
before deployment.
Methods: AirBeam fine particulate matter monitors were calibrated against a standard
method, DataRAM pDR-1500, which was previously calibrated against integrated
gravimetric filters. The instruments concurrently measured CAPs (concentrated ambient
air particles) concentration levels in a controlled laboratory setting.
The calibrated AirBeams were used to conduct systematic sampling sessions in Seoul,
South Korea, across five routes around fixed-site monitors. Sampling was done daily during
morning, afternoon, and nighttime, for approximately three weeks for a total of 180
hours. The collected PM2.5 data were then utilized to construct predictive mobile land use
regression (LUR) models and compared with fixed-site LUR models.
Results: Each AirBeam unit was fit with individual calibration curves to adjust for
between-instrument variability, which was greatest at higher concentration levels.
Concurrent measurement sessions with both AirBeams and pDR-1500 showed high
correlations at 1-minute averages, with a non-linear relationship at higher concentrations
(>40 µg/m3). Sampling in Seoul revealed high variability in concentration levels depending
on time and location, with elevated PM2.5 levels found nearby major roadways and during
afternoon rush hours. AirBeam concentration levels also showed high agreements with
nearby central monitor 1-hour average values (R2>0.6).
Conclusion: Additional testing will be conducted to better characterize the sensor
responses to different particle types and sizes. Overall, AirBeams (and similar sensors)
represent a valid and practical technology, with potential for inexpensive personal level
exposure assessments and high-resolution mapping of urban air quality, especially in
locations with sparse air pollution data.
796
We-Po-59
NanoSafer version 1.1. Demonstration of a dynamic web-based precautionary risk
assessment and management tool for manufactured nanomaterials
Keld Alstrup Jesen, National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen,
Denmark
Background
Industry and workplace inspectors are often challenged in workplace assessments of
productions and applications of manufactured nanomaterials. Control banding may aid in
making sufficiently precautionary risk assessments and management of nanomaterial
exposures as emerging chemicals. NanoSafer 1.1 is an advanced web-based control-
banding tool specifically developed to enable safe production and use of manufactured
nanomaterials (MNM) in the working environment (http://nanosafer.i-bar.dk/). NanoSafer
was originally launched in 2010 and has now been improved as part of a process to develop
a 3-Tier NanoSafer modelling-based risk assessment and management framework.
Objectives
NanoSafer 1.1 was developed to aid industry, workplace professionals and administrative
inspectors to perform Tier 1 information gathering for exposure assessments as proposed
by OECD to manage the potential risks associated with production and use of MNM and
MNM-enabled products. NanoSafer 1.1 currently covers assessments of powder handling
and episodes of constant release rates from point sources / fugitive sources.
Results
The NanoSafer CB tool bases its assessments on information normally available from the
producuct technical data sheet, the material safety sheet and the work situation. These
data are used in four modeling sections: 1) A nanomaterial identifier and classifier, which
based on physicochemical characteristics and naming ensures discrimination between
nanomaterials and non-nanomaterials. 2) A hazard grouping and ranking model considering
hazard information on bulk materials and physicochemical properties, if nanospecific
hazard data are not available. 3) A two-box instant mixing aerosol dispersion model for
assessment of acute and daily near-field and far-field exposure potentials in specific work
situations. 4) A combined hazard and exposure-based risk ranking mode resulting in an
automated identification of suitable exposure reduction measures.
Testing of NanoSafer demonstrates that the model has a wide dynamic range and ability to
perform balanced evaluations of small to large scale production and use of low to
potentially highly hazardous MNM. Application of assessments of risks associated with both
acute and daily/chronic exposure gives valuable information to improve risk management
measures.
The e-learning tool is functional and primarily designed to aid research and development
laboratories as well as small and medium size companies who may not have experience in
working and managing the potential risks of MNM or can benefit from inspiration exposure
management performed in other relevant work situations.
Conclusions
NanoSafer 1.1 provides a versatile modeling-based tool for precautionary risk assessment
and management of risk associated with occupational production and use of nanomaterial
powders.
797
We-Po-60
Application of Integrated urban models to simulating health risks
Tor Oiamo, University of Windsor, Windsor, Canada
Knowledge translation in the field of environmental health remains an important area in
need of advancement. Policy makers, urban and environmental managers are increasingly
concerned with sustainable urban development and environmental health is a key aspect
in this regard. Therefore, the research presented here aims to facilitate for practitioners
who are not familiar with exposure science the application of concentration response
functions (CRF) to urban development scenarios. This is achieved through the linkage of a
health risk and benefit assessment tool with an integrated urban modelling system (IUM).
Traditionally, IUMs have been used to assess how feedback processes that link
transportation and land use in urban environments will be affected over a given time
horizon within a certain development scenario.
In a medium sized Canadian city, we developed an IUM to represent baseline conditions
and simulate the impact of a new rapid transit system on future transportation and land
use changes. Estimated changes in network traffic volumes from baseline to scenario
conditions were used to assess potential impacts on air emissions. Simulated changes in
localized emissions of ozone and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) were consequently linked
to CRFs for a number of chronic and acute health outcomes. The simulation modelling
system produced information on both urban aggregate and localized impacts of air
pollution on morbidity and mortality related to the rapid transit system. Overall, the
methodology shows promise with respect to facilitating knowledge translation. Future
challenges and opportunities in terms of mobilizing the modelling approach will be
discussed.
798
Late Breaking Abstracts
We-LBA-19
Indoor Air Quality Assessment in an Electronic Cigarette Vaping Convention
Rui Chen, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Angela Aherrera, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States
Stephanie Jarmul, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States
Chineye Isichei, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States
Pablo Olmedo, Columbia University, New York, United States
Ana Navas-Acien, Columbia University, New York, United States
Ana Rule, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States
Background: E-cigarette vaping conventions or vape expos are public events that promote
sales and provide information on e-cigarette products. These events attract a large
number of vaping enthusiasts, vendors, and local residents, and allow the use of e-
cigarette inside the indoor venues. The large concentration of vapers and poor air
ventilation result in indoor air contamination and potential health impacts especially for
people that attend these events regularly such as vendors. Our objective was to evaluate
indoor air quality induced by e-cigarette use in a vaping convention.
Methods: Air sampling was conducted during an e-cigarette vaping convention on April
2016, in Baltimore, Maryland. Real-time concentrations of particulate matter (PM)10 were
measured with a SidePak; total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), carbon monoxide
(CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were measured with a GrayWolf
multi-gas monitor also in real-time during one 7-hour event. Active integrated sampling
was performed to measure air nicotine concentrations.
Results: Mean (range) PM10 concentration was 8,699 (9-17,860) μg/m3. The estimated 24-
hour time weighted average (TWA) PM10 was 1800 μg/m3, which is 12 fold higher than the
EPA 24-hours regulation (150 μg/m3). Mean TVOC, CO2 and CO concentrations were 0.13
ppm, 811 ppm and 0.05 ppm. These were all below their suggested/established air quality
guidelines (1.0 ppm, 1,000 ppm, 9 ppm respectively). Mean indoor NO2 concentration was
100 ppb, reaching the US National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) of 1-hour daily
maximum of 100 ppb. PM10 concentrations were correlated with CO2 concentrations
(Pearson correlation coefficient r=0.76, p<0.001). TVOC concentration was also highly
correlated with CO2 (r=0.81, p<0.001). Indoor CO2 concentration reflected the number of
people and the air exchange within the room. More vapers and poor ventilation aggravated
indoor air quality. Air nicotine concentration was 125 μg/m3, which is 88 times higher
than the average concentration measured in waterpipe cafes in Baltimore (1.42 μg/m3)
and equivalent to concentrations measured in bars and nightclub using active sampling.
Conclusion: E-cigarette aerosol is a source of indoor air exposure to of PM10, TVOC, NO2
and air nicotine. Moreover, PM10 and air nicotine during the vaping convention exceeded
indoor air guidelines. More robust regulation to ban indoor e-cigarette use is warranted.
799
We-LBA-20
Evaluation of the Association between Airborne Real-Time Concentrations of Black
Carbon (BC) and Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) in Urban Hotspots of South Korea
Sungroul Kim, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Korea, South
Sol Yu, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Korea, South
Seonyup Lee, Soonchunhang University, Asan, Korea, South
Sujung Park, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Korea, South
According to a recent report by the World Health Organization, daily mortality or hospital
admissions due to black carbon (BC) are higher than that due to particulate matter (PM;
PM10 and PM2.5) when expressed in µg/m3 as estimates of single-pollutant effects. BC is
an indicator of a mixture of particulates from several combustion sources. In urban
hotspots, where traffic type and volume vary, spatial or temporal variations in BC
concentrations can be different from that of PM2.5. However, information on diurnal
distributions of BC concentrations in urban hotspots of South Korea is unavailable. Thus,
we measured differences in BC and PM2.5 concentrations for several spots at a fixed
distance (spot2: 300m, spot3: 500m) from potential diesel emission sources (spot1)
located in urban hotspots. We evaluated the spatial and temporal association between the
measurements according to distance.
The measurements for BC and PM2.5 were conducted from July 2014 to December 2014 at
entrances of four hotspots including Seoul Express Bus Terminal, Cheonan Express Bus
Terminal, Cheonan-Asan Express Train Station, and Namdong industrial complex for more
than 4 times per each site in different season using a real time PM or BC monitor.
The correlation coefficient for BC concentrations between spot 2 (300m from spot1) and
spot 3 (500m from spot1) was 0.8 and between spot 2 or spot 3 and spot1 was
approximately 0.6. The coefficients for PM2.5 concentrations were higher than that of BC
concentrations and were consistent (0.9) for all spots. Irrespective of the distances, the
unit increase in PM2.5 concentration (µg/m3) displayed the highest slope factor
(0.12~0.16) for morning BC measurements (µg/m3) followed by afternoon (0.06~0.07) and
night (0.01 ~ 0.02) measurements.
The differences in the association of BC with PM2.5 concentrations between morning and
night may possibly affect the risk estimates and source identification. Therefore, a future
study may need to be started
Keywords: Black carbon, PM2.5, Urban hotspot
800
We-LBA-21
Exposure Science and Policy Challenges of the Future: Learning from European
Experience
Ekaterina Svyatets, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United
States
This multidisciplinary research explores the EU practices of bridging exposure science and
policy decisions in order to design efficient policies that protect human health and
ecosystem health. In particular, these policies are designed to limit human exposure to
hazardous chemicals in food and consumer goods. These practices then are compared with
those in the United States, and policy recommendations are provided for a possible
adaptation of European experience in the U.S. legislative landscape. Using qualitative
methods of policy analysis, combined with the latest findings in exposure science, the
results of this research show that European standards are more protective of the consumer
because of the precautionary principle that requires produces to use the most advance
exposure science methods in order to prove the absence of adverse effects in their
products. In the United States, however, the burden of proof of harm from hazardous
chemicals falls on the consumer through lawsuits. In conclusion, the way to improve the
U.S. legal landscape for consumer protection is to expand the exposure science education
at universities and high schools, which in turn will bring more visibility to such issues and
more weight in the policy landscape.
Various Effects of Toxic Chemicals
801
We-LBA-22
Operator, worker and bystander tool (OWB) for screening assessment of co-formulants
in plant protection products
Matthias Wormuth, Syngenta Crop Protection AG, Basel, Switzerland
Volker Mostert, Extera, Langenfeld, Germany
Christopher Dobe, Syngenta Crop Protection AG, Basel, Switzerland
Sebastien Bonifay, DuPont de Nemours, Mechelen, Belgium
Joachim Krass, BASF SE, Limburgerhof, Germany
Renate Vosswinkel, Bayer CropScience AG, Monheim, Germany
In the European Union, manufacture and import of chemicals is regulated under the
REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of
Chemicals). An environmental and human exposure and risk assessment has to be carried
out under REACH for hazardous substances used in quantities above 10 tonnes per year.
This assessment needs to cover all identified uses throughout the whole life cycle of a
substance.
The European Crop Protection Association (ECPA) has developed the OWB (operator,
worker and bystander) screening tool for the assessment of human exposure to co-
formulants in plant protection products in a standardised way. The four generic exposure
scenarios developed by ECPA for the spray and granular application of crop protection
products by professionals and consumers are integrated in OWB. The tool requires a
limited set of input parameters and conducts the assessment for commonly used
formulation types, to support manufacturers and importers of substances used as co-
formulants as they often have limited knowledge of typical use conditions of plant
protection products in the agricultural sector.
OWB supports a REACH-compliant screening assessment of human exposure to co-
formulants by using established models and approaches for the risk assessment of active
ingredients of plant protection products in the EU. The tool gives relevant output for the
communication of use conditions and risk management measures ensuring the safe use of
co-formulants. OWB is based on models developed by the European Food Safety Authority
(EFSA), which since 2016 are replacing the models and tools formerly used for the
assessment of active ingredients of plant protection products in the EU. The presentation
highlights the main features of the OWB tool, describes the required input parameters,
and gives examples of representative assessments of co-formulants and how the output
can be used in the communication of safe conditions of use to downstream users.
802
We-LBA-23
Approach to correct the MicroPEM shifting baseline issues
Ting Zhang, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States
Steve N. Chillrud, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States
Masha Pitiranggon, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States
James Ross, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States
Junfeng Ji, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China, People's Republic of
Beizhan Yan, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States
Background: Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is associated with various adverse health
outcomes. The miniaturized real-time portable particulate sensors with integrated filters
of PM2.5 (MicroPEMs by RTI) have been widely used for exposure assessment to PM2.5.
However, an unrealistic or shifting baseline issue has been observed in the nephelometer
real-time data of MicroPEMs. Objective: The aim of this study is to find out a method to
solve the shifting baseline problem in MicroPEM. Methods: We developed a running
baseline correction method based on central site monitored PM2.5 (RBCS). We also
compared our corrected results with field based high-efficiency particulate arrestance
(HEPA) method fixed data. In addition, gravimetric correction was conducted after
baseline correction given the potential highly variable optical reflectivity of local PM
sources. 142 personal or residential samples including 7 duplicates generated by
MicroPEMs from a cohort of children in New York City and Baltimore were used to validate
the baseline correction method. Results: As for 79 of the 142 deployments that have valid
start and end HEPA correction, 55.6% of the collected raw data met our validity criteria,
while 46.8% and 96.2% of them met the criteria after HEPA and RBCS correction,
respectively. As for the remaining 63 deployments, 61.9% of them met the validity criteria
before RBCS correction and 100% met the standards after correction. The Pearson
correlation coefficient of average PM2.5 concentration for the 7 groups of duplicates
increased from 0.87 (p < 0.005, slope = 0.60) for raw data to 0.99 (p < 0.001, slope = 0.71)
for RBCS corrected data. And the slope increased to 1.00 after both RBCS and gravimetric
correction. Conclusions: RBCS correction could well fix the baseline shifting issue in
MicroPEM monitoring. And it is more effective compared with HEPA correction method.
Combination of RBCS and gravimetric correction could help precisely interpret MicroPEM
real-time data.
803
We-LBA-24
Occurrence and exposure to phthalate metabolites and bisphenol analogues in urine
from Korean children
Yunsun Jeong, Hanyang University, Ansan, Korea, South
Min Kyu Park, Hanyang University, Ansan, Korea, South
Sunmi Kim, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea, South
Gowoon Lee, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea, South
Kyungho Choi, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea, South
Hyo-Bang Moon, Hanyang Univerisity, Ansan, Korea, South
Jeongim Park, Soonchunhyang University, Ansan, Korea, South
Phthalates are a group of chemicals widely used in consumer products such as plasticizers,
solvents and additives. Due to the short half-lives of phthalates in human body, urinary
phthalate metabolites are used as biomarkers of recent human exposure to phthalates.
BPA is primarily used in the production of polycarbonate and epoxy resins. Because of
regulations on BPA, bispenol analogues (BPs) such as bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F
(BPF) are used as alternatives of BPA. Phthalates and BPs are of concern worldwide
because they disrupt endocrine system in human body. In our study, urinary
concentrations of 18 phthalate metabolites and 7 bisphenol analogues (BPs) were
determined from 133 Korean children (2¬-8 years) in 2015 using LC/MS/MS. To avoid
variance of these contaminants according to the sampling point, the first urine samples
were collected on Friday. There was no significant difference depends on sex and age.
Among analyzed compounds, 10 phthalate metabolites, BPA and BPS were detected over
60% of total urine samples. Total concentrations of phthalate metabolites and BPs ranged
from 11.6 to 350 ng/mL (median: 95 ng/mL) and 0.3 to 62 ng/mL (median: 2.5 ng/mL),
respectively. In urine samples, metabolites of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) such as
mono(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (MECPP, 52%), mono-[(2-carboxymethyl)hexyl]
phthalate (MCMHP, 11%), monoethyl phthalate (MEP, 8%), mono-n-butyl phthalate (MBP,
6%), and monomethyl phthalate (MMP, 6%) showed the highest proportions to total
concentrations of phthalate metabolites. Our finding implies the higher consumption of
DEHP than other phthalates in Korean industry. Among BPs, BPS (64%) showed highest
contribution to the total BP concentrations, BPA (26%) was the next contributor. The
dominance of BPS in urine samples could be associated with the increasing demand for BPS
in Korean industry due to strong regulation on BPA. The estimated daily intake to MEP
(mean: 6.2 μg/day), MBP (7.2 μg/day) and BPA (1.1 μg/day) showed lower than the
reference dose values proposed from U. S. Environmental Protection Agency.
804
We-LBA-25
Perfluoroalkyl acids among Korean children and adolescents: serum levels in 4 to 18
years of age and related exposure sources
Habyeong Kang, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea, South
Hyun-Kyung Lee, Hanyang University, Ansan, Korea, South
Jy Eun Lee, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea, South
Sunmi Kim, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea, South
Hyo-Bang Moon, Hanyang University, Ansan, Korea, South
Jeongim Park, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Korea, South
Kyungho Choi, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea, South
Humans are ubiquitously exposed to perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in daily life. Although
exposure levels of these compounds in general population have been widely reported,
PFAAs exposure among children and adolescents is not well understood. This study was
conducted to evaluate levels of PFAAs among Korean children and adolescents. In 2012
and 2014, we collected serum samples from 150 children and adolescents with 4-18-year-
old living in Seoul and Gyeonggi, Korea. In the samples, 16 PFAAs were analyzed. To
identify potential sources of exposure, dietary and behavioral factors were investigated
from the 150 participants. PFOS was detected in all the samples, and the concentration
was highest among the analyzed PFAAs with the median concentration of 5.68 ng/mL.
PFOA, PFNA, and PFHxS were also detected in all the samples with the median
concentrations of 1.88, 0.938, and 0.652 ng/mL, respectively. Detection rates of PFUnDA,
PFDA, and PFDS were 98.7, 79.3, and 63.3%, respectively, while detection rates were less
than 50% for the other PFAAs. Among 16-18-year-old adolescents, sum of total PFAAs
concentration was significantly higher among boys than in girls. Similar trends of increase
in boys were observed for other PFAAs in the age groups after 10 years old. However, this
sex difference was not significant in the age groups before 10 years old (Figure).
Concentrations of several PFAAs, i.e. PFOA, PFNA, and PFOS, decreased as age increased.
Using questionnaire, several potential exposure sources of PFAAs, i.e. intake of
breastmilk, fish/shellfish consumption, use of frying pan, and use of waterproof coating
cloths, were identified. The results of this study will help understand current exposure
status of and manage exposure of major PFAAs among children and adolescents. In
addition, high detection of long chain PFAAs, i.e. PFUnDA, PFDA, and PFDS, warrants
further efforts to investigate exposure source of these emerging compounds.
Geometric mean concentrations of (A) total PFAAs, (B) PFOA, (C) PFNA, (D) PFUnDA, (E)
PFHxS, and (F) PFOS in serum according age group and sex. Comparisons between two
sexes were conducted with t-test. Symbols #, *, and ** represent p<0.1, p<0.05, and p<0
805
We-LBA-26
Human exposure assessment of nonylphenol and octylphenol – a review
Gowoon Lee, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea, South
Habyeong Kang, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea, South
Kyungho Choi, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea, South
Alkylphenols are biodegradation products of alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEOs), which are
used in various industries such as polymer, plastics, electronics, and fabrics industries.
Due to their estrogenicity, alkylphenols have been regulated in many parts of the world.
Considering toxicity and possible human exposure to these compounds, identification of
exposure sources and management of alkylphenols are necessary. In this review, exposure
levels of alkylphenols in general and susceptible populations, and their major exposure
route were examined through literature survey. Target compounds of this review were
limited to nonylphenol (NP) and octylphenol (OP). For these compounds, information on
physico-chemical characteristics, exposure sources, estimated daily intake, and
occurrence levels in human biological samples were obtained. In addition, relative
contribution of each exposure source and route of NP and OP was estimated.
NP and OP have been detected in food. Fish (mean of 431 μg/kg), meet (262.9 μg/kg),
grain (431 μg/kg), and vegetables (131 μg/kg) are determined as major sources of
exposure to these compounds for general populations. People can be also exposed by
drinking water, and personal care products (PCPs). Up to 39.1 mg/kg of alkylphenols was
reported in PCPs. Indoor air and house dust were exposure sources in indoor environment.
Among general populations, contributions of food consumption (89%) was estimated to be
the greatest, followed by inhalation of indoor air (7%) and use of PCPs (4%). Among the
populations with high exposure, contribution of the use of PCPs (72%) was the greatest,
followed by food consumption (23%) and inhalation of indoor air (5%).
NP and OP have been detected in human samples, e.g. urine, breast milk, blood,
adipocyte, and placenta. When median values of reported alkylphenols concentrations in
breast milk and baby food were applied, estimated daily intake (EDI) of NP for infants
exceeded tolerable daily intake (TDI) of 5 μg/kg/day. For general populations, EDI did not
exceed TDI, even if the maximum detected concentrations were applied. Identification
and management of NP exposure of infants warrant further investigation.
806
We-LBA-27
Occupational Hazards of Standing Work: Work-Related Effects on Musculoskeletal
Discomforts
Wei-Cheng Lin, National Kaohsiung First University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung,
China, Republic of (Taiwan)
Yu-Li Huang, National Kaohsiung First University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung,
China, Republic of (Taiwan)
Prolonged standing at work is a known occupational hazard that leads to various
musculoskeletal discomforts (MSD). Poor work environment, improper posture and work
overloads are among important risk factors to occupational musculoskeletal hazards, but
the influence of prolonged standing at work remain largely unexplored. In this study,
literature data were collected from different occupations to examine how prolonged
standing at work affects risk of MSD. Thesis and journal publications published between
2005 – 2015 were screened using the online literature databases. Studies on
musculoskeletal discomforts among specific groups of workers were identified and
included for data analyses. Potential effects of personal and occupational factors related
to musculoskeletal discomforts were extracted from each study and combined for further
analyses. In addition, work-related characteristics in standing work were compared for
their potential influence on prevalence of MSD. In addition, personal and job-related
characteristics were further analyzed with individual questionnaire data from a case study
to determine whether personal factors affect the risk of MSD form prolonged standing at
work.
The results showed that prolonged standing at work, when combined with back bending,
weight carrying, walking, kneeling or static burdens, would increase the risk of
musculoskeletal discomforts, specifically on the lower limbs. Further analyses were
performed with individual data to determine the influence on MSD due to personal
characteristics and working conditions. The results showed that women had higher risk of
musculoskeletal discomforts than men. On the other hand, by controlling for work
conditions, there was no evidence of gender difference in MSD risks. This suggested that
work burden may be more important in influencing the risk of MSD than gender…
Compared to office workers, prolonged standing work is more likely to cause
musculoskeletal discomforts, and work conditions that involve frequent bending, kneeling,
prolonged standing, carrying or walking objectives may increase the risk of MSD. Finally,
workers who have scheduled breaks at work had about the same risk of MSD as those
without breaks, suggesting that current approaches in break arrangement may not be
enough to reduce MSD risks.
In summary, prolonged standing is likely to increase risk of musculoskeletal discomfort,
especially in lower limbs. Work-related activities such as bending back, bending knees,
carrying and walking may increase risk of MSD. The risk of musculoskeletal discomfort
should be further assessed with respect to standing work conditions for better hazard
prevention strategies.
807
We-LBA-28
Particulate matter (PM10, PM0,5) and early biological effects in children living in
Lecce (Italy) by buccal micronucleus cytome assay
Francesca Serio, University of the Salento, Lecce, Italy
Francesco Bagordo, University of the Salento, Lecce, Italy
Mattia De Giorgi, University of the Salento, lecce, Italy
Tiziana Grassi, University if the Salento, lecce, Italy
Marcello Guido, University if the Salento, lecce, Italy
Adele Idolo, University if the Salento, lecce, Italy
Elisabetta Ceretti, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
Sara Levorato, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
Massimo Moretti, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
Milena Villarini, University of Perugia,, perugia, Italy
Marco Verani, University of Pisa, pisa, Italy
Sara Bonetta, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
Silvia Bonizzoni, Comune di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
Alberto Bonetti, Centro Servizi Multisettoriale e Tecnologico – CSMT Gestione S.c.a.r.l.,
Brescia, Italy
Umberto Gelatti, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
Antonella de Donno,University if the Salento, lecce, Italy
Background
Air pollution is one of the most important worldwide health problem. Several studies have
found an association between exposure to particulate matter and the incidence of chronic
diseases.
The aim of the PJS study (Progetto Jonico Salentino) is to define the exposure levels to
atmospheric pollutants of the population living in a macro-area which included in the
province of Lecce, Brindisi and Taranto by extending the cohort of 240 6-8 years-old
schoolchildren living in Lecce, and enrolled in the MAPEC_LIFE study (Monitoring Air
Pollution Effects on Children for Supporting Public Health Policy).
The authors present results of micronucleus cytome assay performed in oral mucosa cells
of subjects related to lifestyle and factors associated with exposure to indoor/outdoor
including the level of PM10 and PM0,5, context family residential, physical activity and
weight status.
Methods
Recruitment is done on a voluntary basis after receiving from children's parents the signed
consent form. Parents who accepted to participate at the study were administered, in two
seasons (winter and spring) a questionnaire which included the exclusion criteria and some
information regarding personal, anthropometric and health status as well as exposure
factors related to the home context.
Results on children eligible for the study were carried out sampling exfoliated buccal cells
from oral mucosa using a soft-bristled toothbrush, for the tests of the MN.
At the same time, in addition to biological sampling, it was conducted air monitoring by
high-volume sampler "Air Flow PM10-HVS" (AMS®Analitica) near the schools attempted by
the enrolled children. It was conduced a PM collection for 72h, with membrane
replacement every 24h, in each site and in each season.
Results
808
426 samples collected from 106 (49.8%) males and 107 (50.2%) females were tested. 43%
(44.6% in the first season and 41.3% in the second) of the samples tested positive
(presence of at least one MN) with an average frequency of MN equal to 0.28 (0.32±0,44 in
the first season, 0.24±0.32 in the second) MN/1000 differentiated cells.
Environmental sampling showed a higher concentration of PM10 and PM0.5 in the first
season than the second.
Conclusions
The results concerning the frequency of MN seem in line with low particulate levels
recorded and related to certain factors regarding family environment and lifestyles. These
data will be integrated with those of other areas involved in PJS study.
809
We-LBA-29
Fruit intake as a source of organophosphate pesticide exposure among pregnant
woman in the Netherlands
Michiel Van den Dries, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
Anjoeka Pronk, TNO, Zeist, Netherlands
Mònica Guxens, ISGlobal Alliance, Barcelona, Spain
Suzanne Spaan, TNO, Zeist, Netherlands
Trudy Voortman, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
Todd.A. Jusko, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, New
York, United States
Pamela A. Shaw, Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia,
United States
Matthew P. Longnecker, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS),
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States
Henning M. Tiemeier, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
Aim: Organophosphate (OP) pesticides are frequently used in agricultural settings for pest
control. Exposure to high doses of OP pesticides is neurotoxic to humans and animals.
However, concern exists about potential health impacts of low-level OP pesticide
exposures among the general population. We aimed to identify sources of prenatal
exposure to organophosphate pesticides in an urban population of Dutch women.
Method:
Urinary concentrations of six dialkyl phosphate (DAP) metabolites, the main urinary
metabolites of OP pesticides, were determined at 25 weeks of pregnancy in 784 pregnant
women participating (between 2004 and 2006) in the Generation R study, a large
prospective birth cohort study in The Netherlands. Diet during the preceding 3 months as a
potential exposure source was assessed with a questionnaire in the first trimester. Mean
food intake in grams per day from completed surveys was estimated using the Dutch food
composition database. Linear mixed models were carried out to identify associations
between the potential exposure sources and log transformed DAP metabolite
concentrations. Results were adjusted for maternal age, height, pre-pregnancy weight,
pre-pregnancy energy intake, marital status, maternal smoking, education, income,
ethnicity, and parity.
Results: Median concentration total DAP metabolites was 310.34 nmol/g creatinine (Cr) for
the first trimester, 316.48 nmol/g Cr for the second trimester and 308.32 nmol/g Cr for
the third trimester. A higher intake of fruit, but not other food groups, was significantly
associated with an increase in total DAP metabolite concentrations for all three
trimesters. A 100 g increase in fruit intake was associated with an increase of 28.3 nmol/g
Cr in total DAP metabolites. More specifically, intake of apples (P<0.001), lemons
(P<0.05), peaches (P<0.05), and plums (P<0.05) was positively associated with total DAP
metabolite concentrations.
Discussion: The data indicated that the women participating in this general population
study from the Netherlands have been relatively highly exposed to OP pesticides compared
to studies from other countries (e.g. 72 nmol/g Cr total DAP metabolites from the US
NHANES study, 2001-2002). Our results suggest that fruit intake was the main dietary
source of exposure. The extent to which DAP metabolite concentrations reflect exposure
to the active parent pesticide rather than to less toxic metabolites remains unclear.
810
Further research will be undertaken to investigate the possible health effects in offspring
of this relatively high low-level OP pesticide exposure.
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Plenary Address 4: Potential of metabolomics in chemical risk analysis
Gaud Dervilly Pinel, LABERCA, Nantes, France
Food safety has become a major issue worldwide and in particular, detecting the presence
of toxins, contaminants or residues of chemical substances along the food chain and in
fine in food items constitutes a strong consumers demand. Generally all these substances
and corresponding metabolites of interest are analysed using efficient targeted
methodologies. However, in some cases these targeted approaches do not allow the
detection of either those substances or emerging compounds/practices and therefore new
approaches and strategies are demanded to efficiently assess the exposure to chemical
contaminants. Thereby the study of physiological perturbations induced upon exposure to
a given chemical substance has emerged as an interesting alternative approach to be
applied in chemical food safety. This presentation is focus to review and describe the most
significant applications of metabolomics in the field of chemical food safety. Through
various examples, the different risk analysis steps (i.e. assessment, management and
communication) will be addressed to illustrate such an approach is fit-for purpose
answering the expectations and requirements of chemical risk analysis. It can be
considered as an innovative tool to predict the likely occurrence and nature of risks,
together with improving detection methods, in the aim of answering global safety issues
and anticipating human health problems.
811
Th-SY-A1: The exposome: a transdisciplinary paradigm for improved
environment and health associations - I
Th-SY-A1.1
Multiscale connectivity in HEALS - a high dimension biology approach to unravel the
exposome
Dimosthenis Sarigiannis, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Aim: The exposome represents the totality of exposures from conception onwards. Its
exploration means identifying, characterizing and quantifying the exogenous and
endogenous exposures and modifiable risk factors that predispose to and predict diseases
throughout a person’s life span. Using it for improved risk assessment implies that both
environmental exposures and genetic variation are reliably measured and linked through
mechanistic analysis of toxicity pathways rather than only phenotypically associated. It is
thus expected to contribute to the determination of causal associations between
environmental factors and human health taking into account genetic susceptibility.
Methods: Making this vision come true poses significant scientific and technological
challenges in terms of both untangling the complex biological networks that regulate our
body’s response to external stressors and processing and analyzing the large datasets
generated from the use of multiple high throughput analytical platforms (-omics
technologies). To understand the interaction between environmental exposure and
disease, we need to: (a) capture the biological perturbations initiated by exposure to
environmental stressors; and (b) identify which of these perturbations overcome the
homeostasis barrier, resulting in observed alterations of the cell/tissue environment and
eventually to pathologic phenotypes. The connectivity approach brings together
environmental, socio-economic, exposure, biomarker and health data; in addition, it
includes all the procedures and computational sequences necessary for applying advanced
bioinformatics coupling advanced data mining, biological and exposure modeling so as to
ensure that environmental exposure-health associations are studied comprehensively.
Based on preliminary results indicating that major environmental factors defining
individual exposome arise from exposure on diet and air pollution, examples of exposome
analysis applied on ambient and indoor air pollutants will be given.
Results: With regard to co-exposure to VOC mixtures (e.g. BTEX), transcriptomics analysis
confirmed that BTEX co-exposure significantly alters the initiation of early biological
effects than single exposure to benzene. Among the most important molecular pathways
differentially expressed were the ones regarding inflammation mediated by chemokine
and cytokine signaling, apoptosis as well as oxidative stress. With regard to exposure to
ambient air PAHs, it was shown that age-dependent differences in internal dose and early
exposure are major components of later life health status.
Conclusions: The conclusions of this study contribute to the effective regulation of volatile
and semi-volatile compound levels in occupational settings and public spaces. The
connectivity approach applied opens the way towards more cost-effective public health
protection by prevention of exposure settings that may increase health risk from combined
exposure to multiple chemicals.
812
Th-SY-A1.2
The HEALS environmental data management system – the backbone of the external
exposome dataset in Europe
John Bartzis, University of Western Macedonia, Kozani, Greece
Evangelos Tolis, University of Western Macedonia, Kozani, Greece
Panagiotis Karagiannis, University of Western Macedonia, Kozani, Greece
Dimosthenis Sarigiannis, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
One of the key activities in HEALS Project is to develop an integrated external exposure
assessment methodology with sufficient resolution in time and space and taken into
consideration the whole life-course of individuals in order to be able to estimate external
exposures of individuals and population subgroups to multiple stressors via different
pathways to help unravel the individual exposome. Such an activity needs, among the
others, the optimal utilization of the appropriate environmental data that include
emissions of stressors, concentrations of toxic substances in environmental media (outdoor
and indoor air, soil, water), in food and in drinking water, various meteorological
conditions etc. Such data are collected and stored in a coherent environmental data
management system (EDMS) . EDMS besides accommodating HEALS own datasets is able to
retrieve existing data from European and Worldwide Organizations as well as various
European and national projects and literature published reviews. The data are classified
to the following categories: Land use/Land cover, Meteorological Data, Comfort data
indoors , Air emission data, Air emission data – consumer products, Pollutant
concentration data in air, soil, dust , water, drinking water and food, Population data,
Noise data and buildings characteristic data. Each dataset includes location, location
characteristics, the time period and the time resolution, units of measurement,
measurement methodology, equipment used and the quality assurance and quality control
of the related data. EDMS is implemented using MySQL as database management system,
in order to grant interoperability in data storage, management and exchange with the
HEALS Geo-Database Platform. It is also is in compliance with the INSPIRE Directive and it
seeks compatibility with JRC IPCHeM database.
813
Th-SY-A1.3
Multi-sensor data fusion for location and activity tracking in HEALS
Anjoeka Pronk, TNO, Zeist, Utrecht, Netherlands
Miranda Loh, IOM, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
John Cherrie, IOM, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Dimitris Chapizanis, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Spyros Karakitsios, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Eelco Kuijpers, TNO, Zeist, Netherlands
Emmeke Aarts, TNO, Zeist, Netherlands
Thomas Maggos, Demokritos, Athens, Greece
Mina Stamatelopoulou, Demokritos, Athens, Greece
John Bartzis, Demokritos, Athens, Greece
Zdravko Spiric, OIKON, Zagreb, Croatia
Christian SchierberleInstitute of Energy Economics and the Rational Use of Energy (IER),
Stuttgart, Germany
Denis Sarigiannis, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Introduction: The determination of presence in micro environments including indoor vs
outdoor is critical for modelling personal exposure based on time-location-activity data.
The aim of this study was to investigate the potential use of multiple sensors for location
and activity tracking.
Methods: As part of the HEALS project time-location-activity data were collected from 28
office workers across 6 European cities for 7 days with the MOVES app on a personal
smartphone and the Fitbit Flex. In addition, real time personal air temperature (Elitech
RC) was measured for all participants and real time personal UV level (Extech Luxmeter
with Semrock 300/80 nm filter) was measured at 4 participants, both devices were
attached to the outer clothing. Paper logs were kept by each participants for logging time-
activity and indoor and outdoor locations.
Results: The MOVES classification (place(=cluster), walk, cycle, transport) and the paper
log correlated well, except for outdoor stationary which was misclassified as ‘place’ by
MOVES. Exploration of the personal activity, air temperature (T) and UV level indicated a
correlation between the (variability in) activity, T and UV levels and being indoors or
outdoors. The data of the multiple sensors were fused in random forest models for
classification of location and activity. Preliminary results indicate a moderate to high
accuracy (65-99%) for the different study subjects.
Discussion: The preliminary results indicate that when using MOVES to assess personal
time-location-activity information additional sensor data may be used to optimize the
classification. Advantages and limitations will be discussed.
814
Th-SY-A1.4
Personal exposure assessment fusing multi-sensor data and Agent Based Modelling
(ABM)
Dimitris Chapizanis, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Alberto Gotti, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Spyros Karakitsios, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Dimosthenis Sarigiannis, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Aim: The downsizing of monitoring technologies and costs makes it possible for various
environmental stressors and exposure factors to be measured more easily. Thus a more
reliable “time - geography of exposure” can be generated shifting the current paradigm
from a population to an individual level. This study examines the feasibility of using
multiple wearable sensors for tracking personal location and activities in order to develop
a personal exposure assessment model. This is achieved by coupling sensors data with
Agent Based Modelling (ABM), a simulation technique where a system -in this case a city- is
modelled as a collection of individual heterogeneous actors, the agents.
Methods: Twenty-five participants in Thessaloniki, Greece, carried a series of devices such
as (a) a temperature logger to detect changes between indoor/outdoor conditions, (b) a
fitness tracker to capture motion and intensity of activity, (c) a GPS device to track
coordinates and speed along with (d) Moves, a smartphone application that enables
tracking of location and activity. Additionally, a time activity diary was filled out each
day. Location, motion and intensity of activity data was used as input to an Artificial
Neural Network (ANN) model, aiming to derive a time-activity model based solely on
sensors data. Using Monte Carlo analysis, distributions of participant movement and
activities derived from the sensors experiments were extrapolated to a larger population.
Using a geographically explicit ABM model, the trajectory of individual participants was
modelled and projected on a geo-referenced layer and finally superposed onto high spatial
resolution urban air quality modelled maps of PM10 concentration. Personal exposure to
air pollutants, expressed as inhalation-adjusted exposure, was then evaluated by assigning
pollutant concentrations to a human agent based on his/her coordinates, physical
activities and the corresponding inhalation rate.
Results: By estimating the daily time-activity patterns (predicted by the coupled sensors-
ANN-ABM platform) of vulnerable subgroups of population, we were able to estimate their
personal exposure and intake dose per body weight. On average, personal exposure results
were between 10 and 20% more accurate than the equivalent estimate using ambient air
concentration of PM as exposure proxy.
Conclusions: An individual exposure model was developed feeding a population-based
exposure assessment system without imposing prior bias, but rather basing its estimations
onto emerging properties of the agent behaviour. This approach permits the
computationally cost-effective identification of refined exposure profiles throughout the
day, leading to useful conclusions regarding capping exposure to high pollution levels in
cities.
815
Th-SY-A1.5
The importance of internal dosimetry in unravelling the exposome
Dimosthenis Sarigiannis, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Spyros Karakitsios, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Alberto Gotti, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Evangelos Handakas, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Aim: Lifelong human exposure (towards exposome analysis) needs to be reckoned based on
actual internal dose at the target tissues, for the different life stages. Moreover, in many
cases, internal exposure has to be estimated starting from biological indices of exposure
(biomarkers).
Methods: A major methodological component of the HEALS project towards the analysis of
exposome is the development of a generic Physiology Based BioKinetic (PBBK) model. The
model is applicable for a broad variety of chemicals under proper parameterization,
through the use of advanced QSAR models. Aiming at capturing in-utero exposure, the
model also describes the functional interaction of the mother and the developing fetus
through the placenta. The PBΒK model is geared with reverse modeling algorithms in order
to reconstruct exposure from human biomonitoring (HBM) data. Dynamic flux balance
analysis ensures the realistic description of toxicokinetics, under real life exposure
scenarios.
Results: The model was parameterized for the assessment of a highly controversial
industrial chemical with widespread applicability in consumer goods, namely bisphenol-A
(BPA). For the majority of the investigated exposure scenarios, the estimated internal
dose was close to 0.002 μg/L and only in the case of bottle fed infants, internal exposure
concentrations were up to 0.023 μg/L. This is partially explained by the neonates
immaturity of the detoxification pathway, resulting to higher internal doses for the same
bodyweight normalized dose compared to children older than 1 year old or adults. The
biologically effective dose of the developing fetus during gestation was found to be
slightly increased to the one in maternal blood. In addition, exposure to BPA was
reconstructed based on real-life HBM data, using an average urine BPA-Glu equal to 2.8
μg/L across Europe, covering different age groups. The results indicated that the overall
daily intake is below 1 μg/kg_bw/d and the estimated internal dose was close to 0.002
μg/l, far below any internal dose derived reference value, corresponding to the lower
estimates of the already considered exposure scenarios.
Conclusions: Assessment of real life exposure scenarios can be estimated following either
a bottom-up (starting from exposure estimates), or a top-down (starting from
biomonitoring data). In any case, the assessment is efficiently refined if internal dose
metrics are used as reference doses for risk characterization. The latter can be derived by
extrapolating from in vivo or in vitro results, taking stock of the wealth of data rapidly
produced by modern high-throughput platforms.
816
Th-SY-B1: Tooth-matrix biomarkers to reconstruct the early life exposome
Th-SY-B1.1
Reconstructing the Early Life Environment Using Micro-Spatial Analysis of Teeth
Manish Arora, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
Christine Austin, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
Syam Andra, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
Birgit Claus Henn, Boston University, Boston, United States
Chris Gennings, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
Brent Coull, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, United States
Robert Wright, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
The exposome concept proposes a comprehensive assessment of environmental exposures,
including diet, chemicals and social stressors, from the prenatal period onwards. However,
reconstructing these environmental influences during the prenatal and early childhood
periods remains a major challenge in environmental epidemiology. This presentation will
highlight recent developments in tooth-matrix biomarkers that permit retrospective
determination of several important components of the exposome, ranging from metal and
organic toxicants, essential dietary elements, homeostatic disruptions and biologic
response variables. To support the subsequent presentations in our symposium, this talk
will lay the conceptual framework of tooth matrix biomarkers and link the developmental
physiology of teeth with their application in environmental epidemiologic studies. Detailed
validation studies have been undertaken of the proposed biomarkers in humans and
animals for chemical mixtures that include metal toxicants (e.g. lead), essential dietary
nutrients that may be harmful at higher exposures (e.g. manganese and zinc) and
exposure to stress (physical and social stressors). In a prospective cohort study we
compared microspatial analyses of lead (Pb) in teeth with concentrations in maternal
blood during the second and third trimesters, umbilical cord blood, and child’s serial
blood. We also undertook comparisons of tooth lead levels with maternal bone lead
(measured using K-X ray fluorescence). The results indicated significant positive
correlations between tooth matrix biomarkers and the lead levels in other matrices (r
range = 0.4 to 0.69; p<0.05). Similar validation has also been undertaken for manganese.
To develop and validate a biomarker of early life dietary transitions, in a parallel human
and macaque study, we observed that barium signatures corresponded to a move from
breast milk to infant formula; introduction of formula was associated with ~1.5 higher
barium uptake in dentine than breast milk (Austin presentation in this symposium). We
have extended the macaque component of that study to show that external stressors,
ranging from illness, injury, separation from mother and introduction to a new group,
impart measurable signatures in macaque teeth. This presentation will conclude by
providing conceptual links between the development of the biomarker for diet (Austin
presentation), organic chemicals (Andra presentation), novel statistical methods to
analyze these high dimensional data (Gennings and Coull presentation), and the
application of these biomarkers and statistical methods to study children’s
neurodevelopment (Claus Henn presentation).
817
Th-SY-B1.2
Novel Biomarkers of Dietary Transitions and Composition
Christine Austin, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
Syam Andra, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States
Birgit Claus Henn, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, United States
Brent Coull, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, United States
Chris Gennings, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
Robert Wright, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
Manish Arora, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
Infant and childhood diets are major determinants of lifelong health trajectories with
some evidence suggesting that longer duration of breastfeeding is associated with
improved immunologic function, respiratory health and neurodevelopment. Risks or
benefits of partial breastfeeding with formula supplementation are unclear and
complicated by the fact that questionnaires may not accurately capture the relative
“dose” of breast milk vs formula, especially when collected retrospectively. A biomarker
that can retrospectively quantify the “dose” and composition of breast milk and formula,
and its duration of use, would be a major advancement. Furthermore, if collected late in
childhood it would facilitate cost-effective case-control studies of infant feeding practices
in childhood diseases, which may be years after breastfeeding has ended.
We have developed a novel biomarker that can objectively reconstruct the timing of past
infant diet transitions using deciduous teeth. This biomarker combines sophisticated
histological and chemical analyses to precisely sample dentine layers corresponding to
specific life stages, generating integrated, longitudinal weekly nutrient estimates during
early childhood, and prenatally. These dentine assays can be undertaken years after the
exposure occurred, are stable over years/decades, and not subject to recall error or bias.
We used this biomarker to reconstruct breastfeeding practices in monkey and human
teeth, and even a Neanderthal tooth specimen (see Nature doi10.1038/nature121691).
Barium (and in some cases strontium) signatures identified the transition from the
prenatal period to onset of breastfeeding and the introduction of infant formulas by
successive increases in tooth concentration (p for trend <0.05). We investigated the
association of Ba, as a proxy for infant diet, with neurodevelopment using a reverse
distributed lag model (DLM). There was no significant association of Ba with IQ from birth
until about 10 months when a significant negative association was observed. If breast milk
is considered the base nutrition required for optimal development, while diet is
predominated by breast milk no significant association of Ba and IQ is expected, as
development is uninterrupted. As formula use increased with age, a negative association
between Ba and IQ was observed. Infant formula is significantly higher in Ba than breast
milk and therefore high postnatal Ba levels are expected to indicate a high proportion of
formula in the diet. This trend indicates that a greater proportion of formula intake is
negatively associated with neurodevelopment, which is consistent with other reports of
poorer neurodevelopment outcomes associated with shorter duration of breastfeeding.
818
Th-SY-B1.3
Prenatal and Early Childhood Exposure to Multi-class Organic Chemicals Using Tooth-
Matrix Biomarkers
Syam Andra, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
Christine Austin, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
Manish Arora, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
The exposome concept proposes a comprehensive assessment of environmental exposures
from the prenatal period onwards. For decades, teeth have been used to estimate long-
term cumulative exposure to metals. Recently developed high-dimensional analytical
methods that combine sophisticated histological and chemical analysis to precisely sample
tooth layers that correspond to specific life stages have the potential to reconstruct the
exposome in the second and third trimesters of prenatal development and during early
childhood. We reconstructed the prenatal and early childhood exposure to multiple
organic chemical classes using teeth. We performed global screening of small molecules in
trimester-specific formed dentine layers from deciduous teeth using liquid
chromatography coupled quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (QTOF-LC/MS)
metabolomics approach. QTOF-LC/MS analyses showed unique and differential chemical
signatures of environmental exposure that are individual and development-stage
dependent. The results of this study (a) revealed more than 12,000 unique chemical
signatures in trimester-specific dentine layers, (b) indicate high inter- and intra-child
variability in screened chemical profiles, (c) show novel ‘known unknowns’ and ‘suspected
unknowns’ compounds, (d) demonstrate exposure misclassification error that can cause
misleading inferences about causality, and (e) most importantly, the reconstruction of
exposure was done 7 to 10 years after prenatal and early childhood exposure. The
chemicals detected included phenols (BPA, BPS, BPF), phthalate metabolites, parabens,
tobacco markers (cotinine and nicotine). Validation of key signatures is underway.
Specifically, phthalate monsters detected in children's deciduous teeth are being
compared to levels in maternal urine during pregnancy. Similarly, analysis are also
underway for perfluorinated compounds. A retrospective temporal exposomic approach
that precisely measures exposure intensity and timing during prenatal and early childhood
development would substantially aid epidemiologic investigations, particularly case–
control studies of rare health outcomes.
819
Th-SY-B1.4
Novel Statistical Methods to Uncover Time Varying Critical Developmental Windows to
Chemical Mixtures
Chris Gennings, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
Brent Coull, Harvard Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
Ander Wilson, Harvard Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
Syam Andra, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
Christine Austin, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
Birgit Claus Henn, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
Robert Wright, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
Manish Arora, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
Tooth matrix biomarkers generate complex data structures on multiple chemicals and
nutrients over fine scale developmental windows (1 to 2 weekly exposures) that may be
linked to a range of health outcomes. The dearth of statistical approaches to study such
complex higher-dimensional interactions limits the use of this biomarker in epidemiologic
studies. To use this tooth biomarker to identify critical developmental windows associated
with chemical mixtures, we embed distributed lag modeling (DLM) techniques, which have
proven useful for detecting critical windows associated with a single chemical, within
methods for estimating health risks associated with a chemical mixture. Specifically, we
integrate DLM methods within weighted quantile regression (WQS), which we term
weighted distributed lag models (wDLM) and also consider distributed lag functions within
a kernel machine regression framework (DL-KMR). The wDLM approach has the advantage
that it yields an interpretable index score for the mixture, and then estimates how the
association between this score and outcome varies across the exposure period. The
distributed lag kernel has the advantage that it allows for non-additivity of chemical
exposures observed at different timepoints. The methods can be applied to the tooth
chemical biomarker as well as more broadly to chemical mixture studies. We used time-
window specific tooth data from the second trimester to 1 year of age to identify sensitive
windows of exposure to each metal in the ELEMENT cohort study.
820
Th-SY-B1.5
Critical Windows of Neurodevelopmental Susceptibility to Chemical Mixtures: Case
Studies from Across the Globe
Birgit Claus Henn, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
Brent Coull, Harvard Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
Chris Gennings, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
Christine Austin, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
Syam Andra, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
Robert Wright, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
Manish Arora, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
Aim: A major barrier to epidemiologic studies of neurodevelopmental effects of prenatal
chemical exposure is the lack of suitable biomarkers to measure fetal uptake.
Consequently, prenatal susceptibility windows when chemical exposure may be most
strongly linked to neurodevelopmental outcomes have not been identified. Manganese
(Mn), lead (Pb), and other metals exposure can now be quantified using teeth, which can
determine dose and exposure timing. We apply tooth-matrix biomarkers in two pediatric
cohort studies to uncover discrete prenatal and postnatal developmental windows of
susceptibility when metals exposure is most strongly associated with neurodevelopmental
outcomes.
Methods: We studied mother–child pairs drawn from the longitudinal birth cohort studies
in Mexico City that comprise the Early Life Exposures in MExico and NeuroToxicology
(ELEMENT) project, which investigates the long-term consequences of prenatal
environmental factors on child development. Child neurodevelopment was assessed
between 6- and 14-years of age using the Wide Range Assessment of Visual Motor Abilities.
We also studied 10-15 year old Italian children living near a ferromanganese plant who are
participants of the Public Health Impact of Mixed Element Exposure (PHIME) project.
Neurodevelopment was assessed using the Conner’s Comprehensive Behavior Rating
Scales. Mn, Pb and other metals were measured using the tooth-matrix biomarkers. We
applied distributed lag models, multivariable regression, and weighted quantile sum
regression to study the association of metals with behavior and visuospatial learning.
Results: Visual-motor scores were significantly associated with Mn exposure in the Mexico
City cohort and this relationship varied markedly by children’s Pb exposure status. In low-
Pb children, prenatal Mn levels were not associated with visual-motor scores, but
approximately 100 days after birth, higher Mn levels were correlated with better
performance on the visual-motor tests (p<0.05). In high-Pb children, however, the
postnatal tooth Mn levels were inversely associated with visual-motor scores (p<0.05). Fine
motor scores also showed two critical windows for Mn exposure, with positive associations
prenatally and negative associations postnatally. In the Italian cohort, prenatal tooth Mn
levels were associated with fewer self-reported inattentive behaviors (β = -0.09, p=0.05
for highest Mn quintile vs lowest), while tooth Mn levels from early childhood were
associated with more inattentive behaviors (β = 0.05, p=0.3 for highest Mn quintile vs
lowest).
Conclusions: Using tooth-matrix biomarkers and recently developed statistical methods,
we were able to uncover complex associations dependent on the developmental age and
level of concurrent exposure to multiple metals, which varied across the
neurodevelopmental domains we examined.
821
822
Th-SY-C1: Development of personal sampling devices and chemical screening
methods for large-scale epidemiology and human biomonitoring studies - I
Th-SY-C1.1
Importance of Human Biomonitoring for Public Health and Chemical Risk Management
Antonia Calafat, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, United States
Data on the health significance of human exposure to many chemicals used in modern
societies are limited and, at times, even contradictory. However, studies to investigate
the prevalence of such exposures are of public health importance because of the potential
harmful health effects of some of these chemicals, as often shown in animal studies.
Advances in analytical techniques in the last few decades have contributed to the increase
in biomonitoring research as a tool to determine internal dose, and biomarkers
concentrations are increasingly used to quantify exposures within populations.
Biomonitoring programs are particularly valuable for investigating human exposure to
environmental chemicals. One of these programs, the National Health and Nutrition
Examination Survey (NHANES), is conducted annually in the United States by the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). NHANES is designed to collect data on the
health and nutritional status of the U.S. general population. Since 1999, concentrations of
select chemicals in urine and blood of NHANES participants have provided the most
comprehensive assessment of Americans’ chemical exposures. This presentation will
provide an overview on the use of NHANES biomonitoring data to establish reference
ranges, to identify determinants of exposure and populations with higher exposures, to
provide exposure information for risk assessment (e.g., set intervention and research
priorities, evaluate effectiveness of public health measures), and to monitor exposure
trends.
823
Th-SY-C1.2
Recent Developments in Microsampling for Quantitative Bioanalysis
Neil Spooner, Spooner Bioanalytical Solutions, Hertford, United Kingdom
In order to accurately determine circulating concentrations of analytes, a high quality
sample is required that reflects the physiological situation at the time of collection.
Further, for the monitoring of environmental exposure, samples ideally need to be
representative of the time and place of exposure and sample collection. Therefore,
simple approaches are required so that high quality samples can be obtained in non-
hospital settings, potentially facilitating self collection of the sample in the home, or
other convenient location.
This presentation will explore the characteristics that are required for such a device to be
successful, from both the usability / ergonomic and the bioanalytical point of view. This
will be illustrated by considering technologies that are currently widely commercially
available and the types of experiments that are required in order for the user to be
confident that the concentrations that are determined are valid and reflective of the
physiological situation. In addition, the presentation will showcase emerging technologies
and future approaches that may better suit the requirement for simple determination of
circulating analyte concentrations.
824
Th-SY-C1.3
hemaPEN, an intuitive device for unassisted and accurate collection of Dried Blood
Spot samples
Florian Lapierre, University of Tasmania, Ringwood, victoria, Australia
Ricardo Neto, University of Tasmania, Ringwood, Victoria, Australia
David Bailey, Trajan, Ringwood, Victoria, Australia
Andrew Gooley, Trajan, Ringwood, Victoria, Australia
Have you recently tested your blood? Are you a scientist conducting an epidemiological
study over a population? How do you usually manage blood sampling?
The bottleneck in the blood analysis process seems to originate right from the blood
collection. Going to the clinic, waiting for the nurse to be ready, requiring skilled use of
needles to draw blood, and secure transportation and storage of blood samples, are
barriers to technology adoption for blood analysis studies.
Dried Blood Spot (DBS) sampling methodology is a commonly used technique to collect a
small amount of blood from a heel prick for neonatal studies. However, this technology is
generally performed by trained nurses, and attempts to modify this technique for self-
collection have not been successful. The reasons for this are the fact that DBS technology
has not improved since the 1960s, in terms of usability for both patient and clinician, as
well as the level of sample protection.
hemaPEN (Figure 1) redefines blood collection and storage from the fingertip in order to
improve access to personal sampling. By assembling existing regulatory approved
components - 4 glass capillaries of 3µL and 4 pre-punched PKI226 papers - inside a pen-like
device, the hemaPEN enables accurate blood collection without the need for professional
medical assistance.
Our results for collected blood volume show that the hemaPEN provides a higher level of
precision (CV=1%) than other dispensing methods (i.e. pipette, syringe, CV=3-5%),
eliminating human error during collection and processing. The capillary collection
mechanism dispenses an accurate volume of blood, leading to superior accuracy during
analysis (95% recovery compare to 87% with other dispensing methods). Moreover, the
integrated compartments protect samples at every stage of the process, and advanced
sample tracking could be enabled by NFC technology.
In conclusion, the hemaPEN provides technical support for epidemiological studies and
enables home-based, unassisted blood collection. Adoption into current healthcare
systems is expected to save time, cost, and improve accuracy of blood analysis, setting
industry standards.
825
hemaPEN enables unassisted blood collection by anyone, anytime, anywhere. With just a
button click, hemaPEN’s innovative microfluidic extraction takes very small and precise
blood samples from the fingertip, instantly transferring them into an integrated
826
Th-SY-C1.4
Quality Assurance and Quality Control of Portable Devises using a Standard Reference
Material
Jessica Reiner, NIST, Charleston, South Carolina, United States
John Bowden, NIST, Charleston, South Carolina, United States
Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) are homogeneous, well-characterized materials that
are used to validate measurements and improve the quality of analytical data
(www.nist.gov/srm). The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has a wide
range of SRMs that have values assigned for clinically important analytes, legacy organic
pollutants, and toxic metals in human matrices. Examples of some SRMs include organic
contaminants in human serum, human milk, and human urine, lead in caprine blood,
arsenic species in human urine, and toxic elements in human urine. These SRMs can serve
as materials for quality control when developing methods on a portable devise. Currently
NIST has looked at different sampling techniques, including dried blood spot cards (DBS),
and different portable devises, including CardioChek and VetScan. SRM 1958 Organic
Contaminants in Fortified Human Serum (Freeze-Dried), SRM 955c Toxic Metals in Caprine
Blood, and a solution of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 were spotted onto DBS cards to test the
feasibility of using DBS to screen for analytes of interest. Preliminary results for the
measurements indicate encouraging data for screening some analytes. SRM 1950
Metabolites in Frozen Human Plasma was used to assess the precision and accuracy of the
CardioChek and VetScan devises for field research. Results indicate that precise and
accurate measurements for many compounds can be made using both portable devises.
This presentation will discuss how the SRMs were used as a control material and the
preliminary results. Additionally the benefits of validating measurements with a SRM will
be discussed.
827
Th-PL-D1: Exposure Modeling
Th-PL-D1.1
Effect of Model Choice on Estimates of Ultrafine Particle Number Concentrations near
Roadways
Allison Patton, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States
Chad Milando, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan,
United States
Stephen Zemba, CDM Smith, Boston, MA, United States
Prashant Kumar, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
John Durant, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States
Aim: Exposure to ultrafine particles (UFP; less than 100 nm in diameter) is associated with
cardiovascular disease risk markers. UFP are emitted in vehicle exhaust, leading to sharply
elevated UFP concentrations near busy roadways. The aim of this work was to compare
UFP number concentrations predicted by dispersion models and multivariable regression at
addresses within 200 m of highways.
Methods: We studied two Boston-area (MA, USA) neighborhoods near interstate highways:
a residential area near I-93 (Somerville) and an urban center near I-93 and I-90
(Chinatown). Models used to predict the spatial distribution of UFP included spatial-
temporal regression models and four line source dispersion models: CALINE 4, a steady-
state Gaussian dispersion model with atmospheric stability classes; R-LINE and AERMOD,
dispersion models that parameterize atmospheric stability with Monin-Obukhov length;
and QUIC, a Lagrangian model. Traffic emission factors were generated locally;
meteorological and traffic data were obtained from state agencies. UFP measurements for
model evaluation were made with a mobile laboratory. Models were compared for wind
directions parallel and perpendicular to each highway as well as for typical winter and
summer temperatures (4 scenarios in Somerville and 6 in Chinatown). Model performance
was evaluated by R2, fraction of estimates within a factor of two of measurements (fac2),
and fractional bias relative to measurements (FB). UFP concentrations were predicted
with each model at 22 Somerville residences and 133 Chinatown residences. Pearson
correlations among predictions from the models were calculated.
Results: Measured and modeled UFP were consistently highest near the highways. In both
neighborhoods, QUIC predicted the highest UFP concentrations and the regression model
predicted lower UFP concentrations close to the highways. Sharper near-highway gradients
were measured and modeled in Somerville than in Chinatown. Compared to
measurements, the models performed better in Somerville (R2>0.51, fac2>45%, FB
between -0.76 and 0.37) than in Chinatown (R2≤0.44, fac2>20%, FB between -0.97 and
0.77), where complex building geometry and lack of local traffic data resulted in poor
agreement with measurements. Although Pearson correlations among model predictions
for all scenarios combined were >0.8, correlations for individual temperature-wind
scenarios varied and were strongest for wind directions across highways in winter.
Conclusions: Five air pollution models predicted higher UFP concentrations closer to
highways in two Boston-area neighborhoods, although the magnitude of spatial differences
was not consistent among models. The differences in UFP estimated from these models
suggest that model choice may substantially affect estimates of UFP concentrations used
in near-road exposure assessment.
828
Th-PL-D1.2
Human exposure to household cleaning products: Application of a two-field model
Gan Wang, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
Lei Huang, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
Vy Nguyen, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
Olivier Jolliet, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
Vy Nguyen, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
Indoor cleaning activity is a major human household activity and cleaning products contain
volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that constitute a potential threat to indoor air quality
and occupants’ health. The present study aims 1) to establish a dynamic modeling
framework which accounts for the near-person inhalation and dermal exposure to indoor
cleaning products; 2) to determine the evolution of chemical mass and concentration
associated with indoor cleaning activity, and to determine the key factors affecting
chemical fate and exposure in indoor environment; and 3) to determine the short-term
human intakes and product intake fractions (PiFs).
We modify a two-zone model to describe the indoor environment where cleaning products
are applied, identifying four transfer compartments, i.e. near-person surface, near-person
air, far-person surface, and far-person air. Transfers between compartments are described
by first-order transfer rate constants structured in a matrix (K matrix) to describe the
mass flows between different compartments. The exposure matrix (XP matrix) relates the
mass in a given compartment to the intake by human. Three exposure pathways are
considered: inhalation exposure to near-person air, inhalation exposure to far-person air,
and dermal exposure during application.
The model is applied to 20 common ingredients in household surface cleaning products,
with a focus on two representative chemicals, n-hexane (high volatility) and 2-
butoxyethanol (low volatility). The application of cleaning product is assumed to last for
1.5 hours (Phase 1), and a time period of 200 hours after application (Phase 2). For both
representative chemicals, mass in each compartment keeps increasing during Phase 1 and
reaches its peak at the end of Phase 1. However, for n-hexane the two air compartments
have larger chemical mass after the product is applied, whereas the mass in the two
surface compartments are higher for 2-butoxyethanol. Dermal intake during application
dominates exposure for n-hexane, while inhalation exposure during Phase 2 dominates for
the less volatile 2-butoxyethanol. Across the 20 chemicals studied, inhalation intake
dominates the total product intake in most cases (Figure 1) and is driven by the chemical’s
air-water partition coefficient Kaw.
The adapted dynamic two-zone model enables us to describe well and with parsimony the
dynamic of chemical mass and near-field intakes during the application of household
surface cleaning products. The results will be further compared to exposure estimates for
the application of cleaning products in washing machines and dishwashers to elucidate the
relative importance of various transfer pathways in the near-field exposures to cleaning
products.
829
Figure 1. Product intake fractions for 20 chemicals
830
Th-PL-D1.3
Modelling PM2.5 exposure and health impact from agricultural emissions: dairy farms
in three U.S. location
Katerina Stylianou, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
Christopher Tessum, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
Julian Marshall, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
Joshua Apte, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
Olivier Jolliet, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
Agricultural practices are associated with primary and secondary fine particulate matter
(PM2.5). Here, we investigate PM2.5 exposures and health impacts attributable to dairy
farms in three U.S. locations.
We model PM2.5 intake fractions (iFPM2.5) for emissions of four pollutants (NH3, NOx,
SO2, PM2.5) in three locations – Wisconsin (WI), New Jersey/Pennsylvania (NJ/PA), and
New York (NY) – using the Intervention Model for Air Pollution (InMAP). These iFs are then
coupled with available exposure-response functions to provide region-specific
characterization factors (CF) for primary and secondary PM2.5. For each of the three
locations, we estimate CFs for two farm sizes (150 versus 1,500 cow) and for two
approaches to feeding and manure application: conventional versus a lower-impact
“Beneficial Management Practices” (BMPs) approach.
The iFPM2.5,NH3 estimate in NJ/PA is ~10 and 30 times higher than for NY and WI,
respectively, reflecting differences in population density and atmospheric chemistry. Of
the total PM2.5 population exposure, nearly all (90%) happens within 20 km from the
NJ/PA source, 350 km from NY, and 1500 km from WI. Differences in atmospheric
chemistry are also reflected by the fact that the iFPM2.5,NH3 is 18 times higher than
iFPM2.5,SO2 in NJ/PA (where NOx and SO2 are in abundance), but only 2 times higher in
WI (where NH3 is in abundance), suggesting that PM2.5 population exposures resulting
from adding 1kg NH3 are higher in NH3-limited regions compared to NH3-abundant
regions. Combining the iF values reported here with an exposure-response for rural U.S.
regions (170 DALY/kg PM2.5 inhaled) results in CFs (units: 10-5 DALY/kg precursor
emitted) of 5–145 (NH3), 2–8 (NOx), 7–200 (PM2.5), and 3–8 (SO2). CFs are applied to a
case study of milk production in a 1,500 cow farm located in the three locations to
estimate total PM2.5-related health impacts; NH3 emissions contribute ~63% to 73% of
total PM2.5-related health impacts, with the highest contribution in NJ/PA where milk
production induces the highest total PM2.5-related health impacts (24 x 10-5 DALY/kg
milk). These impacts are reduced by ~40% when employing BMPs.
There is substantial spatial variation of iFPM2.5 in the U.S. linked to population density
and atmospheric chemistry. Milk production in highly populated NH3-limited regions has
substantially higher PM2.5-related health impacts to populations downwind than
production in agricultural regions where NH3 is in abundance.This research contributes to
spatially-explicit CFs for the agricultural sector.
831
Th-PL-D1.4
Testing the accuracy of the MERLIN-Expo modelling tool in predicting human Pb
biomonitoring data.
Philippe Ciffroy, Electricité de France (EDF) R&D, Chatou, France
Johan Bierkens, Flemish Institute for Technological Research -VITO, Mol, Belgium
Tine Fierens, Flemish Institute for Technological Research -VITO, Mol, Belgium
Mirja Van Holderbeke, Flemish Institute for Technological Research - VITO, Mol, Belgium
Aim
Evaluating a model depends on its specific objective(s), its expected decision(s) and the
structure of data available for comparison. When guarding specific regulatory thresholds,
the model’s capability to generate true positives is more important than evaluating
accuracy for the whole range of available data. When the model is expected to be
conservative, the model results should be ‘safe’ values rather than ‘true’ values. Within
this context the accuracy of MERLIN-Expo, a newly developed exposure model, has been
tested using Pb biomonitoring data via different accuracy approaches and metrics.
Methods
Using 2.25 g.L-1 Pb in blood of children as the trigger value, a contingency table (or
confusion matrix) was constructed, describing the number of occurrences in which
measured data and model output are both above the threshold (True Positives – TP), both
below the threshold (True Negatives – TN), the number of alarms missed by the model
(False Negatives – FN) and that of false alarms (False Positives – FP). Based on this
contingency table different accuracy metrics were calculated. The Probability of
detection (or true positive rate), equals 1 when all measured positives are detected by the
model. The Bias score indicate whether the model has a tendency to underestimate (1)
measurement data and to what extent (ranging from 0 to +∞). Finally, in binary
classification, the F1 score considers both precision (number of TP divided by the number
of all positive results) and sensitivity (i.e. Probability of detection) and can be interpreted
as a weighted average of precision and sensitivity. The F2 score weights sensitivity higher
than precision (i.e. which gives more importance to FN than to FP).
Results
We calculated a Probability of detection of 0.93, reflecting that almost all blood levels
above the trigger value are predicted as such by the model; a Bias of 1.87, i.e. reflecting
a slight overestimation of the model, and F1 and F2 scores of 0.65 and 0.8, respectively,
confirming that most of the measured positives are detected as such by the model (high F2
score) with a slight overestimation (lower F1 score).
Conclusions
We illustrates that metrics for evaluating model accuracy have to be selected according to
the structure of the dataset and to the context of the assessment. We conclude that
MERLIN-Expo accurately predicts positives (i.e. Pb concentration level above a threshold)
and that it overestimates actual observed levels, but at a level that is compatible with
accurate decision-making.
832
Th-PL-D1.5
Modeling Exposure to Traffic-Related Air Pollutants for the Residential Human Health
Risk Assessment Study in Kyiv, Ukraine
Oksana Ananyeva, State Institution "O.M. Marzeyev Institute for Public Health of the
National academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine", Kyiv, Ukraine
Olena Turos, State Institution "O.M. Marzeyev Institute for Public Health of the National
Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine", Kyiv, Ukraine
Arina Petrosian, State Institution "O.M. Marzeyev Institute for Public Health of the
National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine", Kyiv, Ukraine
Introduction: There is a strong body of evidence linking traffic-related air pollution
exposure to adverse health effects. Although accurate air quality data is rarely available
for the urban residential neighborhood. This provides the ground for the development of
various modeling techniques for obtaining more accurate exposure estimates compared to
monitoring data. Assessment of human health risks attributable to traffic related air
pollution study was designed to evaluate the risks of development of respiratory health
outcomes in population living near roadways in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Methods: A combination of modeling approaches was used to estimate exposures to
traffic-related air pollutants for the residents living in close proximity to the roadways in
two city districts. Field studies were conducted to provide measurement data for
developing, evaluating and refining the models. CO, NO2, SO2, NMHC, PM2,5, PM10, PM1
concentrations, meteorological parameters, fleet intensity and structure data were
obtained in two measurement campaigns (2012-2014). A land-use regression (LUR) models
were developed to capture NO2, CO, PM10, PM2,5, PM1 near-road variability. ISC-AERMOD
View air pollution dispersion model was used to model averaged 1-, 8-, 24-hour and
annual concentrations of CO, NO2, SO2, NMHC and PM10 at 952 receptor points covering
the area of the study. Agreement between ISC-AERMOD View modeled and measured
concentrations was assessed based on the standard methods.
Results: Vehicles number, road distance, road length, land use and meteorological
variables were the most important predictors of traffic-related air pollution variability for
LUR models. Developed models explained up to 75% of the spatial variability for studied
pollutants in near-roadway residential neighborhoods and demonstrated a good agreement
between observed concentrations and predicted levels (average difference of 3-10%).
Correlation analysis revealed strong association between ISC-AERMOD view modeled values
and measurements of NO2, (r=0,93, p<0,005) and weaker associations for other pollutants
(p<0,005): r=0,88 for CO, r=0,90 for SO2, r=0,88 for NMHC, and r=0,74 for PM10.
Conclusions: The results demonstrated an integrated measurement study design. Applied
modeling techniques proved to be an effective instrument of human exposure assessment
when limited monitoring data is available. Based on the models outputs traffic-related
exposure maps were developed for the study area and corresponding human health risks
formed by traffic- related air pollution were assessed.
833
Th-SY-E1: Methodologies in finding new and/or emerging risks of chemicals
(NERCs) - I
Th-SY-E1.1
Development of priority EDCs list in integrated risk assessment and management for
endocrine disrupting chemicals (IRAMe)
Kiyoung Lee, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea, South
Ji Young Park, Graduate School of Public Health Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea,
South
Miyoung Lim, Graduate School of Public Health Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea,
South
Wonho Yang, Graduate School of Public Health Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea,
South
Kyunghee Ji, Graduate School of Public Health Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea,
South
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are emerging chemicals with possible adverse
health effects from exposure to chemicals that can interfere with the endocrine system.
The EDCs can be exposed through various exposure media and consumer products. To
prevent health effects, we established Integrated Risk Assessment and Management for
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (IRAMe) program in Korea. Because the EDCs were defined
by toxicological effects, lists of EDCs were often different by organizations. The purpose
of this study was to identify primary EDCs list that cause human health effects and
determine priority EDCs from the list. The list of EDCs for the selection processes included
EDIIS from Korea government, 68 EDCs from World Wildlife Fund, 60 EDCs from US EPA, 48
EDCs from US CDC, 67 EDCs from Japan EPA, 564 EDCs from EU Priority list. In addition
WHO and UNEP established 182 EDCs. EPA endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP)
added 159 EDCs. ChemSec established SIN(Substitute It Now!) of 80 EDCs. We initially
selected all 179 EDCs from EDIIS from Korean government. We identified 117 chemicals
which were listed both in EDIIS and at least one list. We also identified EDCs with at least
two lists. Total of 260 EDCs were selected from the multiple list cross check. A primary list
of 164 EDCs was established by excluding 90 pesticides including 2 prohibited chemicals, 4
heavy metals and chemicals. For prioritization, we developed chemical ranking and
scoring system using three categories: exposure, toxicity, and social interest. The
exposure category with 20 points included amount of use in nation, amount of commercial
use in nation, degree of bioaccumulation, detection in consumer product. The toxicity
category with 20 points included carcinogenicity and reproductive toxicity. The social
interest category with 100 points included presence of regulation and media report. The
priority score (maximum 500) was calculated by exposure (20) x toxicity (20) + social
interest (100). For preliminary evaluation, 33 EDCs were analyzed. The highest priority
score was DEHP, followed by DBP, BPA, DIDP, BBP, NP, NPE, DnOP, DIBP and DHP. After
the 10th rank chemicals, the rest chemicals did not have distinctive scores. Methylparaben
was the highest score among parabens.
834
Th-SY-E1.2
Identification, prioritization and evaluation of potential New Emerging Risk of
Chemicals (NERCs) for Consumers
Elbert Hogendoorn, RIVM, Bilthoven, Netherlands
Gerlienke Schuur, RIVM, Bilthoven, Netherlands
Lya Soeteman-Hernandez, RIVM, Bilthoven, Netherlands
Background
People are exposed to hundreds of chemicals as a result of our living standard, via the
environment or via consumer products, such as clothing, cosmetics and electronics,
pharmaceuticals and detergents. Despite existing legislation and regulations new and/or
emerging risks of chemicals (NERCs) continue to be reported, making an early warning
system highly wanted to detect and evaluate chemical threats at an earliest stage
Aim
RIVM is developing an approach for early identification of NERCs combined with strategies
to manage the identified risks to consumers.
Methods
The methodology under development for the identification of NERCs for consumers
consists of data collection of chemicals in consumer products with reported adverse
effects from various sources (i.e. literature search, network and consumer complaints.
The information with regards to hazard, potency and exposure are systematically included
in a database. The potential NERCs for consumers are evaluated, amplified and confirmed
as outlined in Table 2 by an Expert Group resulting in the identification of NERCs in
consumer products. The possible follow-up measures are identified taking into account the
risk management options within the relevant (regulatory) frameworks of the identified
NERC for consumers.
Results
With the method developed a number of substances were identified as possible NERC and
evaluated with the proposed prioritization system providing a list of potential NERCs.
Potential NERCs including CMR and/or SVHC chemicals were found in tattoo inks,
children’s products, cosmetics and textiles. Further evaluation by the network of experts
is ongoing in order to indicate substances as NERCs requiring further action in order to
reduce the risk of exposure.
Conclusions:
The proposed method is useful in the identification, prioritization and evaluation of NERCs
for consumers.
Literature
Bakker J, Bruinen de Bruin Y, Hogendoorn E, et al. (2015) Progress report on New or
Emerging Risks of Chemicals (NERCs), RIVM Report 2014-0040.
835
Th-SY-E1.3
Identification, prioritization and evaluation of potential New and Emerging Risk of
Chemicals (NERCs) for Workers
Nicole Palmen, RIVM, Bilthoven, Netherlands
Background
New and emerging risks of chemicals (NERCs) continue to be reported despite existing laws
and regulations put in place to limit the risks of dangerous substances at work. Quite often
there is little or no knowledge of the harmful effects of substances that are used by
workers. One of the reasons for this is the fact that the risk assessment is usually based on
toxicological tests following oral exposure, while workers are exposed via the airways and
the skin.
Aim
RIVM is arguing for a system that identifies NERCs as soon as possible to prevent workers
from falling ill because of these NERCs.
Methods
An integrated approach was used for the identification of NERCs by the collection of case
reports, periodic screening of literature and websites, data mining, health surveillance
studies and analysis of secondary sources. Risk scores were identified by applying an
Impact Analysis on potential NERCs based on the severity of the health effect and the
likelihood of a causal relationship between exposure and health effect. Three risk
priorities were identified by multiplying the risk scores with the manufacturing or use of
the substance in the Netherlands. Subsequently, EU databases were consulted to check
which measures were/are already being taken regarding registration, classification,
Authorization and Restriction, etc..
Results
A list of 49 NERCs was published and subsequently prioritized to address those substances
that deserve the most attention. Sixteen substances had a ‘very high priority’ suggesting
that there is an urgent need to investigate a possible causal relationship between the
exposure and the health effect. Nineteen substances were categorized with a ‘high
priority’, meaning that action is necessary. Fourteen substances had a ‘low priority’,
meaning that minimal action is needed. The inventory showing the extent to which the 49
substances already are being regulated by REACH or other legislation shows that most
actions are being taken on substances with a very high priority, with exception of diacetyl
and crystalline silica. Most substances with a high or low risk priority have no harmonized
classification and are not regulated within REACH.
Conclusions:
The proposed method is useful in the identification, prioritization and evaluation of
worker NERCs.
Literature
Palmen, NGM and Verbist KJM (2015) Prioritization of new and emerging chemical risks for
workers and follow-up actions, RIVM report 2015-0091
836
Th-SY-E1.4
Identification, prioritization and evaluation of potential New Emerging Risk of
Chemicals (NERCs) for the environment
Joost Bakker, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven,
Utrecht, Netherlands
Elbert Hogendoorn, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven,
Utrecht, Netherlands
Yuri Bruinen de Bruin, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment,
Bilthoven, Utrecht, Netherlands
Background
New and emerging risks of chemicals (NERCs) continue to be reported despite existing laws
and regulations to limit the risks of dangerous substances in the environment. Existing
laws and regulations often address chemicals with extensive evidence on harmful effects.
As a consequence there is a large time span between the first indication of the presence
of a substance in the environment and actual measures taken to control the risk posed by
these chemicals.
Aim
RIVM is developing a system that identifies NERCs as soon as possible and map out
strategies or possibilities to manage the identified risks to the environment.
Methods
An integrated approach was used for the early identification of NERCs by the collection of
signals from news reports, periodic screening of literature and websites, expert
consultation and analytical environmental screening studies. The signals are valued on
potential emerging risks by a tiered approach applying selection criteria and a
prioritization scheme. Potential NERCs were identified and prioritized by applying an
Impact Analysis based on the severity of the effect (hazard) and the likelihood of
exposure. Based on the available information potential NERCs are categories into five risk
priority classes. Information on hazardous properties and exposure is collected from public
databases. If the required information is not available, the hazardous properties and
exposure are estimated by applying for instance QSARs and exposure categories based on
the characterization of the main type of use and the production volume. Before the data
collection starts current measures that are already being taken regarding registration,
classification, restriction, etc. are checked to see whether the identified risk is already
being addressed.
Results
The methodology for selection and prioritization of NERCs has intensively been applied
and tested. The prioritization scheme for instance has been applied to the results from
two analytical screening studies providing a set of chemicals that were identified in fresh
surface water samples and wastewater treatment effluent. This resulted in set of
substances that deserve the most attention. The inventory also included the extent to
which the substances are already being regulated by REACH or other legislation and shows
that most actions are being taken on substances with a very high priority.
Conclusions:
The proposed method is useful in the identification, prioritization and evaluation of
environmental NERCs.
Literature
837
Bakker J, Bruinen de Bruin Y, Hogendoorn E, et al. (2015) Progress report on New or
Emerging Risks of Chemicals (NERCs), RIVM Rapport 2014-0040.
838
Th-SY-E1.5
General aspects in developing methods for identifying new and or emerging risks of
chemicals threatening human health and/or environment
Yuri Bruinen de Bruin, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven,
Netherlands
Joost Bakker, National Institute of Public Health and Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven,
Netherlands
Elbert Hogendoorn, National Institute of Public Health and Environment (RIVM),
Bilthoven, Netherlands
Myrna Kooi, National Institute of Public Health and Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven,
Netherlands
Nicole Palmen, National Institute of Public Health and Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven,
Netherlands
Lya Hernandez, National Institute of Public Health and Environment (RIVM, Bilthoven,
Netherlands
This presentation will demonstrate the operational version of the New and Emerging Risks
of Chemicals (NERCs)-mechanism to identify new risks of chemicals following unknown
exposure routes.
Aim
To identify new or emerging risks of chemicals for consumers, workers and the
environment, the NERC-mechanism links causality between exposure and hazard in
humans and the environment and provides regulators with information to optimize policy-
making.
Methods
The NERCs-mechanism filters signals from media, literature and experts covering the
environment, workers and consumers. Based on target-specific criteria additional
exposure, hazard and policy data are discussed by experts. The data is translated into a
risk score varying from 1 (lowest risk) to 25 (highest risk). The risk score prioritizes newly
identified risks of chemicals requiring risk management options (RMO) like the derivation
of a safety limit, enforcement or inspection, actions taken up by REACH or CLP (e.g. SVHC
roadmap or harmonized classification and labelling) or making use or adaptation of other
legislation.
Results
The filtering of a continuous stream of signals resulted into lists (environment, workers
and consumers) containing new risks for which appropriate risk management options are
being evaluated. This presentation will present 9 identified NERCs; 3 for each respective
target and will present the proposed follow-up actions and its outcomes.
Conclusions
The NERCs mechanism is operational and identifies new or emerging risks of chemicals
following unknown exposure routes and provides science-based options for risk
management and policy improvement.
Acknowledgements
This initiative is financed by the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment, the
Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor and the Ministry of Welfare and Sport. Special thanks
to all involved experts.
839
Th-SY-A2: The exposome: a transdisciplinary paradigm for improved
environment and health associations - II
Th-SY-A2.1
The Arylhydrocarbon Receptor in the context of the chemical exposome
Robert Barouki, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
The Arylhydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) has traditionally been considered as a sensor of a
class of xenobiotics, primarily PolyAromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH). Its main function was
thought to be the detection of those chemicals and the induction of a battery of genes
including specific enzymes and transporters leading to their elimination. Paradoxically,
the metabolic system activated by the AhR was also thought to mediate the toxicity of
some of these contaminants either by leading to the generation of highly toxic
intermediates or by being inactive towards some of its substrates, ie halogenated
compounds.
Recently, the AhR was found to be more than a xenobiotic receptor. AhR knock out mice
display a pathologic phenotype in the absence of any xenobiotic, suggesting that the
receptor has endogenous functions. Additional studies have indicated that the AhR is the
receptor of a number of endogenous compounds such as several metabolites of the amino
acid tryptophan and that it is activated by dietary compounds such as polyphenols.
Furthermore, the AhR was shown to bind several microbiome-derived chemicals, in
particular virulence factors such as phenazines. It is likely that the activation of the AhR
by those different classes of chemicals does not yield the same effects and this is possibly
related to the structural plasticity of this receptor. In line with those studies, this
receptor has been shown to have a number of different functions in the immune system,
notably in barrier organs such as the gut, the skin and the lung as well as in the nervous
system, the adipose tissue and hematopoietic tissues. Taken together, all those recent
observations indicate that the AhR should be considered as a sensor of a fraction of the
chemical exposome and not only of PAH and that it is involved in a variety of functions in
vertebrates that go beyond the defence against polyaromatic contaminants.
La Merrill et al. Toxicological function of adipose tissue: focus on persistent organic
pollutants. Environ Health Perspect. 2013 ;121:162-9
Guyot et al. The AhR twist: ligand-dependent AhR signaling and pharmaco-toxicological
implications. Drug Discov Today. 2013;18:479-86
Barouki et al. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor system. Drug Metabol Drug Interact.
2012;27:3-8.
Barouki et al. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor, more than a xenobiotic-interacting protein.
FEBS Lett. 2007; 581:3608-15
840
Th-SY-A2.2
Environmental origin of neurodevelopmental disorders: in vivo and human models to
unraveling complex aetiologies
Gemma Calamandrei, Istituto Superiore di Sanità. Rome, Italy, Rome, Italy
Aim: Strong evidence exists that environmentally relevant exposure to chemical pollutants
at critical developmental stages affects neural and behavioral development in children.
Recent advances in research offer important clues into pathogenetic mechanisms of
autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), indicating that environmental risk
factors cannot be ruled out. Specifically, in NDDs, variations in several candidate genes
may confer higher vulnerability to different kinds of adverse environmental stressors,
including early exposure to chemicals.
Methods: Τhere is an overall need to invest more in discovery research related to
neurotoxicological hypothesis for NDDs. Τhe exposomic approach aims at characterizing
and quantifying the exogenous and endogenous exposures and modifiable risk factors that
predispose to and predict NDDs. A critical issue is the identification and validation of
peripheral biomarkers of effects that can inform on typical and atypical brain
development, and help to establish biologically plausible links between chemical exposure
and health effects. Behavioral toxicology studies might significantly contribute by
modeling in “simpler” living organisms the complexity of the human exposure scenarios.
Studies with laboratory rodents allow assessment of dose-response relationships, critical
periods of susceptibility, and the relative contribution of genetic, epigenetic and
environmental factors. In the neuropsychiatric disease field, the use of the in vivo models
permits the selection of omic biomarkers anchored to the behavioral phenotype, which
increases their translational value.
Results: As an example we present recent data on developmental neurotoxicity of the non-
persistent organophosphorus insecticide chlorpyrifos (CPF), whose neurotoxic activity at
low doses is currently a matter of concern for children's health. In mice exposed to CPF in
utero and/or in early development several behavioural responses are altered in both
sexes, in parallel with sex-dependent interference on neuroendocrine pathways regulating
social behaviors (vasopressin, oxytocin, and steroid regulated systems). The route of
exposure selected in our studies corresponds to relevant human exposure scenarios,
supporting the view that neuroendocrine effects, especially in susceptible time windows,
should deserve more attention in risk assessment of OP insecticides. Notably, in a mouse
model of idiopathic autism, the BTBR strain, prenatal exposure to CPF induces more
marked alteration of early behaviour than in wild type mice, associated to increased
oxidative stress markers in both plasma and brain.
Conclusions: Ιn synergy with mechanistic in vitro studies, PBPK models and human data, in
vivo models may be pivotal to identify candidate biomarkers and pinpoint susceptible
groups or lifestages to be translated to large prospective studies within the exposome
context.
841
Th-SY-A2.3
Assessment of health risks for vulnerable population groups posed by exposure to
mercury and its compounds
Milena Horvat, Jozef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Janja Snoj Tratnik, Jozef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Darja Mazej, Jozef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Marta Jagodic, Jozef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ingrid Falnoga, Jozef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Anja Stajnko, Jozef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Alfred Kobal, Jozef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Aim: This presentation underlines investigation of mercury (Hg) exposure, effects, and
susceptibility in Mediterranean population in early life and compares them with the
outcomes of the population living in contaminated site due to historic mercury mining in
the town of Idrija, Slovenia.
Methods: Maternal hair, maternal and cord blood samples were used to assess prenatal
exposure to mercury and its compounds. Children (n=360) were genotyped for
apolipoprotein E (Apoe) polymorphism and were assessed for neurodevelopment using
Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (Bayley-III) at 18 months of
age. In a subgroup of pregnant women, the potential interaction of Hg with selenium in
plasma (P-Se) and antioxidative enzymes in erythrocytes was also assessed.
Results: The main predictor of Hg exposure in the Mediterranean population is fish
consumption demonstrated by large proportion of methyl Hg in the collected samples.
Population living in the contaminated site exhibited higher Hg concentrations, but with
smaller proportion of Hg as methyl Hg. This indicates the importance of speciation as well
as proper use of exposure biomarkers in human biomonitoring programmes in
contaminated sites. The results of Bayley III assessment indicated that even low-to-median
Hg exposure in children with normal neurodevelopmental outcome can result in lower
cognitive and fine motor scores. The Hg-related decrease in cognitive sores was observed
in children carrying at least one Apoe ε4 allele, while the decrease in fine motor scores
was independent of the genotype. The number of examined mother-child pairs from the
contaminated site was too small to show any significant effect. However, the internal
doses of Hg received during pregnancy in the contaminated site did not decrease the
bioavailability of Se, and the decrease in antioxidative capacity appeared to be mainly
associated with pregnancy per se and not with an increased exposure to Hg.
Conclusion: The studies are on-going in the framework of the EU funded projects, HEALS
(Health Environment associations in large population Studies) and Life+ CROME (Cross
Mediterranean Heath Environment Network), which use the existing cohorts, and build on
novel susceptibility markers and effect testing and integrate them within Health and
Environment-wide Associations studies (EWAS) as part of the ‘exposome’ approach.
842
Th-SY-B2: Aspects to consider for Fungi and Mycotoxins occupational
exposure and risk assessment
Th-SY-B2.1
Exposure and risk assessment in occupational exposure to fungi – Aspects to consider
in highly contaminated settings
Carla Viegas, ESTeSL-IPL, Lisbon, Portugal
Although a clear correlation between levels of fungi in the air and health impacts has not
been shown in epidemiological studies, fungi must be regarded as potential occupational
health hazards. Fungi can have an impact on human health in four different ways: (1) they
can infect humans, (2) they may act as allergens, (3) they can be toxigenic, or (4) they
may cause inflammatory reactions. Fungi of concern in occupational hygiene are mostly
non-pathogenic or facultative pathogenic (opportunistic) species, but are relevant as
allergens and mycotoxins producers.
It is known that the exclusive use of conventional methods for fungal quantification
(fungal culture) may underestimate the results due to different reasons. The incubation
temperature chosen will not be the most suitable for every fungal species, resulting in the
inhibition of some species and the favouring of others. Differences in fungi growth rates
may also result in data underestimation, since the fungal species with higher growth rates
may inhibit others species’ growth. Finally, underestimated data can result from non-
viable fungal particles that may have been collected or fungal species that do not grow in
the culture media used, although these species may have clinical relevance in the context.
Due to these constraints occupational exposure assessment, in setings with high fungal
contamination levels, should follow these steps: Apply conventional methods to obtain
fungal load information (air and surfaces) regarding the most critical scenario previously
selected; Guideline comparation aplying or legal requirements or suggested limits by
scientific and/or technical organizations. We should also compare our results with others
from the same setting (if there is any); Select the most suitable indicators for each setting
and apply conventional-culture methods and also molecular tools. These methodology will
ensure a more real characterization of fungal burden in each setting and, consequently,
permits to identify further measures regarding assessment of fungal metabolites, and also
a more adequate workers health surveillance.
The methodology applied to characterize fungal burden in several occupational
environments, focused in Aspergillus spp. prevalence, will be present and discussed.
843
Th-SY-B2.2
From lab to labor – detailed exposure characterization as basis for protective measures
in rarely considered occupational settings
Stefan Mayer, Statutory institution for accident insurance and prevention in the trade and
goods logistics, Mannheim, Germany
Exposure to fungi is a common situation in the private as well in the occupational settings.
While the exposure in the private environment is usually limited, the occupational settings
are of particular interest because workers are often exposed over a whole shift and longer
periods of time. Some occupational environments like animal confinement, waste
recycling or even moldy indoor environments are well recognized. However, there are still
occupational settings which occur only seldom in the scientific and public discussion. Such
settings are onion sorting, grape processing, processing of hemp, flax, hay, peas, reed etc.
Common to all of these examples is that the products usually don’t show any signs of
fungal growth. Nevertheless, during processing fungi are released of these products to the
ambient air in the range of 104 to 108 cfu/m³.
An example for occupational fungal exposure with an increasing importance is the
unloading of moldy items from freight containers. A large part of international and
intercontinental transport is realized via freight containers. During sea transport, often
condensation occurs within the freight containers what creates a sufficient environment
for fungal growth especially on organic products.
Exposure measurements should not only characterize the level of airborne exposure, but
also help the occupational health and safety consultants to improve workplace conditions.
Publications about fungal concentrations at certain work places are helpful only if it
becomes transparent if the conditions during the measurement are comparable to those at
the workplaces which have to be evaluated. Therefore, we need an integrated approach
from “lab to labor” covering all aspects of exposure. E.g., the information that workers
are exposed to 105 cfu/m³ in a grain elevator does not help unless it is stated at which
task the measurement has been performed, which amount of grain has been handled, if
there has been an aeration etc. Other important factors inter alia are the degree of
microbial colonization, the tendency to release dust, the intensity of mechanical
processing and the size of the products and their specific surface may have an influence.
Additionally, exposure is more than the airborne fungal concentration. With respect to the
question which protective measures are appropriate also the duration and the frequency
of exposure are important factors.
844
Th-SY-B2.3
Occupational exposure to mycotoxins – Aspects to consider for the aggregate and
cumulative risk assessment
Susana Viegas, ESTeSL-IPL, Lisbon, Portugal
Mycotoxins are an important group of naturally occurring substances known to
contaminate a huge variety of agricultural products, feed and food commodities. The main
concern is their widespread presence and toxic effects on humans and animals as they
have been described as cytotoxic, nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic, teratogenic,
immunosuppressive, mutagenic and/or carcinogenic. However, until now, risk assessments
and regulations have usually been performed on individual mycotoxins despite humans and
animals are being frequently exposed to a multitude of mycotoxins simultaneously.
Moreover, even though some exposures through inhalation and dermal contact may
potentially occur, only oral ingestion has been considered as the sole route of exposure in
all the evaluations. However, more recent studies have also demonstrated airborne
exposure to mycotoxins in different occupational settings with emphasis on agricultural
professions. In these cases, skin contact with mold-infested substrates and inhalation of
spore-borne toxins are the most important sources of exposure. Still, mycotoxins are not
normally recongnize as na occupational hazard and exposure is different from the one
ocurring by food intake. In this case, exposure is charaterized to be acute and
simultaneous to other mycotoxins and also to fungi and dust. All these features increase
the challenge implicated in the risk assessment process.
Some topics will be presented and discussed in detailed such as: What occupational
settings should be consider in this case; possible exposure routes; exposure
characterization; how to assess exposure; co-exposure; aggregate exposure and
cumulative risk assessment.
845
Th-SY-C2: Development of personal sampling devices and chemical screening
methods for large-scale epidemiology and human biomonitoring studies – II
Th-SY-C2.1
Gas Chromatography with Ultraviolet Photometric Detection for Elemental Mercury
Analysis
Ronda Gras, Dow Chemical Canada, Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Canada
Jim Luong, Dow Chemical Canada ULC, Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Canada
Robert A. Shellie, Trajan Scientific & Medical, Ringwood, Victoria, Australia
Fossil fuel combustion such as the burning of coal contributes substantially to the release
of elemental mercury into the environment. Even at the parts-per-billion level, exposure
of elemental mercury can potentially have a negative impact on overall human health.
We introduce a facile and practical analytical approach for the direct measurement of
ultra-trace level of elemental mercury by combining the great separation power of gas
chromatography with the highly sensitive and selective detection garnered from
ultraviolet photometric detection approach. An inert sample flow path that utilizes
surface deactivated tubing using the latest innovations in chemical vapor deposition
chemistry was employed to prevent analyte adsorption for the highest degree of system
inertness. Even without sample enrichment and a sample size of less than 1 mL,
elemental mercury in various gas matrices can be directly measured with a detection limit
of 1.7 µg per cubic metre. A total analysis can be rendered in less than 2 min [1]. A
relative precision of less than 3% was attained with a concentration of 8.3 and 83 µg per
cubic metre (n=20).
The analytical approach is useful and complementary to established methodologies such as
cold-vapour atomic absorption or cold-vapour atomic fluorescence in the overall strategy
of detecting mercury in various matrices.
In this lecture, method performance and examples to illustrate the utility of the technique
described will be presented.
[1] R. Gras, J. Luong, R.A., Shellie, Anal. Chem, 2015, 87, 11429-11432
846
Th-SY-C2.2
Microsampling and Screening Technologies for Human Biomonitoring of Selected
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
Chiara Calaprice, University of Liege, Liege, Liege, Belgium
Benjamin L'Homme, University of Liege, Liege, Liege, Belgium
Jef Focant, University of Liege, Liege, Liege, Belgium
Background. Human exposure to POPs (e.g. Dioxins, PCBs,...) is of concern. During
biomonitoring campaign, individual bodyburden is estimated by measurements of serum
levels. Depending on the analytes, up to 50 mL of serum are required from patients. This
is negatively perceived and excludes young infants/elderlies from being sampled.
Objectives. In the quest for an easy to use and non-invasive sampling method, we have
been investigating alternative microsampling approaches to reduce the level of
invasiveness while maintaining the requested sensitivity. Several gas chromatographic (GC)
and mass spectrometric (MS) methods have been studied to measure at sub picogram (pg)
LOQ level. The aim was to keep sample volumes below 50 μL.
Methods. Dried-blood spots (DBS), processed using micro-extraction by packed sorbent
(MEPS) were analyzed by cryogenic zone compression (CZC) coupled to negative chemical
ionization (NCI), and high resolution time-of-flight MS (HRTOFMS). We also developed a
very sensitive method based on the use of volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS)
and GC coupled to triple quadrupole tandem in-space MS (GC-QQQMS/MS) for
measurements. CZC measurements were also implemented using a sector MS instrument to
take advantage of the most sensitive MS analyzer operating in selected ion monitoring
(SIM) at high acquisition rates. Isotope dilution (ID) was used in all approaches.
Results. CZC applied to GC-NCI-IDHRTOFMS was used for the screening of markers of
exposure (PCB-153, DDE) in 20 μL serum samples. The use of MEPS was automated with
success and required only 500 μL of solvent for extraction. The non-scanning HRTOFMS
analyzer makes analyses of other unknown and/or emerging compounds possible in the
future. VAMS and GC-IDQQQMS/MS allowed to measure levels of 24 OCPs and 6 non dioxin-
like PCBs (NDL-PCBs) in 40 μL whole blood. The sample preparation, involving micro-scale
solid phase extraction (SPE), used 2 mL of solvent per sample. We reported analyte levels
for a series of real human samples.
Conclusion. These minimally-invasive methods offer an alternative to conventional
approaches in order to easily gather data from people in remote area, from young infants,
or for purposes where blood volumes are restricted to a minimum.
847
Th-SY-C2.3
Diaper Use for Exposure Assessment of Infants and Toddlers
Michihiro Kamijima, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya,
Japan
Yuki Ito, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
Jun Ueyama, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
Background: Exposure measurement is a critical step for risk assessment procedures. Of
the various methods to characterize exposure, biological monitoring (or biomonitoring,
BM) using urine, of which the collection is more feasible than other biological media such
as blood, is a strong tool to directly assess overall exposure of individual study participants
to environmental chemicals coming from all sources and via all pathways. However, urine
sampling in infants and toddlers in epidemiological studies has been challenging since
methods possibly bringing skin problems to non-toilet-trained children and/or emotional
burden to parents apparently reduce the number of study participants, which has a
negative impact on the validity of the study.
Objective: This presentation introduces our trial to develop a method of BM using
disposable diapers to measure urinary concentrations of insecticide metabolites in infants
and toddlers.
Our trial: Since commercial diapers are not developed for this purpose, the following
issues needed to be investigated: urine extraction from the diapers, absorption of the
target metabolites to the top sheet and urine absorber of the diaper, separation and
recovery of the metabolites from the mixture of urine and extracting solvent,
derivatization and analytical conditions, stability of the target metabolites, and
measurement method of creatinine.
Conclusion: The established method is now ready for epidemiological studies. This method
is apparently superior to other urine collecting techniques such as use of urine collection
bags in terms of affordability and applicability to the population-based epidemiological
studies focusing on early life exposure assessment.
848
Th-SY-C2.4
Panel discussion: Development of personal sampling devices and chemical screening
methods for large-scale epidemiology and human biomonitoring studies
Shoji Nakayama, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan
Andrew Gooley, Trajan Scientific & Medical, Ringwood, Australia
Panel discussion will be held after all talks. It will focus on the most recent development
of personal sampling devices and chemical screening methods. Needs and requests for
microsampling and screening will be heard from the audience.
Major discussion points about making meaningful measurements in populations are as
follows:
- Microsampling strategies
- Fast but meaningful measurements
- Data analysis
849
Th-SY-D2: Environmental Exposure Monitoring in Birth & Early Life Cohort
Studies
Th-SY-D2.1
Acceptability and Usability of Novel Technologies to Assess Environmental Exposure
during Pregnancy
Artemis Doutsi, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
Evridiki Patelarou, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
Mireille Mireille B. Toledano, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
Vivien Bright, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Rod Jones, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Frank Kelly, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
Benjamin Barratt, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
Personalised exposure assessment utilising advancements in technology has the potential
to strengthen associations between health outcomes and environmental quality in cohort
studies. However, methods and tools require evaluation prior to large-scale deployment.
Aim: To determine if novel techniques can better characterise a pregnant woman’s
environment within acceptable levels of convenience to the participant. Methods: 21
pregnant women of varying SES and ethnicity in London were recruited. Data were
collected between March and June 2015. Real-time measurements for different air
pollutants and noise were conducted over seven days using static units (‘home platform’).
Canister, dust sampling and rooms’ spot checks for noise, moisture and electromagnetic
radiation were also taken. Personal devices and smart phone apps were used to track
mobility, activity and sleep patterns. Some metrics were duplicated to test different
tools. A questionnaire survey collected information on home environment and participant
views. Results: Of the 85 pregnant women that were eligible, 21 were enrolled (25%
recruitment rate). No participant dropped out (100% completion rate). The home
platforms were tolerated in all cases, likely due to the autonomous nature of the units.
However, it reduced recruitment rates; 27 out of the 85 potential participants (32%)
refused to participate due to accommodation of the home platform. The uptake for the
portable devices and apps was 100% and 91%, respectively, reflecting the non-invasive
method and minimal need for participant input. 30% of participants used their own
smartphones. No inconvenience or privacy issues were recorded. The study also achieved
high data collection rates across all selected metrics. However, the air pollution unit that
integrated different high sensitivity and resolution sensors, for some pollutants exhibited
variable reliability and required significant data processing resources. The noise device
had poor performance due to battery life falling well below specification. With regard to
personal units and apps, participants demonstrated persistent use and the completed data
sets were from 84% - 95%. The feedback from the participants was overwhelmingly
positive. Participants were eager to receive their results. Conclusions: Personalised
monitoring technology was easily accepted and convenient. Mobile phone apps in
combination with data algorithms, models and population datasets, present a scalable and
low resource solution to the enhancement of environmental exposure assessment
methods. Improved methods are required for feedback and communication to cohort
participants of ‘non-threshold’ risks, such as noise and air pollution.
850
Th-SY-D2.2
The CHILD birth cohort: Ups and downs of exposure assessment to age five
Jeffrey Brook, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Toronto, Canada
Ryan Allan, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
Michael Brauer, University of British Columbia, VAncouver, Canada
David Dia, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
Miriam Diamond, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Greg Evans, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Diana Lefebvre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
Wendy Lou, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Kathleen McLean, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
James Scott, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Malcolm Sears, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
Huan ShuKarlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden
Padmaja Subbarao, Sickkids Hospital, Toronto, Canada
Tim Takaro, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
Amanda Wheeler, Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart,
Tasmania, Tajikistan
The Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development (CHILD) study involves an
ambitious attempt to characterize environmental stressors from pregnancy onwards,
including indoor and outdoor exposures. CHILD involves 3624 children and their parents
from 4 Canadian cities in 4 provinces, with a subset in rural Manitoba. The first year of
life was hypothesized to be a critical window in the development of asthma and allergy.
Questionnaires were administered starting in pregnancy. We developed age-specific long
and short questionnaires to assess the physical environment as validated tools with the
desired detail did not exist. A key part of CHILD was a home visit at 3-4 months of age to
assess a range of potential risk factors present in the indoor environment and to collect
dust and biospecimens (urine, breastmilk, stool, nasal swab). Blood, stool, nasal swab and
urine from additional time points were also collected leading to an extensive bank of
samples for future analysis. To date urine specimens from multiple time points have been
analyzed for phthalate metabolites and cotinine, while PAHs, phthalates, hopanes, 1-3
Beta-Glucan, endotoxin and allergens have been analyzed in subsets of dust samples.
While results indicate relatively large exposure gradients among the children, optimizing
the use of these multi-factorial data, including from the questionnaires and home
assessment, remains a challenge. Parallel to CHILD approaches for refining exposure
assessment through measurements have been explored. This has included concurrent
measurement of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOC) in dust and on window surfaces
(wipes), and development of passive and active sampling methods for indoor and/or
outdoor air. Comparison of traffic-related SVOCs in dust and wipes to land-use regression
(LUR) estimates of NO2 and NO indicated that accumulation of these SVOCs on the
windows in the child’s bedroom is most correlated with LUR-NO, indicating that they
reflect fresh traffic emissions near the residence. Examples from these results and
highlights from our experience to date will be presented. Balancing subject burden and
cost versus the added value of additional data continues to pose a challenge for direct
measurement in large cohorts. Furthermore, while additional measurements, looking at
conditions external to the child, may provide unique information potentially indicative of
851
exposure, none provide a complete picture. Exposure characterization through
biospecimen analysis thus remains an attractive option, potentially helping to characterize
individual exposomes. However, cost of analysis and the ability to link such data back to
modifiable risk factors represents a significant hurdle to overcome.
852
Th-SY-D2.3
The SCAMP Study: Capturing Use of Mobile Phones, Wireless Technologies, and
Electromagnetic Field Exposures in Today’s Adolescents
Charlotte Fleming, MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College
London, London, United Kingdom
Irene Chang, MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London,
London, United Kingdom
William Mueller, MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London,
London, United Kingdom
Paul Elliott, MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London,
London, United Kingdom
Martin Roosli, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
Mireille Toledano, MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London,
London, United Kingdom
Aim: Scientists remain uncertain as to whether children’s developing brains are more
vulnerable than those of adults to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) emitted
from mobile phones and other wireless devices. The Study of Cognition, Adolescents and
Mobile Phones (SCAMP) is a three-year prospective cohort study of adolescents across
London, UK which aims to investigate whether children’s use of mobile phones and other
wireless devices influences their neurocognitive/behavioural development.
Methods: Data on cognitive function, wireless device use and lifestyle are collected at
baseline (study year 1) and follow-up (study year 3) via school-based computerised
assessments and optional parent/pupil home-based questionnaires. Parents are invited to
consent to linkage of their child’s school assessment data with routine records (e.g. health
and educational records, mobile traffic data), thus allowing for comparisons between self-
reported and objective mobile phone use in terms of call frequency and duration, number
of text messages and amount of data downloaded. Biological samples (e.g. urine, saliva)
are also being collected to provide additional information about potential confounders
such as puberty.
Additionally, a RF personal monitoring study is being conducted in a subset of the main
cohort (n=200) to gain an in-depth understanding of personal RF exposure. Pupils are
asked to carry a personal exposimeter with integrated GPS tracking for 48 hours, complete
a smartphone activity diary and a paper questionnaire, and provide a urine and saliva
sample. Study materials are distributed and collected from pupils at either their schools or
their homes. These data will allow for differentiation of RF exposure from mobile phones
and RF from other sources (near-field and far-field), and will be used to calibrate models
estimating brain and whole body RF exposure metrics to better reflect ‘real-life’ exposure
scenarios for epidemiological investigation in the SCAMP cohort study.
Results: Baseline data have been collected from 5,504 pupils (53.2% female, mean age
12.0 (SD 0.4); 42.3% White, 20.3% South Asian, 15.9% Black, 11.5% Mixed, 9.9% Other).
Preliminary analysis shows that over 80% of participants own a mobile phone. To date,
data for the personal monitoring sub-study have been collected from 40 pupils.
Conclusions: SCAMP will improve our understanding of children’s RF exposures and will
provide an evidence base to inform policy. In particular the personal monitoring sub-study
will give a detailed assessment of children’s personal RF exposure and the relative
contribution of each RF source.
853
Th-SY-E2: Methodologies in finding new and/or emerging risks of chemicals
(NERCs) - II
Th-SY-E2.1
Anses approach for the detection and investigation of emerging diseases in
occupational health
Melina Le Barbier, ANSES - French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational
Health & Safety, Paris, France
Gérard Lasfargues, ANSES - French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational
Health & Safety, Paris, France
Natalie Vongmany, ANSES - French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational
Health & Safety, Paris, France
Society has high expectations concerning the prevention of occupational risks. Identify
emerging or re-emerging risks in occupational health is therefore an important project for
the French Agency for food, environmental and occupational health & safety. This is done
by means of the French National Occupational Diseases Surveillance and Prevention
Network (RNV3P) and its working group on “Emerging occupational diseases”. Missions of
this working group are to establish a platform for sharing and expertise for the early
detection of potentially new work related diseases, and to set up a process for reporting
any occurrence of an emerging disease.
New work related diseases (WRD) are defined as new pairs {disease x exposure}, or as
pairs {disease x exposure} that are already known but have been detected in a new
occupation or a new industry sector (referred to as a “new triad”).
The signals discussed by the group’s experts involve not just clinical cases reported in the
field but also information from statistics revealing emergence (data mining in the national
RNV3P base), or even from proactive searches for cases in response to alerts on new
diseases from other sources or organisations (literature, NIOSH, European Modernet
Network). The second step is related to the “expertise” of each case report (checking of
diagnosis, exposure and work-relatedness assessment rated). Finally actions (third step)
are proposed according to a three dimensions decision-making tool in order to ensure
transparency and reproductibility. This algorithm relies on the number of similar cases
reported, severity of each of these cases and on work-attributability. This work-
attributability is defined with four levels (impossible, not impossible, possible, very
likely).
This three step approach and the related algorithm will be presented. Illustrations of new
WRD detected and investigated will be given also. So far, 45 reports have been or are
being assessed by the experts in this working group. Most of the reports have come from
the clinical component. The work done at national level is coordinated with that at
European level. This approach now offers a structured way for the capture and
investigation of potentially new WRD.
854
Th-SY-E2.2
The International Health Regulations (2005): A Global Platform for Collaboration and
Capacity Building to Identify, Prevent, Prepare for and Respond to Chemical Risks
Carolyn Vickers, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
Kersten Gutschmidt, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
Joanna Tempowski, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
Richard Brown, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
In 2005, the World Health Organization (WHO) Member States adopted the revised
International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005). The Regulations provide a unique public
health framework in the form of obligations and recommendations that enable countries
to better prevent, prepare for and respond to public health events and emergencies of
potential international concern, including chemical events.
The Regulations obligate States Parties to develop certain minimum core public health
capacities (especially for early event detection and response) and to notify WHO of events
that may constitute a public health emergency of international concern according to
defined criteria. While the core capacities to control selected communicable diseases
were already understood, international collaboration among the Regulations’ 196 States
Parties to detect diseases due to other hazards was new. In real life, disease outbreaks
occur for which the cause is not immediately known, so many disciplines must work
together.
WHO has specified a set of core capacities for chemical events and developed a system of
national focal points and an on-line event information site for sharing information.
Achievement of the core capacities is regularly assessed. As of 31 March 2015, 160
countries had reported on the implementation of the Regulations during 2014. Relatively
low capacities for handling chemical events were reported. The global capacity score for
chemical events was 56%, with large variations between WHO regions ranging from 28% in
the African Region to 79% in the European Region. The scores for the other regions were
Americas 54%, South-East Asia 50%, Eastern Mediterranean 53%, and Western Pacific 62%.
Globally, the capacity indicator that most (76%) of countries had was a designated focal
point for coordination during a chemical event. Only 40% of countries had an updated
chemical event response plan, 56% had adequate laboratory capacity to confirm a
chemical event and 63% had surveillance systems for chemical exposures. WHO is working
with countries to strengthen chemicals capacities.
The establishment of surveillance systems for early event detection is a critical capacity.
As well as acute outbreaks with known chemicals, surveillance can identify new threats,
known threats with a changing pattern of occurrence, and emerging risks of a less acute
onset. Sometimes the chemical cause of an outbreak is identified quickly, for example,
methanol poisoning, but sometimes not. Examples will be presented.
Th-SY-E2.3
An integrated strategy for marine toxins of cell based bioassays and analytical tools to
ensure safe seafood.
Toine Bovee, RIKILT Wageningen UR, Wageningen, Netherlands
Mirjam Klijnstra, RIKILT Wageningen UR, Wageningen, Netherlands
Marcia Bodero, RIKILT Wageningen UR, Wageningen, Netherlands
Jonathan Nicolas, WUR, Wageningen, Netherlands Antilles
Peter Hendriksen, RIKILT Wageningen UR, Wageningen, Netherlands
Arjen Gerssen, RIKILT Wageningen UR, Wageningen, Netherlands
Marine toxins are produced by algae that can accumulate in seafood. Consumption of
contaminated products may lead to intoxication such as memory loss, paralysis, diarrhoea
or in severe cases death. In order to protect consumers, methods have been developed
and put into practice. Within Europe several analytical chemical alternatives for the
widely applied mouse bioassay (MBA) are implemented within legislation. Current trends
involve rapid LC-MS/MS or targeted screening with LC-hrMS for regulated and unregulated
toxins. Despite the current alternatives, the unethical and unreliable test with mice is still
being used, as it is capable to detect possible unknown toxins or new risks for consumers.
Animal-free in vitro cell based effect assays offer the same opportunity as the mouse
bioassay, i.e. to detect unknown toxins and new risks. A neuroblastoma cell assay was
optimized at our laboratory for the detection of various toxins in seafood samples. This
easy and relatively cheap in vitro cell assay is used as a first screening to differentiate
between blank and suspect samples. Only suspect samples are further investigated with
analytical chemical tools. For the regulated toxins such targeted LC-MS/MS methods have
been established, and can be applied in monitoring programs (e.g. if countries miss
laboratories with cell culture facilities). However, the combination of effect screening
with LC-MS/MS confirmation is very powerful. If unexplained results are obtained, i.e.
suspect samples in the cell assay that cannot be confirmed by LC-MS/MS, a second stage of
cell based assays is applied which are more directed to the specific mode of action. For
diarrheic marine toxins, these techniques are based on gene expression profiles in human
Caco-2 cells, and a multielectrode array with neural cells was set-up for neurotoxic
compounds. If suspect samples also show a response in these cell assays, and thus suggest
presence of an unknown, analytical tools (LC-hrMS) in combination with library searching
and/or statistical- and structure elucidation tools are used for identification. This strategy
has been applied to over 100 mainly contaminated samples. The majority of the suspect
samples could be confirmed by LC-MS/MS and contained clearly elevated levels of marine
toxins. Till now only one false negative was observed. The assay also flagged some as
suspect that could not be explained by the LC-MS/MS methods. These samples are
currently under investigation. Results indicate that the complete proposed strategy, effect
based assays combined with novel analytical tools, will be able to bypass the MBA.