Job-related formaldehyde exposure and ALS mortality in the USA.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Roberts AL
PROVIDER: S-EPMC4738165 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jul
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Publications
Job-related formaldehyde exposure and ALS mortality in the USA.
Roberts Andrea L AL Johnson Norman J NJ Cudkowicz Merit E ME Eum Ki-Do KD Weisskopf Marc G MG
Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry 20150713 7
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Project description:Clothes contain a wide range of chemicals, some of them potentially hazardous. Recently, there has been a growing interest in eco-friendly clothing, including the use of organic cotton. However, the process of eco-friendly fabric production does not exclude the use of toxic substances, such as formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen. The present investigation was aimed at determining the presence of formaldehyde in eco-friendly and conventional clothing of pregnant women, babies, and toddlers from the Catalan (Spain) market. The potential effects of washing were also investigated by comparing the reduction of formaldehyde in unwashed and washed clothing. Formaldehyde was detected in 20% of samples, with a mean level of 8.96 mg/kg. Formaldehyde levels were surprisingly higher in eco-friendly than in regular garments (10.4 vs. 8.23 mg/kg). However, these differences were only significant (p < 0.05) for bras (11.6 vs. 7.46 mg/kg) and panties (27.1 vs. 6.38 mg/kg) of pregnant women. Dermal exposure and health risks were assessed for three vulnerable population groups: pregnant women, babies, and toddlers. In general, exposure was higher in babies (up to 1.11 × 10-3 mg/kg/day) than in other groups (2.58 × 10-4 and 4.50 × 10-3 mg/kg/day in pregnant women and toddlers, respectively). However, both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks were below the safety limits (<1 and <10-5, respectively) according to national regulations. Notwithstanding, although formaldehyde levels were below the legal limits (<75 mg/kg) and health risks were within acceptable ranges, clothing may contain other toxic substances in addition to formaldehyde, thus increasing the risks. Finally, since no formaldehyde was detected in washed textile samples, a safe and simple practice for the consumers is to wash clothing before the first use.
| S-EPMC9318620 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectivesThe use of a job-exposure matrix (JEM) to assess exposure to potential health hazards in occupational epidemiological studies requires coding each participant's job history to a standard occupation and/or industry classification system recognized by the JEM. The objectives of this study were to assess the impact of inter-coder variability in job coding on reliability in exposure estimates derived from linking the job codes to the Canadian job-exposure matrix (CANJEM) and to identify influent parameters.MethodTwo trained coders independently coded 1000 jobs sampled from a population-based case-control study to the ISCO-1968 occupation classification at the five-digit resolution level, of which 859 could be linked to CANJEM using both assigned codes. Each of the two sets of codes was separately linked to CANJEM and thereby generated, for each of the 258 occupational agents available in CANJEM, two exposure estimates: exposure status (yes/no) and intensity of exposure (low, medium, and high) for exposed jobs only. Then, inter-rater reliability (IRR) was computed (i) after stratifying agents in 4 classes depending, for each, on the proportion of occupation codes in CANJEM defined as 'exposed' and (ii) for two additional scenarios restricted to jobs coded differently: the first one using experts' codes, the other one using codes randomly selected. IRR was computed using Cohen's kappa, PABAK and Gwet's AC1 index for exposure status, and weighted kappa and Gwet's AC2 for exposure intensity.ResultsAcross all agents and based on all jobs, median (Q1, Q3; Nagents) values were 0.68 (0.59, 0.75; 220) for kappa, 0.99 (0.95, 1.00; 258) for PABAK, and 0.99 (0.97, 1.00; 258) for AC1. For the additional scenarios, median kappa was 0.28 (0.00, 0.45; 209) and -0.01 (-0.02, 00; 233) restricted to jobs coded differently using experts' and random codes, respectively. A similar decreasing pattern was observed for PABAK and AC1 albeit with higher absolute values. Median kappa remained stable across exposure prevalence classes but was more variable for low prevalent agents. PABAK and AC1 decreased with increasing prevalence. Considering exposure intensity and all exposed jobs, median values were 0.79 (0.68, 0.91; 96) for weighted kappa, and 0.95 (0.89, 0.99; 102) for AC2. For the additional scenarios, median kappa was, respectively, 0.28 (-0.04, 0.42) and -0.05 (-0.18, 0.09) restricted to jobs coded differently using experts' and random codes, with a similar though attenuated pattern for AC2.ConclusionDespite reassuring overall reliability results, our study clearly demonstrated the loss of information associated with jobs coded differently. Especially, in cases of low exposure prevalence, efforts should be made to reliably code potentially exposed jobs.
| S-EPMC9168665 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Exposure to Formaldehyde (FA) results in many pathophysiological symptoms, however the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Given the complicated modulatory role of intestinal microbiota on human health, we hypothesized that interactions between FA and the gut microbiome may account for FA's toxicity. Balb/c mice were allocated randomly to three groups: a control group, a methanol group (0.1 and 0.3 ng/mL MeOH subgroups), and an FA group (1 and 3 ng/mL FA subgroups). Groups of either three or six mice were used for the control or experiment. We applied high-throughput sequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene approaches and investigated possible alterations in the composition of mouse gut microbiota induced by FA. Changes in bacterial genera induced by FA exposure were identified. By analyzing KEGG metabolic pathways predicted by PICRUSt software, we also explored the potential metabolic changes, such as alpha-Linolenic acid metabolism and pathways in cancer, associated with FA exposure in mice. To the best of our knowledge, this preliminary study is the first to identify changes in the mouse gut microbiome after FA exposure, and to analyze the relevant potential metabolisms. The limitation of this study: this study is relatively small and needs to be further confirmed through a larger study.
| S-EPMC5924534 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) have emerged as an environmental justice issue due to disproportionate siting in low-income and minority communities. However, CAFOs' impact on health is not fully understood. We examined risk of cause-specific mortality associated with CAFOs in North Carolina (NC) for 2000-2017 and health disparities. We obtained data on individual-level cause-specific mortality and on permitted animal facilities. We estimated associations between exposure to CAFOs and cause-specific mortality using logistic regression, controlling for demographics (e.g., age) and area-level covariates. To estimate exposure to CAFOs, we considered (1) a binary indicator (presence or absence) of CAFOs within a buffer around individual residence based on several buffer sizes, and (2) four levels of exposure (no, low, medium, and high) based on the number of CAFOs within 15 km around each residence. We considered individual-level (sex, race/ethnicity, age, education) and community-level (median household income, urbanicity, and region) factors. Under all buffer sizes used to estimate CAFOs exposure, people living near CAFOs had significantly higher risk of cardiovascular mortality than other persons. Comparing those living near CAFOs to the no exposure group, odds ratios (ORs) for cardiovascular mortality were 1.01 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00, 1.03), 1.04 (1.03, 1.06), and 1.06 (1.05, 1.07) for low, medium, and high CAFOs exposure, respectively, indicating a trend of higher risk with higher exposure. Those in the high CAFOs exposure group had significantly higher risk of anemia and kidney disease mortality than those with no exposure. Results suggest higher mortality risk from CAFOs for some subpopulations, however differences were not statistically significant. Findings provide evidence of excess mortality risk from CAFOs in NC. These results have implications for future studies of environmental justice and CAFOs.
| S-EPMC8530906 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Climate change may affect human health, particularly for elderly individuals who are vulnerable to temperature changes. While many studies have investigated the acute effects of heat, only a few have dealt with the chronic ones. We have examined the effects of seasonal temperatures on survival of the elderly in the Southeastern USA, where a large fraction of subpopulation resides. We found that both seasonal mean temperature and its standard deviation (SD) affected long-term survival among the 13 million Medicare beneficiaries (aged 65+) in this region during 2000-2013. A 1 °C increase in summer mean temperature corresponded to an increase of 2.5% in death rate. Whereas, 1 °C increase in winter mean temperature was associated with a decrease of 1.5%. Increases in seasonal temperature SD also influence mortality. We decomposed seasonal mean temperature and its temperature SD into long-term geographic contrasts between ZIP codes and annual anomalies within ZIP code. Effect modifications by different subgroups were also examined to find out whether certain individuals are more vulnerable. Our findings will be critical to future efforts assessing health risks related to the future climate change.
| S-EPMC4951799 | biostudies-literature
Project description:The objective of this study was to describe muscle cramps in an US sample of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. Utilizing an anonymous web based questionnaire we queried ALS patients regarding the severity, frequency, time-course, treatment of muscle cramps and their relationship to pain. The survey had 282 respondents with 92% reporting that they had cramps. For 20% of the sample, cramps were stated to be the presenting ALS symptom. Cramp severity was rated at a mean of 5.2/10 and the mean cramp frequency was 5.3 cramps per day. Cramp intensity and frequency did not correlate with duration or severity of ALS. Pain as measured with the Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) pain scales was not statistically different from the US general population. Cramp severity and frequency significantly and positively correlated with the PROMIS pain scales. Patients with more severe cramps were more likely to use prescription medications for their cramps compared to patients with milder symptoms. Treatments directed at cramps were tried by 57%. In conclusion, cramps are a common symptom in ALS and it does not correlate with disease duration or severity. The severity of cramps is on average moderate and many patients try treatments.
| S-EPMC5575819 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Immunocompromised status and interrupted routine care may render patients with cirrhosis vulnerable to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A nationwide dataset that includes more than 99% of the decedents in the U.S. between April 2012 and September 2021 was used. Projected age-standardized mortality during the pandemic were estimated according to prepandemic mortality rates, stratified by season. Excess deaths were determined by estimating the difference between observed and projected mortality rates. A temporal trend analysis of observed mortality rates was also performed in 0.83 million decedents with cirrhosis between April 2012 and September 2021 was included. Following an increasing trend of cirrhosis-related mortality before the pandemic, with a semiannual percentage change (SAPC) of 0.54% [95% confidence interval (CI): (0.0-1.0%), p=0.036], a precipitous increase with seasonal variation occurred during the pandemic (SAPC 5.35, 95% CI: 1.9-8.9, p=0.005). Significantly increased mortality rates were observed in those with alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), with a SAPC of 8.44 (95% CI: 4.3-12.8, p=0.001) during the pandemic. All-cause mortality of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease rose steadily across the entire study period with a SAPC of 6.79 (95% CI: 6.3-7.3, p<0.001). The decreasing trend of HCV-related mortality was reversed during the pandemic, while there was no significant change in HBV-related deaths. While there was significant increase in COVID-19-related deaths, more than 55% of the excess deaths were the indirect impact of the pandemic. We observed an alarming increase in cirrhosis-related deaths during the pandemic especially for ALD, with evidence in both direct and indirect impact. Our findings have implications on formulating policies for patients with cirrhosis.
| S-EPMC10037514 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundFormaldehyde (FA) is classified as a human carcinogen and has been linked to increased leukemia rates in some epidemiologic studies. Inhalation of FA induces sensory irritation at relatively low concentrations. However, little is known concerning the cellular alterations observed after FA exposure in humans.ObjectivesOur aim was to profile global gene expression in Hs 680.Tr human tracheal fibroblasts exposed to FA and to develop biomarkers for the evaluation of FA exposure in humans.Methods and resultsWe used gene expression analysis, and identified 54 genes designated as FA responsive. On the basis of these data, we conducted an exploratory analysis of the expression of these genes in human subjects exposed to high or low levels of FA. We monitored FA exposure by measuring the urinary concentration of thiazolidine-4-carboxylate (TZCA), a stable and quantitative cysteinyl adduct of FA. Nine genes were selected for real-time PCR analysis; of these, BHLHB2, CCNL1, SE20-4, C8FW, PLK2, and SGK showed elevated expression in subjects with high concentrations of TZCA.ConclusionThe identification of gene marker candidates in vitro using microarray analysis and their validation using human samples obtained from exposed subjects is a good tool for discovering genes of potential mechanistic interest and biomarkers of exposure. Thus, these genes are differentially expressed in response to FA and are potential effect biomarkers of FA exposure.
| S-EPMC2022670 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundIn Nigeria, many young girls are engaged in commercial sex work as a means of livelihood and support of dependent relatives. Although studies have documented some of the violence related issues among commercial sex workers, the plight of adolescent and young sex workers particularly in urban slums may be different in context and depth.ObjectiveThis study explored the lived experiences of violence and health related harm among vulnerable young female sex workers in urban slums in Ibadan and Lagos, Southwest Nigeria. It also analyzed their coping strategies and survival mechanisms.DesignThe study is cross-sectional and applied an interpretive phenomenological approach to this qualitative study through in-depth interviews.ParticipantsYoung female sex workers ages (15-24 years) who reported having experienced violence were recruited for the study. Twelve participants completed the interviews out the 20 initially contacted.Data collection and analysisPrimary data were collected using in-depth interviews (IDIs). Data were transcribed using a phenomenological framework analysis. Participants' reports based on life experiences were identified: lived experience "daily brothel life experience"; sources of violence such as law enforcement agents' intermittent raids; violence experience with clients who often demanded sexual acts beyond the agreed scope; and coping strategies employed to mitigate the challenges.SettingsThe study was conducted in brothels of two selected slum areas in Ibadan and Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.ResultsThe results showed that the major motivation for engaging in commercial sex work was for economic reasons. However, there are inherent risks involved particularly for the vulnerable young people. Stigmatization from the community, clients' uncontrolled-aggressive behavior and harassment from law enforcement agents are some of the frequent violence experiences reported. Self-help coping strategies are usually employed to prevent or mitigate the challenges.ConclusionThe plight of this young people required policy and program attention towards alternative economic empowerment to rehabilitate those willing to leave the profession. Also the need to develop arm reduction interventions towards protection of young sex workers against violence.
| S-EPMC9123769 | biostudies-literature
Project description:We set out to test the hypothesis that formaldehyde inhalation exposure significantly alters miRNA expression profiles within the nasal epithelium of nonhuman primates. Here, cynomolgus macaques were exposed to 0, 2, and 6 ppm formaldehyde for 6 hours/day across two consecutive days. RNA was extracted from the nasal maxilloturbinate region, a direct target of formaldehyde inhalation exposure. Genome-wide miRNA expression levels were assessed using microarrays. Cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis) were exposed to 0, 2 and 6 ppm formaldehyde for 6 hours/day across two consecutive days using whole body exposure chambers. RNA was extracted from the nasal maxilloturbinate region, a direct target of formaldehyde inhalation exposure. Genome-wide miRNA expression levels were assessed using microarrays.
2012-09-01 | E-GEOD-34978 | biostudies-arrayexpress