Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology最新文献

{"title":"Comparison of the rate of healthcare encounters for influenza from source-specific PM_2.5 before and after tier 3 vehicle standards in New York state.","authors":"Daniel P Croft, Mark J Utell, Philip K Hopke, Han Liu, Shao Lin, Sally W Thurston, Sathvik Thandra, Yunle Chen, Md Rayhanul Islam, Kelly Thevenet-Morrison, Carl J Johnston, Tianming Zhao, Catherine Yount, David Q Rich","doi":"10.1038/s41370-024-00710-w","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41370-024-00710-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Influenza healthcare encounters in adults associated with specific sources of PM_2.5 is an area of active research.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>Following 2017 legislation requiring reductions in emissions from light-duty vehicles, we hypothesized a reduced rate of influenza healthcare encounters would be associated with concentrations of PM_2.5 from traffic sources in the early implementation period of this regulation (2017-2019).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We used the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) to study adult patients hospitalized (N = 5328) or treated in the emergency department (N = 18,247) for influenza in New York State. Using a modified case-crossover design, we estimated the excess rate (ER) of influenza hospitalizations and emergency department visits associated with interquartile range increases in source-specific PM_2.5 concentrations (e.g., spark-ignition emissions [GAS], biomass burning [BB], diesel [DIE]) in lag day(s) 0, 0-3 and 0-6. We then evaluated whether ERs differed after Tier 3 implementation (2017-2019) compared to the period prior to implementation (2014-2016).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Each interquartile range increase in DIE in lag days 0-6 was associated with a 21.3% increased rate of influenza hospitalization (95% CI: 6.9, 37.6) in the 2014-2016 period, and a 6.3% decreased rate (95% CI: -12.7, 0.5) in the 2017-2019 period. The GAS/influenza excess rates were larger in the 2017-2019 period than the 2014-2016 period for emergency department visits. We also observed a larger ER associated with increased BB in the 2017-2019 period compared to the 2014-2016 period.</p><p><strong>Impact statement: </strong>We present an accountability study on the impact of the early implementation period of the Tier 3 vehicle emission standards on the association between specific sources of PM_2.5 air pollution on influenza healthcare encounters in New York State. We found that the association between gasoline emissions and influenza healthcare encounters did not lessen in magnitude between periods, possibly because the emissions standards were not yet fully implemented. The reduction in the rates of influenza healthcare encounters associated with diesel emissions may be reflective of past policies to reduce the toxicity of diesel emissions. Accountability studies can help policy makers and environmental scientists better understand the timing of pollution changes and associated health effects.</p>","PeriodicalId":15684,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2024-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141912896","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Skyrocketing pollution: assessing the environmental fate of July 4th fireworks in New York City.","authors":"Antonio F Saporito, Terry Gordon, Beck Kim, Tri Huynh, Rahanna Khan, Amna Raja, Kristin Terez, Nicole Camacho-Rivera, Rachel Gordon, Julie Gardella, Maria Katsigeorgis, Rodney Graham, Thomas Kluz, Max Costa, David Luglio","doi":"10.1038/s41370-024-00701-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41370-024-00701-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Pyrotechnic displays often lead to significant increases in poor air quality. The widespread environmental fate-involving air, water, and spatial-temporal analyses-of fireworks-produced pollutants has seldom been investigated.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study examined the environmental fate of pollutants from the largest fireworks event in the U.S.: Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks show in New York City (NYC).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Real-time PM_2.5 and gravimetric PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ were collected at locations along the East River of NYC. Airborne particles were assayed for trace elements (X-ray fluorescence) and organic and elemental carbon (OC/EC). River water samples were evaluated by ICP-MS for heavy-metal water contamination. Spatial-temporal analyses were created using PM_2.5 concentrations reported by both EPA and PurpleAir monitoring networks for NYC and 5 other major metropolitan areas.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The fireworks event resulted in large increases in PM_2.5 mass concentrations at the river-adjacent sampling locations. While background control PM_2.5 was 10-15 µg/m³, peak real-time PM_2.5 levels exceeded 3000 µg/m³ at one site and 1000 µg/m³ at two other locations. The integrated gravimetric PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ concentrations during the fireworks event ranged from 162 to 240 µg/m³ and 252 to 589 µg/m³, respectively. Zn, Pb, Sb, and Cu more than doubled in river water samples taken after the event, while S, K, Ba, Cu, Mg, Fe, Sr, Ti, and Zn increased in airborne PM_2.5 from the fireworks. Data from hyperlocal monitoring networks for NYC and other metropolitan areas yielded similar, but generally smaller, increases in PM_2.5 levels.</p><p><strong>Impact: </strong>Fireworks shows have been associated with environmental contamination. This comprehensive analysis considers the fate of pollutants from the largest annual U.S. pyrotechnic show through air, water, and hyperlocal temporal characterization.</p>","PeriodicalId":15684,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2024-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141897604","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Public drinking water contaminant estimates for birth cohorts in the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Cohort.","authors":"Tessa R Bloomquist, Maya Spaur, Ilan Cerna-Turoff, Amii M Kress, Mohamad Burjak, Allison Kupsco, Joan A Casey, Julie B Herbstman, Anne E Nigra","doi":"10.1038/s41370-024-00699-2","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41370-024-00699-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) regulates over 80 contaminants in community water systems (CWS), including those relevant to infant health outcomes. Multi-cohort analyses of the association between measured prenatal public water contaminant concentrations and infant health outcomes are sparse in the US.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>Our objectives were to (1) develop Zip Code Tabulation Area (ZCTA)-level CWS contaminant concentrations for participants in the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Cohort and (2) evaluate regional, seasonal, and sociodemographic inequities in contaminant concentrations at the ZCTA-level. The ECHO Cohort harmonizes data from over 69 extant pregnancy and pediatric cohorts across the US.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We used CWS estimates derived from the USEPA's Six-Year Review 3 (2006-2011) to develop population-weighted, average concentrations for 10 contaminants across 7640 ZCTAs relevant to the ECHO Cohort. We evaluated contaminant distributions, exceedances of regulatory thresholds, and geometric mean ratios (with corresponding percent changes) associated with ZCTA sociodemographic characteristics via spatial lag linear regression models.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We observed significant regional variability in contaminant concentrations across the US. ZCTAs were most likely to exceed the maximum contaminant level for arsenic (n = 100, 1.4%) and the health-protective threshold for total trihalomethanes (n = 3584, 64.0%). A 10% higher proportion of residents who were American Indian/Alaskan Native and Hispanic/Latino was associated with higher arsenic (11%, 95% CI: 7%, 15%; and 2%, 95% CI: 0%, 3%, respectively) and uranium (15%, 95% CI: 10%, 21%; and 9%, 95% CI: 6%, 12%, respectively) concentrations.</p><p><strong>Impact: </strong>Nationwide epidemiologic analyses evaluating the association between US community water system contaminant concentration estimates and associated adverse birth outcomes in cohort studies are sparse because public water contaminant concentration estimates that can be readily linked to participant addresses are not available. We developed Zip Code Tabulation Area (ZCTA)-level CWS contaminant concentrations that can be linked to participants in the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Cohort and evaluated regional, seasonal, and sociodemographic inequities in contaminant concentrations for these ZCTAs. Future epidemiologic studies can leverage these CWS exposure estimates in the ECHO Cohort to evaluate associations with relevant infant outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":15684,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2024-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11790980/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141889407","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A data-driven approach to identifying PFAS water sampling priorities in Colorado, United States.","authors":"Kelsey E Barton, Peter J Anthamatten, John L Adgate, Lisa M McKenzie, Anne P Starling, Kevin Berg, Robert C Murphy, Kristy Richardson","doi":"10.1038/s41370-024-00705-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41370-024-00705-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of environmentally and biologically persistent chemicals, have been used across many industries since the middle of the 20^th century. Some PFAS have been linked to adverse health effects.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>Our objective was to incorporate known and potential PFAS sources, physical characteristics of the environment, and existing PFAS water sampling results into a PFAS risk prediction map that may be used to develop a PFAS water sampling prioritization plan for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We used random forest classification to develop a predictive surface of potential groundwater contamination from two PFAS, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA). The model predicted PFAS risk at locations without sampling data into one of three risk categories after being \"trained\" with existing PFAS water sampling data. We used prediction results, variable importance ranking, and population characteristics to develop recommendations for sampling prioritization.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Sensitivity and precision ranged from 58% to 90% in the final models, depending on the risk category. The model and prioritization approach identified private wells in specific census blocks, as well as schools, mobile home parks, and public water systems that rely on groundwater as priority sampling locations. We also identified data gaps including areas of the state with limited sampling and potential source types that need further investigation.</p><p><strong>Impact statement: </strong>This work uses random forest classification to predict the risk of groundwater contamination from two per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) across the state of Colorado, United States. We developed the prediction model using data on known and potential PFAS sources and physical characteristics of the environment, and \"trained\" the model using existing PFAS water sampling results. This data-driven approach identifies opportunities for PFAS water sampling prioritization as well as information gaps that, if filled, could improve model predictions. This work provides decision-makers information to effectively use limited resources towards protection of populations most susceptible to the impacts of PFAS exposure.</p>","PeriodicalId":15684,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2024-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141874988","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Addressing the need for individual-level exposure monitoring for firefighters using silicone samplers.","authors":"Emily M Bonner, Carolyn M Poutasse, Christopher K Haddock, Walker S C Poston, Sara A Jahnke, Lane G Tidwell, Kim A Anderson","doi":"10.1038/s41370-024-00700-y","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41370-024-00700-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Firefighters are occupationally exposed to hazardous chemical mixtures. Silicone passive sampling devices capture unique exposures over time with minimal impact to the participant and allow for the analysis of a broad chemical space.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>Silicone dog tags were worn by firefighters while on- and off-duty to measure individual exposures, identify potential occupational exposures, and assess their relation to occupational variables including fire response frequency, rank, and years as a firefighter.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Fifty-six firefighters were recruited from two fire departments with relatively high and low call volumes in the Kansas City metropolitan area to wear two different silicone dog tags as passive samplers while on- and off-duty. Each dog tag was worn for a cumulative 30-day exposure period. Extracts of the dog tags were analyzed with gas chromatography, mass spectrometry methods for 43 flame retardants (FRs), 21 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), 42 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and 63 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Ninety-two total chemicals were detected, with eight chemicals not previously reported in firefighter exposure studies. Based on the magnitude and frequency of increased exposure in on-duty dog tags, relative to paired off-duty dog tags, five PBDEs and sec-butylbenzene were identified as potential occupational exposures; sec-butylbenzene and PBDE 49 have not previously been reported in firefighter exposure studies to the authors' knowledge. Multivariate analyses for these six compounds indicated that firefighter rank, fire response rates, and years in the fire service were poor indicators of increased occupational exposure. The greatest on-duty exposures to PBDEs were found in the low-call volume department among operational firefighters. Dog tags from firefighters at the high-call volume department accounted for 75% of PCB detections; one particular fire response may have contributed to this. Additionally, there was measurable similarity in total chemical exposure profiles between paired on- and off-duty tags for some firefighters.</p><p><strong>Impact: </strong>This study used personal silicone passive samplers in the configuration of dog tags worn around the neck to quantify firefighter occupational exposure in on-duty samples relative to paired off-duty samples for several chemical categories: flame retardants, VOCs, and PCBs. Five PBDEs and sec-butylbenzene were identified as potential occupational exposures, however their prevalence in on-duty tags was not associated with frequency of fire responses, firefighter rank, or years the firefighter has been in the fire service. Additionally, similarity between chemical exposures in on- and off-duty tags from the same firefighter invites further investigation into individual behaviors influencing occupational and para-occupational exposures.</p>","PeriodicalId":15684,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2024-07-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11743823/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141734308","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Associations of exposure to bisphenol-A or parabens with markers of liver injury/function among US adults in NHANES 2011-2016.","authors":"Rongkun Luo, Mingcong Chen, Shuai Hao, Marady Hun, Shaobin Luo, Feizhou Huang, Zhao Lei, Mingyi Zhao","doi":"10.1038/s41370-024-00704-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41370-024-00704-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Bisphenol-A (BPA) and parabens are common endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) that are used extensively in consumer products worldwide and are widely found in the environment.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The purpose of this study was to comprehensively explore the correlations between urinary BPA/parabens levels and liver injury/function markers.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this cross-sectional study, we used National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2011 to 2016. The exposure variables were urinary BPA and four urinary parabens [methylparaben (MPB), ethylparaben (EPB), propylparaben (PPB), and butylparaben (BPB)], while the outcome variables were indicators of liver function/injury [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), AST/ ALT, albumin (ALB), total protein (TP), total bilirubin (TBIL), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and the fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4)]. Multiple linear regression and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression analyses were applied to explore the relationships between the individual/combined exposure variables and the liver injury/function indicators, respectively. Furthermore, stratified analysis was employed to detect the associations influenced by age and sex.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 2,179 adults were eligible for the present analysis. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed positive associations of EPB with AST, ALT, TP, and FIB-4 scores and negative associations of BPA with TP and ALB. The effects of urinary parabens on adverse outcomes in the liver (AST and ALT) were significant in the female and middle-aged subgroups. In addition, the WQS analysis revealed that the mixture of four compounds was negatively associated with ALB. BPA had the greatest effect on the serum ALB concentration (weight = 0.688).</p><p><strong>Impact: </strong>Our present study provided novel evidence of significant associations between BPA or certain parabens and numerous markers of liver injury/function indicators. We found that higher urinary BPA concentrations were associated with worse liver function. Exposure to high EPB/PPB ratios was significantly associated with biomarkers of liver injury.</p>","PeriodicalId":15684,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2024-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141633601","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring associations between the Phthalate Environmental Reproductive Health Literacy (PERHL) scale & biomarkers of phthalate exposure: A pilot study.","authors":"Kathryn S Tomsho, Marlee R Quinn, Emma V Preston, Gary Adamkiewicz, Tamarra James-Todd","doi":"10.1038/s41370-024-00706-6","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41370-024-00706-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Perinatal exposure to phthalates is associated with adverse health impacts for parents and children. The field of environmental health literacy seeks to measure how environmental health information is conceptualized and used to inform behaviors. We assessed whether scores on the validated Phthalate Environmental Reproductive Health Literacy (PERHL) scale were associated with biomarkers of phthalate exposure.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>42 members of the Environmental Reproductive and Glucose Outcomes (ERGO) cohort completed the PERHL scale and provided spot urine samples. Phthalate summary measures for model outcomes were created by calculating molar sums of specific gravity-corrected metabolite concentrations representing exposure to parent phthalate, Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), personal care product (PCP)-associated phthalates, and parent butyl-phthalates. Linear regression models were used to estimate the associations of the PERHL scale scores with phthalate summary measures, controlling for educational attainment (college degree or higher vs. no college degree), age (years), and race and ethnicity (non-Hispanic White vs. non-White).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Higher scores on the PERHL Scale and subscales were generally associated with lower ΣDEHP, Σbutyl, and ΣPCP metabolite concentrations. A one-point increase in the 'Protective Behavior/Risk Control' subscale score was significantly associated with a -30.3% (95% CI: -50.1, -2.6) decrease in ΣDEHP, and a -30.6% (95% CI: -51.5, -0.63) decrease in Σbutyl metabolite concentrations.</p>","PeriodicalId":15684,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2024-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141633602","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Drinking water source and exposure to regulated water contaminants in the California Teachers Study cohort.","authors":"Maya Spaur, Danielle N Medgyesi, Komal Bangia, Jessica M Madrigal, Lauren M Hurwitz, Laura E Beane Freeman, Jared A Fisher, Emma S Spielfogel, James V Lacey, Tiffany Sanchez, Rena R Jones, Mary H Ward","doi":"10.1038/s41370-024-00703-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41370-024-00703-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Pollutants including metals/metalloids, nitrate, disinfection byproducts, and volatile organic compounds contaminate federally regulated community water systems (CWS) and unregulated domestic wells across the United States. Exposures and associated health effects, particularly at levels below regulatory limits, are understudied.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>We described drinking water sources and exposures for the California Teachers Study (CTS), a prospective cohort of female California teachers and administrators.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Participants' geocoded addresses at enrollment (1995-1996) were linked to CWS service area boundaries and monitoring data (N = 115,206, 92%); we computed average (1990-2015) concentrations of arsenic, uranium, nitrate, gross alpha (GA), five haloacetic acids (HAA5), total trihalomethanes (TTHM), trichloroethylene (TCE), and tetrachloroethylene (PCE). We used generalized linear regression to estimate geometric mean ratios of CWS exposures across demographic subgroups and neighborhood characteristics. Self-reported drinking water source and consumption at follow-up (2017-2019) were also described.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Medians (interquartile ranges) of average concentrations of all contaminants were below regulatory limits: arsenic: 1.03 (0.54,1.71) µg/L, uranium: 3.48 (1.01,6.18) µg/L, GA: 2.21 (1.32,3.67) pCi/L, nitrate: 0.54 (0.20,1.97) mg/L, HAA5: 8.67 (2.98,14.70) µg/L, and TTHM: 12.86 (4.58,21.95) µg/L. Among those who lived within a CWS boundary and self-reported drinking water information (2017-2019), approximately 74% self-reported their water source as municipal, 15% bottled, 2% private well, 4% other, and 5% did not know/missing. Spatially linked water source was largely consistent with self-reported source at follow-up (2017-2019). Relative to non-Hispanic white participants, average arsenic, uranium, GA, and nitrate concentrations were higher for Black, Hispanic and Native American participants. Relative to participants living in census block groups in the lowest socioeconomic status (SES) quartile, participants in higher SES quartiles had lower arsenic/uranium/GA/nitrate, and higher HAA5/TTHM. Non-metropolitan participants had higher arsenic/uranium/nitrate, and metropolitan participants had higher HAA5/TTHM.</p><p><strong>Impact: </strong>Though average water contaminant levels were mostly below regulatory limits in this large cohort of California women, we observed heterogeneity in exposures across sociodemographic subgroups and neighborhood characteristics. These data will be used to support future assessments of drinking water exposures and disease risk.</p>","PeriodicalId":15684,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2024-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141603729","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Geographic and dietary differences of urinary uranium levels in the Strong Heart Family Study.","authors":"Kevin P Patterson, Anne E Nigra, Pablo Olmedo, Maria Grau-Perez, Rae O'Leary, Marcia O'Leary, Amanda M Fretts, Jason G Umans, Lyle G Best, Walter Goessler, Shelley A Cole, Ana Navas-Acien","doi":"10.1038/s41370-024-00695-6","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41370-024-00695-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>American Indian (AI) communities are affected by uranium exposure from abandoned mines and naturally contaminated drinking water. Few studies have evaluated geographical differences across AI communities and the role of dietary exposures.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>We evaluated differences in urinary uranium levels by diet and geographical area among AI participants from the Northern Plains, the Southern Plains, and the Southwest enrolled in the Strong Heart Family Study (SHFS).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We used food frequency questionnaires to determine dietary sources related to urinary uranium levels for 1,682 SHFS participants in 2001-2003. We calculated adjusted geometric mean ratios (GMRs) of urinary uranium for an interquartile range (IQR) increase in self-reported food group consumption accounting for family clustering and adjusting for sociodemographic variables and other food groups. We determined the percentage of variability in urinary uranium explained by diet.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Median (IQR) urinary uranium levels were 0.027 (0.012, 0.057) μg/g creatinine. Urinary uranium levels were higher in Arizona (median 0.039 μg/g) and North Dakota and South Dakota (median 0.038 μg/g) and lower in Oklahoma (median 0.019 μg/g). The adjusted percent increase (95% confidence interval) of urinary uranium levels per IQR increase in reported food intake was 20% (5%, 36%) for organ meat, 11% (1%, 23%) for cereals, and 14% (1%, 29%) for alcoholic drinks. In analyses stratified by study center, the association with organ meat was specific to North Dakota and South Dakota participants. An IQR increase in consumption of fries and chips was inversely associated with urinary uranium levels -11% (-19%, -3%). Overall, we estimated that self-reported dietary exposures explained 1.71% of variability in urine uranium levels.</p><p><strong>Impact: </strong>Our paper provides a novel assessment of self-reported food intake and urinary uranium levels in a cohort of American Indian participants. We identify foods (organ meat, cereals, and alcohol) positively associated with urinary uranium levels, find that organ meat consumption is only associated with urine uranium in North Dakota and South Dakota, and estimate that diet explains relatively little variation in total urinary uranium concentrations. Our findings contribute meaningful data toward a more comprehensive estimation of uranium exposure among Native American communities and support the need for high-quality assessments of water and dust uranium exposures in SHFS communities.</p>","PeriodicalId":15684,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2024-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11695439/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141498209","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Variation in the fitted filtration efficiency of disposable face masks by sex.","authors":"Edward R Pennington, Jacob S Griffin, E Melissa McInroe, William Steinhardt, Hao Chen, James M Samet, Steven E Prince","doi":"10.1038/s41370-024-00697-4","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41370-024-00697-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background & objective: </strong>Disposable face masks are a primary protective measure against the adverse health effects of exposure to infectious and toxic aerosols such as airborne viruses and particulate air pollutants. While the fit of high efficiency respirators is regulated in occupational settings, relatively little is known about the fitted filtration efficiencies of ear loop style face masks worn by the public.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We measured the variation in fitted filtration efficiency (FFE) of four commonly worn disposable face masks, in a cohort of healthy adult participants (N = 100, 50% female, 50% male, average age = 32.3 ± 9.2 years, average BMI = 25.5 ± 3.4) using the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration Quantitative Fit Test, for an N95 (respirator), KN95, surgical, and KF94 masks. The latter three ear loop style masks were additionally tested in a clip-modified condition, tightened using a plastic clip to centrally fasten loops in the back of the head.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The findings show that sex is a major determinant of the FFE of KN95, surgical, and KF94 masks. On average, males had an 11% higher FFE relative to females, at baseline testing. We show that a simple modification using an ear loop clip, results in improvements in the average FFE for females but provides comparatively minor changes for males. On average, females had a 20% increased FFE when a clip was worn behind the head, relative to a 6% increase for males.</p><p><strong>Impact: </strong>The efficacy of a disposable face mask as protection against air contaminants depends on the efficiency of the mask materials and how well it fits the wearer. We report that the sex of the wearer is a major determinant of the baseline fitted filtration efficiency (FFE) of commonly available ear loop style face masks. In addition, we show that a simple fit modifier, an ear loop clip fastened behind the head, substantially improves baseline FFE for females but produces only minor changes for males. These findings have significant public health implications for the use of face masks as a protective intervention against inhalational exposure to airborne contaminants.</p>","PeriodicalId":15684,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2024-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11693769/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141492146","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}