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Human Biomonitoring in Health Risk Assessment: Current Practices and Recommendations...
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Human Biomonitoring in Health Risk Assessment: Current Practices and Recommendations for the Future

A special issue of Toxics (ISSN 2305-6304). This special issue belongs to the section "Exposome Analysis and Risk Assessment".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 October 2022) | Viewed by 42894

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Christophe Rousselle

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), 14 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94701 Maisons-Alfort CEDEX, France
Interests: chemical risk assessment in a regulatory context; endocrine disrupters; cosmetic products; reach, derivation of health-based guidance values (either for general population or for workers); biomonitoring data in risk assessments

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In most health risk assessment (HRA) frameworks for chemicals, the default approach for exposure assessment is to estimate intake from different sources and different routes of exposure. These assessments are often made separately and then added when aggregate exposure scenarios are considered. Various uncertainties are associated with this approach and, depending on the scope of the assessment; it may over- or under-estimate the internal exposure. Human Biomonitoring (HBM) is an important and useful tool for assessing the internal exposure of humans resulting from aggregated exposure to chemicals. HBM can also provide a better estimate of exposure closed to the target organ. Inclusion of HBM data could improve HRA for the general population and for workers. Though there are still a number of obstacles that hinder the use of HBM data in a HRA, the growing availability of HBM data offers an opportunity for improving and refining RA.

This Special Issue intends to illustrate, using case studies, how HBM data can be used to better estimate internal exposure and resulting risks. Case studies either on exposure from the use of consumer products (cosmetic products, non-food products, etc.) or from exposures via food or water, in the general population or among workers, will contribute to better identifying the hurdles that prevent a broader use of HBM data in RA. New tools such as physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models, derivations of health-based guidance values, new approaches for integrating HBM with in vitro/in silico data, and adverse outcome pathways (AOP), by providing more accurate data on actual internal exposure, could improve HRA. The articles in this Special Issue are expected to give recommendations on the most suitable approaches for generating more reliable HRA.

Dr. Christophe Rousselle
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Toxics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • human biomonitoring
  • risk assessment
  • internal exposure
  • aggregated exposure
  • guidance values
  • prioritization
  • mixtures

Published Papers (16 papers)

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Editorial

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4 pages, 206 KiB  
Editorial
Editorial for the Special Issue on “Human Biomonitoring in Health Risk Assessment: Current Practices and Recommendations for the Future”
by Christophe Rousselle
Toxics 2023, 11(2), 168; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/toxics11020168 - 10 Feb 2023
Viewed by 1201
Abstract
In most health risk assessment (HRA) frameworks for chemicals, the default approach for exposure assessment is to estimate the intake from different sources and different routes of exposure [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Biomonitoring in Health Risk Assessment: Current Practices and Recommendations for the Future)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review, Other

20 pages, 998 KiB  
Article
Occupational Exposure to Hexavalent Chromium, Nickel and PAHs: A Mixtures Risk Assessment Approach Based on Literature Exposure Data from European Countries
by Ana Maria Tavares, Susana Viegas, Henriqueta Louro, Thomas Göen, Tiina Santonen, Mirjam Luijten, Andreas Kortenkamp and Maria João Silva
Toxics 2022, 10(8), 431; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/toxics10080431 - 29 Jul 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2125
Abstract
Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)), nickel (Ni) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are genotoxic co-occurring lung carcinogens whose occupational health risk is still understudied. This study, conducted within the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU), aimed at performing a mixtures risk assessment (MRA) based on published [...] Read more.
Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)), nickel (Ni) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are genotoxic co-occurring lung carcinogens whose occupational health risk is still understudied. This study, conducted within the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU), aimed at performing a mixtures risk assessment (MRA) based on published human biomonitoring (HBM) data from Cr(VI), Ni and/or PAHs occupational co-exposure in Europe. After data extraction, Risk Quotient (RQ) and Sum of Risk Quotients (SRQ) were calculated for binary and ternary mixtures to characterise the risk. Most selected articles measured urinary levels of Cr and Ni and a SRQ > 1 was obtained for co-exposure levels in welding activities, showing that there is concern regarding co-exposure to these substances. Similarly, co-exposure to mixtures of Cr(VI), Ni and PAHs in waste incineration settings resulted in SRQ > 1. In some studies, a low risk was estimated based on the single substances’ exposure level (RQ < 1), but the mixture was considered of concern (SRQ > 1), highlighting the relevance of considering exposure to the mixture rather than to its single components. Overall, this study points out the need of using a MRA based on HBM data as a more realistic approach to assess and manage the risk at the workplace, in order to protect workers’ health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Biomonitoring in Health Risk Assessment: Current Practices and Recommendations for the Future)
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16 pages, 1210 KiB  
Article
Methylmercury Risk Assessment Based on European Human Biomonitoring Data
by Noelia Domínguez-Morueco, Susana Pedraza-Díaz, María del Carmen González-Caballero, Marta Esteban-López, Mercedes de Alba-González, Andromachi Katsonouri, Tiina Santonen, Ana Cañas-Portilla and Argelia Castaño
Toxics 2022, 10(8), 427; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/toxics10080427 - 28 Jul 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1698
Abstract
A risk assessment (RA) was conducted to estimate the risk associated with methylmercury (MeHg) exposure of vulnerable European populations, using Human Biomonitoring (HBM) data. This RA was performed integrating published data from European HBM surveys and earlier EFSA approaches (EFSA 2012). Children/adolescents (3 [...] Read more.
A risk assessment (RA) was conducted to estimate the risk associated with methylmercury (MeHg) exposure of vulnerable European populations, using Human Biomonitoring (HBM) data. This RA was performed integrating published data from European HBM surveys and earlier EFSA approaches (EFSA 2012). Children/adolescents (3 to 17 years old) and women of childbearing age (18 to 50 years old) were selected as relevant study population groups for this RA. Two types of HBM datasets were selected: HBM studies (n = 18) with mercury (Hg) levels (blood and hair, total Hg and/or MeHg) in the general population in different EU countries and the DEMOCOPHES harmonized study in child–mother pairs (hair, total Hg) in 17 EU countries as a reference. Two approaches were included in the RA strategy: the first one was based on estimations of the fraction of children/adolescents and women of childbearing age, respectively, from the EU general population exceeding the HBM-I value established by the German Human Biomonitoring Commission, measured as Hazard Quotients (HQ); and the second approach was based on estimations of the fraction of the two population groups exceeding the Tolerable Weekly Intake (TWI) (or their equivalent to Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI)) defined by EFSA in 2012. The HQ approach showed that for both groups, the risk varies across EU countries and that some EU areas are close to or exceeding the exposure guidance values. This is the case of Spain and Portugal, which showed the highest HQ (GM and/or P95), probably due to their higher fish consumption. Results from the EFSA approach show that hair values of children/adolescents and women of childbearing age (both in selected HBM studies and in DEMOCOPHES study) are below the TDI of 1.9 µg/g; therefore, in general, the European population does not exceed the daily average/intake dose for MeHg and/or Hg. A possible risk underestimation was identified in our assessment since for many studies no data on P95 were available, causing loss of relevant information for risk characterization on the upper bound. In addition, data from other European countries also with high seafood consumption, such as France, Greece or Iceland, were not available. For this reason, further RA refinement is needed with harmonized and more widespread HBM data to account for differences in European exposure and associated risks, so that interventions to protect vulnerable citizens, can be applied. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Biomonitoring in Health Risk Assessment: Current Practices and Recommendations for the Future)
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16 pages, 1791 KiB  
Article
Improving the Risk Assessment of Pesticides through the Integration of Human Biomonitoring and Food Monitoring Data: A Case Study for Chlorpyrifos
by Jose V. Tarazona, Maria del Carmen González-Caballero, Mercedes de Alba-Gonzalez, Susana Pedraza-Diaz, Ana Cañas, Noelia Dominguez-Morueco, Marta Esteban-López, Irene Cattaneo, Andromachi Katsonouri, Konstantinos C. Makris, Thorhallur I. Halldorsson, Kristin Olafsdottir, Jan-Paul Zock, Jonatan Dias, Annelies De Decker, Bert Morrens, Tamar Berman, Zohar Barnett-Itzhaki, Christian Lindh, Liese Gilles, Eva Govarts, Greet Schoeters, Till Weber, Marike Kolossa-Gehring, Tiina Santonen and Argelia Castañoadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Toxics 2022, 10(6), 313; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/toxics10060313 - 09 Jun 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3611
Abstract
The risk assessment of pesticide residues in food is a key priority in the area of food safety. Most jurisdictions have implemented pre-marketing authorization processes, which are supported by prospective risk assessments. These prospective assessments estimate the expected residue levels in food combining [...] Read more.
The risk assessment of pesticide residues in food is a key priority in the area of food safety. Most jurisdictions have implemented pre-marketing authorization processes, which are supported by prospective risk assessments. These prospective assessments estimate the expected residue levels in food combining results from residue trials, resembling the pesticide use patterns, with food consumption patterns, according to internationally agreed procedures. In addition, jurisdictions such as the European Union (EU) have implemented large monitoring programs, measuring actual pesticide residue levels in food, and are supporting large-scale human biomonitoring programs for confirming the actual exposure levels and potential risk for consumers. The organophosphate insecticide chlorpyrifos offers an interesting case study, as in the last decade, its acceptable daily intake (ADI) has been reduced several times following risk assessments by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). This process has been linked to significant reductions in the use authorized in the EU, reducing consumers’ exposure progressively, until the final ban in 2020, accompanied by setting all EU maximum residue levels (MRL) in food at the default value of 0.01 mg/kg. We present a comparison of estimates of the consumer’s internal exposure to chlorpyrifos based on the urinary marker 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCPy), using two sources of monitoring data: monitoring of the food chain from the EU program and biomonitoring of European citizens from the HB4EU project, supported by a literature search. Both methods confirmed a drastic reduction in exposure levels from 2016 onwards. The margin of exposure approach is then used for conducting retrospective risk assessments at different time points, considering the evolution of our understanding of chlorpyrifos toxicity, as well as of exposure levels in EU consumers following the regulatory decisions. Concerns are presented using a color code, and have been identified for almost all studies, particularly for the highest exposed group, but at different levels, reaching the maximum level, red code, for children in Cyprus and Israel. The assessment uncertainties are highlighted and integrated in the identification of levels of concern. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Biomonitoring in Health Risk Assessment: Current Practices and Recommendations for the Future)
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25 pages, 739 KiB  
Article
Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU): Human Biomonitoring Guidance Values Derived for Dimethylformamide
by Farida Lamkarkach, Matthieu Meslin, Marike Kolossa-Gehring, Petra Apel and Robert Garnier
Toxics 2022, 10(6), 298; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/toxics10060298 - 31 May 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2187
Abstract
Within the European Joint Program on Human Biomonitoring HBM4EU, human biomonitoring guidance values (HBM-GVs) for the general population (HBM-GVGenPop) or for occupationally exposed adults (HBM-GVWorker) are derived for prioritized substances including dimethylformamide (DMF). The methodology to derive these values [...] Read more.
Within the European Joint Program on Human Biomonitoring HBM4EU, human biomonitoring guidance values (HBM-GVs) for the general population (HBM-GVGenPop) or for occupationally exposed adults (HBM-GVWorker) are derived for prioritized substances including dimethylformamide (DMF). The methodology to derive these values that was agreed upon within the HBM4EU project was applied. A large database on DMF exposure from studies conducted at workplaces provided dose–response relationships between biomarker concentrations and health effects. The hepatotoxicity of DMF has been identified as having the most sensitive effect, with increased liver enzyme concentrations serving as biomarkers of the effect. Out of the available biomarkers of DMF exposure studied in this paper, the following were selected to derive HBM-GVWorker: total N-methylformamide (tNMF) (sum of N-hydroxymethyl-N-methylformamide and NMF) and N-acetyl-S-(N-methylcarbamoyl)cysteine (AMCC) in urine. The proposed HBM-GVWorker is 10 mg·L−1 or 10 mg·g−1 creatinine for both biomarkers. Due to their different half-lives, tNMF (representative of the exposure of the day) and AMCC (representative of the preceding days’ exposure) are complementary for the biological monitoring of workers exposed to DMF. The levels of confidence for these HBM-GVWorker are set to “high” for tNMF and “medium-low” for AMCC. Therefore, further investigations are required for the consolidation of the health-based HBM-GV for AMCC in urine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Biomonitoring in Health Risk Assessment: Current Practices and Recommendations for the Future)
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16 pages, 1947 KiB  
Article
Biomonitoring of Exposure to Urban Pollutants and Oxidative Stress during the COVID-19 Lockdown in Rome Residents
by Flavia Buonaurio, Francesca Borra, Daniela Pigini, Enrico Paci, Mariangela Spagnoli, Maria Luisa Astolfi, Ottavia Giampaoli, Fabio Sciubba, Alfredo Miccheli, Silvia Canepari, Carla Ancona and Giovanna Tranfo
Toxics 2022, 10(5), 267; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/toxics10050267 - 21 May 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2752
Abstract
Background: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of traffic on human health comparing biomonitoring data measured during the COVID-19 lockdown, when restrictions led to a 40% reduction in airborne benzene in Rome and a 36% reduction in road traffic, [...] Read more.
Background: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of traffic on human health comparing biomonitoring data measured during the COVID-19 lockdown, when restrictions led to a 40% reduction in airborne benzene in Rome and a 36% reduction in road traffic, to the same parameters measured in 2021. Methods: Biomonitoring was performed on 49 volunteers, determining the urinary metabolites of the most abundant traffic pollutants, such as benzene and PAHs, and oxidative stress biomarkers by HPLC/MS-MS, 28 elements by ICP/MS and metabolic phenotypes by NMR. Results: Means of s-phenylmercaputric acid (SPMA), metabolites of naphthalene and nitropyrene in 2020 are 20% lower than in 2021, while 1-OH-pyrene was 30% lower. A reduction of 40% for 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanosine (8-oxoGuo) and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodGuo) and 60% for 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoGua) were found in 2020 compared to 2021. The concentrations of B, Co, Cu and Sb in 2021 are significantly higher than in the 2020. NMR untargeted metabolomic analysis identified 35 urinary metabolites. Results show in 2021 a decrease in succinic acid, a product of the Krebs cycle promoting inflammation. Conclusions: Urban pollution due to traffic is partly responsible for oxidative stress of nucleic acids, but other factors also have a role, enhancing the importance of communication about a healthy lifestyle in the prevention of cancer diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Biomonitoring in Health Risk Assessment: Current Practices and Recommendations for the Future)
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12 pages, 1346 KiB  
Article
Risk Assessment of Dietary Exposure to Organophosphorus Flame Retardants in Children by Using HBM-Data
by Veronika Plichta, Johann Steinwider, Nina Vogel, Till Weber, Marike Kolossa-Gehring, Lubica Palkovičová Murínová, Soňa Wimmerová, Janja Snoj Tratnik, Milena Horvat, Gudrun Koppen, Eva Govarts, Liese Gilles, Laura Rodriguez Martin, Greet Schoeters, Adrian Covaci, Clémence Fillol, Loïc Rambaud, Tina Kold Jensen and Elke Rauscher-Gabernig
Toxics 2022, 10(5), 234; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/toxics10050234 - 03 May 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3010
Abstract
Due to their extensive usage, organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs) have been detected in humans and in the environment. Human are exposed to OPFRs via inhalation of indoor air, dust uptake or dietary uptake through contaminated food and drinking water. Only recently, few studies [...] Read more.
Due to their extensive usage, organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs) have been detected in humans and in the environment. Human are exposed to OPFRs via inhalation of indoor air, dust uptake or dietary uptake through contaminated food and drinking water. Only recently, few studies addressing dietary exposure to OPFRs were published. In this study, we used human biomonitoring (HBM) data of OPFRs to estimate how much the dietary intake may contribute to the total exposure. We estimated by reverse dosimetry, the daily intake of tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), tris (1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCIPP), tris (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) for children using HBM data from studies with sampling sites in Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Slovenia and Slovakia. For estimating the dietary exposure, a deterministic approach was chosen. The occurrence data of selected food categories were used from a published Belgium food basket study. Since the occurrence data were left-censored, the Lower bound (LB)—Upper bound (UB) approach was used. The estimated daily intake (EDI) calculated on the basis of urine metabolite concentrations ranged from 0.03 to 0.18 µg/kg bw/d for TDCIPP, from 0.05 to 0.17 µg/kg bw/d for TCIPP and from 0.02 to 0.2 µg/kg bw/d for TCEP. Based on national food consumption data and occurrence data, the estimated dietary intake for TDCIPP ranged from 0.005 to 0.09 µg/kg bw/d, for TCIPP ranged from 0.037 to 0.2 µg/kg bw/d and for TCEP ranged from 0.007 to 0.018 µg/kg bw/d (summarized for all countries). The estimated dietary intake of TDCIPP contributes 11–173% to the EDI, depending on country and LB-UB scenario. The estimated dietary uptake of TCIPP was in all calculations, except in Belgium and France, above 100%. In the case of TCEP, it is assumed that the dietary intake ranges from 6 to 57%. The EDI and the estimated dietary intake contribute less than 3% to the reference dose (RfD). Therefore, the estimated exposure to OPFRs indicates a minimal health risk based on the current knowledge of available exposure, kinetic and toxicity data. We were able to show that the dietary exposure can have an impact on the general exposure based on our underlying exposure scenarios. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Biomonitoring in Health Risk Assessment: Current Practices and Recommendations for the Future)
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19 pages, 2611 KiB  
Article
Human Biomonitoring Guidance Values (HBM-GVs) for Bisphenol S and Assessment of the Risk Due to the Exposure to Bisphenols A and S, in Europe
by Matthieu Meslin, Claire Beausoleil, Florence Anna Zeman, Jean-Philippe Antignac, Marike Kolossa-Gehring, Christophe Rousselle and Petra Apel
Toxics 2022, 10(5), 228; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/toxics10050228 - 29 Apr 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2802
Abstract
Within the European Joint Programme HBM4EU, Human Biomonitoring Guidance Values (HBM-GVs) were derived for several prioritised substances. In this paper, the derivation of HBM-GVs for the general population (HBM-GVGenPop) and workers (HBM-GVworker) referring to bisphenol S (BPS) is presented. [...] Read more.
Within the European Joint Programme HBM4EU, Human Biomonitoring Guidance Values (HBM-GVs) were derived for several prioritised substances. In this paper, the derivation of HBM-GVs for the general population (HBM-GVGenPop) and workers (HBM-GVworker) referring to bisphenol S (BPS) is presented. For the general population, this resulted in an estimation of the total urinary concentration of BPS of 1.0 µg/L assuming a 24 h continuous exposure to BPS. For workers, the modelling was refined in order to reflect continuous exposure during the working day, leading to a total urinary concentration of BPS of 3.0 µg/L. The usefulness for risk assessment of the HBM-GVs derived for BPS and bisphenol A (BPA) is illustrated. Risk Characterisation Ratios (RCRs) were calculated leading to a clear difference between risk assessments performed for both bisphenols, with a very low RCR regarding exposure to BPA., contrary to that obtained for BPS. This may be due to the endocrine mediated endpoints selected to derive the HBM-GVs for BPS, whereas the values calculated for BPA are based on the temporary Tolerable Daily Intake (t-TDI) from EFSA set in 2015. A comparison with the revised TDI recently opened for comments by EFSA is also discussed. Regarding the occupational field, results indicate that the risk from occupational exposure to both bisphenols cannot be disregarded. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Biomonitoring in Health Risk Assessment: Current Practices and Recommendations for the Future)
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11 pages, 284 KiB  
Article
Health Risk Assessment of Ortho-Toluidine Utilising Human Biomonitoring Data of Workers and the General Population
by Pasi Huuskonen, Spyros Karakitsios, Bernice Scholten, Joost Westerhout, Dimosthenis A. Sarigiannis and Tiina Santonen
Toxics 2022, 10(5), 217; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/toxics10050217 - 25 Apr 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2044
Abstract
The aim of this work was to demonstrate how human biomonitoring (HBM) data can be used to assess cancer risks for workers and the general population. Ortho-toluidine, OT (CAS 95-53-4) is an aniline derivative which is an animal and human carcinogen and may [...] Read more.
The aim of this work was to demonstrate how human biomonitoring (HBM) data can be used to assess cancer risks for workers and the general population. Ortho-toluidine, OT (CAS 95-53-4) is an aniline derivative which is an animal and human carcinogen and may cause methemoglobinemia. OT is used as a curing agent in epoxy resins and as intermediate in producing herbicides, dyes, and rubber chemicals. A risk assessment was performed for OT by using existing HBM studies. The urinary mass-balance methodology and generic exposure reconstruction PBPK modelling were both used for the estimation of the external intake levels corresponding to observed urinary levels. The external exposures were subsequently compared to cancer risk levels obtained from the evaluation by the Scientific Committee on Occupational Exposure Limits (SCOEL). It was estimated that workers exposed to OT have a cancer risk of 60 to 90:106 in the worst-case scenario (0.9 mg/L in urine). The exposure levels and cancer risk of OT in the general population were orders of magnitude lower when compared to workers. The difference between the output of urinary mass-balance method and the general PBPK model was approximately 30%. The external exposure levels calculated based on HBM data were below the binding occupational exposure level (0.5 mg/m3) set under the EU Carcinogens and Mutagens Directive. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Biomonitoring in Health Risk Assessment: Current Practices and Recommendations for the Future)
18 pages, 4967 KiB  
Article
A Biomonitoring Pilot Study in Workers from a Paints Production Plant Exposed to Pigment-Grade Titanium Dioxide (TiO2)
by Enrico Bergamaschi, Valeria Bellisario, Manuela Macrì, Martina Buglisi, Giacomo Garzaro, Giulia Squillacioti, Federica Ghelli, Roberto Bono, Ivana Fenoglio, Francesco Barbero, Chiara Riganti, Antonella Marrocco, Sara Bonetta and Elisabetta Carraro
Toxics 2022, 10(4), 171; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/toxics10040171 - 31 Mar 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2618
Abstract
Among particulate matter composing paints, titanium dioxide (TiO2) forms about 20% of the final suspension. Although TiO2 is broadly used in many applications, TiO2 powders represent an established respiratory hazard for workers with long-term exposure. In 35 workers of [...] Read more.
Among particulate matter composing paints, titanium dioxide (TiO2) forms about 20% of the final suspension. Although TiO2 is broadly used in many applications, TiO2 powders represent an established respiratory hazard for workers with long-term exposure. In 35 workers of a paints production plant (15 exposed and 20 not exposed), we assessed pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-17), surfactant protein D (SP-D) and Krebs von den Lungen-6 glycoprotein (KL-6) in exhaled breath condensate (EBC). In urine samples, we measured 8-isoprostane (Isop) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) as biomarkers of oxidative stress, and Titanium (Ti-U) as a biomarker of exposure. Health status, habits and occupational history were recorded. Airborne respirable dusts and Ti were quantified. Particle number concentration and average diameter (nm) were detected by a NanoTracer™ monitoring device. Ti was measurable in filters collected at the respiratory breathing zone (0.11–0.44 µg/m3 8-h TWA). IL-1β and IL-10 values were significantly higher in exposed workers, whereas SP-D was significantly lower (p < 0.001). KL-6 was significantly higher in workers than in controls (p < 0.01). MDA levels were significantly increased in exposed workers and were positively correlated with Ti-U. Exposure to TiO2 in paint production is associated with the subtle alterations of lung pathobiology. These findings suggest the need for an integrated approach relying on both personal exposure and biomarker assessment to improve the hazard characterisation in occupational settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Biomonitoring in Health Risk Assessment: Current Practices and Recommendations for the Future)
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14 pages, 297 KiB  
Article
Using Human Biomonitoring Data to Support Risk Assessment of Cosmetic Ingredients—A Case Study of Benzophenone-3
by Christophe Rousselle, Matthieu Meslin, Tamar Berman, Marjolijn Woutersen, Wieneke Bil, Jenna Wildeman and Qasim Chaudhry
Toxics 2022, 10(2), 96; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/toxics10020096 - 19 Feb 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3379
Abstract
Safety assessment of UV filters for human health by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) is based on the estimation of internal dose following external (skin) application of cosmetic products, and comparison with a toxicological reference value after conversion to internal dose. [...] Read more.
Safety assessment of UV filters for human health by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) is based on the estimation of internal dose following external (skin) application of cosmetic products, and comparison with a toxicological reference value after conversion to internal dose. Data from human biomonitoring (HBM) could be very useful in this regard, because it is based on the measurement of real-life internal exposure of the human population to a chemical. UV filters were included in the priority list of compounds to be addressed under the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU), and risk assessment of benzophenone-3 (BP-3) was carried out based on HBM data. Using BP-3 as an example, this study investigated the benefits and limitations of the use of external versus internal exposure data to explore the usefulness of HBM to support the risk assessment of cosmetic ingredients. The results show that both approaches did indicate a risk to human health under certain levels of exposure. They also highlight the need for more robust exposure data on BP-3 and other cosmetic ingredients, and a standardized framework for incorporating HBM data in the risk assessment of cosmetic products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Biomonitoring in Health Risk Assessment: Current Practices and Recommendations for the Future)
15 pages, 1038 KiB  
Article
Relationship between Occupational Exposure to Airborne Nanoparticles, Nanoparticle Lung Burden and Lung Diseases
by Valérie Forest, Jérémie Pourchez, Carole Pélissier, Sabyne Audignon Durand, Jean-Michel Vergnon and Luc Fontana
Toxics 2021, 9(9), 204; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/toxics9090204 - 30 Aug 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3061
Abstract
The biomonitoring of nanoparticles in patients’ broncho-alveolar lavages (BAL) could allow getting insights into the role of inhaled biopersistent nanoparticles in the etiology/development of some respiratory diseases. Our objective was to investigate the relationship between the biomonitoring of nanoparticles in BAL, interstitial lung [...] Read more.
The biomonitoring of nanoparticles in patients’ broncho-alveolar lavages (BAL) could allow getting insights into the role of inhaled biopersistent nanoparticles in the etiology/development of some respiratory diseases. Our objective was to investigate the relationship between the biomonitoring of nanoparticles in BAL, interstitial lung diseases and occupational exposure to these particles released unintentionally. We analyzed data from a cohort of 100 patients suffering from lung diseases (NanoPI clinical trial, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02549248) and observed that most of the patients showed a high probability of exposure to airborne unintentionally released nanoparticles (>50%), suggesting a potential role of inhaled nanoparticles in lung physiopathology. Depending on the respiratory disease, the amount of patients likely exposed to unintentionally released nanoparticles was variable (e.g., from 88% for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis to 54% for sarcoidosis). These findings are consistent with the previously performed mineralogical analyses of BAL samples that suggested (i) a role of titanium nanoparticles in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and (ii) a contribution of silica submicron particles to sarcoidosis. Further investigations are necessary to draw firm conclusions but these first results strengthen the array of presumptions on the contribution of some inhaled particles (from nano to submicron size) to some idiopathic lung diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Biomonitoring in Health Risk Assessment: Current Practices and Recommendations for the Future)
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Review

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17 pages, 1968 KiB  
Review
Partitioning of Persistent Organic Pollutants between Adipose Tissue and Serum in Human Studies
by Meg-Anne Moriceau, German Cano-Sancho, MinJi Kim, Xavier Coumoul, Claude Emond, Juan-Pedro Arrebola, Jean-Philippe Antignac, Karine Audouze and Christophe Rousselle
Toxics 2023, 11(1), 41; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/toxics11010041 - 31 Dec 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1703
Abstract
Blood is the most widely used matrix for biomonitoring of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). It is assumed that POPs are homogenously distributed within body lipids at steady state; however, the variability underlying the partitioning of POPs between fat compartments is poorly understood. Hence, [...] Read more.
Blood is the most widely used matrix for biomonitoring of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). It is assumed that POPs are homogenously distributed within body lipids at steady state; however, the variability underlying the partitioning of POPs between fat compartments is poorly understood. Hence, the objective of this study was to review the state of the science about the relationships of POPs between adipose tissue and serum in humans. We conducted a narrative literature review of human observational studies reporting concentrations of POPs in paired samples of adipose tissue with other lipid-based compartments (e.g., serum lipids). The searches were conducted in SCOPUS and PUBMED. A meta-regression was performed to identify factors responsible for variability. All included studies reported high variability in the partition coefficients of POPs, mainly between adipose tissue and serum. The number of halogen atoms was the physicochemical variable most strongly and positively associated with the partition ratios, whereas body mass index was the main biological factor positively and significantly associated. To conclude, although this study provides a better understanding of partitioning of POPs to refine physiologically based pharmacokinetic and epidemiological models, further research is still needed to determine other key factors involved in the partitioning of POPs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Biomonitoring in Health Risk Assessment: Current Practices and Recommendations for the Future)
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29 pages, 685 KiB  
Review
A Critical Scoping Review of Pesticide Exposure Biomonitoring Studies in Overhead Cultures
by Christian Tobias Willenbockel, Julia Prinz, Stefan Dietrich, Philip Marx-Stoelting, Cornelia Weikert, Tewes Tralau and Lars Niemann
Toxics 2022, 10(4), 170; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/toxics10040170 - 31 Mar 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2231
Abstract
The exposure of operators, workers, residents and bystanders to pesticides is of high potential concern. Yet, reports on pesticide residues in the environment and near treated fields often spark debates if such findings might indicate a health risk. Although the underlying models are [...] Read more.
The exposure of operators, workers, residents and bystanders to pesticides is of high potential concern. Yet, reports on pesticide residues in the environment and near treated fields often spark debates if such findings might indicate a health risk. Although the underlying models are considered conservative, there are only limited field data on systemic exposure available. As a first step to improve the situation, we conducted a scoping review of state-of-the-art pesticide exposure biomonitoring studies in operators, workers, residents or bystanders. In contrast to existing reviews, we focused on target cultures of potential high pesticide exposure such as tree-grown produce, vine or hops. The search was conducted in Web of Science, Scopus and PubMed. Out of 17 eligible articles, a total of 11 studies met our search criteria, and 6 of them quantified the systemic exposure of humans. The analysis revealed that exposure was mainly driven by application of pesticides and reentry work, resulting in a higher exposure of operators and workers than of residents and bystanders. In nearly all cases, the systemic exposure was below the relevant toxicological reference values. The studies were subsequently analyzed to identify key criteria for a reliable design of a biomonitoring study on pesticide exposure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Biomonitoring in Health Risk Assessment: Current Practices and Recommendations for the Future)
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21 pages, 2447 KiB  
Systematic Review
Towards Reference Values for Malondialdehyde on Exhaled Breath Condensate: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis
by Veronica Turcu, Pascal Wild, Maud Hemmendinger, Jean-Jacques Sauvain, Enrico Bergamaschi, Nancy B. Hopf and Irina Guseva Canu
Toxics 2022, 10(5), 258; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/toxics10050258 - 18 May 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2267
Abstract
Many pathological conditions and certain airway exposures are associated with oxidative stress (OS). Malondialdehyde (MDA) is an end-product of the oxidation of lipids in our cells and is present in all biological matrices including exhaled breath condensate (EBC). To use MDA as a [...] Read more.
Many pathological conditions and certain airway exposures are associated with oxidative stress (OS). Malondialdehyde (MDA) is an end-product of the oxidation of lipids in our cells and is present in all biological matrices including exhaled breath condensate (EBC). To use MDA as a biomarker of OS in EBC, a reference interval should be defined. Thus, we sought to summarize reference values reported in healthy adult populations by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis using a standardized protocol registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020146623). Articles were retrieved from four major databases and 25 studies with 28 subgroups were included. Defining the distribution of MDA measured in reference populations with a detection combined with a separation technique still represents a challenge due to the low number of studies available, different analytical methods used, and questionable methodological qualities of many studies. The most salient methodological drawbacks have been in data collection and reporting of methods and study results by the researchers. The lack of compliance with the recommendations of the European Respiratory Society and American Thoracic Society was the major limitation in the current research involving EBC. Consequently, we were unable to establish a reference interval for MDA in EBC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Biomonitoring in Health Risk Assessment: Current Practices and Recommendations for the Future)
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16 pages, 1951 KiB  
Systematic Review
Urinary Malondialdehyde (MDA) Concentrations in the General Population—A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis
by Antonio Toto, Pascal Wild, Mélanie Graille, Veronica Turcu, Camille Crézé, Maud Hemmendinger, Jean-Jacques Sauvain, Enrico Bergamaschi, Irina Guseva Canu and Nancy B. Hopf
Toxics 2022, 10(4), 160; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/toxics10040160 - 29 Mar 2022
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4358
Abstract
Oxidative stress has been associated with various inflammation-related human diseases. It is defined as an imbalance between the production and elimination of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS can oxidize proteins, lipids, and DNA, and some of these oxidized products are excreted in urine, [...] Read more.
Oxidative stress has been associated with various inflammation-related human diseases. It is defined as an imbalance between the production and elimination of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS can oxidize proteins, lipids, and DNA, and some of these oxidized products are excreted in urine, such as malondialdehyde (MDA), which is considered a biomarker for oxidative damage of lipids. To interpret changes of this biomarker as a measure of oxidative species overproduction in humans, a background range for urinary MDA concentration in the general population is needed. We sought to establish urinary MDA concentration ranges for healthy adult populations based on reported values in the available scientific literature. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis using the standardized protocol registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020146623). EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane library databases were searched from journal inception up to October 2020. We included 35 studies (divided into 47 subgroups for the quantitative analysis). Only studies that measured creatinine-corrected urinary MDA with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with mass spectrometry (MS), fluorescence detection, or UV photometry were included. The geometric mean (GM) of urinary MDA concentration was 0.10 mg/g creatinine and 95% percentile confidence interval (CI) 0.07–0.12. Age, geographical location but not sex, and smoking status had a significant effect on urinary MDA concentrations. There was a significant increasing trend of urinary MDA concentrations with age. These urinary MDA values should be considered preliminary, as they are based on mostly moderate to some low-quality evidence studies. Although urinary MDA can reliably reflect excessive oxidative stress in a population, the influence of physiological parameters that affect its meaning needs to be addressed as well as harmonizing the chemical analytical methods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Biomonitoring in Health Risk Assessment: Current Practices and Recommendations for the Future)
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