2010 Articles of the Month

 

DECEMBER 2010 

Title

Evaluating and Regulating Lead in Synthetic Turf

 

Author(s)

Gregory Van Ulirsch, Kevin Gleason, Shawn Gerstenberger, Daphne B. Moffett, Glenn Pulliam, Tariq Ahmed, Jerald Fagliano

 

Citation 

Environ Health Perspect 118:1345-1349. doi:10.1289/ehp.1002239

 

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In 2007, a synthetic turf recreational field in Newark, New Jersey, was closed because lead was found in synthetic turf fibers and in surface dust at concentrations high enough to be of concern. Consequently, public health professionals across the country began testing synthetic turf to determine whether it represented a lead hazard. Currently, no standardized methods exist to test for lead in synthetic turf or to assess lead hazards. 

OBJECTIVE: Our objectives were to increase awareness of potential lead exposure from synthetic turf by presenting data showing elevated lead in fibers and turf-derived dust; identify risk assessment uncertainties; recommend that federal and/or state agencies determine appropriate methodologies for assessing lead in synthetic turf; and recommend an interim standardized approach for sampling, interpreting results, and taking health-protective actions.

 

RESULTS: Data collected from recreational fields and child care centers indicate lead in synthetic turf fibers and dust at concentrations exceeding the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 statutory lead limit of 300 mg/kg for consumer products intended for use by children, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s lead-dust hazard standard of 40 μg/ft2 for floors.  

  

CONCLUSION: Synthetic turf can deteriorate to form dust containing lead at levels that may pose a risk to children. Given elevated lead levels in turf and dust on recreational fields and in child care settings, it is imperative that a consistent, nationwide approach for sampling, assessment, and action be developed. In the absence of a standardized approach, we offer an interim approach to assess potential lead hazards when evaluating synthetic turf.

 

Policy Implications

This report illustrates that toxic chemicals can be found in our environment in unexpected places or products.  The authors call for prompt policy action at the national level to address this particular concern.  In addition, the finding of lead in synthetic turf illustrates the need for policies that prevent exposure to hazardous substances, rather than discovering, and reacting to, hazards as they are discovered.  Requiring life-cycle planning and green chemistry are some approaches to preventing further toxic “surprises,” in addition to reforming the Toxic Substances Control Act to better protect human health. 

 

Web link

Full article available courtesy of Environmental Health Perspectives at

http://ehp03.niehs.nih.gov/article/fetchArticle.action;jsessionid=329B79696CEF833977FD20963FAB63BF?articleURI=info%3Adoi%2F10.1289%2Fehp.1002239

 

 Keyword(s)

Lead - cehn.org/ lead

 

NOVEMBER 2010 

Title

Childhood Incident Asthma and Traffic-Related Air Pollution at Home and School

Author(s)

Rob McConnell, Talat Islam, Ketan Shankardass, Michael Jerrett, Fred Lurmann, Frank Gilliland, Jim Gauderman,Ed Avol1,Nino Künzli,Ling Yao, John Peters,Kiros Berhane

 

Citation 

Environ Health Perspectives 118:1021-1026 (2010). doi:10.1289/ehp.0901232

 

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Traffic-related air pollution has been associated with harmful cardiac and respiratory effects, including increased asthma prevalence. However, there has been little study of effects of traffic exposure at school on new-onset asthma.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the relationship of new-onset asthma with traffic-related pollution near homes and schools.

 

METHODS: As part of the Southern California Children’s Health Study, researchers followed up with 120 children who were diagnosed with new-onset asthma.  These children were part of a cohort of 2,497 kindergarten and first-grade children who were asthma- and wheezing-free at the start of the study.  Of these 2,497 children, 120 were reported to develop asthma over the next three years.

 

Researchers assessed traffic-related pollution exposure based on a line source dispersion model of traffic volume, distance from home and school, and local meteorology. Regional ambient ozone, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and particulate matter were measured continuously at one central site monitor in each of 13 study communities.

 

RESULTS:

Asthma risk was 1.51 times higher among children in homes near roadways, and 1.45 times higher among those in schools near roadways. Ambient nitrogen dioxide (NO2) measured at a central site in each community was also associated with increased risk (2.18 folds). However, asthma risk decreased when accounting only for NO2 levels near homes and schools close to roadways.

 

CONCLUSION:

Traffic-related pollution exposure at school and homes may both contribute to the development of asthma.

 

Policy Implications

Policy makers, including land use planners, traffic planners, developers, and school boards, should pursue decreasing children’s exposure to traffic-related pollution because of the impact of this pollution on children’s health.  How we build our communities, site our schools, and transport ourselves and our goods has a direct impact on children’s health, including the incidence and severity of asthma.

Web link

Full article available courtesy of Environmental Health Perspectives at

http://ehp03.niehs.nih.gov/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1289%2Fehp.0901232

 

Keyword(s)

Indoor Air Quality-- cehn.org/indoor_air_quality

Outdoor Air Quality-- cehn.org/outdoor_air_quality

 

OCTOBER 2010 

Title

Childhood Incident Asthma and Traffic-Related Air Pollution at Home and School

Author(s)

Rob McConnell, Talat Islam, Ketan Shankardass, Michael Jerrett, Fred Lurmann, Frank Gilliland, Jim Gauderman, Ed Avol, Nino Künzli, Ling Yao, John Peters, Kiros Berhane 

Citation 

Environ Health Perspectives (July, 2010), 118(7): doi:10.1289/ehp.0901232 

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Traffic-related air pollution has been associated with negative cardiorespiratory effects, including increased asthma prevalence. However, there has been little study of effects of traffic exposure at school on new-onset asthma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship of new-onset asthma with traffic-related pollution near homes and schools.

 

METHODS: A cohort of 2,497 kindergarten and first-grade children who were asthma- and wheezing-free at study entry into the Southern California Children’s Health Study were followed for three years. Over these three years, 120 children were diagnosed by a physician with new-onset asthma. Regional ambient ozone, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and particulate matter were measured continuously at one central site monitor in each of 13 study communities. The researchers assessed traffic-related pollution exposure based on a dispersion model of traffic volume, distance from home and school, and local meteorology. The researchers developed hazard ratios for new-onset asthma using this data.

 

RESULTS: Asthma risk increased as exposure to traffic-related pollution near homes and near schools increased.  [Ambient NO2 measured at a central site in each community was also associated with increased risk of asthma.  

 

CONCLUSION: Traffic-related pollution exposure at school and homes may both contribute to the development of asthma.

 

Policy Implications

This study illustrates the health risk from motor vehicle-related pollution and reinforces the benefits of decreasing pollution from vehicles, including stronger emission standards and decreasing vehicle miles traveled. 

Web link

Full article available courtesy of Environmental Health Perspectives at http://ehp03.niehs.nih.gov/article/fetchArticle.action?articleURI=info%3Adoi%2F10.1289%2Fehp.0901232 

 

Keyword(s)

Air Pollutants - cehn.org/air_pollutants

 

SEPTEMBER 2010

 

Title
Perfluorinated Compounds, Polychlorinated Biphenyls, and Organochlorine Pesticide Contamination in Composite Food Samples from Dallas, Texas, USA

Author(s)              
Arnold Schecter
Justin Colacino
Darrah Haffner
Keyur Patel
Matthias Opel
Olaf Päpke
Linda Birnbaum

Citation
Environmental Health Perspectives 118:796–802 (2010).

 

Abstract
This article measured levels of some persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in U.S. food.  The chemicals measured were perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), organochlorine pesticides, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in composite food samples. This study is part of a larger study reported in two articles, the other of which reports on levels of poly­brominated diphenyl ethers and hexabromocyclododecane brominated flame retardants in these composite foods.

POPs are a dangerous class of chemicals that include highly toxic dioxins, some pesticides, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). POPs are of concern for children because of their persistent nature and because exposure to some POPs can result in serious injuries to the developing nervous system.  Some are thought to be carcinogens and endocrine disruptors with potential effects on children.

METHODS: In this study we measured concentrations of 32 organochlorine pesticides, 7 PCBs, and 11 PFCs in composite samples of 31 different types of food (310 individual food samples) pur­chased from supermarkets in Dallas, Texas (USA), in 2009. Dietary intake of these chemicals was calculated for an average American.

DISCUSSION: Contamination varied greatly among chemical and food types. The highest level of pesti­cide contamination was from the dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) metabolite p,p´-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene. We found PCB congeners primarily in fish, with highest levels in salmon. For PFCs, we detected perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in 17 of 31 samples, with the lowest concentration (0.07mg/g) found in potatoes, and the highest (1.80 ng/g) in olive oil. In terms of dietary intake, DDT and DDT metabolites, endo­sulfans, aldrin, PCBs, and PFOA were consumed at the highest levels.

CONCLUSION: Despite product bans and emission treaties, POPs are present in U.S. food, and mixtures of these chemicals are consumed by the American public at varying levels. This suggests the need to expand testing of food for chemical contaminants.

 

Policy Implications
This study is among many raising the importance of testing food for chemical contaminants and for eliminating hazardous chemicals from our environment, including our food supply. Despite U.S. domestic action to reduce POP emissions, levels of those pollutants are still detected in our food chain, soil, water and air.  The main source of POP exposure to humans is from contaminated food. This is of great concern, especially when considering vulnerable populations, such as children, whose systems are still developing and who are at risk from exposure to POPs.

 

Web link
Full article available courtesy of Environmental Health Perspectives athttp://ehp03.niehs.nih.gov/article/fetchArticle.action?articleURI=info%3Adoi%2F10.1289%2Fehp.0901347

Keyword(s)

Food Safety and Nutrition -- cehn/resourceguide/food.html

 

 

APRIL 2010  

Title
Formaldehyde Exposure and Asthma in Children: A Systematic Review

Author(s)              
Gerald McGwin Jr.
Jeffrey Lienert
John I. Kennedy Jr.

Citation
Environmental Health Perspectives (2010) 118:313–31

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Despite multiple published studies regarding the association between formaldehyde exposure and childhood asthma, a consistent association has not been identified. Here we report the results of a systematic review of published literature in order to provide a more comprehensive picture of this relationship.

METHODS: After a comprehensive literature search, we identified seven peer-reviewed studies
providing quantitative results regarding the association between formaldehyde exposure and asthma in children. Studies were heterogeneous with respect to the definition of asthma (e.g., self-report, physician diagnosis). Most of the studies were cross-sectional. For each study, an odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for asthma were either abstracted from published results or calculated based on the data provided. Characteristics regarding the study design and population were also abstracted.

RESULTS: This analysis found a significant association between formaldehyde exposure and childhood asthma. Further studies are needed.

 

Policy Implications
Formaldehyde, classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, is a colorless, pungent-smelling gas, widely used to make building materials and in many household products. Because of the health outcomes associated with exposure to formaldehyde, this chemical presents a great danger to human health both indoors and outdoors. Policy makers should consider approaches to minimizing the amount of this chemical used in manufacturing and consumer products, and thus decrease the levels formaldehyde in the environment.

 

Web link
Full article available courtesy of Environmental Health Perspectives athttp://ehp03.niehs.nih.gov/article/fetchArticle.action?articleURI=info%3Adoi%2F10.1289%2Fehp.0901143

Keyword(s)

Asthma – cehn/resourceguide/asthma.html

 

MARCH 2010

Title
Prenatal Phthalate Exposure is Associated with Childhood Behavior and Executive Functioning

Author(s)              
Stephanie M. Engel
Amir Miodovnik
Richard L. Canfield
Chenbo Zhu
Manori J. Silva
Antonia M. Calafat
Mary S. Wolff

Citation
Environmental Health Perspectives (2010) doi:10.1289/ehp.0901470

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Some studies have reported biological consequences of phthalate exposure relevant to neurodevelopment.  (Phthalates are widely used in consumer products, such as in cosmetics and fragrances, and frequently as a compound in plastics.)

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association of prenatal phthalate exposure in children with behavior and intellectual and emotional functioning at ages 4 to 9 years.

METHODS: The Mount Sinai Children’s Environmental Health Study enrolled a multiethnic prenatal
population in New York City between 1998 and 2002 (n= 404). Third trimester maternal urines were
collected and analyzed for metabolites of phthalate. More than 175 children were assessed for
cognitive and behavioral development between the ages of 4 and 9 years.

RESULTS: Elevated levels of some phthalate metabolites in mothers were associated with poorer scores on a variety of scales:  the Aggression, Conduct Problems, Attention Problems, and Depression clinical scales; Externalizing Problems and Behavioral Symptom Index composite scales; and the Emotional Control scale.

CONCLUSION: The types of behavioral problems commonly found in children with Conduct or Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders are the same behavioral problems associated with exposure to some phthalates in utero.

 

Policy Implications
This study illustrates the need for policies that protect children from chemical exposures until we understand the impact of a substance’s exposure on all stages of human development  -- especially on the sensitive and irreparable steps of development.  Currently, our policies generally assume a substance is safe and require proof of harm before action will be considered  -- after the substance is already in our environment.   
 

Web link
Full article available courtesy of Environmental Health Perspectives at
http://ehsehplp03.niehs.nih.gov/article/info:doi%2F10.1289%2Fehp.0901470

 

Keyword(s)
Prenatal Exposures – cehn/resourceguide/prenatal.html

 

JANUARY 2010

Title
Ethical Issues in Measuring Biomarkers in Children’s Environmental Health

Author(s)              
Peter D. Sly
Brenda Eskenazi
Jenny Pronczuk
Radim Šrám
Fernando Diaz-Barriga
Diego Gonzalez Machin
David O. Carpenter
Simona Surdu
Eric M. Meslin

Citation
Environ Health Perspectives 117:1185–1190 (2009)

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Studying the impact of environmental exposures is important in children because they are more vulnerable to adverse effects on growth, development, and health. Assessing exposure in children is difficult, and measuring biomarkers is potentially useful. Research measuring bio-markers in children raises a number of ethical issues, some of which relate to children as research subjects and some of which are specific to biomarker research.

OBJECTIVE: As an international group with experience in pediatric research, biomarkers, and the ethics of research in children, we highlight the ethical issues of undertaking biomarker research in children in these environments.

DISCUSSION: Significant issues include undertaking research in vulnerable communities, specially in developing countries; managing community expectations; obtaining appropriate consent to conduct the research; the potential conflicts of obtaining permission from an ethics review board in an economically developed country to perform research in a community that may have different cultural values; returning research results to participants and communities when the researchers are uncertain of how to interpret the results; and the conflicting ethical obligations of maintaining participant confidentiality when information about harm or illegal activities mandate reporting to authorities.

CONCLUSION: None of these challenges are insurmountable and all deserve discussion. Pediatric biomarker research is necessary for advancing child health.

 

Policy Implications

This article illustrates the profound challenges of ethically studying the impact of environmental exposures on children and their health. Sound policies are necessary in structuring, conducting, and communicating about studies of biomarkers in children.  Conducting research involving children in disadvantaged communities and in economically-developing nations poses additional challenges.  
 
Current federal regulations and organizational standards may not be up to these emerging ethical challenges.  Supplementing the traditional institutional review board (IRB) with an environmental health and community review board (EHCRB) may be one approach.  Additional methods, such as review of a study’s ethics by an independent entity representing the public interest, may be necessary to assure that the children and communities involved in such research are adequately protected.  Additional information on this topic may be found at http://www.cehn.org/cehn/research/ethics_in_ceh_research2006.htm; this site has links to the papers resulting from the Network’s 2004 Workshop on Ethical Issues in Children’s Environmental Health Research.

 

Web link
Full article available courtesy of Environmental Health Perspectives at
http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/members/2009/0800480/0800480.html

 

Keyword(s)

Children’s Exposures – cehn/resourceguide/exposurevulnerabilities.html