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There is considerable public concern in many countries about the possible adverse effects of exposure to non-ionizing radiation electromagnetic fields, especially in vulnerable populations such as children. The aim of this study was to characterize environmental exposure profiles within the frequency range 100 kHz–6 GHz in the immediate surrounds of the dwellings of 123 families from the INMA-Granada birth cohort in Southern Spain, using spot measurements. The arithmetic mean root mean-square electric field ( E RMS ) and power density ( S RMS ) values were, respectively, 195.79 mV/m (42.3% of data were above this mean) and 799.01 µW/m 2 (30% of values were above this mean); median values were 148.80 mV/m and 285.94 µW/m 2 , respectively. Exposure levels below the quantification limit were assigned a value of 0.01 V/m. Incident field strength levels varied widely among different areas or towns/villages, demonstrating spatial variability in the distribution of exposure values related to the surface area population size and also among seasons. Although recorded values were well below International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection reference levels, there is a particular need to characterize incident field strength levels in vulnerable populations ( e.g ., children) because of their chronic and ever-increasing exposure. The effects of incident field strength have not been fully elucidated; however, it may be appropriate to apply the precautionary principle in order to reduce exposure in susceptible groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Bisphenol A (BPA) is a high-production-volume chemical with endocrine disrupting properties commonly used as color developer in thermal paper. Concerns about the potential hazards of human BPA exposure have led to the increasing utilization of alternatives such as bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF). This study was designed to assess: (i) BPA, BPS, and BPF concentrations in 112 thermal paper receipts from Brazil, France, and Spain by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS); and (ii) hormone-like activities of these receipts using two receptor-specific bioassays, the E-Screen for (anti-)estrogenicity and PALM luciferase assay for (anti-)androgenicity. BPA was present in 95.3% of receipts from Spain, 90.9% of those from Brazil, and 51.1% of those from France at concentrations up to 20.27 mg/g of paper. Only two samples from Brazil, two from Spain, and ten from France had a BPS concentration ranging from 6.46 to 13.29 mg/g; no BPA or BPS was detected in 27.7% of French samples. No BPF was detected in any receipt. Estrogenic activity was observed in all samples from Brazil and Spain and in 74.5% of those from France. Anti-androgenic activity was observed in > 90% of samples from Brazil and Spain and in 53.2% of those from France. Only 25.5% of French samples were negative for both estrogenic and anti-androgenic activity. Estrogenic and anti-androgenic activities per gram of paper were up to 1.411 µM estradiol (E 2) equivalent units (E 2 eq) and up to 359.5 mM procymidone equivalent units (Proceq), respectively. BPA but not BPS concentrations were positively correlated with both estrogenic and anti-androgenic activities. BPA still dominates the thermal paper market in Brazil and Spain, and BPS appears to be one of the main alternatives in France. There is an urgent need to evaluate the safety of alternatives proposed to replace BPA as developer in thermal printing. The large proportion of samples with hormonal activity calls for the adoption of preventive measures. Highlights • BPA or BPS but not BPF was present in nearly all thermal paper receipts. • Hormone-like activity was detected in > 80% of the receipts. • BPA levels were 30- to 100-fold higher than the EU-recommended level (0.2 mg/g). • BPS only appears to be an alternative to BPA in thermal paper from France. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were to characterize electromagnetic fields of radiofrequency (RF-EMF) levels generated in a Neonatal Medium Care Unit and to analyze RF-EMF levels inside unit’s incubators. Spot and long-term measurements were made with a dosimeter. The spot measurement mean was 1.51±0.48 V/m. Higher values were found in the proximity to the window and to the incubator evaluated. Mean field strength for the entire period of 17 h was 0.81 (±0.07) V/m and the maximum value was 1.58 V/m for long-term RF-EMF measurements in the incubator. Values found during the night period were higher than those found during the day period. It is important to consider RF-EMF exposure levels in neonatal care units, due to some evidence of adverse health effects found in children and adults. Characterization of RF-EMF exposure may be important to further investigate the mechanisms and underlying effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) on infant health. A prudent avoidance strategy should be adopted because newborns are at a vulnerable stage of development and the actual impact of EMF on premature infants is unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess differences between two biological matrices (serum and breast adipose tissue) in the evaluation of persistent organic pollutant (POP) exposure in breast cancer patients. The study population consisted of 103 women undergoing surgery for newly diagnosed breast carcinoma in a public hospital in Granada, Southern Spain. Independent variables were gathered from questionnaires and clinical records. POP concentrations were quantified in breast adipose tissue and serum samples. Spearman correlation tests were performed between pairs of POP concentrations and stepwise multivariable linear regression analyses were conducted to assess predictors of concentrations in the two matrices. p,p ′- Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene ( p,p ′-DDE) showed the the highest median concentration in both matrices (194.34 and 173.84 ng/g lipid in adipose tissue and serum, respectively). Median wet-basis adipose tissue:serum ratios ranged from 109.34 to 651.62, while lipid-basis ratios ranged from 0.88 to 4.34. In general, we found significant positive correlation coefficients between pairs of POPs in adipose tissue and in serum, which were always higher in adipose tissue. We found positive and statistically significant correlations between serum and adipose tissue concentrations of p,p ′ - DDE and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) but not of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Age was positively associated with most POPs in adipose tissue and serum, while the body mass index was positively associated with adipose tissue HCB concentrations and negatively associated with serum PCB-153 and PCB-138 concentrations. Recent weight loss was inversely associated with POP residues in adipose tissue and positively associated with POP residues in serum. Serum HCB and PCB-180 concentrations were lower in patients who had received preoperative chemotherapy. According to our results, serum and adipose tissue POP concentrations in breast cancer patients may be differentially affected by external predictors. Taken together, these findings indicate the need to take account of the individual POP(s) under study and the biological matrix used when relating internal POP exposure to breast cancer disease and to make a careful selection of covariates for adjusting the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Heavy metals are environmental contaminants with properties known to be toxic for wildlife and humans. Despite strong concerns about their harmful effects, little information is available on intrauterine exposure in humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate prenatal exposure to As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Mn, and Pb and its association with maternal factors in a population-based mother–child cohort in Southern Spain. Between 2000 and 2002, 700 pregnant women were recruited and 137 placentas from the cohort were randomly selected and analyzed for the selected metals by atomic absorption. Maternal sociodemographic and lifestyle factors were obtained by questionnaire after delivery. Bivariate analysis and multivariate linear regression were performed. Cd and Mn concentrations were detected in all placentas, while Cr, Pb, and Hg were found in 98.5%, 35.0%, and 30.7% of samples, respectively. The highest concentrations were observed for Pb (mean: 94.80ng/g wet weight of placenta), followed by Mn (63.80ng/g), Cr (63.70ng/g), Cd (3.45ng/g), and Hg (0.024ng/g). Arsenic was not detected in any sample. Gestational age and smoking during pregnancy were associated with placental Cd concentrations, while no factor appeared to influence concentrations of Cr, Hg, Mn, or Pb. In comparison to results of European studies, these concentrations are in a low-intermediate position. Studies are required to investigate the factors contributing to early exposure to heavy metals and to determine how placental transfer of these toxic compounds may affect children''s health. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aim: To explore the relationship of urinary concentrations of different congeners of benzophenones and parabens with the utilization of cosmetics and personal care products (PCPs) and their impact on the risk of endometriosis, and to evaluate the influence of oxidative stress on associations found. Methods : This case-control study comprised a subsample of 124 women (35 cases; 89 controls). Endometriosis was confirmed (cases) or ruled out (controls) by laparoscopy, with visual inspection of the pelvis and biopsy of suspected lesions (histological diagnosis). Urinary concentrations of benzophenone-1 (BP-1), benzophenone-3 (BP-3), 4-hydroxibenzophenone (4-OH-BP), methyl- (MeP), ethyl- (EtP), propyl- (PrP), and butyl-paraben (BuP), and biomarkers of oxidative stress [lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and total antioxidant power (TAP)] were quantified. Information was gathered on the frequency of use of cosmetics and PCPs. Associations between the frequency of cosmetics/PCP use, urinary concentrations of benzophenones and parabens, oxidative stress, and endometriosis risk were explored in logistic and linear multivariable regression analyses. Results : The frequency of utilization of certain cosmetics and PCPs was significantly associated with urinary concentrations of benzophenones and parabens. After adjustment for potential confounders, the risk of endometriosis was increased in women in the second versus first terciles of MeP (OR = 5.63; p-value<0.001), BP-1 (OR = 5.12; p-value = 0.011), BP-3 (OR = 4.98; p-value = 0.008), and ƩBPs (OR = 3.34; p-value = 0.032). A close-to-significant relationship was observed between TBARS concentrations and increased endometriosis risk (OR = 1.60, p-value = 0.070) and an inverse association between TAP concentrations and this risk (OR = 0.15; p-value = 0.048). Oxidative stress results did not modify associations observed between benzophenone/paraben exposure and endometriosis risk. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the frequency of cosmetics and PCP utilization is a strong predictor of exposure to certain benzophenone and paraben congeners. These compounds may increase the risk of endometriosis in an oxidative stress-independent manner. Further studies are warranted to corroborate these findings. • Use of cosmetics/personal care products is related to urinary PB/BP concentrations. • MeP, BP-1, BP-3, and ƩBPs are associated with higher risk of endometriosis. • TAP and TBARS are related to lower and higher risk of endometriosis, respectively. • Oxidative stress did not modify the associations between exposure and the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]