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Resume Introduction La Societe de toxicologie clinique (STC) a ete sollicitee par les pouvoirs publics pour produire des recommandations concernant la prise en charge des femmes enceintes exposees au mercure organique et leurs enfants a naitre. Methode Ces recommandations, avec la participation d’experts appartenant a des societes savantes concernees par la prise en charge des femmes enceintes et/ou de leurs enfants, ont ete etablies selon la methodologie des recommandations pour la pratique clinique definie par la Haute Autorite de sante (HAS). Resultats La principale source d’exposition de la population au methylmercure (MeHg) est alimentaire, notamment par la consommation de poissons fortement contamines. Les biomarqueurs d’exposition fiables pour la surveillance de l’impregnation au MeHg des populations sont le mercure total dans les cheveux et dans le sang total. L’effet critique du MeHg est l’alteration des fonctions cognitives resultant d’une exposition prenatale, et 11 μg/g de cheveux la valeur de la concentration capillaire de mercure maternelle, a partir de laquelle cet effet critique peut survenir chez l’enfant. La population prioritaire pour le depistage est celle des femmes en âge de procreer, ainsi que les enfants âges de moins de 7 ans, consommant plus de 2 portions de poissons par semaine, ou residant dans les bourgs isoles de Guyane, particulierement les femmes enceintes et leurs enfants allaites. Un suivi medical est recommande pour les femmes enceintes ayant une concentration capillaire de mercure superieure a 2,5 μg/g de cheveux (limite superieure de l’intervalle de confiance du 95e percentile dans la population francaise) ainsi que pour leurs nouveau-nes. Si la concentration capillaire chez la mere et/ou l’enfant a depasse 11 μg/g, l’enfant doit beneficier d’un suivi neurodeveloppemental. Conclusion Les mesures de reduction alimentaire des expositions sont primordiales : l’indication de la chelation se discute dans les cas ou des effets neurotoxiques severes sont possibles. Dans ces recommandations, la prise en charge d’une exposition maternelle au MeHg ainsi que celle de l’enfant a naitre sont detaillees dans un organigramme.

The objective of this study was the evaluation of the health risks of the pesticides use and their bioaccumulation by the vegetables grown in Lome gardens. Pesticide residues levels were assessed in vegetable samples collected in Lome areas by Gaz chromatography - mass spectrometry or liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry in order to know their concentrations. Data obtained were used for estimating the potential health risks associated with the exposures to these pesticides.The results showed that all of the samples contain pesticide residues with high levels of Dithiocarbamates (7.79 ppm) in carrots, Chlorpyriphos ethyl (0.445 ppm) in spinach, cucumbers (0.239 ppm), peppers (0.032 ppm), and turnips. Levels above the maximum residue limits (MRLs) of chlorothalonil, and carbendazime were found in peppers, prothioconazole and pendimethalin in turnips, cypermethrin in pepper (0.254 ppm) and in eggplant (0.037 ppm). The pepper has concentrated 5 residues, leek and turnip 4 residues each other, African eggplant 3, lettuce 2 residues and spinach 2 residues. The health risks indices show that the detected pesticides could not be considered as a serious public health problem in the studied conditions, but there is the need to increase their monitoring to reduce their misuse on the vegetables. Keywords : Pesticides residues, vegetables, consumers, health risks indices, Lome-togo.

Rationale Asthma, frequently associated with rhinitis, is the most common chronic disease in children, and a significant role is played by a range of environmental exposures. Among them, air pollution is of foremost concern. However, little is known about the impact of airborne pesticide exposure on children's respiratory health in rural areas. The objective of this study was to analyze the association between airborne pesticide exposure and asthma and rhinitis in children. Methods In a French vineyard rural area, children (3–10 years old) from 4 selected schools were invited to participate in this study over two periods: winter, with no or low air pesticide levels, and summer when fields are frequently treated with pesticides. Two health outcomes were considered: asthma and rhinitis symptoms (ISAAC questionnaire), and peak expiratory flow (PEF). A quantitative score of symptoms was built. Exposure to pesticides was evaluated 1) by measuring 56 pesticides in the ambient outdoor air around schools in the two periods and building a cumulative exposure index, and 2) by measuring ethylenethiourea (ETU) concentrations in urine in a subsample of children (n = 96), ETU being a urine biomarker of exposure to dithiocarbamates fungicides. Next, the association between pesticide exposure and respiratory health was studied using a logistic regression model, adjusted for confounders and respiratory status at baseline. Results 281 children participated in the study (47% girls, mean age: 7.5 yrs). 25% of the children were living on a farm. 22% had experienced wheezing at least once. 15.8% had asthma diagnosed by a doctor, 12% had current asthma and 35% had allergic rhinitis. The main pesticides detected in the ambient outdoor air around schools were fungicides (89,3%; mainly folpet and dithiocarbamates) and insecticides (10.6%). No association was found between the symptom score and pesticides in the outdoor air around schools during summer, when pesticides were applied to vineyards. However, an association was found between ETU urinary concentration (>0.974 μg/g creatinine) and asthma and rhinitis symptoms (OR=3.56; IC 95% 1.04–12.12). This result could be explained by extracurricular exposure, which was not considered in our air measurements in the schools. No association was found between peak expiratory flow and exposure to pesticides in the air. Conclusions Children living in vineyard rural areas are at a higher risk of airborne dithiocarbamates exposure during the summer period. Despite the limited size of our sample, our results suggest possible links between some pesticide measurements and respiratory and allergic symptoms such as rhinitis.

The aim of this study is to determine the combined effect of copper and hydrodynamic conditions on the response of certain biomarkers of an aquatic macrophyte, namely Myriophyllum alterniflorum . Watermilfoil biomarkers are monitored in a synthetic medium enriched or not with copper (100 μg.L −1 ) for 21 days in aquarium systems (150 L), under three hydrodynamic conditions: laminar, turbulent, and calm. The studied biomarkers are: respiratory and photosynthetic activities; concentrations of chlorophyll a , b and carotenoids; osmotic potential; hydrogen peroxide content; and growth. In addition, Cu contents in water and in Myriophyllum alterniflorum (roots and shoots) are investigated. The hydrodynamic conditions only affect watermilfoil morphology. Copper accumulates less in turbulent zones; moreover, it is more likely to accumulate in shoots than in roots, except within the calm zone. Cu leads to: i) a significant increase in H 2 O 2 content, ii) a decrease in root growth, pigment content, osmotic potential, photosynthesis and respiration rates, and iii) an inhibition of shoot branching. Differential effects are also observed between younger and older parts, thus indicating the benefit of considering these two plant parts separately in water quality biomonitoring.

Acute intoxications after ingesting glyphosate are observed in suicidal or accidental cases. Despite low potential toxicity of this herbicide, a number of fatalities and severe outcomes are reported. Indeed, some authors have described the clinical features associated with blood and urine concentrations following intoxication. The purpose of this study is to describe the clinical feature and determinate the utility of the glyphosate concentration in blood and urine and the dose taken for predicting clinical outcomes. In 13 glyphosate poisoning cases treated in our laboratory within 7 years period from 2002 to 2009, we registered clinical observations and collected blood and urine samples to HPLC–MS–MS analysis. We classified our patients by the intoxication severity using simple clinical criteria. We obtained clinical observations from 10 patients and the others three patients were treated in forensic cases. Among the 10 patients, one was asymptomatic, 5 had mild to moderate poisoning and 2 had severe poisoning. There were 6 deaths whose 3 were forensic cases. The most common symptoms were oropharyngeal ulceration (5/10), nausea and vomiting (3/10). The main altered biological parameters were high lactate (3/10) and acidosis (7/10). We also noted respiratory distress (3/10), cardiac arrhythmia (4/10), hyperkaleamia, impaired renal function (2/10), hepatic toxicity (1/10) and altered consciousness (3/10). In fatalities, the common symptoms were cardiovascular shock, cardiorespiratory arrest, haemodynamic disturbance, intravascular disseminated coagulation and multiple organ failure. Blood glyphosate concentrations had a mean value of 61 mg/L (range 0.6–150 mg/L) and 4146 mg/L (range 690–7480 mg/L) respectively in mild–moderate intoxication and fatal cases. In the severe intoxication case for which blood has been sampled, the blood glyphosate concentration was found at 838 mg/L. Death was most of the time associated with larger taken dose (500 mL in one patient) and high blood glyphosate concentrations. To predict clinical outcomes and to guide treatment support in patients who ingested glyphosate, blood concentrations of this compound and the taken dose have been useful.

International audience; Permethrin, a pyrethroid insecticide, is suspected to induce neuronal and hormonal disturbances in humans. The widespread exposure of the populations has been confirmed by the detection of the urinary metabolites of permethrin in biomonitoring studies. Permethrin is a chiral molecule presenting two forms, the cis and the trans isomers. Because in vitro studies indicated a metabolic interaction between the trans and cis isomers of permethrin, we adapted and calibrated a PBPK model for trans- and cis-permethrin separately in rats. The model also describes the toxicokinetics of three urinary metabolites, cis- and trans-3-(2,2 dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethyl-(1-cyclopropane) carboxylic acid (cis- and trans-DCCA), 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA) and 4′OH-phenoxybenzoic acid (4′-OH-PBA). In vivo experiments performed in Sprague–Dawley rats were used to calibrate the PBPK model in a Bayesian framework. The model captured well the toxicokinetics of permethrin isomers and their metabolites including the rapid absorption, the accumulation in fat, the extensive metabolism of the parent compounds, and the rapid elimination of metabolites in urine. Average hepatic clearances in rats were estimated to be 2.4 and 5.7 L/h/kg for cis- and trans-permethrin, respectively. High concentrations of the metabolite 4′-OH-PBA were measured in urine compared to cis- and trans-DCCA and 3-PBA. The confidence in the extended PBPK model was then confirmed by good predictions of published experimental data obtained using the isomers mixture. The extended PBPK model could be extrapolated to humans to predict the internal dose of exposure to permethrin from biomonitoring data in urine.

International audience; Copper is an essential element for the function of metabolic pathways in many living organisms like photosynthesis in plants. But, for the last decades, anthropogenic sources and release of Cu lead to environmental pollution particularly in aquatic ecosystems. The aquatic plant, Myriophyllum alterniflorum, known as a bioindicator of metal pollution, could be used as biomonitor. The aim of this study is to evaluate biomarkers responses of watermilfoil during Cu pollution at high environmental levels (100 μg l−1 CuSO4) in controlled conditions. Morphological and anatomical features like a new double endodermis (DE) layer were evidenced in response to Cu treatment. Moreover, physiological parameters like pigments contents, osmotic potential and proline content present a differential response to Cu stress in young and old leaves of watermilfoil. Finally, despite a rapid and strong phytoaccumulation of Cu, only young leaves are slightly affected in their cell membrane integrity as indicated by MDA content. In comparison with the Cu effect on other aquatic macrophytes, M. alterniflorum develops particular protection mechanisms like the ROS scavenging using proline rather than carotenoids, the reduction of water loss with the DE and the heavy metal elimination through senescence to protect preferentially the photosynthetic components of the young leaves and the main-stem elongation. Due to its Cu sensitivity, M. alterniflorum appears as important in the field of environmental studies using plant biomarkers.

In clinical or forensic toxicology, general unknown screening procedures are used to identify as many xenobiotics as possible, belonging to numerous chemical classes. We present here a general unknown screening procedure based on liquid chromatography coupled with use of a single linear ion trap mass spectrometer, and focus on the identification of pesticides and/or metabolites in whole blood. After solid-phase extraction (SPE), the compounds of interest were separated using a reversed-phase column and identified by the mass spectrometer operated first in the full-scan mass spectrometry (MS) mode, in the positive and negative polarities, followed by MS(2) and MS(3) scanning of ions selected in data-dependent acquisition. The total scan time was 2.45 s. Two mass spectral libraries (MS(2) and MS(3)), each of 450 spectra, were created for the 320 pesticides and metabolites detected after injection of pure solutions. Robustness of the spectra and matrix effects were studied and were satisfactory for the present application. Detection limits for the 320 compounds were studied by extracting 1 mL spiked blood at concentrations between 10 microg/L and 10 mg/L. If necessary, it was possible to decrease the detection limits of some compounds by 10-100-fold by scanning MS(2) in only one polarity, owing to a shorter total scan time. However, at the same time, the detection specificity decreased as no confirmation could be recorded in the following MS(3) scan and no information could be registered in the other polarity. So, in these rare cases, confirmation by another method was required.

L'analyse des elements, metaux ou metalloides, dans diverses matrices n'a pas echappe au progres scientifique et l'utilisation de la spectrometrie de masse inorganique couplee a un plasma induit par haute frequence (ICP-MS) en est une parfaite illustration. D'introduction relativement recente pour les analyses biologiques medicales, l'ICP-MS presente les avantages lies a l'association des deux techniques : le plasma couple par induction apporte l'etendue de l'ensemble des elements accessibles associee a une grande sensibilite et la spectrometrie de masse apporte egalement sa sensibilite (plus de soixante elements ont leur limite de detection en dessous de 10 g/L), l'etendue de sa gamme dynamique lineaire s'etalant sur huit ordres de grandeur ainsi que la rapidite d'analyse. Une autre qualite de l'ICP-MS est son aptitude a la distinction et au dosage specifique des isotopes d'un meme element, essentielle par exemple pour certaines etudes nutritionnelles. Bien evidemment, a la technique ICP-MS sont associes des problemes specifiques et des limitations comme celles liees aux effets physiques ou chimiques de matrice, tels que les interferences isobariques qu'il convient de supprimer. D'execution tres rapide, cette methode convient a des analyses en serie ou en continu permettant le couplage avec la chromatographie liquide ou l'electrophorese capillaire, ce qui la rend precieuse pour les analyses de speciation et offre des perspectives nouvelles en biologie et toxicologie clinique.

Les criteres d'acceptabilite definis en 1991 par les “ Centers for Disease Control ” ou CDC, pour le dosage du plomb sanguin sont de +/- 40 μg/L pour les valeurs inferieures a 400 μg/L et de 10 % pour les valeurs superieures. Actuellement, avec un seuil de decision de declaration obligatoire du saturnisme de 100 μg/L et l'evolution des techniques d'analyse, les criteres precedemment annonces pour les valeurs inferieures a 400 μg/L ne semblent plus acceptables. Le groupe de travail "Toxiques Industriels" de la SFTA propose d'actualiser ces donnees en realisant une etude multicentrique sur la variabilite du dosage de la plombemie pour des concentrations faibles proches de 100 μg/L. Cette etude a ete realisee dans 12 laboratoires sur quatre pools de sang preleve sur EDTA. Ces pools ont ete prepares de facon a obtenir une valeur de plombemie dans les quatre fourchettes suivantes

Quantification of chromium in whole blood has been performed by ICP-quadrupole MS. The spectrometer was equipped with a dynamic reaction cell (DRC) with ammonia as reaction gas. The rejection parameter q (RPq) of the DRC and the flow rate of ammonia (NH3) were optimized and set at 0.7 and 0.6 mL min(-1), respectively. Blood was diluted 1:51 (v/v) with an aqueous solution containing 0.1 mg L(-1) NH4OH, 0.1 g L(-1) EDTA, 5 mg L(-1) n-butanol, and 0.1 per thousand Triton X100. Non-spectral matrix effects observed when using the DRC were confirmed by use of vanadium. External calibration with blank and standard solutions prepared in purified water led to biased results for quality control samples. Standard addition calibration was therefore used and its validity verified. By comparing the slopes and calculating residues, it was proved that the plot obtained with standard additions and the plot obtained from blood samples of different concentrations were aligned down to 0.05 microg L(-1) after dilution.

We tested the presence of glyphosate in the urines of a farmer who sprayed a glyphosate based herbicide on his land, and in his family, as his children were born with birth defects that could be due to or promoted by pesticides. Glyphosate residues were measured in urines a day before, during, and two days after spraying, by liquid chromatography-linear ion trap mass spectrometry. Glyphosate reached a peak of 9.5 µg/L in the farmer after spraying, and 2 µg/L were found in him and in one of his children living at a distance from the field, two days after the pulverization. Oral or dermal absorptions could explain the differential pesticide excretions, even in family members at a distance from the fields. A more detailed following of agricultural practices and family exposures should be advocated together with information and recommendations.

A rapid and sensitive LC/electrospray ionization-MS/MS method has been developed for the determination of dodine in fruit samples. Based on a liquid–liquid extraction of 10 g solid fruit homogenate using an acetone–dichloromethane– hexane mixture and acetate ammonium buffer (pH 4.5), this LC/MS/MS procedure was characterized by recoveries above 50%, with good intra-assay precision (RSD

We present two non fatal cases of intoxication with carbofuran (CBF) documented by hair analysis. Carbofuran and 3-hydroxycarbofuran (OHCBF, its main metabolite) hair concentrations were determined using a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. The obtained results were surprising if we consider several hair analyses previously published and based on a theory of the presence of xenobiotic in the only segment that comprised its intake. Among the two intoxication cases, we noticed the presence of CBF and OHCBF in hair segments corresponding to 45 days before, and more than 100 days after, the day of intoxication. Additionally, repeated hair samplings and subsequent analysis revealed a decrease of the carbofuran's concentration during the hair life.

Die Dimensionen von medial vermarkteten Großveranstaltungen nehmen stetig zu. Und mit ihnen auch die Auswirkungen. Neben den ökonomischen Effekten rücken dabei auch ökologische und soziale Auswirkungen in den Fokus. Die Fußball Europameisterschaft 2008 ist ein Beispiel, wie in Zukunft die Effekte auf nachhaltige Entwicklungsprozesse evaluiert werden können.

It has been demonstrated spectroscopically that many nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds can form charge transfer complexes with iodine. The complexes of morpholine with iodine were shown to be of the n-sigma type with a 1:1 stoichiometry. A strong donor-acceptor interaction was found (Kc = 1261 +/- 12 mol-1 at 20 degrees C in CCl4), considerably higher than those of complexes of aromatic compounds with iodine. The high value of the formation constant for this complex indicated that morpholine could serve as a starting point for the synthesis of novel anti-thyroid drugs.

Charge-transfer complexes between linear methyl thioethers R―S―CH 3 (R=Me, Et, Pr, Bu and C 10 H 21 ) and iodine in solution in carbon tetrachloride were studied by ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy at various temperatures. The spectral and thermodynamic parameters indicated a high stability of the complexes, and a+I inductive effect of the alkyl substituents on the mobility of the n electron of the sulfur. The values of the formation constants of the iodinated complexes for the thioethers range from 94.6 to 149 M −1 at 20 o C, significantly higher than those for complexes formed between iodine and the corresponding thiols and disulfides. These results suggest that substitution of the sulfur atom in antithyroid drugs of the R-SH type (e.g., methimazole) might enhance their activity

Context and objectives: In Benin, the "informal sector" represents almost 80% of workers with a predominance of craftsmen, followed by the modern private sector (11%) and the civil service (9%). The socio-professional situation of craftsmen is characterized by the lack of personal or collective protective equipment, exposure to physical and harmful chemical substances and a lack of social security. The main objective of this thesis was to study the impact of working conditions on the health of tinsmiths in the informal economy in Cotonou, Benin. This research also allowed us to evaluate the blood impregnation of trace elements in tinsmiths compared to the background levels of the non-occupationally exposed male population of Cotonou. This part of the study required a first survey of 70 blood donors in Cotonou, in order to propose reference values for 29 trace elements. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Midombô on the site of the tinsmiths in the 3rd district of Cotonou in Benin. Study population: A total of 84 workshop managers out of 102 gave their agreement to participate in the study of work places and conditions (participation rate of 82.4 %). Among the 251 tinsmiths working in the 102 workshops investigated, 135 agreed to go to the “Erasmus” health center (53.8%) for free medical care. In this population, there were 31 apprentices (23.0 %) and 104 craftsmen or master craftsmen (77.0 %). Results: Noise levels greater than 85 decibels were observed in 58.3% of the workshops, with an average working time of 10 hours per day. This exposure can be the cause of hearing impairment (mild to severe) observed in 99, 3% of the cases. Direct exposure to metal fumes and dust (38.52 %) and the consumption of food at the workplace are the cause of metallic impregnation. For 6 trace elements, more than 20 % of the tinsmiths had blood concentrations above the reference values of the general population. These elements, classified from the lowest to the highest level of impregnation were molybdenum, copper, strontium, tin, antimony, and lead, respectively. Approximately 71% of the tinsmiths had lead levels above the 95th percentile of concentrations found in unexposed populations in Cotonou. 83% of the workers who were under 18 years of age had blood lead levels ≥ 100 μg / L. Uncorrected visual acuity (> 20%) and untreated arterial hypertension (27.4 %) were detected in the participating tinsmiths. Conclusion: Informal workers are in a very vulnerable situation due to poor social protection and a high level of exposure to occupational risks. Given the large number of employees in the informal sector, improving the occupational health and safety of these workers should help to strengthen human capital and reduce the incidence of occupational diseases that are still poorly documented., Contexte et objectifs : Au Bénin, le « secteur informel » représente près de 80 % des travailleurs avec une prédominance d’acteurs dans l’artisanat, suivi par le secteur privé moderne (11 %) et la fonction publique (9 %). La situation socio-professionnelle des artisans est caractérisée par l’absence d’équipements de protection, par l’exposition à des nuisances physiques et chimiques et par l’absence de sécurité sociale. L’objectif principal de ce travail de thèse était d’étudier l’impact des conditions de travail sur la santé des forgerons-ferblantiers exerçant dans le cadre de l’économie informelle, à Cotonou au Bénin. Ce travail a permis également d’évaluer l’imprégnation sanguine en éléments traces métalliques chez les ferblantiers par comparaison avec les concentrations observées dans la population masculine de Cotonou, non exposée professionnellement. Cette partie de l’étude a nécessité la mise en place d’une première enquête en population générale, chez 70 donneurs de sang à Cotonou afin de proposer des valeurs de référence pour 29 éléments traces métalliques.Méthode : Une étude transversale a été réalisée à Midombô sur le site des artisans ferblantiers dans le 3ème arrondissement de Cotonou au Bénin. Au total, 84 responsables d’atelier sur 102 ont donné leur accord de participation pour l’étude des postes et conditions de travail, soit un taux de participation de 82,4 %. Parmi les 251 personnes travaillant dans les 102 ateliers investigués, 135 ferblantiers ont accepté de venir au centre de santé Erasme (53,8 %) pour bénéficier d’un entretien médical gratuit. Dans cette population, 31 personnes étaient des apprentis (23,0 %) et 104 étaient des artisans ou maitres-artisans (77,0 %). Résultats : Il a été observé des niveaux de bruit supérieurs à 85 décibels dans 58,3 % des ateliers, avec une durée du travail en moyenne de 10 h par jour pouvant être à l’origine des déficits auditifs (légers à sévères) observés dans 99,3% des cas. L’exposition directe aux fumées et poussières métalliques (38,52 %) et la consommation d’aliments au poste de travail seraient à l’origine d’une imprégnation métallique. Pour 6 éléments traces, plus de 20 % des ferblantiers présentaient des concentrations sanguines supérieures aux valeurs de référence de la population générale. Par ordre croissant de niveau d’imprégnation, il s’agissait du molybdène, du cuivre, du strontium, de l’étain, de l’antimoine, et du plomb. Environ 71 % des ferblantiers présentaient des plombémies supérieures au 95ème percentile des concentrations retrouvées en population non exposée à Cotonou. Pour les moins de 18 ans, la prévalence des travailleurs ayant une plombémie ≥ 100 μg/L était de 83 %. Une baisse de l’acuité visuelle non corrigée (> 20 %) et une hypertension artérielle non traitée (27,4 %) ont été dépistées chez les ferblantiers participants. Conclusion : Les travailleurs informels sont dans une situation de grande vulnérabilité du fait d’une faible couverture en matière de protection sociale et d’un niveau élevé d’exposition aux risques professionnels. Compte tenu du grand nombre de travailleurs dans l’économie informelle, l’amélioration de la santé et de la sécurité au travail des acteurs de ce secteur, devrait permettre un renforcement du capital humain et la réduction des maladies professionnelles encore mal documentées.