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Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of persistent industrial chemicals that can harm reproductive health. PFAS levels were analysed to determine the current sources of exposure and possible associations between prenatal PFAS exposure and adverse pregnancy outcome. Samples from 136 mother-newborn pairs recruited between 2017 and 2019 were analysed for the presence of 31 target PFAS in maternal serum, umbilical cord serum, and placental tissue by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a tandem mass spectrometer. Questionnaires and medical records were used to survey sources of exposure and pregnancy outcome, including small for gestational age (SGA), fetal growth restriction (FGR), preeclampsia (PE), preterm birth, large for gestational age (LGA) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Data were analysed for individual PFAS and sum4PFAS (sum of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) serum levels) in logistic regression analyses and categorical regression analyses. Compared to data from a previous Viennese study in 2010–12, sum4PFAS levels were generally lower. Sum4PFAS serum levels of three women (2.2%) exceeded 6.9 µg/L, a level that corresponds to the recently established tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of EFSA for nursing mothers aged 35 years; in the 2010/2012 study it was 13.6%. The large contribution of unidentified extractable organofluorine (EOF) fractions to total PFAS exposure is a concern. Study site, mean maternal corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), use of facial lotion, and owning upholstered furniture were significantly influencing maternal exposure. While no effect of sum4PFAS on pregnancy outcome could be detected, we found highest placental PFDA levels in SGA births. PFHxS levels in umbilical cord and placenta were highest in preterm births. Further studies are needed to elucidate the relationship of prenatal PFAS exposure and pregnancy outcome, in particular to confirm whether and how placental PFDA levels may contribute to an increased risk for SGA. [Display omitted] • 136 mother-newborn pairs were analysed for 31 target PFAS. • Higher PFAS exposure was associated with use of personal care products. • Higher placental PFDA levels were associated with SGA. • PFHxS levels in cord serum and placentas were highest in preterm births. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Project "Chemical analysis, risk assessment and elimination of selected cytostatic agents from hospital waste water", performed at the University Hospital (AKH) Vienna. Methods Drugs: 5-fluorouracil, doxorubicin, epirubicin, daunorubicin, cisplatin, carboplatin, oxaliplatin. Model calculation: Minimum, maximum annual average concentrations and cumulative amount in hospital sewage were calculated. Parameters: drug, water consumption in the oncologic in-patient treatment ward, renal human excretion rate. Chemical analysis: platinum compounds: ICP-MS (speciation analysis by on-line coupling of HPLC to ICP-MS), limits of detection: cisplatin (0.09 µg/l), carboplatin (0.1 µg/l), oxaliplatin (0.15 µg/l). Anthracyclines: solid phase extraction, HPLC and fluorescence detection (FLD), limits of detection: doxorubicin (0.05 µg/l), daunorubicin (0.06 µg/l). 5-Fluorouracil: solid phase extraction, capillary electrophoresis, limit of detection 1.7 µg/l. Chemical monitoring: waste water samples: effluent of (a) the total hospital (TH), (b) the oncological ward (OW), collected before dilution in the Vienna sewer system for a total period of 98 days. Results Pt concentrations ranged from 3.2 to 266 µg/l; estimates revealed that about one third of the administered drugs was detected in the waste water of the oncologic ward. 5-Fluorouracil was detected in waste water up to 124 µg/l, doxorubicin up to 1.35 µg/l. The concentrations determined chemically agreed with the predictions based upon model calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim of this study was the evaluation of the genotoxic activities of hospital wastewaters. Samples from an oncological ward of the general hospital of Vienna, Austria, were tested in the Salmonella/microsome assay in strains TA98, TA100 and TA1535 with or without metabolic activation, and in the single-cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) assay with primary rat hepatocytes. In the bacterial tests, consistently negative results were obtained while in the experiments with liver cells a significant and dose-dependent induction of DNA damage (up to two-fold over the background) was found. Membrane filtration resulted in a substantial (62–77%) reduction of these effects, while additional treatments (activated carbon filtration and UV-irradiation) did not lead to a further decrease of the genotoxic activity of the samples. SCGE experiments with cisplatin, carboplatin and 5-fluorouracil, which were detected in the water samples, showed that these cytostatics cause a significant induction of DNA damage only at concentrations that are substantially higher than those in the native waters. These findings indicate that other chemicals, possibly quaternary ammonium compounds, account for the effects of the hospital wastewaters. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study assessed the levels of environment and food-related exposures in urine of Austrian school children aged six to ten (n = 85) focusing on mycotoxins, phytoestrogens, and food processing by-products using two multi-analyte LC-MS/MS methods. Out of the 55 biomarkers of exposure reported in this study, 22 were quantified in the first void urine samples. Mycotoxins frequently quantified included zearalenone (detection rate 100%; median 0.11 ng/mL), deoxynivalenol (99%; 15 ng/mL), alternariol monomethyl ether (75%; 0.04 ng/mL), and ochratoxin A (19%; 0.03 ng/mL). Several phytoestrogens, including genistein, daidzein, and its metabolite equol, were detected in all samples at median concentrations of 22 ng/mL, 43 ng/mL, and 14 ng/mL, respectively. The food processing by-product 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP), was detected in 4% of the samples (median 0.016 ng/mL). None of the investigated samples contained the tested phytotoxins that were rarely considered for human biomonitoring previously (pyrrolizidine alkaloids, tropane alkaloids, aristolochic acids). When relating estimated exposure to current health-based guidance values, 22% of the children exceeded the tolerable daily intake for deoxynivalenol, and the estimated MOE for OTA indicates possible health risks for some children. The results clearly demonstrate frequent low-level (co-)exposure and warrant further exposome-scale exposure assessments, especially in susceptible sub-populations and longitudinal settings., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Benedikt Warth reports financial support was provided by Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology. Benedikt Warth reports financial support was provided by Austrian Science Fund (FWF)., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

In 85 Austrian school children aged 6-10 years, two multi-analyte LC-MS/MS methods were used to study the concentrations of 33 chemical substances in urine, including per- and polyfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS), bisphenols, parabens, benzophenones, triclosan, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolites, and cotinine. Each of the children was exposed to 14-21 substances simultaneously. Correlations were found between compounds of the same and of divergent substance groups supporting the strong need to consider multiple exposures and mixture effects. Eight compounds, including perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFOA), methyl paraben (n-MeP), ethyl paraben (n-EtP), propyl paraben (n-PrP), benzophenone-1 (BP-1), 2-naphthol, and 3-hydroxyphenanthrene were detected in all urine samples. In the PFAS group the medians of detectable substances ranged between <0.0005 μg/l for perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and 0.004 μg/l for PFHxA. For other environmental contaminants investigated, a maximum urinary level of 893 μg/l was identified for n-MeP. The highest median value was 2.5 μg/l for 2-naphthol. Daily intakes were calculated for bisphenol A (BPA), triclosan (TCS), and four parabens. These values did not exceed the tolerable or acceptable daily intakes currently in force. Based on a recently proposed TDI for BPA, daily intakes of all children exceeded this value. A cumulative risk assessment was conducted for four parabens not showing exceedances of acceptable exposures. The results demonstrate simultaneous exposure to several different chemicals, with the majority showing impact on the endocrine system being of particular concern with respect to mixture effects. Further assessments with a stronger focus on mixtures are warranted. The results also highlight the need of policy actions as foreseen in the EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier GmbH.. All rights reserved.)

Embryos and fetuses are of major concern due to their high vulnerability. Previous studies demonstrated that human exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) may be underestimated because only a limited number of known PFAS can be measured. This investigation studied the total PFAS exposure by measuring the extractable organofluorine (EOF) in pooled maternal serum, placental tissue, and cord serum samples (total number of pooled samples: n = 45). The EOF was analyzed using combustion ion chromatography, and the concentrations of known PFAS were determined using ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with a tandem mass spectrometer. Using a mass balance analysis approach, the amount of unknown PFAS was estimated between the levels of known PFAS and EOF. The EOF levels ranged from 2.85 to 7.17 ng F/mL (21 PFAS were quantified) in the maternal serum, from 1.02 to 1.85 ng F/g (23 PFAS were quantified) in the placental tissue, and from 1.2 to 2.10 ng F/mL (18 PFAS were quantified) in the cord serum. An average of 24, 51, and 9% of EOF is unidentified in the maternal serum, placental tissue, and cord serum, respectively. The results show that the levels of unidentified EOF are higher in the placental tissue, suggesting accumulation or potential transformation of precursors in the placenta.

Over the last few decades, citizen awareness and perception of chemical products has been a topic of interest, particularly concerning national and international policy decision makers, expert/scientific platforms, and the European Union itself. To date, few qualitative studies on human biomonitoring have analysed communication materials, made recommendations in terms of biomonitoring surveillance, or asked for feedback in terms of specific biomonitoring methods. This paper provides in-depth insight on citizens' perceptions of knowledge of biomonitoring, impact of chemical exposure on daily life, and claims on how results of research should be used. Four semi-structured focus groups were held in Austria, Portugal, Ireland, and the United Kingdom (UK). The cross-sectional observational qualitative design of this study allows for better understanding of public concern regarding chemicals, application, and use of human biomonitoring. The main findings of this study include citizens' clear articulation on pathways of exposure, the demand on stakeholders for transparent decision-making, and sensitivity in communication of results to the public. Validated and trustful communication is perceived as key to empowering citizens to take action. The results can be used to facilitate decision-making and policy development, and feeds into the awareness needs of similar and future projects in human biomonitoring. Furthermore, it also brings to light ideas and concepts of citizens' in shaping collaborative knowledge between citizens', experts, scientists, and policy makers on equal terms.

Reference values (RV 95 ) are statistically derived values comprising the rounded 95th percentiles within the 95% confidence interval and indicate the upper margin of background exposure to chemical substances in a population at a given time period. Based on representative national human biomonitoring data on several urinary phthalate metabolites in children, adolescents and adults from 2010 to 2011, RV 95 were derived for the Austrian population based on a IUPAC guideline and the recommendation of the German Human Biomonitoring Commission. The RV 95 (rounded values) for phthalate metabolites in children and adolescents aged 6-15 years are 110 μg/l (confidence interval of 95th population percentile: 83.7-163) for mono-ethyl phthalate (MEP), 45 μg/l (40.9-60.6) for mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP), 130 μg/l (126-161) for mono-isobutyl phthalate (MiBP), 25 μg/l (17.8-33.6) for mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP), 100 μg/l (94.0-126) for the sum of the di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) metabolites including mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), mono(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (5OH-MEHP), mono(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (5oxo-MEHP) and mono(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (5cx-MEPP), and 1.5 μg/l (0.64-1.6) for mono-cyclohexyl phthalate (MCHP). In adults aged 18-81 years, RV 95 are 440 μg/l (353-636) for MEP, 40 μg/l (33.1-52.1) for MnBP, 110 μg/l (87.3-118) for MiBP, 10 μg/l (7.2-11.8) for MBzP, 50 μg/l (44.6-68.3) for the sum of MEHP, 5OH-MEHP, 5oxo-MEHP and 5cx-MEPP, and 1.5 μg/l (0.95-1.8) for MCHP. For almost all investigated metabolites, children and adolescents exhibit higher RV 95 than adults, with the exceptions being MEP and MCHP. Compared to available RV 95 for Germany and Canada, Austrian values are lower for all investigated population groups., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

Phthalates are a class of chemicals widely used as plasticisers in a multitude of common consumer products. Through contact with such products, people are regularly exposed to phthalates, which are suspected to contribute to adverse health effects, particularly in the reproductive system. In the present study, 14 urinary phthalate metabolites of 10 parent phthalates were analysed by HPLC-MS/MS among the Austrian population aged 6-15 and 18-81 years in order to assess phthalate exposure. In the total study population, ranges of urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations were n.d.-2,105 μg/l (median 25 μg/l) for monoethyl phthalate (MEP), n.d.-88 μg/l (10 μg/l) for mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP), n.d.-248 μg/l (28 μg/l) for mono-isobutyl phthalate (MiBP), n.d.-57 μg/l (1.8 μg/l) for mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP), n.d.-20 μg/l (n.d.) for mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), n.d.-80 μg/l (2.6 μg/l) for mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (5OH-MEHP), n.d.-57 μg/l (1.9 μg/l) for mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (5oxo-MEHP), n.d.-219 μg/l (11 μg/l) for mono-(5-carboxy-2-ethylpentyl) phthalate (5cx-MEPP), n.d.-188 μg/l (1.6 μg/l) for 3-carboxy-mono-proply phthalate (3 cx-MPP), n.d.-5.5 μg/l (n.d.) for mono-cyclohexyl phthalate (MCHP), n.d.-4.5 μg/l (n.d.) for mono-n-pentyl phthalate (MnPeP), n.d.-3.4 μg/l (n.d.) for mono-n-octyl phthalate (MnOP), n.d.-13 μg/l (n.d.) for mono-isononyl phthalate (MiNP), and n.d.-1.1 μg/l (n.d.) for mono-isodecyl phthalate (MiDP). Generally, children exhibited higher levels of exposure to the majority of investigated phthalates, except to MEP, which was found in higher concentrations in adults and senior citizens at a maximum concentration of 2,105 μg/l. Individual daily intakes were estimated based on urinary creatinine and urinary volume excretion and were then compared to acceptable exposure levels, leading to the identification of exceedances of mainly the Tolerable Daily Intakes (TDI), especially among children. The execution of a cumulative risk assessment based on Hazard Indices showed cause for concern mainly for children, as well as in rare cases for adults. Although phthalate exposure seems to have decreased in previous years, the wide distribution and existing exceedances of acceptable levels indicate that phthalate exposure should be further monitored in order to identify exposure sources and enable appropriate minimisation measures., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: WHO's Children's Environment and Health Action Plan for Europe (CEHAPE) focuses on improvements of indoor environments where children spend most of their time. To investigate the relationship between school indoor air pollutants and cognitive performance in elementary school children, a multidisciplinary study was planned in all-day schools in Austria., Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study (LuKi study: Air and Children) indoor air pollutants were monitored in nine elementary all-day schools in urban and rural regions of Austria. In addition, school dust and suspended particulates (PM10, PM2.5) were measured, focusing on semivolatile compounds (e.g. phthalates, phosphororganic compounds [POC]). Health status and environmental conditions were determined by parents' questionnaire, cognitive function was measured by Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM)., Results: Overall, 596 children (6-8 years of age) were eligible for the study. Cognitive tests were performed in 436 children. Analysis showed significant correlations of tris(2-chlorethyl)-phosphate (TCEP) in PM10 and PM2.5 and school dust samples with cognitive performance. Cognitive performance decreased with increasing concentrations of TCEP. Furthermore, cognitive function decreased significantly with increasing CO2 levels., Conclusions: POC are widely used as plasticizers, flame retardants and floor sealing. This is the first report of a correlation between TCEP in indoor air samples and impairment of cognitive performance in school children. As a precautionary measure, it is recommended to prohibit the use of toxic chemicals and those suspected of a toxic potential in children's environments such as schools.