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Exposure to air pollution and traffic noise are associated with adverse health outcomes in adolescents. Chronic endocrine stress and systemic inflammation have been hypothesized to underlie the adverse health effects. Simultaneous assessment of inflammation and chronic endocrine stress in epidemiological studies is lacking. The aim of the study was to investigate biomarkers of chronic endocrine stress and inflammation in relation to long-term residential exposure to air pollution and traffic noise in adolescents. In Flemish adolescents (14–15 years), we determined hair cortisol concentration (HCC) as a chronic stress biomarker in 3-cm scalp-near hair sections (n = 395), and leucocyte and leucocyte subtype counts (neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes) as inflammatory biomarkers in peripheral blood (n = 385). Daily particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and black carbon (BC) concentrations were modelled at the residential address and averaged over 3-month and 1-year periods prior to sampling. Residential traffic noise level was estimated and classified in 5 dB intervals. Sex-specific associations between residential exposures and effect biomarkers were studied using linear regression models, adjusted for a priori selected covariates. In boys, HCC increased with a factor 1.30 (95% CI: 1.10, 1.54) for an increase in 1-year mean NO2 from the 25th to 75th percentile (p75/p25), after adjustment for age, BMI, personal and neighborhood socioeconomic status. The corresponding estimate for PM10 was 1.24 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.51). Total leucocyte count in boys, adjusted for the aforementioned covariates and recent health complaints, was positively associated with PM2.5, PM10, NO2 and BC. In particular, the neutrophil count increased with a factor 1.11 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.19) for a (p75/p25)-factor increase in 1-year mean BC, corresponding estimates for PM2.5, PM10 and NO2 were 1.10 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.19), 1.10 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.20) and 1.08 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.16). Lymphocyte count increased with a factor 1.05 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.10) for a (p75/p25)-factor increase in 1-year mean NO2. Similar results were observed for 3-month mean exposures. Results were robust to adjustment for recent air pollution exposure. In girls, air pollutants were not associated with HCC or differential leucocyte count. Residential traffic noise level was not associated with HCC or leucocyte counts in boys nor girls. Long-term residential exposure to air pollutants was positively associated with chronic endocrine stress and inflammation in adolescent boys, not in girls. This study may contribute to a better understanding of the early pathophysiological changes that may underlie adverse health effects of air pollution exposure in adolescents.
Veerle J. Verheyen; Sylvie Remy; Esmée M. Bijnens; Ann Colles; Eva Govarts; Laura Rodriguez Martin; Gudrun Koppen; Liesbeth Bruckers; Flemming Nielsen; Stijn Vos; Bert Morrens; Dries Coertjens; Annelies De Decker; Carmen Franken; Elly Den Hond; Vera Nelen; Adrian Covaci; Ilse Loots; Stefaan De Henauw; Nicolas van Larebeke; Caroline Teughels; Tim S. Nawrot; Greet Schoeters. Long-term residential exposure to air pollution is associated with hair cortisol concentration and differential leucocyte count in Flemish adolescent boys. Environmental Research 2021, 201, 111595 .
AMA StyleVeerle J. Verheyen, Sylvie Remy, Esmée M. Bijnens, Ann Colles, Eva Govarts, Laura Rodriguez Martin, Gudrun Koppen, Liesbeth Bruckers, Flemming Nielsen, Stijn Vos, Bert Morrens, Dries Coertjens, Annelies De Decker, Carmen Franken, Elly Den Hond, Vera Nelen, Adrian Covaci, Ilse Loots, Stefaan De Henauw, Nicolas van Larebeke, Caroline Teughels, Tim S. Nawrot, Greet Schoeters. Long-term residential exposure to air pollution is associated with hair cortisol concentration and differential leucocyte count in Flemish adolescent boys. Environmental Research. 2021; 201 ():111595.
Chicago/Turabian StyleVeerle J. Verheyen; Sylvie Remy; Esmée M. Bijnens; Ann Colles; Eva Govarts; Laura Rodriguez Martin; Gudrun Koppen; Liesbeth Bruckers; Flemming Nielsen; Stijn Vos; Bert Morrens; Dries Coertjens; Annelies De Decker; Carmen Franken; Elly Den Hond; Vera Nelen; Adrian Covaci; Ilse Loots; Stefaan De Henauw; Nicolas van Larebeke; Caroline Teughels; Tim S. Nawrot; Greet Schoeters. 2021. "Long-term residential exposure to air pollution is associated with hair cortisol concentration and differential leucocyte count in Flemish adolescent boys." Environmental Research 201, no. : 111595.
Human biomonitoring (HBM) monitors levels of environmental pollutants in human samples, which often is a topic of concern for residents near industrially contaminated sites (ICSs). Around an ICS area in Menen (Belgium), including a (former) municipal waste incinerator and a metal recovery plant, increasing environmental concentrations of dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were observed, causing growing concern among residents and authorities. The local community succeeded in convincing the responsible authorities to investigate the problem and offer research funding. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were measured in two consecutive HBM studies (2002–2006 and 2010–2011), in the context of the Flemish Environment and Health Study (FLEHS), as well as in soil and locally produced food. Meanwhile, local authorities discouraged consumption of locally produced food in a delineated area of higher exposure risk. Ultimately, HBM and environmental data enabled tailored dietary recommendations. This article demonstrates the usefulness of HBM in documenting the body burdens of residents near the ICS, identifying exposure routes, evaluating remediating actions and providing information for tailored policy strategies aiding to further exposure reduction. It also highlights the role of the local stakeholders as an example of community-based participatory research and how such an approach can create societal support for research and policy.
Ann Colles; Dries Coertjens; Bert Morrens; Elly Den Hond; Melissa Paulussen; Liesbeth Bruckers; Eva Govarts; Adrian Covaci; Gudrun Koppen; Kim Croes; Vera Nelen; Nicolas Van Larebeke; Stefaan De Henauw; Tine Fierens; Griet Van Gestel; Hana Chovanova; Maja Mampaey; Karen Van Campenhout; Ilse Loots; Willy Baeyens; Greet Schoeters. Human Biomonitoring Data Enables Evidence-Informed Policy to Reduce Internal Exposure to Persistent Organic Compounds: A Case Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18, 5559 .
AMA StyleAnn Colles, Dries Coertjens, Bert Morrens, Elly Den Hond, Melissa Paulussen, Liesbeth Bruckers, Eva Govarts, Adrian Covaci, Gudrun Koppen, Kim Croes, Vera Nelen, Nicolas Van Larebeke, Stefaan De Henauw, Tine Fierens, Griet Van Gestel, Hana Chovanova, Maja Mampaey, Karen Van Campenhout, Ilse Loots, Willy Baeyens, Greet Schoeters. Human Biomonitoring Data Enables Evidence-Informed Policy to Reduce Internal Exposure to Persistent Organic Compounds: A Case Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18 (11):5559.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAnn Colles; Dries Coertjens; Bert Morrens; Elly Den Hond; Melissa Paulussen; Liesbeth Bruckers; Eva Govarts; Adrian Covaci; Gudrun Koppen; Kim Croes; Vera Nelen; Nicolas Van Larebeke; Stefaan De Henauw; Tine Fierens; Griet Van Gestel; Hana Chovanova; Maja Mampaey; Karen Van Campenhout; Ilse Loots; Willy Baeyens; Greet Schoeters. 2021. "Human Biomonitoring Data Enables Evidence-Informed Policy to Reduce Internal Exposure to Persistent Organic Compounds: A Case Study." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 11: 5559.
Communicating individual human biomonitoring results to study participants has been the subject of debate for some time. This debate is dominated by ethical considerations from a researchers’ perspective on whether or not to communicate, thereby overlooking more practice-based questions from a participants’ perspective on what and how to communicate. We conducted a small scale follow-up study based on eleven face-to-face interviews with mothers participating in the third cycle of the Flemish Environment and Health Study (FLEHS III 2012–2015) to investigate how they experienced and interpreted individual biomonitoring results. Key findings indicate that respondents were generally satisfied with participating in the biomonitoring study, but the report-back process especially lacked contextualized information and interactive communication options to better comprehend and cope with personal results. These findings also argue in favor of a more tailored approach in which report-back methods, formats and content are diversified according to the type of results and the preferences of participants. A reflexive research practice with active engagement in follow-up research is crucial to improve participants’ understanding and use of personal biomonitoring results.
Bert Morrens; Hans Jonker; Elly Den Hond; Dries Coertjens; Ann Colles; Greet Schoeters; Nicolas Van Larebeke; Tim Nawrot; Adrian Covaci; Vera Nelen; Frédéric Vandermoere; Ilse Loots. Participant Experiences in a Human Biomonitoring Study: Follow-Up Interviews with Participants of the Flemish Environment and Health Study. Toxics 2021, 9, 69 .
AMA StyleBert Morrens, Hans Jonker, Elly Den Hond, Dries Coertjens, Ann Colles, Greet Schoeters, Nicolas Van Larebeke, Tim Nawrot, Adrian Covaci, Vera Nelen, Frédéric Vandermoere, Ilse Loots. Participant Experiences in a Human Biomonitoring Study: Follow-Up Interviews with Participants of the Flemish Environment and Health Study. Toxics. 2021; 9 (4):69.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBert Morrens; Hans Jonker; Elly Den Hond; Dries Coertjens; Ann Colles; Greet Schoeters; Nicolas Van Larebeke; Tim Nawrot; Adrian Covaci; Vera Nelen; Frédéric Vandermoere; Ilse Loots. 2021. "Participant Experiences in a Human Biomonitoring Study: Follow-Up Interviews with Participants of the Flemish Environment and Health Study." Toxics 9, no. 4: 69.
The ubiquitous use of organophosphate flame retardants and plasticizers (PFRs) in a variety of consumer products has led to widespread human exposure. Since certain PFRs are developmental and carcinogenic toxicants, detailed exposure assessments are essential to investigate the risk associated with environmental exposure levels. However, such data are still lacking for European countries. In this study, concentrations of thirteen PFR metabolites were measured in urine samples from 600 adolescents from Flanders, Belgium. 1-Hydroxy-2-propyl bis(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BCIPHIPP), diphenyl phosphate (DPHP), bis(1,3-dichloro-isopropyl) phosphate (BDCIPP), 2-hydroxyethyl bis(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (BBOEHEP), 2-ethylhexyl phenyl phosphate (EHPHP) and 2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl diphenyl phosphate (5-HO-EHDPHP) were frequently detected (>83%) in all participants. Comparisons with study populations from outside the EU showed that urinary levels of DPHP, BDCIPP and BCIPHIPP were generally within the same range. Only exposure to 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate (EHDPHP) was presumably higher in Flemish adolescents. However, determinants analysis through multivariate regression analyses did not reveal significant predictors that may explain this finding. Significantly higher levels of BDCIPP were observed in participants with new decorations at home, while adolescents with highly educated parents had higher levels of BBOEHEP and BDCIPP. Furthermore, multiple PFR metabolite concentrations followed a seasonal pattern. Estimated daily intakes (EDIs) were calculated from the internal dose by including fractions of urinary excretion (FUE) estimated in in vitro metabolism studies. EDIs ranged from 6.3 ng/kg bw/day for TBOEP to 567.7 ng/kg bw/day for EHDPHP, which were well below the available oral reference doses for all investigated PFRs. This suggests that the associated risk is low at present. This is the first report on internal exposure to seven commonly used PFRs in a European population.
Michiel Bastiaensen; Celine Gys; Ann Colles; Veerle Verheyen; Gudrun Koppen; Eva Govarts; Liesbeth Bruckers; Bert Morrens; Ilse Loots; Annelies De Decker; Vera Nelen; Tim Nawrot; Stefaan De Henauw; Nik Van Larebeke; Greet Schoeters; Adrian Covaci. Exposure levels, determinants and risk assessment of organophosphate flame retardants and plasticizers in adolescents (14–15 years) from the Flemish Environment and Health Study. Environment International 2021, 147, 106368 .
AMA StyleMichiel Bastiaensen, Celine Gys, Ann Colles, Veerle Verheyen, Gudrun Koppen, Eva Govarts, Liesbeth Bruckers, Bert Morrens, Ilse Loots, Annelies De Decker, Vera Nelen, Tim Nawrot, Stefaan De Henauw, Nik Van Larebeke, Greet Schoeters, Adrian Covaci. Exposure levels, determinants and risk assessment of organophosphate flame retardants and plasticizers in adolescents (14–15 years) from the Flemish Environment and Health Study. Environment International. 2021; 147 ():106368.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMichiel Bastiaensen; Celine Gys; Ann Colles; Veerle Verheyen; Gudrun Koppen; Eva Govarts; Liesbeth Bruckers; Bert Morrens; Ilse Loots; Annelies De Decker; Vera Nelen; Tim Nawrot; Stefaan De Henauw; Nik Van Larebeke; Greet Schoeters; Adrian Covaci. 2021. "Exposure levels, determinants and risk assessment of organophosphate flame retardants and plasticizers in adolescents (14–15 years) from the Flemish Environment and Health Study." Environment International 147, no. : 106368.
The broadly used industrial chemical bisphenol A (BPA), applied in numerous consumer products, has been under scrutiny in the past 20 years due to its widespread detection in humans and the environment and potential detrimental effects on human health. Following implemented restrictions and phase-out initiatives, BPA is replaced by alternative bisphenols, which have not received the same amount of research attention. As a part of the fourth cycle of the Flemish Environment and Health Study (FLEHS IV, 2016–2020), we monitored the internal exposure to six bisphenols in urine samples of 423 adolescents (14–15 years old) from Flanders, Belgium. All measured bisphenols were detected in the study population, with BPA and its alternatives bisphenol F (BPF) and bisphenol S (BPS) showing detection frequencies > 50%. The reference values show that exposure to these compounds is extensive. However, the urinary BPA level decreased significantly in Flemish adolescents compared to a previous cycle of the FLEHS (2008–2009). This suggests that the replacement of BPA with its analogues is ongoing. Concentrations of bisphenols measured in the Flemish adolescents were generally in the same order of magnitude compared to recent studies worldwide. Multiple regression models were used to identify determinants of exposure based on information on demographic and lifestyle characteristics of participants, acquired through questionnaires. Some significant determinants could be identified: sex, season, smoking behavior, educational level of the parents, recent consumption of certain foods and use of certain products were found to be significantly associated with levels of bisphenols. Preliminary risk assessment showed that none of the estimated daily intakes (EDIs) of BPA exceeded the tolerable daily intake, even in a high exposure scenario. For alternative bisphenols, no health-based guidance values are available, but in line with the measured urinary levels, their EDIs were lower than that of BPA. This study is, to the best of our knowledge, the first to determine internal exposure levels of other bisphenols than BPA in a European adolescent population.
Celine Gys; Michiel Bastiaensen; Liesbeth Bruckers; Ann Colles; Eva Govarts; Laura Rodriguez Martin; Veerle Verheyen; Gudrun Koppen; Bert Morrens; Elly Den Hond; Annelies De Decker; Greet Schoeters; Adrian Covaci. Determinants of exposure levels of bisphenols in flemish adolescents. Environmental Research 2020, 193, 110567 .
AMA StyleCeline Gys, Michiel Bastiaensen, Liesbeth Bruckers, Ann Colles, Eva Govarts, Laura Rodriguez Martin, Veerle Verheyen, Gudrun Koppen, Bert Morrens, Elly Den Hond, Annelies De Decker, Greet Schoeters, Adrian Covaci. Determinants of exposure levels of bisphenols in flemish adolescents. Environmental Research. 2020; 193 ():110567.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCeline Gys; Michiel Bastiaensen; Liesbeth Bruckers; Ann Colles; Eva Govarts; Laura Rodriguez Martin; Veerle Verheyen; Gudrun Koppen; Bert Morrens; Elly Den Hond; Annelies De Decker; Greet Schoeters; Adrian Covaci. 2020. "Determinants of exposure levels of bisphenols in flemish adolescents." Environmental Research 193, no. : 110567.
Because of their dirt-, water- and oil-repelling properties, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are frequently used in a broad variety of consumer products. They have been detected in human samples worldwide. In Flanders, Belgium, the Flemish Environment and Health Studies (FLEHS) measured the levels of five PFAS biomarkers in four different age groups of the Flemish population and identified determinants of variability in exposure. Cord plasma or peripheric serum samples and questionnaire data were available for 220 mother-newborn pairs (2008–2009), 269 mother-newborn pairs (2013–2014), 199 adolescents (14–15 years old, 2010), 201 adults (20–40 years old, 2008–2009) and 205 adults (50–65 years old, 2014). Measured levels of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) in Flanders are in the middle or low range compared to concentrations reported in other Western countries. Levels of perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS) were below the quantification limit in 98%–100% of the samples. Despite decreasing levels in time for PFOS and PFOA, 77% of the adults (2014) had serum levels exceeding HBM-I values of 5 μg/L for PFOS and 2 μg/L for PFOA. Beside age, sex, fish consumption, parity and breastfeeding, the multiple regression models identified additionally consumption of offal and locally grown food, and use of cosmetics as possible exposures and menstruation as a possible route of elimination. Better knowledge on determinants of exposure is essential to lower PFASs exposure.
Ann Colles; Liesbeth Bruckers; Elly Den Hond; Eva Govarts; Bert Morrens; Thomas Schettgen; Jurgen Buekers; Dries Coertjens; Tim Nawrot; Ilse Loots; Vera Nelen; Stefaan De Henauw; Greta Schoeters; Willy Baeyens; Nicolas van Larebeke. Perfluorinated substances in the Flemish population (Belgium): Levels and determinants of variability in exposure. Chemosphere 2019, 242, 125250 .
AMA StyleAnn Colles, Liesbeth Bruckers, Elly Den Hond, Eva Govarts, Bert Morrens, Thomas Schettgen, Jurgen Buekers, Dries Coertjens, Tim Nawrot, Ilse Loots, Vera Nelen, Stefaan De Henauw, Greta Schoeters, Willy Baeyens, Nicolas van Larebeke. Perfluorinated substances in the Flemish population (Belgium): Levels and determinants of variability in exposure. Chemosphere. 2019; 242 ():125250.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAnn Colles; Liesbeth Bruckers; Elly Den Hond; Eva Govarts; Bert Morrens; Thomas Schettgen; Jurgen Buekers; Dries Coertjens; Tim Nawrot; Ilse Loots; Vera Nelen; Stefaan De Henauw; Greta Schoeters; Willy Baeyens; Nicolas van Larebeke. 2019. "Perfluorinated substances in the Flemish population (Belgium): Levels and determinants of variability in exposure." Chemosphere 242, no. : 125250.
Ann Colles; Elena-Roxana Ardeleanu; Carla Candeias; Andrea Ranzi; Zoltan Demeter; Adam Hofer; Malgorzata Kowalska; Konstantinos C Makris; Juan Pedro Arrebola; Greta Schoeters; Rupert Hough; Francisco Miguel Perez Carrascosa; Ivano Iavarone; Piedad Martin-Olmedo; Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi; Carla Ancona; Roberto Pasetto; Tony Fletcher; Gerard Hoek; Kees De Hoogh. Human biomonitoring as a tool for exposure assessment in industrially contaminated sites (ICSs). Lessons learned within the ICS and Health European Network. 2019, 43, 249 -259.
AMA StyleAnn Colles, Elena-Roxana Ardeleanu, Carla Candeias, Andrea Ranzi, Zoltan Demeter, Adam Hofer, Malgorzata Kowalska, Konstantinos C Makris, Juan Pedro Arrebola, Greta Schoeters, Rupert Hough, Francisco Miguel Perez Carrascosa, Ivano Iavarone, Piedad Martin-Olmedo, Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi, Carla Ancona, Roberto Pasetto, Tony Fletcher, Gerard Hoek, Kees De Hoogh. Human biomonitoring as a tool for exposure assessment in industrially contaminated sites (ICSs). Lessons learned within the ICS and Health European Network. . 2019; 43 (4):249-259.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAnn Colles; Elena-Roxana Ardeleanu; Carla Candeias; Andrea Ranzi; Zoltan Demeter; Adam Hofer; Malgorzata Kowalska; Konstantinos C Makris; Juan Pedro Arrebola; Greta Schoeters; Rupert Hough; Francisco Miguel Perez Carrascosa; Ivano Iavarone; Piedad Martin-Olmedo; Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi; Carla Ancona; Roberto Pasetto; Tony Fletcher; Gerard Hoek; Kees De Hoogh. 2019. "Human biomonitoring as a tool for exposure assessment in industrially contaminated sites (ICSs). Lessons learned within the ICS and Health European Network." 43, no. 4: 249-259.
Bio-accumulation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the environment and in the food chain can lead to high pollutant concentrations in human fat-containing tissues and breast milk. We aimed to identify the maternal characteristics that determined POP concentrations in breast milk of primiparous mothers in Belgium. Breast milk samples were obtained from a cross-sectional sample of 206 primiparous mothers in 2014. POP concentrations in breast milk samples were determined by GC-ECNI-MS and GC-EI-MS/MS depending on the analytes' sensitivity. Associations between POP concentrations in breast milk and potential determinants were investigated using two-way contingency tables and multivariable generalized linear models. Fifteen of the 23 screened POPs were detected in the breast milk samples. Four organochlorine compounds (p,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDE, HCB and β-HCH) and two brominated flame retardant congeners (BDE-47, BDE-153) were detected at concentrations above the limit of quantification in >50% of the breast milk samples. Maternal age and BMI were usually associated with higher POP concentrations. Rural residency and consumption of home-produced eggs, fatty fish and fish oil supplements were associated with higher concentrations of DDT and DDE. Consumption of fatty fish and being breastfed during childhood were associated with higher concentrations of HCB and β-HCH. Fish oil supplements and home-produced eggs were associated with higher concentrations of BDEs, but for BDE congeners exposure routes other than diet require further investigation. Dietary and non-dietary determinants predict individual POP concentrations in breast milk.
Raf Aerts; Ilse Van Overmeire; Ann Colles; Mirjana Andjelković; Govindan Malarvannan; Giulia Poma; Elly Den Hond; Els Van De Mieroop; Marie-Christine DeWolf; François Charlet; An Van Nieuwenhuyse; Joris Van Loco; Adrian Covaci. Determinants of persistent organic pollutant (POP) concentrations in human breast milk of a cross-sectional sample of primiparous mothers in Belgium. Environment International 2019, 131, 104979 .
AMA StyleRaf Aerts, Ilse Van Overmeire, Ann Colles, Mirjana Andjelković, Govindan Malarvannan, Giulia Poma, Elly Den Hond, Els Van De Mieroop, Marie-Christine DeWolf, François Charlet, An Van Nieuwenhuyse, Joris Van Loco, Adrian Covaci. Determinants of persistent organic pollutant (POP) concentrations in human breast milk of a cross-sectional sample of primiparous mothers in Belgium. Environment International. 2019; 131 ():104979.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRaf Aerts; Ilse Van Overmeire; Ann Colles; Mirjana Andjelković; Govindan Malarvannan; Giulia Poma; Elly Den Hond; Els Van De Mieroop; Marie-Christine DeWolf; François Charlet; An Van Nieuwenhuyse; Joris Van Loco; Adrian Covaci. 2019. "Determinants of persistent organic pollutant (POP) concentrations in human breast milk of a cross-sectional sample of primiparous mothers in Belgium." Environment International 131, no. : 104979.
Research on the environment, health, and well-being nexus (EHWB) is shifting from a silo toward a systemic approach that includes the socio-economic context. To disentangle further the complex interplay between the socio-exposome and internal chemical exposure, we performed a meta-analysis of human biomonitoring (HBM) studies with internal exposure data on per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and detailed information on risk factors, including descriptors of socio-economic status (SES) of the study population. PFASs are persistent in nature, and some have endocrine-disrupting properties. Individual studies have shown that HBM biomarker concentrations of PFASs generally increase with SES indicators, e.g., for income. Based on a meta-analysis (five studies) of the associations between PFASs and SES indicators, the magnitude of the association could be estimated. For the SES indicator income, changes in income were expressed by a factor change, which was corrected by the Gini coefficient to take into account the differences in income categories between studies, and the income range between countries. For the SES indicator education, we had to conclude that descriptors (
Jurgen Buekers; Ann Colles; Christa Cornelis; Bert Morrens; Eva Govarts; Greta Schoeters. Socio-Economic Status and Health: Evaluation of Human Biomonitored Chemical Exposure to Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances across Status. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2018, 15, 2818 .
AMA StyleJurgen Buekers, Ann Colles, Christa Cornelis, Bert Morrens, Eva Govarts, Greta Schoeters. Socio-Economic Status and Health: Evaluation of Human Biomonitored Chemical Exposure to Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances across Status. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2018; 15 (12):2818.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJurgen Buekers; Ann Colles; Christa Cornelis; Bert Morrens; Eva Govarts; Greta Schoeters. 2018. "Socio-Economic Status and Health: Evaluation of Human Biomonitored Chemical Exposure to Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances across Status." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 15, no. 12: 2818.
Environmental justice research shows how socially disadvantaged groups are more exposed and more vulnerable to environmental pollution. At the same time, these groups are less represented and, thus, less visible in biomedical studies. This socioeconomic participation bias is a form of environmental injustice within research practice itself. We designed, implemented and evaluated a targeted recruitment strategy to enhance the participation of socially disadvantaged pregnant women in a human biomonitoring study in Belgium. We focused on women of Turkish and Moroccan descent and developed a setup using personal buddies that enabled information transfer about study conditions in the pre-parturition period as well as support and follow-up with questionnaires in the post-parturition period. We identified four barriers to the participation of women with a vulnerable social and ethnic background which were related to psychosocial and situational factors. Lack of trust in researchers and no perceived study benefits were important personal barriers; the complex study design and difficult self-administered questionnaires were equally significant barriers. By investing in direct, person-to-person contact with trusted buddies and supported by practical advice about cultural and linguistic sensitivity, it was possible to increase study participation of socially disadvantaged people. Above all, this required openness and flexibility in the mind-set of researchers so that study design and procedures could be better grounded in the experiences and circumstances of underprivileged groups.
Bert Morrens; Elly Den Hond; Greta Schoeters; Dries Coertjens; Ann Colles; Tim S. Nawrot; Willy Baeyens; Stefaan De Henauw; Vera Nelen; Ilse Loots. Human biomonitoring from an environmental justice perspective: supporting study participation of women of Turkish and Moroccan descent. Environmental Health 2017, 16, 48 .
AMA StyleBert Morrens, Elly Den Hond, Greta Schoeters, Dries Coertjens, Ann Colles, Tim S. Nawrot, Willy Baeyens, Stefaan De Henauw, Vera Nelen, Ilse Loots. Human biomonitoring from an environmental justice perspective: supporting study participation of women of Turkish and Moroccan descent. Environmental Health. 2017; 16 (1):48.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBert Morrens; Elly Den Hond; Greta Schoeters; Dries Coertjens; Ann Colles; Tim S. Nawrot; Willy Baeyens; Stefaan De Henauw; Vera Nelen; Ilse Loots. 2017. "Human biomonitoring from an environmental justice perspective: supporting study participation of women of Turkish and Moroccan descent." Environmental Health 16, no. 1: 48.
Hans Reynders; Ann Colles; Bert Morrens; Maja Mampaey; Dries Coertjens; Gudrun Koppen; Greta Schoeters; Ilse Loots; Hana Chovanova; Wim Winderickx; Karen Van Campenhout. The added value of a surveillance human biomonitoring program: The case of FLEHS in Flanders (Belgium). International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health 2017, 220, 46 -54.
AMA StyleHans Reynders, Ann Colles, Bert Morrens, Maja Mampaey, Dries Coertjens, Gudrun Koppen, Greta Schoeters, Ilse Loots, Hana Chovanova, Wim Winderickx, Karen Van Campenhout. The added value of a surveillance human biomonitoring program: The case of FLEHS in Flanders (Belgium). International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health. 2017; 220 (2):46-54.
Chicago/Turabian StyleHans Reynders; Ann Colles; Bert Morrens; Maja Mampaey; Dries Coertjens; Gudrun Koppen; Greta Schoeters; Ilse Loots; Hana Chovanova; Wim Winderickx; Karen Van Campenhout. 2017. "The added value of a surveillance human biomonitoring program: The case of FLEHS in Flanders (Belgium)." International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health 220, no. 2: 46-54.
Notwithstanding evidence is present that physicochemical characteristics of ambient particles attribute to adverse health effects, there is still some lack of understanding in this complex relationship. At this moment it is not clear which properties (such as particle size, chemical composition) or sources of the particles are most relevant for health effects. This study investigates the in vitro toxicity of PM10 in relation to PM chemical composition, black carbon (BC), endotoxin content and oxidative potential (OP). In 2013–2014 PM10 was sampled (24 h sampling, 108 sampling days) in ambient air at three sites in Flanders (Belgium) with different pollution characteristics: an urban traffic site (Borgerhout), an industrial area (Zelzate) and a rural background location (Houtem). To characterize the toxic potential of PM10, airway epithelial cells (Beas-2B cells) have been exposed to particles in vitro. Different endpoints were studied including cell damage and death (cell viability) using the Neutral red Uptake assay, the production of pro-inflammatory molecules by interleukin 8 (IL-8) induction and DNA-damaging activity using the FPG-modified Comet assay. The endotoxin levels in the collected samples were analysed and the capacity of PM10 particles to produce reactive oxygen species (OP) was evaluated by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Chemical characteristics of PM10 (BC, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) and meteorological conditions were recorded on the sampling days. PM10 particles exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity in Beas-2B cells and were found to significantly induce the release of IL-8 in samples from the three locations. Oxidatively damaged DNA was observed in exposed Beas-2B cells. Endotoxin levels above the detection limit were detected in half of the samples. OP was measurable in all samples. Associations between PM10 characteristics and biological effects of PM10 were assessed by single and multiple regression analyses. The reduction in cell viability was significantly correlated with BC, Cd and Pb. The induction of IL-8 in Beas-2B cells was significantly associated with Cu, Ni and Zn and endotoxin. Endotoxin levels explained 33% of the variance in IL-8 induction. A significant interaction between ambient temperature and endotoxin on the pro-inflammatory activity was seen. No association was found between OP and the cellular responses. This study supports the hypothesis that, on an equal mass basis, PM10 induced biological effects differ due to differences in PM10 characteristics. Metals (Cd, Cu, Ni and Zn), BC, and endotoxin were among the main determinants for the observed biological responses.
Rosette Van Den Heuvel; Elly Den Hond; Eva Govarts; Ann Colles; Gudrun Koppen; Jeroen Staelens; Maja Mampaey; Nicole Janssen; Greet Schoeters. Identification of PM 10 characteristics involved in cellular responses in human bronchial epithelial cells (Beas-2B). Environmental Research 2016, 149, 48 -56.
AMA StyleRosette Van Den Heuvel, Elly Den Hond, Eva Govarts, Ann Colles, Gudrun Koppen, Jeroen Staelens, Maja Mampaey, Nicole Janssen, Greet Schoeters. Identification of PM 10 characteristics involved in cellular responses in human bronchial epithelial cells (Beas-2B). Environmental Research. 2016; 149 ():48-56.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRosette Van Den Heuvel; Elly Den Hond; Eva Govarts; Ann Colles; Gudrun Koppen; Jeroen Staelens; Maja Mampaey; Nicole Janssen; Greet Schoeters. 2016. "Identification of PM 10 characteristics involved in cellular responses in human bronchial epithelial cells (Beas-2B)." Environmental Research 149, no. : 48-56.
In 2007, the second cycle of the Flemish human biomonitoring survey started, with a main focus on 14–15 year-old adolescents. The main objectives were generating reference values for exposure markers, determining the pollution pressure in industrial hotspots and establishing dose–effect relationships between exposure to pollutants and hormone levels, sexual development, asthma and allergy, genotoxic and hematological markers. Geometric means with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for a reference population of 200 14–15 year-old adolescents. Stepwise multiple regression analyses with correction for confounders and covariates were performed to establish dose–effect relationships. Geometric mean concentrations (with 95% CI) of 49.6 (45.7, 53.8), 70.8 (63.6, 78.8) and 8.34 (7.76, 8.97) ng g− 1 lipid for the sum of PCB 138, 153 and 180, p,p′-DDE and HCB were respectively 23%, 26% and 60% lower than those obtained five years earlier. Geometric mean concentrations of 108 (101, 114) and 32.1 (30.1, 34.2) pg CALUX-BEQ g− 1 lipid were observed for the PCDD/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs, respectively. Multiple dose–effect relationships were observed between POPs and several effect markers, including positive (boys) and negative (girls) associations with data on sexual development and positive associations with asthma, animal allergy and free thyroxine (boys and girls). Our findings suggest that chlorinated POP concentrations are decreasing over time and that even relatively low concentrations are associated with biological effects.
Kim Croes; Elly Den Hond; Liesbeth Bruckers; Ilse Loots; Bert Morrens; Vera Nelen; Ann Colles; Greet Schoeters; Isabelle Sioen; Adrian Covaci; Tara Vandermarken; Nicolas Van Larebeke; Willy Baeyens. Monitoring chlorinated persistent organic pollutants in adolescents in Flanders (Belgium): Concentrations, trends and dose–effect relationships (FLEHS II). Environment International 2014, 71, 20 -28.
AMA StyleKim Croes, Elly Den Hond, Liesbeth Bruckers, Ilse Loots, Bert Morrens, Vera Nelen, Ann Colles, Greet Schoeters, Isabelle Sioen, Adrian Covaci, Tara Vandermarken, Nicolas Van Larebeke, Willy Baeyens. Monitoring chlorinated persistent organic pollutants in adolescents in Flanders (Belgium): Concentrations, trends and dose–effect relationships (FLEHS II). Environment International. 2014; 71 ():20-28.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKim Croes; Elly Den Hond; Liesbeth Bruckers; Ilse Loots; Bert Morrens; Vera Nelen; Ann Colles; Greet Schoeters; Isabelle Sioen; Adrian Covaci; Tara Vandermarken; Nicolas Van Larebeke; Willy Baeyens. 2014. "Monitoring chlorinated persistent organic pollutants in adolescents in Flanders (Belgium): Concentrations, trends and dose–effect relationships (FLEHS II)." Environment International 71, no. : 20-28.
In the Flemish human biomonitoring programme FLEHS II (2007–2011) trace metals (Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni, Cu, Mn, Tl, Sb, As and toxic relevant arsenic) were analysed in the blood and urine of adolescents (14–15 years old) in the reference population in Flanders and in areas of important industrial activities: Genk-Zuid and Menen. After adjustment of the results for confounding factors, the adolescents living in Genk-Zuid had higher levels of Cr, Cu and Tl in blood, higher levels of Cd and toxic relevant arsenic (TRA) in urine, but lower levels of Ni in blood and Sb in urine compared to the reference population. In Menen higher levels of Cd and Cu in urine, higher concentrations of Tl in blood but lower concentrations of Pb in blood and lower Ni, Sb and As in urine were found compared to the reference population. For both the reference population and the hot spots the concentrations are within the ranges found in other countries. Compared to the previous biomonitoring programme FLEHS I (2002–2006) a decrease in the concentrations of Cd and especially of Pb in blood was observed. However, it cannot be excluded that differences between the two campaigns are partially due to different sampling strategies.
Jan Vrijens; Martine Leermakers; Michel Stalpaert; Greet Schoeters; Elly Den Hond; Liesbeth Bruckers; Ann Colles; Vera Nelen; Els Van Den Mieroop; Nik Van Larebeke; Ilse Loots; Willy Baeyens. Trace metal concentrations measured in blood and urine of adolescents in Flanders, Belgium: Reference population and case studies Genk-Zuid and Menen. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health 2013, 217, 515 -527.
AMA StyleJan Vrijens, Martine Leermakers, Michel Stalpaert, Greet Schoeters, Elly Den Hond, Liesbeth Bruckers, Ann Colles, Vera Nelen, Els Van Den Mieroop, Nik Van Larebeke, Ilse Loots, Willy Baeyens. Trace metal concentrations measured in blood and urine of adolescents in Flanders, Belgium: Reference population and case studies Genk-Zuid and Menen. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health. 2013; 217 (4):515-527.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJan Vrijens; Martine Leermakers; Michel Stalpaert; Greet Schoeters; Elly Den Hond; Liesbeth Bruckers; Ann Colles; Vera Nelen; Els Van Den Mieroop; Nik Van Larebeke; Ilse Loots; Willy Baeyens. 2013. "Trace metal concentrations measured in blood and urine of adolescents in Flanders, Belgium: Reference population and case studies Genk-Zuid and Menen." International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health 217, no. 4: 515-527.
In order to select priority hotspots for environment and health research in Flanders (Belgium), an open procedure was organized. Environment and health hotspots are strong polluting point sources with possible health effects for residents living in the vicinity of the hot spot. The selection procedure was part of the work of the Flemish Centre of Expertise for Environment and Health, which investigates the relation between environmental pollution and human health. The project is funded and steered by the Flemish government. The involvement of other actors than merely experts is inspired by the 'analytical-deliberative' approach of the National Research Council in the United States and the extended peer community approach. These approaches stress the importance of involving different expert- and social perspectives in order to increase the knowledge base on complex issues. In the procedure used in the project a combination of expert and stakeholder input was essential. The final decision was supported by a multi-criteria analysis of expert assessment and stakeholder advice. The endeavour was challenging from the start because of the complicated ambition of including a diversity of actors, potential hotspots, concerns and assessment criteria, but nevertheless the procedure proved its value in both structuring and informing the decision-making process. Moreover the process gained the support of most actors participating in the process, even though the final selection could not satisfy all preferences. Opening the research agenda exemplifies the value of inter- and transdisciplinary cooperation as well as the need for a well-structured and negotiated procedure that combines relevant factors and actors with pragmatism. The value of such a process also needs to prove itself in practice after the procedure has been completed: the tension between an ambition of openness on the one hand and a more closed attitude amongst experts on the other will continue to play a role even after closure.
Hans Keune; Bert Morrens; Kim Croes; Ann Colles; Gudrun Koppen; Johan Springael; Ilse Loots; Karen Van Campenhout; Hana Chovanova; Greet Schoeters; Vera Nelen; Willy Baeyens; Nik Van Larebeke. Opening the research agenda for selection of hot spots for human biomonitoring research in Belgium: a participatory research project. Environmental Health 2010, 9, 33 -33.
AMA StyleHans Keune, Bert Morrens, Kim Croes, Ann Colles, Gudrun Koppen, Johan Springael, Ilse Loots, Karen Van Campenhout, Hana Chovanova, Greet Schoeters, Vera Nelen, Willy Baeyens, Nik Van Larebeke. Opening the research agenda for selection of hot spots for human biomonitoring research in Belgium: a participatory research project. Environmental Health. 2010; 9 (1):33-33.
Chicago/Turabian StyleHans Keune; Bert Morrens; Kim Croes; Ann Colles; Gudrun Koppen; Johan Springael; Ilse Loots; Karen Van Campenhout; Hana Chovanova; Greet Schoeters; Vera Nelen; Willy Baeyens; Nik Van Larebeke. 2010. "Opening the research agenda for selection of hot spots for human biomonitoring research in Belgium: a participatory research project." Environmental Health 9, no. 1: 33-33.
Gudrun Koppen; Heidi Dhondt; Vera Nelen; Kristine Desager; Ann Colles; Govarts Eva; Eddy Goelen; Greet Schoeters; Karolien Bloemen. Airway/allergy problems occurring in 3-years old children associated with outdoor air pollutant concentrations in their perinatal period of life. Toxicology Letters 2008, 180, S84 -S85.
AMA StyleGudrun Koppen, Heidi Dhondt, Vera Nelen, Kristine Desager, Ann Colles, Govarts Eva, Eddy Goelen, Greet Schoeters, Karolien Bloemen. Airway/allergy problems occurring in 3-years old children associated with outdoor air pollutant concentrations in their perinatal period of life. Toxicology Letters. 2008; 180 ():S84-S85.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGudrun Koppen; Heidi Dhondt; Vera Nelen; Kristine Desager; Ann Colles; Govarts Eva; Eddy Goelen; Greet Schoeters; Karolien Bloemen. 2008. "Airway/allergy problems occurring in 3-years old children associated with outdoor air pollutant concentrations in their perinatal period of life." Toxicology Letters 180, no. : S84-S85.
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are chemicals that accumulate in the food chain and are toxic to humans and wildlife. The fourth World Health Organization (WHO) survey on POP levels in human milk (20062009) aims to provide baseline and trend information on human exposure to POPs. So far Belgium participated in all three previous rounds (1988, 1992, 2001). Whereas the first three rounds focused on determination of dioxins and PCBs in pooled (mixed) samples, the fourth survey comprised the analyses of individual milk samples for nine basic POPs (chlorinated pesticides and indicator PCBs) and of pooled milk samples for basic POPs, advanced POPs (dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs) and optional POPs (polybrominated diphenylethers [PBDEs], polybrominated dioxins and dibenzofurans [PBrDD/F], mixed halogenated dioxins and dibenzofurans [PXDD/F] and hexabromocyclododecane [HBCD]). For the Belgian participation human milk samples were collected during the summer of 2006 from 197 women between 18 and 30 years old distributed over all Belgian provinces. The individual samples were analyzed in a Belgian Laboratory for basic POPs. A pooled sample was made from 178 individual samples and analyzed by the WHO Reference Laboratory for the basic, advanced and optional POPs. The results indicate that most organochlorinated pesticides banned 2530 years ago were below or around detection limits in Belgian human milk samples although DDE was still found at low levels in all samples. Over the last five years the levels of marker PCBs and PCDD/Fs in Belgian human milk decreased, respectively, by 58% and 39%. For some of the other emerging or older compounds recent international data are needed to allow comparison. This shows the importance of international studies as run by WHO
Ann Colles; Gudrun Koppen; Vincent Hanot; Vera Nelen; Marie-Christine Dewolf; Etienne Noël; Rainer Malisch; Alexander Kotz; Karin Kypke; Pierre Biot; Christine Vinkx; Greet Schoeters. Fourth WHO-coordinated survey of human milk for persistent organic pollutants (POPs): Belgian results. Chemosphere 2008, 73, 907 -914.
AMA StyleAnn Colles, Gudrun Koppen, Vincent Hanot, Vera Nelen, Marie-Christine Dewolf, Etienne Noël, Rainer Malisch, Alexander Kotz, Karin Kypke, Pierre Biot, Christine Vinkx, Greet Schoeters. Fourth WHO-coordinated survey of human milk for persistent organic pollutants (POPs): Belgian results. Chemosphere. 2008; 73 (6):907-914.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAnn Colles; Gudrun Koppen; Vincent Hanot; Vera Nelen; Marie-Christine Dewolf; Etienne Noël; Rainer Malisch; Alexander Kotz; Karin Kypke; Pierre Biot; Christine Vinkx; Greet Schoeters. 2008. "Fourth WHO-coordinated survey of human milk for persistent organic pollutants (POPs): Belgian results." Chemosphere 73, no. 6: 907-914.