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Dr. Greet Schoeters
VITO, Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Unit Health, Mol, Belgium

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0 Molecular Epidemiology
0 Risk Assessment
0 Endocrine disruptors
0 Human biomonitoring
0 Effect biomarkers

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Human biomonitoring
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Endocrine disruptors
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Journal article
Published: 02 June 2021 in International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health
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The European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU1) has established a European Union-wide human biomonitoring (HBM) programme to generate knowledge on human internal exposure to chemical pollutants and their potential health impacts in Europe, in order to support policy makers’ efforts to ensure chemical safety and improve health in Europe. A prioritisation strategy was necessary to determine and meet the most important needs of both policy makers and risk assessors, as well as common national needs of participating countries and a broad range of stakeholders. This strategy consisted of three mains steps: 1) mapping of knowledge gaps identified by policy makers, 2) prioritisation of substances using a scoring system, and 3) generation of a list of priority substances reflective of the scoring, as well as of public policy priorities and available resources. For the first step, relevant ministries and agencies at EU and national levels, as well as members of the Stakeholder Forum each nominated up to 5 substances/substance groups of concern for policy-makers. These nominations were collated into a preliminary list of 48 substances/substance groups, which was subsequently shortened to a list of 23 after considering the total number of nominations each substance/substance group received and the nature of the nominating entities. For the second step, a panel of 11 experts in epidemiology, toxicology, exposure sciences, and occupational and environmental health scored each of the substances/substance groups using prioritisation criteria including hazardous properties, exposure characteristics, and societal concern. The scores were used to rank the 23 substances/substance groups. In addition, substances were categorised according to the level of current knowledge about their hazards, extent of human exposure (through the availability of HBM data), regulatory status and availability of analytical methods for biomarker measurement. Finally, in addition to the ranking and categorisation of the substances, the resources available for the project and the alignment with the policy priorities at European level were considered to produce a final priority list of 9 substances/substance groups for research activities and surveys within the framework of the HBM4EU project.

ACS Style

Eva Ougier; Catherine Ganzleben; Pierre Lecoq; Jos Bessems; Madlen David; Greet Schoeters; Rosa Lange; Matthieu Meslin; Maria Uhl; Marike Kolossa-Gehring; Christophe Rousselle; Joana Lobo Vicente. Chemical prioritisation strategy in the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU) – Development and results. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health 2021, 236, 113778 .

AMA Style

Eva Ougier, Catherine Ganzleben, Pierre Lecoq, Jos Bessems, Madlen David, Greet Schoeters, Rosa Lange, Matthieu Meslin, Maria Uhl, Marike Kolossa-Gehring, Christophe Rousselle, Joana Lobo Vicente. Chemical prioritisation strategy in the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU) – Development and results. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health. 2021; 236 ():113778.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Eva Ougier; Catherine Ganzleben; Pierre Lecoq; Jos Bessems; Madlen David; Greet Schoeters; Rosa Lange; Matthieu Meslin; Maria Uhl; Marike Kolossa-Gehring; Christophe Rousselle; Joana Lobo Vicente. 2021. "Chemical prioritisation strategy in the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU) – Development and results." International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health 236, no. : 113778.

Journal article
Published: 22 May 2021 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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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.

ACS Style

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 Style

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 (11):5559.

Chicago/Turabian Style

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. 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.

Communication
Published: 28 March 2021 in Toxics
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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.

ACS Style

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 Style

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 (4):69.

Chicago/Turabian Style

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. 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.

Journal article
Published: 26 February 2021 in BMC Pediatrics
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Background We report data of a Belgian observational prospective cohort study regarding cognitive and behavioural development until the age of 36 months in relation to internal exposure to organochlorine pollutants [sum of polychlorinated biphenyls (sum PCB), dioxin-like activity, PCB118, PCB170, hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and p,p’-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE)] measured in cord blood. Methods Participants were recruited as part of an Flemish Environmental Health Survey (2002–2006). Two hundred and six mother-child pairs were recruited. Hundred twenty five toddlers [Reynell Taal Ontwikkelings Schalen (language development, RTOS), Snijders-Oomen Niet-verbale intelligentietest (non-verbal intelligence, SON), Bayley Scales, milestones, Infant Behaviour Questionnaire (IBQ), gender specific play behaviour, Neurobehavioral Evaluation System (NES)-attentional task] and their mothers [Home Observation Measurement of the Environment (HOME), Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), general questionnaires] were tested. Statistical analysis was performed with the SPSS program. Much attention was paid to confounding factors. Results In the first years of development, higher organochlorine pollutants were associated with less active children (delayed crawling: sum PCB*HCB (p < 0.05), sumPCB*DDE (p < 0.1); delayed first steps alone: sum PCB (p < 0.5), PCB118 (p < 0.01), PCB170 (p < 0.01), HCB (p < 0.01); less switching between toys: sum PCB (p < 0.01); less switching between toys in boys: PCB118 (p < 0.01), sum PCB(p < 0.01)). At 12 months children with higher dioxin-like activity tended to show less fear responses(p < 0.1) (IBQ 12 months). At 36 months, a slower development of language comprehension (RTOS) was related to all organochlorine exposure parameters(p < 0.1 or p < 0.05) except DDE. Lower nonverbal IQ scores (SON) were related to PCB118 in boys only(p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). Less masculine and more non-gender specific play behaviour was associated with sum PCB in boys and girls at 36 months(p < 0.1). Moreover, PCB118 (p < 0.05), PCB170 (p < 0.1), HCB(p < 0.05) and DDE(p < 0.05) were associated with diminished masculine play behaviour in boys. Conclusion Our data confirm the observations that neurobehavioral development of young children is adversely influenced by environmental concentrations of PCBs, especially in boys. In this context, observation of play behaviour seems to be a reliable, easy to perform and sensitive test to detect neurotoxic effects of chemicals like PCB’s and dioxin-like compounds in very young children. On the basis of our results, we hypothesize that an underarrousal pattern may play a role in the spectrum of effects measured in toddlers prenatally exposed to PCBs and dioxin-like compounds.

ACS Style

Griet Vermeir; Adrian Covaci; Nik Van Larebeke; Greet Schoeters; Vera Nelen; Gudrun Koppen; Mineke Viaene. Neurobehavioural and cognitive effects of prenatal exposure to organochlorine compounds in three year old children. BMC Pediatrics 2021, 21, 1 -15.

AMA Style

Griet Vermeir, Adrian Covaci, Nik Van Larebeke, Greet Schoeters, Vera Nelen, Gudrun Koppen, Mineke Viaene. Neurobehavioural and cognitive effects of prenatal exposure to organochlorine compounds in three year old children. BMC Pediatrics. 2021; 21 (1):1-15.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Griet Vermeir; Adrian Covaci; Nik Van Larebeke; Greet Schoeters; Vera Nelen; Gudrun Koppen; Mineke Viaene. 2021. "Neurobehavioural and cognitive effects of prenatal exposure to organochlorine compounds in three year old children." BMC Pediatrics 21, no. 1: 1-15.

Journal article
Published: 06 January 2021 in Environment International
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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.

ACS Style

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 Style

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.

Chicago/Turabian Style

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. 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.

Journal article
Published: 26 December 2020 in International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health
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Human biomonitoring (HBM) studies like other epidemiological studies are costly and time-consuming. They require the administration of questionnaires and collection of biological samples, putting substantial burden on the participants which may result in low participation rates. The growing importance of HBM studies in epidemiology, exposure assessment and risk assessment underline the importance of optimizing study planning, designing and implementation thus minimizing the above-mentioned difficulties. Based on frameworks from survey design and fieldwork preparation of the European Joint Program HBM4EU, the German Environment Surveys and the COPHES/DEMOCOPHES twin projects combined with elements of project management strategies, a Phased Approach has been developed, introducing a step-by-step guideline for the development of epidemiological studies. The Phased Approach splits the process of developing a study into six phases: Phase 0 (Scoping and Planning): All aspects that are necessary to conduct a study are compiled and put on the agenda for decision-making. Phase 1 (Preparation and Testing): Instruments (e.g. questionnaires), materials (e.g. guidelines, information), and ethics and data management issues, needing thorough preparation and testing before a study can start. Phase 2 (Initiation): Organization and acquisition of necessary equipment and engaging and training personnel. Phase 3 (Implementation): All procedures that require temporal proximity to the start date of fieldwork, such as obtaining contact information of invitees. Phase 4 (Fieldwork and Analysis): Involvement of participants and chemical analysis of the collected samples. Phase 5 (Results and Evaluation): Final procedures leading to closure of the project, such as providing and communicating results. The separation of the planning and conduct of human biomonitoring studies into different phases creates the basis for a structured procedure and facilitates a step-by-step approach reducing costs, warranting high participation rates and increasing quality of conduct. Emphasis is put on a comprehensive scoping phase ensuring high quality of the study design, which is indispensable for reliable results.

ACS Style

Ulrike Fiddicke; L. Kim Pack; Hanna Tolonen; Ovnair Sepai; Marta Esteban López; Argelia Castaño; Greet Schoeters; Marike Kolossa-Gehring. A Phased Approach for preparation and organization of human biomonitoring studies. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health 2020, 232, 113684 .

AMA Style

Ulrike Fiddicke, L. Kim Pack, Hanna Tolonen, Ovnair Sepai, Marta Esteban López, Argelia Castaño, Greet Schoeters, Marike Kolossa-Gehring. A Phased Approach for preparation and organization of human biomonitoring studies. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health. 2020; 232 ():113684.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ulrike Fiddicke; L. Kim Pack; Hanna Tolonen; Ovnair Sepai; Marta Esteban López; Argelia Castaño; Greet Schoeters; Marike Kolossa-Gehring. 2020. "A Phased Approach for preparation and organization of human biomonitoring studies." International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health 232, no. : 113684.

Journal article
Published: 01 December 2020 in Environmental Research
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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.

ACS Style

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 Style

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.

Chicago/Turabian Style

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. 2020. "Determinants of exposure levels of bisphenols in flemish adolescents." Environmental Research 193, no. : 110567.

Journal article
Published: 28 September 2020 in Environment International
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Prenatal chemical exposure has frequently been associated with reduced fetal growth although results have been inconsistent. Most studies associate single pollutant exposure to this health outcome, even though this does not reflect real life situations as humans are exposed to many pollutants during their life time. The objective of this study is to investigate the association between prenatal exposure to a mixture of persistent environmental chemicals and birth weight using multipollutant models. We combined exposure biomarker data measured in cord blood samples of 1579 women from four Flemish birth cohorts collected over a 10 years’ time period. The common set of available and detectable exposure measures in these cohorts are three polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) congeners (138, 153 and 180), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p’-DDE) and the metals cadmium and lead. Multiple linear regression (MLR), Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC), penalized regression using minimax concave penalty (MCP) and Bayesian Adaptive Sampling (BAS) were applied to assess the influence of multiple pollutants in a single analysis on birth weight, adjusted for a priori selected covariates. In the pooled dataset, a median (P25-P75) birth weight and gestational age of 3420 (3140–3700) grams and 39 (39–40) weeks was observed respectively. The median contaminant levels in cord blood were: 15.8, 26.5, 18.0, 16.9 and 91.5 ng/g lipid for PCB 138, PCB 153, PCB 180, HCB and p,p’-DDE, respectively, 0.075 µg/L for cadmium and 9.7 µg/L for lead. According to the applied statistical methods for multipollutant assessment, p,p’-DDE and PCB 180 were most consistently associated with birth weight. In addition, PCB 153 was selected when applying MCP and BAS. An inverse association with birth weight was found for the PCB congeners, while an increased birth weight was observed for elevated levels of p,p’-DDE. Assessing the health risk of combinations of exposure biomarkers reflects better real-world situations and thereby allows more effective risk assessment. Our results add to the existing evidence based on detrimental effects of PCBs on birth weight and indicate a possible increase in birth weight due to p,p’-DDE (while correcting for PCBs).

ACS Style

Eva Govarts; Lützen Portengen; Nathalie Lambrechts; Liesbeth Bruckers; Elly Den Hond; Adrian Covaci; Vera Nelen; Tim S Nawrot; Ilse Loots; Isabelle Sioen; Willy Baeyens; Bert Morrens; Greet Schoeters; Roel Vermeulen. Early-life exposure to multiple persistent organic pollutants and metals and birth weight: Pooled analysis in four Flemish birth cohorts. Environment International 2020, 145, 106149 .

AMA Style

Eva Govarts, Lützen Portengen, Nathalie Lambrechts, Liesbeth Bruckers, Elly Den Hond, Adrian Covaci, Vera Nelen, Tim S Nawrot, Ilse Loots, Isabelle Sioen, Willy Baeyens, Bert Morrens, Greet Schoeters, Roel Vermeulen. Early-life exposure to multiple persistent organic pollutants and metals and birth weight: Pooled analysis in four Flemish birth cohorts. Environment International. 2020; 145 ():106149.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Eva Govarts; Lützen Portengen; Nathalie Lambrechts; Liesbeth Bruckers; Elly Den Hond; Adrian Covaci; Vera Nelen; Tim S Nawrot; Ilse Loots; Isabelle Sioen; Willy Baeyens; Bert Morrens; Greet Schoeters; Roel Vermeulen. 2020. "Early-life exposure to multiple persistent organic pollutants and metals and birth weight: Pooled analysis in four Flemish birth cohorts." Environment International 145, no. : 106149.

Journal article
Published: 01 August 2020 in Environmental Research
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The Flemish Environment and Health Studies (FLEHS) are human biomonitoring surveys running in Flanders since 1999. Additionally to biomarkers of exposure, markers of genotoxicity and oxidative stress have been measured, including the alkaline comet and micronucleus assay in peripheral whole blood cells, and urinary concentrations of 8-oxo-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG). Exposure-effect associations were explored in a pooled dataset of nine different cross-sectional FLEHS surveys. Data of adolescents collected in a time frame of about 20 years (1999–2018) were compiled. The aim of the study was to examine whether increased variation in exposure, lifestyle and environmental factors would lead to more powerful and robust exposure-effect associations. The biomarkers were measured in 2283 adolescents in the age range of 14–18 years. Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP)], benzene (tt’-muconic acid), metals (arsenic, cadmium, copper, nickel, thallium, lead, chromium), persistent organochlorines and phthalates were assessed in blood or urine. Furthermore, outdoor air levels of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) at the residences of the youngsters were calculated. Pooled statistical analysis was done using mixed models. Study-specific differences in the genotoxicity markers and in the strength/direction of the association were accounted for. This was done by incorporating the random factor ‘study’ and a random study slope (if possible). The exposure markers were centered around the study-specific mean in order to correct for protocol changes over time. A significant association was observed for the urinary oxidative stress marker 8-oxodG, which was positively associated with 1-OHP (5% increase for doubling of 1-OHP levels, p = 0.001), and with urinary copper (26% increase for doubling of copper levels, p = 0.001), a metal involved in the Fenton reaction in biological systems. 8-oxodG was also associated with the sum of the metabolites of the phthalate di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) (3% increase for doubling of the DEHP levels, p = 0.02). For those associations, data pooling increased the statistical power. However, some of the associations in the individual surveys, were not confirmed in the pooled analysis (such as comet assay and 8-oxodG vs. atmospheric PM; and 8-oxodG vs. urinary nickel). This may be due to inconsistencies in exposure-effect relations and/or variations in the pollutant mix over time and regions. Pooled analysis including a large population of 2283 Flemish adolescents showed that 8-oxodG, a marker of oxidative DNA damage is a valuable marker to assess impact of daily life pollutants, such as PAHs, Cu and the phthalate DEHP.

ACS Style

G. Koppen; C. Franken; E. Den Hond; M. Plusquin; B. Reimann; M. Leermakers; A. Covaci; T. Nawrot; N. Van Larebeke; G. Schoeters; L. Bruckers; E. Govarts. Pooled analysis of genotoxicity markers in relation to exposure in the Flemish Environment and Health Studies (FLEHS) between 1999 and 2018. Environmental Research 2020, 190, 110002 .

AMA Style

G. Koppen, C. Franken, E. Den Hond, M. Plusquin, B. Reimann, M. Leermakers, A. Covaci, T. Nawrot, N. Van Larebeke, G. Schoeters, L. Bruckers, E. Govarts. Pooled analysis of genotoxicity markers in relation to exposure in the Flemish Environment and Health Studies (FLEHS) between 1999 and 2018. Environmental Research. 2020; 190 ():110002.

Chicago/Turabian Style

G. Koppen; C. Franken; E. Den Hond; M. Plusquin; B. Reimann; M. Leermakers; A. Covaci; T. Nawrot; N. Van Larebeke; G. Schoeters; L. Bruckers; E. Govarts. 2020. "Pooled analysis of genotoxicity markers in relation to exposure in the Flemish Environment and Health Studies (FLEHS) between 1999 and 2018." Environmental Research 190, no. : 110002.

Journal article
Published: 13 March 2020 in Environmental Health
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Background Prenatal phthalate exposure has been suggested to alter immune responses and increase the risk of asthma, eczema and rhinitis. However, few studies have examined the effects in prospective cohorts and only one examined rhinitis. We therefore studied associations between maternal urinary concentrations of phthalate metabolites and asthma, eczema and rhinitis in offspring aged 5 years. Methods From 552 pregnant women in the Odense Child Cohort, we quantified urinary concentrations of 12 phthalate metabolites in third trimester. We assessed asthma, rhinitis and eczema in their offspring at age 5 years with a questionnaire based on the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC), and conducted logistic regression adjusting for relevant confounders. Results 7.4% of the children had asthma, 11.7% eczema and 9.2% rhinitis. Phthalate exposure was low compared to previous cohorts. No significant associations between prenatal phthalate exposure and asthma were found. Odds ratios (ORs) of child rhinitis with a doubling in ΣDiNPm and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate metabolite (ΣDEHPm) concentrations were, respectively, 1.15 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.97,1.36) and 1.21 (CI 0.93,1.58). The OR of eczema when doubling ΣDiNPm was 1.24 (CI 1.00,1.55), whereas the OR of using medicine against eczema when doubling a di-ethyl phthalate (DEP) metabolite was 0.81 (CI 0.68,0.96). Conclusion The lack of association between maternal phthalate exposure and asthma in the offspring may be due to low exposure and difficulties in determining asthma in 5-year-olds. The higher odds of rhinitis may raise public concern but further research in larger cohorts of older children is warranted.

ACS Style

Camilla Jøhnk; Arne Høst; Steffen Husby; Greta Schoeters; Clara Amalie Gade Timmermann; Henriette Boye Kyhl; Iben Have Beck; Anna-Maria Andersson; Hanne Frederiksen; Tina Kold Jensen. Maternal phthalate exposure and asthma, rhinitis and eczema in 552 children aged 5 years; a prospective cohort study. Environmental Health 2020, 19, 1 -10.

AMA Style

Camilla Jøhnk, Arne Høst, Steffen Husby, Greta Schoeters, Clara Amalie Gade Timmermann, Henriette Boye Kyhl, Iben Have Beck, Anna-Maria Andersson, Hanne Frederiksen, Tina Kold Jensen. Maternal phthalate exposure and asthma, rhinitis and eczema in 552 children aged 5 years; a prospective cohort study. Environmental Health. 2020; 19 (1):1-10.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Camilla Jøhnk; Arne Høst; Steffen Husby; Greta Schoeters; Clara Amalie Gade Timmermann; Henriette Boye Kyhl; Iben Have Beck; Anna-Maria Andersson; Hanne Frederiksen; Tina Kold Jensen. 2020. "Maternal phthalate exposure and asthma, rhinitis and eczema in 552 children aged 5 years; a prospective cohort study." Environmental Health 19, no. 1: 1-10.

Original research article
Published: 14 February 2020 in Frontiers in Medicine
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During the last 15 years, VITO has established an infrastructure for biobanking a collection of biological samples from the general population in Flanders (Belgium). This biobank was set up to contribute to future, yet unspecified, research questions in the field of environment and health. [email protected] is a population biobank in which bio-specimen including human peripheral blood, cord blood, and blood derivatives (e.g., serum, plasma, cells, RNA, DNA), urine, hair, nails, exhaled breath condensate, saliva DNA, and human breast milk collected from non-diseased populations are preserved. Currently, the biobank stores about 70,000 samples from 7,700 individuals. These biospecimen were collected since 2002 in different human biomonitoring studies comprising European (e.g., DEMOCOPHES, HBM4EU), national (e.g., WHO human breastmilk studies), Flemish (Flemish Environment and Health Study (FLEHS) campaigns), and local (e.g., hotspots, 3xG project) well-defined and ethically approved research projects. Participants to the surveys included different age groups (newborns, children, adolescents, and adults) and were representatively selected with regard to gender, age class, residence, and/or socioeconomic status (SES). In each campaign, samples were stored in the [email protected] The registration, preservation, and management of the samples in the biobank were done in a qualitative and uniform manner which guarantees the traceability of all samples. The samples in the biobank have an extended information backbone on the lifestyle, environment, and health status of the donor. The biological samples in the biobank are an invaluable archive that can be used to address specific policy and research questions in the future, to test old samples with new technology and according to the latest methods and insights or to measure newly identified pollutants in old samples looking for long-term trends.

ACS Style

Rosette Van Den Heuvel; Elly Den Hond; Ann Colles; Vera Nelen; Karen Van Campenhout; Greta Schoeters. [email protected]: Biobanking the General Population in Flanders. Frontiers in Medicine 2020, 7, 1 .

AMA Style

Rosette Van Den Heuvel, Elly Den Hond, Ann Colles, Vera Nelen, Karen Van Campenhout, Greta Schoeters. [email protected]: Biobanking the General Population in Flanders. Frontiers in Medicine. 2020; 7 ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Rosette Van Den Heuvel; Elly Den Hond; Ann Colles; Vera Nelen; Karen Van Campenhout; Greta Schoeters. 2020. "[email protected]: Biobanking the General Population in Flanders." Frontiers in Medicine 7, no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 15 January 2020 in Scientific Reports
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Nutrition during early childhood is linked to metabolic programming. We hypothesized that breastfeeding has long-term consequences on the energy metabolism exemplified by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). As part of the third cycle of the Flemish Environment and Health Study (FLEHSIII) cohort, 303 adolescents aged 14–15 years were included. We associated breastfeeding and blood mtDNA content 14–15 years later while adjusting for confounding variables. Compared with non-breastfed adolescents, mtDNA content was 23.1% (95%CI: 4.4–45.2; p = 0.013) higher in breastfed adolescents. Being breastfed for 1–10 weeks, 11–20 weeks, and >20 weeks, was associated with a higher mtDNA content of respectively 16.0% (95%CI: −7.1–44.9; p = 0.191), 23.5% (95%CI: 0.8–51.3; p = 0.042), and 31.5% (95%CI: 4.3–65.7; p = 0.021). Our study showed a positive association between breastfeeding and mtDNA content in adolescents which gradually increased with longer periods of breastfeeding. Higher mtDNA content may be an underlying mechanism of the beneficial effects of breastfeeding on children’s metabolism.

ACS Style

Charlotte Cosemans; Tim S. Nawrot; Bram G. Janssen; Annette Vriens; Karen Smeets; Willy Baeyens; Liesbeth Bruckers; Elly Den Hond; Ilse Loots; Vera Nelen; Nicolas Van Larebeke; Greta Schoeters; Dries Martens; Michelle Plusquin. Breastfeeding predicts blood mitochondrial DNA content in adolescents. Scientific Reports 2020, 10, 1 -9.

AMA Style

Charlotte Cosemans, Tim S. Nawrot, Bram G. Janssen, Annette Vriens, Karen Smeets, Willy Baeyens, Liesbeth Bruckers, Elly Den Hond, Ilse Loots, Vera Nelen, Nicolas Van Larebeke, Greta Schoeters, Dries Martens, Michelle Plusquin. Breastfeeding predicts blood mitochondrial DNA content in adolescents. Scientific Reports. 2020; 10 (1):1-9.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Charlotte Cosemans; Tim S. Nawrot; Bram G. Janssen; Annette Vriens; Karen Smeets; Willy Baeyens; Liesbeth Bruckers; Elly Den Hond; Ilse Loots; Vera Nelen; Nicolas Van Larebeke; Greta Schoeters; Dries Martens; Michelle Plusquin. 2020. "Breastfeeding predicts blood mitochondrial DNA content in adolescents." Scientific Reports 10, no. 1: 1-9.

Journal article
Published: 27 December 2019 in Environmental Health
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Background Recent lead (Pb) exposure reduction strategies enabled to lower children’s blood lead levels (B-Pb) worldwide. This study reports the estimated intelligence gain and social cost savings attributable to recent exposure reduction based on reported B-Pb levels observed in adolescents sampled within the framework of the Flemish Environment and Health Studies (FLEHS, Belgium), i.e. in 2003–2004 (FLEHSI), in 2008–2009 (FLEHSII), and in 2013–2014 (FLEHSIII). Methods Intelligence Quotient (IQ) loss per 100,000 individuals - attributable to B-Pb above 20 μg/L - was estimated based on widely accepted dose response functions between children’s B-Pb and IQ (− 1.88 IQ points for a duplication in B-Pb from 20 μg/L onwards; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): − 1.16;-2.59) and B-Pb exposure distribution parameters of FLEHS studies. The results were translated to the Flemish population of 15-year-olds. Given a 3-year time gap between subsequent sampling periods, the exposure distribution of each study was assumed 3 years prior to the study as well. Economic impact was estimated based on expected decrease in lifetime earnings (€ 19,464 per decreasing IQ point in 2018). Results The percentage of the adolescent population exceeding a B-Pb of 20 μg/L decreased from 57% (FLEHSI) to 23% (FLEHSII), and even further to 2.5% (FLEHSIII). The estimated IQ loss per 100,000 individuals was 94,280 (95% CI: 58,427-130,138) in FLEHSI, 14,993 (95% CI: 9289-20,695) in FLEHSII, and 976 (95% CI: 604–1347) in FLEHSIII. This translates into a total loss of 378,962 (95%CI: 234,840-523,091) IQ points within the Flemish population of 15-year-olds between 2000 and 2014. Assuming that current exposure levels do not reincrease, the expected IQ loss during the subsequent period of 15 years is estimated to be maximally 10,275 (95%CI: 6363-14,182) points. Conclusions 7176 (95%CI: 4447-9905) million € of social cost savings were achieved by Pb reduction strategies in Flanders over 15 years. If current exposure levels further reduce to B-Pb below 20 μg/L for the whole population, social cost savings may increase up to 7376 (95%CI: 4571-10,181) million €. Given the relatively low lead contamination in Flanders, the global impact of ongoing reduction strategies is expected to be tremendous.

ACS Style

Sylvie Remy; Ramona Hambach; Marc Van Sprundel; Caroline Teughels; Tim S. Nawrot; Jurgen Buekers; Christa Cornelis; Liesbeth Bruckers; Greta Schoeters. Intelligence gain and social cost savings attributable to environmental lead exposure reduction strategies since the year 2000 in Flanders, Belgium. Environmental Health 2019, 18, 1 -9.

AMA Style

Sylvie Remy, Ramona Hambach, Marc Van Sprundel, Caroline Teughels, Tim S. Nawrot, Jurgen Buekers, Christa Cornelis, Liesbeth Bruckers, Greta Schoeters. Intelligence gain and social cost savings attributable to environmental lead exposure reduction strategies since the year 2000 in Flanders, Belgium. Environmental Health. 2019; 18 (1):1-9.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Sylvie Remy; Ramona Hambach; Marc Van Sprundel; Caroline Teughels; Tim S. Nawrot; Jurgen Buekers; Christa Cornelis; Liesbeth Bruckers; Greta Schoeters. 2019. "Intelligence gain and social cost savings attributable to environmental lead exposure reduction strategies since the year 2000 in Flanders, Belgium." Environmental Health 18, no. 1: 1-9.

Journal article
Published: 15 November 2019 in Environmental Health
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Background Asthma is the most common non-communicable disease in children. Prenatal exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), a group of persistent environmental chemicals with endocrine disrupting abilities, has been associated with immunomodulation and may contribute to the aetiology of asthma. We investigated the associations between prenatal exposure to five PFASs and asthma in 5-year-old children. Methods We studied 981 mother-child pairs within the Odense Child Cohort (OCC), Denmark. We measured perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) in maternal serum donated in early pregnancy. A standardized questionnaire based on the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) was used to assess wheeze, self-reported asthma and doctor-diagnosed asthma among children at age 5 years. Associations were examined using logistic regression analyses adjusting for parity, maternal educational level, maternal pre-pregnancy BMI, asthma predisposition and child sex. Results Among the 5-year-old children 18.6% reported wheeze and 7.1% reported asthma. We found no association between prenatal exposure to PFAS and doctor-diagnosed asthma or wheeze. Prenatal PFAS exposure was associated with self-reported asthma, although only significant for PFNA (OR = 1.84, 95% CI 1.03,3.23). Conclusion Our findings support the suggested immunomodulatory effects of PFASs, however, additional studies are warranted. In order to verify our findings, it is important to re-examine the children with postnatal measurements of serum PFAS concentrations and additional clinical diagnostic testing at an older age where an asthma diagnosis is more valid.

ACS Style

Iben Have Beck; Clara Amalie Gade Timmermann; Flemming Nielsen; Greta Schoeters; Camilla Jøhnk; Henriette Boye Kyhl; Arne Høst; Tina Kold Jensen. Association between prenatal exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances and asthma in 5-year-old children in the Odense Child Cohort. Environmental Health 2019, 18, 1 -11.

AMA Style

Iben Have Beck, Clara Amalie Gade Timmermann, Flemming Nielsen, Greta Schoeters, Camilla Jøhnk, Henriette Boye Kyhl, Arne Høst, Tina Kold Jensen. Association between prenatal exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances and asthma in 5-year-old children in the Odense Child Cohort. Environmental Health. 2019; 18 (1):1-11.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Iben Have Beck; Clara Amalie Gade Timmermann; Flemming Nielsen; Greta Schoeters; Camilla Jøhnk; Henriette Boye Kyhl; Arne Høst; Tina Kold Jensen. 2019. "Association between prenatal exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances and asthma in 5-year-old children in the Odense Child Cohort." Environmental Health 18, no. 1: 1-11.

Journal article
Published: 01 November 2019 in Chemosphere
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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.

ACS Style

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 Style

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.

Chicago/Turabian Style

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. 2019. "Perfluorinated substances in the Flemish population (Belgium): Levels and determinants of variability in exposure." Chemosphere 242, no. : 125250.

Journal article
Published: 28 October 2019
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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 Style

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 (4):249-259.

Chicago/Turabian Style

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. 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.

Review article
Published: 05 June 2019 in International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health
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Human biomonitoring (HBM) is an important tool to survey the internal exposure of humans which represents the real life chemical body burden to chemicals and/or their metabolites. It results from total exposure to chemical substances from different sources and via different routes. These substances may be regulated under different legislative frameworks on chemicals (e.g., environmental, occupational, food safety etc). In occupational health, HBM has long traditions to control the exposures at workplaces. By providing accurate data on internal exposure, HBM data can improve human health risk assessment (RA) for both the general population and workers. Although the past few years have shown good examples on the use of HBM in the RA of chemicals, there is still quite some work to be done to improve its use in a regulatory RA. Under the scope of the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (project HBM4EU, 2017–2021), the current study reviews the state-of-the-art of HBM use in chemicals RA with a special focus in Europe, and attempts to identify hurdles and challenges faced by regulators. To gather information on the use of HBM, including the availability of guidance on how to use it in RA, the RA schemes applied by different European or international organizations were analysed. Examples of such use were identified for a few selected groups of chemicals of concern for human health. In addition, we present the results of a survey, aimed at collecting information from national regulatory risk assessors on their day-to-day RA practices, the use of HBM data, and the obstacles and challenges related to their use. The results evidenced and explained some of the current obstacles of using HBM data in RA. These included the lack of HBM guidance values or biomonitoring equivalents (BEs), limited toxicokinetic information to support the interpretation of HBM data and, in the occupational health and safety (OSH) field, the lack of legal enforcement. Therefore, to support the integration of HBM in regulatory RA, we recommend, on one hand, the elaboration of a EU level guidance on the use of HBM in RA and, on the other hand, the continuation of research efforts to integrate HBM with new RA approaches using in vitro/in silico data and Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs).

ACS Style

Henriqueta Louro; Milla Heinälä; Jos Bessems; Jurgen Buekers; Theo Vermeire; Marjolijn Woutersen; Jacqueline van Engelen; Teresa Borges; Christophe Rousselle; Eva Ougier; Paula Alvito; Carla Martins; Ricardo Assunção; Maria Joao Silva; Anjoeka Pronk; Bernice Schaddelee-Scholten; Maria Del Carmen Gonzalez; Mercedes de Alba; Argelia Castaño; Susana Viegas; Tatjana Humar-Juric; Lijana Kononenko; Alfonso Lampen; Anne Marie Vinggaard; Greta Schoeters; Marike Kolossa-Gehring; Tiina Santonen. Human biomonitoring in health risk assessment in Europe: Current practices and recommendations for the future. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health 2019, 222, 727 -737.

AMA Style

Henriqueta Louro, Milla Heinälä, Jos Bessems, Jurgen Buekers, Theo Vermeire, Marjolijn Woutersen, Jacqueline van Engelen, Teresa Borges, Christophe Rousselle, Eva Ougier, Paula Alvito, Carla Martins, Ricardo Assunção, Maria Joao Silva, Anjoeka Pronk, Bernice Schaddelee-Scholten, Maria Del Carmen Gonzalez, Mercedes de Alba, Argelia Castaño, Susana Viegas, Tatjana Humar-Juric, Lijana Kononenko, Alfonso Lampen, Anne Marie Vinggaard, Greta Schoeters, Marike Kolossa-Gehring, Tiina Santonen. Human biomonitoring in health risk assessment in Europe: Current practices and recommendations for the future. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health. 2019; 222 (5):727-737.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Henriqueta Louro; Milla Heinälä; Jos Bessems; Jurgen Buekers; Theo Vermeire; Marjolijn Woutersen; Jacqueline van Engelen; Teresa Borges; Christophe Rousselle; Eva Ougier; Paula Alvito; Carla Martins; Ricardo Assunção; Maria Joao Silva; Anjoeka Pronk; Bernice Schaddelee-Scholten; Maria Del Carmen Gonzalez; Mercedes de Alba; Argelia Castaño; Susana Viegas; Tatjana Humar-Juric; Lijana Kononenko; Alfonso Lampen; Anne Marie Vinggaard; Greta Schoeters; Marike Kolossa-Gehring; Tiina Santonen. 2019. "Human biomonitoring in health risk assessment in Europe: Current practices and recommendations for the future." International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health 222, no. 5: 727-737.

Journal article
Published: 21 May 2019 in Environmental Research
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Phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA) and triclosan (TCS) are detectable in the vast majority of people. Most humans are continuously exposed to these chemicals due to their presence in food or in everyday consumer products. The measurement of these compounds in family members may help to explore the impact of major lifestyle factors on exposure. Mothers and (young) children are especially interesting to study, as they mostly share considerable parts of daily life together. Phthalate metabolites, bisphenol A (BPA) and triclosan (TCS) were measured in first morning void urine, collected in mother-child pairs (n = 129) on the same day. The mothers (27-45y) and their children (6-11y) were recruited in the Brussels agglomeration and rural areas of Belgium in the context of the European COPHES-DEMOCOPHES human biomonitoring project. Face-to-face questionnaires gathered information on major exposure sources and lifestyle factors. Exposure determinants were assessed by multiple linear regression analysis. The investigated compounds were detectable in nearly all mothers (92.8–100%) and all children (95.2–100%). The range (P90 vs. P10) of differences in urinary concentrations within each age group was for most compounds around 10–20 fold, and was very high for TCS up to 35 and 350-fold in children and mothers respectively. Some participants exceeded the tolerable daily intake guidelines as far as they were available from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Overall, for BPA, the urinary concentrations were similar among both age groups. Most urinary phthalate metabolites were higher in children compared to the mothers, except for monoethyl phthalate (MEP). TCS levels were generally higher in the mothers. Despite the difference in mothers' and children's urinary concentrations, the creatinine-corrected levels were correlated for all biomarkers (Spearman rank r = 0.32 to 0.66, p < 0.001). Furthermore, for phthalates, similar home and lifestyle factors were associated with the urinary concentrations in both age groups: home renovation during last two years or redecoration during the last year for di-ethyl phthalate (DEP); PVC in home for di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), di-iso-butyl phthalate (DiBP) and butyl benzyl phthalate (BBzP), and personal care products use for DiBP and DnBP. Based on questionnaire information on general food type consumption patterns, the exposure variability could not be explained. However, comparing the phthalate intake from the current study with earlier assessed Belgian food intake calculations for both ages, food in general was estimated to be the major intake source for di-ethyl hexyl phthalate (DEHP), with diminishing importance for BBzP, DiBP and DnBP. Our results confirm, that children and their mothers, sharing diets and home environments, also share exposure in common consumer products related chemicals. By collecting morning urine levels on the same day, and using basic questionnaires, suspected exposure routes could be unraveled.

ACS Style

Gudrun Koppen; Eva Govarts; Guido Vanermen; Stefan Voorspoels; Malarvannan Govindan; Marie-Christine Dewolf; Elly Den Hond; Pierre Biot; Ludwine Casteleyn; Marike Kolossa-Gehring; Gerda Schwedler; Jürgen Angerer; Holger M. Koch; Birgit K. Schindler; Argelia Castaño; Marta Esteban López; Ovnair Sepai; Karen Exley; Louis Bloemen; Lisbeth E. Knudsen; Reinhard Joas; Anke Joas; Greta Schoeters; Adrian Covaci. Mothers and children are related, even in exposure to chemicals present in common consumer products. Environmental Research 2019, 175, 297 -307.

AMA Style

Gudrun Koppen, Eva Govarts, Guido Vanermen, Stefan Voorspoels, Malarvannan Govindan, Marie-Christine Dewolf, Elly Den Hond, Pierre Biot, Ludwine Casteleyn, Marike Kolossa-Gehring, Gerda Schwedler, Jürgen Angerer, Holger M. Koch, Birgit K. Schindler, Argelia Castaño, Marta Esteban López, Ovnair Sepai, Karen Exley, Louis Bloemen, Lisbeth E. Knudsen, Reinhard Joas, Anke Joas, Greta Schoeters, Adrian Covaci. Mothers and children are related, even in exposure to chemicals present in common consumer products. Environmental Research. 2019; 175 ():297-307.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Gudrun Koppen; Eva Govarts; Guido Vanermen; Stefan Voorspoels; Malarvannan Govindan; Marie-Christine Dewolf; Elly Den Hond; Pierre Biot; Ludwine Casteleyn; Marike Kolossa-Gehring; Gerda Schwedler; Jürgen Angerer; Holger M. Koch; Birgit K. Schindler; Argelia Castaño; Marta Esteban López; Ovnair Sepai; Karen Exley; Louis Bloemen; Lisbeth E. Knudsen; Reinhard Joas; Anke Joas; Greta Schoeters; Adrian Covaci. 2019. "Mothers and children are related, even in exposure to chemicals present in common consumer products." Environmental Research 175, no. : 297-307.

Journal article
Published: 15 May 2019 in Environmental Research
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Human biomonitoring measures the concentrations of environmental chemicals or their metabolites in body fluids or tissues. Complementing exposure biomarkers with mechanistically based effect biomarkers may further elucidate causal pathways between chemical exposure and adverse health outcomes. We combined information on effect biomarkers previously implemented in human observational studies with mechanisms of action reported in experimental studies and with information from published Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs), focusing on adverse reproductive effects of phthalate exposure. Phthalates constitute a group of chemicals that are ubiquitous in consumer products and have been related to a wide range of adverse health effects. As a result of a comprehensive literature search, we present an overview of effect biomarkers for reproductive toxicity that are substantiated by mechanistic information. The activation of several receptors, such as PPARα, PPARγ, and GR, may initiate events leading to impaired male and female fertility as well as other adverse effects of phthalate exposure. Therefore, these receptors appear as promising targets for the development of novel effect biomarkers. The proposed strategy connects the fields of epidemiology and toxicology and may strengthen the weight of evidence in observational studies that link chemical exposures to health outcomes.

ACS Style

Kirsten A. Baken; Nathalie Lambrechts; Sylvie Remy; Vicente Mustieles; Andrea Rodríguez-Carrillo; Christiana M. Neophytou; Nicolas Olea; Greta Schoeters. A strategy to validate a selection of human effect biomarkers using adverse outcome pathways: Proof of concept for phthalates and reproductive effects. Environmental Research 2019, 175, 235 -256.

AMA Style

Kirsten A. Baken, Nathalie Lambrechts, Sylvie Remy, Vicente Mustieles, Andrea Rodríguez-Carrillo, Christiana M. Neophytou, Nicolas Olea, Greta Schoeters. A strategy to validate a selection of human effect biomarkers using adverse outcome pathways: Proof of concept for phthalates and reproductive effects. Environmental Research. 2019; 175 ():235-256.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kirsten A. Baken; Nathalie Lambrechts; Sylvie Remy; Vicente Mustieles; Andrea Rodríguez-Carrillo; Christiana M. Neophytou; Nicolas Olea; Greta Schoeters. 2019. "A strategy to validate a selection of human effect biomarkers using adverse outcome pathways: Proof of concept for phthalates and reproductive effects." Environmental Research 175, no. : 235-256.

Journal article
Published: 10 May 2019 in Environmental Science & Technology
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Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content and telomere length are putative aging biomarkers and are sensitive to environmental stressors, including pollutants. Our objective was to identify, from a set of environmental exposures, which exposure is associated with leukocyte mtDNA content and telomere length in adults. This study includes 175 adults from 50 to 65 years old from the cross-sectional Flemish Environment and Health study, of whom leukocyte telomere length and mtDNA content were determined using qPCR. The levels of exposure of seven metals, 11 organohalogens, and four perfluorinated compounds (PFHxS, PFNA, PFOA, PFOS) were measured. We performed sparse partial least-squares regression analyses followed by ordinary least-squares regression to assess the multipollutant associations. While accounting for possible confounders and coexposures, we identified that urinary cadmium (6.52%, 95% confidence interval, 1.06, 12.28), serum hexachlorobenzene (2.89%, 018, 5.68), and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (11.38%, 5.97, 17.08) exposure were positively associated ( p < 0.05) with mtDNA content, while urinary copper (-9.88%, -14.82, -4.66) and serum perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (-4.75%, -8.79, -0.54) exposure were inversely associated with mtDNA content. Urinary antimony (2.69%, 0.45, 4.99) and mercury (1.91%, 0.42, 3.43) exposure were positively associated with leukocyte telomere length, while urinary copper (-3.52%, -6.60, -0.34) and serum perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (-3.64%, -6.60, -0.60) showed an inverse association. Our findings support the hypothesis that environmental pollutants interact with molecular hallmarks of aging.

ACS Style

Annette Vriens; Tim Nawrot; Bram G. Janssen; Willy Baeyens; Liesbeth Bruckers; Adrian Covaci; Sam De Craemer; Stefaan De Henauw; Elly Den Hond; Ilse Loots; Vera Nelen; Thomas Schettgen; Greta Schoeters; Dries S. Martens; Michelle Plusquin. Exposure to Environmental Pollutants and Their Association with Biomarkers of Aging: A Multipollutant Approach. Environmental Science & Technology 2019, 53, 5966 -5976.

AMA Style

Annette Vriens, Tim Nawrot, Bram G. Janssen, Willy Baeyens, Liesbeth Bruckers, Adrian Covaci, Sam De Craemer, Stefaan De Henauw, Elly Den Hond, Ilse Loots, Vera Nelen, Thomas Schettgen, Greta Schoeters, Dries S. Martens, Michelle Plusquin. Exposure to Environmental Pollutants and Their Association with Biomarkers of Aging: A Multipollutant Approach. Environmental Science & Technology. 2019; 53 (10):5966-5976.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Annette Vriens; Tim Nawrot; Bram G. Janssen; Willy Baeyens; Liesbeth Bruckers; Adrian Covaci; Sam De Craemer; Stefaan De Henauw; Elly Den Hond; Ilse Loots; Vera Nelen; Thomas Schettgen; Greta Schoeters; Dries S. Martens; Michelle Plusquin. 2019. "Exposure to Environmental Pollutants and Their Association with Biomarkers of Aging: A Multipollutant Approach." Environmental Science & Technology 53, no. 10: 5966-5976.