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Perchlorate (), which is used as an oxidizer in jet and rocket fuels, pyrotechnic devices and explosives, is a widespread contaminant in surface waters and groundwater of many countries. Perchlorate is known to affect thyroid function. Despite the compound’s widespread occurrence and potential health effects, perchlorate levels in drinking water in India are not known. In this study, water samples collected from 13 locations in six states (n =66), and saliva samples collected from four locations in three states (n =74) in India, were analyzed for perchlorate using high performance liquid chromatography interfaced with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS/MS). Perchlorate was detected in most (76%) of the water samples analyzed at concentrations above the quantitation limit of 0.02μgL−1; concentrations ranged from <0.02 to 6.9μgL−1 (mean: 0.42±1.1μgL−1; median: 0.07μgL−1). Mean concentrations of perchlorate in drinking water, groundwater, bottled water, surface water and rain water were 0.1, 1.0, <0.02, 0.05 and <0.02μgL−1, respectively. From a total of 66 water samples analyzed, only three samples contained perchlorate levels above 1μgL−1; all three were groundwater samples. Perchlorate was found in the saliva samples analyzed at concentrations above 0.2μgL−1 and up to 4.7μgL−1 (mean: 1.3±1.3μgL−1; median: 0.91μgL−1). No remarkable differences in perchlorate concentrations were found among the sampling locations of water or saliva or in subgroups stratified by gender or age. Perchlorate concentrations in water samples from India are one to two orders of magnitude lower than the concentrations reported for the United States. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Airborne manganese (Mn) exposure can result in neurotoxicity and postural instability in occupationally exposed workers, yet few studies have explored the association ambient exposure to Mn in children and postural stability. The goal of this study was to determine the association between Mn and lead (Pb) exposure, as measured by blood Pb, blood and hair Mn and time weighted distance (TWD) from a ferromanganese refinery, and postural stability in children. A subset of children ages 7–9years enrolled in the Marietta Community Actively Researching Exposure Study (CARES) were invited to participate. Postural balance was conducted on 55 children residing in Marietta, Ohio and the surrounding area. Samples of blood were collected and analyzed for Mn and Pb, and samples of hair were analyzed for Mn. Neuromotor performance was assessed using postural balance testing with a computer force platform system. Pearson correlations were calculated to identify key covariates. Associations between postural balance testing conditions and Mn and Pb exposure were estimated with linear regression analyses adjusting for gender, age, parent IQ, and parent age. Mean blood Mn was 10μg/L (SEM=0.36), mean blood Pb was 0.85μg/dL (SEM=0.05), and mean hair Mn was 0.76μg/g (SEM=0.16). Mean residential distance from the refinery was 11.5km (SEM=0.46). All three measures of Mn exposure were significantly associated with poor postural balance. In addition, low-level blood Pb was also negatively associated with balance outcomes. We conclude that Mn exposure and low-level blood Pb are significantly associated with poor postural balance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]