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Early life is a crucial window of opportunity to improve health across the life course. The prospective cohort study design is the most adequate to evaluate the longitudinal effects of exposure, the notification of changes in the exposure level and evaluation of the simultaneous impact of various exposures, as well as the assessment of several health effects and trajectories throughout childhood and adolescence. This paper provides an overview of the Polish Mother and Child cohort (REPRO_PL), with particular emphasis on Phase IV of this study. REPRO_PL is conducted in central Europe, where such longitudinal studies are less frequently implemented. In this population-based prospective cohort, which was established in 2007, three phases covering pregnancy (I), early childhood (II), and early school age (III) periods have already been completed. Phase IV gives a uniform opportunity to follow-up children during adolescence in order to evaluate if the consequences of prenatal and early postnatal exposures still persist at the age of 14. Moreover, we will be able to investigate the associations between simultaneous exposures to a broad spectrum of environmental factors, adolescents' health and neurobehavioral outcomes, and their trajectories within life, which is a novel framework of high scientific, public health and clinical priority., This study was supported by the grants from the National Science Centre (Nos. 2014/15/B/NZ7/00998, 2017/25/B/NZ5/02338, and 2021/41/B/NZ7/04341). MG acknowledges the support from the IDAEA-CSIC Severo Ochoa Excellence Programme through the Grant CEX 2018-000894-S funded by MCIN/AEI/10.039/501100011033.

Organophosphate (OP) and pyrethroid pesticides (PYR) are extensively used in agriculture, resulting in higher exposures among farmworkers. The present study reports the occurrence of 8 urinary OP and PYR metabolites in a sample of farmworkers and residents from Sucs (n = 87), a rural township in North West Catalonia (Spain). The aim of the present study was to examine differences in urinary pesticide metabolite concentrations between occupationally-exposed (farmworkers; n = 45) and environmentally-exposed subjects (n = 42) and to assess the relationship between pesticide's exposures and occupational activities in a real-case scenario. Six OP and two PYR metabolites have been investigated, urine samples were extracted using SPE extraction and analyzed by UPLC-MS/MS. Three OP metabolites were commonly detectable in urine, namely TCPY (metabolite of chlorpyrifos), PNP (parathion) and DEAMPY (pirimiphos). Regarding pyrethroids, the two analyzed metabolites, 3-PBA and 4F-3-PBA, were detected in a high proportion of urine samples. Differences in concentrations between both groups were statistically significant for TCPY and 4F-3-PBA (Mann-Whitney U Test for independent groups, p, The authors are grateful to the inhabitants of Sucs who participated in this study. Financial support from the European Union Projects EDCMET (H2020-HEALTH/0490–825762) and PARC (HLTH-2021-ENVHLTH-3:101057014) are acknowledged. MG acknowledges the support from the Joachim Herz Foundation through the Add-on Fellowship for Interdisciplinary Science and the IDAEA-CSIC Severo Ochoa Excellence Programme through the Grant CEX 2018-000894-S funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033.

Risk factors for disease progression and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infections require an understanding of acute and long-term virological and immunological dynamics. Fifty-one RT-PCR positive COVID-19 outpatients were recruited between May and December 2020 in Munich, Germany, and followed up at multiple defined timepoints for up to one year. RT-PCR and viral culture were performed and seroresponses measured. Participants were classified applying the WHO clinical progression scale. Short symptom to test time (median 5.0 days; p = 0.0016) and high viral loads (VL; median maximum VL: 3∙108 copies/mL; p = 0.0015) were indicative for viral culture positivity. Participants with WHO grade 3 at baseline had significantly higher VLs compared to those with WHO 1 and 2 (p = 0.01). VLs dropped fast within 1 week of symptom onset. Maximum VLs were positively correlated with the magnitude of Ro-N-Ig seroresponse (p = 0.022). Our results describe the dynamics of VLs and antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in mild to moderate cases that can support public health measures during the ongoing global pandemic.

A number of seroassays are available for SARS-CoV-2 testing; yet, head-to-head evaluations of different testing principles are limited, especially using raw values rather than categorical data. In addition, identifying correlates of protection is of utmost importance, and comparisons of available testing systems with functional assays, such as direct viral neutralisation, are needed.We analysed 6658 samples consisting of true-positives (n=193), true-negatives (n=1091), and specimens of unknown status (n=5374). For primary testing, we used Euroimmun-Anti-SARS-CoV-2-ELISA-IgA/IgG and Roche-Elecsys-Anti-SARS-CoV-2. Subsequently virus-neutralisation, GeneScriptcPass, VIRAMED-SARS-CoV-2-ViraChip, and Mikrogen-recomLine-SARS-CoV-2-IgG were applied for confirmatory testing. Statistical modelling generated optimised assay cut-off thresholds. Sensitivity of Euroimmun-anti-S1-IgA was 64.8%, specificity 93.3% (manufacturer’s cut-off); for Euroimmun-anti-S1-IgG, sensitivity was 77.2/79.8% (manufacturer’s/optimised cut-offs), specificity 98.0/97.8%; Roche-anti-N sensitivity was 85.5/88.6%, specificity 99.8/99.7%. In true-positives, mean and median Euroimmun-anti-S1-IgA and -IgG titres decreased 30/90 days after RT-PCR-positivity, Roche-anti-N titres decreased significantly later. Virus-neutralisation was 80.6% sensitive, 100.0% specific (≥1:5 dilution). Neutralisation surrogate tests (GeneScriptcPass, Mikrogen-recomLine-RBD) were >94.9% sensitive and >98.1% specific. Optimised cut-offs improved test performances of several tests. Confirmatory testing with virus-neutralisation might be complemented with GeneScriptcPassTM or recomLine-RBD for certain applications. Head-to-head comparisons given here aim to contribute to the refinement of testing strategies for individual and public health use.

Background Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical mostly used in the manufacture of plastics, resins and thermal paper. Several studies have reported adverse health effects with BPA exposures, namely metabolic disorders and altered neurodevelopment in children, among others. The aim of this study was to explore BPA exposure, its socio-demographic and life-style related determinants, and its association with neurodevelopmental outcomes in early school age children from Poland. Methods A total of 250 urine samples of 7 year-old children from the Polish Mother and Child Cohort Study (REPRO_PL) were analyzed for BPA concentrations using high performance liquid chromatography with online sample clean-up coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (online-SPE-LC-MS/MS). Socio-demographic and lifestyle-related data was collected by questionnaires or additional biomarker measurements. Emotional and behavioral symptoms in children were assessed using mother-reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Cognitive and psychomotor development was evaluated by Polish adaptation of the Intelligence and Development Scales (IDS) performed by trained psychologists. Results Urinary BPA concentrations and back-calculated daily intakes (medians of 1.8 μg/l and 46.3 ng/kg bw/day, respectively) were similar to other European studies. Urinary cotinine levels and body mass index, together with maternal educational level and socio-economic status, were the main determinants of BPA levels in Polish children. After adjusting for confounding factors, BPA has been found to be positively associated with emotional symptoms (β: 0.14, 95% CI: 0.022; 0.27). Cognitive and psychomotor development were not found to be related to BPA levels. Conclusions This study represents the first report of BPA levels and their determinants in school age children in Poland. The exposure level was found to be related to child emotional condition, which can have long-term consequences including social functioning and scholastic achievements. Further monitoring of this population in terms of overall chemical exposure is required.

Exposure to environmental factors, such as neurotoxic metals and micronutrients, during critical periods of development can contribute to long-term consequences in offspring's health, including neurodevelopmental outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between simultaneous prenatal exposure to metals [lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg)] and micronutrients [selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu)] and neurodevelopmental outcomes in school-age children from the Polish Mother and Child Cohort (REPRO_PL). Metals and micronutrients concentrations were measured in cord blood (Pb, Cd, Se, Zn, Cu) and in maternal hair (Hg) collected during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Behavioral and emotional problems, as well as children's cognitive and psychomotor development, were assessed in 436 school-age children using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ, filled in by the mothers) and the Polish adaptation of the Intelligence and Development Scales (IDS, administered by trained psychologists). Multivariate regression models were applied after imputation of missing values, using two approaches: (i) a joint analysis taking into account all metals and micronutrients simultaneously, and (ii) an ExWAS study (single-exposure model). In the SDQ, Hyperactivity/Inattention problems and Total difficulties were associated with higher Hg concentrations in maternal hair (0.18, 95% CI: 0.05; 0.3; and 0.14, 95% CI: 0.01; 0.3, respectively), whereas Emotional symptoms were inversely associated with Se and Zn levels in cord blood (−0.13, 95% CI: −0.3; 0.004; and −0.10, 95% CI: −0.2; 0.02, respectively). In the IDS, cord blood Pb levels were found to be negatively associated with Fluid and Crystallized IQ (−0.12, 95% CI: −0.3; 0.02; and −0.14, 95% CI: −0.3; 0.007, respectively) as well as Mathematical skills (−0.15, 95% CI: −0.3; 0.01). The current research has been able to simultaneously assess the exposure to various interacting chemicals during the prenatal period. We demonstrate that prenatal co-exposures to Pb, Hg, Zn and Se have long-term influences on the neuropsychological outcome of school-age children.

Transplacental transfer and breastfeeding are the main transport routes of organic pollutants into children at the beginning of life. Although pollutant transmission through these mechanisms primarily depends on the maternal pollution burden, its impact may be modulated by physiological effects., The authors are grateful to Silvia Fochs, Anna Sànchez, Maribel López and Nuria Pey, for their assistance in contacting the families and administering the questionnaires, to Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí for its implication and support, and particularly like to thank all the participants for their generous collaboration. We are also thankful to Marta Fort for the analyses of organohalogen compounds. We acknowledge the collaboration of the municipalities of Zumarraga, Urretxu, Legazpi, Azkoitia, Azpeitia y Beasain. We acknowledge financial support from the European Union, project EDCMET (H2020-HEALTH/0490–825762). This study was also funded by grants from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (PI06/0867, Red INMA G03/176 and FIS-PI18/01142), the Department of Health of the Basque Government (2005111093) and the Provincial Government of Gipuzkoa (DFG06/002). M. G. acknowledges the support from the Joachim Herz Foundation through the Add-on Fellowship for Interdisciplinary Science.

BackgroundIn the 2ndyear of the Covid-19 pandemic, knowledge about the dynamics of the infection in the general population is still limited. Such information is essential for health planners, as many of those infected show no or only mild symptoms and thus, escape the surveillance system. We therefore aimed to describe the course of the pandemic in the Munich general population living in private households from April 2020 to January 2021.MethodsThe KoCo19 baseline study took place from April to June 2020 including 5313 participants (age 14 years and above). From November 2020 to January 2021, we could again measure SARS-CoV-2 antibody status in 4,433 of the baseline participants (response 83%). Participants were offered a self-sampling kit to take a capillary blood sample (dry blood spot; DBS). Blood was analysed using the Elecsys®Anti-SARS-CoV-2 assay (Roche). Questionnaire information on socio-demographics and potential risk factors assessed at baseline was available for all participants. In addition, follow-up information on health-risk taking behaviour and number of personal contacts outside the household (N=2768) as well as leisure time activities (N=1263) were collected in summer 2020.ResultsWeighted and adjusted (for specificity and sensitivity) SARS-CoV-2 sero-prevalence at follow-up was 3.6% (95% CI 2.9-4.3%) as compared to 1.8% (95% CI 1.3-3.4%) at baseline. 91% of those tested positive at baseline were also antibody-positive at follow-up. While sero-prevalence increased from early November 2021 to January 2021, no indication of geospatial clustering across the city of Munich was found, although cases clustered within households. Taking baseline result and time to follow-up into account, men and participants in the age group 20-34 years were at the highest risk of sero-positivity. In the sensitivity analyses, differences in health-risk taking behaviour, number of personal contacts and leisure time activities partly explained these differences.ConclusionThe number of citizens in Munich with SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was still below 5% during the 2ndwave of the pandemic. Antibodies remained present in the majority of baseline participants. Besides age and sex, potentially confounded by differences in behaviour, no major risk factors could be identified. Non-pharmaceutical public health measures are thus still important.

Given the large number of mild or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 cases, only population-based studies can provide reliable estimates of the magnitude of the pandemic. We therefore aimed to assess the sero-prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in the Munich general population after the first wave of the pandemic. For this purpose, we drew a representative sample of 2994 private households and invited household members 14 years and older to complete questionnaires and to provide blood samples. SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity was defined as Roche N pan-Ig ≥ 0.4218. We adjusted the prevalence for the sampling design, sensitivity, and specificity. We investigated risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity and geospatial transmission patterns by generalized linear mixed models and permutation tests. Seropositivity for SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies was 1.82% (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.28–2.37%) as compared to 0.46% PCR-positive cases officially registered in Munich. Loss of the sense of smell or taste was associated with seropositivity (odds ratio (OR) 47.4, 95% CI 7.2–307.0) and infections clustered within households. By this first population-based study on SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in a large German municipality not affected by a superspreading event, we could show that at least one in four cases in private households was reported and known to the health authorities. These results will help authorities to estimate the true burden of disease in the population and to take evidence-based decisions on public health measures.

53 pages, 10 figures, 20 tables, This paper provides an overview of the last 40 years of use, and in many cases abuse, of the natural resources in Catalonia, a country that is representative of European countries in general, and especially those in the Mediterranean region. It analyses the use of natural resources made by mining, agriculture, livestock, logging, fishing, nature tourism, and energy production and consumption. This use results in an ecological footprint, i.e., the productive land and sea surface required to generate the consumed resources and absorb the resulting waste, which is about seven times the amount available, a very high number but very similar to other European countries. This overexploitation of natural resources has a huge impact on land and its different forms of cover, air, and water. For the last 25 years, forests and urban areas have each gained almost 3% more of the territory at the expense of agricultural land; those municipalities bordering the sea have increased their number of inhabitants and activity, and although they only occupy 6.7% of the total surface area, they account for 43.3% of the population; air quality has stabilized since the turn of the century, and there has been some improvement in the state of aquatic ecosystems, but still only 36% are in good condition, while the remainder have suffered morphological changes and different forms of nonpoint source pollution; meanwhile the biodiversity of flora and fauna remains still under threat. Environmental policies do not go far enough so there is a need for revision of the legislation related to environmental impact and the protection of natural areas, flora, and fauna. The promotion of environmental research must be accompanied by environmental education to foster a society which is more knowledgeable, has more control and influence over the decisions that deeply affect it. Indeed, nature conservation goes hand in hand with other social and economic challenges that require a more sustainable vision. Today’s problems with nature derive from the current economic model, which is environmentally unsustainable in that it does not take into account environmental impacts. Lastly, we propose a series of reasonable and feasible priority measures and actions related to each use made of the country’s natural resources, to the impacts they have had, and to their management, in the hope that these can contribute to improving the conservation and management of the environment and biodiversity and move towards sustainability, This research was funded by the Institut d’Estudis Catalans (IEC). With the funding support of the ‘Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence’ accreditation (CEX2019-000928-S), of the Spanish Research Agency (AEI)

Background: Population-based studies investigating the dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic are needed. Here, we report on baseline findings from April through June 2020 of a prospective cohort study in Munich, Germany. Methods: We drew a representative sample of 2994 private households. The 5313 participating household members 14 years and older completed questionnaires and provided blood samples. SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity was defined as Roche N pan-Ig ≥ 0·4218. We adjusted the prevalence for the sampling design, sensitivity, and specificity. We investigated risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity and geospatial transmission patterns by generalized linear mixed models and permutation tests. Findings: Seropositivity for SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies was 1·82% (95% confidence interval (CI) 1·28-2·37%) as compared to 0·46% PCR-positive cases officially registered in Munich. Loss of the sense of smell or taste was associated with seropositivity (odds ratio (OR) 47·4; 95% CI 7·2-307·0) and infections clustered within households. Participants suffering from respiratory allergies (OR 2·7; 95% CI 0·9-8·6) and working in high-risk jobs (OR 2·0; 95% CI 0·5-6·7) showed non-significantly increased odds for SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity. Interpretation: Applying a validated assay, we demonstrate a low SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in the Munich population 14 years and older towards the end of the first pandemic wave. However, we noted official sub-registration at this early stage of the pandemic. Funding: Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts, University Hospital of LMU Munich, Helmholtz Centre Munich, University of Bonn, and University of Bielefeld. Declaration of Interests: FF, TF, DM, LO, and VT report grants from the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts during the conduct oft he study. TF reports grants from the University Hospital of LMU Munich, Helmholtz Center Munich, University of Bonn, University of Bielefeld, and German Ministry for Education and Research during the conduct of the study. JH reports grants from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research during the conduct of the study. MH and AW report personal fees and non-financial support, LO and MP report non-financial support from Roche Diagnostics. MH, LO, MP, and AW report non-financial support from Euroimmun, Viramed, and Mikrogen. MH, MP, and AW report grants, non-financial support, and other from German Center for Infection Research (DZIF). FF, MH, LO, MP, VT, and AW report grants and non-financial support from the Government of Bavaria. MH, LO, MP, and AW report non-financial support from BMW, Mercedes Benz, Munich Police, and Accenture. MH and AW report personal fees and non-financial support from Dr. Box Betrobox during the conduct of the study. LO and MP report non-financial support from Dr. Box Betrobox. MH and AW have a patent Sample System for Sputum Diagnostics of SARS-CoV-2 pending. DM reports to be a a sub-investigator on a Phase I SARS-CoV-2 vaccine trial and on a Phase I rabies vaccine trial, both sponsored by CureVac AG. MP and AW report non-financial support from Dr. Becker MVZ. VT reports support from CureVac AG outside the submitted work. AW reports personal fees and other from Haeraeus Sensors. AW reports non-financial support from Bruker Daltronics outside the submitted work. AW is involved in other different patents and companies not in relation with the serology of SARS-CoV-2. All other authors report nothing to disclose. Ethics Approval Statement: Prior to study initiation, this study had been approved by the respective Institutional Review Board.

BackgroundSerosurveys are essential to understand SARS-CoV-2 exposure and enable population-level surveillance, but currently available tests need further in-depth evaluation. We aimed to identify testing-strategies by comparing seven seroassays in a population-based cohort.MethodsWe analysed 6,658 samples consisting of true-positives (n=193), true-negatives (n=1,091), and specimens of unknown status (n=5,374). For primary testing, we used Euroimmun-Anti-SARS-CoV-2-ELISA-IgA/IgG and Roche-Elecsys-Anti-SARS-CoV-2; and virus-neutralisation, GeneScript®cPass™, VIRAMED-SARS-CoV-2-ViraChip®, and Mikrogen-recomLine-SARS-CoV-2-IgG, including common-cold CoVs, for confirmatory testing. Statistical modelling generated optimised assay cut-off-thresholds.FindingsSensitivity of Euroimmun-anti-S1-IgA was 64.8%, specificity 93.3%; for Euroimmun-anti-S1-IgG, sensitivity was 77.2/79.8% (manufacturer’s/optimised cut-offs), specificity 98.0/97.8%; Roche-anti-N sensitivity was 85.5/88.6%, specificity 99.8/99.7%. In true-positives, mean and median titres remained stable for at least 90-120 days after RT-PCR-positivity. Of true-positives with positive RT-PCR (recomLine-RBD) were >94.9% sensitive, >98.1% specific. Seasonality had limited effects; cross-reactivity with common-cold CoVs 229E and NL63 in SARS-CoV-2 true-positives was significant.ConclusionOptimised cut-offs improved test performances of several tests. Non-reactive serology in true-positives was uncommon. For epidemiological purposes, confirmatory testing with virus-neutralisation may be replaced with GeneScript®cPass™ or recomLine-RBD. Head-to-head comparisons given here aim to contribute to the refinement of testing-strategies for individual and public health use.

Isotope dilution solid phase extraction UPLC-MS/MS has been used to develop a robust and rapid methodology for the determination of eight specific metabolites of organophosphate and pyrethroid pesticides in human urine. The use of methanol:acetone (25:75v/v) affords an improvement in extraction efficiency in comparison to these individual solvents. The use of synthetic urine improves selectivity and limits of detection for the calibration straight lines. The method provides detection limits of 14-69pg/ml and 18-19pg/ml for the organophosphate and pyrethroid metabolites, respectively. Urine analyses of these metabolites in urban non-occupationally exposed individuals and farm workers shows that ingestion of these pesticides occurred in both populations. The concentrations of organophosphate pesticide metabolites in the latter were twofold than those from non-exposed populations.

Phthalates are among the most frequently investigated environmental chemicals influencing children's health and particularly their neuropsychological development. However, the reported effects of these compounds on child behavior, cognitive and psychomotor outcomes are not fully consistent. The aim of this study is to evaluate the associations between prenatal and early postnatal phthalate exposures and child neurodevelopment at age of 7 years. A total of 134 mother-child pairs from Polish Mother and Child Cohort (REPRO_PL) constitute the basis for current analysis. Eleven phthalate metabolites were measured in urine samples collected from mothers in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy and from children at the age of 2 years. Child neuropsychological development at early school age (7 years) was assessed by both the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) filled by mothers and the Polish adaptation of the Intelligence and Development Scales (IDS) performed by psychologists. Mono-ethyl phthalate (MEP) concentration during pregnancy was significantly associated with increased risk of peer relationship problems in SDQ (OR = 2.7, p = 0.03). The results of the IDS analyses focused on child's cognitive and psychomotor development are not fully conclusive. Negative associations were evident between some phthalates in early childhood period and fluid intelligence and cognition (MEP: β = −5.2; p = 0.006; β = −4.2; p = 0.006; mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP): β = −4.9; p = 0.03; β = −4.0; p = 0.03; respectively), while positive associations have been found in the prenatal period (mono-2-ethyl-5-oxo-hexyl phthalate (oxo-MEHP): β = 3.6; p = 0.03 for fluid intelligence; β = 2.9; p = 0.03 for cognition). Further studies are required in order to elucidate which are the most critical periods of phthalate exposure on children's neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Phthalates are a group of widely used chemicals and humans are exposed to them in their daily life. Some phthalates may affect the hormonal balance in both children and adults. The aim of this study was to assess the phthalate exposure and its determinants among children at age of 7 years from the Polish Mother and Child Cohort Study (REPRO_PL). 250 urine samples collected in 2014–2015 were analysed for 21 metabolites of 11 parent phthalates using on-line high performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). This represents the most extensive set of phthalate metabolites ever determined for Poland. Ten metabolites were quantifiable in 100% of the samples, another eight in >90%. The highest median concentrations were found for the primary monoester metabolites of di-iso-butyl (MiBP, 72.4 μg/l), di-n-butyl (MnBP, 56.3 μg/l) and diethyl (MEP, 42.0 μg/l) phthalate, followed by the sum of di-2-ethylhexyl (ΣDEHP, 89.3 μg/l) and di-iso-nonyl (ΣDiNP, 21.9 μg/l) phthalate metabolites. Metabolite concentrations were higher in children at 7 years than in the same children at age 2 or in their mothers during pregnancy. Generally, phthalate exposures in this study were much higher than exposures reported in other European populations. Multivariate regression models showed that body mass index, place of residence, breastfeeding duration, socio-economic status and parental education were associated with the metabolite levels in the 7-year old children. Daily intake and hazard index calculations revealed that a small percentage of children (around 3–10%) exceeded the tolerable daily intakes established by international institutions such as EFSA and U.S. EPA indicating that these children might be at risk of anti-androgenic effects from the individual and cumulative exposure to phthalates. Thus, further monitoring of this population, by educational programs and follow-up interventions, is required. Keywords: Birth cohort, Children, Daily intake, Hazard risk, Phthalate metabolites, Poland

Chemical compounds such as arsenic, mercury and organochlorine pesticides have been extensively used as preventive and curative conservation treatments for cultural and biological collections to protect them from pest and mold infestations. Most of the aforementioned compounds have been classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic and represent a health risk for members of staff exposed to contaminated objects. The present study addresses the internal exposure of 28 museum employees in Museum fur Naturkunde Berlin by measuring arsenic species and mercury in urine as well as hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (α-HCH, β-HCH, γ-HCH), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (4,4′-DDT) and its main metabolite, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (4,4′-DDE), and pentachlorophenol (PCP) in blood serum. This study was carried out in order to assess the internal exposure of Natural History Museum staff members to toxic metals and organochlorine pesticides. During a working week, two blood samples and five urine samples were taken from each participant, involving 8 women and 20 men. Information about work activity and exposure related factors such as dust development through work, use of personal protective equipment, as well as a nutrition diary were obtained through a questionnaire. Information on fish and seafood intakes as well as amalgam fillings was also available. The results of the study showed that the museum staff members had quantified concentrations of arsenic (median of 6.4 μg/l; maximum of 339 μg/l), mercury (median of 0.20 μg/l; max of 2.6 μg/l), β-HCH (median of 0.12 μg/l; max of 0.39 μg/l) and 4,4′-DDT (median of 0.050 μg/l; max of 0.82 μg/l). Despite that all the concentrations were below the established reference values, multivariate regression models were able to show that museum staff members are currently exposed to the aforementioned compounds while handling museum objects. To validate our findings, further studies are required.

Some phthalates are known endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC). They are widely present in the environment thus their impact on children’s health is of particular scientific interest. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between phthalate exposure and neurodevelopmental outcomes, in particular behavioral, cognitive and psychomotor development, in 250 early school age children from the Polish Mother and Child Cohort (REPRO_PL). Urine samples were collected at the time of children’s neurodevelopmental assessment and were analysed for 21 metabolites of 11 parent phthalates. Behavioral and emotional problems were assessed by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) filled in by the mothers. To assess children’s cognitive and psychomotor development, Polish adaptation of the Intelligence and Development Scales (IDS) was administered. The examination was performed by trained psychologists. Dimethyl phthalate (DMP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP) were the two phthalates showing the highest statistically significant associations, with higher total difficulties scores (β = 1.5, 95% CI 0.17; 2.7; β = 1.5, 95% CI 0.25; 2.8, respectively) as well as emotional symptoms and hyperactivity/inattention problems for DnBP (β = 0.46, 95% CI -0.024; 0.94; β = 0.72, 95% CI 0.065; 1.4, respectively), and peer relationships problems for DMP (β = 0.37, 95% CI -0.013; 0.76). In addition, DnBP and DMP have been found to be negatively associated with fluid IQ (β = −0.14, 95% CI -0.29; 0.0041) and crystallized IQ (β = −0.16, 95% CI -0.29; −0.025), respectively. In the case of mathematical skills, three phthalates, namely DMP (β = −0.17, 95% CI -0.31; −0.033), DEP (β = −0.16, 95% CI -0.29; −0.018) and DnBP (β = −0.14, 95% CI -0.28; 0.0012), have also shown statistically significant associations. This study indicates that exposure to some phthalates seems to be associated with adverse effects on behavioral and cognitive development of early school age children. Further action including legislation, educational and interventional activities to protect this vulnerable population is still needed.

Background/aim Organophosphate (OP) and pyrethroid (PYR) pesticides have a strong potential to disrupt the brain and nervous system of insects. This neurotoxic effect is not highly selective and therefore the compounds are also toxic to other non-target species, including humans. Once in the human body, OP and PYR pesticides are typically metabolised and excreted in urine within 4–48 hours after exposure. Methods A new analytical methodology for the quantification of OP and PYR urinary metabolites has been developed taking into account the wide range of concentrations of these compounds in humans from general and highly exposed populations (e.g. rural or agricultural areas). Six biomarkers of OP pesticides and two biomarkers of PYR compounds have been quantified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). This methodology has been externally checked-out by participation in rounds of the G-Equas programme. A total of 125 urine samples from two adult Spanish populations have been analysed: farmworkers (n=45) and individuals living in urban and rural areas (n=80) from Catalonia and Galicia. Results The most abundant OP metabolites were PNP (metabolite of parathion and methyl paration, found in all samples analysed), followed by TCPY (metabolite of chlorpyrifos, found in 95% of the samples) and DEAMPY (metabolite of pirimiphos, 77% of detection), with median concentrations of 1.8 ng/ml, 1.1 ng/ml and 3.2 ng/ml, respectively. None of the samples had MDA (metabolite of malathion), and a few of them ( Concerning PYR metabolites, 3-PBA (metabolite of several commercial pyrethroids) was found in 81% of the samples (median concentration of 1.5 ng/ml) and 4-F-3-PBA (metabolite of cyfluthrin) was found in half of the cohort, with a median concentration of 0.076 ng/ml. Conclusion Metabolites of OP and PYR pesticides were observed in both farmworkers and general populations living in rural and urban areas, the former showing twofold average concentrations of OP metabolites than the second. These differences are consistent with occupational activity. The results show that both populations are generally exposed to pesticides such as chlorpyriphos, pirimiphos and parathion.

Background/aim Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are man-made chemical compounds usually produced for agricultural and industrial applications, and possess notable toxicity potential and persistence, hence posing a threat to humans and the environment. Exposure to POPs has been related to increased risk of some diseases such as diabetis and most recently, Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). Methods Metabolic Syndrome is a group of risk factors characterised by central obesity, dyslipidemia, glucose intolerance and arterial hyperthension. The relationships between POPs and MetS are, however, not well established yet. Moreover, the relationships between POPs and lipid-related factors such as the body mass index (BMI) or blood cholesterol and tryglicerides can unmask the real associations between concentrations of POPs and MetS. Different statistical methodologies have been used to assess the relationships between exposure to POPs and MetS, including generalised linear modelling (GLM), environment-wide association studies (EWAS) and mediated models, a kind of structural equation modelling (SEM). Results This research assesses the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in a Mediterranean general population (that of Catalonia, in Southern Europe, n=919) against a set of persistent organic pollutants, including organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) and polybromodiphenyl ethers (PBDEs), using several statistical approaches. The models were additionally adjusted by several covariates such as age, sex, social class, educational level, physical exercise, smoking habit and alcohol consumption. Alike GLM or EWAS, mediated models allowed to take into account mutual confounding effects between variables in both sides of the equation, including age, sex, the BMI and blood lipid content. Those variables had also an effect in the accumulation patterns of POPs in human populations. Conclusion Using structural equation modelling, several organochlorine pesticides (including hexachlorobenzene, beta- and gamma-HCHs and 4,4’-DDE) and one polychlorobiphenyl (PCB-118) have been found to be strongly associated with Metabolic Syndrome. Also the OCPs alpha-HCH and 4,4’-DDT, and the PBDE congeners’ 66 and 71 have shown an association with MetS, but to a lower degree (90% of probability).

The European Union's 7th Framework Programme (EU's FP7) project HEALS - Health and Environment-wide Associations based on Large Population Surveys - aims a refinement of the methodology to elucidate the human exposome. Human biomonitoring (HBM) provides a valuable tool for understanding the magnitude of human exposure from all pathways and sources. However, availability of specific biomarkers of exposure (BoE) is limited. The objective was to summarize the availability of BoEs for a broad range of environmental stressors and exposure determinants and corresponding reference and exposure limit values and biomonitoring equivalents useful for unraveling the exposome using the framework of environment-wide association studies (EWAS). In a face-to-face group discussion, scope, content, and structure of the HEALS deliverable "Guidelines for appropriate BoE selection for EWAS studies" were determined. An expert-driven, distributed, narrative review process involving around 30 individuals of the HEALS consortium made it possible to include extensive information targeted towards the specific characteristics of various environmental stressors and exposure determinants. From the resulting 265 page report, targeted information about BoE, corresponding reference values (e.g., 95th percentile or measures of central tendency), exposure limit values (e.g., the German HBM I and II values) and biomonitoring equivalents (BEs) were summarized and updated. 64 individual biological, chemical, physical, psychological and social environmental stressors or exposure determinants were included to fulfil the requirements of EWAS. The list of available BoEs is extensive with a number of 135; however, 12 of the stressors and exposure determinants considered do not leave any measurable specific substance in accessible body specimens. Opportunities to estimate the internal exposure stressors not (yet) detectable in human specimens were discussed. Data about internal exposures are useful to decode the exposome. The paper provides extensive information for EWAS. Information included serves as a guideline - snapshot in time without any claim to comprehensiveness - to interpret HBM data and offers opportunities to collect information about the internal exposure of stressors if no specific BoE is available. This work has received funding from the European Union's Seventh Programme for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement No. 603946 (Health and Environment-wide Associations based on Large population Surveys, HEALS). All HEALS partners involved in the discussion of deliverable 4.2 during the annual HEALS meeting in Edinburgh, UK, on September 16, 2014, are grate-fully acknowledged. Special thanks go to our colleagues outside WP4 and outside HEALS who reviewed chapters of their expertise: Thank you, Tomislav Bituh, Danijela Š timac, and Matthias Weigl.

The occurrence of organohalogen compounds in venous serum from post-partum mothers from two Argentinian cities, Salta and Ushuaia, has been investigated (n = 698). 4,4'-DDE was the most abundant compound in these cities, with geometric means of 33 and 67ng/g lipid weight, respectively. City of residence, age and parity were the main determinants of the accumulation of these compounds. Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) was the second most abundant pollutant in Ushuaia, 8.7ng/g lipid, and β-hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH) in Salta, 7.8ng/g lipid. Decabromodiphenyl ether was higher in Ushuaia than Salta, 8.2 and 4.1ng/g lipid, respectively. The predominance of β-HCH, 4,4'-DDE and 4,4'-DDT in Salta was related with higher use of pesticides for agricultural applications. The observed higher concentrations of 4,4'-DDE and 4,4'-DDT in the mothers from rural+semi-urban sites than in urban areas were consistent with this agricultural origin. In addition, the most volatile organochlorine compounds included in this study, HCB and α-HCH, were mainly found in Ushuaia. The concentrations of the studied organohalogen pollutants in Argentina were lower than those found in other similar studies which is consistent with the location of these cities in the southern hemisphere. Age, mainly for 4,4'-DDE and polychlorobiphenyl (PCB) congeners 138, 153 and 180, and parity, mainly for HCB, β-HCH, 4,4'-DDT and PCB congener 118, were the second main determinants of the concentrations of these compounds. Gestational weight gain also influenced on the maternal levels of HCB, β-HCH, 4,4'-DDT and PCB congeners 118, 138 and 153. Higher weight accumulation during pregnancy involved dilution of these persistent pollutants. Body mass index (BMI) was a statistically significant determinant for 4,4'-DDT, α-HCH and PCB congeners 153 and 180. The observed direct correspondence between higher BMI and 4,4'-DDT concentrations was in agreement with the above reported inputs related with agricultural applications. The reverse correspondence of BMI with α-HCH and the PCB congeners indicated higher dilution at higher weight increase.

The present study reports total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations in 32 different lean fish species from the Western Mediterranean Sea, with a special focus on the Balearic Islands. The concentrations of THg ranged between 0.05 mg/kg ww and 3.1 mg/kg ww (mean 0.41 mg/kg ww). A considerable number of the most frequently fish species consumed by the Spanish population exceed the maximum levels proposed by the European legislation when they originate from the Mediterranean Sea, such as dusky grouper (100% of the examined specimens), common dentex (65%), conger (45%), common sole (38%), hake (26%) and angler (15%), among others. The estimated weekly intakes (EWI) in children (7–12 years of age) and adults from the Spanish population (2.7 µg/kg bw and 2.1 µg/kg bw, respectively) for population only consuming Mediterranean fish were below the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) of THg established by EFSA in 2012, 4 µg/kg bw. However, the equivalent estimations for methylmercury, involving PTWI of 1.3 µg/kg bw, were two times higher in children and above 50% in adults. For hake, sole, angler and dusky grouper, the most frequently consumed fish, the estimated weekly intakes in both children and adults were below the maximum levels accepted. These intakes correspond to maximum potential estimations because fish from non-Mediterranean origin is often consumed by the Spanish population including the one from the Balearic Islands.

In this research the levels of organochlorine compounds (OCs) and mercury (Hg) in several food items from Menorca Island were presented. The dietary exposure assessment was performed in children population from the island. Finally, body burden of OCs and Hg in these infants were associated with their dietary intakes of the selected food items. The dietary exposure to persistent pollutants by children population from Menorca Island was assessed. The concentrations of 11 organochlorine pesticides, 6 polychlorinated biphenils (PCBs) and 1 inorganic toxic element, Hg, were determined in 46 food samples that included fish, shellfish, meat, fruit, vegetables, cheese and eggs, which were acquired in local markets and department stores in the Menorca Island. The most contaminated food items were fish and shellfish, followed by meat and cheese products. OC levels were similar or lower than in other previous studies. However, 66% of the analysed fish and shellfish species for Hg exceeded the human consumption safety limits according to the European Union Legislation. Pollutant data from food was combined with the pattern of consumption of these foodstuffs in order to calculate the estimated daily intake (EDI) of these contaminants. According to our results, fish and fruit were the main sources of OCs to the EDIs (contributing to 37% and 29%, respectively) while fish and shellfish were the main sources of Hg (76% and 17%). The estimated EDIs of OCs were well below to the reported FAO/WHO Tolerable Intakes. However, estimated weekly intake of Hg would exceed the Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake indicated by EFSA in the case that the only fish and seafood source would be from the central western Mediterranean. Direct associations between fish/shellfish consumption and hair concentrations of Hg and fish and meat consumption and 4,4'-DDT concentrations in venous serum in the Menorcan children were observed.

Environmental exposures need to be assessed for the understanding of the health risks of general population. Organochlorine compounds (OCs) from chlor-alkali plants (CAPs) are significant for the exposomes of individuals living in locations receiving their emissions and have to be determined. The aims of the study are to identify the area of influence of past and present OC emissions from CAPs and to set quantitative body burden estimates. A CAP situated in a rural area was selected for study. The geographic distribution of the atmospheric emissions was monitored using olive tree leaves. Human biomonitoring was assessed by serum analysis from general population (n= 1340). OC concentrations followed exponential decay functions with maxima in the immediate vicinity of the factory. The individuals living within 1. km exhibited hexachlorobenzene (HCB), polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) and DDT-DDE (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene) concentrations that were 12, 1.3-1.9 and 3.9 times higher than in sites not influenced by the emissions from this factory. Individuals from municipalities situated 15-25. km away from the CAP showed 1.5, 1.2-1.4 and 1.3 times higher serum HCB, PCB and DDT concentrations than in distant sites. The high serum concentrations of DDT and PCBs were observed even 23-31. years and 9-17. years after manufacture completion of these compounds, respectively. Our methodology provides a way for assessment of the influence of past and present atmospheric OCs emissions from CAPs into the exposome of individuals living in nearby areas., a Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Spanish Council for Scientific Research (CSIC), Jordi Girona, 18, 08034 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain b Department of Applied Environmental Science (ITM) and the Bert Bolin Centre for Climate Research, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden c Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Dr Aiguader, 88, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain d Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Dr Aiguader, 88, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

Introduction: HEALS (online access: www.heals- eu.eu) aims to refine an integrated approach to perform environment-wide association studies (EWAS) to explain the exposome for an improved understanding of the links between the genome, and disease. HEALS is at present the largest EU project on this issue. Guidelines for biomarkers of exposure (BoE) were developed to characterize internal exposures in EWAS. Methods: Fact sheets about the human biomonitoring (HBM) of selected environmental stressors were provided using >800 references in an expert-driven, distributed, narrative review process. Information regarding chemistry, effects on biological systems, exposure routes, absorption, elimination, reference values and specimens for analysis were collected. Chemical, physical, biological, social and psychological stressors were included to fulfil the requirements of EWAS. Results: Fact sheets for 56 stressors were created. While BoE are available for stressor groups like chemicals (metals, organic contaminants, mixtures, etc.), others, including electromagnetic fields, noise or UV light, do not leave any measurable substance in accessible body specimens. Some stressors cannot be measured directly but their metabolites can be analysed. The relative importance of the considered stressors was determined by a list of priorities based on science based evidence. Conclusions: In an extensive review considering various kinds of environmental stressors, strength and limitations regarding the identification of internal exposures using HBM were identified. Identifying research gaps about BoE and summarizing evidence about the importance of these stressors improves the basis for policy- making to safe human health. This work has received funding from the European Union?s Seventh Programme for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement No 603946 (Health and Environment-wide Associations based on Large population Surveys, HEALS).

This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial License which permits any noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author(s) and source are credited., [Introduction] We report on the analysis of 4,4′-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (4,4′-DDT) and its metabolites in thatch and branch samples constituting the wall materials of dwellings from South African subtropical areas. This approach was used to assess the exposure to DDT in the residents of the dwellings after indoor residual spraying (IRS) following recommended sanitation practices against malaria vectors., [Discussion] Examination of the distributions of DDT compounds (2,4′-DDT, 4,4′-DDT and its metabolites) in 43 dwellings from the area of Manhiça (Mozambique) has shown median concentrations of 19, 130, and 23 ng/g for 2,4′-DDT, 4,4′-DDT, and 4,4′-DDE, respectively, in 2007 when IRS implementation was extensive. The concentrations of these compounds at the onset of the IRS campaign (n = 48) were 5. 5, 47, and 2. 2 ng/g, respectively. The differences were statistically significant and showed an increase in the concentration of this insecticide and its metabolites. Calculation of 4,4′-DDT in the indoor air resulting from the observed concentrations in the wall materials led to the characteristic values of environments polluted with this insecticide. © 2011 The Author(s)., Funding was received from MICINN (INMA G03/176, Consolider Ingenio GRACCIE, CSD2007-00067), CSIC (PIF06-053), and ArcRisk EU Project (FP7-ENV-2008-1-226534).

This study describes the relationship between physical activity and intake of trihalomethanes (THMs), namely chloroform (CHCl3), bromodichloromethane (CHCl2Br), dibromochloromethane (CHClBr2) and bromoform (CHBr3), in individuals exposed in two indoor swimming pools which used different disinfection agents, chlorine (Cl-SP) and bromine (Br-SP). CHCl3 and CHBr3 were the dominant compounds in air and water of the Cl-SP and Br-SP, respectively. Physical exercise was assessed from distance swum and energy expenditure. The changes in exhaled breath concentrations of these compounds were measured from the differences after and before physical activity.A clear dependence between distance swum or energy expenditure and exhaled breath THM concentrations was observed. The statistically significant relationships involved higher THM concentrations at higher distances swum. However, air concentration was the major factor determining the CHCl3 and CHCl2Br intake in swimmers whereas distance swum was the main factor for CHBr3 intake. These two causes of THM incorporation into swimmers concurrently intensify the concentrations of these compounds into exhaled breath and pointed to inhalation as primary mechanism for THM uptake. Furthermore, the rates of THM incorporation were proportionally higher as higher was the degree of bromination of the THM species. This trend suggested that air-water partition mechanisms in the pulmonary system determined higher retention of the THM compounds with lower Henry's Law volatility constants than those of higher constant values. Inhalation is therefore the primary mechanisms for THM exposure of swimmers in indoor buildings. © 2015 Elsevier Inc., Financial supportfromPISCINA(SAF2005-07643-CO3-02), Expo-Cov (CTM2012-39298)andConsolider-Ingenio(CSD2007-00067)ProjectsfromtheSpanishMinistriesofResearchandDe- velopmentandEconomyandCompetitivenessand(LIFE12ENV/GR/001040)andHEALS(FP7-ENV-2013-603946)fromtheEuropean Unionisacknowledged.WealsothanktheINMACooperativeResearchNetwork.CLthankstheCSIC-BancodeSantander agreementforaPhDfellowship.

Introduction: The aims of the present study are to assess the temporal trends of organochlorine compounds (OCs) concentrations and total serum burdens from birth until adolescence and the influence of breastfeeding in these temporal trends. Methods: In 1997 two birth cohort studies were set up in Ribera d'Ebre (N=102) and the island of Menorca (N=482), Spain. Concentrations (ng/mL) of OCs [pentachlorobenzene (PeCB), four isomers of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (4,4'-DDT), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (4,4'-DDE) and seven polychlorobiphenyl congeners (σ7PCBs)] were measured in cord blood and at the age of 4 and 14years. The total serum burdens (ng) of these compounds were estimated based on the total blood volume (mL) of children at the different ages. We compared median concentrations and total serum burdens of these OCs at the different time-points of follow-up between children of Ribera d'Ebre and Menorca and between breastfed and non-breastfed children. Results: From birth until adolescence concentrations of all OCs drastically reduced. These reductions were mainly derived from the dilution of OCs, associated to an increase in total blood volume of children at the age of 4 and 14years. Despite the reduction in OCs concentrations, the total serum burdens of 4,4'-DDE and σ7PCBs, were higher in adolescents than at birth. Increases in OCs total serum burden occurred both in breastfed and non-breastfed children, but were significantly higher in the first. Conclusions: Even after decades of banning OCs production and use, current young generations in westernized countries are still bioaccumulating these compounds. Given the potential health effects of OCs, especial attention should be paid in the control of secondary emissions in the environment and in the control of food production and contamination. In countries with endemic malaria it is important to work towards effective alternatives to the use of DDT. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd., This study was supported by grants from the Spanish Ministry of Health (FIS-97/1102, FIS 97/0588, 00/0021-2, PI061756, PS0901958 and FIS PS09/00362), the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Red INMA G03/176 and CB06/02/0041), Fundació La Caixa (97/009-00 and 00/077-00), and the Generalitat de Catalunya-CIRIT 1999SGR 00241. Finally, the authors would like to be grateful to the families in Flix and Menorca participating in the study, to the high school management team of Flix for their interest and collaboration, and to Rosa Maria Sabaté, the nurse of the health center of Flix, for her support and commitment.

Polybromodiphenyl ethers (PBDEs), including the decabromodiphenyl congener (BDE-209), were determined in the serum of 731 individuals from a general adult population (18-74. years) collected in 2002 in Catalonia (north-eastern Spain). The BDE-209 was the predominant congener (median 3.7. ng/g lipid) followed by BDE-47 (2.6. ng/g lipid) and BDE-99 (1.2. ng/g lipid). PBDEs in this population (median 15.4. ng/g lipid) ranked amongst the highest of previously described concentrations in populations in Europe, Asia, New Zealand and Australia, yet it was lower than those found in North American reports. Age was clearly the socio-demographic factor of highest influence on the PBDE distributions. However, unlike usual trends of higher accumulation of POPs through age, the higher concentrations were found in young individuals (< 30. years) rather than in adults (≥ 30. years), with differences of 14%, 31% and 46% in the most abundant congeners (i.e. BDE-209, BDE-99 and BDE-47, respectively). This age-dependent distribution of PBDEs (including the case for BDE-209, which is shown for the first time in this study) is explained by the higher and widespread use of these compounds since the 1980s. In view that these compounds remain highly used, this accumulation pattern is likely to evolve, anticipating an increasing level of PBDE concentrations in future general population surveys, yet probably assuming an age-dependent increase pattern. Socio-economic level was also a determinant of BDE-47 concentrations, but only relevant for the least affluent class, suggesting that lifestyle and environmental conditions in the dwelling place may also contribute to exposure. Nonetheless, gender, body mass index, place of birth, parity and education level did not show any statistically significant influence on the observed PBDE distributions. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved., This study was funded by the Department of Health of the Government of Catalonia, the Foundation La Marató de TV3 (grant No. 090431), the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (Consolider Ingenio GRACCIE, CSD2007-00067) and the EU funded project ArcRisk (FP7-ENV-2008-1-226534). The paper was also sponsored by the research group 2009SGR1178 from the Government of Catalonia. M.C. is grateful for a grant from the JAE Predoctoral program (CSIC). R. Chaler, D. Fanjul and M. Comesaña are thanked for their kind support with the GC–MS analyses.

Introduction POP biomonitoring programs are useful for exposure assessment, to analyze patterns, and to evaluate policies. However, population-representative surveys are scarce and heterogeneous. Reports on time trends in representative samples using the same methods are rare. Objectives To analyze the distribution of serum concentrations of 19 POPs in the general population of Barcelona city in 2006, and to compare it with the distribution in 2002. Methods 231 participants in the Barcelona Health Survey were interviewed face-to-face, gave blood, and underwent a physical exam. Density plots (“POP Geoffrey Rose curves”) were used to represent the full population distribution of each compound. Results Eight POPs were each detected in > 80% of the study subjects: p,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDE, PCB congeners 118, 138, 153 and 180, HCB and β-HCH. The minimum number of POPs detected in one person was 5, and 72% of the population accumulated ≥ 10 compounds. p,p′-DDE and HCB showed the highest concentrations (median = 219 and 109 ng/g lipid, respectively). Concentrations decreased by 34–56% from 2002 to 2006. The decrease was similar in women and men, and in all age groups/birth cohorts. It was larger with increasing BMI; for p,p′-DDT, HCB and β-HCH the decrease in obese individuals was 31–44 percentage points larger than in subjects with normal weight. The distribution of POP concentrations was always switched towards higher values in women than men. POP levels also differed significantly by age, body mass index, weight gain, birth place and social class, but not by parity and breastfeeding. The two younger cohorts had a higher DDT/DDE ratio than the oldest cohort. Conclusion Although human POP contamination remains common in the city of Barcelona, concentrations decreased significantly in 4 years. Our approach suggests innovative ways to conceive, analyze and present results for other monitoring programs.

Although virtually all populations worldwide are commonly exposed to numerous persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and human concentrations vary widely, only a few countries conduct nationwide surveillance programs of POP concentrations in representative samples of the general population., Departament of Health of the Government of Catalonia; ‘Red temática de investigación cooperativa de centros en Cáncer’ (C03/10); ‘Red temática de investigación cooperativa de centros en Epidemiología y salud pública’ (C03/09); and CIBER de Epidemiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministry of Health, Government of Spain.

A method for the calculation of the limits of detection (LD) and quantification (LQ) for the analysis of organochlorine compounds in serum is described. The method is based on the analysis of proficiency testing materials, an external quality assessment for selected pollutants, and the study of the signal/noise ratio of chromatograms obtained from GC-ECD injection. This method provides representative results for matrix effects, instrumental variability and extraction recoveries in the analysis of serum samples., This research was supported by the research network INMA (G03/176) and the GRACCIE Consolider Ingenio Network (CSD2007-00067). MG thanks a grant from the Spanish Council for Scientific Research (CSIC) in the JAE-Predoctoral Program. We thank P. Alabart for her kind support with GC-ECD analyses.

An integrated assessment of lean fish of commercial value as Hg and organochlorine compound source into the population of the Balearic Islands were reported. Dependences between pollutant concentrations, trophic level, fish species, specimen weight and physical-chemical properties were evaluated. Hg and total DDTs showed highest variability between fish species whereas PCBs and HCB displayed more constant median values. The organochlorine compounds found in highest concentrations were those with highest hydrophobicity, consistently with their higher bioaccumulation potential. These pollutant concentrations were higher in Mediterranean than Atlantic fish. Higher median total DDT and PCBs concentrations were also observed in the third than the second trophic level species. The observed concentrations were below the threshold recommended by the EU for human consumption (75ng/g wet weight). The Hg concentrations were higher in Mediterranean than Atlantic fish, with average values of 1.5μg/g ww and 0.43μg/g ww, respectively. Forty-one percent of the specimens from the Mediterranean and 25% of dusky grouper specimens from the Atlantic Ocean showed Hg concentrations above the EU recommended limits for human consumption, either 0.5μg/g ww or 1μg/g ww. In the third trophic level, a significant dependence between median Hg concentrations and weight of each studied species was observed, which remained significant in specimen weight correlations. Independent species correlations of Hg concentrations vs individual weight generally showed higher concentrations at higher weight. Weight/size of the individuals was therefore an important factor for Hg accumulation but the trend was modulated by a species effect. Extrapolation of the observed Hg concentrations in Mediterranean fish to Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intakes (PTWIs) showed higher intakes than the thresholds recommended by EFSA for adults and children, 110% and 140%, respectively. The estimated PTWIs for MeHg corresponded to 310% and 400% of the recommended threshold values. The PTWI values for organochlorine compounds were lower than those recommended.

An integrated assessment of lean fish of commercial value as Hg and organochlorine compound source into thepopulation of the Balearic Islands were reported. Dependences between pollutant concentrations, trophic level,fish species, specimen weight and physical-chemical properties were evaluated. Hg and total DDTs showed highest variability between fish species whereas PCBs and HCB displayed more constantmedian values. The organochlorine compounds found in highest concentrations were those with highesthydrophobicity, consistently with their higher bioaccumulation potential. These pollutant concentrations werehigher inMediterranean than Atlantic fish. Higher median total DDT and PCBs concentrations were also observedin the third than the second trophic level species. The observed concentrations were below the threshold recommendedby the EU for human consumption (75 ng/g wet weight). The Hg concentrations were higher inMediterranean than Atlantic fish, with average values of 1.5 μg/g ww and0.43 μg/g ww, respectively. Forty-one percent of the specimens from the Mediterranean and 25% of dusky grouperspecimens from the Atlantic Ocean showed Hg concentrations above the EU recommended limits for humanconsumption, either 0.5 μg/g ww or 1 μg/g ww. In the third trophic level, a significant dependence between median Hg concentrations and weight of each studiedspecies was observed, which remained significant in specimen weight correlations. Independent species correlationsof Hg concentrations vs individual weight generally showed higher concentrations at higher weight. Weight/size of the individuals was therefore an important factor for Hg accumulation but the trend was modulatedby a species effect.