Abstract
ABSTRACTSeveral ongoing international multidisciplinary projects have examined linkages between environmental chemicals and health. In contrast to Arctic regions, information for the Southern Hemisphere is scarce. Because of the inherent practice of pesticide utilisation and mismanagement, food security is potentially threatened. The most vulnerable period in human life occurs during pregnancy and early childhood, thus a focus on the body burdens of PTS in pregnant or delivering women is warranted. The current study was designed to investigate health risks related to exposure to PTS and food security in two regions of Argentina (Ushuaia and Salta). Our aims were to quantify concentrations of organic and inorganic toxins in serum or whole blood of delivering women and to collect pertinent dietary and medical information. The overall study design, the basic demographic features and essential clinical chemistry findings are described in the current paper. The socioeconomic differences between the two study areas were evident. On average, the women in Ushuaia were 4 years older than those in Salta (28.8 vs. 24.7 years). Respectively, the proportion of current smokers was 4.5 vs. 9.6%; and Salta had a higher birth rate, with 15.6% being para four or more. Saltanean women reported longer breastfeeding periods. Caesarean sections were more frequent in Ushuaia, with 43% of Caesarean deliveries compared with only 6% in Salta. Employment was high in both communities. Recognised environmental pollution sources in the vicinity of participant dwellings were widespread in Salta (56.1%) compared to Ushuaia (9%). The use of pesticides for insect control in homes was most common in Salta (80%). There is an urgent need for a comprehensive assessment of exposures in areas of the Southern Hemisphere. Our data set and the planned publications of observed concentrations of inorganic and organic environmental contaminants in both mothers and their newborns will contribute to this objective.
Highlights
A number of persistent toxic substances (PTS), such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and certain toxic metals, are recognised as being responsible for adverse development and health effects in children [1,2,3,4,5]
In the current paper we describe the framework for an AMAP-compatible study that was given the acronym EMASAR (Estudio del Medio Ambiente y la Salud Reproductiva – Study on Environment and Reproductive Health)
Some personal and obstetrical characteristics of the women and the pregnancy outcomes in the study are presented in Tables 1 and 2, respectively
Summary
A number of persistent toxic substances (PTS), such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and certain toxic metals (especially cadmium, lead and mercury), are recognised as being responsible for adverse development and health effects in children [1,2,3,4,5]. Foetuses and newborns are sensitive to the toxic effects of certain metals and organochlorine environmental pollutants that are resistant to degradation – they have long environmental life times (often in years). Due to their bioaccumulation along the food chain, the diet has become the primary source for humans. Foetal exposure occurs via the umbilical cord, while for breast-fed infants mother’s milk can constitute a primary source. The levels of PTS in maternal blood during pregnancy usually constitute a measure of the potential foetal risk. Of particular concern are long-term negative impacts on a child’s mental development, immunity to disease, and future reproductive health and cancer risk
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