Pharmacology, Toxicology and Environmental Health Commons^™

Thyroid Function And Perfluoroalkyl Acids In Children Living Near A Chemical Plant, Maria-Jose Lopez-Espinosa, Debapriya Mondal, Ben Armstrong, Michael S. Bloom, Tony Fletcher

Environmental Health Sciences Faculty Scholarship

Background: Animal studies suggest that some perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), including perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) may impair thyroid function. Epidemiological findings, mostly related to adults, are inconsistent.

Objectives: We investigated whether concentrations of PFAAs were associated with thyroid function among 10,725 children (1–17 years of age) living near a Teflon manufacturing facility in the Mid-Ohio Valley (USA).

Methods: Serum levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), total thyroxine (TT4), and PFAAs were measured during 2005–2006, and information on diagnosed thyroid disease was collected by questionnaire. Modeled in utero PFOA concentrations were based on historical information on PFOA releases, …

Association Between Chemical Constituents Of Particulate Matter And Cardiovascular And Respiratory Morbidities In Nys, Rena Jones

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Improved understanding of health risks from short- and long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) constituents may explain seasonal and geographic heterogeneity in PM_{2.5-health associations and inform control efforts targeting PM sources. Few studies have examined PM species health effects; most have been limited by their exposure assessments and modeling approaches. The goals of this project were to improve the PM exposure assessment and explore relationships between PM2.5 species and health in acute and chronic contexts.}

Seafood Consumption And Use Of Asian Herbal Preparation As A Source Of Exposure To Multiple Trace Elements In The Study Of Metals And Assisted Reproductive Technologies (Smart), Dongsul Kim

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

As, Cd, Cs, Hg, Pb, and Zn may be associated with in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. Seafood and Asian herbal preparations are identified as sources of exposure to these essential and non-essential trace elements in humans. The goal of the study is to assess associations between seafood consumption and the use of Asian herbal preparations and levels of essential and non-essential trace elements in biologic specimens collected from couples undergoing IVF. Fifty-nine couples completing a first IVF cycle at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Center for Reproductive Health were recruited to participate in the Study of Metals and …

Short-Term Associations Between Pm2.5, Black Carbon, Delta-C, And Cardiovascular Diseases In A Large Developing Megacity, Daniel Malashock

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Introduction: Association between ambient air pollution and cardiovascular disease (CVD) have been demonstrated by many epidemiological studies in developed countries, however few studies have been performed in developing countries of Asia.

Trace Element Analysis Of Environmental And Clinical Materials Using Novel Instrumentation Based On X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry : New Capabilities For Public Health Laboratories, Kathryn G. Mcintosh

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry is a well-established analytical technique for determining the elemental content of many different materials. XRF has long been used for public health applications, particularly for identifying lead-based paint hazards. The primary advantage of XRF over other atomic spectrometric techniques is that it is nondestructive. In addition, little sample preparation is required, so results are obtained rapidly and at low cost. The principal aim of this study was to characterize the utility and reliability of current XRF instrumentation for use in the environmental health sciences. Interest in the use of XRF for detecting lead in children's toys …

Evaluation Of The Short- And Long- Term Drinking Water Sustainability Programs For Point Water Sources And Public Water Supplies (Pws) In Developing Countries : Case Study Of Uganda, Shedrack R. Nayebare

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Providing quantity and quality potable water in Uganda and other developing countries is still significantly problematic. This project aimed at identifying and prioritizing possible actions on how sustainable and high quality potable water in Uganda's water supply systems could be improved. A review of both the current water supply systems and Ugandan government programs was completed in an effort to describe the existing state of Uganda's water supply. Aspects of quantity, quality, treatment methods, infrastructure, storage and distribution of water for the different water systems were assessed. These characteristics were compared to water supply systems and regulations in the U.S., …

Occupational Exposure And Risk Of Skin Cancer In A Multinational European Study, Simona Surdu

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) comprise more than one third of all cancers, and are increasing worldwide. The most common NMSC are Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC). Studies on humans and animals suggest that sunlight and arsenic play important roles in the pathogenesis of these skin malignancies. However, the number of epidemiological studies focusing on NMSC in workers exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation or airborne arsenic is limited, and the findings are contradictory.