Methylmercury (MeHg) is a well-known neurotoxic agent, and consumption of contaminated fish is th... more Methylmercury (MeHg) is a well-known neurotoxic agent, and consumption of contaminated fish is the principal environmental source of MeHg exposure in humans. Children are more susceptible to adverse effects than adults. No previous specific data exist for intake by Finnish children of methylmercury from fish. We estimated fish consumption and MeHg intakes from species most commonly consumed by Finnish children aged 1-6 years. The total mercury concentrations were determined in fish species consumed, and age-specific methylmercury intakes were derived. We also examined safety margins and the proportion of children exceeding the tolerable daily intakes set by international expert bodies. The daily intake of MeHg ranged from 0 to 0.33 lg/kg bw. The strictest reference value 0.1 lg/kg bw/day for MeHg, proposed by USEPA, was exceeded by 1-15% of the study population, and FAO/WHO JECFA provisional tolerable weekly intake of 1.6 lg/kg bw was exceeded by 1% of boys and 2.5% of girls aged 6 years. Intakes of 1-year old girls were higher than of boys, whereas for 3-year olds they were the opposite. The highest intakes were observed for 6-year-old boys and girls. There was great variation in the estimated MeHg intakes among Finnish children.
cross-sectional study has also been conducted in the US cohort. Studies have also been conducted ... more cross-sectional study has also been conducted in the US cohort. Studies have also been conducted in end-users. Evaluation of fibre exposure levels and dose-response relationships are complicated by factors such as, e.g. (1) exposure measurements were not performed as a part of a specific study but reference was made to general estimates for the facility, (2) co-exposure to other fibres (e.g. asbestos) or chemicals has been documented in several studies, and (3) smoking as a possible confounder. Because of their similarity with asbestos fibres, MMVF have been considered carcinogenic. However, MMVF are of lower bio-persistence and cleared more rapidly from the lung than asbestos, and IARC has recently concluded that the most recent epidemiological studies in the cohorts have not provided consistent evidence between exposure to MMVF and risk of lung cancer. The critical effect following inhalation exposure to MMVF is thus non-malignant respiratory tract effects (irritation and obstructive lung disease). A NOAEL cannot be established for irritative effects due to limitations in the available data. No evidence of decreased pulmonary function (as well as of pneumoconiosis and pleural abnormalities) was observed in the cross-sectional study in which the mean concentration of airborne respirable fibres was estimated to be 0.03 × 10 6 fibres/m 3 . In conclusion, a NOAEL of 0.03 × 10 6 fibres/m 3 is considered for respiratory tract effects of mineral wools in humans. The precautionary principle is declared to be underpinning the REACH proposal. This principle urges us to take actions to reduce potential unwanted effects from chemicals even if the existence of that effect is not scientifically proven. To define this principle, and apply it in chemicals control, it is necessary both to determine the level of proof needed for triggering precautionary actions and to decide what actions should be taken when that level has been reached. It is a common misunderstanding that since the precautionary principle is a risk management principle, it does not influence risk assessment. As we see it, it is the task for risk assessors and scientists to evaluate the weight of the available scientific evidence in the risk assessment phase. Whereas in the risk management phase, when the appropriate actions aiming risk reduction (if any) are determined, criteria outside of the purview of science, such as technical and economical feasibility must also be taken into account. In order to help risk managers to implement the precautionary principle in a systematic fashion risk assessors should: • Be explicit about uncertainties. Information about uncertainties and knowledge gaps constitutes important information to decision-makers. • Heed scientifically sound early warnings. We do not need to await full scientific proof before considering actions to reduce risk. • Recognize patterns. If a chemical is known to be hazardous, its chemical relatives should be considered in this context. Generally speaking, it is the task for risk assessors to provide risk managers with the information they need to make their decisions according to the criteria they have chosen. The NewS research programme (A New Strategy for Risk Assessment and Management of Chemicals) and the International Chemicals Secretariat have developed a series of information material (brochures and web-based information) with the aim to clarify the role of precaution in chemicals control. For further information please contact [email protected] or [email protected].
Dioxins and airborne fine particles are both environmental health problems that have been the sub... more Dioxins and airborne fine particles are both environmental health problems that have been the subject of active public debate. Knowledge on fine particles has increased substantially during the last 10 years, and even the current, lowered levels in the Europe and in the United States appear to be a major public health problem. On the other hand, dioxins are ubiquitous persistent contaminants, some being carcinogens at high doses, and therefore of great concern. Our aim was to (a) quantitatively analyze the two pollutant health risks and (b) study the changes in risk in view of the current and forthcoming EU legislations on pollutants. We performed a comparative risk assessment for both pollutants in the Helsinki metropolitan area (Finland) and estimated the health effects with several scenarios. For primary fine particles: a comparison between the present emission situation for heavy-duty vehicles and the new fine particle emission standards set by the EU. For dioxins: an EU directive that regulates commercial fishing of Baltic salmon and herring that exceed the dioxin concentration limit set for fish meat, and a derogation ( = exemption) from the directive for these two species. Both of these two decisions are very topical issues and this study estimates the expected changes in health effects due to these regulations. It was found that the estimated fine particle risk clearly outweighed the estimated dioxin risk. A substantial improvement to public health could be achieved by initiating reductions in emission standards; about 30 avoided premature deaths annually in the study area. In addition, the benefits of fish consumption due to omega-3 exposure were notably higher than the potential dioxin cancer risk. Both regulations were instigated as ways of promoting public health.
Fish contains both beneficial substances e.g. docosahexaenoic acids but also harmful compounds e.... more Fish contains both beneficial substances e.g. docosahexaenoic acids but also harmful compounds e.g. methylmercury. Importantly, the health effects caused by these two substances can be evaluated in one common end point, intelligence quotient (IQ), providing a more transparent analysis. We estimated health effects of maternal fish consumption on child's central nervous system by creating a model with three alternative maternal fish consumption scenarios (lean fish, fatty fish, and current fish consumption). Additionally, we analyzed impacts of both regular fish consumption and extreme fish consumption habits. At the individual level, the simulated net effects were small, encompassing a range of one IQ point in all scenarios. Fatty fish consumption, however, clearly generated a beneficial net IQ effect, and lean fish consumption evoked an adverse net IQ effect. In view of the current fish consumption pattern of Finnish mothers the benefits and risks seem to more or less compensate each other. This study clearly shows the significance of which fish species are consumed during pregnancy and lactation, and the results can be generalized to apply to typical western population fish consumption habits.
Environmental health assessment covers a broad area: virtually all systematic analysis to support... more Environmental health assessment covers a broad area: virtually all systematic analysis to support decision making on issues relevant to environment and health. Consequently, various different approaches have been developed and applied for different needs within the broad field. In this paper we explore the plurality of approaches and attempt to reveal the state-of-the-art in environmental health assessment by characterizing and explicating the similarities and differences between them. A diverse, yet concise, set of approaches to environmental health assessment is analyzed in terms of nine attributes: purpose, problem owner, question, answer, process, use, interaction, performance and establishment. The conclusions of the analysis underline the multitude and complexity of issues in environmental health assessment as well as the variety of perspectives taken to address them. In response to the challenges, a tendency towards developing and applying more inclusive, pragmatic and integrative approaches can be identified. The most interesting aspects of environmental health assessment are found among these emerging approaches: (a) increasing engagement between assessment and management as well as stakeholders, (b) strive for framing assessments according to specific practical policy needs, (c) integration of multiple benefits and risks, as well as (d) explicit incorporation of both scientific facts and value statements in assessment. However, such approaches are yet to become established, and many contemporary mainstream environmental health assessment practices can still be characterized as relatively traditional risk assessment.
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a well-known neurotoxic agent, and consumption of contaminated fish is th... more Methylmercury (MeHg) is a well-known neurotoxic agent, and consumption of contaminated fish is the principal environmental source of MeHg exposure in humans. Children are more susceptible to adverse effects than adults. No previous specific data exist for intake by Finnish children of methylmercury from fish. We estimated fish consumption and MeHg intakes from species most commonly consumed by Finnish children aged 1-6 years. The total mercury concentrations were determined in fish species consumed, and age-specific methylmercury intakes were derived. We also examined safety margins and the proportion of children exceeding the tolerable daily intakes set by international expert bodies. The daily intake of MeHg ranged from 0 to 0.33 lg/kg bw. The strictest reference value 0.1 lg/kg bw/day for MeHg, proposed by USEPA, was exceeded by 1-15% of the study population, and FAO/WHO JECFA provisional tolerable weekly intake of 1.6 lg/kg bw was exceeded by 1% of boys and 2.5% of girls aged 6 years. Intakes of 1-year old girls were higher than of boys, whereas for 3-year olds they were the opposite. The highest intakes were observed for 6-year-old boys and girls. There was great variation in the estimated MeHg intakes among Finnish children.
cross-sectional study has also been conducted in the US cohort. Studies have also been conducted ... more cross-sectional study has also been conducted in the US cohort. Studies have also been conducted in end-users. Evaluation of fibre exposure levels and dose-response relationships are complicated by factors such as, e.g. (1) exposure measurements were not performed as a part of a specific study but reference was made to general estimates for the facility, (2) co-exposure to other fibres (e.g. asbestos) or chemicals has been documented in several studies, and (3) smoking as a possible confounder. Because of their similarity with asbestos fibres, MMVF have been considered carcinogenic. However, MMVF are of lower bio-persistence and cleared more rapidly from the lung than asbestos, and IARC has recently concluded that the most recent epidemiological studies in the cohorts have not provided consistent evidence between exposure to MMVF and risk of lung cancer. The critical effect following inhalation exposure to MMVF is thus non-malignant respiratory tract effects (irritation and obstructive lung disease). A NOAEL cannot be established for irritative effects due to limitations in the available data. No evidence of decreased pulmonary function (as well as of pneumoconiosis and pleural abnormalities) was observed in the cross-sectional study in which the mean concentration of airborne respirable fibres was estimated to be 0.03 × 10 6 fibres/m 3 . In conclusion, a NOAEL of 0.03 × 10 6 fibres/m 3 is considered for respiratory tract effects of mineral wools in humans. The precautionary principle is declared to be underpinning the REACH proposal. This principle urges us to take actions to reduce potential unwanted effects from chemicals even if the existence of that effect is not scientifically proven. To define this principle, and apply it in chemicals control, it is necessary both to determine the level of proof needed for triggering precautionary actions and to decide what actions should be taken when that level has been reached. It is a common misunderstanding that since the precautionary principle is a risk management principle, it does not influence risk assessment. As we see it, it is the task for risk assessors and scientists to evaluate the weight of the available scientific evidence in the risk assessment phase. Whereas in the risk management phase, when the appropriate actions aiming risk reduction (if any) are determined, criteria outside of the purview of science, such as technical and economical feasibility must also be taken into account. In order to help risk managers to implement the precautionary principle in a systematic fashion risk assessors should: • Be explicit about uncertainties. Information about uncertainties and knowledge gaps constitutes important information to decision-makers. • Heed scientifically sound early warnings. We do not need to await full scientific proof before considering actions to reduce risk. • Recognize patterns. If a chemical is known to be hazardous, its chemical relatives should be considered in this context. Generally speaking, it is the task for risk assessors to provide risk managers with the information they need to make their decisions according to the criteria they have chosen. The NewS research programme (A New Strategy for Risk Assessment and Management of Chemicals) and the International Chemicals Secretariat have developed a series of information material (brochures and web-based information) with the aim to clarify the role of precaution in chemicals control. For further information please contact [email protected] or [email protected].
Dioxins and airborne fine particles are both environmental health problems that have been the sub... more Dioxins and airborne fine particles are both environmental health problems that have been the subject of active public debate. Knowledge on fine particles has increased substantially during the last 10 years, and even the current, lowered levels in the Europe and in the United States appear to be a major public health problem. On the other hand, dioxins are ubiquitous persistent contaminants, some being carcinogens at high doses, and therefore of great concern. Our aim was to (a) quantitatively analyze the two pollutant health risks and (b) study the changes in risk in view of the current and forthcoming EU legislations on pollutants. We performed a comparative risk assessment for both pollutants in the Helsinki metropolitan area (Finland) and estimated the health effects with several scenarios. For primary fine particles: a comparison between the present emission situation for heavy-duty vehicles and the new fine particle emission standards set by the EU. For dioxins: an EU directive that regulates commercial fishing of Baltic salmon and herring that exceed the dioxin concentration limit set for fish meat, and a derogation ( = exemption) from the directive for these two species. Both of these two decisions are very topical issues and this study estimates the expected changes in health effects due to these regulations. It was found that the estimated fine particle risk clearly outweighed the estimated dioxin risk. A substantial improvement to public health could be achieved by initiating reductions in emission standards; about 30 avoided premature deaths annually in the study area. In addition, the benefits of fish consumption due to omega-3 exposure were notably higher than the potential dioxin cancer risk. Both regulations were instigated as ways of promoting public health.
Fish contains both beneficial substances e.g. docosahexaenoic acids but also harmful compounds e.... more Fish contains both beneficial substances e.g. docosahexaenoic acids but also harmful compounds e.g. methylmercury. Importantly, the health effects caused by these two substances can be evaluated in one common end point, intelligence quotient (IQ), providing a more transparent analysis. We estimated health effects of maternal fish consumption on child's central nervous system by creating a model with three alternative maternal fish consumption scenarios (lean fish, fatty fish, and current fish consumption). Additionally, we analyzed impacts of both regular fish consumption and extreme fish consumption habits. At the individual level, the simulated net effects were small, encompassing a range of one IQ point in all scenarios. Fatty fish consumption, however, clearly generated a beneficial net IQ effect, and lean fish consumption evoked an adverse net IQ effect. In view of the current fish consumption pattern of Finnish mothers the benefits and risks seem to more or less compensate each other. This study clearly shows the significance of which fish species are consumed during pregnancy and lactation, and the results can be generalized to apply to typical western population fish consumption habits.
Environmental health assessment covers a broad area: virtually all systematic analysis to support... more Environmental health assessment covers a broad area: virtually all systematic analysis to support decision making on issues relevant to environment and health. Consequently, various different approaches have been developed and applied for different needs within the broad field. In this paper we explore the plurality of approaches and attempt to reveal the state-of-the-art in environmental health assessment by characterizing and explicating the similarities and differences between them. A diverse, yet concise, set of approaches to environmental health assessment is analyzed in terms of nine attributes: purpose, problem owner, question, answer, process, use, interaction, performance and establishment. The conclusions of the analysis underline the multitude and complexity of issues in environmental health assessment as well as the variety of perspectives taken to address them. In response to the challenges, a tendency towards developing and applying more inclusive, pragmatic and integrative approaches can be identified. The most interesting aspects of environmental health assessment are found among these emerging approaches: (a) increasing engagement between assessment and management as well as stakeholders, (b) strive for framing assessments according to specific practical policy needs, (c) integration of multiple benefits and risks, as well as (d) explicit incorporation of both scientific facts and value statements in assessment. However, such approaches are yet to become established, and many contemporary mainstream environmental health assessment practices can still be characterized as relatively traditional risk assessment.
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Papers by Olli Leino