Polyfluoroalkyl chemicals in pooled blood serum from infants, children and adults in Australia

Polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFCs) have been used worldwide for more than 50 years in a wide variety of industrial and consumer products. Limited data exist on human exposure to PFCs in the Southern Hemisphere. Human blood serum collected in southeast Queensland, Australia, in 2006−2007 from 2420 donors was pooled according to age (cord blood, 0−0.5, 0.6−1, 1.1−1.5, 1.6−2, 2.1−2.5, 2.6−3, 3.1−3.5, 3.6−4, 4.1−6, 6.1−9, 9.1−12, 12.1−15, 16−30, 31−45, 46−60, and >60 years) and gender and was analyzed for eight PFCs. Across all pools, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was detected at the highest mean concentration (15.2 ng/mL) followed by perfluorooctanoate (PFOA, 6.4 ng/mL), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS, 3.1 ng/mL), perfluorononanoate (PFNA, 0.8 ng/mL), 2-(N-methyl-perfluorooctance sulfonamide) acetate (Me-PFOSA-AcOH, 0.66 ng/mL), and perfluorodecanoate (PFDeA, 0.29 ng/mL). Perfluorooctane sulfonamide was detected in only 24% of the pools, and 2-(N-ethylperfluorooctane sulfonamide) acetate was detected in only one. PFOS concentrations were significantly higher in pools from adult males than from adult females (p = 0.002); no gender differences were apparent in the pools from children (<12 years old). The highest mean concentrations of PFOA, PFHxS, PFNA, PFDeA, and Me-PFOSA-AcOH were found in children <15 years, while PFOS was highest in adults >60 years. Investigation into the sources and exposure pathways in Australia, in particular for children, is necessary as well as continued biomonitoring to determine the potential effects on human concentrations as a result of changes in the PFC manufacturing practices, including the cessation of production of several PFCs.

Use of simple pharmacokinetic modeling to characterize exposure of Australians to perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid

Perflurooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) have been used for a variety of applications including fluoropolymer processing, fire-fighting foams and surface treatments since the 1950s. Both PFOS and PFOA are polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFCs), man-made compounds that are persistent in the environment and humans; some PFCs have shown adverse effects in laboratory animals. Here we describe the application of a simple one compartment pharmacokinetic model to estimate total intakes of PFOA and PFOS for the general population of urban areas on the east coast of Australia. Key parameters for this model include the elimination rate constants and the volume of distribution within the body. A volume of distribution was calibrated for PFOA to a value of 170ml/kgbw using data from two communities in the United States where the residents' serum concentrations could be assumed to result primarily from a known and characterized source, drinking water contaminated with PFOA by a single fluoropolymer manufacturing facility. For PFOS, a value of 230ml/kgbw was used, based on adjustment of the PFOA value. Applying measured Australian serum data to the model gave mean+/-standard deviation intake estimates of PFOA of 1.6+/-0.3ng/kgbw/day for males and females >12years of age combined based on samples collected in 2002-2003 and 1.3+/-0.2ng/kg bw/day based on samples collected in 2006-2007. Mean intakes of PFOS were 2.7+/-0.5ng/kgbw/day for males and females >12years of age combined based on samples collected in 2002-2003, and 2.4+/-0.5ng/kgbw/day for the 2006-2007 samples. ANOVA analysis was run for PFOA intake and demonstrated significant differences by age group (p=0.03), sex (p=0.001) and date of collection (p<0.001). Estimated intake rates were highest in those aged >60years, higher in males compared to females, and higher in 2002-2003 compared to 2006-2007. The same results were seen for PFOS intake with significant differences by age group (p<0.001), sex (p=0.001) and date of collection (p=0.016).

Decline in perfluorooctane sulfonate and perfluorooctanoate serum concentrations in an Australian population from 2002 to 2011

Some perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have become widespread pollutants detected in human and wildlife samples worldwide. The main objective of this study was to assess temporal trends of PFAS concentrations in human blood in Australia over the last decade (2002–2011), taking into consideration age and sex trends. Pooled human sera from 2002/03 (n=26); 2008/09 (n=24) and 2010/11 (n=24) from South East Queensland, Australia were obtained from de-identified surplus pathology samples and compared with samples collected previously from 2006/07 (n=84). A total of 9775 samples in 158 pools were available for assessment of PFASs. Stratification criteria included sex and age: <16 years (2002/03 only); 0–4 (2006/07, 2008/09, 2010/11); 5–15 (2006/07, 2008/09, 2010/11); 16–30; 31–45; 46–60; and >60 years (all collection periods). Sera were analyzed using on-line solid-phase extraction coupled to high-performance liquid chromatography-isotope dilution-tandem mass spectrometry. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was detected in the highest concentrations ranging from 5.3–19.2 ng/ml (2008/09) to 4.4–17.4 ng/ml (2010/11). Perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) was detected in the next highest concentration ranging from 2.8–7.3 ng/ml (2008/09) to 3.1–6.5 ng/ml (2010/11). All other measured PFASs were detected at concentrations <1 ng/ml with the exception of perfluorohexane sulfonate which ranged from 1.2–5.7 ng/ml (08/09) and 1.4–5.4 ng/ml (10/11). The mean concentrations of both PFOS and PFOA in the 2010/11 period compared to 2002/03 were lower for all adult age groups by 56%. For 5-15 year olds, the decrease was 66% (PFOS) and 63% (PFOA) from 2002/03 to 2010/11. For 0-4 year olds the decrease from 2006/07 (when data were first available for this age group) was 50% (PFOS) and 22% (PFOA). This study provides strong evidence for decreasing serum PFOS and PFOA concentrations in an Australian population from 2002 through 2011. Age trends were variable and concentrations were higher in males than females. Global use has been in decline since around 2002 and hence primary exposure levels are expected to be decreasing. Further biomonitoring will allow assessment of PFAS exposures to confirm trends in exposure as primary and eventually secondary sources are depleted.

Concentrations of phthalates and DINCH metabolites in pooled urine from Queensland, Australia

Dialkyl phthalate esters (phthalates) are ubiquitous chemicals used extensively as plasticizers, solvents and adhesives in a range of industrial and consumer products. 1,2-Cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid, diisononyl ester (DINCH) is a phthalate alternative introduced due to a more favourable toxicological profile, but exposure is largely uncharacterised. The aim of this study was to provide the first assessment of exposure to phthalates and DINCH in the general Australian population. De-identified urine specimens stratified by age and sex were obtained from a community-based pathology laboratory and pooled (n = 24 pools of 100). Concentrations of free and total species were measured using online solid phase extraction isotope dilution high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Concentrations ranged from 2.4 to 71.9 ng/mL for metabolites of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, and from < 0.5 to 775 ng/mL for all other metabolites. Our data suggest that phthalate metabolites concentrations in Australia were at least two times higher than in the United States and Germany; and may be related to legislative differences among countries. DINCH metabolite concentrations were comparatively low and consistent with the limited data available. Ongoing biomonitoring among the general Australian population may help assess temporal trends in exposure and assess the effectiveness of actions aimed at reducing exposures.

Monitoring exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in an Australian population using pooled urine samples

Integrated exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can be assessed through monitoring of urinary mono-hydroxylated PAHs (OH-PAHs). The aim of this study was to provide the first assessment of exposure to PAHs in a large sample of the population in Queensland, Australia including exposure to infant (0-4. years). De-identified urine specimens, obtained from a pathology laboratory, were stratified by age and sex, and pooled (n. =. 24 pools of 100) and OH-PAHs were measured by gas chromatography-isotope dilution-tandem mass spectrometry. Geometric mean (GM) concentrations ranged from 30. ng/L (4-hydroxyphenanthrene) to 9221. ng/L (1-naphthol). GM of 1-hydroxypyrene, the most commonly used PAH exposure biomarker, was 142. ng/L. The concentrations of OH-PAHs found in this study are consistent with those in developed countries and lower than those in developing countries. We observed no association between sex and OH-PAH concentrations. However, we observed lower urinary concentrations of all OH-PAHs in samples from infants (0-4. years), children (5-14. years) and the elderly (>. 60. year old) compared with samples from other age groups (15-29, 30-44 and 45-59. years) which may be attributed to age-dependent behaviour-specific exposure sources.

Use of pooled samples to assess human exposure to parabens, benzophenone-3 and triclosan in Queensland, Australia

Parabens, benzophenone-3 and triclosan are common ingredients used as preservatives, ultraviolet radiation filters and antimicrobial agents, respectively. Human exposure occurs through consumption of processed food and use of cosmetics and consumer products. The aim of this study was to provide a preliminary characterisation of exposure to selected personal care product chemicals in the general Australian population. De-identified urine specimens stratified by age and sex were obtained from a community-based pathology laboratory and pooled (n= 24 pools of 100). Concentrations of free and total (sum of free plus conjugated) species of methyl, ethyl, propyl and butyl paraben, benzophenone-3 and triclosan were quantified using isotope dilution tandem mass spectrometry; with geometric means 232, 33.5, 60.6, 4.32, 61.5 and 87.7. ng/mL, respectively. Age was inversely associated with paraben concentration, and females had concentrations approximately two times higher than males. Total paraben and benzophenone-3 concentrations are significantly higher than reported worldwide, and the average triclosan concentration was more than one order of magnitude higher than in many other populations. This study provides the first data on exposure of the general Australian population to a range of common personal care product chemical ingredients, which appears to be prevalent and warrants further investigation.

Influence of the friends' network in drug use and violent behavior among young people in the nightlife recreational context

Resumen tomado de la publicaci??n

Sexualidad de riesgo y consumo de drogas en el contexto recreativo : una perspectiva de g??nero

Resumen tomado de la publicaci??n

Violencia en contextos recreativos nocturnos : su relaci??n con el consumo de alcohol y drogas entre j??venes espa??oles

Resumen tomado de la publicaci??n

L'educaci?? d'adults a Palma : estat actual i propostes d'actuaci??. 'La educaci??n de adultos en Palma : estado actual y propuestas de actuaci??n'

El estudio se divide en dos vol??menes y han colaborado en su realizaci??n: Adame, M. Teresa; Bau????, Paula; Calafat, Ant??nia; Martinell, Alfons; Marzo, ??ngel; P??rez, Adolfina; Sabater, Margarida; Salinas, Jes??s

Estudi sobre la inserció laboral de les dones a les Illes Balears. 'Estudio sobre la inserción laboral de las mujeres en las Islas Baleares'.

Proponer programas, proyectos y líneas de trabajo para la inserción laboral de la mujer. Mejorar las condiciones para la participación de la mujer en el mercado de trabajo. Fomentar el espíritu emprendedor de las mujeres. Revisión documental, legislativa y datos estadísticos relativos a la comunidad autónoma de las Islas Baleares, el estado español y la Unión Europea. En primer lugar se caracteriza el colectivo femenino en el mercado laboral de las Islas Baleares. En segundo lugar se repasan las principales orientaciones de las políticas de inserción laboral de la mujer. En tercer lugar se presentan las entidades y los recursos para la inserción. En cuarto lugar se ahonda en algunas buenas prácticas. Finalmente se presentan las conclusiones y propuestas de la investigación. La caracterización del colectivo femenino en el mercado laboral de las Islas Baleares permite observar de manera clara las desventajas y las desigualdades en que se encuentra la mujer tanto para su integración laboral como para su participación en el mundo laboral. El repaso de las principales orientaciones de las políticas de inserción laboral de la mujer permite detectar las principales líneas de actuación actuales y las tendencias de futuro. El directorio de instituciones, entidades y recursos para la inserción permite conocer quién trabaja en este campo. Las buenas prácticas presentadas son experiencias que suponen innovación y calidad, así como que por sus rasgos pueden ser transferibles a otras situaciones. Además de conclusiones y propuestas de la investigación se presentan algunas recomendaciones y líneas de trabajo derivadas del análisis de la documentación recogida. La tasa de actividad femenina en Baleares es del 44,1 por ciento, la más alta de todo el estado español, mientras que la masculina alcanza el 68,6 por ciento. La ocupación femenina es inestable y precaria, se caracteriza por su estacionalidad, precariedad, flexibilidad y eventualidad. Se observa una feminización del sector servicios, con un 95 por ciento de mujeres. El paro en las Illes Balears se encuentra también fuertemente feminizado y , mientras que un hombre tarda 15 días en colocarse, una mujer tarda 31. Las mujeres se incorporan al mercado a una edad joven pero también lo abandonan a una edad joven para ocuparse de los hijos y del hogar. Las cinco ocupaciones que concentran mayor contratación son: personal de limpieza para hoteles y oficinas, camarera, dependienta de comercio, administrativas-taquígrafas, cocinera, entre todas ellas constituyen el 67,3 por ciento de las contrataciones femeninas y como se desprende se trata de contrataciones poco cualificadas profesionalmente. Las mujeres ganan en las Illes Balears un 30 por ciento menos que los hombres.

Multiculturalisme a Mallorca. 'Multiculturalismo en Mallorca'

El volumen recoge aportaciones de diferentes investigadores al tema de la multiculturalidad y su vinculaci??n con la identidad cultural. Por una parte se analizan los procesos de integraci??n de poblaci??n extranjera en Mallorca,en base al an??lisis de los datos cuantitativos, y se presentan diversos estudios espec??ficos: el municipio de Dei??, la poblaci??n magreb?? en Sa Pobla, la integraci??n de la poblaci??n bosniana en Soller y Palma y la relaci??n entre mallorquines y peninsulares. Por otra parte se analizan tambi??n aspectos ling????sticos asociados con el multiculturalismo; concretamente el estudio de la lengua dominante en los matrimonios mixtos y el papel de las escuelas extranjeras en el contexto sociocultural de Mallorca.

D'illa a illa : navegar i jugar. 'De isla a isla : navegar y jugar'.

Material realizado en conmemoración del XX Aniversario del Estatuto de Autonomía de las Islas Baleares