Partitioning of hexachlorobenzene between human milk and blood lipid

Abstract

In epidemiological studies on the toxic effects of prenatal exposure to hexachlorobenzene (HCB), researchers report HCB concentrations, either as wet-weight or per lipid weight basis, in matrices like breast milk, and maternal and cord blood. Conversion of exposures across matrices is needed for comparisons of concentrations and dose effect across cohorts. Using data from a birth cohort study in eastern Slovakia, we derived the maternal blood to cord blood HCB concentration ratio utilizing measured concentrations in 1027 paired maternal and cord blood samples, on a per-lipid basis. In addition to data from the Slovak study, the maternal milk to maternal serum ratio was summarized from 23 published studies on partitioning of HCB between human milk lipid and blood lipid. We identified two distinct groups of milk:blood ratios, those ≤0.45 and those ≥0.85. We assumed that using partition ratios ≤0.45 will underestimate HCB exposure estimates. Taking into account this precautionary measure, we suggest a conversion ratio of 1.21, which is the median of the 16 ratios identified in our literature review. We consider our estimate as conservative and providing appropriate safety in risk analysis.

Prenatal exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals and risk of being born small for gestational age: Pooled analysis of seven European birth cohorts

“…For HCB, we obtained conversion factors from available data in the literature (Palkovicova Murinova et al, 2017;Patayova et al, 2013 Due to variability between the published milk/maternal serum HCB concentration ratios (Palkovicova Murinova et al, 2017), a sensitivity analysis was performed using the minimum and maximum ratios of 0.848 and 1.87, respectively, which resulted in a conversion factor of 1.42 and 3.13, respectively, for the conversion of breast milk levels to cord serum levels.…”

Analysis of the Influence of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Strains on Changes in the Hexachlorobenzene Content in Fermented Mare Milk during Refrigerated Storage

“…Using HCB as a fungicide was banned by the European Union in 1981, and its production and use was phased out in stages in accordance with the Stockholm Convention signed on 23 May 2001 by 122 countries [ 6 ]. HCB is on the list of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) as one of the twelve most dangerous compounds [ 7 ]. As a result of its physicochemical properties, resistance to degradation, and tendency to bioaccumulate, this compound spreads and persists in the environment relatively easily [ 2 , 3 ].…”

“…HCB can also alter metabolic functions [ 1 ]. The liver and reproductive organs are the most susceptible to the effects of HCB [ 7 ]. HCB can also irritate the eyes and the respiratory tract and cause skin lesions, photosensitivity, neuroinflammation, and increased porphyrin excretion [ 2 ].…”

“…As a result of its May 2001 by 122 countries [6]. HCB is on the list of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) as one of the twelve most dangerous compounds [7]. As a result of its physicochemical properties, resistance to degradation, and tendency to bioaccumulate, this compound spreads and persists in the environment relatively easily [2,3].…”