Release of ambient metals during ferroalloy production may be an important source of environmental exposure for nearby communities and exposure to these metals has been linked to adverse respiratory outcomes. We sought to characterize the association between personal air levels of metals and respiratory health in Italian adolescents living in communities with historic and current ferroalloy activity.

Introduction: Manganese (Mn) is an essential nutrient but it results in neurotoxicity when exceeding the homeostatic range. In order to investigate the different ways in which Mn accumulates in the human body we evaluated environmental Mn in the Brescia province, and Mn levels in biomarker samples from resident children. Methods: Manganese concentration in surface soil was assessed with a Niton pXRF instrument. Airborne particles were analyzed with TXRF to determine their Mn content. Deposited indoor and outdoor dust Mn concentration was determined with ICP-OES. Biomarkers were analyzed by magnetic sector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Model Based Recursive Partitioning analysis was performed on hair Mn, nails Mn and saliva Mn. Conclusions: Mn in keratin is weakly but positively associated with environmental Mn, while nails seem to be a better indicator. It is influenced by area of residence and environmental Mn, mostly Mn measured in soil. Hair Mn is also influenced by age but the influence varies by area/Mn levels. Nails Mn is influenced by age and area. Mn in saliva is influenced by age, area of residence and, to a lesser extent, by BMI and Mn in soil. The effect of age seems different across the areas (interaction) Age should always be considered as a possible confounder when considering Mn saliva as a measure of Mn exposure. Model Based Recursive Partitioning offers a way to model complicated relationships that (1) minimizes the arbitrary decisions of the analyst, (2) automatically adjusts for the hidden multiple tests problem and (3) makes them easy to represent and understand.

Introduction: Olfactory changes are frequently shown in Parkinsonian patients and may be related to dysregulation of Dopaminergic control. While studies have suggested that exposure to manganese (Mn) may be associated with Parkinsonism, there is limited information on Mn exposures and the olfactory function in children. Methods: We measured soil and house dust Mn levels in the household of 389 children in Brescia, Italy. Surface soil was assessed with a Niton pXRF instrument and dust samples were collected by sweeping a measured area with a plastic brush, or using a cyclone vacuum. Mn was determined with ICP-OES. To assess odor identification we used Sniffin' Sticks-Olfactory Screening 12 test (Burghart Medical Technology). We examined the relationships of soil and indoor-outdoor dust Mn (log-transformed) with olfactory discrimination (log-odds of correct identification) using generalized linear models and generalized additive models, adjusting for age, sex, socioeconomic status index, mother education, smoking and drinking. We also tested the effect of environmental Mn using a generalized linear mixed effects model, that allowed us to estimate the difficulty associated with recognizing each of the 12 odors, taking into account the olfactory ability of each subject Results: We found that soil Mn (estimate=-0.125, p=0.02) indoor dust (-0.06, p=0.045) and outdoor dust Mn (estimate=-0.07, p=0.03) were associated with decreased odds of correct odor identifications. This effect was particularly evident in boys. Cloves (when compared with peppermint) was the most difficult odor to be recognized by boys and girls. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that higher environmental Mn levels measured in household dust, outdoor dust and soil may be associated with worse odor identification. These data support the potential influence of Mn on dopaminergic control of olfactory functions that may represent an early sign of neurotoxicity.

Adolescents living in communities with ferromanganese alloy plant activity have been shown to exhibit deficits in olfactory and fine motor function. Household dust may serve as an important manganese (Mn) exposure pathway to children, though dust Mn concentrations have not previously been measured to assess household contamination from ferromanganese alloy plant emissions. Here we determined the association between dust concentrations and surface loadings of Mn and other metals (Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn) in indoor and outdoor household dust from three Italian communities that differ by history of ferromanganese alloy plant activity: Bagnolo Mella, with an active ferromanganese alloy plant (n=178 households); Valcamonica, with historically active plants (n=166); and Garda Lake, with no history of ferromanganese plant activity (n=99). We also evaluated Mn levels in other environmental (soil, airborne particulates) and candidate biomarker (blood, hair, saliva, fingernails) samples from children within the households. Household dust Mn concentrations and surface loadings were significantly different between the three sites, with levels highest in Bagnolo Mella (outdoor median Mn concentration=4620, range 487–183,000µg/g), intermediate in Valcamonica (median=876, range 407–8240µg/g), and lowest in Garda Lake (median=407, range 258–7240µg/g). Outdoor dust Mn concentrations in Bagnolo Mella, but not the other communities, were significantly inversely related with distance from the plant (R2=0.6630, P<0.0001). Moreover, outdoor dust Mn concentrations and loadings were highly predictive of but significantly higher than indoor dust Mn concentrations and loadings by ~2 to ~7-fold (Mn concentrations) and ~7 to ~20-fold (Mn loadings). Finally, both indoor and outdoor dust Mn concentrations and outdoor dust Mn loading values were highly significantly correlated with both soil and air Mn concentrations, and with children's hair and fingernail Mn concentrations, but weakly or not associated with saliva or blood Mn levels. Given the evidence associating elevated Mn exposure with neurological impairments in children, these data support that dust Mn levels should be reduced in contaminated environments to protect the health of resident children.

Background: For the past century, ferroalloy industries in Brescia province, Italy produced particulate emissions enriched inmanganese (Mn), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), cadmium(Cd), chromium(Cr), iron (Fe), and aluminum (Al). This study assessed metal concentrations in soil and vegetables of regions with varying ferroalloy industrial activity levels.Methods: Home gardens (n= 63) were selected in three regions of varying ferroalloy plant activity durations in Brescia province. Total soil metal concentration and extractability were measured by X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), aqua regia extraction, andmodified Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) sequential extraction. Unwashed and washed spinach and turnips cultivated in the same gardens were analyzed for metal concentrations by flame atomic absorption spectrometry.Results: Median soil Al, Cd, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn concentrations were significantly higher in home gardens near ferroalloy plants compared to reference home gardens. The BCR method yielded the most mobile soil fraction (the sum of extractable metals in Fractions 1 and 2) and all metal concentrations were higher in ferroalloy plant areas. Unwashed spinach showed higher metal concentrations compared to washed spinach. However, some metals in washed spinach were higher in the reference area likely due to history of agricultural product use. Over 60% of spinach samples exceeded the 2- to 4-fold Commission of European Communities and Codex Alimentarius Commission maximum Pb concentrations, and 10% of the same spinach samples exceeded 2- to 3-fold maximum Cd concentrations set by both organizations. Turnip metal concentrations were below maximum standard reference values.Conclusions: Prolonged industrial emissions increase median metal concentrations and most soluble fractions (BCR F1 + F2) in home garden soils near ferroalloy plants. Areas near ferroalloy plant sites had spinach Cd and Pb metal concentrations several-fold above maximum standard references. We recommend thorough washing of vegetables to minimize metal exposure. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ferroalloy production can release a number of metals into the environment, of which manganese (Mn) is of major concern. Other elements include lead, iron, zinc, copper, chromium, and cadmium. Mn exposure derived from settled dust and suspended aerosols can cause a variety of adverse neurological effects to chronically exposed individuals. To better estimate the current levels of exposure, this study quantified the metal levels in dust collected inside homes ( n =85), outside homes ( n =81), in attics ( n =6), and in surface soil ( n =252) in an area with historic ferroalloy production. Metals contained in indoor and outdoor dust samples were quantified using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy, whereas attic and soil measurements were made with a X-ray fluorescence instrument. Mean Mn concentrations in soil (4600 μ g/g) and indoor dust (870 μ g/g) collected within 0.5 km of a plant exceeded levels previously found in suburban and urban areas, but did decrease outside 1.0 km to the upper end of background concentrations. Mn concentrations in attic dust were ~120 times larger than other indoor dust levels, consistent with historical emissions that yielded high airborne concentrations in the region. Considering the potential health effects that are associated with chronic Mn inhalation and ingestion exposure, remediation of soil near the plants and frequent, on-going hygiene indoors may decrease residential exposure and the likelihood of adverse health effects.

Background: Manganese (Mn) is an essential element that can become neurotoxic through various exposure windows over the lifespan. While there is clear evidence of Mn neurotoxicity in pediatric and adult occupational populations, little is known about effects in the elderly who may exhibit enhanced susceptibilities due to compromised physiology compared to younger adults. In the province of Brescia, Italy, the Valcamonica area has been the site of three ferroalloy plants operating from 1902 to 2001. Metal emissions of Mn and to a lesser extent lead (Pb) have impacted the surrounding environment, where a high prevalence of Parkinsonism was previously observed. This study aimed to assess neurocognitive and motor functions in healthy elderly subjects residing for most of their lifetime in Valcamonica or in a reference area unimpacted by ferroalloy plant activity.Methods: Subjects were enrolled for extensive neurobehavioral assessment of motor, cognitive and sensory functions. Exposure was assessed with 24 h personal air sampling for PM10 airborne particles, surface soil and tap water measurement at individual households, Mn levels in blood and urine and Pb in blood. Dose-response relationships between exposure indicators and biomarkers and health outcomes were analyzed with generalized (linear and logistic) additive models (GAM).Results: A total of 255 subjects (55% women) were examined; most (52.9%) were within the 65-70 years age class. Average airborne Mn was 26.41 ng/m(3) (median 18.42) in Valcamonica and 20.96 ng/m(3) (median 17.62) in the reference area. Average Mn in surface soil was 1026 ppm (median 923) in Valcamonica and 421 ppm (median 410) in the reference area. Manganese in drinking water was below the LDL of 1 mu g/L. The GAM analysis showed significant association between airborne Mn (p = 0.0237) and the motor coordination tests of the Luria Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery. The calculation of the Benchmark Dose using this dose-response relationship yielded a lower level confidence interval of 22.7 ng/m(3) (median 26.4). For the odor identification score of the Sniffin Stick test, an association was observed with soil Mn (p = 0.0006) and with a significant interaction with blood Pb (p = 0.0856). Significant dose-responses resulted also for the Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices with the distance from exposure point source (p = 0.0025) and Mn in soil (p = 0.09), and for the Trail Making test, with urinary Mn (p = 0.0074). Serum prolactin (PRL) levels were associated with air (p = 0.061) and urinary (p = 0.003) Mn, and with blood Pb (p = 0.0303). In most of these associations age played a significant role as an effect modifier.Conclusion: Lifelong exposure to Mn was significantly associated with changes in odor discrimination, motor coordination, cognitive abilities and serum PRL levels. These effects are consistent with the hypothesis of a specific mechanism of toxicity of Mn on the dopaminergic system. Lead co-exposure, even at very low levels, can further enhance Mn toxicity. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Metal contamination was investigated in soils of the Vallecamonica, an area in the northern part of the Brescia province (Italy), where ferroalloy industries were active for a century until 2001. The extent in which emissions from ferroalloy plants affected metal concentration in soils is not known in this area. In this study, the geogenic and/or anthropogenic origin of metals in soils were estimated. A modified Community Bureau of Reference sequential chemical extraction method followed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) analyses were employed to evaluate the potential bioavailability of Al, Cd, Mn, Fe, Cr, Zn, and Pb in soils. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to assess the relationships among metal sources in soil samples from different locations. This approach allowed distinguishing of different loadings and mobility of metals in soils collected in different areas. Results showed high concentrations and readily extractability of Mn in the Vallecamonica soils, which may suggest potential bioavailability for organisms and may create an environmental risk and potential health risk of human exposure.

Background: Few studies have examined associations between airborne manganese (Mn) and biomarkers at low level exposure and potential confounders or effect modifiers. Aims: To examine associations ...

Background and objective: Increased prevalence of Parkinsonism was observed in Valcamonica, Italy, a region impacted by ferroalloy plants emissions containing manganese and other metals for a century until 2001. The aim of this study was to assess neurobehavioral functions in adolescents from the impacted region and the reference area of Garda Lake.Methods: Adolescents age 11-14 years were recruited through the school system for neuro-behavioral testing. Metals including manganese, lead, iron, zinc, copper were measured in airborne particulate matter collected with 24-h personal samplers, and in soil, tap water, blood, urine and hair. Independent variables included parental education and socio-economic status, children's body mass index, number of siblings, parity order, smoking and drinking habits.Results: A total of 311 subjects (49.2% females), residing in either the exposed (n = 154) or the reference (n = 157) area participated. Average airborne and soil manganese were respectively 49.5 ng/m(3) (median 31.4, range 1.24-517) and 958 ppm (median 897, range 465-1729) in the impacted area, and 27.4 ng/m(3) (median 24.7, range 5.3-85.9) ng/m(3) and 427 ppm (median 409 range 160-734) in the reference area. Regression models showed significant impairment of motor coordination (Luria-Nebraska test, p = 0.0005), hand dexterity (Aiming Pursuit test, p = 0.0115) and odor identification (Sniffin' task, p = 0.003) associated with soil manganese. Tremor intensity was positively associated with blood (p = 0.005) and hair (p = 0.01) manganese.Conclusion: Historical environmental exposure to manganese from ferroalloy emission reflected by the concentration in soil and the biomarkers was associated with sub-clinical deficits in olfactory and motor function among adolescents. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Emissions of manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) from ferro-alloy operations has taken place in Valcamonica, a pre-Alp valley in the province of Brescia, Italy, for about a century until 2001. Metal concentrations were measured in the soil of local home gardens and in the cultivated vegetables. Soil analysis was carried out using a portable X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer in both surface soil and at 10 cm depth. A subset of soil samples (n = 23) additionally was analysed using the modified BCR sequential extraction method and ICP-OES for intercalibration with XRF (XRF Mn = 1.33 * total OES Mn - 71.8; R = 0.830, p < 0.0001). Samples of salads (Lactuca sativa and Chichorium spp.) were analyzed with a Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence (TXRF) technique. Vegetable and soil metal measurements were performed in 59 home gardens of Valcamonica, and compared with 23 gardens from the Garda Lake reference area. Results indicate significantly higher levels of soil Mn (median 986 ppm vs 416 ppm), Pb (median 46.1 ppm vs 30.2 ppm), Fe (median 19,800 ppm vs 13,100 ppm) in the Valcamonica compared to the reference area. Surface soil levels of all metals were significantly higher in surface soil compared to deeper soil, consistent with atmospheric deposition. Significantly higher levels of metals were shown also in lettuce from Valcamonica for Mn (median 53.6 ppm vs 30.2) and Fe (median 153 vs 118). Metals in Chichorium spp. did not differ between the two areas. Surface soil metal levels declined with increasing distance from the closest ferroalloy plant, consistent with plant emissions as the source of elevated soil metal levels. A correlation between Mn concentrations in soil and lettuce was also observed. These data show that historic ferroalloy plant activity, which ended nearly a decade before this study, has contributed to the persistence of increased Mn levels in locally grown vegetables. Further research is needed to assess whether this increase can lead to adverse effects in humans and plants especially for Mn, an essential element that can be toxic in humans when exceeding the homeostatic ranges.

ISEE-0735 Background and Objective: Increased parkinsonism was observed in Valcamonica, a valley in the province of Brescia, Italy. Prevalence data were higher in the vicinities of ferroalloy plants and associated to the concentration of manganese in deposited dust. The aim of the present study was to assess motor, cognitive and neurosensory functions in adolescents in the exposed area and in a reference area. Methods: Metals were measured in airborne particles collected with 24-hours personal samplers, and in salad sampled in local gardens. Samples were analyzed with Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence. Soil was analyzed at surface and 10 cm depth. Adolescents were recruited through the local school system for neurobehavioral examination and assessment of dietary intake of metals. Blood and urine samples were collected for metal analysis. Results: A total of 303 children residing in an exposed area and a reference area participated in the study. Airborne manganese was 84.38 ± 89.65 ng/m3 in the exposed area and 22.79 ± 23.82 ng/m3 in the reference area. Lead, iron, zinc and chromium also showed significantly higher levels. Manganese results were significantly higher also at the surface and at 10 cm depth of soil and in salad. Exposure biomarkers were not significantly different between the two areas. Children in the exposed area showed impairment of motor coordination and odour identification associated with airborne manganese at multivariate analysis. Blood lead was inversely associated with IQ. Conclusion: Environmental exposure to manganese in adolescents is related to deficit in motor and olfactory functions whereas concomitant lead exposure is related to decrease of IQ. Acknowledgement: This work was partially supported by the EU through its Sixth Framework Programme for RTD (contract no FOOD-CT-2006- 016253). It reflects only the authors' views. The European Community is not liable for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.