Perrine Hoet - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Perrine Hoet

The Lancet, 1997

5though altered risk of coronary heart disease has not been documented. Our controls were a group... more 5though altered risk of coronary heart disease has not been documented. Our controls were a group of Burma Star Veterans (BSVs) who had fought in the Burma Campaign—ie, in the same location at the same time—but without imprisonment. During our original study, the non-fasting plasma samples taken for hepatitis-B serology were also tested for total cholesterol and highdensity-lipoprotein cholesterol. We also included two questions on coronary heart disease in the questionnaire: “have you been told by a doctor you have angina?” and “have you been told by a doctor you have had a coronary thrombosis in the past?”. Data were also collected on hypertension, family history of coronary heart disease, smoking, drinking, and obesity (assessed by body-mass index). The results are shown in the table for 635 POWs and 505 BSVs who were matched for all the above variables, apart from the number of alcohol drinkers (91% BSVs vs 82% POWs, p<0·001). The POWs had a slightly higher rate of coronary heart disease than the BSV veterans (21·7% vs 18·1%), but this difference was not significant. We took random blood samples from 100 POWs and 100 BSVs who completed the questionnaires. Eight samples were lost in transport or storage in both groups. The lipid-tested group were analysed separately for coronary risk factors. There were no between-group differences in hypertension rates, smoking habits, family history of coronary heart disease, or number of alcohol drinkers. The BSV group were younger than the POWs (63 [SD 3] vs 67 [3] years, p<0·001), and the BSV drinkers consumed more alcohol units per week than the POWs (17 [19] vs 11 [9], p<0·01). The lipid results show that POWs had a non-significant lower total cholesterol (6·0 vs 6·3 mmol/L), but a significantly higher high-densitylipoprotein cholesterol than BSVs (1·2 vs 0·9 mmol/L, p<0·001). These results are puzzling. The rates of coronary heart disease did not differ significantly between the groups, and the slightly lower rates may relate to increased alcohol consumption in BSVs which may have a protective effect. However, disease occurrence was self-reported and the numbers studied were probably insufficient to show small differences. The cholesterol concentrations are harder to explain, because they show a significantly advantageous profile in POWs. Again the numbers are small, and samples were taken from volunteers who may not be generally representative (though this was true for both groups). The younger age and higher alcohol intake of the BSVs may also be expected to confer a beneficial lipid profile. Additionally of course, these veterans—particularly the POWs—are a group of survivors who may favour an advantageous lipid profiles. An association between war stress and the risk of coronary heart disease remains unproven. It is of interest that many veterans who were imprisoned in the Far East exhibit anxiety and depressive symptoms with features of post-traumatic stress disorder. 5

Le chrome (Cr) est un métal existant dans différents états d'oxydation. Le Cr métallique [Cr(... more Le chrome (Cr) est un métal existant dans différents états d'oxydation. Le Cr métallique [Cr(0)] ne se trouve pas naturellement dans l'environnement mais est d'origine humaine. Les composés trivalents [Cr(III)] sont très stables et se trouvent naturellement dans des minerais. Le Cr hexavalent [Cr(VI)], deuxième état le plus stable, se trouve rarement de façon naturelle dans l'environnement, excepté dans la crocoïte et résulte la plupart du temps de sources anthropogènes. Le Cr divalent [Cr(II)] est très instable et s'oxyde rapidement en Cr(III) ; les états d'oxydation (IV) et (V) sont essentiellement observés comme intermédiaires lors de la conversion entre les états (VI) et (III). La métallurgie, le secteur des réfractaires et l'industrie chimique sont les principaux utilisateurs du Cr. La cinétique et la toxicité des composés du Cr dépendent principalement de l'état d'oxydation du composé et de sa solubilité dans les milieux biologiques. Schémat...

La Semaine des hôpitaux de Paris, 1987

Several methods have been proposed for detecting the oxidation and breakdown of polyunsaturated f... more Several methods have been proposed for detecting the oxidation and breakdown of polyunsaturated fatty acids (lipoperoxidation process) in humans. The lipoperoxidation products which hitherto have been measured in sufficiently large groups of subjects are lipid conjugated dienes, malonic dialdehyde and fluorescent byproducts in biological fluids and low molecular weight aliphatic hydrocarbons in expired air. None of these methods can yet be considered as the method of choice. Various analytical pitfalls and several epidemiological and statistical biases cast doubt about the conclusions of the majority of the studies carried out so far in humans. Provided further studies are undertaken to determine the factors which influence the metabolism of low molecular weight hydrocarbons in man, expired air analysis might constitute a practical and promising in vivo approach for detecting an increased lipoperoxidation process.

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM), 2020

Objectives Trace elements (TEs) from natural and anthropogenic sources are ubiquitous. Essential ... more Objectives Trace elements (TEs) from natural and anthropogenic sources are ubiquitous. Essential or not, their relevance for human health and disease is constantly expanding. Biological monitoring is a widely integrated tool in risk assessment both in occupational and environmental settings. However, the determination of appropriate and accurate reference values in the (specific) population is a prerequisite for a correct interpretation of biomonitoring data. This study aimed at determining the reference distribution for TEs (Al, As, Sb, Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Tl, Sn, V, Zn) in the blood and/or plasma of the adult population in Belgium. Methods Blood and plasma samples were analyzed for 178 males and 202 females, recruited according to an a priori selection procedure, by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results Reference values were established with high confidence for AsT, Cd, Cu, HgT, Mn, Mo, Pb, Sn, Se, Tl and Zn. Compared to previously ...

Exposure to chemical agents can be assessed either by measuring the concentration of the agent in... more Exposure to chemical agents can be assessed either by measuring the concentration of the agent in the air by stationary or personal sampling (ambient monitoring), or by measuring some biological variables (biological monitoring). The term biomarker that has been proposed for a few years is used in a broad sense to include almost any measurement reflecting an interaction between a biological system and an environmental agent, which may be chemical, physical, or biological.' However, there is still some debate about the definition of the term and it is clear that interpretation ofthe term varies between authors. Strictly speaking, biological monitoring of exposure to chemical agents means measurement of a substance or its metabolites in various biological media. Sometimes, the concept of biological monitoring is extended to include the detection of early reversible non-adverse effects (biological monitoring of effect). The detection of an adverse effect-for example, increased prot...

Pathologie Biologie, 1987

Several methods have been proposed for detecting the oxidation and breakdown of polyunsaturated f... more Several methods have been proposed for detecting the oxidation and breakdown of polyunsaturated fatty acids (lipoperoxidation process) in humans. The lipoperoxidation products which hitherto have been measured in sufficiently large groups of subjects are lipid conjugated dienes, malonic dialdehyde and fluorescent byproducts in biological fluids and low molecular weight aliphatic hydrocarbons in expired air. None of these methods can yet be considered as the method of choice. Various analytical pitfalls and several epidemiological and statistical biases cast doubt about the conclusions of the majority of the studies carried out so far in humans. Provided further studies are undertaken to determine the factors which influence the metabolism of low molecular weight hydrocarbons in man, expired air analysis might constitute a practical and promising in vivo approach for detecting an increased lipoperoxidation process.

Critical Reviews in Toxicology, 2017

Archives of Public Health, 2010

Leaded gasoline and lead paints are still in use in the Democratic Republic of Congo but data on ... more Leaded gasoline and lead paints are still in use in the Democratic Republic of Congo but data on blood lead levels in the general population are not available. We evaluated the Pb impregnation in children and adults (0-70 years old) in Kinshasa. Methods Blood lead was measured by atomic absorption in a sample of 485 healthy people (268 men and 217 women) living in Kinshasa between May 2003 and June 2004. Results Geometric mean blood lead was 120 µg/L (95% CI: 115-125), with a higher concentration in men than in women (127 vs 114 µg/L, p=0.01). Sixty-three percent of children aged less than 6 years old presented blood lead levels above the 100 µg threshold. In the adult population, occupations with a potential risk of exposure to gasoline (car mechanics or garage owners, taxi drivers, conveyors and gas pump attendants) were associated with an extra blood lead of about 65µg/L. Conclusion This study indicates a relatively important Pb impregnation of the Kinshasa population. It demonstrates the existence of a major public health issue requiring corrective actions and the implementation of an appropriate regulation.

Arsenic Exposure and Health Effects III, 1999

... A unique metabolism of inorganic arsenic in native Andean women. Eur. I. Pharmawl, 293, 455-4... more ... A unique metabolism of inorganic arsenic in native Andean women. Eur. I. Pharmawl, 293, 455-462. Valentine,]. L., Kang, HK and Spivey, G. 1979. Arsenic levels in human blood, urine and hair in response to exposure via drinking water. Environ. Res., 20, 24-32. ...

EMC - Pathologie professionnelle et de l 'environnement, 2013

Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, 1991

A study was undertaken to assess the importance of systematically recording occupationalhistories... more A study was undertaken to assess the importance of systematically recording occupationalhistories of patients admittedto an internal medicine unit of a university hospital. Detailed informationon currentand past employment wasobtainedwith questionnaires and in personalinterviews from 200 inpatients over a 12-month period. Twenty-one patients (10.5 070) were considered to have a "primary illness" (conditioncausing hospital admission) probably (4.5 070) or possibly (6 070) related to their current or previousoccupation. From the 786primary and secondaryillnesses and medicalantecedents diagnosed for the 200 patients examined, 70 illnesses of 55 patients were considered probably or possiblyrelated to current or previousoccupation. This pilot study emphasizes the need for accurate occupational records for patients in an internal medicine ward. This task is best performed by an appropriately trained occupational physician.

Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 1994

Lancet, 1997

Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are used increasingly in industry as substitutes for ozone-deple... more Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are used increasingly in industry as substitutes for ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Limited studies in animals indicate potential hepatotoxicity of some of these compounds. We investigated an epidemic of liver disease in nine industrial workers who had had repeated accidental exposure to a mixture of 1,1-dichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane (HCFC 123) and 1-chloro-1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (HCFC 124). All nine exposed workers were affected to various degrees. Both compounds are metabolised in the same way as 1-bromo-1-chloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane (halothane) to form reactive trifluoroacetyl halide intermediates, which have been implicated in the hepatotoxicity of halothane. We aimed to test whether HCFCs 123 and 124 can result in serious liver disease.

Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology, 2012

The objective of this study was to determine blood lead levels (BLLs) and the possible sources of... more The objective of this study was to determine blood lead levels (BLLs) and the possible sources of exposure in the population of Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. A cross-sectional survey was carried out from January to May 2008 in a representative sample of the Kinshasan population. BLL was measured in 275 individuals (53.4% women) aged 1-70 years in the urban area of Kinshasa and from 60 additional subjects in the rural area. Pb was also determined in environmental specimens (air and soil, indoor and outdoor). BLL in the study population ranged from 2.9 to 49.3 mg/dl (median, 9.9 mg/dl). The median BLL among children aged o6 years was 11.5 mg/dl (range: 3.0-37.8 mg/dl). Of these children, 71% had elevated BLL (Z10 mg/dl) and 22% had BLL Z20 mg/dl. The proportion of elevated BLL (Z10 mg/dl) was higher for children aged o3 years than for children aged 3 to 5 years (97% vs 56%). A higher prevalence of elevated BLL was observed in urban compared with rural children (71% vs 20%). Significantly higher BLLs were also found in children whose mother consumed fired clay during pregnancy. Residential informal activities in the recycling of car batteries also contributed to elevated BLL in children. The elevated background of Pb exposure in the Kinshasan population indicates a public health issue that requires corrective actions. Pb-contaminated dust and air in children's home is an issue of public health concern. The use of leaded gasoline and the activities of car battery recycling in certain residences appear to constitute the main sources of exposure in the city of Kinshasa. The traditional use of fired clay for the treatment of gastritis by pregnant women is another significant contributor for elevated BLL in children.

International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 2012

The particularly high rate of urbanization in Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo) is associat... more The particularly high rate of urbanization in Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo) is associated with environmental degradation. Outdoor and indoor air pollution, as well as water pollution and waste accumulation, are issues of major concern. However, little documented information exists on the nature and extent of this pollution. A biomonitoring study was conducted to document exposure to trace elements in a representative sample of the population in Kinshasa. Fifteen trace elements were measured by ICP-MS, CV-AAS, or HG-AFS in spot urine samples from 220 individuals (50.5% women) aged 6-70 years living in the urban area and from 50 additional subjects from the rural area of Kinshasa. Data were compiled as geometric means and selected percentiles, expressed without (μg/L) or with creatinine adjustment (μg/g cr). Overall, living in urban Kinshasa was associated with elevated levels of several parameters in urine as compared to the population living in the rural area (Asi, Ba, Cd, Cr, and V) as well as compared to an urban population of the southeast of Congo (Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Mn, Ni, Se, V, and Zn). Elevated levels were also found by comparison with the reference values in databases involving American, Canadian, French, or German populations. This study provides the first biomonitoring database in the population of Kinshasa, revealing elevated levels for most urinary TE as compared to other databases. Toxicologically relevant elements such as Al, As, Cd, Pb, and Hg reach levels of public health concern.

Environment International, 2011

This article appeared in a journal published by Elsevier. The attached copy is furnished to the a... more This article appeared in a journal published by Elsevier. The attached copy is furnished to the author for internal non-commercial research and education use, including for instruction at the authors institution and sharing with colleagues. Other uses, including reproduction and distribution, or selling or licensing copies, or posting to personal, institutional or third party websites are prohibited. In most cases authors are permitted to post their version of the article (e.g. in Word or Tex form) to their personal website or institutional repository. Authors requiring further information regarding Elsevier's archiving and manuscript policies are encouraged to visit: http://www.elsevier.com/copyright

Environment International, 2011

This article appeared in a journal published by Elsevier. The attached copy is furnished to the a... more This article appeared in a journal published by Elsevier. The attached copy is furnished to the author for internal non-commercial research and education use, including for instruction at the authors institution and sharing with colleagues. Other uses, including reproduction and distribution, or selling or licensing copies, or posting to personal, institutional or third party websites are prohibited. In most cases authors are permitted to post their version of the article (e.g. in Word or Tex form) to their personal website or institutional repository. Authors requiring further information regarding Elsevier's archiving and manuscript policies are encouraged to visit: http://www.elsevier.com/copyright

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM), 2013

Background: Trace elements (TEs) are ubiquitous and their potential interest for human health has... more Background: Trace elements (TEs) are ubiquitous and their potential interest for human health has been constantly expanding. Biological monitoring is generally considered to be a useful tool to assess human exposure to chemical agents in risk assessment both at occupational and environmental levels. However, the knowledge of accurate reference values, which may vary across countries or regions, is a prerequisite for correct interpretation of biomonitoring data. This study aimed at determining the reference distribution and the upper reference limit for 26 TEs (Al, As, Sb, Ba, Be, Bi, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, In, Li, Mn, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pd, Pt, Pb, Se, Te, Tl, Sn, U, V, Zn) in the urine of the general adult population residing in Belgium. Methods: In total, 1022 adults not occupationally or extra-occupationally (mainly via hobbies, drugs) exposed to these TEs were recruited by occupational physicians and toxicologists according to an a priori selection procedure. Non-fasting spot urine samples we...

The Lancet, 1997

5though altered risk of coronary heart disease has not been documented. Our controls were a group... more 5though altered risk of coronary heart disease has not been documented. Our controls were a group of Burma Star Veterans (BSVs) who had fought in the Burma Campaign—ie, in the same location at the same time—but without imprisonment. During our original study, the non-fasting plasma samples taken for hepatitis-B serology were also tested for total cholesterol and highdensity-lipoprotein cholesterol. We also included two questions on coronary heart disease in the questionnaire: “have you been told by a doctor you have angina?” and “have you been told by a doctor you have had a coronary thrombosis in the past?”. Data were also collected on hypertension, family history of coronary heart disease, smoking, drinking, and obesity (assessed by body-mass index). The results are shown in the table for 635 POWs and 505 BSVs who were matched for all the above variables, apart from the number of alcohol drinkers (91% BSVs vs 82% POWs, p<0·001). The POWs had a slightly higher rate of coronary heart disease than the BSV veterans (21·7% vs 18·1%), but this difference was not significant. We took random blood samples from 100 POWs and 100 BSVs who completed the questionnaires. Eight samples were lost in transport or storage in both groups. The lipid-tested group were analysed separately for coronary risk factors. There were no between-group differences in hypertension rates, smoking habits, family history of coronary heart disease, or number of alcohol drinkers. The BSV group were younger than the POWs (63 [SD 3] vs 67 [3] years, p<0·001), and the BSV drinkers consumed more alcohol units per week than the POWs (17 [19] vs 11 [9], p<0·01). The lipid results show that POWs had a non-significant lower total cholesterol (6·0 vs 6·3 mmol/L), but a significantly higher high-densitylipoprotein cholesterol than BSVs (1·2 vs 0·9 mmol/L, p<0·001). These results are puzzling. The rates of coronary heart disease did not differ significantly between the groups, and the slightly lower rates may relate to increased alcohol consumption in BSVs which may have a protective effect. However, disease occurrence was self-reported and the numbers studied were probably insufficient to show small differences. The cholesterol concentrations are harder to explain, because they show a significantly advantageous profile in POWs. Again the numbers are small, and samples were taken from volunteers who may not be generally representative (though this was true for both groups). The younger age and higher alcohol intake of the BSVs may also be expected to confer a beneficial lipid profile. Additionally of course, these veterans—particularly the POWs—are a group of survivors who may favour an advantageous lipid profiles. An association between war stress and the risk of coronary heart disease remains unproven. It is of interest that many veterans who were imprisoned in the Far East exhibit anxiety and depressive symptoms with features of post-traumatic stress disorder. 5

Le chrome (Cr) est un métal existant dans différents états d'oxydation. Le Cr métallique [Cr(... more Le chrome (Cr) est un métal existant dans différents états d'oxydation. Le Cr métallique [Cr(0)] ne se trouve pas naturellement dans l'environnement mais est d'origine humaine. Les composés trivalents [Cr(III)] sont très stables et se trouvent naturellement dans des minerais. Le Cr hexavalent [Cr(VI)], deuxième état le plus stable, se trouve rarement de façon naturelle dans l'environnement, excepté dans la crocoïte et résulte la plupart du temps de sources anthropogènes. Le Cr divalent [Cr(II)] est très instable et s'oxyde rapidement en Cr(III) ; les états d'oxydation (IV) et (V) sont essentiellement observés comme intermédiaires lors de la conversion entre les états (VI) et (III). La métallurgie, le secteur des réfractaires et l'industrie chimique sont les principaux utilisateurs du Cr. La cinétique et la toxicité des composés du Cr dépendent principalement de l'état d'oxydation du composé et de sa solubilité dans les milieux biologiques. Schémat...

La Semaine des hôpitaux de Paris, 1987

Several methods have been proposed for detecting the oxidation and breakdown of polyunsaturated f... more Several methods have been proposed for detecting the oxidation and breakdown of polyunsaturated fatty acids (lipoperoxidation process) in humans. The lipoperoxidation products which hitherto have been measured in sufficiently large groups of subjects are lipid conjugated dienes, malonic dialdehyde and fluorescent byproducts in biological fluids and low molecular weight aliphatic hydrocarbons in expired air. None of these methods can yet be considered as the method of choice. Various analytical pitfalls and several epidemiological and statistical biases cast doubt about the conclusions of the majority of the studies carried out so far in humans. Provided further studies are undertaken to determine the factors which influence the metabolism of low molecular weight hydrocarbons in man, expired air analysis might constitute a practical and promising in vivo approach for detecting an increased lipoperoxidation process.

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM), 2020

Objectives Trace elements (TEs) from natural and anthropogenic sources are ubiquitous. Essential ... more Objectives Trace elements (TEs) from natural and anthropogenic sources are ubiquitous. Essential or not, their relevance for human health and disease is constantly expanding. Biological monitoring is a widely integrated tool in risk assessment both in occupational and environmental settings. However, the determination of appropriate and accurate reference values in the (specific) population is a prerequisite for a correct interpretation of biomonitoring data. This study aimed at determining the reference distribution for TEs (Al, As, Sb, Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Tl, Sn, V, Zn) in the blood and/or plasma of the adult population in Belgium. Methods Blood and plasma samples were analyzed for 178 males and 202 females, recruited according to an a priori selection procedure, by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results Reference values were established with high confidence for AsT, Cd, Cu, HgT, Mn, Mo, Pb, Sn, Se, Tl and Zn. Compared to previously ...

Exposure to chemical agents can be assessed either by measuring the concentration of the agent in... more Exposure to chemical agents can be assessed either by measuring the concentration of the agent in the air by stationary or personal sampling (ambient monitoring), or by measuring some biological variables (biological monitoring). The term biomarker that has been proposed for a few years is used in a broad sense to include almost any measurement reflecting an interaction between a biological system and an environmental agent, which may be chemical, physical, or biological.' However, there is still some debate about the definition of the term and it is clear that interpretation ofthe term varies between authors. Strictly speaking, biological monitoring of exposure to chemical agents means measurement of a substance or its metabolites in various biological media. Sometimes, the concept of biological monitoring is extended to include the detection of early reversible non-adverse effects (biological monitoring of effect). The detection of an adverse effect-for example, increased prot...

Pathologie Biologie, 1987

Several methods have been proposed for detecting the oxidation and breakdown of polyunsaturated f... more Several methods have been proposed for detecting the oxidation and breakdown of polyunsaturated fatty acids (lipoperoxidation process) in humans. The lipoperoxidation products which hitherto have been measured in sufficiently large groups of subjects are lipid conjugated dienes, malonic dialdehyde and fluorescent byproducts in biological fluids and low molecular weight aliphatic hydrocarbons in expired air. None of these methods can yet be considered as the method of choice. Various analytical pitfalls and several epidemiological and statistical biases cast doubt about the conclusions of the majority of the studies carried out so far in humans. Provided further studies are undertaken to determine the factors which influence the metabolism of low molecular weight hydrocarbons in man, expired air analysis might constitute a practical and promising in vivo approach for detecting an increased lipoperoxidation process.

Critical Reviews in Toxicology, 2017

Archives of Public Health, 2010

Leaded gasoline and lead paints are still in use in the Democratic Republic of Congo but data on ... more Leaded gasoline and lead paints are still in use in the Democratic Republic of Congo but data on blood lead levels in the general population are not available. We evaluated the Pb impregnation in children and adults (0-70 years old) in Kinshasa. Methods Blood lead was measured by atomic absorption in a sample of 485 healthy people (268 men and 217 women) living in Kinshasa between May 2003 and June 2004. Results Geometric mean blood lead was 120 µg/L (95% CI: 115-125), with a higher concentration in men than in women (127 vs 114 µg/L, p=0.01). Sixty-three percent of children aged less than 6 years old presented blood lead levels above the 100 µg threshold. In the adult population, occupations with a potential risk of exposure to gasoline (car mechanics or garage owners, taxi drivers, conveyors and gas pump attendants) were associated with an extra blood lead of about 65µg/L. Conclusion This study indicates a relatively important Pb impregnation of the Kinshasa population. It demonstrates the existence of a major public health issue requiring corrective actions and the implementation of an appropriate regulation.

Arsenic Exposure and Health Effects III, 1999

... A unique metabolism of inorganic arsenic in native Andean women. Eur. I. Pharmawl, 293, 455-4... more ... A unique metabolism of inorganic arsenic in native Andean women. Eur. I. Pharmawl, 293, 455-462. Valentine,]. L., Kang, HK and Spivey, G. 1979. Arsenic levels in human blood, urine and hair in response to exposure via drinking water. Environ. Res., 20, 24-32. ...

EMC - Pathologie professionnelle et de l 'environnement, 2013

Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, 1991

A study was undertaken to assess the importance of systematically recording occupationalhistories... more A study was undertaken to assess the importance of systematically recording occupationalhistories of patients admittedto an internal medicine unit of a university hospital. Detailed informationon currentand past employment wasobtainedwith questionnaires and in personalinterviews from 200 inpatients over a 12-month period. Twenty-one patients (10.5 070) were considered to have a "primary illness" (conditioncausing hospital admission) probably (4.5 070) or possibly (6 070) related to their current or previousoccupation. From the 786primary and secondaryillnesses and medicalantecedents diagnosed for the 200 patients examined, 70 illnesses of 55 patients were considered probably or possiblyrelated to current or previousoccupation. This pilot study emphasizes the need for accurate occupational records for patients in an internal medicine ward. This task is best performed by an appropriately trained occupational physician.

Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 1994

Lancet, 1997

Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are used increasingly in industry as substitutes for ozone-deple... more Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are used increasingly in industry as substitutes for ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Limited studies in animals indicate potential hepatotoxicity of some of these compounds. We investigated an epidemic of liver disease in nine industrial workers who had had repeated accidental exposure to a mixture of 1,1-dichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane (HCFC 123) and 1-chloro-1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (HCFC 124). All nine exposed workers were affected to various degrees. Both compounds are metabolised in the same way as 1-bromo-1-chloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane (halothane) to form reactive trifluoroacetyl halide intermediates, which have been implicated in the hepatotoxicity of halothane. We aimed to test whether HCFCs 123 and 124 can result in serious liver disease.

Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology, 2012

The objective of this study was to determine blood lead levels (BLLs) and the possible sources of... more The objective of this study was to determine blood lead levels (BLLs) and the possible sources of exposure in the population of Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. A cross-sectional survey was carried out from January to May 2008 in a representative sample of the Kinshasan population. BLL was measured in 275 individuals (53.4% women) aged 1-70 years in the urban area of Kinshasa and from 60 additional subjects in the rural area. Pb was also determined in environmental specimens (air and soil, indoor and outdoor). BLL in the study population ranged from 2.9 to 49.3 mg/dl (median, 9.9 mg/dl). The median BLL among children aged o6 years was 11.5 mg/dl (range: 3.0-37.8 mg/dl). Of these children, 71% had elevated BLL (Z10 mg/dl) and 22% had BLL Z20 mg/dl. The proportion of elevated BLL (Z10 mg/dl) was higher for children aged o3 years than for children aged 3 to 5 years (97% vs 56%). A higher prevalence of elevated BLL was observed in urban compared with rural children (71% vs 20%). Significantly higher BLLs were also found in children whose mother consumed fired clay during pregnancy. Residential informal activities in the recycling of car batteries also contributed to elevated BLL in children. The elevated background of Pb exposure in the Kinshasan population indicates a public health issue that requires corrective actions. Pb-contaminated dust and air in children's home is an issue of public health concern. The use of leaded gasoline and the activities of car battery recycling in certain residences appear to constitute the main sources of exposure in the city of Kinshasa. The traditional use of fired clay for the treatment of gastritis by pregnant women is another significant contributor for elevated BLL in children.

International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 2012

The particularly high rate of urbanization in Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo) is associat... more The particularly high rate of urbanization in Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo) is associated with environmental degradation. Outdoor and indoor air pollution, as well as water pollution and waste accumulation, are issues of major concern. However, little documented information exists on the nature and extent of this pollution. A biomonitoring study was conducted to document exposure to trace elements in a representative sample of the population in Kinshasa. Fifteen trace elements were measured by ICP-MS, CV-AAS, or HG-AFS in spot urine samples from 220 individuals (50.5% women) aged 6-70 years living in the urban area and from 50 additional subjects from the rural area of Kinshasa. Data were compiled as geometric means and selected percentiles, expressed without (μg/L) or with creatinine adjustment (μg/g cr). Overall, living in urban Kinshasa was associated with elevated levels of several parameters in urine as compared to the population living in the rural area (Asi, Ba, Cd, Cr, and V) as well as compared to an urban population of the southeast of Congo (Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Mn, Ni, Se, V, and Zn). Elevated levels were also found by comparison with the reference values in databases involving American, Canadian, French, or German populations. This study provides the first biomonitoring database in the population of Kinshasa, revealing elevated levels for most urinary TE as compared to other databases. Toxicologically relevant elements such as Al, As, Cd, Pb, and Hg reach levels of public health concern.

Environment International, 2011

This article appeared in a journal published by Elsevier. The attached copy is furnished to the a... more This article appeared in a journal published by Elsevier. The attached copy is furnished to the author for internal non-commercial research and education use, including for instruction at the authors institution and sharing with colleagues. Other uses, including reproduction and distribution, or selling or licensing copies, or posting to personal, institutional or third party websites are prohibited. In most cases authors are permitted to post their version of the article (e.g. in Word or Tex form) to their personal website or institutional repository. Authors requiring further information regarding Elsevier's archiving and manuscript policies are encouraged to visit: http://www.elsevier.com/copyright

Environment International, 2011

This article appeared in a journal published by Elsevier. The attached copy is furnished to the a... more This article appeared in a journal published by Elsevier. The attached copy is furnished to the author for internal non-commercial research and education use, including for instruction at the authors institution and sharing with colleagues. Other uses, including reproduction and distribution, or selling or licensing copies, or posting to personal, institutional or third party websites are prohibited. In most cases authors are permitted to post their version of the article (e.g. in Word or Tex form) to their personal website or institutional repository. Authors requiring further information regarding Elsevier's archiving and manuscript policies are encouraged to visit: http://www.elsevier.com/copyright

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM), 2013

Background: Trace elements (TEs) are ubiquitous and their potential interest for human health has... more Background: Trace elements (TEs) are ubiquitous and their potential interest for human health has been constantly expanding. Biological monitoring is generally considered to be a useful tool to assess human exposure to chemical agents in risk assessment both at occupational and environmental levels. However, the knowledge of accurate reference values, which may vary across countries or regions, is a prerequisite for correct interpretation of biomonitoring data. This study aimed at determining the reference distribution and the upper reference limit for 26 TEs (Al, As, Sb, Ba, Be, Bi, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, In, Li, Mn, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pd, Pt, Pb, Se, Te, Tl, Sn, U, V, Zn) in the urine of the general adult population residing in Belgium. Methods: In total, 1022 adults not occupationally or extra-occupationally (mainly via hobbies, drugs) exposed to these TEs were recruited by occupational physicians and toxicologists according to an a priori selection procedure. Non-fasting spot urine samples we...