A systematic review on biomonitoring of individuals living near or working at solid waste incinerator plants

Crit Rev Toxicol. 2019 Jul;49(6):479-519. doi: 10.1080/10408444.2019.1630362. Epub 2019 Sep 16.

Abstract

Background: Solid waste incinerators (SWI) emit several pollutants among which polychlorodibenzodioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorobiphenyls, metals, monocyclic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).Aim of the study: To present a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature on human biological monitoring of exposure and effect following potential exposure to SWI pollutants to bring together evidences and to highlight strengths and deficiencies of the studies conducted so far.Methods: Relevant studies on biomonitoring of individuals living near or working at SWIs were selected through three steps: (1) a literature search in the Medline, CAplus, and Embase database; (2) the retrieved abstracts were screened by four independent reviewers; (3) the full text of the relevant papers was read, papers were pooled in studies, and then analyzed to highlight strengths and weaknesses. Studies with the strongest epidemiological design and/or the largest sample size were identified as reference studies.Results: One hundred and thirty-two papers, pooled in 82 studies, were included in the review: 67 on general population, 52 on SWI workers, and 14 on both groups. The most frequently investigated biomarkers were PCDD/Fs in plasma (87). Several studies presented limitations, such as a small samples size, scarce information on confounders, and a poor statistical analysis. Some earlier studies showed an increase of PCDD/Fs, lead, and PAHs in individuals (mainly workers) exposed to emissions from old SWIs; studies from the year 2000 showed no increase of biomarkers or biomarkers within the range of the general population; decreasing trends were observed in prospective studies.Conclusions: Most studies presented methodological pitfalls; reference studies showed no or a limited evidence of the impact of SWI on exposure and effect biomarkers.

Keywords: Solid waste incinerators; biomarkers of effect; biomarkers of exposure; dioxins; general population exposure; human biomonitoring; metals; occupational exposure; polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; volatile organic compounds.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Biological Monitoring
  • Dibenzofurans
  • Environmental Exposure / analysis*
  • Environmental Pollutants / analysis
  • Environmental Pollutants / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Incineration*
  • Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
  • Solid Waste

Substances

  • Dibenzofurans
  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
  • Solid Waste