Human Biomonitoring of Environmental Chemicals among Elderly in Wuhan, China: Prioritizing Risks Using EPA’s ToxCast Database

In
line with the “healthy aging” principle, we aim to assess
the exposure map and health risks of environmental chemicals in the
elderly. Blood samples from 918 elderly individuals in Wuhan, China,
were analyzed using the combined gas/liquid-mass spectrometry technology
to detect levels of 118 environmental chemicals. Cluster analysis
identified exposure profiles, while risk indexes and bioanalytical
equivalence percentages were calculated using EPA’s ToxCast
database. The detection rates for 87 compounds exceeded 70%. DEHP,
DiBP, naphthalene, phenanthrene, DnBP, pyrene, anthracene, permethrin,
fluoranthene, and PFOS showed the highest concentrations. Fat-soluble
pollutants varied across lifestyles. In cluster 2, which was characterized
by higher concentrations of fat-soluble substances, the proportion
of smokers or drinkers was higher than that of nonsmokers or nondrinkers.
Pesticides emerged as the most active environmental chemicals in peroxisome
proliferator-activated receptor gamma antagonist, thyroid hormone
receptor (TR) antagonist, TR agonist, and androgen receptor (AR) agonist
activity assays. Additionally, PAEs and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
played significant roles as active contaminants for the corresponding
targets of AR antagonists and estrogen receptor alpha. We proposed
a list of priority pollutants linked to endocrine-disrupting toxic
effects in the elderly, which may provide the groundwork for further
research into environmental etiology.