Danuta Ligocka

Publications of Danuta Ligocka

• Exposure to phenoxyacetic acid herbicides and predictors of exposure among spouses of farmers.

  Authors: Joanna Jurewicz, Wojciech Hanke, Wojciech Sobala, Danuta Ligocka

  Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM. 03/2012; 19(1):51-6.

  The purpose of the study was to assess the environmental exposure to 2 commonly used pesticides: 2-methyl-4- chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) among spousesThe purpose of the study was to assess the environmental exposure to 2 commonly used pesticides: 2-methyl-4- chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) among spouses of farmers, not directly involved in the process of spraying. Exposure to 63 sprayings 24 women in households from the rural area of the Łódż Voivodeship in Poland was assessed. The women were asked to collect 3 biological urine samples: in the morning before spraying (sample A), in the evening after spraying (sample B), and on the morning of the next day (sample C). The determination of pesticides in urine was performed by high performance liquid chromatography, coupled with tandem mass spectrometry and negative electrospray (LC-MS/MS-ESI-). In the case of both active ingredient, the number of urine samples with the level of pesticides above limit of detection (LOD) increased from 30% in samples A to 45% in samples B and C. The average levels of herbicides increased from sample A (2.8 ng/g creatinine) to sample B (6.0 ng/g creatinine). The mean value of the C sample was 4.0 ng/g creatinine. Similar results were obtained when the average was calculated for all measurements, including those below LOD. The outdoor activity of the women during spraying was statistically significant (p=0.023), a predictor of exposure in multivariate analyses. The presented study indicates that farmers' spouses might be exposed to pesticides, even if they do not take part in the spraying.

• Predictors of environmental exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons among pregnant women--prospective cohort study in Poland.

  Authors: Kinga Polańska, Wojciech Hanke, Wojciech Sobala, Sławomir Brzeźnicki, Danuta Ligocka

  International journal of occupational medicine and environmental health. 03/2011; 24(1):8-17.

  The aim of the study was to characterize the PAH exposure level based on 1-hydroxypyrene (1-HP) in urine of Polish pregnant women and to assess the relationship between PAH and factors such asThe aim of the study was to characterize the PAH exposure level based on 1-hydroxypyrene (1-HP) in urine of Polish pregnant women and to assess the relationship between PAH and factors such as smoking, environmental tobacco smoke exposure, place of residence, heating and cooking method. The study population included in this analysis consisted of 449 pregnant women who had been the subjects of the prospective Polish Mother and Child Cohort study performed in 8 regions of Poland. The women were interviewed three times during pregnancy (once in each trimester). 1-HP concentration in urine was chosen as the biomarker of exposure to PAH. The urine sample was analysed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The active and passive smoking exposure was verified by saliva cotinine, analysed by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MSMS) and isotope dilution method. 1-HP concentration in urine ranged from 0.02 to 10.2 μg/g creatinine with the geometric mean (GM) 0.4 μg/g creatinine. The significantly higher concentration of urinary 1-HP in pregnant women was observed for summer collection (GM ratio: 1.1; p = 0.01), among smokers (GM ratio: 1.7; p < 0.001) and for the women living in big cities (GM ratio: 1.3; p = 0.001). The significantly higher concentration of urinary 1-HP in pregnant women was observed for summer collection, among smokers and those living in big cities.

• [Occupational exposure to pesticides among farmers of the Łódź' voivodeship agricultural area].

  Authors: Joanna Jurewicz, Wojciech Hanke, Wojciech Sobala, Danuta Ligocka, Małgorzata Gawora-Ziółek

  Medycyna pracy. 01/2011; 62(1):9-16.

  Pesticides are widely used in agriculture for the crop protection. Despite advanced mechanization of the agricultural production, the population's exposure to these chemicals is still significant.Pesticides are widely used in agriculture for the crop protection. Despite advanced mechanization of the agricultural production, the population's exposure to these chemicals is still significant. The objective of the study was to evaluate farmers' occupational exposure to two most frequently used pesticides: MCPA and 2,4-D. Pesticide exposure was assessed in 24 farmers, living in the Łódź voivodeship agriculture area, for 71 sprayings performed on their arable areas. The exposure assessment methods were used to estimate workers' exposure to selected pesticides (MCPA and 2,4-D). The analysis covered the biological material (urine) collected on the day of pesticides spraying: in the morning before spraying (Sample A), in the evening after spraying (Sample B) and on the next day (Sample C). The level of pesticides found in farmers' urine was growing from sample A to sample C. The highest level of pesticides was found in sample C and the lowest in sample A. The predictors of the pesticide level were: sample collection time (urine concentration of pesticides in sample C compared with sample B) (p = 0.002), concentration of pesticides in sample A (p = 0.012) and the amount of products used during spraying (p = 0.021). 'The use of protective equipment was at the border of statistical significance (p = 0.059). The differences in exposure between farmers can be only partly explained by the analyzed exposure predictors. The study not only confirmed the presence of occupational exposure but also showed the level of exposure among farmers under study. This is very important because in Poland the level of exposure among farmers is unknown and studies using the biological monitoring are very rare.

• Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and newborn biometric indicators.

  Authors: Kinga Polańska, Wojciech Hanke, Wojciech Sobala, Sławomir Brzeźnicki, Danuta Ligocka

  International journal of occupational medicine and environmental health. 01/2010; 23(4):339-46.

  The aim of the study was to examine the impact of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) on foetal growth. The prospective Polish Mother and Child Cohort study was performed in 8 regions of Poland.The aim of the study was to examine the impact of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) on foetal growth. The prospective Polish Mother and Child Cohort study was performed in 8 regions of Poland. The study population consisted of 449 mother-child pairs All women were interviewed three times during pregnancy (once in each trimester). 1-hydroxypyrene (1-HP) concentration in urine was chosen as the biomarker of exposure to PAH. The urine sample collected from the participant women between 20-24 weeks of pregnancy was analysed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The active and passive smoking exposure was verified by determination of saliva cotinine level using high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry/positive electrospray ionisation (LC-ESI+MS/MS) and isotope dilution method. The exposure to PAH measured by 1-HP level in urine of pregnant women was significantly associated with child birth weight (β = -158.3; p = 0.01), chest circumference (β = -0.7; p = 0.02) and cephalisation index (β = 4.2; p = 0.01) after adjustment for gestational age, child gender, pregnant woman marital status, educational level, season of last menstruation period (LMP), prepregnancy body mass index (BMI), and weight gain in pregnancy. After inclusion salivary cotinine levels into the analysis, the results were not statistically significant. Prenatal exposures to PAH adversely influence foetal development including child weight, length, head and chest circumference. Tobacco smoking is the important source of PAH. After controlling for active and passive smoking, the observed associations were not statistically significant.

• [Impact of prenatal environmental tobacco smoke exposure on birth parameters].

  Authors: Kinga Polańska, Wojciech Hanke, Wojciech Sobala, Danuta Ligocka

  Przegla̧d lekarski. 01/2010; 67(10):835-7.

  The aim of the study was to analyze the association between prenatal environmental tobacco smoke exposure (ETS) and child anthropometric parameters at birth such birth weight, length, head and chestThe aim of the study was to analyze the association between prenatal environmental tobacco smoke exposure (ETS) and child anthropometric parameters at birth such birth weight, length, head and chest circumference. The study population consisted of 107 pregnant women from Lodz district as the part of Polish Mother and Child Cohort study. The child prenatal ETS exposure was assessed based on questionnaire with mothers and cotinine level in saliva collected three times in pregnancy. The level of cotinine in biological samples was analyzed using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS ESI+). About 35% of the children were prenatally exposed to ETS. The birth weight of the children prenatally exposed to ETS was 335 g lower than the birth weight of non-exposed newborns p < 0.001 after adjustment for: maternal educational level, marital status, prepregnancy weight, child gender, and gestational age. The same refers to child length and chest circumference (coef. -1.1 cm; p = 0.03 and coef. -1.3 cm; p = 0.002 respectively). Taking into account the negative effect of prenatal exposure to ETS, more efforts need to be taken to eliminate child ETS exposure.

• Assessment of the dermal exposure to azoxystrobin among women tending cucumbers in selected Polish greenhouses after restricted entry intervals expired - the role of the protective gloves.

  Authors: Joanna Jurewicz, Wojciech Hanke, Wojciech Sobala, Danuta Ligocka

  International journal of occupational medicine and environmental health. 10/2009;

  Objectives: The purpose of our study was to determine the level of skin contamination by azoxystrobin in a group of women tending cucumbers in a vegetable-growing greenhouse after restricted entryObjectives: The purpose of our study was to determine the level of skin contamination by azoxystrobin in a group of women tending cucumbers in a vegetable-growing greenhouse after restricted entry intervals expired. Methods: Exposure samples were assessed on two days during the spring: first entry on the day after spraying of azoxystrobin and second entry six days later. Dermal exposure was measured by using patches on the outside of clothing and sampling gloves underneath regular working gloves. Pesticide deposited on clothing patches and gloves as a substitute for skin deposition was determined by liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results: The study has shown that workers in a Polish greenhouse are exposed to pesticides at re-entry into the greenhouse after pesticides were sprayed several days earlier. Azoxystrobin has been detected on hands, shoulders and chest. Higher levels of azoxystrobin were found on the cotton gloves of women tending the vegetables than on the patches. The levels decreased (by about 60%) on the patches and increased (by about 250%) on the cotton gloves between the two days of measurement. Conclusions: Women working in a vegetable-growing greenhouse and not directly engaged in the process of spraying experience a measurable dermal exposure to azoxystrobin. The protective gloves constitute a source of secondary exposure rather than protecting employees' hands from contact with the pesticide. More efficient personal protective gloves for proper protection of women working in vegetable greenhouses are needed.

• [Exposure of smoking pregnant women to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons]

  Authors: Kinga Polańska, Wojciech Hanke, Wojciech Sobala, Sławomir Brzeźnicki, Danuta Ligocka

  Medycyna pracy. 02/2009; 60(2):103-8.

  BACKGROUND: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are compounds that are formed as a result of incomplete combustion of organic matter. The most common sources of PAHs are cigarette smoke,BACKGROUND: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are compounds that are formed as a result of incomplete combustion of organic matter. The most common sources of PAHs are cigarette smoke, coal-fired utilities, steel plants, coke-oven plants, graphite electrode manufacturing plant, Söderberg aluminum electrolysis plant, vehicle exhaust, wood-burning ovens and fireplaces, and charcoal-grilled and smoked food. The aim of the study was to assess the exposure of smoking pregnant women to PAHs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 189 pregnant women from the Lódź voivodeship (province). Smoking status was assessed based on saliva cotinine level analyzed by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The cutoff point 10 ng/ml was adopted for saliva cotinine level. 1-hydroxypyrene (1-HP) concentration in urine sample was chosen as the biomarker of exposure to PAHs. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The mean concentration of 1-HP in urine of nonsmoking woman was 0.60 microg/g creatinine, whereas in smoking one 1.35 microg/g creatinine. Among the women with saliva cotinine level higher than 10 ng/ml, the mean concentration of 1-HP in urine was over twofold higher than that in women with cotinine level lower than 10 ng/ml after adjustment for the day of urine ample collection (ratio of geometric mean 2.3; 95% CI 1.7-3.0). The study confirmed a higher risk of exposure to PAHs in the group of women who smoke cigarettes during pregnancy as compared to nonsmoking women. It should be stressed that cigarette smoking is not the only source of exposure to PAHs.

• [Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and psychomotor development of children]

  Authors: Kinga Polańska, Wojciech Hanke, Wojciech Sobala, Danuta Ligocka

  Medycyna pracy. 02/2009; 60(1):15-20.

  BACKGROUND: In Poland, prenatal exposure to tobacco smoke is observed in about 30 percent of children and postnatal in over 50 percent of children. This exposure has serious health consequences,BACKGROUND: In Poland, prenatal exposure to tobacco smoke is observed in about 30 percent of children and postnatal in over 50 percent of children. This exposure has serious health consequences, including the negative effect on child neurodevelopment. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure on child psychomotor development. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 63 children with well assessed prenatal ETS exposure (a threefold analysis of cotinine level in saliva of pregnant women). To assess ETS exposure in infants within one year after birth a questionnaire-based interview was conducted with mothers. The Bayley Scale for Infant and Toddler Development (BESID-III) was used for the evaluation of child neurodevelopment. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis (including gender, birth order of the child and parental educational status) indicated the statistically significant association between prenatal exposure to ETS and cognitive child development (b = -4.0; p = 0.04). ETS exposure has also a negative impact on motor (b = -2.7; p = 0.2) and language (b = -3.4; p = 0.08) abilities of the child although the results were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal smoking was found to be related to a decrease in child neurodevelopment, however, it was impossible to separate the prenatal from postnatal exposure. A lot of effort should be made to eliminate ETS exposure of children.

• [Prenatal and postnatal child exposure to environmental tobacco smoke].

  Authors: Kinga Polańska, Wojciech Hanke, Wojciech Sobala, Danuta Ligocka

  Przegla̧d lekarski. 01/2009; 66(10):554-7.

  The aim of the study was to evaluate the prenatal and postnatal child exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. The study population consisted of 83 women from Lodz, Poland among which detailThe aim of the study was to evaluate the prenatal and postnatal child exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. The study population consisted of 83 women from Lodz, Poland among which detail questionnaire was conducted three times during pregnancy period. From all women included into the study the saliva sample was collected to verify smoking status in pregnancy. One year after delivery the second questionnaire was performed and urine sample from all children was collected. The cotinine level in saliva and urine was analyzed using Liquid Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS ESI+). About 22% of the children were expose to ETS during prenatal and 46% in postnatal period. Cotinine level in children's urine statistically differentiated children from smoking mothers (Geometric Mean (GM) 11.4 ng/ml; 95% CI 7.1-18.3) and exposed homes (GM 7.3 ng/ml; 95% CI 3.6-15.0) compared with non-exposed homes (GM 1.3 ng/ml; 95% CI 0.9-1.7) (p < 0.001). Children should be more protected from ETS exposure in prenatal and postnatal period.

• Polish mother and child cohort study--defining the problem, the aim of the study and methodological assumption.

  Authors: Kinga Polańska, Wojciech Hanke, Jolanta Gromadzińska, Danuta Ligocka, Ewa Gulczyńska, Wojciech Sobala, Wojciech Wásowicz

  International journal of occupational medicine and environmental health. 01/2009; 22(4):383-91.

  Exposures during prenatal period have implications for pregnancy outcome as well as for children's health, morbidity and mortality. Prospective cohort study design allows for the identification ofExposures during prenatal period have implications for pregnancy outcome as well as for children's health, morbidity and mortality. Prospective cohort study design allows for the identification of exposures that may influence pregnancy outcome and children's health, verification of such exposures by biomarker measurements and notification of any changes in exposure level. Polish Mother and Child Cohort Study (REPRO_PL) is multicenter prospective cohort study conducted in 8 different regions of Poland. The final cohort is intended to comprise 1300 mother-child pairs to be recruited within 4-year period (2007-2011). The recruitment and all scheduled visits are conducted in maternity units or clinics in the districts included in the study. The women are followed-up 3 times in pregnancy (once in each trimester) and after delivery for the notification of pregnancy outcome. During each visit, detailed questionnaire and biological samples are collected including saliva, urine, hair, maternal blood and cord blood. About 6 weeks postpartum, breast milk from part of the women is collected. The study concentrates on the identification and evaluation of the effects of prenatal environmental exposure on pregnancy outcome and children's health. Specific research hypotheses refer to the role of heavy metals, exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) in the aetiology of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) and preterm delivery (PD). The role of oxidative stress putative mechanism and pregnant women nutritional status will be investigated. Based on questionnaire data, the impact of occupational exposures and stressful situations will be evaluated. The results of the study will become available within the next few years and will help to determine levels of child prenatal exposure in several areas of Poland and its impact on course and outcome of pregnancy.

• [Dermal exposure to pesticides among women working in Polish greenhouses using cotton patches]

  Authors: Joanna Jurewicz, Wojciech Hanke, Wojciech Sobala, Danuta Ligocka

  Medycyna pracy. 02/2008; 59(3):197-202.

  BACKGROUND: The work in greenhouses might involve indirect exposure to pesticides, resulting from the contact with previously pesticide-treated flowers and vegetables. The objective of the study wasBACKGROUND: The work in greenhouses might involve indirect exposure to pesticides, resulting from the contact with previously pesticide-treated flowers and vegetables. The objective of the study was to assess the exposure to selected pesticides of workers tending and harvesting greenhouse cultivations after the restricted-entry intervals expired using cotton patches. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Pesticide exposure was assessed among women (n=19) tending and harvesting vegetables in one of the vegetable production greenhouse in Poland. The exposure assessment methods were used to estimate workers' exposure to selected pesticides (hexythiazoks, azoksystrobin, imazalil) after the restricted-entry intervals expired. Cotton gloves and patches on chest and arms were used during the whole workshift in the greenhouse. RESULTS: All the three kinds of pesticides were found on cotton patches and gloves. The concentration of the examined active ingredients was higher on gloves than on patches. Their concentration on patches and gloves between sprayings was proportional to the concentration of active ingredients used during sprayings. CONCLUSION: Dermal exposure of women to pesticides during work in a greenhouse takes place even when employees are not directly engaged in the process of spraying. Therefore, it is nececarry to ensure that this occupational group is provided with the efficient personal protective equipment.

• [Effectiveness of antismoking counseling for postpartum women]

  Authors: Kinga Polańska, Wojciech Hanke, Danuta Ligocka, Marzenna Broszkiewicz

  Przegla̧d lekarski. 02/2008; 65(10):631-3.

  The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of antismoking counseling for postpartum women. The study was conducted between 2004-2006 in Lodz district. The study population consisted ofThe aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of antismoking counseling for postpartum women. The study was conducted between 2004-2006 in Lodz district. The study population consisted of 199 women and among them 100 were included into the intervention group and 99 to control one. Antismoking intervention and control activities were conducted among the women who quit smoking during pregnancy and maintained smoking abstinence after delivery. There were no statistically significant differences regarding the socio-demographic characteristic between intervention and control group. The women who received antismoking advice relapsed into the smoking less frequently than the women from the control group (26% vs. 56%; OR = 0.25; 95% CI 0.15-0.51). The antismoking counseling for postpartum women is the effective tool to help them to maintain smoking abstinence.

• [Environmental tobacco smoke exposure in pregnancy and postpartum period]

  Authors: Kinga Polańska, Wojciech Hanke, Wojciech Sobala, Danuta Ligocka, John Lowe

  Przegla̧d lekarski. 02/2006; 63(10):907-10.

  Among available methods to estimate the exposure to tobacco smoke, cotinine, a major metabolite of nicotine is considered the most accurate marker. The aim of this study was to evaluate environmentalAmong available methods to estimate the exposure to tobacco smoke, cotinine, a major metabolite of nicotine is considered the most accurate marker. The aim of this study was to evaluate environmental tobacco smoke exposure in pregnancy and postpartum period. The cohort study was conducted in 2004 and 2006 in public maternity units in Lodz, Poland. The study population consisted of women between 32-36 weeks of pregnancy who have quit smoking within 2 months before pregnancy or no later than three months prior to participation in the study. Women were interviewed twice: during pregnancy and three months after delivery. Self-reported non-smoking status was verified using saliva cotinine level. Cotinine level in saliva sample was analyzed using Liquid Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry. We included into the analysis 62 women who, based on self-reported smoking status and saliva cotinine level were classified as non-smokers. There were no statistically significant differences in mean saliva cotinine level measured in pregnancy and postpartum period. Pregnant women who smoked more cigarettes per day before quitting smoking had significantly higher cotinine level comparing to women who smoked < or = 10 cigarettes per day (p = 0.03). Saliva cotinine level was significantly higher among women exposed to environmental tobacco smoke at home compared to non-exposed (p = 0.02).