Record of North American boreal forest fires in northwest Greenland snow.

We present boreal forest fire proxies in a northwest Greenland snowpit spanning a period of six years, from spring 2003 to summer 2009. Levoglucosan (C6H10O5) is a specific organic molecular marker of biomass burning caused by boreal forest fires. In this study, levoglucosan was determined via liquid chromatography/negative ion electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry, wherein isotope-dilution and multiple reaction monitoring methods are employed. Ammonium (NH4+) and oxalate (C2O42-), traditional biomass burning proxies, were determined using two-channel ion chromatography. In the northwest Greenland snowpit, peaks in levoglucosan, ammonium, and oxalate were observed in snow layers corresponding to the summer-fall seasons of 2004 and 2005. Considered together, these spikes are a marker for large boreal forest fires. The levoglucosan deposited in the Greenland snow was strongly dependent on long-range atmospheric transportation. A 10-day backward air mass trajectory analysis supports that the major contributors were air masses from North America. In addition, satellite-derived carbon monoxide (CO) and ammonia (NH3) concentrations suggest that chemicals from North American boreal forest fires during the summer-fall of 2004 and 2005 were transported to Greenland. However, large boreal fires in Siberia in 2003 and 2008 were not recorded in the snowpit. The sub-annual resolution measurements of levoglucosan and ammonium can distinguish between the contributions of past boreal forest fires and soil emissions from anthropogenic activity to Greenland snow and ice.

Occurrence, distribution, and bioaccumulation of new and legacy persistent organic pollutants in an ecosystem on King George Island, maritime Antarctica.

The occurrence and bioaccumulation of new and legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs), hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs), and Dechlorane Plus (DPs) and their related compounds (Dechloranes) in an ecosystem on King George Island, Antarctica are investigated. The new and legacy POPs were widely detected in the animal samples collected from Antarctica, which included Limpet, Antarctic cod, Amphipods, Antarctic icefish, Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins, Kelp gull, and South polar skua. The trophic magnification factors indicated that the levels of PCNs and HBCDs, as well as the legacy POPs, were magnified through the food web, whereas DPs might be diluted through the trophic levels contradicting the classification of Dechloranes as POPs. This is one of the first extensive surveys on PCNs, HBCDs, and Dechloranes, which provides unique information on the distribution and trophic biomagnification potential of the new and legacy POPs in the Antarctic region.

Reliable Ultra Trace Analysis of Cd, U and Zn Concentrations in Greenland Snow and Ice by Using Ultraclean Methods for Contamination Control.

This study presents ultraclean procedures used in the challenging task of determining trace elements at or below the pg/g concentration level encountered in Greenland snow and ice. In order to validate these ultraclean procedures, recent snowfall and Holocene ice from northwest Greenland were analyzed for Cd, U, and Zn concentrations. The total procedural blanks brought through the entire measurement procedure proved to be negligible, compared to trace element concentrations, measured in snow and ice samples. This validates the overall practicality of the proposed ultraclean procedures, thereby ensuring the reliable measurements of ultra-trace analysis. A comparison between our study and published data shows that improper procedures employed throughout all stages, from field sampling to analysis to elevate the concentrations by several orders of magnitude, relative to the reliable concentration ranges. The risk of contamination exposure for selected trace elements appears to increase in the order of U < As ≤ Pb < Cd < Zn. Reliable measurements of Cd, U, and Zn concentrations in snow and ice allowed us to interpret the data in terms of seasonal variations in the inputs of crustal and anthropogenic sources to Greenland ice sheet.

Levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in the Korean metropolitan population are declining: A trend from 2001 to 2013.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been banned or voluntarily withdrawn from commerce worldwide. Declining levels of PBDEs in humans have been reported elsewhere, but not in Korea. We monitored 7 individual PBDE congeners (BDE-28, BDE-47, BDE-99, BDE-100, BDE-153, BDE-154, and BDE-183) in 103 human serum samples collected in 2006. The arithmetic mean and median values for the sum of the 7 PBDEs (∑PBDEs) were 7.13 and 6.70 ng/g lipid, respectively. In addition, 6 pooled human serum samples collected in 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2013 were analyzed. A decrease in PBDE levels was observed, as reflected by the median value of ∑PBDEs from 5.98 in 2006 to 2.98 ng/g lipid in 2013 as well as in the pooled samples. The levels of individual congeners also decreased but at different declining rates. Based on these results and previously reported data, a definite decline in PBDE levels in the Korean metropolitan population could be observed from 2001 to 2013, providing the first evidence in Korea of the same decline observed elsewhere in the world. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2323-2330. © 2018 SETAC.

Determinants of serum organochlorine pesticide and polychlorinated biphenyl levels in middle-aged Korean adults.

The serum levels of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were measured in a middle-aged Korean population and investigated associations with age, gender, body mass index (BMI), metabolic syndrome (MS), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and dietary habits. The median concentrations of 22 OCPs and 34 PCBs in the serum samples were 483 and 216 ng g-1 lipid, respectively. The most abundant compound was p,p'-DDE, followed by PCB 153, ß-HCH, PCB 118, and PCB 180. The results of multiple linear regression and other statistical analyses revealed that serum OCP and PCB levels were higher in women and were positively correlated with age. BMI was positively associated with serum OCP and PCB levels, reflecting the influence of food intake and the preserving effect of body fat. MS and T2DM were significantly associated with serum OCP and PCB levels. The intake of animal foods had positive associations with serum OCP and PCB levels, whereas the intake of phytogenic foods showed negative associations, presumably because of contamination levels in food items and food matrices that governs absorption and excretion of OCPs and PCBs in the body. The relationship between dietary habits and serum OCP and PCB levels were different in participants with MS compared to healthy participants, suggesting MS may alter the influence of food intake on serum OCP and PCB levels.

Pb concentrations and isotopic record preserved in northwest Greenland snow.

We present high-resolution lead (Pb) concentrations and isotopic ratios from a northwest Greenland snow pit covering a six-year period between 2003 and 2009. Pb concentrations ranged widely from 2.7 pg g-1 to 97.3 pg g-1, with a mean concentration of 21.6 pg g-1. These values are higher than those recorded for the pre-industrial period. Pb concentrations exhibit seasonal spikes in winter-spring layers. Crustal Pb enrichment factors (EF) suggest that the northwest Greenland snow pit is highly enriched with Pb of predominantly anthropogenic origin. The 206Pb/207Pb ratios ranged from 1.144 to 1.169 with a mean value of 1.156, which fall between less radiogenic Eurasian-type and more radiogenic Canadian-type signatures. This result suggests that several potential source areas of Pb impact on northwest Greenland. Abrupt changes in Pb concentrations and Pb isotope ratios were observed and related to seasonal shifts in source regions of aerosol transport. The 206Pb/207Pb isotope ratio increased gradually between 2003 and 2009. The similarity of the three-isotope plot (206Pb/207Pb versus 208Pb/207Pb) between some of our samples and Chinese urban aerosols suggests a steadily increasing contribution of Chinese Pb to northwest Greenland snow.

Occurrence of Legacy and New Persistent Organic Pollutants in Avian Tissues from King George Island, Antarctica.

Legacy and new persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs), Dechlorane Plus (DPs) and related compounds (Dechloranes), hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), were analyzed in avian tissue samples from King George Island, Antarctica. The avian species consisted of the Gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua), the Adelie penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae), the South polar skua (Stercorarius maccormicki), and the Brown skua (Stercorarius antarcticus). HBCDs were detected in all samples and ranged from 1.67-713 pg/g-lipid. In the penguin samples, the concentrations of PCNs ranged from 0.69-2.07 ng/g-lipid, whereas those in the skua samples ranged from 7.41-175 ng/g-lipid. The levels of Dechloranes ranged from 0.60-1.30 ng/g-lipid in the penguin samples and from 6.57-47.4 ng/g-lipid in the skua samples. The concentrations and congener distributions of OCPs and PCBs were similar to the results of previous reports. The three new POPs were detected in all samples, and this study was one of the first reports on the occurrence of these pollutants in the Antarctic biota. Because Antarctica is one of the most pristine places on Earth, the detection of new POPs in the Antarctic birds, especially penguins, is direct evidence of the long-range transport of pollutants. Furthermore, the concentration ratios of the penguin to the skua samples (BMFs-p) were greater than 1 in most legacy and new POPs, and the BMFs-p values of the new POPs were comparable to those of some OCPs, suggesting a possibility of biomagnification. Despite the small sample size, the results of this study identified POP contamination of the Antarctic avian species and long-range transport and biomagnification of HBCDs, Dechloranes, and PCNs.

Determination of lead isotopes in a new Greenland deep ice core at the sub-picogram per gram level by thermal ionization mass spectrometry using an improved decontamination method.

An improved decontamination method and ultraclean analytical procedures have been developed to minimize Pb contamination of processed glacial ice cores and to achieve reliable determination of Pb isotopes in North Greenland Eemian Ice Drilling (NEEM) deep ice core sections with concentrations at the sub-picogram per gram level. A PL-7 (Fuso Chemical) silica-gel activator has replaced the previously used colloidal silica activator produced by Merck and has been shown to provide sufficiently enhanced ion beam intensity for Pb isotope analysis for a few tens of picograms of Pb. Considering the quantities of Pb contained in the NEEM Greenland ice core and a sample weight of 10 g used for the analysis, the blank contribution from the sample treatment was observed to be negligible. The decontamination and analysis of the artificial ice cores and selected NEEM Greenland ice core sections confirmed the cleanliness and effectiveness of the overall analytical process.

Imaging features of bilateral breast plasmacytoma as unusual initial presentation of multiple myeloma: case report and literature review.

Breast plasmacytoma (BP) is an extremely rare extramedullary manifestation of multiple myeloma (MM). We report the imaging findings of an unusual case in which BP was the initial presentation of MM. A 53-year-old woman with no contributory medical history underwent chest computed tomography to evaluate intermittent nocturnal anterior chest pain, and bilateral multiple breast masses were found. Following an ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy, these lesions were confirmed to be BP.

Dose-related effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for plantar fasciitis.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the dose-related effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) for plantar fasciitis. METHODS: Sixty patients with plantar fasciitis despite conservative treatment were enrolled. The patients were divided into a low-energy group (group L: n=30, 1,000 shocks/session, energy flux density [EFD] per shock 0.08 mJ/mm(2)) and a medium-energy group (group M: n=30, 1,000 shocks/session, EFD 0.16 mJ/mm(2)). The main outcome measures were visual analogue scale (VAS), Roles and Maudsley (RM) score, and thickness of plantar fascia (PF). To compare the effects between each group, follow-up was carried out 1 week after 3 and 6 sessions, and 1 and 3 months after ESWT. RESULTS: Significant VAS and RM score improvement, and PF thickness reduction were observed in both groups (p<0.01). After 3 sessions of ESWT, group M showed significant improvement in the VAS and RM score than group L, whereas after 3 additional sessions applied in group L, the main outcomes were no longer significantly different in both groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Therapeutic effect might disclose a dose-related relationship; therefore, EFD and the times of the session are considerable factors when treating with ESWT.

The effect of bedside exercise program on stroke patients with Dysphagia.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of a bedside exercise program on the recovery of swallowing after a stroke. METHOD: Fifty stroke patients with dysphagia (<6 months post-stroke) were enrolled and classified into two groups, the experimental (25 subjects) and control groups (25 subjects). The control group was treated with conventional swallowing therapy. The experimental group received additional bedside exercise training, which consisted of oral, pharyngeal, laryngeal, and respiratory exercises, 1 hour per day for 2 months, and they were instructed regarding this program through the nursing intervention. All patients were assessed for their swallowing function by Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study (VFSS), using the New VFSS scale, the level of functional oral intake, the frequency of dysphagia complications, the presence (or not) of tube feeding, the mood state and quality of life before the treatment and at 2 months after the treatment. RESULTS: After 2 months of treatment, the experimental group showed a significant improvement in the swallowing function at the oral phase in the New VFSS Scale than that of the control group (p<0.05). Further, they also showed less depressive mood and better quality of life than the control group. However, there was no significant change in the incidence of dysphagia complication and the presence (or not) of tube feeding between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Bedside exercise program showed an improvement of swallowing function and exhibited a positive secondary effect, such as mood state and quality of life, on subacute stroke patients with dysphagia. For improvement of rehabilitation results on subacute stroke patients with dysphagia, this study suggests that additional intensive bedside exercise would be necessary.

Deposition of organochlorine pesticides into the surface snow of East Antarctica.

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were measured in surface snow collected on a ~1400-km inland traverse beginning from the coastal regions of East Antarctica during the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE) of 2007/2008. Of the 22 OCPs, α-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), γ-HCH, and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) were frequently detected in the snow with concentration ranges of 17.5-83.2, 33-137, and ND-182 pg L(-1), respectively. The most abundant pesticide was γ-HCH, with a mean concentration of 69.9 pg L(-1), followed by α-HCH, with an average concentration of 44.5 pg L(-1). The spatial variability of α-HCH and γ-HCH was narrow, and the concentrations of α-HCH and γ-HCH increased slightly with increasing altitude along the traverse route. Dome Fuji, the highest altitude sampling point, had the highest γ-HCH concentrations in the snow. Backward air trajectory analysis showed that the air masses at the sampling sites came mainly from the Indian and Atlantic Oceans and over the Antarctic continent, indicating that the OCPs were subjected to long-range atmospheric transport and were deposited in the surface snow. Our data suggest that the snow of Antarctica contains low levels of OCPs.

The effect of the forward head posture on postural balance in long time computer based worker.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the effects of a relatively protruded head and neck posture on postural balance, in computer based worker. METHOD: Thirty participants, who work with computers for over 6 hrs per day (Group I), and thirty participants, who rarely work with computers (Group II), were enrolled. The head and neck posture was measured by estimating angles A and B. A being the angle between the tragus of the ear, the lateral canthus of the eye, and horizontal line and B the angle between the C7 spinous process, the tragus of the ear, and the horizontal line. The severity of head protrusion with neck extension was assessed by the subtraction of angle A from angle B. We also measured the center of gravity (COG) and postural balance by using computerized dynamic posturography to determine the effect of computer-based work on postural balance. RESULTS: Results indicated that group I had a relatively more protruded head with extensive neck posture (angle B-A of group I and group II, 28.2±8.3, 32.9±6.0; p<.05). The COG of group I tended more toward the anterior than that of group II. Postural imbalance and impaired ability to regulate movement in forward and backward direction were also found. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that forward head postures during computer-based work may contribute to some disturbance in the balance of healthy adults. These results could be applied to education programs regarding correct postures when working at a computer for extended periods of time.

Assessment of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in serum from the Korean general population.

In 2009 and 2010, 720 serum samples were collected from non-occupationally exposed study participants at four Korean locations and monitored for the presence of 27 polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners. The median concentrations of Σ(27)PBDEs (the sum of 27 congeners) and Σ(3-7)PBDEs (the sum of tri- to hepta-BDE congeners) were 6.04 and 4.97 ng/g lipid, respectively. The most abundant congener detected in serum samples was BDE-153, followed by BDE-47 and BDE-99. The median value of Σ(3-7)PBDEs was similar to the median values observed in Asia and Europe, but much lower than that observed in North America. Some significant differences, based on geographic region and sex, were observed. We also observed a positive increase of BDE-153 with regard to age. In addition, we estimated the daily exposure to PBDEs from previously published reports of PBDE concentrations in food and dust, and determined the individual contributions of a variety of sources.

Monitoring of PCBs at facilities related with PCB-containing products and wastes in South Korea.

Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contents were analyzed in samples collected from facilities related to PCB-containing products or wastes in South Korea. Average concentrations of the atmospheric Σ(209) PCBs were 7420 (37.0-104,048)pgm(-3) and 16.8 (ND-34.2 )fg WHO-TEQ m(-3) in indoor air samples; and 1670 (106-13,382)pgm(-3) and 5.64 (ND-36.0) fg WHO-TEQ m(-3) in outdoor air samples. The highest levels were observed in indoor air samples from disposal facilities (7336-104,048 pg m(-3)), followed by production (330-25,057 pg m(-3)), recycling, and storage facilities, indicating that PCB emissions from PCB-containing products and wastes remains very high and the facilities related with those may be an important source to atmospheric PCBs. Principal component analysis of PCB profiles showed that the homologue patterns of PCBs in outdoor and indoor air samples collected from the facilities were similar to those of boundary air samples and PCB commercial products, e.g. Aroclor 1016, 1221, 1232 and 1242. Evaluation of the PCB mass balance in a facility, dismantling and solvent-washing PCB-contaminated transformers, showed that of the total PCBs treated in this facility, approximately 0.0022% was emitted to the atmosphere, and most was transferred to waste oil for disposal by incineration or chemical methods.

Effect of Dominant Versus Non-dominant Vision in Postural Control.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of dominant and non-dominant vision in controlling posture in quiet stance. METHOD: Twenty-five healthy elderly subjects aged over 60 years old and twenty-five young subjects aged under 30 years old were assessed by computerized dynamic posturography. Postural stability was measured in two conditions; dominant eye open and non-dominant eye open. We used the sensory organization test (SOT) for evaluating sensory impairment. A SOT assessed the subject's ability to use and integrate somatosensory input, vision, and vestibular cues effectively to maintain balance. The SOT was conducted 3 times, and the average value of the 3 trials was used for data analysis. Equilibrium scores reflected the subject's anteroposterior sway. The highest possible score was 100, which indicated that the subject did not sway at all, and a score of 0 indicated a fall from the footplate. Determination of ocular dominance was performed by a hole-in-the card test. RESULTS: For the twenty-five young subjects in this study, equilibrium score in two conditions did not differ. However, for elderly subjects over 60 years, the equilibrium score in dominant vision was higher than in nondominant vision (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In young subjects, there were no significant differences in postural control between dominant vision and non-dominant vision. However, in elderly subjects, postural control in non-dominant vision was significantly impaired. Therefore, the evaluation of a dominant eye should be considered in rehabilitation programs for elderly people.

Low-dose persistent organic pollutants increased telomere length in peripheral leukocytes of healthy Koreans.

Although shortened telomeres have been found in many cancers, elongated telomere length has been observed as an early response after low-dose treatment with various chemical carcinogens in vitro and animal experiments, suggesting low-dose exposure to carcinogenic chemicals may function as a tumour promoter at the very early stage of carcinogenesis in humans. This cross-sectional study was performed to examine whether low-dose exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs), lipophilic xenobiotics that mainly bioaccumulate in adipose tissue, is associated with telomere length of peripheral blood leukocytes in apparently healthy persons. Telomere length was measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction method in 84 apparently healthy Koreans. Among various POPs, serum concentrations of organochlorine (OC) pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenylethers were measured. Most OC pesticides and PCBs were positively and significantly associated with telomere length with correlation coefficients from about +0.25 to +0.35. The strongest associations were observed with p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene, PCB99, PCB153, PCB180, PCB183 and PCB187. When we examined adjusted means of telomere length by quintiles of POPs, the steeper increases of telomere length tended to be observed within relatively lower ranges of POPs. Besides serum concentrations of POPs, none of the other variables studied, including age, were associated with telomere length in this study. We found that telomere length was increasing across low doses of exposure to POPs in which the majority of study subjects were found, suggesting that low-dose POPs may act as a tumour promoter in carcinogenesis in humans.

Spatial and seasonal distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the vicinity of an iron and steel making plant.

Four consecutive passive air samplings (September 2006-July 2007) were conducted at 15 sites around an iron and steel making plant in Pohang, Korea to investigate the spatial and seasonal distributions of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and ultimately the source-receptor relationships. Annual mean values of Sigma(8)PCBs (IUPAC number 8, 28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153, 180) were in the range of 15.1-166 pg/m(3) with an average of 53.0 pg/m(3). The spatial distribution of PCBs for each sampling period clearly suggests that the steel complex is a major source of PCBs in this area, and the prevailing winds facilitated the atmospheric transport and dispersion of PCBs from the steel complex to the surrounding areas. Seasonal patterns of PCBs were observed clearly, which were influenced by meteorological conditions; the highest levels of PCBs were observed with the highest average air temperature, and the influence of rainfall (i.e., wet scavenging) was also observed. In addition, PCB 11, a non-Aroclor congener, was detected in high concentrations at all sites, implying that the sources of PCB 11 are both unique and ubiquitous. This study confirms that passive air sampling is a useful tool to obtain seasonal and spatial distributions of time-averaged POPs data at a local scale.

Detection of Dechlorane Plus in fish from urban-industrial rivers.

A highly chlorinated flame retardant, Dechlorane Plus (DP), was measured in five fish species collected in 2008 from 22 river sites across South Korea. The sites consisted of 15 urban-industrial areas, three rural-industrial areas, and four rural rivers. Both syn- and anti-DP isomer were consistently detected in all fish samples regardless of sampling sites and fish species. DP has become a widespread environmental pollutant in South Korea. Concentrations of summation operatorDP isomers ranged from 0.61 to 126ngg(-1) lipid, with a mean concentration of 24.5ngg(-1) lipid. The mean summation operatorDP concentrations in the 15 urban sites (36.1+/-35.3ngg(-1) lipid) were approximately 25 times greater than those measured in the rural sites (1.4+/-1.0ngg(-1) lipid). The summation operatorDP concentrations in this study exceeded those determined in fish from the Great Lakes. DP exposure to fish is related to urbanization activity. Specific urban areas could be significant source areas of DP exposure, even in the absence of a local DP manufacturing facility. Concentrations of syn- and anti-DP isomer ranged from 0.17 to 30ngg(-1) lipid and 0.44 to 97ngg(-1) lipid, respectively. The anti-DP isomer was dominant in all samples. However, the mean f(anti) value for urban-industrial samples (0.67+/-0.060) was significantly lower than that of the technical DP standard (f(anti)=0.75; p=0.032). This observation supports that DP isomers exhibit different bioaccumulation behaviors and that syn-DP isomer more easily accumulates in biota samples than anti-DP isomer does.

Relationship between serum concentrations of organochlorine pesticides and metabolic syndrome among non-diabetic adults.

OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to investigate if organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were associated with metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance among non-diabetes. METHODS: Among subjects who participated in a community-based health survey, 50 non-diabetic subjects with metabolic syndrome and 50 normal controls were selected. Insulin resistance was measured by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR). Eight OCPs were selected. RESULTS: After adjusting for confounders except for body mass index (BMI), beta-hexachlorocyclohexane (beta-HCH) and heptachlor epoxide were positively associated with metabolic syndrome. Odds ratios across tertiles of beta-HCH and heptachlor epoxide were 1.0, 3.2 and 4.4, and 1.0, 4.0 and 6.0, respectively (p for trend = 0.01 and <0.01). After additional adjustment for body mass index (BMI), heptachlor epoxide still showed an increasing trend with adjusted odds ratios of 1.0, 4.1, and 4.6 (p for trend = 0.10). When the five components of metabolic syndrome (with the definition of high fasting glucose (> or =100 mg/dL)) were separately analyzed, all components were positively, but not significantly, associated with heptachlor epoxide. As the serum concentration of heptachlor epoxide increased, HOMA-IR increased significantly in subjects with metabolic syndrome even after adjusting for BMI (p value <0.05 and <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the small sample size, this study suggests that the background exposure to some OCPs may be associated with metabolic syndrome.