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Exposure and Health
Number of Followers: 1  Hybrid journal (It can contain Open Access articles)ISSN (Print) 2451-9766 - ISSN (Online) 2451-9685 Published by Springer-Verlag  [2468 journals]
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- Quantifying the Health Risks of PM2.5-Bound Heavy Metals for Rural
Populations with Different Energy Use Types During the Heating Season-
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Abstract: Abstract Premature deaths in China due to exposure to PM2.5-bound heavy metals (HMs) are notably more prevalent in rural areas than in urban ones. In suburban rural areas, electricity and natural gas have emerged as the primary energy sources. However, in remote rural locations far from urban centers, coal and biomass are still commonly used for cooking and heating. This disparity in energy use can lead to variations in health risks among populations and may cause significant discrepancies between implemented policies and actual conditions. Winter PM2.5 samples were collected from rural sites across the North China Plain. To identify the effects of air exposure on rural populations with different types of energy use, we employed probabilistic and source-specific risk assessment methods. Results showed that the average PM2.5 mass was 10.08 and 10.91 times higher than the World Health Organization's recommended guideline (15 μg/m3). This indicates a higher contamination burden in suburban rural areas. Children were found to be at higher risk of noncarcinogenic risks (NCR) but at a lower risk of carcinogenic risks (CR) compared to adults. Interestingly, the NCR and CR of HMs from coal and biomass combustion in remote rural areas were 2.68 and 2.47 times higher, respectively, than those in suburban rural areas. The widespread use of electricity and natural gas in suburban areas has decreased the health burden of HMs on residents when compared to the use of coal and biomass. Coal and biomass combustion was identified as the primary source of health risks in remote rural areas. In suburban rural areas, it is essential to reduce coal and biomass combustion, vehicle emissions, and industrial emissions. Our results provide valuable scientific insights for the prevention of air pollution throughout the rural energy transition process, not only in China but also in developing countries worldwide.
PubDate: 2023-09-27
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- The Interaction of Inflammation and Exposure to Pyrethroids is Associated
with Impaired Fasting Glucose and Type 2 Diabetes-
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Abstract: Abstract Pyrethroids (PYRs), a widely used class of insecticides, may pose a serious risk to human health. Our study aims to investigate the relationship between six PYRs and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) as well as type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and further explore the role of inflammatory indicators in their relationship. This study was conducted using a case–control design on 2701 individuals from the Henan Rural Cohort Study and measured six PYRs in plasma using gas chromatography–triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. By using generalized linear models, we investigated the potential relationships between six PYR exposures and the risk of IFG and T2DM. Inflammatory indicators were evaluated as mediators of the association between PYRs and T2DM using mediation analyses. After multiple variables were adjusted, per 1 unit increase in ln-cypermethrin and ln-deltamethrin was related to a 12.1% (odd ratio (OR 1.121, 95% confidence interval CI 1.059, 1.187) and an 8.1% (OR 1.081, 95% CI 1.033, 1.132) increased IFG risk, respectively. And there were statistically significant relationships between six PYRs and an increased risk of T2DM. Additionally, PYRs exposure significantly increased fasting plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and HOMA2-IR levels, while they had inconsistent effects on fasting insulin and HOMA2-β levels. Furthermore, the relationship between cyfluthrin and T2DM is partly mediated by neutrophils (NE) and basophils (BASO), and the explainable percentages were 12.09% and 6.21%, respectively. The study showed that PYRs exposure is statistically significantly associated with the risk of developing IFG and T2DM in rural Chinese populations. In addition, NE and BASO partly mediated the association of cyfluthrin with T2DM.
PubDate: 2023-09-27
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- Trihalomethane Levels in Municipal Drinking Water of Madrid (Spain) and
Health Risk Assessment for Oral Exposure-
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Abstract: Abstract Trihalomethanes (THMs) are generated in the drinking water treatment plant, due to the reaction of the halogenated disinfection compounds with the natural organic matter (NOM). They are related to health problems both from the point of view of cancer development and other important diseases. This study aimed to assess the quality of tap water in Madrid in terms of prevention and control of THMs risks in the supply water treated by Canal de Isabel II (CYII) in a total of 108 samples throughout 2015 to 2020, to distinguish the problems of the different 21 districts or types of buildings, the seasonality and to estimate the risk of exposure to THMs from tap water in the population of Madrid. The variables considered include year, seasonality, district of Madrid and sampling point. The concentrations of THMs detected in all samples were within the current legal limit (100 µg/l). Chloroform was the compound with the highest contribution to the sum of THMs. A decreasing trend in THMs concentrations was observed over the years of the study related to the removal of NOM and the use of chloramines. THM levels were higher in the central area than in the peripheral districts and the lowest concentrations were detected in summer. Regarding risk assessment, the results of the non-carcinogenic risk indicate that there is no potential risk from tap water consumption for the adult population. For the carcinogenic risk, only water samples with THM concentrations between 50 and 75 µg/l could constitute a risk for high consumers.
PubDate: 2023-09-26
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- Effects of High-Water Fluoride Exposure on IQ Levels in School-Age
Children: A Cross-Sectional Study in Jiangsu, China-
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Abstract: Abstract This cross-sectional research aimed to investigate the potential effects of elevated fluoride levels in drinking water on children’s intelligence quotient (IQ). A total of 721 children from rural Jiangsu, China, were included in the study and divided into two groups based on the fluoride concentration in their drinking water: a high fluoride group (HF) and a control group (CONTROL). Ion-selective electrode technology was used to assess the amount of fluoride in urine and drinking water. The Combined Raven's Test (CRT-RC2) was used to assess the IQ levels of the children. Generalized linear and multiple logistic regression models were used to examine the association between fluorine exposure and intelligence level ratings. The HF group exhibited lower average IQ scores than the CONTROL group, with a statistically significant difference among the groups (P < 0.001). The proportion of individuals with Dull normal and below of IQ in the HF group was significantly higher than that in the CONTROL group (15.0 vs 3.1%), moreover in children with dental fluorosis (DF) was significantly higher than that in children without it (21.8 vs 4.4%), in children with excessive urinary fluoride (UF) was significantly higher than that in children with normal UF (16.5 vs 1.7%); these distributions were significantly different (P < 0.001, P = 0.048, P < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, the risk of below normal IQ in children from the HF group was significantly elevated compared to CONTROL children with a normal intelligence quotient, with an adjusted OR of 6.81 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.20, 14.48). Urinary fluoride (UF) was inversely linked with IQ scores, with an adjusted coefficient (β) of −4.08 (95% CI −3.04, −1.32). The coefficient of UF in the HF group was statistically different from that in the CONTROL group (P < 0.001). Excessive exposure to fluorine has severe negative effects on the intellectual development of children. It is necessary to monitor children's urinary fluoride levels and investigate other sources of fluoride intake.
PubDate: 2023-09-23
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- In Vitro Testing of Lung Carcinogenicity for an In Silico-Identified
Cluster of Mycotoxins-
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Abstract: Abstract Occurrence of emerging mycotoxins in food and feed is reported worldwide, but studies on their toxic effects are still limited. Our previous study based on in silico approaches has evidenced an association between some cyclic peptidic mycotoxins and non-small cell lung cancer. In this work, an in vitro toxicological investigation of these mycotoxins (enniatin A, enniatin B, beauvericin, apicidin and destruxin B) was performed. Several pathways involved in lung cancer pathology, as revealed by the KEGG pathway map, were tested on A549 and NCI-H226 human lung cells. Effects on viability, apoptosis, cell cycle, DNA damage, reactive oxygen species, and IL-8 secretion were determined after 24-h mycotoxin treatment at concentrations between 0.01 and 100 µM. Enniatin A, beauvericin and apicidin presented a similar response for all endpoints. Moreover, they were the most toxic compounds, with IC50 around 2.2 and 13.1 µM, and apoptosis induction in both cell lines. Enniatin B did not induce a complete decrease in cell viability and did not provoke apoptosis. Destruxin B increased caspase 3 activity and altered cell cycle at concentrations above 6.25 µM in A549 cells, suggesting apoptosis activation, although it did not reduce cell viability in either cell line. Finally, enniatins A and B, apicidin, beauvericin and destruxin B increased the release of the pro-inflammatory IL-8. The in vitro results of this work confirmed the prediction using in silico approaches as some hallmarks of cancer can be observed after treatment of lung cells with this mycotoxin cluster. The toxic effects observed in human lung cells confirmed that the presence of these emerging mycotoxins in agricultural products, food and feed might be hazardous for human health and that a link with lung cancer was further outlined for three of them.
PubDate: 2023-09-22
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- Trans-Global Biogeochemistry of Soil to Grain Transport of Arsenic and
Cadmium-
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Abstract: Abstract Previous studies have shown that arsenic and cadmium can accumulate in rice grain to levels that cause health concerns. Furthermore, geographical survey has shown that there is considerable variation (~ 100-fold) in accumulation of these carcinogens in rice grain. This variance must be due to heterogeneity in soil biogeochemistry and contrasting rice management regimens. Here we present the first systematic global study to investigate the impact of soil biogeochemistry on accumulation of these elements in rice grain. Matched grain, shoot, root and soil samples were collected across a latitudinal gradient from East Africa to Europe and soil, shoot, grain chemistry and soil microbial community (prokaryotes and fungi) assessed within the context of arsenic and cadmium biogeochemistry. European and Vietnamese grain sum of arsenic species (inorganic arsenic plus dimethylarsonic acid) concentration medians, ~ 0.1 mg/kg, were found to be around ten-fold higher compared to those in East Africa and Sri Lanka. Arsenic concentrations were linked to higher levels of soil arsenic, and to higher abundance of soil sulphur-oxidising and sulphate reducing bacteria and methanogenic archaea. For cadmium, Sri Lanka showed highest (median 0.0156 mg/kg) and Europe lowest (median of 0.001 mg/kg) levels in grain, with the other regions showing intermediate values. Interestingly, grain cadmium was unrelated to soil cadmium concentrations, with Europe having the highest levels of cadmium in soil. Instead, grain cadmium correlated with higher oxidation/reduction potential, lower -log[hydrogen ion], lower soil calcium, and to a higher abundance of aerobic bacteria and fungi (lowest abundance of these organisms in European soils).
PubDate: 2023-09-21
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- Correction to: PAH Pollution in Particulate Matter and Risk in Chinese
Cities-
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PubDate: 2023-09-20
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- The Effects of Soil Microbial Disturbance and Plants on Arsenic
Concentrations and Speciation in Soil Water and Soils-
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Abstract: Abstract Arsenic (As) in soils harms soil organisms and plants, and it can enter the human food chain via the dietary consumption of crops. The mobility, bioavailability and toxicity of As are determined by its concentration and speciation. A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to study the effects of soil microbial disturbance and maize plants on arsenic concentration and speciation in soil (pore) water and soils. Three soil treatments with varying microbial disturbance were designed for this experiment: native soil, sterilized soil and sterilized soil reconditioned with soil indigenous microbes. The three soil treatments were intersected with three levels of As in soils (0, 100 and 200 mg kg−1 spiked As). Ten pots of each treatment were planted with maize, while three pots were filled with soil without maize. The difference between native and reconditioned soil indicated the abiotic sterilization effect (artifact of the sterilization process), while the difference between sterilized and reconditioned soil showed the microbial disturbance effect. Both effects increased As release into soil water. The microbial disturbance effect was more pronounced for organic As species, showing the influence of soil microbes involved in As methylation. The abiotic sterilization effect was more evident in unplanted pots than planted pots and the microbial disturbance effect was observed only in unplanted pots, suggesting that both effects were mitigated by the presence of maize.
PubDate: 2023-09-10
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- Non-monotonic Association Between Chlorinated Polyfluorinated Ether
Sulfonic Acids Exposure and the Risk of Overweight/Obesity Status in
Adults-
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Abstract: Abstract Chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonic acids (Cl-PFESAs, including 6:2 Cl-PFESA and 8:2 Cl-PFESA), one of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), used as perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) alternatives in electroplating industry. Evidence in vivo and in vitro indicates that Cl-PFESAs might disrupt lipid metabolism. However, the association between Cl-PFESAs exposure and the prevalence of overweight/obesity in human is unknown. We conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate associations of serum 6:2 Cl-PFESA and 8:2 Cl-PFESA exposure with overweight/obesity status in adults. We quantified four perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including 6:2 Cl-PFESA, 8:2 Cl-PFESA, PFOS, and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in 1275 Chinese adults from the Isomers of C8 Health Project in China study. Characteristics of participants were gathered from interviewer-administered questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. We classified overweight/obesity based on body mass index (BMI) according to WHO. Participants were categorized into normal weight group (BMI < 25 kg/m2) and overweight/obesity group (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2). The detection proportion of 6:2 Cl-PFESA was 100% among the participants in this study. Adjusted for potential confounders, BMI in the second quartile of each ln-ng/mL greater concentration of 6:2 Cl-PFESA and 8:2 Cl-PFESA was 0.45 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.08, 0.82], and 0.39 (95% CI:0.03, 0.76) significantly higher than the lowest quartile, respectively. Cl-PFESAs displayed inverted U-shaped associations with the risk of overweight/obesity, and the inflection point of 6:2 Cl-PFESA and 8:2 Cl-PFESA was 1.80 ng/mL, 0.01 ng/mL, respectively. For example, The risk of overweight/obesity increased (OR= 1.94; 95%CI: 1.24, 3.01) until around 1.80 ng/mL of predicted 6:2 Cl-PFESA concentration and then decreased (OR= 0.69; 95%CI: 0.39, 1.21). PFOS was associated with waist circumference (WC) but not BMI in each quartile. For PFOA, the associations with outcomes were linearly positive (P for trend < 0.05). This study reports the first observations on non-monotonic associations between serum 6:2 Cl-PFESA and 8:2 Cl-PFESA concentrations and the prevalence of overweight/obesity in adults. Our findings suggest that Cl-PFESAs may have endocrine disrupting characteristics, and this exposure-outcome association is a challenge for risk assessment of Cl-PFESAs. But more epidemiological investigations are required to confirm the observed associations.
PubDate: 2023-09-01
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- Global Geographical Variation in Elemental and Arsenic Species
Concentration in Paddy Rice Grain Identifies a Close Association of
Essential Elements Copper, Selenium and Molybdenum with Cadmium-
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Abstract: Abstract Despite the centrality of staple grains for human well-being, both as a source of nutrients and of toxic ions, there is little understanding of where and how elements vary, and if there are particular elements that correlate. Here, for shop bought polished (white) rice, we comprehensively characterized trace (arsenic species, cadmium, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, rubidium and zinc) and macro-nutrients (calcium, chlorine, potassium, phosphorus and sulphur) for grain purchased in 18 countries, across four continents, a total of 1045 samples. This was to investigate if there were any major differences between geographic location and elemental content, and to observe if there were any patterns in elemental distribution. Greatest variation in the median was observed for the non-essential rubidium (15-fold) and arsenic species (fivefold). Rubidium was the highest in the Americas, lowest in Europe, while inorganic arsenic (iAs) and dimethylarsonic acid (DMA) were low for Africa and high in the South American and European continents. The highest concentrations of cadmium were found in Asian samples, and lowest in South America, with variation within these regions. At the extremes of individual counties, China had fivefold higher concentrations than the global median, while Tanzania was fourfold lower than this value. Calcium, potassium, molybdenum and phosphorus were the highest in European and lowest in African grain, though the fold-differences were relatively low, ~ 0.2, while iron was the highest in African grain and lowest in European, Asian and South American grain, with a ~ twofold difference. Selenium was also higher in Africa versus other regions, and copper, manganese and zinc were the highest in American grain. Factor analysis showed that copper, cadmium, molybdenum, rubidium and selenium were strongly associated together, and these element’s factor loadings were diametrically opposed to less tightly associated calcium, chlorine, manganese, potassium, phosphorus and sulphur. Stepwise additions linear region analysis was performed on log-transformed concentrations to investigate cadmium associations in more detail. Selenium was the greatest predictor of cadmium concentration, followed by molybdenum, accounting for over 50% of the contribution to the adjusted R2. Arsenic species were only weakly correlated with other elements. The implications for these findings with respect to dietary nutrition are discussed. Vietnamese rice was notable in being deficient in macro- and micro-nutrients while also being elevated in cadmium at a median of 0.02 mg/kg, with China though still having a median that is ~ 2.5-fold this concentration. These Chinese concentrations are of particular concern as the 75th percentile for China is 0.1 mg/kg, a value that triggers regulatory action for rice products.
PubDate: 2023-09-01
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- Molecular Linkage of Dissolved Organic Matter in Groundwater with
Prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease with Unknown Etiology-
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Abstract: Chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) is receiving considerable attention throughout the world due to its severe threat to human health. However, the linkage between dissolved organic matter (DOM) in groundwater to CKDu is still unclear, especially at molecular level. Herein, the molecular differences of DOM between groundwaters related to CKDu (CKDu groundwater) and to non-CKDu (non-CKDu groundwater) in CKDu-prevalence areas and control area from Sri Lanka were unraveled by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. Compared with DOM in non-CKDu groundwater, DOM in CKDu groundwater was more unsaturated, oxidized, biologically refractory, and high-molecular-weight, and contained more aromatics (AS, 15.4%) and less aliphatics (AL, 8.2%), which was probably related to the recharge of surface water. The enrichment of biologically refractory DOM in CKDu groundwater might encompass toxic substances. Furthermore, the ratios of AS to AL (AS/AL) in groundwater were positively correlated with Ca2+, F−, and Si (r ≥ 0.66) that were generally associated with CKDu. It is explained that aromatic substances might be toxic by forming a complex with cation (Ca2+) and aliphatic substances could facilitate release of toxic anions (F−) in CKDu groundwater. According to the above findings and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the groundwater with AS/AL value larger than 1.43 are unsafe and likely to cause CKDu. The linkage between CKDu and specific DOM molecules provides scientific support for constructing a quick early screening of potential CKDu groundwater and helps ensure the safety of drinking water. Graphical
PubDate: 2023-09-01
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- Drinking Water Quality Assessment of Government, Non-Government and
Self-Based Schemes in the Disaster Affected Areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,
Pakistan-
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Abstract: Abstract The present study aimed to investigate the physicochemical parameters, potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) contamination with associated health risks in drinking water sources from the disaster affected areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Pakistan). Total water samples (n = 120) were collected from different water distribution schemes, such as non-government organizations (NGOs), government (GOV) and self-based scheme (SBS). The results showed that physicochemical parameters were found to be in decreasing order; NGOs > SBS > GOV in drinking water sources. PTEs concentrations were found to be in order; Zn > Pb > Cu > Cr > Co > Ni > Hg, Cu > Zn > Pb > Cr > Co > Ni > Hg, and Zn > Cu > Cr > Pb > Co > Ni > Hg for NGOs, GOV and SBS, respectively. Hg and Cr in SBS, while Co in GOV and SBS exceeded the WHO and Pak-EPA limits. Hazard quotient (HQ) showed no potential health risk, except for Co and Hg (> 1) in GOV and SBS. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed high anthropogenic activities and less geogenic sources. The questionnaire survey showed that local communities were highly vulnerable due to poor pipelines system and domestic sewage within the areas of GOV and SBS water sources. Numerous diseases, such as dysentery contributed for (14%, 12%, and 18%), diarrhea (25%, 21%, and 18%), and stomach problems (48%, 33%, and 27%) due to consumption of E. coli contaminated water in NGOs, GOV and SBS, respectively, in the study area.
PubDate: 2023-09-01
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- Potential Toxic Element (PTE) Soil Concentrations at an Urban Unregulated
Ghanaian E-waste Recycling Centre: Environmental Contamination, Human
Exposure and Policy Implications-
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Abstract: Abstract Electronic (E)-waste recycling is of ever-increasing concern as disused electronic items in developed countries are routinely shipped to developing countries for recycling. This recycling is often unregulated and rudimentary, and takes place in urban settings where it can cause direct exposure of the surrounding human populace. E-waste is often burnt at low temperatures, resulting in both organic and inorganic contamination. This study set out to investigate the extent of contamination at two locations within an urban Ghanaian e-waste recycling centre by assessing the residual impact of activities in soils. Comparison of e-waste soil potential toxic element (PTE) concentrations to those in Ghanaian baseline and mine spoil soils showed considerably greater contamination from e-waste. Generally, PTE concentrations increased in the order: baseline soils < mine spoil soils < e-waste soils, except in the case of lead (Pb) where baseline and mine spoil soils switched positions. At median concentrations, cobalt enrichment was 2- to 4-fold higher in the e-waste soils than in mine spoil soils, while arsenic was 3- to 5-fold higher. With reference to the baseline soils, manganese, nickel and bismuth concentrations were, respectively, up to 4-, 11- and 53-fold higher in the e-waste soils. Median cadmium, zinc, copper and Pb concentrations were, respectively, up to 170-, 213-, 231- and 263-fold higher in the e-waste soils compared to the mine spoil soils. The human exposure implications of e-waste burning are discussed along with policy recommendations aimed at ensuring the social and environmental sustainability of e-waste recycling.
PubDate: 2023-09-01
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- Characterisation, Sources and Health Risk of Heavy Metals in PM2.5 in
Agra, India-
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Abstract: Abstract The present study evaluated the seasonal variations, sources and health risks of heavy metals in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) collected at an urban site in Agra, India during January 2018 to January 2019. Heavy metals were analysed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Enrichment factor (EF) and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to evaluate the sources of heavy metals. The United States Environmental Protection Agency models were applied to assess the health risks for children and adults. Results showed that the average annual mass concentration of PM2.5 was 106.98 µg m−3 which exceeded the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and World Health Organization (WHO) limits. The average annual concentrations of Ni, As and Cd were above the NAAQS and WHO limits. The highest metal concentrations occurred in the winter season, whereas the lowest concentrations were observed in the monsoon season. EF analysis showed that Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd and Pb were predominantly from anthropogenic sources. Two factors were identified using PCA for the studied metals including resuspended road dust, vehicular activities, solid waste incineration, industrial emission and construction activities. The carcinogenic risks of Cd for children and As, Cr and Ni for both children and adults were higher than 1 × 10–6. The total non-carcinogenic risk exceeded the safe level (= 1) for both children and adults. The results of the present study impart information for the behaviour and risk mitigation of heavy metals.
PubDate: 2023-09-01
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- Anthropogenic Organic Contaminants Analysed in Human Blood and Combined
Risk-
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Abstract: Abstract The number of chemicals in the anthroposphere is increasing and some of them end up in humans. A literature search was made to assess which anthropogenic organic contaminants (OCs) that have been analysed in blood from the general population. The reviewed articles were used to create a database of studies [human blood database (HBDB), containing 559 OCs] reporting blood analyses made worldwide. All studies analysing blood from the Swedish population were compiled into a second database [Swedish exposure database (SEDB), containing 166 OCs] listing blood concentrations of OCs. Data from the SEDB showed decreasing levels of regulated chemicals in blood over time, indicating that regulation had made an impact. The Hazard Index (HI) approach was used as a qualitative mixture risk assessment of the OCs with established human biomonitoring guidance values (HBM-GVs) and blood levels in the SEDB. Nine HBM-GVs were found and the HI of the corresponding OCs/groups of OCs showed that a risk of adverse effects in the general population could not be excluded, which is a cause for concern considering that only a fraction of the analysed OCs in the SEDB were included. This study presents the OCs identified in human blood and concentration time trends. The study highlights the lack of HBM-GVs needed for mixture risk assessments to assess the combined risk of chemical exposure to the general population.
PubDate: 2023-09-01
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- Assessing the Mycotoxin-related Health Impact of Shifting from Meat-based
Diets to Soy-based Meat Analogues in a Model Scenario Based on Italian
Consumption Data-
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Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the risk of replacing meat with plant-based analogues with respect to mycotoxin exposure, as a proof of concept to demonstrate the need for a proper regulatory framework for mycotoxins in meat imitates. Hence, we considered a full replacement of meat consumption with soy-based meat analogues and we evaluated the exposure to AFB1 and OTA, based on the Italian National Food Consumption Survey INRAN-SCAI 2005–2006 and the European Food Safety Authority occurrence data. The overall health impact from soy-based food consumption and a meat-free diet was quantified in terms of Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) in three different contamination and consumption scenarios. The substitution of meat products with soy-based imitates would prevent up to 406.2 colorectal cancer cases/year/country associated with 532 healthy years of life. However, we also determined an increased risk of liver cancer and loss of healthy life-years due to AFB1 exposure and a potential risk of renal cancer as due to an increased intake of OTA, leading up to 1208 extra cancer cases associated with the loss of 12,080 healthy life-years/country. Shifting to a plant-based diet actually eliminates a cancer risk factor such as processed meat, however, higher and unexpected risks could arise if mycotoxins are not properly regulated in plant-based meat alternatives. Taking into account the ubiquitous occurrence of mycotoxins, also in the light of climate change, and the growing trend toward plant-based meat analogues, greater importance should be given to actual food consumption trends and correlated with updated natural toxins regulations and risk assessments. Graphical abstract
PubDate: 2023-09-01
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- When Water Quality Crises Drive Change: A Comparative Analysis of the
Policy Processes Behind Major Water Contamination Events-
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Abstract: Abstract The occurrence of major water contamination events across the world have been met with varying levels of policy responses. Arsenic—a priority water contaminant globally, occurring naturally in groundwater, causing adverse health effects—is widespread in Bangladesh. However, the policy response has been slow, and marked by ineffectiveness and a lack of accountability. We explore the delayed policy response to the arsenic crisis in Bangladesh through comparison with water contamination crises in other contexts, using the Multiple Streams Framework to compare policy processes. These included Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Campylobacter in Walkerton, Canada; lead and Legionella in Flint, Michigan, USA; and chromium-6 contamination in Hinkley, California, USA. We find that, while water contamination issues are solvable, a range of complex conditions have to be met in order to reach a successful solution. These include aspects of the temporal nature of the event and the outcomes, the social and political context, the extent of the public or media attention regarding the crisis, the politics of visibility, and accountability and blame. In particular, contaminants with chronic health outcomes, and longer periods of subclinical disease, lead to smaller policy windows with less effective policy changes. Emerging evidence on health threats from drinking water contamination raise the risk of new crises and the need for new approaches to deliver policy change.
PubDate: 2023-09-01
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- Water Contamination and Human Health Risks in Pakistan: A Review
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Abstract: Abstract Water contamination is one of the most significant hazards to human health on the world scale. Drinking water quality in Pakistan is decreasing gradually due to alarming population growth, rapid industrialization, climate change and lack of efficient water quality management. In Pakistan, the majority of the population doesn’t have access to safe and healthy drinking water sources, and people are forced to use unsafe drinking water. This review compiled data from multiple studies published in international and national journals from 2010 to 2022 and reports issued by the governments and non-governmental institutions to highlight Pakistan’s drinking water quality status, and to emphasize major water pollutants, sources of contaminants, and significant health problems. The results revealed that bacteriological contamination such as coliforms (total coliform, fecal coliform, Escherichia coli), toxic elements like arsenic (As), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), chloride (Cl−), fluoride (F−), mercury (Hg) and pesticides were found in both surface water and groundwater, and were the major causes of waterborne diseases. The majority of sampled water had bacteriological, physicochemical and toxic metals concentrations exceeding the National Standards for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) and WHO drinking water quality standards. There is an immediate need to adopt water management strategies and protective measures to overcome the shortages and unhygienic conditions of the drinking water supply in Pakistan.
PubDate: 2023-09-01
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- Prenatal Exposure to Phthalates and Bisphenols and Childhood Kidney
Function: A Prospective Cohort Study-
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Abstract: Abstract Fetal exposure to phthalates and bisphenols could be associated with kidney function. We aim to assess the association between maternal urine concentrations of phthalates and bisphenols during pregnancy and kidney function and size during childhood. In 1366 pregnant women from a prospective population-based cohort, we measured urine concentrations of phthalates, more specifically phthalic acid and metabolites of low molecular weight phthalates (LMWP) and high molecular weight phthalates (HMWP), with its subgroups of di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) and di-n-octylphthalate (DNOP) metabolites, and bisphenol A, S and F during first, second and third trimester. We explored three methods of adjustment for maternal hydration status: creatinine standardization, covariate adjustment for creatinine and covariate-adjusted creatinine standardization plus covariate adjustment. We measured kidney size, calculated estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and the albumin/creatinine ratio in urine and assessed microalbuminuria at 6 years old. When applying creatinine standardization, we found some associations of higher maternal second trimester urine phthalic acid and overall mean phthalic acid and LMWP concentrations with higher eGFR. These associations were lessened when applying other methods of creatinine adjustment. The associations found when we applied the covariate adjustment for creatinine method were also lessened when applying other methods of creatinine adjustment. Only the association of higher second trimester phthalic acid maternal urine concentrations with higher eGFR at 6 years old remained significant irrespective of the method of creatinine adjustment. There were no consistent associations of maternal bisphenol A, S and F urine concentrations with childhood kidney function. There were no associations of maternal phthalate or bisphenol urine concentrations with kidney volume in children at 6 years old. Concluding, no consistent associations of maternal phthalate or bisphenol urine concentrations with childhood kidney function or volume could be found. Furthermore, the method of adjusting maternal urine phthalate and bisphenol concentrations for urinary dilution had a substantial effect on the associations with childhood kidney function, as it changed the conclusions about the directionality of the associations. Future studies including maternal kidney function are needed to further elucidate these association in humans.
PubDate: 2023-09-01
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- Identifying Gaps and Challenges in Global Pesticide Legislation that
Impact the Protection of Consumer Health: Rice as a Case Study-
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Abstract: Abstract With continued global population expansion, food production will have to increase with crops protected against the growing menace of pests, requiring the increased use of pesticides globally to ensure that agricultural production is optimised and remains economically viable. The aim of this systematic review was to perform an in-depth analysis of pesticide legislation, focusing on rice, to understand the gaps that exist in the harmonisation across different countries. Tricyclazole, carbendazim, thiamethoxam and acephate were considered as these received the highest numbers of RASFF notifications and alerts due to their presence in rice. Global differences in regulations cause trade issues, especially when developing countries use unauthorised pesticides or different MRLs. Discrepancies in the registration and regulation of sales were found to be a global problem. Sales of pesticides and resulting residues in developing countries that are banned in the EU or US is highly concerning. Evidence suggests farmers’ education regarding pesticide use and protection must be increased, particularly as climate change is impacting pesticide use patterns and their bio-efficacy. In conclusion, international pesticide regulations have been implemented to protect consumer health, the environment and facilitate international trade. However, the absence of national MRLs in some countries or non-alignments with Codex MRLs raise significant concerns regarding some pesticides in relation to the protection of consumer health and the use of mixtures versus single pesticides. Additionally, global differences in pesticide regulation highlight problems in trade, especially when developing countries use unauthorised pesticides or when MRLs are not in agreement.
PubDate: 2023-09-01
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