Acceptable Daily Intake Values Research Articles

Investigating the Relationship Between β-Carotene Intake from Diet and Supplements, Smoking, and Lung Cancer Risk

β-carotene is a naturally occurring and safe dietary source of vitamin A that is associated with cancer risk reductions when consumed in typical dietary amounts. However, two clinical trials reported increased incidence of lung cancer and total mortality among heavy smokers taking β-carotene supplements (20 or 30 mg/day). Based on these findings, the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives withdrew Acceptable Daily Intake values for β-carotene (0-5 mg/kg bw). We evaluated relevant epidemiological and toxicological literature to assess the biological plausibility of this relationship and identified three mechanisms involving cellular proliferation signaling, a mode of action for cancer promotion. The overall weight of evidence consistently demonstrated typical dietary doses of β-carotene decreased cellular proliferation signaling via these mechanisms, even in the presence of smoke, while co-exposure to smoke and higher, supplemental doses increased cellular proliferation signaling through these same pathways. The production of excessive oxidative β-carotene metabolites via reactions with smoke constituents may be a key event underlying this relationship. Consistent with previous findings, our evaluation indicated consumption of up to 50 mg/day β-carotene does not present safety concerns for the non-smoking general population. Heavy smokers consuming less than 15 mg β-carotene/day are not expected to be at an increased risk of lung cancer.

Intake rates of methylmercury in the Belgian population: Evolution over 40 years

Methylmercury (MeHg) is one of the most toxic compounds, it bioaccumulates and biomagnifies along the food chain and finally damages human's nervous system. Knowing that the main intake route for MeHg in humans is through fish consumption, intake rates were studied in various countries, but not in Belgium. Based on Hg and MeHg measurements in various fishes, mainly from North Sea catches, in combination with the national food consumption surveys, we could calculate daily Hg and MeHg intake rates for the Belgian population in 1975, 1997 and 2014–2021. These values are then compared with daily intake values reported by other countries and with the acceptable daily intake (ADI) values recommended by international organizations. Daily Hg and MeHg intake rates decreased strongly between 1975 and the 2 later periods: while average intake rates are all below the ADI norms, this is not the case for the 95th percentile rates because they exceed or are very close to the ADI values. Since daily MeHg intake rates correlate well with hair and blood concentrations, these were used as a good proxy of MeHg intoxication and were related to health effects observed in children, adolescents, adults and elderly persons living in Belgium via biomonitoring.

Estimation of acceptable daily intake values based on modeling and in vivo mutagenicity of NDSRIs of fluoxetine, duloxetine and atomoxetine

Nitrosamine drug substance related impurities or NDSRIs can be formed if an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) has an intrinsic secondary amine that can undergo nitrosation. This is a concern as 1) nitrosamines are potentially highly potent carcinogens, 2) secondary amines in API are common, and 3) NDSRIs that might form from such secondary amines will be of unknown carcinogenic potency. Approaches for evaluating NDSRIs include read across, quantum mechanical modeling of reactivity, in vitro mutation data, and transgenic in vivo mutation data. These approaches were used here to assess NDSRIs that could potentially form from the drugs fluoxetine, duloxetine and atomoxetine. Based on a read across informed by modeling of physicochemical properties and mechanistic activation from quantum mechanical modeling, NDSRIs of fluoxetine, duloxetine, and atomoxetine were 10-100-fold less potent compared with highly potent nitrosamines such as NDMA or NDEA. While the NDSRIs were all confirmed to be mutagenic in vitro (Ames assay) and in vivo (TGR) studies, the latter data indicated that the potency of the mutation response was ≥4400 ng/day for all compounds-an order of magnitude higher than published regulatory limits for these NDSRIs. The approaches described herein can be used qualitatively to better categorize NDSRIs with respect to potency and inform whether they are in the ICH M7 (R2) designated Cohort of Concern.

Dietary exposure from food colours by Brazilian adolescents using the ERICA 2013–2014 food consumption database

Colouring food additives are added for the purpose of restoring, intensifying or imparting colour. Although food colours exposure estimates are available in Brazil, no comprehensive assessments were found covering all food colours allowed in the country and no study considered consumption data from ERICA (Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents), which covers data from more than 70,000 Brazilian students from 12 to 17 years old. This study estimated dietary exposure to 33 food colours authorized in Brazil and for which numerical safety values have been established, followed by risk characterization. Consumption data were obtained from two days dietary recalls applied to students in public and private schools from Brazilian cities with more than 100,000 residents. Exposure estimates were performed in two scenarios: mean and high exposures levels, undertaking conservative assumptions. Estimates were compared with the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) values established by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). Prioritization for future risk assessment was made based on ADI exceedance, with 14 colours as a low priority, 10 as a medium and 9 as a high priority. For high priority food colours, refined estimates are encouraged to evaluate more precisely real exposures and the need of implementation of management actions to reduce exposure.

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in Capoeta tinca fish and health risk assessment

The This study evaluates the potential human health risks associated with five heavy metals (Zn, Pb, Cu, Cd, and Cr) in Capoeta tinca fish. It assesses the heavy metal burden in the muscle, gill, and liver tissues of C. tinca, and estimates the potential health risks for consumers by employing estimated daily intake (EDI) and standard hazard ratios (THQ) related to heavy metal consumption. Fish and water samples were taken from three different Regions as Sincan Brook (Sivas–Hafik), Habeş Brook (Sivas–Zara), and Tozanlı Brook (Sivas–Hafik), Turkey. The heavy metal concentrations in the brook water were found to be higher than the established safe for safety threshold in all the sampling points. Besides that, the values were observed to be lower than the allowed limits. Considering the fish tissues, the Pb, Cd, and Cr concentrations were found to be higher than the safe limits predicted by WHO. The findings indicate that the liver of C. tinca fish exhibited the highest accumulation of heavy metals across all sampling areas. The highest heavy metal concentrations found in fish muscles were found to be (Cu) 2.51 ± 0.91 μg·g-1, (Cr) 0.45 ± 0.03 μg·g-1, (Cd) 0.88 ± 0.04 μg·g-1, (Pb) 2.04 ± 0.03 μg·g-1, and (Zn) 13.12 ± 1.08 μg·g-1. The descending order of heavy metal accumulation in gills was found to be Zn > Cu >Pb > Cd > Cr. Moreover, for each heavy metal, the Bio–concentration factor (BCF) index, Acceptable Daily Intake, EDI, and THQ (<1) values were found to be lower than the limits set in the international standards, indicating that no elements posing a threat to public health were encountered, thus not posing a short–term risk.

Cellular and Genomic Instability Induced by the Herbicide Glufosinate-Ammonium: An In Vitro and In Vivo Approach.

Glufosinate-ammonium (GLA), an organophosphate herbicide, is released at high concentrations in the environment, leading to concerns over its potential genotoxic effects. However, few articles are available in the literature reporting the possible cellular and nuclear effects of this compound. We assessed, by in vitro and in vivo micronucleus assays, the genotoxicity of GLA on cultured human lymphocytes and Lymnaea stagnalis hemocytes at six concentrations: 0.010 (the established acceptable daily intake value), 0.020, 0.050, 0.100, 0.200, and 0.500 µg/mL. In human lymphocytes, our results reveal a significant and concentration-dependent increase in micronuclei frequency at concentrations from 0.100 to 0.500 μg/mL, while in L. stagnalis hemocytes, significant differences were found at 0.200 and 0.500 μg/mL. A significant reduction in the proliferation index was observed at all tested concentrations, with the only exception of 0.010 μg/mL, indicating that the exposure to GLA could lead to increased cytotoxic effects. In L. stagnalis, a significant reduction in laid eggs and body growth was also observed at all concentrations. In conclusion, we provided evidence of the genomic and cellular damage induced by GLA on both cultured human lymphocytes and a model organism's hemocytes; in addition, we also demonstrated its effects on cell proliferation and reproductive health in L. stagnalis.

Antibiotic residues in commercial freshwater fish from southeast China: distribution and human health risk assessment.

We investigated 14 antibiotic residues in 8 marketed freshwater fish species from southeast China and estimated the associated health risks to local consumers. The antibiotic residues were determined by UPLC-MS/MS. Our findings revealed widespread distribution of quinolones (QNs), tetracyclines (TCs), and chloramphenicols (CAPs) in the freshwater fish. Notably, the average concentrations of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin reached levels as high as 62.5μg/kg wet weight (ww) and 11.7μg/kg ww, respectively, and detection frequencies were 68.7% for enrofloxacin and 31.6% for ciprofloxacin. Additionally, we detected chloramphenicol, a prohibited antibiotic, in samples with a detection frequency of 0.76%. Among the fish species, the mean concentration of total antibiotic residues was highest in bluntnose black bream (263.3μg/kg), followed by English perch (52.4μg/kg), crucian carp (46.3μg/kg), black carp (28.6μg/kg), yellowcheek carp (21.0μg/kg), grass carp (15.3μg/kg), bighead carp (3.78μg/kg), and mandarin fish (3.69μg/kg). We estimated the daily intake values of these antibiotic residues which were lower than the acceptable daily intake values and hazard indexes were much less than 1. It indicates that there is very low direct health risk to consumers. Despite that, investigation on the chronic impact, such as antibiotic-resistant bacteria, gut microbiota disruption, and allergic reactions, is urgently needed.

Occurrence, distribution, and translocation of legacy and current-use pesticides in pomelo orchards in South China

Pomelo (Citrus grandis) is a highly popular and juicy member of the citrus family. However, little is known regarding the occurrence and distribution of pesticides in pomelo. In this study, we determined the levels of legacy (n = 25) and current-use pesticides (n = 2) in all parts of pomelo (i.e., epicarp, mesocarp, endocarp, pulp, and seed) and paired soil and leaf samples collected from two pomelo orchards in South China. At least one target pesticide was detected in the pomelo fruit, soil, and leaf samples, indicating that these pesticides were ubiquitous. The spatial distribution of the total concentration of pesticides in the pomelo parts was in the order of epicarp (216 ng/g) > mesocarp (9.50 ng/g) > endocarp (4.40 ng/g) > seed (3.80 ng/g) > pulp (1.10 ng/g), revealing different spatial distributions in pomelo. Principal component analysis was performed based on the concentrations of the target pesticides in the pulp and paired samples of epicarp, leaf, topsoil, and deep soil to examine the translocation pathway of the pesticides in pomelo. Close correlations were found among the target pesticides, and the pesticides in the pulp were mainly transferred from the epicarp, topsoil, or deep soil. We also explored the factors that affected such transport and found that the main translocation pathway of the non-systemic pesticide (i.e., buprofezin) into the pulp was the epicarp, whereas the systemic pesticide (i.e., pyriproxyfen) was mainly derived from the soil. The cumulative chronic dietary risks of all the pesticides resulting from pomelo consumption were much lower than the acceptable daily intake values for the general population. However, the prolonged risk of exposure to these pesticides should not be underestimated. The potential health risks posed by legacy and current-use pesticides, which are widely and frequently utilized, should be given increased attention.

Surveillance of veterinary drug residues in food commonly consumed in Singapore and assessment of dietary exposure

Non-judicious and indiscriminate use of veterinary drugs in animal husbandry may result in accumulation of residues in animal tissues, and consequently in food for human consumption. The abuse of veterinary drugs presents a potential risk to consumer health, especially if the residue level is higher than the health-based guidance value (HBGV) such as the acceptable daily intake (ADI). Contamination of drug residues in food also promotes the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) which poses a serious threat to public health globally. There has been limited information on the occurrence and dietary exposure to veterinary drug residues in Singapore to date. In this study, the occurrence of four classes of veterinary drugs, namely beta-agonists, coccidiostats, fluoroquinolones and macrolides, were determined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in food widely consumed by Singapore residents. The magnitude of dietary exposure was assessed based on the consumption profile of Singapore population. Out of 216 food samples, 9.72 % were detected positive with veterinary drug residues, where majority of the positive samples were poultry and its derived products, followed by eggs and egg products. 7 veterinary drugs, specifically ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, clopidol, diclazuril, lasalocid, nicarbazin and tilmicosin, were detected in the samples, with clopidol and enrofloxacin being the most frequently detected drugs. Dietary exposure was evaluated using the estimated daily intake (EDI) of the detected drugs and benchmarked against the corresponding acceptable daily intake (ADI). All the %ADI values were far less than 100 in both the average and high consumer scenarios, indicating that the health risk associated with dietary exposure to these drugs in Singapore is low.

Anti-angiogenic and oxidative effects of brilliant blue at different concentrations in chorioallantoic membrane model

<b>Introduction: </b>Artificial food colorings are increasingly used to make the color and appearance of foods more attractive. One commonly used food dye is E133, international-coded brilliant blue (BB). According to the European Food Safety Authority panel results in 2010, it was determined that BB daily remained below the acceptable daily intake (ADI) value for adults and exceeded ADI value for children. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of BB on angiogenesis and oxidative stress in the chorioallantoic membrane model.<br /> <b>Materials & methods: </b>In this investigation, fertilized chick eggs free of specific pathogens were used. The eggs that were not fully grown or fertilized were excluded. 50 embryos were distributed into five groups of 10 each. The negative control group was the control group, the positive control group was the bevacizumab group, and three different BB dosages (10<sup>-4</sup> M, 10<sup>-5</sup> M, and 10<sup>-6</sup> M) were identified. At the end of the experiment, anti-angiogenesis scoring, and total antioxidant-oxidant capacity were evaluated.<br /> <b>Results:</b> According to the average score values, the control group had no anti-angiogenic impact, but the bevacizumab group had a strong anti-angiogenic effect (average score 1.1). Furthermore, the 10<sup>-4 </sup>M BB group had a weak anti-angiogenic impact (average score of 0.7), while the 10<sup>-5</sup> M and 10<sup>-6</sup> M BB groups had no anti-angiogenic effect (average score of 0.4 and 0.2, respectively). As a result of one-way analysis of variance test, it was seen that BB significantly increased total oxidant capacity and oxidative stress index values in proportion to the increase in dose (p<0.05).<br /> <b>Conclusions: </b>BB’s oxidant and anti-angiogenic effects indicate that high doses of processed foods containing artificial food dyes carry a risk for viable growth. Since there are not enough studies in the literature showing the oxidant or antiangiogenic effects of BB in chorioallantoic membrane model, the original data we presented in this study are pioneering.

Analysis Methodology For Establishing Tartrazine Levels In Food And Beverage Products: A Review

Food and beverage manufacturers in today’s industry tend to use dyes to give a distinctive color characteristic to a product. Manufacturers tend to use synthetic dyes, like tartrazine, rather than most natural dyes. It should be noted that in some cases, manufacturers did not care about the testing of the levels of chemical dyes used before the product is marketed, thus manufacturers were not responsible for the potential dangers, particularly the risk of toxicity, and also out of range dye levels from the permissible Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) values. This review aims to update the knowledge of producers or the health department regarding the appropriate analytical methodology, both sample preparation and analytical methods to obtain an accurate image of the levels of tartrazine dye in food and beverage products. The recommended sample preparation method in tartrazine analysis is the Dispersive Solid Phase Extraction (d-SPE) method known as the QuEChERS method (quick, easy, cheap, efficient, rugged, and safe). The analytical method that has high specificity and sensitivity to be used in tartrazine analysis is the High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method, while the UV-Vis Spectrophotometry analysis method offers a fast and low-cost analysis method compared to other methods.

Analysis of Some Physicochemical Properties and Dietary Risks Assessment of Pesticide Residues of Local Honey in Adamawa State, Nigeria

Pesticide residues bioaccumulation in the plants and during foraging in search of nectar by bees can caused health-related risks in human. This study investigated honey's physicochemical properties and dietary risk assessments of pesticide residues. This study's pesticide residues were determined using HPLC (LC 1200 series Agilent Tech). The mean values obtained for physicochemical parameters were: pH 3.52±0.02 -5.12±0.05; free acidity 6.50±0.07 -15.08±0.15 meq/kg; electrical conductivity 0.14±0.05 -0.55±0.03 mS/cm; moisture content 15.10±0.05-18.60±0.10% and ash content 0.03±0.01-0.36±0.02%. All the physicochemical parameters analyzed fall within the limits of international standards. The pesticide residues with the highest mean concentration in the honey samples were metachlor in sample HS3 (0.269±0.05 mg/kg) and atrazine (0.266±0.05 mg/kg) in HG3. Both aldrin, heptachlor and Permethrin were found below the EU MRL. EDIs for pesticide residues for adults and children were evaluated and compared with their acceptable daily intake (ADIs) value for each pesticide residue. Metachlor (4.48E-06 mg/kg/bw) and atrazine (4.43E-06 mg/kg/bw) were observed to have the highest EDIs for adults in samples HS3 and HG3 respectively. Similarly, atrazine (1.77E-05 mg/kg/bw) and metachlor (1.79E-05 mg/kg/bw) were observed to have highest EDI for children. All the EDIs evaluated for pesticide residues fall below acceptable daily intake (ADI). The target hazard quotient (THQ) and health index (HI) for pesticide residues in all the samples were < 1, this suggests no risks associated with the level of pesticide residues risks, thus having less danger to human health through its consumption.

Cannabidiol safety considerations: Development of a potential acceptable daily intake value and recommended upper intake limits for dietary supplement use

Consumer use of hemp-derived products continues to rise, underscoring the need to establish evidence-based safety guidance. The present study sought to develop recommendations for oral upper intake limits of cannabidiol (CBD) isolate. Sufficiently robust and reliable data for this purpose were identified from published human clinical trials and guideline-compliant toxicity studies in animal models. Based on the metrics used in this assessment, a potential Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) value of 0.43 mg/kg-bw/d (e.g., 30 mg/d for 70-kg adult) was determined for the general population based on liver effects in human studies. This value applies to the most sensitive subpopulations, including children, over a lifetime of exposure and from all sources, including food. For dietary supplements with adequate product labeling intended for use by healthy adults only, a potential Upper Intake Limit (UL) of 70 mg/d was determined based on reproductive effects in animals. For healthy adults, except those trying to conceive, or currently pregnant or lactating, a conservative dietary supplement UL of 100 mg/d was identified based on liver effects; however, as the target population excludes individuals at risk for liver injury, an alternative dietary supplement UL of 160 mg/d for this population can also be considered.

Safety assessment for Tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite (Irgafos 168) used as an antioxidant and stabilizer in food contact applications.

During and after fabrication of polymeric food contact articles (FCA), polymers undergo oxidation by thermal decomposition processes initiated by oxygen, heat, light, shear, and catalyst residues. To reduce degradation of the polymer, a commonly used secondary antioxidant (AO), Irgafos 168 (I-168), may be included. Use of I-168 in polymeric FCAs presents a potential concern for neurotoxicity due to its phosphate-containing degradation species, I-168ate. As a result, we evaluated dietary exposure and oral toxicity data for I-168 and its degradants when used as an AO in FCAs. Our exposure assessment included extensive review of the U.S. food-contact regulatory history of I-168 resulting in a combined cumulative estimated daily intake (CEDI) of 0.09 mg/kg bw/day for I-168 and I-168ate when used as an AO in FCAs. Our comprehensive literature review of toxicological data and supporting structure activity relationship (SAR) analysis of I-168 reactivity against acetylcholinesterase diminished concern for potential neurotoxic effects of I-168 and its degradants. An acceptable daily intake (ADI) value of 1 mg/kg bw/day for I-168 was derived from a two-year rodent combined chronic toxicity/carcinogenicity study, which is higher than the CEDI and supports the safety of current authorized food contact use levels of I-168.

Accidental delivery of pigs for slaughter prior to end of withdrawal period for antimicrobial treatment - Ways of handling

Withdrawal periods after treatment with antimicrobials are set to minimise the frequency and concentration of residues in meat from treated pigs. Still, by mistake, pigs can be sent for slaughter too early. How should the abattoir respond when a pig producer contacts the abattoir to inform them of such a mistake? To address this, two questionnaire surveys were undertaken during spring of 2022, targeting the competent authority (CA) and the food business operator (FBO) from countries in- and outside the European Union. The results covering answers from 78 respondents from 27 countries show that most countries have procedures in place, but also various ways of responding, between CA and FBO, as well as between countries with a large export volume versus countries with a small export volume of pig meat. We developed a best practice model for handling such events, which covers stages before and after the pig is slaughtered and is subjected to official meat inspection and resulting decisions in accordance with relevant legislation. The model involves a quantitative exposure risk assessment, which should be undertaken by the FBO and verified by the CA. The assessment produces estimates of the concentrations of residues at the time of slaughter. If higher than the maximum residue limit, the expected use of the carcasses should be considered. Hereby, the consumer exposure risk can be assessed using the acceptable daily intake (ADI) value, and a risk-based management decision about the safe handling of the meat can be made. This approach would compensate for the huge variation in withdrawal periods for the same substances in force in the European countries.

Analysis, Occurrence and Exposure Evaluation of Antibiotic and Anthelmintic Residues in Whole Cow Milk from China.

An optimized QuEChERS method for the simultaneous extraction of 26 antibiotics and 19 anthelmintics in whole cow milk was established, followed by UHPLC-MS/MS analysis. Briefly, 20 mL acetonitrile with 1 g disodium hydrogen citrate, 2 g sodium citrate, 4 g anhydrous MgSO4, and 1 g sodium chloride were added to 10 g milk for target chemical extraction, followed by 50 mg anhydrous MgSO4 for purification. Satisfactory recoveries were obtained using the modified QuEChERS method, with recoveries of the antibiotics ranging from 79.7 to 117.2%, with the exception of norfloxacin, which was at 53.4%, while those for anthelmintics were in the range of 73.1-105.1%. The optimized QuEChERS method presented good precision, with relative standard deviations ranging from 7.2 to 18.6% for both antibiotics and anthelmintics. The method was successfully applied to analyze the antibiotics and anthelmintics in 56 whole cow milk samples from China. Briefly, the detection frequencies and concentrations of most of the antibiotics and anthelmintics were low in the whole cow milk samples, with concentrations ranging from below LOD to 4296.8 ng/kg. Fenbendazole, febantel, enrofloxacin, levofloxacin, sulfadiazine, and sulfamethoxazole were the predominant drug residues in the whole cow milk samples. Spatial distribution was found for those antibiotics and anthelmintics with detection frequency higher than 50%, especially for the antibiotics, indicating regional differences in drug application. Based on the current study, exposure to antibiotics and anthelmintics through whole cow milk consumption are lower than the acceptable daily intake values suggested by the China Institute of Veterinary Drug Control. However, long-term exposure to low doses of antibiotics and anthelmintics still needs attention and merits further study.

Occurrence of pesticide residues in honey from apiaries with incidents of honeybee poisoning in East China and a corresponding risk assessment for honeybees and Chinese consumers.

We investigated the occurrence of 80 pesticide residues in 96 honey samples from apiaries with honeybee poisoning incidences by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and subsequently conducted risk assessments of exposure for in-hive honeybees and Chinese consumers. Six pesticides were detected with residue concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 130.9µg/kg. The mean concentrations of acetamiprid, dinotefuran, hexythiazox, propargite, semiamitraz, and carbendazim in positive samples were 7.9±9.1, 5.9±1.7, 3.0±1.6, 44.2±50.0, 9.0±9.4, and 5.5±4.1µg/kg, respectively. Carbendazim, semiamitraz, and acetamiprid were the major contaminants in honey, with incidences of 99.0%, 93.8%, and 49.0%, respectively. The cooccurrence of pesticides (≥2 pesticides) was detected in 95.9% of the samples, with up to six residual pesticides found in one sample. The HQ (hazard quotient) values of the six pesticides to in-hive honeybees were from 4.7×10-8 to 0.021, less than 1, indicating their acceptable exposure risk to honeybees. In terms of the representative-case and worst-case scenarios, the sum of separate HQs of each pesticide yielding an HI (hazard index) ranged from 0.012 to 0.016 for in-hive worker honeybees and from 0.015 to 0.021 for in-hive larva honeybees, indicating an overall acceptable potential cumulative risk of multiple pesticides to in-hive honeybees. Both the %ARfD (acute reference dose) value (0.0001-0.075) and %ADI (acceptable daily intake) value (0.00002-0.0046) of risky pesticides were much less than 100, revealing acceptable risk exposure to risky pesticides via honey consumption for human health. Thus, our results showed that multipesticide residual honey from apiaries with honeybee poisoning incidents in East China was safe for humans and in-hive honeybees. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This analytical approach will be used in detecting multiple pesticide residues in honey and risk assessment for dietary exposure to pesticide residues. It can support various surveillance programs about honey safety and in-hive honeybee health evaluation.

Immunotoxicity of relevant mixtures of pesticides and metabolites on THP-1 cells

Pesticides are used to combat agricultural pests but also trigger side effects on non-target organisms. Particularly, immune system dysregulation is a major concern due to the organism’s increased vulnerability to diseases, including cancer development. Macrophages play essential roles in innate and adaptive immunity and can undergo classical (M1) or alternative (M2) activation. The M1 pro-inflammatory phenotype has an antitumor role, while M2 favors tumor promotion. Although previous studies have linked pesticide exposure to immune compromise, macrophage polarization is still poorly studied. Here, we investigated the effects of 72 h-long exposure to the mixture of four pesticides widely used in Brazil (glyphosate, 2,4-D, mancozeb, and atrazine), and their main metabolites (aminomethylphosphonic acid, 2,4-diclorophenol, ethylenethiourea, and desethylatrazine) on human leukemia monocytic THP-1 cell line at concentrations based on the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) value established in the country. The data revealed immunotoxicity related to impaired cell metabolism in all exposed groups, decreased cell attachment (Pes: 10−1; Met: 10−1; Mix: all concentrations), and disturbance in nitric oxide (NO) levels (Met: 10−1, 101; Mix: all concentrations). The polarization of macrophages towards a more pro-tumor M2-like phenotype was also supported by decreased secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α (Pes 100, 101) and increased IL-8 (Pes 101). These outcomes alert about the risk of pesticide exposure in the Brazilian population.

Accumulation of Thallium in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Following Acute and Subchronic Waterborne Exposure.

The accumulation and tissue distribution of toxicants in aquatic biota can be determinative of their toxic impact to both exposed organisms and their potential human consumers. In the present study, accumulation of the trace metal thallium (Tl) in gill, muscle, plasma, and otoliths of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) following acute (96-h) and subchronic (28-day) waterborne exposures was investigated. Owing to known interactions between Tl and potassium ions (K+ ), plasma and muscle K+ concentrations were also determined. Branchial Tl accumulated in a dose-dependent manner in both acute and subchronic exposures, while plasma Tl was rapidly mobilized to tissues and accumulated only at exposure concentrations of 141 µg L-1 or higher. For muscle tissue, Tl concentrations at 28 days were markedly lower than those at 96 h at comparable exposure concentrations (0.9 µg L-1 ), indicating the presence of mechanisms that act to reduce Tl accumulation over time. However, after acute exposure, muscle Tl reached concentrations that, if consumed, would exceed acceptable daily intake values for this element, indicating some risk to human health from the consumption of fish from waters heavily contaminated with Tl. Otoliths showed Tl concentrations that reflected exposure concentration and length, confirming their capacity to provide insight into fish exposure history. No changes in tissue K+ concentrations were observed, suggesting that accumulation of Tl in rainbow trout plasma and muscle does not occur at the expense of K+ homeostasis. In addition to highlighting the capacity of rainbow trout to accumulate Tl to levels that exceed recommended dietary doses to human consumers, the present study provides the first data of tissue-specific Tl accumulation in an important regulatory species. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1553-1563. © 2023 SETAC.

Spatial and temporal assessment of health risks associated with exposure to nitrates from shallow well water in West Africa

This study focused on estimating the health risks of nitrate from shallow well water in Agboville's city, Côte d'Ivoire. 100 samples of 50 wells were collected to analyze nitrate presence during one year in two major seasons. Probabilistic methods of hazard quotient were used to assess the health risks due to nitrate within different zones delineated in relation to the demographic and topographic situation of the areas. The mean nitrate levels of each zone during dry season were below the World Health Organization (WHO, 2011) limit value (i.e., 50 mg L−1), whereas for those of the wet season, the values of some sites were higher, but their average remained below this WHO reference, excluding of the low-slope area (i.e., zone 2 with 75.40 ± 68.33 mg L−1). During dry season, all the hazard quotient (i.e., HQ50 and HQ95) values were below to 1, as were HQ50 values in wet season, except for children in the low-slope area (i.e., zone 2). All HQ95 values were nearly greater than 1 during the wet season. Only, Hazard quotient using acceptable daily intake (HQADI) value at the 5% highly-exposed group of the strongest slope area (zone 4) was less than 1 in the wet seasons. It noted that the elevated HQ95 values would indicate a high risk of nitrate during the rainy season. Otherwise, HQ50/50 values determined according to WHO 2003 values were higher than 1 in rainy season, thereby underscoring that the elevated risk of contracting some diseases such as methemoglobinemia. Finally, a sanitation improvement in the study area could be an alternative method to reduce nitrate levels in well water as well as a reduction of the HQ50/50 in rainy season