Carcinogenic Risk Assessment Research Articles

Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination of Groundwater Around Nnewi Industrial Area, Anambra State, Nigeria

The influence of water quality from boreholes situated around the Nnewi industrial area was evaluated by assessing the heavy metal concentrations and health risks associated with human exposure. Water samples were collected from 16 different boreholes around eight industries at a monthly interval from May – October 2019 and November 2019 – April 2020 to cover the rainy and dry seasons, respectively. Water samples were analyzed for copper (Cu), lead (Pb), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), and arsenic (As) using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The results were compared with the World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Data obtained for both seasons indicate Cu had a mean value of (0.268±0.136 mg/L), Pb (0.014±0.013 mg/L), Fe (0.119±0.133 mg/L), Zn (0.572±0.220 mg/L), Cr (0.051±0.011 mg/L), and As (0.013±0.001 mg/L) respectively. All the heavy metal concentrations of the sampled water were within their various WHO permissible limits except As, Cr and Pb. The pollution index of As, Cr and Pb were greater than 1, showing heavy contamination of the water. Carcinogenic risk assessment of water via ingestion and dermal route for Cr and As were above the recommended safe limit of 1×10^-6 which posed a cancer risk. The results show that borehole waters were contaminated with heavy metals in both seasons. It is, therefore, recommended that borehole water from the study areas should be treated before being used for various domestic purposes.

Probabilistic risk assessment of endocrine disrupting pesticides in Iran

ABSTRACT The chronic dietary risk assessment for 34 pesticides suspected of acting as endocrine disrupters in Iran was assessed by comparing TMDI with the Acceptable Daily Intakes (ADI). Of 34 investigated endocrine-disrupting pesticides (EDPs), 6 had TMDI > ADI. In addition, potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risk assessments were evaluated using Monte Carlo simulation. HQ in wheat was 17.40 and 20.29 in adults and children, respectively. Due to dimethoate residue in wheat, HQ was 2.78, and for fenitrothion residue, 3.22. HI was 21.22 for adults and 24.76 for children in wheat, more than 1. Total Carcinogenic risk (TCR) due to EDPs residues was 6.40 × 10−5 in apples, in citrus fruits 5.97 × 10−5, 3.33 × 10−5 in cucumber, 5.30 × 10−5 in lettuce, in potato was 2.36 × 10−5, in rice was 1.61 × 10−5, 1.78 × 10−5 in tomato, and due to epoxiconazole residues in wheat was 3.18 × 10−5, more than acceptable limit 1.0 × 10−6. Therefore, consumers were at significant risk of carcinogenesis. Abbreviations: PCBs: polychlorinated biphenyls; BPA: Bisphenol A; ED: Endocrine Disrupting; EDCs: Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals; EDPs: Endocrine Disrupting Pesticides; ADI: Acceptable Daily Intake; TMDI: Theoretical Maximum Daily Intake; FAO: Food and Agriculture Organization; WHO: World Health Organization; MRL: Maximum Residue Limit; HQ: Hazard Quotient; HI: Hazard Index; CR: Cancer Risk; TCR: Total Cancer Risk; PPP: plant protection products

Analysis and health risk assessments of heavy metals and nitrate migration into pickle beverages.

This research aimed to investigate the levels of heavy metals (lead, cadmium, inorganic arsenic, and aluminium) and nitrate contaminants in pickle beverages sold in the Turkey market produced from various fruits and vegetables. In addition, carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risk assessments of exposure resulting from oral consumption of these beverages have also been made. The heavy metal concentrations in 22 pickle beverages were found to be in the range of 0.369 to 119.181 for Al, 0.136 to 6.561 for iAs, 0.020 to 1.326 for Cd, and 0.118 to 3.632 µg/L for Pb, while the nitrate concentrations were < limits of detection (LOD) 117.320 mg/L. Hazard quotient values for heavy metals and nitrate are calculated as <1 in both genders and are safe regarding noncarcinogenic risks. Lifetime carcinogenic risk assessment indicated that some pickle beverages might pose a carcinogenic risk at grade A (>10-4) for iAs and grade B (10-6-10-4) for Pb in both genders.

Carcinogenic and human health risk assessment of children's and adults' exposure to toxic metal(oid)s from air PM10 in critical sites of the Republic of Serbia.

With global urbanization and industrialization, air pollution has become an inevitable problem. Among air pollutants, toxic metals bound to particulate matter (PM) have a high hazardous potential, contributing to the development of several diseases, including various types of cancer. Due to PM pollution, Serbia is considered to be among the most polluted countries in Europe. Therefore, the objective of the study was to assess and characterize the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks of children's and adults' exposure to metal(oid)s (Pb, Cd, Ni, and As) bound to PM10 in five of the most polluted areas in the Republic of Serbia (Subotica, Smederevo, Bor, Valjevo, and Kraljevo). Non-carcinogenic (HQ and HI) and carcinogenic risk (CR) were calculated using USEPA methodology. Our results show that PM10 concentrations exceeded the annual limit of 40μg/m3 at four out of five monitoring sites (ranging from 44.33 to 63.25μg/m3). Results obtained from Bor monitoring station show that safe limits were exceeded for both children and adults, indicating an unacceptable risk (> 1) obtained for inhalation exposure to the As (HQ = 6.14) and Cd (HQ = 1.17), while total HI was 7.43, which characterized the risk as unacceptable. For the same station, the CR value was 1.44E-04 (> 1 × 10-4). In other sites, the risks were acceptable. The characterized risk from exposure to the toxic elements via PM10 in critical locations in Serbia contributes to improving air quality by requiring regulatory organs to take new actions and adopt new measures to reduce air pollution.

Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk assessment of exposure to trace elements in groundwater resources of Sari city, Iran.

The daily intake of trace elements through water resources and their adverse health effects is a critical issue. The purpose of this research was to assess the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks of exposure to iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), and arsenic (As) in groundwater resources of Sari city, Iran. The concentrations of the trace elements in a total number of 66 samples from the groundwater sources were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The hazard index (HI) levels of exposure to the trace elements from the groundwater sources for adults, teenagers, and children were 0.65, 0.83, and 1.08, respectively. The carcinogenic risk values of Cr and As in the groundwater sources for children, teenagers, and adults were 0.0001, 0.00009, 0.00007, 0.0003, 0.0002, and 0.0001, respectively, causing a total carcinogenic risk value higher than the acceptable range, and removing Cr and As from the groundwater resources is recommended for safe community water supply.

Accumulation and human health risk assessment of trace elements in two fish species, Cirrhinus mrigala and Oreochromis niloticus, at Tarukri Drain, District Rahimyar Khan, Punjab, Pakistan.

The toxic discharge of heavy metals into the water affects the aquatic ecosystem as well as the human population interacting with it because of their toxicity, bioaccumulation, long persistence, and transfer through the food chain. Thus, it is very important to conduct studies to determine the level of heavy metal pollution in order to better control, manage, and preserve the pollution of aquatic ecosystems. This study assessed heavy metal contamination in fish and its associated health risk to the population around the Tarukri Drain, Punjab, Pakistan. Two fish species (Oreochromis niloticus and Cirrhinus mrigala) were collected from three different sites in two different seasons. Collected fish were analyzed for cadmium (Cd), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) accumulation using atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS). Furthermore, the human health risks associated with the consumption of affected fish were also assessed. Target hazardous quotient for seasonal consumers was between 0.12, - 1.58 × 10-4, and 0.54 - 3.28 × 10-4 (mg/kg) in O. niloticus and C. mrigala, respectively. While for regular consumers it was between 0.28-3.71 × 10-4 and 1.27-7.68 × 10-4 (mg/kg) in O. niloticus and C. mrigala respectively for the studied heavy metals. Fish sampled from Sadiqabad contained the highest concentration of heavy metals. The analysis of fish organs (kidney, liver, and muscles) showed heavy metal accumulation in the order of kidney > liver > muscles (p < 0.00). The obtained results showed that heavy metal contaminations in both fish species were within the permissible limits recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Both sampling seasons (i.e., summer and winter) showed a non-significant difference in heavy metal concentration. The calculated total target hazardous quotient across all heavy metals remained < 1 with only one exception. The carcinogenic risk assessment of heavy metals showed a non-significant effect in both fish species.

Carcinogenic and Non-carcinogenic Health Risk Assessment from Exposure of Heavy Metals in Hand Dug Wells in Gombe State

Purpose: Heavy metals are among the commonest cause of water pollution and impact human health worldwide. Therefore, this study aims to assess the probable health risk (non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk) for adults and children that are exposed to toxic heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Cd, Cr, Zn and Ni) through ingestion and dermal contact with dug well water in the locations.&#x0D; Methodology: The hand dug wells serve as sources of drinking water, domestic and industrial purposes. In this study, composite samples from the locations were tested for the presence of heavy metals using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The health risk assessments were evaluated.&#x0D; Findings: The results of the HQ values of heavy metals for combined pathways were below the safety level (HQ &lt; 1) for adults, while the HI for children were higher than the safety limit in some stations. The average values of total carcinogenic risk index (CRI) through exposure to drinking water for children and adults were lower than 10−6. Overall, the CRI total through exposure to drinking water for children and adults are within safety level of WHO risk, negating the probability of carcinogenic risk for the children and adults to the carcinogenic elements via ingestion and dermal routes.&#x0D; Recommendation: Appropriate purification, improvement in enlightenment programs and control measures should be implemented to protect the health of the residents in these localities.&#x0D;

Concentration evaluation and risk assessment of pesticide residues in selected vegetables sold in major markets of Port Harcourt South-South Nigeria

Abstract Concentration levels and health risk assessment of residues of organochlorine and organophosphate pesticides in four commonly vegetables (Cucumber, carrot, cabbage, and eggplant) collected from major markets of Port Harcourt city, South-south Nigeria were assessed. The collected samples were analysed using QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) extraction method by gas chromatography coupled with Electron Capture Detector (ECD). Pesticide concentrations were compared with UK/EU maximum residual limits (MRLs). Health risk estimates were analysed using estimated daily intake (EDI), hazard quotient (HQ), and hazard ratio (HR) for children (16.7 kg) and adults (60 kg) weight groups. The results of this study showed that 80% of the vegetable samples contained detectable pesticide residues, of which 70% had residues that exceeded MRLs while 20% had residues below detectable levels. The highest concentrations of HCH residues are present in cabbage with a concentration of 0.25 ± 0.15 mg/kg for α-HCH while the least are present in eggplant with concentration of 0.038 ± 0.025 mg/kg in lindane. Pirimophos-methyl was detected in cucumber at 0.017 mg/kg while parathion and isofenfos was detected only in eggplants at concentration of 0.042 mg/kg and 0.022 mg/kg respectively. Concentrations of parathion, chlorpyrifos, and pirimophos-methyl residues were lower than MRLs in all the detected vegetable samples analysed. Non-carcinogenic health risk estimates for the children consumer groups showed that mevinfos, p, pʹ DDD, aldrin, and heptachlor epoxide detected in eggplant, carrot, and cabbage had HQ &gt; 1. While for adults, only p, pʹ DDD and heptachlor epoxide revealed non-carcinogenic effect in cabbage. Risk was highest for child consumers. However, most of the pesticide residues were less than 1 for the HQs value which is indicative of insignificant health risk. Human risk estimations for the carcinogenic health effect for the studied vegetables showed that lindane and delta HCH could pose carcinogenic health risks to adult, while aldrin, dieldrin, heptachlor, α HCH, β HCH, delta HCH, and heptachlor epoxide could pose carcinogenic health risks to children. The HRI values in some of the detected residues indicate that the cancer benchmark concentrations exceeded the EDI for the respective organochlorine pesticide in the vegetable samples, thus raising serious concerns of possible carcinogenicity. Non carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk assessment of organochlorine pesticide residues in the studied vegetable indicates health threat. Hence, strict monitoring and control of pesticide residues in agricultural products is being suggested, to protect consumers, especially the children who are vulnerable to the adverse effects of pesticides.

Carcinogenic Activity and Risk Assessment of PAHs in Ambient Air: PM10 Particle Fraction and Bulk Deposition

This paper present seasonal variation in the equivalent concentration (BaPeq) of PAHs in order to assess the potential cancer risk for two different groups of residents via ingestion, dermal contact and inhalation pathways. The possible ecological risk caused by PAH atmospheric deposition based on risk quotient was also estimated. A bulk (total, wet and dry) deposition and PM10 particle fraction (particles with an equivalent aerodynamic diameter < 10 µm) were collected from June 2020 to May 2021 at an urban residential location in the northern part of Zagreb, Croatia. The monthly average of total equivalent BaPeq mass concentrations of PM10 varied from 0.057 ng m-3 in July to 3.656 ng m-3 in December; the annul ∑BaPeq average was 1.348 ng m-3. In bulk deposition, ∑BaPeq mass concentrations varied from 1.94 to 57.60 ng L-1. In both investigated media, BaP had the highest contribution in carcinogenic activity. For PM10 media, dermal absorption implied the greatest potential cancer risk, followed by ingestion and inhalation. For bulk media, a moderate ecological risk for BaA, BbF and BaP was observed according to the risk quotient approach.

Multi-omics analysis revealed NMBA induced esophageal carcinoma tumorigenesis via regulating PPARα signaling pathway

As widespread environmental carcinogens causing esophageal carcinoma (EC), the effects of N-nitrosamines on human health hazards and accurate toxicity mechanisms have not been well-elucidated. In this study, we explored the tumorigenic mechanism of N-nitrosomethylbenzylamine (NMBA) exposure using both cell and rat models. It was found that NMBA (2 μM) exposure for 26 weeks induced malignant transformation of normal esophageal epithelial (Het-1A) cells. After then proteomics analysis showed that lipid metabolism disorder predominantly participated in the process of NMBA-induced cell malignant transformation. Further the integrated proteomics and lipidomics analysis revealed that the enhancement of fatty acid metabolism promoted the EC tumorigenesis induced by NMBA through facilitating the fatty acid-associated PPARα signaling pathway. The animal studies also revealed that accelerated fatty acid decomposition in the progression of NMBA-induced EC models of rats was accompanied by the activation of the PPARα pathway. Overall, our findings depicted the key dynamic molecular alteration triggered by N-nitrosamines, and provided comprehensive biological perspectives into the carcinogenic risk assessment of N-nitrosamines.

Risk Assessment and Spatial Distribution of Heavy Metals with an Emphasis on Antimony (Sb) in Urban Soil in Bojnourd, Iran

Recently, one of the major environmental issues is the pollution of soil with Antimony (Sb), which is ecologically detrimental and potentially carcinogenic to humans. In developing countries such as Iran, Sb concentrations in soils have not yet been accurately determined. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the levels of Sb and the other HMs (Pb, Cd, As, Ni, Hg and Cr) in the surface soils of Bojnourd, Iran, as well as their distribution and potential risks to the environment and human health. A total of 37 soil samples (0–20 cm) were taken from different sampling stations: 900 × 900 m regular grid for traffic areas (TA), residential areas (RA) and suburb areas (SA). The contamination factor (CF) and geo-accumulation index (Igeo) are two indices that were used to reflect the potential ecological risk from HMs. Geographic information system (GIS), Spearman correlation matrix and health risk indexes were utilized to investigate the source and potential hazard of HMs. The results showed that the average concentration of HMs in TA was highly enriched compared to other areas. Most soil samples were identified to have low levels of Sb and Ni pollution, while having moderate to high levels of Pb, Cr, As, Hg and Cd pollution, as determined by the pollution indices (Igeo and CF). Geostatistical analysis and GIS mapping of the spatial distribution of HM concentrations showed that there have been similar patterns of spatial distribution for Cd, Cr, Ni and Sb and their hot spots were in the southeast, west and center of the city. Neither the hazard quotient (HQ) nor the hazard index (HI) of the examined HMs indicated any non-carcinogenic risk to adults or children. However, carcinogenic risk assessment revealed that cancer risk was raised from Cr and Cd contents for children, while these elements showed an acceptable risk for adults. Furthermore, children’s carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic values were greater than adults’, indicating more potential health hazards associated with these HMs. Therefore, assessing the risk posed by HM pollution in urban surface soil is vital and urgent for children. A more detailed investigation is also required to identify the spatial distribution of soil pollution in areas recognized as enriched in Sb. A proper assessment of the environmental risk and the corresponding risk to humans from HM in a study area can be critical to developing an appropriate remediation method.

GC-MS Determination of Undeclared Phthalate Esters in Commercial Fragrances: Occurrence, Profiles and Assessment of Carcinogenic and Non-Carcinogenic Risk Associated with Their Consumption among Adult Consumers

Phthalates are chemicals that are extensively used in the manufacturing of cosmetic products. The occurrence of phthalate esters in personal care products may pose adverse effects on consumers' health. In this work, a simple, fast and reliable GC-MS method was developed and validated for concurrent determination of phthalate esters in fragrances. Simple procedures were employed for sample preparation and clean up. The recoveries achieved were in the range of 94.9% to 105.6% with RSD ≤ 4.06. The detection limits were in the range of 0.0010 to 0.0021 µg/mL. The GC-MS method was utilized to investigate the occurrence of phthalate esters in different brands of perfumes sold in the Saudi Arabian market. Diethyl phthalate was detected in all analyzed samples, with a maximum concentration of 5766 µg/mL, and di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate was detected in the majority of the analyzed samples (95%), with a mean concentration of 55.9 µg/mL and a highest concentration of 377.7 µg/mL. Additionally, the exposure to phthalate esters due to the consumption of perfumes was investigated among the adult Saudi population for the first time. It was found that the systemic exposure dose, measured at mean concentrations, ranged from 4.59 × 10-4 to 4.29 × 10-2 (mg/kg/day) and from 5.00 × 10-4 to 4.68 × 10-2 (mg/kg/day) for male and female users, respectively. Moreover, the non-carcinogenic risk of the investigated phthalate esters and the carcinogenic risk of DEHP were also evaluated. The non-carcinogenic risk values of the detected phthalate esters were greater than 100, which indicates that exposure to these phthalate esters is unlikely to produce non-carcinogenic health effects to consumers. However, at maximum DEHP concentrations, the carcinogenic risk values were 5.49 × 10-5 for male users and 5.98 × 10-5 for female users, which indicates the possibility of DEHP to pose a carcinogenic health effect if present at high levels. Regular monitoring of undeclared chemicals such as phthalate esters in personal care products marketed in Saudi Arabia is extremely important to ensure consumers' safety. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to assess the health risk associated with consumption of perfumes in Saudi Arabia.

Contamination Assessment and Potential Human Health Risks of Heavy Metals in Urban Soils from Grand Forks, North Dakota, USA.

Heavy metal (HM) pollution of soil is an increasingly serious problem worldwide. The current study assessed the metal levels and ecological and human health risk associated with HMs in Grand Forks urban soils. A total 40 composite surface soil samples were investigated for Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Pb, Hg, Cr, Cd and Tl using microwave-assisted HNO3-HCl acid digestion and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis. The enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), geoaccumulation index (Igeo), ecological risk and potential ecological risk index were used for ecological risk assessment. The park soils revealed the following decreasing trend for metal levels: Fe > Mn > Zn > Cr > Ni > Cu > Pb > As > Co > Cd > Tl > Hg. Based on mean levels, all the studied HMs except As and Cr were lower than guideline limits set by international agencies. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Pb, Cr and Tl may originate from natural sources, while Hg, Pb, As and Cd may come from anthropogenic/mixed sources. The Igeo results showed that the soil was moderately polluted by As and Cd and, based on EF results, As and Cd exhibited significant enrichment. The contamination factor analysis revealed that Zn and Pb showed moderate contamination, Hg exhibited low to moderate contamination and As and Cd showed high contamination in the soil. Comparatively higher risk was noted for children over adults and, overall, As was the major contributor (>50%), followed by Cr (>13%), in the non-carcinogenic risk assessment. Carcinogenic risk assessment revealed that As and Cr pose significant risks to the populations associated with this urban soil. Lastly, this study showed that the soil was moderately contaminated by As, Cd, Pb and Hg and should be regularly monitored for metal contamination.

Non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk assessment of some heavy metals in carrots selected from Wudil, Kano, Nigeria

Fruits and vegetables contaminated with heavy metals can pose health risks to humans. Noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks of some metals (Cu, Cd, Cr, Pb, and Ni) in carrots cultivated in Wudil, Kano, Nigeria was investigated by calculating the chronic daily intake (CDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI), and carcinogenic risk (CR) of the metals. The mean concentrations of the metals were in the following decreasing order: Cu&gt;Cr&gt;Ni&gt;Pb&gt;Cd. The levels of all the metals were below the maximum tolerable limit set by FAO/WHO. The THQ for the heavy metals were all less than one (THQ &lt; 1), showing that these metals did not constitute a noncarcinogenic risk to the population through the consumption of carrots. The percentage contributions of the metals to the total non-carcinogenic risk were in the following order: Cr&gt;Pb&gt;Cu&gt;Cd&gt;Ni. Cr was the major contributor to the total non-carcinogenic risk and accounted for 57.61% of the total risk, while Pb, Cu, Cd, and Ni contributed 15.64%, 12.76%, 7.41%, and 6.58% respectively. The CR were all below the upper limit of 1×10-4, suggesting that lifetime exposure to these metals through the consumption of carrots did not pose a cancer risk to the population. The levels of the investigated metals in carrots in the area did not pose any risk to the consumers. However, there is a need to monitor the metals on regular basis to ensure the safety of the consumers.

Heavy Metals in Groundwater of Southern Italy: Occurrence and Potential Adverse Effects on the Environment and Human Health.

This study reports the data on the contamination caused by heavy metals in the groundwater of the Campania Plain (CP) in Southern Italy. A total of 1093 groundwater samples were obtained from the following aquifers: coastal plains (GAR, VCP, VES, SAR, and SEL), volcanic districts (PHLE and VES), and carbonate massifs (MAS and LAT). In this study, the investigation depth ranged from 5 m (GAR) to 200 m (PHLE). The sequence of heavy metal content in groundwater samples was B > Fe > Al > Mn > Zn > Ba > Ni > As > Cu > V > Se > Pb > Cd. The heavy metal pollution index (HPI) and heavy metal evaluation (HEI) demonstrated that the study areas in which groundwater samples were sampled are not risk zones. Moreover, health risk assessment shows that hazard index (HI) values for heavy metals were found to be significantly low in groundwater samples. In non-carcinogenic risk evaluation for the adult group, the risk was low, whereas for children and infants, the risk was >1 for arsenic alone. Carcinogenic risk assessment (CR) was found lower for adults, children, and infants. The Jenks optimization method was used to evaluate the distribution of heavy metals in the groundwater of CP, and the principal component analysis technique (PCA) was employed to determine the source of heavy metals, and it was found that mixed sources (natural and anthropogenic) may be responsible for heavy metals presence.

Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk assessment induced by pesticide residues in fresh pistachio in Iran based on Monte Carlo simulation.

This research is aimed at the analysis of 87 pesticides in 30 fresh pistachio samples prepared from stores in Iran by QuEChERS-ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The results showed at least one pesticide was in 67% of fresh pistachio samples. Kresoxim methyl residue was detected in 20 samples with average of 0.11mgkg-1; this average is 2.2 times more than maximum residue limit (MRL). Buprofezin was recognized in five samples with average of 0.17mgkg-1 was observed with 3.4 times more than MRL; hexaconazole and permethrin were recognized in three samples lower than MRL with an average residue of 0.030 and 0.028mgkg-1, respectively. In addition, potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risk assessments were evaluated using probabilistic methods performed with the Monte Carlo simulation algorithm. The order of pesticide ranking based on hazard quotient (HQ) was hexaconazole > buprofezin > permethrin > kresoxim methyl. Total HQ (HI) was 2.0E-4 and for children, 9.0E-4. Hence, it means fresh pistachio consuming maybe not have significant short-term health risks for consumer. Ranking based on cancer risk (CR) was hexaconazole > kresoxim methyl > metalaxyl > permethrin > buprofezin. However, total CR due to pesticide residues was not higher than 1E-6 value (1.09E-9); therefore, consumers were not at significant risk of carcinogenicity in this product.

Ecological and health risk assessments of rare earth elements in soil from gold mining areas in Sudan

The increasing demand for rare earth elements (REE) has led to increased mining activities, which may result in potential ecological and health risks. Our objective was to evaluate the potential ecological and analyze the health risks associated with REE in soil samples obtained from the gold mining region, employing neutron activation analysis (NAA). The pollution load index (PLI) was carried out to evaluate the REE contamination. The findings indicated that the soils in gold mining regions were generally uncontaminated, with the exception of two specific locations. The correlation among of the REE with Au were carried out taking into account the chemical weathering indices (CIA). The potential ecological risk was calculated to conduct an ecological risk assessment of REE in the soil. The outcomes revealed that the RI values for the soil samples gathered from the mining area were within safe limits, signifying a low ecological risk, With the exception of Lutetium in three specific sample sites, suggesting a low to moderate level of ecological risk. Also, non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risk assessment was conducted in order to investigate potential adverse health risks. The hazard quotient values for both adults and children remained below 1, indicating that there were no significant non-carcinogenic risks to the inhabitants associated with all REE in the soil through ingestion, dermal contact, and inhalation pathways.

Heavy metal concentration in marine edible fishes and associated health risks: An assessment from Tamil Nadu coast, Bay of Bengal

To assess food safety, the edible portion (muscle tissue) of the 91 different species of marine fish was studied and analyzed for metal contents. The fish samples were collected during 2017–2018 from the southwestern Bay of Bengal region at Kalpakkam coast. The hierarchy of the metals in muscle tissue was in the order of Fe > Zn > Al > Cr > Ni > Mn > Cu > Pb > Co > Cd, as reported in studied fishes. Among fish species, Lates calcarifer (469.69 mg/kg dry weight (dw) and Siganus lineatus (64.74 mg/kg dw) had the highest and lowest total metal content in their muscle tissue. Fe & Zn together contributed ̴ 70% of the total metal content of 72 fish species. The observed elevated concentrations of Al (1.96–46.6, average: 20.39 mg/kg dw) and Cr (1.93–55.24, average: 15.2 mg/kg dw) in fish compared to other regions could be attributed to localized contamination. The PCA results suggested a higher accumulation of Al, Cd, Cu, & Zn, in pelagic-neritic fishes and Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, & Pb in demersal fishes in comparison to fishes occupying other habitats. The levels of metals in fish muscle are in compliance with the maximum regulatory limit specified for fish by the Food Safety and Standards of India (FSSAI), European Commission (EC), Joint Food and Agricultural Organization of the United States/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO), suggesting that the fishes are safe for human consumption. The non-carcinogenic (estimated daily intake; target hazard quotient, hazard index) and carcinogenic risk (target cancer risk) assessment performed indicated no apparent risk to the adult consumer.

Exposure and carcinogenic risk assessment of trihalomethanes (THMs) for water supply consumers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Trihalomethanes (THMs), a class of DBPs (disinfection byproducts) that includes chloroform, bromodichloromethane (BDCM), chlorodibromomethane (CDBM), and bromoform. To the best of authors' knowledge, no study has addressed the relationship between the concentration of THMs and lifetime cancer risks (LCR) in drinking water supply system in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the lifetime cancer risks of exposure to THMs in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A total of 120 duplicate water samples were collected from 21 sampling points in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The THMs were separated by a DB-5 capillary column and detected by an electron capture detector (ECD). Cancer and non-cancer risk assessments were performed. The average total THMs (TTHMs)concentration in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, was 76.3μg/L. Chloroform was the most dominant THM species identified. The total cancer risk for males was higher than that for females. The average LCR for TTHMs via ingestion in drinking water in this study was unacceptably high risk . An average LCR through dermal routes was also of unacceptably high risk . The LCR by chloroform contributes the highest (72%) of the total risk, followed by BDCM (14%), DBCM (10%) and bromoform (4%). The cancer risk of drinking water due to THMs in Addis Ababa was higher than the level recommended by the USEPA. The total LCR from the targeted THMs was higher via the three exposure routes. Males were at higher THM cancer risk than females. The hazard index (HI) indicated that the dermal route caused higher HI values than the ingestion route. It is essential to apply alternatives to chlorine, i.e., chlorine dioxide (ClO2), ozone and ultraviolet radiation, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The monitoring and regulation of the THMs is required on a regular basis to analyse the trends and guide the water treatment and distribution system. The datasets generated for this analysis are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Abstract P012: Mutation hotspots in skin, bladder, and lung cancer as targets of carcinogenic risk assessment in clinically normal-appearing tissue

Abstract Genomic mutations progressively arise in our tissues, accumulating throughout life. The frequency and location of these mutations are influenced by lifestyle and genetic factors. When several mutations arise in cancer-driving genes, progressive phases of carcinogenesis may begin. Accurate cancer risk assessment in clinically normal appearing tissues (CNATs) allows time for preventative intervention to take place, lowering the overall treatment burden on patients. Therefore, it is essential for us to understand the correlation between mutation burden and cancer risk in CNATs. Ultradeep sequencing is required to study mutations in CNATs. However, ultradeep sequencing is currently only feasible in targeted genomic areas. It is well-known that mutation hotspots exist in a variety of cancer types. Our study aimed to assess whether mutation hotspots found in cancer are suitable for assessing cancer risk in CNAT. In our current work, we identified a high-quality mutation dataset from cancer and CNAT of the skin, bladder, and lung. The number of samples per CNAT dataset was 123, 555, and 515 in skin, bladder, and lung, respectively. We used our previously presented “hotSPOT” computational tool to identify the 10% of exome regions containing the most mutations in each cancer dataset. Each region found by our tool was labeled as a unique cancer mutation hotspot (CMH). We split the CNAT datasets into high and low-risk subsets based on history of sun exposure (skin), and history of cancer (bladder, lung). The distribution of mutations in CMH was compared in high and low-risk CNATs of each organ site. Finally, we tested the ability of mutations in CNATs located within CMHs to classify unlabeled samples based on risk. Each dataset was split 80%/20% into training and test datasets. The training datasets were fit to a neural network and the test datasets were used to measure the overall prediction accuracy. We identified 8 CMHs with significantly more mutations in high-risk skin compared to low-risk skin including CMHs in GRM3, SALL1, and TP53 (p &amp;lt; 0.05 - p &amp;lt; 0.01). In bladder, 29 CMHs captured significantly more mutations (p &amp;lt; 0.01 - p &amp;lt; 0.001) and 38 CMHs captured significantly less mutations (p &amp;lt; 0.01 - p &amp;lt; 0.001) in high-risk samples compared to low-risk. In our lung dataset, a single CMH in ZNF479 was found to capture significantly (p &amp;lt; 0.01) more mutations and 3 CMHs were found capture less mutations in high-risk samples compared to low-risk including areas of TP53 (p &amp;lt; 0.001, p &amp;lt; 0.05), and CST8 (p &amp;lt; 0.01). The neural network risk prediction models yielded an accuracy of 66.67%, 92.04%, and 66.99% in skin, bladder, and lung, respectively. Variability in mutation distribution of CNATs within CMHs and prediction model accuracy may be due to differences in dataset size and the number of relevant CMHs in each organ site. We found prominent differences in the mutation distribution of high and low-risk CNATs within CMHs of multiple organ sites. Our findings indicate that genomic tools could be developed to predict cancer risk in CNATs. Citation Format: Sydney R. Grant, Megan E. Fitzgerald, Spencer R. Rosario, Prashant K. Singh, Barbara A. Foster, Wendy J. Huss, Lei Wei, Gyorgy Paragh. Mutation hotspots in skin, bladder, and lung cancer as targets of carcinogenic risk assessment in clinically normal-appearing tissue. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Precision Prevention, Early Detection, and Interception of Cancer; 2022 Nov 17-19; Austin, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Can Prev Res 2023;16(1 Suppl): Abstract nr P012.