Health Risks For Children Research Articles

Potential toxic elements in breakfast cereals in the Kurdistan region, Iraq

ABSTRACT Potential toxic elements are substances that can accumulate in foodstuffs and pose risks to human health even at low levels, or when their levels exceed safety thresholds. A total of 78 breakfast cereals were purchased from the Kurdistan region, Iraq. Their PTE levels were analysed and associated health risks were calculated. The levels of As, Cd, Pb, Cu and Cr ranged from 0.055 ± 0.02–0.12 ± 0.05 mg/kg, 0.024 ± 0.009–0.08 ± 0.03 mg/kg, 0.015 ± 0.003–0.12 ± 0.06 mg/kg, 1.93 ± 0.5–3.9 ± 0.1 mg/kg and 0.36 ± 0.02–0.84 ± 0.1 mg/kg, respectively. The PTE levels were mostly below the Codex Alimentarius maximum limits, except in 11 samples, which exceeded the limits for As, Cd and Pb. Risk assessment data of HQ and HI (below 1) showed no non-carcinogenic health risks for both adults and children. However, due to the high levels of As, Cd and Pb in some samples, continuous monitoring is advisable to ensure the constant quality of these products.

Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic human health risk assessment of some vegetables irrigated with wastewater in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

Aim: There is growing concern on the use of contaminated and untreated water from industrial discharge for irrigation during the dry season farming in many parts of northern Nigeria. Industries effluents are among the major sources of heavy metal pollution of water bodies and when used for irrigation could be a source of heavy metal bioaccumulation in crops. This study determined the potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks in both children and adults through the consumption of some vegetables irrigated with polluted water in Bassa, Plateau, and Nigeria. Methods: Four vegetable farms that exclusively use untreated industrial effluents were identified and eight commonly consumed vegetables were sampled for heavy metal analysis using atomic absorption spectrometry. The metals of interest were Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, and Zn. Results: Concentrations of Cd, Pb, and Cr in all the vegetables exceeded the WHO’s permissible limits while Cu and Zn did not. Mean heavy metals in the vegetables ranged from 26.87–33.50 mg/kg (Cd), 4.17–10.90 mg/kg (Pb), 27.00–38.67 mg/kg (Cr), 10.60–24.38 mg/kg (Cu), and 1.77–3.42 mg/kg (Zn). Estimated daily intake (EDI) for Cd and Pb for both children and adults exceeded the oral risk-free dose (RFD) set by US-EPA. However, the EDI of Cu in children exceeds the RFD while the EDI of adults did not exceed RFD. Consumption of all the metal-contaminated vegetables posed a potential non cancer risk hazard index (HI ≥ 1) in both children and adults while the target cancer risks (TCR) were due to ingestion of Cd and Cr in the vegetables with TCR values above 1 × 10–4. Conclusions: This study found that adults and children population in this area are susceptible to non cancer and cancer health risks from the consumption of all the studied vegetables. Screening of industrial effluent should be prioritized and enforced to avoid crop heavy metal bioaccumulation.

Health-related physical fitness in children among five Mediterranean countries: a cross-cultural study from the DELICIOUS project.

Health-related fitness (HRF) components are essential for supporting healthy growth and reducing long-term health risks in children. This study explored cross-cultural variations in HRF among children from five Mediterranean countries-Egypt, Italy, Lebanon, Portugal, and Spain-within the framework of the DELICIOUS project. A total of 860 children participated in the study, including 204 from Egypt (n = 204, 11.72 ± 1.46 years), 150 from Italy (9.66 ± 1.10 years), 200 from Lebanon (10.73 ± 1.90 years), 181 from Portugal (11.04 ± 1.83 years), and 125 from Spain (12.33 ± 2.27 years). Participants completed the International Physical Performance Test Profile (IPPTP), which assesses sprint speed (20 m dash), coordination (jumping sideways), upper body strength (push-ups), abdominal strength (sit-ups), lower body power (standing long jump), and cardiovascular endurance (6-min run). Children were categorized into two age groups: 8-10 and 11-14 years. ANCOVA, adjusting for BMI, was performed to analyze differences across countries and age groups. Analysis revealed significant differences in HRF across countries and age groups (p < 0.05). Spanish boys and girls consistently demonstrated superior sprint performance (20 m dash) and cardiovascular endurance (6-min run) compared to peers from other countries. Lebanese and Spanish girls exhibited stronger abdominal performance (sit-ups) than Egyptian girls, while Spanish girls also excelled in lower-body power (standing long jump). These findings underscore cross-cultural variations in HRF outcomes among Mediterranean children. Cross-cultural differences in physical education programs and sports participation appear to influence HRF in children across the Mediterranean region. These findings underscore the need for culturally tailored physical education strategies and public health initiatives to ensure balanced fitness development in diverse cultural populations.

Health Risk Assessment of Radon Concentrations in Water Samples of Selected Areas North of Al-Najaf Governorates

Studies on radon concentrations and the risks they pose to people's health are widely available. Groundwater is one of the most common sources of Rn that the populace consumes directly. Rn gas, occurring naturally in rocks, soil, and water, poses a significant health risk for lung cancer, stomach illnesses, leukemia, and juvenile cancer. This study aimed to measure the content of Rn in groundwater sources and assess the health risk for children and adults in Najaf Governorate, Iraq. Ten samples of well water from various locations in the Najaf governorate have been collected to evaluate the radon concentration level using the RAD7 technology. The concentrations of Radon varied from a maximum of 2.42 Bq/L in the Al-Melad region to a minimum of 0.712 Bq/L in the Al-Naser region, with a mean of 1.6690.194 Bq/L. The estimated annual effective dose in ingestion (stomach) for children varied between 1.470 μSv/y and 4.997 μSv/y. The mean value was 3.447±0.4008 μSv/y, and the total annual effective dosage for adults varied from 1.819 μSv/y to 6.183 μSv/y with a mean of 4.265±0.4958 μSv/year. Each individual's estimated yearly effective dose inhalation (lungs) ranged from 9.959 μSv/year to 33.850 μSv/y for children and adults. With an average of (23.3508±2.7146) μSv/year, while in adults, the annual effective dose varied between 0.0017942 μSv/year and 0.0060984 μSv/year. The average value was 004206888±0.00048907 μSv/year. According to the findings, The Radon concentration in the groundwater specimens was below the global limit of 11.1 Bq/L. Additionally, the yearly effective dosage for the analyzed samples was below the internationally approved threshold of 1mSv/year.

Breastfeeding Trends Following the US Infant Formula Shortage.

Breastfeeding enhances maternal and child health, yet US breastfeeding rates remain below optimal levels and substantial disparities persist. The 2022 infant formula crisis had the potential to influence infant feeding practices due to formula shortages and fears about the safety of formula feeding in the wake of recalls. This report studies the evolution of breastfeeding-initiation trends during the infant formula crisis and compares the effects across subpopulations. This study analyzed 2016-2022 national birth certificate data from 47 states and the District of Columbia based on Bayesian structural time-series analysis to measure average changes in breastfeeding-initiation trends and a linear probability model to test for heterogeneous effects. During the 2022 infant formula crisis, average breastfeeding-initiation rates increased by 1.96 percentage points (pp) (95% credible interval, 1.68 pp to 2.23 pp) and remained elevated above historical levels at the end of the formula crisis. The increase was particularly pronounced among mothers with lower education levels, those receiving Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children assistance, residents of less populated counties, Medicaid recipients, and Black mothers, possibly due to their higher reliance on formula feeding. Populations meeting all of these sociodemographic criteria experienced the largest increase in breastfeeding initiation at 6.06 pp (95% confidence interval, 5.26 pp to 6.87 pp). Preexisting disparities in breastfeeding initiation declined in 2022. The infant formula crisis highlights the potential for addressing breastfeeding disparities and reducing associated child and maternal health risks through targeted interventions to promote breastfeeding.

Potentially harmful elements in mining sites in Ghana: assessment of their carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks for children and adults

PurposePotentially harmful elements (PHEs) in the soil at gold mining sites can endanger the health and sustainability of the local community. We examined the potential health risks associated with the presence of PHEs (Al, Cd, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Pb, Sb, Se and Ti) in the soils of active, closed/abandoned/former and profile gold mine sites in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachWe collected 102 soil samples from these mine sites, analysed them for their total element contents and calculated the geo-accumulation index, enrichment factor, contamination factor and pollution load index (PLI) (Igeo). We calculated the risks to human health by utilizing the hazard index (HI) and hazard quotient (HQ) for adult males, adult females and children who may ingest contaminated soil particles.FindingsThe average total Cd concentration in the soils was above the global average of 0.2 mg/kg for abandoned (2.86 mg/kg), active (3.93 mg/kg) and profile (4.04 mg/kg) areas. Mercury was detected at elevated concentrations in the soil of active mines (0.92 mg/kg), profiles (0.89 mg/kg) and abandoned mines (0.87 mg/kg). In the active, abandoned and profile soils, titanium concentrations were 14.18, 6.74 and 4.82 mg/kg, respectively, in several folds above the global average of 0.57 mg/kg. The majority of the sites were contaminated with Cd, Hg and Ti based on the calculated PLI values (active = 2.04, abandoned = 1.77 and profile = 2.7). Cadmium, mercury, lead and titanium in mine spoils were found to be correlated with aluminium, iron, manganese, pH, total carbon, clay content and phosphorus in a multivariate analysis using correlation and principal component analysis.Research limitations/implicationsBoth natural and anthropogenic processes contributed to the elevated metal contents in the mining sites, as indicated by the investigation’s results. The children’s hazard index values exceeded the threshold of 1.0, indicating the presence of non-carcinogenic risks.Practical implicationsGreen space technology (e.g. revegetation) may thus be critical for preserving public health and reviving the ecological integrity of the contaminated sites.Originality/valueThis study highlights health risks to local communities in southwest Ghana by investigating the presence of potentially harmful elements in soils from gold mining sites for the first time. It assesses non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks using a methodology recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency for soil-to-human health risk assessment, especially for children. The study highlights how contamination has been found, making green space technology essential for preserving ecological integrity and protecting public health. The inclusion of geospatial distribution mapping of PTEs offers a visual depiction of the spread of contamination at both active and closed mining sites.

Determination of Heavy Metals, Nitrate and Nitrite in Mineral and Drinking Bottled Water in Tehran, Iran: a Health Risk Assessment by Monte-Carlo Simulation Method

Heavy metals, nitrate, and nitrite pose significant risks to public health and have raised substantial concern worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the content of nitrate, nitrite, and heavy metals, including Ba, Be, Ca, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, and Na, in 30 bottled water brands in winter and summer in Tehran, Iran. Heavy metal contents in the samples were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES), and nitrate and nitrite contents were analyzed using Ion Chromatography (IC). Nitrate concentrations ranged from 0.28 to 38.87 mg/L, and nitrite contents ranged from 0.001 to 0.13 mg/L. The mean concentration of Ba, Ca, K, Li, Mg, Mn, and Na in the bottled drinking water brands were 11.30, 7874.40, 121.27, 2.52, 4960.49, 0.22, and 12321.70 μg/L; and in the bottled mineral water brands were 15.71, 12262.05, 166.38, 4.13, 3747.07, <LOD, and 3156.81 μg/L. The contents of Be and Mo in all brands were below the limit of detection. Nitrate and nitrite concentrations exceeded those specified on their labels in 50% of samples. Mg content in 4 brands and Na content in 10 brands were higher than the values listed on the labels. Furthermore, non-carcinogenic health risk assessment through bottled water consumption was estimated for Iranian children and adults. HQ values of nitrate, nitrite, Ba, Fe, Li, and Mn were less than one and acceptable. The results indicated that bottled water consumption cannot pose a significant health risk for Iranian adults and children.

Global Comparisons of Age, Gender and Socioeconomic Status Differences of Physical Fitness Health Risk in South African Primary School Children: Longitudinal Data from the NW-CHILD Study.

Global physical fitness (PF) levels have declined over the past 50 years, contributing to early health risks in children although it is still unclear how age, gender and socioeconomic status (SES) impact PF risk. This study aimed to identify unique health risks related to age, SES and gender that might influence muscular fitness (MF) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) levels of primary school children in South Africa. Children (N = 349, boys = 165; girls = 184) of low (n = 201) and high SES (n = 148) underwent three time point measurements at 6, 9 and 12 years spanning seven primary school years. MF was assessed with the strength sub-test of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2) and CRF with a 20 m shuttle run. Relationships between biographical data, anthropometric data and PF were analysed using mixed linear regression models. After controlling for covariates, findings from unadjusted interaction models were used, revealing significant (p < 0.05) two-way age and SES interactions in standing long jump (SLJ), push-ups, wall-sit, sit-ups and VO2max and age and gender interactions (p < 0.001) in sit-ups, push-ups and VO2max. Universal cut-points are considered valid monitoring guidelines of PF risk in South African school children. For comparison, standardised global protocols for sit-ups and push-ups should be prioritised and intervention strategies should focus on improving PF in girls, older children from the age of 9 and children from low SES backgrounds.

HPLC-MS/MS monitoring and health risk assessment of carbosulfan and its metabolites in date palm fruit (Phoenix dactylifera)

This study investigated residual levels of carbosulfan and its metabolites in date palm fruit in the UAE using HPLC-MS/MS and QuEChERS method. The method demonstrated excellent linearity (R2 > 0.998), low LOD (0.001–0.04 μg/kg) and LOQ (0.003-0.1 μg/kg), and high recoveries (92-103%) with low RSD values (1–9%). The matrix effect was negligible (-16.43–17.09%), and uncertainty measurements did not exceed the 50% limit. Carbosulfan was present in all samples, exceeding its MRL in 46% of the samples. Carbofuran and 3-hydroxycarbofuran exceeded their MRL in 4.87% and 40% of the samples, respectively, while 3-ketocarbofuran levels were below the MRL. Dibutylamine was found in 82% of the samples, with an average concentration of 9.01 µg/kg. The health risk assessment for children and adults showed that all HQ values were below the safety limit of 1.0, indicating that date consumption poses no adverse health risks for either adults or children.

Postpartum modern family planning among women living with HIV attending care at health facilities in Busia County, Kenya

BackgroundFor women living with the human immunodeficiency virus (WLHIV), preventing untimed pregnancies during the postpartum period reduces vertical transmission and improves other maternal and child health outcomes. In Kenya, Busia County’s HIV prevalence and mother-to-child transmission rate are higher than the national average yet uptake of postpartum family planning (PPFP) is generally low. This study examined health system factors influencing the consistent use of PP modern FP methods among WLHIV in Busia County.MethodsA retrospective study involving 314 WLHIV with children aged 12–24 months who were chosen using systematic random sampling was conducted from February to March 2024 from outpatient clinics in Busia County. Additionally, 14 health providers were purposively sampled as key informants. Quantitative data was collected using a pretested questionnaire, while qualitative data was gathered through key informant interview guides. Quantitative data was analyzed using STATA 15 with descriptive statistics, logistic regression, and Chi-square tests, while a deductive thematic analysis was used for qualitative data.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 32.06 (± 6.00) with the majority (51.27) aged between 25 and 34 years, married (74.84%) and unemployed (77.39%). Overall, 73.25% had used postpartum (PP) modern family planning (FP) methods, but only 52.55% reported consistent use throughout the first year postpartum. The only factors found to increase the odds of PPFP use were being married (aOR 3.34, 95% CI 1.58–7.07, p = 0.002), being escorted by a preferred person during seeking maternal and child health services (aOR 2.29, 95% CI 1.36–3.83, p = 0.002), and perceiving that they were provided information on all types of FP (aOR 2.33, 95% CI 1.19–4.16, p = 0.012). Persistent stock-outs and inadequate counseling hindered consistent PPFP use.ConclusionThe study identified gaps in the consistent use of PP modern FP methods among WLHIV in Busia County, influenced by the availability of FP information and health system factors. Addressing stock-outs and improving counseling during clinic visits and pregnancy are crucial for improving FP service delivery and reducing maternal and child health risks in high HIV-incidence areas like Busia County.

A Decade-Long Comparison of Heavy Metal(loid)s in the River and Children’s Health Risk Assessment of an E-Waste Recycling Area

Informal e-waste recycling can cause serious heavy metal(loid) pollution to nearby bodies of water, thereby increasing the risk of heavy metal exposure to local residents. This study investigates metal(loid) pollution levels in the Lianjiang River, which flows through Guiyu, an e-waste recycling town in Shantou, Guangdong. In 2009 and 2020, water samples from the Lianjiang River were taken, and the levels of 12 metal(loid)s (V, Cr, Mn, Sr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd, Ba, and Pb) were measured by ICP-MS. In total, 380 valid questionnaires from Guiyu kindergarten children were selected to assess child health. Exposure health risks for children were calculated using two forms of exposure (dermal and inhalation) and statistical methods (multiple linear regression and Bayesian kernel machine regression—BKMR). The concentrations of Mn, Ni, Pb, and Cd in 2009 were significantly higher than those in 2020. The concentration of heavy metal(loid)s had been decreasing in 2020. The non-carcinogenic risk levels of the 12 metal(loid)s in both exposure routes were at an acceptable risk level. The average carcinogenic risk levels for As, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Cd exceeded the ILCRi &lt;10–6 acceptable range. According to MLR, it was found that daily oral intake doses of Pb [β(95% CI): −0.949 (−1.596, −0.863), p &lt; 0.001 and Se [β(95% CI): −0.911 (−1.888, −0.092), p = 0.031] were negatively associated with body mass index. A BKMR model was developed, through which the synergistic effects of co-exposure to 12 heavy metal(loid)s on growth and development indicators in children were analyzed. Concentrations of heavy metal(loid)s in rivers near e-waste recycling sites have been decreasing for 10 years. It was found that the growth and development of children are affected by the intake of heavy metal(loid)s in water. The reduction in heavy metal(loid) contamination in e-waste recycling areas needs to be continued, and concern about its impact on children’s health must remain.

Chemical characteristics and water quality assessment of groundwater in the Dongjiang-Hanjiang River Basin, China

Groundwater plays an important role in the rapid economic development of the Dongjiang-Hanjiang River Basin. This paper uses the Gibbs model, ionic ratio coefficient analysis, factor analysis, water quality index method and human health risk assessment model to estimate the chemical properties and quality of groundwater in the Dongjiang-Hanjiang Basin. The ion concentration and proportion of SO42- water in the Hanjiang River Basin are higher than those in the Dongjiang River Basin. The groundwater ions come mainly from the dissolution of carbonate rocks, silicate rocks and saline rocks, some of which come from human activities such as industry and mining. Groundwater composition is controlled by rock dissolution, alternating cation adsorption, and human activities. The proportion of rock dissolution is the greatest, but the influence of human activities is obvious. The intensity of human activities such as industry, mining and agriculture is greater in the Hanjiang River Basin than in the Dongjiang River Basin. The overall groundwater quality is poor, and the Dongjiang River Basin is better than the Hanjiang River Basin. The above-standard factors are mainly pH, I−, NO3−, NH4+, As and Pb2+. Nitrate pollution in groundwater is harmful to health and the health risk of children from nitrate is higher than that of adults. The health risk in the Hanjiang River Basin is higher than that in the Dongjiang River Basin. This can serve as a vital reference for similar areas worldwide, offering guidance for groundwater management, pollution prevention and control.

Geoenvironmental and Health Indices to Assess the Hazardousness of Heavy Metals in Urban Dust in Schoolyards in Murcia, Spain.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible contamination of urban dust in the schoolyards of 27 schools in an urban area of the city of Murcia (SE Spain). The color and degree of magnetism, as well as the heavy metal content (Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn), were determined to establish the absence or the degree of contamination, if present, using environmental and health indices. It was established that the concentrations of heavy metals in the dust samples followed the order Zn (454 mg kg-1) > Cu (77 mg kg-1) > Cr (68 mg kg-1) > Pb (56 mg kg-1) > Ni (19 mg kg-1) > Cd (0.4 mg kg-1). Dark-colored dust showed the highest concentrations of contaminants associated with medium or high magnetism. An analysis of the magnetic and non-magnetic fractions indicated the highest concentrations of all heavy metals in the magnetic fraction. According to the geoenvironmental indices used, the ecological risk in these schoolyards is moderate overall. Based on the health indices, ingestion is the main route of entry of dust particles into the body, which poses the main health risk for adults and children for all heavy metals. Regarding the hazard index (HI) for all elements and the cancer risk (CR) for children and adults, the results indicate that there is no health risk.

Human health risks assessment of toxic metals via water, food, and soil: A case study of Northern areas (Ghizer and Gilgit) of Pakistan

Health concerns have arisen worldwide as a result of contaminated food and water. This study was aimed to determine the levels of selected heavy metals i.e. cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu) manganese (Mn), and nickel (Ni) in various sources such as drinking water, vegetables, and soil in districts Ghizer and Gilgit, Pakistan. Human health risks were assessed using deterministic indices, a probabilistic approach, and multivariate analysis. The determinations were carried out by spectrophotometrically (AAS-700, Perkin Elmer, USA) following the standard procedures for heavy metal levels. The mean concentration was recorded as Cd 0.036 mg/L, Cr 0.076 mg/L, and Ni 0.394 mg/L, respectively. It revealed an exceeded level for Cd (0.03 mg/L) and Cr (0.07 mg/L) against the safe limits in drinking water of Gilgit and Ghizer. The highest hazard quotient (HQ) was recorded as Cd 3000, Cr 3863.33, Cu 21.7, Mn 45.71, and Ni 22.35 for children regarding the consumption of vegetables from district Ghizer. Whereas higher HQ values were recorded for adults regarding consumption of vegetables from district Gilgit. A hazard index (HI) indicates significant non-carcinogenic health risks (HI > 1) in Ghizer and Gilgit drinking water and vegetables. Gilgit soil HI values exceeded more than one due to dermal contact, while HI > 1 due to oral and dermal exposure in Ghizer. Furthermore, drinking water samples and vegetables from both districts showed cancer risk (CR) > 1 × 10–4. The cumulative lifetime cancer risk (CR) was observed as 88.61 and 65.61 for adults whereas 2. 98 and 0.38 for children pertaining to vegetable consumption from Ghizer and Gilgit. It was found that the lifetime cancer risk (LCR) for Ghizer was higher than that for Gilgit, based on soil dermal and oral contact. Monte Carlo Simulation revealed adverse health risks in children as compared to adults. As a result of exposure to toxic metals, drinking water and vegetable consumption have higher cancer-causing risks. Therefore, we recommend that both districts implement strict monitoring regulations for drinking water and vegetables.

HEALTH RISK RELATED TO URANIUM-238 INTAKE IN MAIZE

The regular use of phosphate fertilizer in maize crops may increase 238U, the long-lived radionuclide, in agricultural soils. Maize simply accumulated 238U during growth and development. In this study, 238U concentrations were determined in sweet corn or yellow maize (Zea mays saccharata) and flour corn or white maize (Zea mays amylocea) using radioanalytical technique and alpha spectrometry. Samples were collected from maize fields in Mae Ramat district, Tak province in 2018-2019. Health risk of children, juvenile and adults as consumers related to radiation dose and risk of fatal and illness cancer were evaluated. Concentrations of 238U in all investigated samples were found to be generally low, range from 4.98 to 7.47 Bq.kg-1 ww. in sweet corn and from 6.41 to 10.29 Bq.kg-1 ww. in flour corn which was below the average world value for 238U in all food types of 35 Bq.kg-1. Annual committed effective doses due to 238U intakes as a result of sweet corn and flour corn consumption for children, juveniles, and adults were 13.91 ± 1.47, 78.18 ± 3.48, and 34.05 ± 2.29 µSv.y-1, respectively. These individual doses were below the UNSCEAR recommended limit of 120 µSv.y-1. The lifetime cancer risks varied from 1.05 × 10-5 to 2.18 × 10-5 for fatal cancer and 1.61 × 10-5 to 3.34 × 10-5 for illness cancer. These were relatively low compared with the ICRP recommendation risk of 2.5 × 10-3. Results presented herein suggest no health risk effect to consumers related to the intake of 238U from sweet corn and flour corn.

Monitoring and Assessment of Toxicological Risks of Poultry Meat Contaminated with Heavy Metals.

This study aimed to investigate the heavy metal contamination in poultry meat of Kotli Sattian, Rawalpindi. The meat samples from ten sites were analyzed for lead, cadmium, chromium, copper, arsenic, nickel, zinc, iron, sodium, and calcium. The possible health risks of these metals were also observed. Mean lead, cadmium, chromium, arsenic, and nickel concentrations were higher than the permissible limits of the World Health Organization (WHO). Metals in meat samples showed the trend of Fe > Na > Zn > Ni > Ca > As > Cr > Pb > Cu > Cd. All the studied metals except lead were statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05). The hazard quotient (HQ) values of all the metals were below one, except iron. Iron showed chronic health risks in both adults (1.63) and children (3.64). Moreover, the cumulative hazard index (HI) of the metals indicated that meat consumption can pose a significant chronic toxic risk in both adults and children as the HI value was 2.06 for adults and 4.61 for children, which is greater than one. The carcinogenic risk (CR) of arsenic in meat for adults and children exceeded the acceptable range, making it a metal of concern. This means that the consumption of small concentrations of metal through meat may be the source of severe toxicological consequences. It can be concluded that meat is contaminated with metals; therefore, appropriate precautions should be taken to minimize this contamination.

Long-term analysis of BTEX concentrations and health risks in semi-arid urban regions

Rajasthan, experiencing rapid industrialization and urbanization, faces critical air quality challenges, particularly concerning toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as BTEX (Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, Xylene). This study presents a long-term analysis of BTEX concentrations across various cities in Rajasthan, India, using data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) from 2017 to 2022. The findings revealed that the average ∑BTEX concentrations increased from 4.15 µg/m3 in 2017 to 12.29 µg/m3 in 2022, with a temporary decline in 2020. The Hazard Quotient (HQ) values for BTEX exposure ranged from 0.052 to 0.15 for males, 0.056 to 0.17 for females, and 0.09 to 0.29 for children over the study period, indicating higher health risks for children. Similarly, the Lifetime Cancer Risk (LCR) values varied from 6.04 × 10⁻⁶ to 1.92 × 10⁻5 for males, 1.09 × 10⁻⁶ to 2.24 × 10⁻5 for females, and 1.17 × 10⁻5 to 3.73 × 10⁻5 for children. The results demonstrate that children are at a greater cancer risk from BTEX exposure compared to adults. This study emphasizes the urgent need for effective air pollution control measures and continuous monitoring to protect public health, particularly vulnerable populations like children.

Descriptive Representation and Reproductive Health Outcomes: The Role of Women Candidates in Reducing Teen Birth Rates.

Teen birth rates remain a pressing public health issue in the United States, with significant long-term health risks for both mothers and children. Previous research has primarily focused on the impact of women in elected office on reproductive health outcomes, but less is known about the influence of women candidates. This study explores the relationship between the number of women candidates in county-level elections and county-level teen birth rates, highlighting the role of women candidates as visible role models and agents of potential policy change. We utilized a dataset covering county-level elections from 2010 to 2020, along with teen birth rate data from the CDC. We employed a multilevel model to analyze the relationship between the cumulative number of women candidates and teen birth rates, controlling for socioeconomic and health-related factors, such as insurance coverage and social vulnerability. The findings indicate that as the number of women candidates increased, the estimated county-level teen birth rate declined. This effect was observed across different election years, with more substantial impacts in midterm and presidential elections. The analysis also confirmed that socioeconomic conditions, such as a lack of health insurance, contribute to higher teen birth rates. Women candidates, even when not elected, serve as important role models and influence reproductive health outcomes in their communities. Increasing the number of women candidates at the local level may be an effective strategy for reducing teen birth rates and improving public health outcomes.

Changing paradigm of malnutrition among Bangladeshi women of reproductive age and gaps in national Nutrition Policies and Action Plans to tackle the emerging challenge.

The main objective of this paper is to document the changing paradigm of malnutrition in Bangladesh and estimating how this is creating an intergenerational risk. This paper also examines national policy responses to tackle the silent epidemic of double burden of malnutrition. Publicly available datasets of five Bangladesh Demographic and Health Surveys were used to see the changing paradigm of malnutrition among Bangladesh women. In addition to that, four national policies concerning, maternal and child health; and nutrition were reviewed using CDC's 2013 Policy Analytical Framework. In Bangladesh, the share of ever-married women aged 15-49 who were underweight declined sharply between 2007 and 2017-2018, from 30 to 12%. In the same period, the proportion of women who were overweight or obese increased from 12 to 32%. Despite remarkable progress in reducing undernourishment among women, the share of well-nourished remained unchanged: 58% in 2007 and 56% in 2017-2018, mainly due to the shift in the dominant burden from undernutrition to overnutrition. This shift occurred around 2012-2013. Currently, in Bangladesh 0.8 million of births occur to overweight women and 0.5 million births occur to underweight women. If the current trend in malnutrition continues, pregnancies/births among overweight women will increase. Bangladesh's existing relevant policies concerning maternal health and nutrition are inadequate and mostly address the underweight spectrum of malnutrition. Both forms of malnutrition pose a risk for maternal and child health. Underweight mothers are at risk of having anemia, antepartum/postpartum hemorrhage, and premature rupture of membranes. Maternal obesity increases the risk of perinatal complications, such as gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, and cesarean deliveries. Currently, around 24% of the children are born to overweight/obese mothers and 15% to underweight mothers. Bangladesh should revise its national policies to address the double burden of malnutrition among women of reproductive age across pre-conception, pregnancy, and post-natal stages to ensure optimum maternal and child health.

A Comparison of the 2022 Versus 2011 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Web-Based Risk Estimator for Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

To compare the predictive accuracy of the 2022 vs 2011 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development estimator for identifying infants at high risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). We conducted a single-center retrospective study of infants ≤28weeks' gestation. Demographic and respiratory support data were used to calculate risk for BPD or death by the BPD estimators. Our outcomes of interest included (1) treatment with systemic steroids for BPD and (2) composite outcome of death or highest severity of BPD at 36weeks' postmenstrual age. We used c-statistics and area under receiver operator characteristic curves (AUC) to compare accuracy of the BPD estimators. A total of 159 infants (mean gestational age, 26weeks; mean birth weight, 837g) were included. Steroid treatment for BPD occurred in 61 infants. We found that predictive accuracy was similar for both 2022 and 2011 BPD estimators, with c-statistics ranging from 0.77 to 0.89, indicating good-to-excellent accuracy for predicting steroid treatment. Twenty-one infants had death or grade 3 BPD based on definitions used in the 2022 estimator, and 68 infants had death or severe BPD based on definitions used in the 2011 estimator. Overall, we found both BPD estimators had poor AUC for predicting infants at high risk for death or highest severity of BPD, with the exception of the 2022 estimator, which had an acceptable AUC of 0.773 on postnatal day of life28. The 2022 and 2011 BPD estimators both demonstrate similar good-to-excellent accuracy for identifying infants at high risk for steroid treatment, but poor-to-fair accuracy for predicting death or highest severity of BPD at 36weeks' postmenstrual age.