1,3-Diphenylguanidine (DPG) is a known contact sensitiser and rubber vulcaniser. A retrospective audit was performed including 2675 patients tested to 1% DPG in petrolatum between 2002 and 2024. The MOAHLFA index of those with allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) was compared to the remainder of the patch test clinic population. Temporal changes in the prevalence of contact allergy and ACD to DPG were assessed. 50 (1.9%) patients had positive reactions to DPG on patch testing, with 31 (62% of positive reactions) diagnosed with ACD. In those with ACD, there was a significantly higher proportion of men (64.5% vs. 30.6%, p < 0.001), more occupational cases (41.9% vs. 17.7%, p < 0.001), more cases with hand dermatitis (64.5% vs. 33.1%, p < 0.001), more cases aged over 40 years (71.0% vs. 53.2%, p = 0.048), and fewer cases with face dermatitis (9.7% vs. 25.5%, p = 0.043). The most common exposure sources were gloves and shoes, with the four most recent cases involving polyisoprene (PI) gloves. However, information regarding DPG in shoes was lacking, and some patients reacted to multiple haptens, making it unclear as to the primary culprit. DPG causes occupational ACD in especially in healthcare workers (HCW), with recent cases involving exposure to PI gloves.

Essential elements, such as calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) are critical for fetal development, while metals or metalloids, such as arsenic (As), antimony (Sb), boron (B), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), uranium (U), and vanadium (V) are potentially toxic metals (PTM) that interfere with vital processes. There is a need for biomonitoring essential and toxic metals during the uterine stage, and hair metal content may be a good biomarker. This study aimed to quantify the concentrations of 11 elements, including both essential and PTM, in hair samples of 96 newborn-mother pairs from an urban polluted area to assess fetal metal transfer. Essential elements and PTM were quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in hair samples. Relationships between maternal and child hair metal concentrations were examined using Spearman's rank correlation analysis, adjusting for potential confounding variables. The mothers' hair PTM concentrations ranged from 8.0 ng/g to 7.0 µg/g in the following order: Cd <As <Sb<U <Hg<V<Pb <B, while in newborns' hair ranged from 1.0 ng/g to 10.0 µg/g as follows: U <Cd <As <V <Sb <Hg <Pb <B. Most PTM concentrations were higher in the mothers except for B and Sb. Significant positive correlations between the mothers' and newborns' hair concentrations of Hg (0.7365), As (0.6987), B (0.4980), Zn (0.3786), Pb (0.3012), U (0.2691), and Ca (0.2467) were observed. In addition, the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) performed in the mother-newborn pairs to identify possible common sources of exposure showed four principal components, which were not always similar in both groups. These results suggest that PTM are transferred to the fetus, although not all showed similar relationships with their mothers' concentrations, and that hair is a reliable biomarker for assessing prenatal metal exposure. The importance of knowing the exposure to PTM during the intrauterine stage is critical to prevent adverse effects in newborns and in childhood, and lies in having good biomarkers of the exposure. Hair metal concentrations in newborns could be a valuable biomarker for prenatal exposure.

A West Eugene, OR community has a history of odor complaints, anecdotally linked to a nearby wood preservative facility using creosote, a known source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The community also experiences elevated cancer risks. In response to concerns about industrial air pollution, Beyond Toxics (BT) and Oregon State University (OSU) initiated a community-engaged study to characterize residential PAH exposure. Stationary passive samplers were deployed in residential and commercial areas at 17 locations in three rings around the facility: inner (0.25-mile, n = 4), middle (0.5-mile, n = 5), and outer (1 mile, n = 8), for seven days. Twelve residents also wore personal passive wristband samplers (WBs), with eight hosting both a wristband and stationary sampler. All samplers were analyzed for 64 PAHs. Daily activity logs were collected to assess co-variate exposures. Results were shared through individual and community reports and in-person meetings. Thirty-eight PAHs were detected in stationary samplers. The five most abundant were naphthalene (169 ng/m³), acenaphthene (165 ng/m³), 2-methylnaphthalene (160 ng/m³), 1-methylnaphthalene (87.0 ng/m³), and fluorene (40.4 ng/m³). Seventeen PAHs were detected across the 12 wristbands, with phenanthrene, 2-methylnaphthalene, acenaphthene, fluorene, and naphthalene as the most abundant. PAHs were highest in the inner ring and northeastern area, downwind of the facility, followed by the east, near an industrial railway. The exposure patterns observed reflect community reports of odors in the northeast. The most abundant PAHs in both sampler types are associated with creosote. All wristband PAHs were also observed in stationary samplers, suggesting a common exposure source. This community-engaged study identified higher exposures near the industrial source in both ambient and personal samples- supporting long-standing community concerns. Residents in an environmental justice community raised concerns about air pollution from industrial sources. A community-engaged research study used passive samplers to characterize and quantify ambient and personal exposure to vapor phase polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Understanding patterns of substance use and environmental exposures to tobacco, cannabis, and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) among youth is critical for developing targeted prevention strategies, particularly as co-use of tobacco, ENDS, and cannabis becomes more prevalent. To identify latent classes of tobacco, ENDS, and cannabis use, and environmental exposures to these products among adolescents and emerging adults. Data from the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) consortium (3rd data release, 2018-2022) were analyzed from March 2025-January 2026. The sample ( N =2,786) included early adolescents (ages 11-13; n =226, 7.9%), middle adolescents (ages 14-17; n =1,248, 43.4%), and late adolescents/emerging adults (ages 18-24; n =1,402, 48.7%) from 19 ECHO cohorts. The Youth Risk Behavior Survey-Substance Use module measured experimental and current use of cannabis, ENDS, and tobacco products, as well as daily environmental exposure to tobacco smoke, nicotine aerosols, and cannabis smoke within home and social contexts. A multiple-group latent class analysis was used to identify distinct latent classes of substance use and environmental exposure to tobacco smoke, nicotine aerosols, and cannabis smoke and compared class prevalences across early, middle, and late adolescence. Four latent classes were identified, including: No Use/No Exposure (53%), No Use, Polyexposure (10%), Experimental Use/Low Exposure (22%), and Polysubstance Use/High Polyexposure (14%). Cannabis was the most used substance (34% experimental or current use) and the most common source of environmental exposure (20%), followed by ENDS use (26% experimental or current use; 19% environmental exposure) and combustible tobacco (15% use; 19% environmental exposure). The No Use/No Exposure and No Use/Polyexposure classes were primarily made up of early and middle-aged adolescents, whereas the Experimental Use/Low Exposure and Polysubstance Use/High Polyexposure classes primarily consisted of late adolescents and emerging adults. Our study revealed distinct, developmentally patterned groupings of substance use and environmental exposure among US adolescents and emerging adults, highlighting the need for developmentally tailored interventions, messaging, and policies that address both active use and environmental exposure across adolescence. Question: Has the rise in the use of cannabis and electronic nicotine delivery systems led to increased environmental exposure to their emissions among adolescents and young adults?Findings: Our multiple-group latent class analysis of the ECHO cohort ( N = 2,786; ages 11-24) identified four latent classes related to substance use and environmental exposure: No Use/No Exposure (53%), No Use/Polyexposure (10%), Experimental Use/Low Exposure (22%), and Polysubstance Use/High Polyexposure (14%). Younger adolescents primarily belonged to the no-use classes, whereas older adolescents and emerging adults were predominantly classified within the experimental and polysubstance use groups. Meaning: Our findings indicate that the prevalence of co-exposures has risen alongside increased co-use and highlight the critical importance of implementing age-specific prevention and harm reduction strategies that address both individual use and environmental exposure.

Occupational blood exposure accidents (OBEAs) pose significant risks to healthcare workers, potentially exposing them to hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and HIV. While most research focuses on hospital settings, this study assessed OBEA management in non-hospital contexts. Although our data predate the COVID pandemic, findings remain highly relevant, especially for healthcare professionals working outside hospital settings. A retrospective analysis of OBEA registry data (2006-2014) was conducted in a southern Dutch region. Data included demographics, profession, workplace, injury type, source status (HBV, HCV, HIV), risk assessment, post-exposure measures, and lab results. Chi-square and t-tests were applied. In total, 975 OBEA were reported. Among nurses, medical assistants, students, and housekeeping staff, subcutaneous needles (51-67%) and lancets (25%) were common exposure sources. Police officers mainly reported biting (26%), scratching, or spitting (70%). HBV vaccination coverage ranged from 18% (housekeeping) to over 90% (nurses, police). Post-exposure measures were taken in 52% of cases. High-risk exposures (43%) mainly affected ambulance staff, sterilization workers, police, and dentists. Sources were tested in 85% of high-risk cases: 1.4% were HBV positive, 2% HCV positive, and 1.1% HIV positive. No seroconversions occurred. Results stress the need for better HBV vaccination coverage, targeted prevention, and prompt OBEA reporting outside hospital settings.

Exposure to chemicals is significant for adults but may have an even greater negative impact on children, who undergo rapid developmental changes and heightened physiological plasticity. To better understand how broad environmental factors influence chemical exposures during childhood, we analyzed 438 urine samples from 187 children participating in the Baby Connectome Project using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to characterize the early life exposome. We integrated the mass spectrometry data with demographic information to identify chemical features associated with average household income. We identified 85 compounds whose levels were significantly associated with household income. The most common exposure sources for these compounds included food, plants, endogenous production, animals, cosmetics, and household products. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of high-resolution mass spectrometry for profiling the early life exposome and for examining its relationships with demographic factors, as illustrated here by household income. These findings underscore the value of high-resolution exposomics in characterizing the human exposome and revealing its connections to broad environmental influences.

The elemental composition of the vitreous humor may reflect physiological and pathological processes occurring in the eye. The objective of this study was to provide a complex multielemental analysis of human vitreous humor. Vitreous humor samples (n = 57) were collected post-mortem during autopsies. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was employed to quantify micro-, trace-, ultra-trace, and toxic elements. The study showed the occurrence of elements at the ppm (Na, K, P, Ca, Mg), ppb (Al, Rb, Zn, Fe, Sr, Cu), and ppt (Ce, La, Nd, Tb) levels. Hierarchical clustering using Ward's method and k-means analysis revealed four distinct clusters, including two major clusters representing the baseline macro- and microelement profile characteristic for the studied population. Correlations between elements revealed statistically significant (p < 0.05) positive and negative correlations between elements with (I) chemical similarity Ce-La, Cs-Rb, Rb-K, Ca-P, Zn-Cu, and Cs-K; (II) a possible common environmental origin, Cd-P, and Rb-P; (III) involvement in similar biological processes as K-P; and (iv) a common geochemical origin and similar biological functions, i.e., Se-Zn. The study identified several quantitative trends in the demographic and medical characteristics of the participants. Alcohol users had significantly higher Zn concentrations than non-alcohol users; women had significantly higher Ca concentrations than men; higher BMI correlated positively with Cs and negatively with Be and Cr levels; and Cu, Sb, Cd, Se, and Ca concentrations increased with age. The presence of several toxic and potentially toxic elements was identified in the vitreous body: Al (>10 ppb); Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni, Mn; and Ba (<10 ppb); As, Hg, Sb, Tl, Bi, Be (<1 ppb). The study showed that, within a given geographic region, the accumulation profiles of toxic metals are quite homogeneous, indicating common sources of exposure.

Toxoplasmosis is a common zoonotic infection with various transmission mechanisms and wide distribution worldwide. Its probability of causing disease is related to alterations in the immune system as well as the parasite’s virulence. This study presents four cases of patients from rainforest areas in Colombia who did not have any known immunosuppression but do have a diagnosis of toxoplasmosis with pulmonary involvement, confirmed by serology. One of them also developed hypoxemic ventilatory failure and myocarditis. This outbreak of toxoplasmosis occurred in military personnel after coming into contact with common sources of exposure in the Colombian Amazon during a military training exercise. This article includes the diagnostic process, clinical manifestations, treatment, and importance of the parasite’s genotypic variants.

Background: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a leading cause of acute viral hepatitis in humanitarian settings. In March 2025, a large HEV outbreak occurred in an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Kassala, Sudan. The aim of the study was to evaluate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of the outbreak to inform public health response. Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study using secondary data from the Kassala State Ministry of Health for all reported HEV cases between March and June 2025. Data were analyzed for demographic, clinical, and temporal characteristics. Results: A total of 1,041 HEV cases were reported. The mean age was 20.3 years, with the highest attack rates in children and young adults (0-19 years). Females were disproportionately affected (60.7% of cases). The most common clinical presentations were dark urine (83.8%), fever (80.1%), and jaundice (74.4%). The epidemic curve peaked in late March, suggesting a common-source exposure. Only 1.6% of cases were laboratory-confirmed, revealing a significant diagnostic gap. Conclusions: The 2025 Kassala HEV outbreak highlights the vulnerability of IDP populations to waterborne diseases. The findings underscore the urgent need for specific, actionable interventions, including the deployment of rapid diagnostic tests, implementation of point-of-use water treatment, and targeted health education for women and children to prevent future outbreaks.

Introduction: Aeromonas infections are an emerging global public health challenge due to their complex pathogenicity and diverse virulence factors. These infections can lead to various conditions in humans, such as gastroenteritis, wound infections, and septicaemia. On February 12, 2024, an outbreak of Aeromonas hydrophila infection in Jinja and Luuka, Uganda, resulted in cases of abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, and death. This study described the epidemiology of the outbreak and the public health response. Methods: To investigate the outbreak and evaluate the epidemiology and public health response, a mixed-methods study was conducted using secondary data involving 185 individuals. Confirmed cases were identified through positive culture results from gastric aspirates or stool samples. Suspected and probable cases were defined by at least two symptoms, including abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea, history of exposure, and an epidemiological link to a confirmed case or outbreak cluster occurring between February 12 and 27, 2024. The study also included secondary laboratory investigations, food safety assessments, and an evaluation of timeliness using the 7-1-7 metric. Data analysis was performed using STATA-17. Results: Among 185 individuals investigated, 54.1% were female, the mean age was 23.9 ±18.7years, 103 Aeromonas hydrophila cases were identified, resulting in an attack rate of 55.7%(103/185), including one laboratory-confirmed case. Cases were younger than non-cases (22.1 vs. 26.3 years). The outbreak lasted five days (12–16 February 2024), peaked on 14 February, and had an incubation period of 33–38 hours, indicating a common-source exposure. Eight deaths occurred (case fatality rate: 7.8%). Geographical clustering of cases was observed, with high attack rates in Iziru (48%) and Bugomba (78%) parishes, respectively. Funeral food exposure showed an attributable risk of 9.3/100 and an attributable fraction of 15.7%. A. hydrophila was detected in gastric aspirate and water samples, implicating contaminated water and ill food handlers. Relapse occurred in 30.1% of cases. Conclusion: The outbreak of Aeromonas hydrophila was rapid, geographically clustered, and linked to contaminated water and ill food handlers, with funeral food exposure contributing to the outbreak. High attack, relapse, and fatality rates highlight the need for timely water safety interventions, improved food hygiene, and strengthened outbreak detection and response to prevent future occurrences.

Lead exposure remains a major health concern in the Asia-Pacific, particularly affecting children. Despite its significance, lead toxicity testing is underutilized because of limited awareness, resources, and policy support. On December 16, 2024, the APFCB C-CP (Asia-Pacific Federation for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine -Communication and Publications Committee) conducted Webcast & eLearning Program Webinar themed as "Protecting Health in Asia-Pacific: Laboratory Advances and Lead Exposure Prevention", aimed to address these issues and acknowledge need based solutions. An online survey was conducted during webinar in real time to assess the current lead-testing practices, common exposure sources, testing challenges, and policy changes. A seven-question survey was distributed to webinar participants, covering testing frequency, methodologies, exposure sources, information sources, challenges, and policy needs. A total of 66 professionals attended the session and 22 complete surveys were collected from Nepal, India, Indonesia, Japan, and Australia. Lead testing was infrequent in the region, with 58.6% of the respondents reporting rare or no testing. Weekly testing has been reported in 20.7% of cases. The most commonly used methodology was point-of-care testing via anodic stripping voltammetry (37.5%) followed by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (25%). Occupational exposure (39.1%) was the leading source of lead poisoning, followed by dietary sources (26.1%) and environmental contamination (21.7%). Academic journals (47.5%) were the primary educational resources. Key challenges included low awareness among healthcare providers (43.5%) and resource shortage (39.1%). The most recommended policy change was to increase government support (61.5%). In conclusion, lead testing remains infrequent across many settings, with limited routine implementation and heavy reliance on point-of-care methodologies. Occupational exposure emerged as the predominant source of lead poisoning, underscoring the need for targeted interventions. Strengthening government support is identified as the most critical policy change to enhance lead testing and management efforts.

Occurrence of liquid crystal monomers (LCMs) in serum samples of the general population, and their association with lipid molecules.

Rice farming in swampy environment exposes farmers to various microbial agents due to contact with contaminated water, vegetative materials, and agrochemicals. Such exposures increase the risk of ocular infections, especially in rural communities with limited access to protective equipment and eye care services. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, seasonal trends, and microbial agents responsible for ocular infections among rice farmers in Ishiagu L.G.A, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, and to evaluate their associations with demographic factors and environmental exposures. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out at Marist Cottage Hospital, Uturu, which serves a large proportion of the Ishiagu farming community. A total of 150 rice farmers (males: 62; females: 88) aged between 15 and 70 years were studied. Subjects underwent ocular examination, microbiological culture, and questionnaire-based interviews. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test for association. Keratitis (39.2%) and conjunctivitis (31.0%) were the most prevalent ocular infections. The age group 25–34 years recorded the highest burden of corneal ulcers (46.1%) and keratitis (39.2%), with significant associations (P = 0.735 and P = 0.698 respectively, not statistically significant). The most frequently isolated bacterial pathogens were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15 cases, 11.3%) and Staphylococcus aureus (15 cases, 11.3%). Fungal infections were more common during the harvesting season, with Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger isolated in 100% of samples. Common sources of exposure included plums (13.53%), vegetative materials (12.78%), and agrochemicals (12.53%). While no statistically significant relationships were observed between age and specific infections (P &gt; 0.05 across all conditions), seasonal variation and microbial patterns suggest environmental factors play a major role. The study highlights the need for targeted public health interventions, use of eye protection, and regular screening for microbial eye infections in agricultural communities.

Aim: Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning remains a significant and preventable cause of accidental deaths worldwide. This study aims to evaluate the epidemiological, toxicological, and forensic characteristics of fatal CO poisoning cases that underwent autopsy in Turkiye. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 105 autopsy cases diagnosed with CO poisoning among 8,649 autopsies performed between 2011 and 2020 at the Antalya. Data regarding age, sex, seasonality, origin of the incident, COHb levels, autopsy findings, and toxicological results were analyzed. Results: Of the 105 cases, 68 (64.8%) were male and 37 (35.2%) were female. The majority of deaths occurred in winter (56.2%) and within residential settings (71.4%). Solid-fuel stoves were the most common source of CO exposure (30.5%). The mean COHb level was 56.5%, with significantly lower levels observed in elderly individuals and those with chronic illnesses (p

ABSTRACT Ma Y, Lv W, Hu H, Pan S, Guo D. Risk factors and Outcome Analysis of Delayed Neurological Sequelae in elderly patients with carbon monoxide poisoning. Undersea Hyperb Med. 2025 Third Quarter; 52(3):283-292. Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is one of the common causes of poisoning and can result in significant neurological sequelae. However, few studies have focused on the elderly population. We retrospectively reviewed elderly (age≥65 years) with CO poisoning from non-fire accidents and non-suicide at the 6th Medical Center PLA General Hospital in China from 2013 to 2023. A total of 167 patients were enrolled. The annual case number decreased from 2013 to 2023, particularly during the cold months (November to February). The most common source of exposure was coal heating (90%). The most common presenting symptoms were changes in consciousness (90%). Eighty-eight patients (52%) developed delayed neurological sequelae (DNS), of which sixty-nine (78%) converted to long-term neurological sequelae (LNS). The most common imaging manifestations were hypoxic-ischemic damage in the basal ganglia (54%) and demyelination in white matter (46%). After multivariate analysis, initial GCS score and coma time (GCS scores&lt;8) were the independent risk factors for patients with DNS (p&lt;0.001). Interestingly, myocardial injury was more common in non-DNS elderly patients than in DNS patients (p&lt;0.001); only coma time was an independent risk factor for patients with LNS (p&lt;0.001). There was no significant difference between HBO2 (p=0.19) and NBO (p=0.38) in the occurrence of DNS and LNS in elderly patients with CO poisoning. Therefore, initial GCS score and coma time (GCS scores&lt;8) may be the risk factors of DNS, and coma time may be a high-risk factor for poor prognosis in elderly patients with CO poisoning. Moreover, HBO2 treatment did not show benefit or harm to those patients. Special attention should be given, and follow-up should be performed on elderly patients, particularly those who have longer coma time and CO exposure time and lower initial GCS scores in acute CO poisoning. Keywords: carbon monoxide poisoning; delayed neurological sequelae; elderly risk factors; outcome

Oil and gas extraction, refining, reforming and transport are important production activities mainly conducted in the Southern Patagonia region of Argentina. Several threats to natural ecosystems have been associated with this industry, most of them related to the increase in toxic metals and metalloids in the environment and biota. Birds of prey are widely used to assess metals and metalloids pollution in the environment. This study determined levels of selected trace elements including both essential and toxic metals in the blood of Crested Caracara (Caracara plancus) nestlings and evaluated relationships between the trace elements composition levels and the distance between nests and oil production plants and the prevailing wind in Southern Patagonia, Argentina. Pb, As, Zn, Se, Ni, Cu, Cr, Cd and V were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Two groups of trace elements were correlated according to the blood levels detected (As-V-Cr; Zn-V-Cr), suggesting a common source of exposure to these trace elements. The prevailing wind constituted a promising mechanism to explain an association between the oil pipe-derived trace elements and the exposure of nestlings. Nestlings showed elevated levels of As, Se, Cd, Ni and Zn, which were higher than reference levels reported for other raptor populations. These results indicate that nestling Crested Caracaras are exposed to toxic trace elements in Southern Patagonia. This is the first report of trace elements in the blood of Crested Caracara nestlings inhabiting Southern Continental Patagonia, Argentina, and provides baseline data of this contamination in this species.

The health risks associated with to biological wastes in the job description of hospital housekeepers are often overlooked. Hospital housekeepers are constantly being exposed to biological hazards, but their job risks are frequently disregarded. This study evaluated the prevalence, awareness, and frequency of biological risk exposure among hospital housekeepers in Oshimili South, Delta State, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to conduct a cross-sectional survey of 120 randomly selected hospital housekeepers. Demographics, exposure to biological materials, use of personal protective equipments (PPE), health problems, and infection control training were all determined using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test. Majority of the respondents (54.2%) were females and between the ages of 31 to 40 (33.3%). Although, 85% were aware of biological dangers, only 50% had formal infection control training. Urine (76.7%), blood (73.3%), and faeces (69.2%) were the most common sources of exposure, with 56.7% of cases being accidental. Hand gloves usage was highest (86.7%) PPE known, but only 45% reported consistent PPE availability. Significant association were found between education level and awareness (x2 = 9.63, p = 0.008), exposure frequency and infection history (x2 = 10.25, p = 0.017), PPE availability and accidental exposure ( x2= 11.82, p = 0.009), as well as IPC training and infection history (x2 = 8.47, p = 0.037). There were no significant associations detected between gender and glove use, or marital status and symptom reporting. Targeted training and increased PPE access are critical for risk reduction among hospital housekeepers in the study area.

This study explores the relationship between smoking habits, hemoglobin levels, and awareness of carbon monoxide (CO) risks among street cleaning workers. Smoking is one of the most common sources of CO exposure, which can bind to hemoglobin and reduce oxygen transport in the body. A total of 67 street cleaning workers in West Jakarta were involved in this research, using a descriptive analytic approach. Data were collected through blood tests for hemoglobin levels, as well as interviews and questionnaires to assess smoking habits and knowledge of CO. The findings show that most respondents were light smokers (1–10 cigarettes per day), and 43% had been smoking for less than five years. While 66% of participants had normal hemoglobin levels, 33% had elevated levels, which may reflect the body’s response to reduced oxygen availability. Interestingly, 70% of respondents were aware of the health risks of CO, but knowledge tended to decline among long-term or heavy smokers. This indicates a gap between behavior and risk awareness. The study highlights the need for ongoing health education targeted at outdoor workers to increase understanding of CO exposure and prevent potential health impacts.

The importance of blood trace elements in the biomonitoring of agrochemicals exposure and effects on DNA and epigenetic alterations.

ABSTRACT Background The e-cigarette industry has targeted low- and middle-income countries and young adults, suggesting the particular susceptibility of populations at the intersection. This study assessed e-cigarette perceptions, use, and use intention among college students in Georgia, an LMIC with high smoking rates. Methods We analyzed 2023 cross-sectional survey data among 225 students (Mage = 21.68, SD = 3.43; 56.4% female) at a large medical university in Tbilisi, Georgia. Multivariable regression analyses assessed sociodemographics, tobacco use, and e-cigarette perceptions in relation to past-month e-cigarette use and next-year use intentions. Results Past-month use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes was 44.9% and 23.3%, respectively. The most common sources of initial exposure were friends/family (72.2%), followed by media (25.6%). The most common reasons for initiation were curiosity (49.6%), friends’ use (28.5%), cigarette cessation (15.5%), and lower perceived risk versus cigarettes (2.4%). Past-month e-cigarette use was associated with past-month cigarette use (p < .001), being more informed about e-cigarettes (p = .001), and more favorable e-cigarette perceptions (p = .009). Greater next-year e-cigarette use intent was associated with past-month e-cigarette use and perceiving e-cigarettes as less of a public health problem (p = .029). Discussion Enhanced regulatory and educational efforts must address e-cigarette use and related factors among young adults in Georgia and countries with similar contexts.