Comprehensive Health Risk Assessment Research Articles

Treated wastewater reuse for crop irrigation: a comprehensive health risk assessment

The use of treated effluent/wastewater (TWW) for crop irrigation is gaining prominence globally due to growing freshwater scarcity. However, there are still questions about the safety of such a practice.

Dietary consumption of pre-carcinogenic amines and mutagenicity in humans: An evidence-based study

Dietary consumption of heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAA) is considered to be a high-risk factor that substantially contributes to the development of mutagenicity and carcinogenicity in humans. This study provides ample evidence for the plausible association between mutagenicity or carcinogenicity development and dietary intake of heterocyclic amines in humans. The current study intends to assess the degree of heterocyclic amine contaminants in high-temperature cooked meats, their subsequent food intake, and potential health risk estimations. The meat samples were homogenized, filtered, extracted, and eluted. The list of heterocyclic amines to be identified and quantified included PhIP (2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b] pyridine), IQ (2-amino-3-methyl-imidazo[4,5-f] quinolone), and MeIQx (2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f] quinoxaline). They were simultaneously isolated and studied using the method of high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). The highest heterocyclic amine concentration was found in chicken (2705.99 ± 6.12 ng/g), beef (574.09 ± 1.52 ng/g), and mutton (342.41 ± 3.69 ng/g). PhIP (73%) was the main heterocyclic amine in chicken. The estimated daily dietary intake or exposure in chicken, mutton, and beef was 0.690, 0.050, and 0.144 ng/kg body weight, respectively. The values for margin of exposure were within the range identified by the European Food Safety Authority for mutton (102.06) and chicken (13.250), but not for beef (3.784). This significantly high prevalence of heterocyclic amines and the associated health risks are sufficient to warn the public about the high dietary intake of meat and its carcinogenic health hazards. The mutational patterns induced by heterocyclic amines resemble those in human tumors, requiring the use of specific biomarkers like HAA-DNA and HAA-protein adducts. Future prospects are high for integrating these biomarkers into epidemiological studies, which could provide a comprehensive assessment of health risks associated with dietary heterocyclic aromatic amines in human cancer.

Comprehensive assessment of pollution status, health risks and source apportionment of heavy metals in surface wetland soils of Yellow River Delta using Monte Carlo simulation and positive matrix factorization.

Excessive heavy metals (HMs) exposure in surface soils may cause non-negligible health risks to human beings; however, the potential health risk assessment of HMs in Yellow River Delta wetland (YRDW) soils has rarely been evaluated. In this study, we sampled surface wetland soils from ten typical functional areas in YRDW, assessed the HMs pollution status, evaluated their potential health risks, stimulated their probabilistic distributions of health risks and analyzed their potential source apportionment using Positive matrix factorization and Monte Carlo simulation. Enrichment factor (EF) and geo-accumulation index (Igeo) indicated significant anthropogenic impacts, particularly in oil-contaminated sites, while Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs) comparison results suggested potential ecological risks, especially for As and Ni, which were occasionally above threshold effect levels. The potential health risks based on Monte Carlo simulations revealed no non-carcinogenic health risks to all populations, but highlighted potential carcinogenic risks within the acceptable range (1E-06 to 1E-04), especially for children. Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) identified primary HMs sources as industrial emissions, agricultural activities and local geochemical background. This study underscores the need for continuous monitoring and remediation to mitigate health and ecological risks in the YRDW soils.

Comprehensive Assessment of the Health Risk of Cadmium Exposure from Soil-wheat System in Wheat Fields in Northern China

Accurately assessing the health risks of cadmium （Cd） exposure in the soil-wheat system is of great importance for the formulation of regional health risk prevention measures. Based on regional large-scale survey and Monte Carlo simulation methods, a case study on the health risk of Cd exposure in a soil-wheat system in a wheat production area of North China Plain was conducted by constructing a comprehensive health risk assessment （CHRA） model. The results showed that 73% of the soil samples in the study area exceeded the screening value of Cd for farmland soil （GB 15618-2018） and 57.8% of the wheat samples exceeded the national standard （GB 2762-2017） for Cd. The hand-mouth ingestion pathway was the main route of soil Cd exposure for adults and children in the region, and under this pathway, 34.7% of adults and 57.4% of children had a cancer risk higher than the safe threshold recommended by USEPA （1E-06）. The comprehensive non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks of cadmium exposure from the soil-wheat system in the region were higher than the safe domain values for both adults and children, with the probabilities of 26.4% and 100% for adults and 62.5% and 100% for children, respectively. The overall trends of the comprehensive risks showed that children had higher risks than those of adults. The combined application of the comprehensive health risk assessment model and the uncertainty random simulation method helps to improve the accuracy of risk decision-making.

Metal contaminants in rice imported to Iran: A comprehensive assessment of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks

BackgroundRice is a staple food in Iran, where significant imports from India and Pakistan are necessary to meet demand. However, imported rice has been found to contain harmful levels of heavy metals, posing health risks. ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the levels of 34 metals in imported rice and evaluated the associated health risks for the Iranian population. MethodsSixty samples of rice imported into the Iranian market from India, Pakistan, and Thailand were analyzed for 34 metals using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The metals included carcinogenic elements-Arsenic (As), Lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni), and Cadmium (Cd)-and non-carcinogenic: Sodium (Na), Iron (Fe), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Magnesium (Mg), Platinum (Pt), Silicon (Si), Gold (Au), Boron (B), Bismuth (Bi), Tungsten (W), Tin (Sn), Molybdenum (Mo), Chromium (Cr), Barium (Ba), Strontium (Sr), Aluminum (Al), Selenium (Se), Manganese (Mn), Cobalt (Co), Antimony (Sb), Titanium (Ti), Lanthanum (La), Lithium (Li), Vanadium (V), Beryllium (Be), Palladium (Pd), and Mercury (Hg). The health risks associated with the consumption of rice were assessed through the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), Hazard Index (HI), Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR), cumulative cancer risk (∑ILCR), and Margin of Exposure (MOE) approaches. ResultsThe analysis revealed that the Cd level in 1 sample and Pb levels in 5 samples exceeded the maximum concentrations established by the Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran. The risk of cancer in adults exposed to As and Cd at mean concentrations was found to be higher than 1 in 100,000, while for Pb and Ni, the risk was greater than 1 in 10,000. In children, the ILCR for As and Cd at mean concentrations exceeded 10⁻⁴, indicating a moderate risk level, and for Pb and Ni, it reached 1 in 1000, emphasizing the need for enhanced public health safety measures. Additionally, ∑ILCR from all metals in both adults and children exceeded the 10⁻⁴ threshold. The MOE values for mean, median, and 90th percentile exposure to As, Pb, and Ni were below 10,000 in adults and children, indicating a significant health concern from rice consumption. ConclusionThese findings highlight the potential health risks of consuming rice contaminated with heavy metals, particularly arsenic. Therefore, special attention should be directed towards monitoring and reducing toxic metal levels in imported rice, with interventions aimed at mitigating these risks.

Semmelweis University’s innovative Center of Preventive Services in support of healthy ageing

Abstract Issue/problem Europe’s aging population presents substantial hurdles for healthcare sustainability. To alleviate the social and economic impacts of age-related diseases, promoting healthy aging is imperative. However, motivating individuals to adopt a healthier lifestyle proves challenging. Description of the problem Semmelweis University, a leading institution in medicine, health sciences, and health care in Hungary and Central Eastern Europe, has addressed this challenge by establishing the Center of Preventive Services (CPS), serving 12,500 Semmelweis University employees. The CPS conducts comprehensive health risk assessments and offers consultations with specialists in preventive medicine, public health, dietetics, physiotherapy, and health psychology. Motivational interviewing is used to enhance patient engagement and commitment to healthy lifestyle changes. Results The CPS has effectively integrated preventive services into the university’s healthcare system, reaching a significant number of employees. Early results show improvements in participants’ lifestyle and health behaviors due to the effective use of motivational interviewing. According to the first preliminary result, a study on step count conducted within the CPS found that those taking part in motivational interviewing session were able to increase their average daily step count by 1074 (95% Confidence Interval: 116-2033) steps more than controls. Lessons The Semmelweis University’s CPS provides valuable lessons for integrating healthy aging-focused preventive care into healthcare systems: 1. Effective preventive care requires targeted interventions based on detailed risk assessment and motivational interviewing; 2. Embedding preventive services within existing health infrastructure improves accessibility and utilization; 3. Collaborative and multidisciplinary approaches are essential to comprehensively address the needs of ageing populations. Key messages • Motivational interviewing boosts the effectiveness and engagement of preventive health services, which is essential to meet the challenges of ageing populations. • The Semmelweis University’s model program shows that embedding preventive services into the infrastructure of existing institutions like universities is scalable for better public health.

Microplastic contamination in Indian rice: A comprehensive characterization and health risk assessment

In this study, we investigate, for the first time, the abundance, distribution, chemical composition, and exposure of microplastics (MPs) in Indian rice and their impact on human health. The physical and chemical characteristics of MPs were measured using a stereomicroscope, μ-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and μ-Raman spectroscopy. MPs were identified in all samples, with an average abundance of 30.3 ± 8.61 particles/100 g. The abundance of MPs was higher in RS-4 and lower in RS-3. Notably, the size of MPs found is between <0.05 to 1.00 mm. The results showed that four types of MPs were identified: polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate were dominant, followed by polypropylene and polyamide. MPs were ubiquitous in all rice sample, indicating ingestion as a potential pathway for the entry of plastics into the human body. According to the pollution load index values, which ranged from 1.00 to 1.528, the contamination of MPs in the rice samples was minimal. The highest estimated daily intake values of MPs from rice consumption by Indian males, females, and children were 1.292, 1.527, and 1.313 particles kg-1 day-1, respectively. Our study sheds light on MP exposure and provides fundamental data for evaluating the potential health risks associated with MPs.

Pollution Characteristics, Toxicological Properties, and Health Risk Assessment of Phthalic Acid Esters in Water, Soil, and Atmosphere

Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are a class of common environmental endocrine disruptors (EEDs), capable of causing considerable pollution to water, soil, and air and producing a range of adverse health impacts in humans. Although various studies have investigated the pollution characteristics and health hazards of PAEs in different media, a systematic review of PAEs in the broader environmental context is still lacking. In order to comprehensively explore current issues and suggest prospects, the current status, detection technology, toxicity, and health hazards of PAEs were investigated. The results suggest that PAE pollution is a widespread and complex global phenomenon, transported over long distances. The traditional techniques used for determination include high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Various detection techniques offer distinct advantages and disadvantages. Moreover, PAEs can cause differing extents of harm to the nervous and reproductive systems of mammals. In the future, it is imperative to improve the detection of PAEs, establish rapid identification approaches, refine toxicological research methods, and investigate more comprehensive health risk assessment methods. These efforts will provide scientific support for the prevention and management of the resulting contaminants.

Identifying high-risk volatile organic compounds in residences of Chinese megacities: A comprehensive health-risk assessment

Indoor volatile organic compounds (VOCs) pose considerable health hazards. However, research on hazardous VOCs in Chinese residences has been conducted on a limited spectrum. This study used Monte Carlo simulations with data from Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen to assess VOC health risks in Chinese homes. We identified high-risk VOCs and analyzed the impact of geographic location, age group, activity duration, and inhalation rate on VOC exposure, including lifetime risks. Formaldehyde, acrolein, naphthalene, and benzene posed the highest risks. Notably, acrolein made the leading contribution to non-cancer risks across all megacities. Naphthalene had elevated cancer and non-cancer risks in Shenzhen. This study highlights the need to investigate acrolein and naphthalene, which are currently unregulated but pose substantial health risks. The cumulative cancer risk (TCR) decreases from adults to children, while the cumulative non-cancer risk (HI) is higher for children. In all cities, the average TCR for adults exceeds the tolerable threshold of 10−4, and the average HI values surpass the safety threshold of 1. Nearly 100 % of the population faces a lifetime cancer risk above 10−4, and over 71 % face a non-cancer risk exceeding 10 (tenfold the benchmark). This study underscores the critical need for developing control strategies tailored to VOCs.

Health, safety and environmental risk assessment tool applied to site selection for geological hydrogen storage in saline aquifers

Hydrogen (H2) emerges as a pivotal player in the transition to renewable energy sources. To address the seasonal fluctuations in energy dynamics, underground storage emerges as the most efficient approach, and saline aquifers within sedimentary basins as promising repositories for substantial H2 volumes. However, this potential storage solution remains relatively unexplored. Conducting a comprehensive health, safety, and environment (HSE) risk assessment is vital for the technological advancement and public acceptance of geological H2 storage sites. This study introduces a methodology designed to select and classify potential formations based on their HSE risks, offering a safety-oriented approach to identifying suitable storage sites. The proposed methodology underwent testing in two deep saline aquifers located in distinct geological contexts within the Iberian Peninsula. The aim of this study is to establish a foundation for further investigations and implementation of geological H2 storage sites while ensuring safety and adhering to environmental and health standards.

Improper toy waste handling can harm human health via seafood consumption: A comprehensive health risk assessment of heavy metals

Toy production has been increasing over the last few decades to meet the growing demands for toys across the globe, which has inevitably worsened the problem of toy waste. Given the lack of modern waste disposal facilities, rural villagers in many developing countries often discard and incinerate toy waste in backyards or riverbanks, which may release the pollutants from toys (e.g., heavy metals), contaminate the surrounding areas, and eventually threaten the health of residents. As such, this study examined the impact of improper toy waste handling on the nearby aquaculture site by measuring the contamination level of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn) in the sediment and seafood (crabs, shrimps, and fish). The health risk of heavy metals via seafood consumption was assessed in different groups of people (males, females, teenagers, and seniors). Results showed that the sediment and seafood at the aquaculture site were generally not contaminated with heavy metals (contamination factor and bioaccumulation factor <1). However, consuming the seafood cultured at this site, especially for crabs, could pose a health risk to humans due to As and Cd (hazard quotient > 1), irrespective of their age and gender. This risk could not be lowered by cooking, except As by boiling. Overall, we revealed that improper toy waste handling did not cause severe heavy metal pollution in the surrounding environment, but the consumption of contaminated seafood could still threaten human health. To safeguard public health, we propose that toy waste should be appropriately treated by the authorities concerned. In addition, consuming seafood with long culture periods (e.g., crabs) should be reduced to minimize the dietary intake of heavy metals and their associated health risk.

Comprehensive assessment of water pollution and health risks in the Angereb Reservoirs, Gondar, Ethiopia

Angereb Reservoirs are experiencing significant levels of pollution due to various anthropogenic activities such as agricultural runoff, untreated sewage discharge and industrial waste, were degrading water quality and causing eutrophication. Communities used Angereb Reservoir water is at increased risk of waterborne diseases; particularly heavy metal causes chronic health problems. However there was lack of comprehensive data on the cause and extent of pollution in the Angereb Reservoir. This comprehensive assessment highlights urgent need for integrated water resource management and effective pollution control strategies. This study was conducted through a multi-faceted and systematic approach involving several key methodologies. Six water samples were collected along the strategic points of the reservoir between May 2023 and March 2024. Different standard analytical methodologies were applied for analysis of water quality parameters including pH, dissolved oxygen, nutrients and heavy metals. The finding indicates that the concentration (mg/L) of heavy metals were Fe (0.01–6.56), Zn (0.67–5.22), Cu (0.009–0.19), Mn (0.0–1.89), Cr (5.06 × 10–5–0.03), Cd (0.029–0.27) and Pb (0.001–2.216). Cd and Pb were exceeded WHO for safe drinking water, heavy metal evaluation index values was > 10. Hazard Quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI) and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) were calculated. Average HQ values for Cd and Pb were above the risk threshold (HQ>1), indicating significant long-term exposure risks. HI>1 suggested potential non-carcinogenic effects. Furthermore, ILCR values exceeding 10–4 threshold, shows that Cd and Pb were the major risk factor for cancer particularly in children. The findings underscore the urgent need for Cd and Pb removal from Angereb reservoir.

Assessing the Radon Exposure Variability and Lifetime Health Effects across Indoor Microenvironments and Sub-Populations

To assess the health impacts of radon exposure over a lifetime, in the present study, the annual effective dose (AED) and cumulative excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR-C) were evaluated by considering various indoor microenvironmental exposures based on age-specific time–activity patterns using Monte Carlo simulations. Significant regional variations in indoor radon concentrations across the Republic of Korea were observed, with the highest levels found in schools and single detached houses. Based on the standard annual total of 8760 h spent indoors and outdoors, the AED varied by age group and dwelling type, with the ELCR-C for single detached houses being approximately 1.36 times higher than that for apartments on average. The present study highlights the importance of comprehensive health risk assessments that consider differences across indoor environments and age groups, indicating that limited evaluations of specific sites or areas may distort actual exposure levels.

Microbial electrochemical enhanced composting of sludge and kitchen waste: Electricity generation, composting efficiency and health risk assessment for land use

To realize the energy and resource utilization from organic solid waste, a two-phase microbial desalination cell (TPMDC) was constructed using dewatered sludge and kitchen waste as the anode substrate. The performance of electricity generation and composting efficacy was investigated, along with a comprehensive assessment of the potential health risks associated with the land use of the resulting mixed compost products. Experimental outcomes revealed a maximum open-circuit voltage of 0.893 ± 0.005 V and a maximum volumetric power density of 0.797 ± 0.009 W/m³. After 90 days of composting enhanced by microbial electrochemistry, a significant organic matter removal rate of 31.13 ± 0.44 % was obtained, and the anode substrate electric conductivity was reduced by 30.02 ± 0.04 % based on the anode desalination. Simultaneously, there was an increase in the content of available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as an improvement in the seed germination index. The forms of heavy metals shifted from bioavailable to stable residual states. The non-carcinogenic hazard index (HI) values for heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) during the land use of compost products were less than 1, and the total carcinogenic risk (TCR) values for heavy metals and PAHs were below the acceptable threshold of 10−4. The occupational population risk of infection from five pathogens was higher than that of the general public, with all risk values ranging from 8.67 × 10−8 to 1, where the highest risk was attributed to occupational exposure to Legionella. These outcomes demonstrated that the mixture of dewatered sludge and kitchen waste was an appropriate anode substrate to enhance TPMDC stability for electricity generation, and its compost products have promising land use suitability and acceptable land use risk, which will provide important guidance for the safe treatment and disposal of organic solid waste.

Trends of air pollution variations during pre-Diwali, Diwali and post-Diwali periods and health risk assessment using HAQI in India

During 2019 to 2022, a comprehensive study was conducted across 71 stations spanning over 15 states in India to investigate air quality variations during the pre-Diwali, Diwali, and post-Diwali periods. The investigation, centred on the extensive use of firecrackers during festive times, revealed a short-term deterioration in air quality with long-lasting impacts. PM2.5 and PM10 levels were found to significantly increase during Diwali and the post-Diwali period compared to the pre-Diwali period. The levels of PM2.5 and PM10 experience respective increases of 44.66% and 11.03%, 29.12% and 05.41%, 52.63% and 23.38%, and 39.65% and 17.61% during Diwali period from 2019 to 2022, where 68.84% and 34.32%, 44.42% and 29.42%, and 48.70% and 25.22% in 2019, 2021 and 2022 in post-Diwali period compared to the pre-Diwali. The Mann–Kendall and Sen's slope analyses reveal statistically significant positive trends (increasing) in both PM10 and PM2.5 levels during the Diwali festival period. Notably, the study introduced the Health Hazard-based Air Quality Index (HAQI), which demonstrated higher values than the National Ambient Air Quality Index (NAAQI). Unlike NAAQI, which considers individual pollutant sub-index values, and considered highest one of sub-index values in AQI analysis. HAQI provides a more comprehensive assessment of health risks associated with exposure to multiple pollutants effects. In 2022, AQI and HAQI values during pre-Diwali were 114 and 146.18, during Diwali were 173 and 332.18, and post-Diwali were 191 and 414.14, respectively. These findings underscore the elevated risk during Diwali and the post-Diwali period due to heightened pollution levels, emphasizing the need for public awareness and potential mitigation strategies. The study calls attention to the importance of considering cumulative health impacts and suggests the adoption of HAQI for more informative air quality assessments.

Systematic health risks assessment of chiral fungicide famoxadone: Stereoselectivities in ferroptosis-mediated cytotoxicity and metabolic behavior

Famoxadone is a chiral fungicide frequently found in the environment and agricultural products. However, the health risks of famoxadone enantiomers are not well understood. This study investigated the stereoselective cytotoxicity and metabolic behavior of famoxadone enantiomers in mammals. Results showed that R-famoxadone was 1.5 times more toxic to HepG2 cells than S-famoxadone. R-famoxadone induced more pronounced ferroptosis compared to S-famoxadone. It caused greater upregulation of genes related to iron transport and lipid peroxidation, and greater downregulation of genes related to peroxide clearance. Furthermore, R-famoxadone induced more severe lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation through ACSL4 activation and GPX4 inhibition. Additionally, the bioavailability of R-famoxadone in mice was six times higher than that of S-famoxadone. Liver microsome assays, cytochrome P450 (CYP450) inhibition assays, human recombinant CYP450 assays, and molecular docking suggested that the lower binding affinities of CYP2C8, CYP2C19, and CYP2E1 for R-famoxadone caused its preferential accumulation. Overall, R-famoxadone poses a higher risk than S-famoxadone due to its greater cytotoxicity and persistence. This study provides the first evidence of ferroptosis-induced stereoselective toxicity, offering insights for the comprehensive health risk assessment of chiral famoxadone and valuable references for the application of high-efficiency, low-risk pesticide enantiomers.

Heavy Metal Concentrations in Water, Sediment, and Fish Species in Chashma Barrage, Indus River: A Comprehensive Health Risk Assessment.

The increasing levels of heavy metals in aquatic environments, driven by human activities, pose a critical threat to ecosystems' overall health and sustainability. This study investigates the bioaccumulation of heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Cr, and Cd) in water, sediment, and three fish species (Catla catla, Labeo rohita, Cirrhinus mrigala) of different feeding zones within Chashma Barrage, located in the Mianwali district of Punjab, Pakistan, on the Indus River. A comprehensive analysis, including an assessment of associated human health risks, was conducted. Thirty samples from all three sites for each fish species, with an average body weight of 160 ± 32g, were collected from Chashma Barrage. Water quality parameters indicated suitability for fish growth and health. Heavy metal concentrations were determined using an atomic absorption spectrometer. Results indicated elevated levels of Cd, Cr, and Cu in sediment and Pb and Cd in water, surpassing WHO standard limits. Among the fish species, bottom feeder (C. mrigala) exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) higher heavy metal levels in its tissues (gills, liver, and muscle) compared to column feeder (L. rohita) and surface feeder (C. catla). Liver tissues across all species showed higher heavy metal bioaccumulation, followed by gills. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed strong correlations among heavy metals in sediment, gills, muscle, and water in every fish species. However, the vector direction suggests that Cr was not correlated with other heavy metals in the system, indicating a different source. The human health risk analysis revealed lower EDI, THQ, and HI values (< 1) for the fish species, indicating no adverse health effects for the exposed population. The study emphasizes the bioaccumulation differences among fish species, underscoring the higher heavy metal concentrations in bottom feeder fish within Chashma Barrage.

Characterising indoor air quality in private vehicle cabins under unprecedented traffic conditions during COVID-19 lockdown

Air pollution negatively impacts human health, yet it is rarely studied inside vehicles. This study aimed to characterise indoor air quality (IAQ) in vehicle cabins, focusing on the concentrations of key pollutants and the influence of various factors on IAQ including vehicle-specific characteristics (self-pollution), traffic intensity, ventilation type, and enclosed spaces like parking garages. It addressed a significant literature gap by using real-world driving data, a multipollutant approach, real-time monitoring, and a detailed log of influencing factors. Additionally, part of the study was conducted during the COVID-19 lockdown, providing an unprecedented opportunity to gather real-world data with reduced traffic emissions. Forty trips were conducted with four diesel vehicles of different ages and emission standards. Concentrations of VOCs, CO, CO₂, NO₂, SO₂, O₃, and PM₁, PM₂.₅, PM₁₀, and TSP were monitored, alongside detailed logbook entries. This study evidenced the formation of O₃ inside vehicle cabins under conditions of high NO₂ and/or VOC concentrations and direct sunlight, a phenomenon not previously reported. Results also showed that IAQ inside vehicle cabins depended largely on vehicle-specific factors, the surrounding environment, and indoor-outdoor air exchange. CO, NO₂, SO₂, and PM levels varied mainly with the external environment and air exchange, while CO₂ levels were influenced primarily by ventilation settings. The concentrations of certain pollutants exceeded reference levels for indoor environments, potentially posing health risks to occupants. Further research is needed to study the pioneer evidence of O3 formation and to develop a comprehensive health risk assessment, thereby contributing to developing specific IAQ guidelines for vehicles.

Integrating ICP-MS and Chemometrics for Profiling Inorganic Elements in Lianhua Qingwen Capsules and Evaluating Health Risk.

Lianhua Qingwen capsule (LHQWC) is composed of 13 traditional Chinese herbs. In this study, we employed inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to quantify the concentrations of 26 inorganic elements (Na, Mg, Al, K, Ca, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Ag, Cd, Cs, Ba, Hg, Tl, Pb, U) across 22 batches of LHQWC. These results were complemented with Chemometrics analysis and health risk assessment of selected hazardous elements. Chemometric analysis revealed significant quality variations among the 22 batches of LHQWC, identifying U, Cs, Tl, Rb, Mn, As, Mg, and Al as characteristic elements influencing formulation consistency. Moreover, the health risk assessment indicated that while levels of Cu, As, Cd, Pb, Cr, and Hg in LHQWC were within acceptable limits, concerns arose regarding vanadium levels in certain batches. These findings underscore the necessity of comprehensive elemental analysis and health risk assessment to ensure the safety and quality of LHQWC. Our study provides valuable insights for both quality evaluation and regulatory considerations in the production of LHQWC and similar herbal formulations.

Assessment of traffic-related PAH in various environmental components and its associated health risk at a highway Toll Plaza

Introduction: This study investigated Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) emissions from road traffic at the Surathkal toll plaza, in Karnataka, India. It focuses on two phases: when the toll station operated (Phase 1: January 2020 – March 2020) and when it was inactive (Phase 2: January 2023 – March 2023). Materials and methods: The research examines Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) concentration, its elemental analysis, and various PAH concentrations in it during both phases. Ultrasonic extraction and Gas Chromatography (GC) analysis were used to study 16 priority PAHs recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA), identifying eight in samples like SPM, soot, and green leaves. Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrophotometer (ICPOES) analysed 14 elements in SPM. Results: Results revealed higher PAH concentration during Phase 2, indicating that the presence of toll structure negatively affects air quality even when inactive. In contrast, SPM and its elements had higher mean concentrations during Phase 1, suggesting an inverse relationship between SPM and PAH levels. PAH diagnostic ratios showed different sources for each phase, including gasoline, diesel, fossil fuel, coal/biomass, and pyrogenic sources. Comprehensive health risk assessment using BaP equivalent concentration (BaPeq) to estimate Inhalation Life-time Cancer Risk (ILCR), revealed an Conclusion: This research underscores the toll plaza's significant influence on air quality and calls for the development of mitigation measures.