Cumulative Risk Assessment Research Articles

Neonicotinoids in tea leaves and infusions from China: Implications for human exposure

The ingestion of contaminated tea involves the risk of human exposure to residues of neonicotinoids (NEOs). Nevertheless, there is little empirical research about this topic; to bridge the current knowledge gap, we collected 220 samples of various tea products from four geographical areas in China, including unfermented green tea, semi-fermented white tea and oolong tea, completely fermented black tea, and post-fermented dark tea. A total of six NEOs were detected from the tea leaves and infusions, namely, dinotefuran (DIN), thiamethoxam (THM), clothianidin (CLO), imidacloprid (IMI), acetamiprid (ACE), and thiacloprid (THI). The detection frequencies (DFs) and concentrations of all target NEOs were relatively high across the investigated tea samples, and the DIN, IMI and ACE residues measured in some samples exceeded the maximum residue level (MRL) standards for the European Union. Samples representing the Jiangnan area exhibited greater levels of total target NEOs (∑6NEOs) than samples representing the Jiangbei area (p < 0.001). Moreover, dark tea samples were found to have far higher levels of NEO residues than green (p < 0.001), white (p < 0.05), or oolong (p < 0.001) samples. The health risks associated with exposure to NEO residues via tea were small for both children and adults in terms of acute, chronic, and cumulative dietary exposure risk assessments. The transfer rates (TRs) of NEOs observed in white, black, and dark tea infusions gradually decreased after the third brewing time. As such, it is recommended to only consume tea that has been brewed at least three times. The presented results not only describe the extent of NEO contamination in Chinese tea leaves and infusions, but also provide tea drinking guidelines for consumers.

Pesticides residues determination and probabilistic health risk assessment in the soil and cantaloupe by Monte Carlo simulation: A case study in Kashan and Aran-Bidgol, Iran

Cantaloupe is a popular agricultural product in the hot season of Iran. On the other hand, the frequent use of pesticides in cantaloupe fields is the most important threat to the health of farmers and consumers. Therefore, the present study aims to measure the concentration of diazinon (DZN), chlorpyrifos (CPF), and malathion (MLT) in cantaloupe cultivated in Kashan and Aran-Bidgol (Iran) and to estimate the possible oral and dermal risk of these pesticides by Monte Carlo simulation (MCS). 36 cantaloupe samples, 18 samples before, and 18 samples after the latent period were collected from different places of cantaloupe cultivation from April to May 2021. After measuring the pesticides using the QuEChERS approach, oral and dermal risk assessments were calculated.The mean and standard deviation of the concentrations of chlorpyrifos, malathion, and diazinon in 18 cantaloupe samples, after the latent period, were (30.39 ± 13.85), (18.361 ± 1.8), and (21.97 ± 0.86) μg kg-1, respectively. Concentration of Malathion, diazinon, and Chlorpyrifos in the soil were 0.22, 0.25, and 0.3 mg kg-1, respectively, and pesticide cumulative risk assessment in soil was obtained 0.011 for Malathion, 0.05 for diazinon and 0.03 for Chlorpyrifos. Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) according to the cantaloupe consumption and dermal exposure in children and adults, was safe range. Although non-cancerous dermal and oral risk of cantaloupe is low, constant exposure can be harmful. Therefore, the findings of this study play an important role in increasing the understanding of the negative health consequences of pesticide contamination in cantaloupe for consumers, especially local residents, and can help by adopting remedial strategies to reduce environmental concerns.

Cumulative health risk assessment of pesticide residues in apple products in the Northwest of Iran using Monte Carlo simulation

Pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables cause serious health issues, especially among children. This research was carried out to monitor and evaluate the risks of organophosphate pesticide residues in Maragheh County apple products from 2020. The Monte Carlo Simulation approach (MCS) was used to evaluate the non-cancerous effects of exposure to pesticide residues in adults and children. Apple samples were taken every two weeks at the Maragheh central market during the summer and fall months. In this study, seventeen pesticide residues in 30 apple samples were estimated using a modified QuECheRS extraction technique coupled with GC/MS. Of the seventeen organophosphate pesticides, thirteen were identified as pesticide residues (76.47%). The highest concentration found in the apple samples was associated with chlorpyrifos pesticide at 1.05 mg/kg. Pesticide residues exceeding the maximum residue limits (MRLs) were found in 100% of apple specimens, and more than 75% of the samples contained ten or more pesticide residues. Approximately 45%–80% of pesticide residues on apple samples were removed after washing and peeling. Chlorpyrifos pesticide had the highest health quotient (HQ) for men, women, and children with values of 0.046, 0.054, and 0.23, respectively. Cumulative risk assessment (CRA) of non-carcinogenic effects indicates that there is no significant health risk in the adult age group from apple consumption (HI < 1). Nevertheless, children are at high non-cancer risk from eating unwashed apples (HI = 1.3). This finding shows that high levels of pesticide residues in apple samples, especially unwashed apples, can be a serious concern for the health of children. To better protect consumer health, continuous and regular monitoring, strict regulations, training, and awareness of farmers, especially control pre-harvest interval (PHI) is recommended.

Polygenic risk score (PRS) and its potential for breast cancer risk stratification.

Breast cancer is a complex, multifactorial disease influenced by many genetic factors. Besides the relatively rare pathogenic variants in high or moderate penetrant cancer predisposition genes, breast cancer risk is modified by numerous low risk alleles considered to be polygenic genetic factors. While the risks associated with individual polygenic loci are negligible, its cumulative effect can reach clinically significant values and it can be expressed as a polygenic risk score (PRS). PRS is recently considered to be a possible tool improving assessment of absolute and cumulative risks at the individual level. Several single nucleotide polymorphism sets for PRS assessment have recently been developed and prepared for their implementation into clinical practice. The following text aims to explain the fundamental principles of the PRS assessment and its interpretation as a candidate prediction tool. The use of the PRS should always depend on genetic analysis of pathogenic variants in cancer predisposition genes including its current limitations.

Assessment of Factors Influencing Process Safety Risk Accumulation in Petroleum Operations in Nigeria

A cross-sectional exploratory assessment of the factors that influence process safety cumulative risk for accident prevention in petroleum operations in Niger-Delta Nigeria was investigated. For the study, a purposive cum random sampling technique was deployed among selected petroleum companies operating in Niger-Delta, Nigeria. A population of 261 of asset integrity engineers/operators, process safety experts, production safety professionals in the petroleum industry in the Niger Delta were sampled using survey questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics (analysis of variance) were used for data analysis. Overall, the study established that process safety cumulative risk assessment has a significant influence in major accident prevention in petroleum operations in Niger-Delta, Nigeria. The study identified seven influencing factors that need to be considered by petroleum industries in Niger-Delta Nigeria, in assessing process safety cumulative risk: (a) preventive and corrective maintenance deviations (agreed by 100% of the respondents), (b) temporary changes (agreed by 98% of the respondents), (c) inhibits/overrides (agreed by 96% of the respondents. Also (d) 97% accounted for downgraded integrity items and (e) 100% accounted for permit to work as influencing factors. The study further showed that (f) simultaneous operations (averred by 99% of the respondents) and (g) open actions from safety review /audits (averred by 92% of the respondents) were the other influencing factors. Including these influencing factors in process safety cumulative risk assessment by the petroleum industries in the study area, will enable better operational decision making in reducing the risk of major accidents.

Cumulative risk assessment of the dietary heavy metal and aluminum exposure of Finnish adults

While directly comparable toxicological data are unavailable, this pilot study used published toxicological endpoints for neurological damage to weigh the relative importance of cadmium, lead, arsenic, mercury, nickel, and aluminum in the mixture Finnish adults receive from their daily diet. In addition, the effects of a selection of these chemicals on cognition, kidney tubular damage, and fertility were assessed using the toxicological endpoints available in the Chemical Mixture Calculator developed by the Technical University of Denmark. Consumption data from the FinDiet 2012 national survey of 25 to 74-year-olds and occurrence data mainly obtained in national monitoring were used to estimate the cumulative dietary exposure, which was found to be so high that the possibility of neurological damage or kidney effects cannot be ruled out for most of the population, particularly fertile age women. For Finns below the age of 65 years, the main sources of cumulative exposure were bread and other cereals, non-alcoholic drinks, and vegetables. When mean exposure was statistically compared between age groups and genders, women aged 25 to 45 years had a statistically significantly higher exposure than men of the same age (P < 0.05) and women aged 46 to 64 years (P < 0.001).

Non-carcinogenic and cumulative risk assessment of exposure of kitchen workers in restaurants and local residents in the vicinity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are often formed when organic substances do not burn completely. This study evaluates the non-carcinogenic and cumulative risks associated with PAHs levels by testing blood and urine samples in kitchen workers and residents near restaurants in Shiraz, Iran. Metabolites of PAH in the urine samples as well as clinical parameters in the blood samples were measured. The non-carcinogenic and cumulative risk assessments from exposure of the study groups to PAH metabolites were also evaluated. The highest average concentrations of PAH metabolites were related to kitchen workers (2126.7 ng/g creatinine (ng/g cr)). The metabolites of 1-Hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) and 9-Phenanthrene (9-OHPhe) had the highest and lowest mean concentrations, respectively. A direct correlation was observed between the levels of PAH metabolites with malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidation capacity (TAC) levels (p < 0.05). Hazard Index (HIi) was obtained less than one (HIi < 1), indicating low-risk negative health impacts on the target groups. Nevertheless, conducting more studies to determine the health status of these people is quite evident.

Concentration level, health risk assessment and source apportionment of nitrosamines in PM2.5 in Urumqi during winter time

Nitrogen-containing organic compounds (NOCs) in atmospheric particulate matter are important species for the formation of brown carbon. N-nitrosamines are a class of NOCs which are carcinogenic to humans. In this paper, nine nitrosamines of PM2.5 were analyzed by gas chromatography-tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) in a multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode in Urumqi, Xinjiang. The aim is to reveal the concentration level, assess the carcinogenic risk and identify the possible emission source of nitrosamines during winter time. The results show that total nitrosamine concentrations range from 1.54 to 23.22 ng m−3, with a daily average of 4.47 ng m−3. N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), N-nitrosodi-n-butylamine (NDBA), N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA), N-nitrosopyrrolidine (NPYR) and N-nitrosodiphenylamine (NDPhA) are predominant compounds for more than 80% of the total nitrosamines. The average concentrations of nitrosamines in each carcinogenic classification are 2.68, 1.45, and 0.34 ng m−3, respectively. Cumulative lifetime cancer risk assessment indicates that adult exposure to nitrosamine concentrations of 1 h per day results in 1.15 excess cancer cases per million population. Furthermore, based on correlation analysis and Positive Matrix Factorization, NDMA and NDBA may from disinfection process for water treatment, landfills, cooking and vehicle exhaust; NPYR and NDEA may be mainly emitted from cooking and tobacco combustion. However, NDPhA presents a negative correlation with other nitrosamines, probably resulting from the atmospheric reaction source. These findings not only draw attention to the systematic research of nitrosamines in PM2.5 but also provide a new perspective on the monitoring and management of regional air pollutants.

Results of the Austrian Children's Biomonitoring Survey 2020 part A: Per- and polyfluorinated alkylated substances, bisphenols, parabens and other xenobiotics.

In 85 Austrian school children aged 6-10 years, two multi-analyte LC-MS/MS methods were used to study the concentrations of 33 chemical substances in urine, including per- and polyfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS), bisphenols, parabens, benzophenones, triclosan, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolites, and cotinine. Each of the children was exposed to 14-21 substances simultaneously. Correlations were found between compounds of the same and of divergent substance groups supporting the strong need to consider multiple exposures and mixture effects. Eight compounds, including perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFOA), methyl paraben (n-MeP), ethyl paraben (n-EtP), propyl paraben (n-PrP), benzophenone-1 (BP-1), 2-naphthol, and 3-hydroxyphenanthrene were detected in all urine samples. In the PFAS group the medians of detectable substances ranged between <0.0005μg/l for perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and 0.004μg/l for PFHxA. For other environmental contaminants investigated, a maximum urinary level of 893μg/l was identified for n-MeP. The highest median value was 2.5μg/l for 2-naphthol. Daily intakes were calculated for bisphenol A (BPA), triclosan (TCS), and four parabens. These values did not exceed the tolerable or acceptable daily intakes currently in force. Based on a recently proposed TDI for BPA, daily intakes of all children exceeded this value. A cumulative risk assessment was conducted for four parabens not showing exceedances of acceptable exposures. The results demonstrate simultaneous exposure to several different chemicals, with the majority showing impact on the endocrine system being of particular concern with respect to mixture effects. Further assessments with a stronger focus on mixtures are warranted. The results also highlight the need of policy actions as foreseen in the EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability.

Cumulative environmental risk assessment of metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from ship activities in ports

Marine environmental risk assessments rarely consider the cumulative risk from multiple contaminants and sources. Ships give rise to a range of contaminants, originating from different onboard sources, resulting in contaminant loads to the marine environment. Here, the Ship Traffic Emission Assessment Model (STEAM), in combination with the hydrodynamic and chemical fate model MAMPEC, was used to calculate loads and predicted environmental concentrations (PECs) of metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, in four ports. PECs were compared to the predicted no effect concentrations (PNEC) to assess environmental risk from the different onboard sources, both separately and cumulatively. The results show that three out of four ports were subject to unacceptable risk. This study highlights the importance of accounting for multiple contaminant sources when assessing the marine environmental risks of shipping and challenges the suitability of the proposed new international guidelines on how to assess risk of scrubber water discharge.

Health risk assessment of heavy metals in the seafood at Kalpakkam coast, Southeast Bay of Bengal

The distribution of heavy metals in the seafood intake by various age group representatives around the Kalpakkam coastal region was part of the baseline study. Totally 40 different types of fish species were estimated on heavy metals (Cu, Cr, Co, Cd, Pb, Ni, Zn, and Mn) in the coastal zone; the average concentration of heavy metals were 0.71, 0.06, 0, 0, 0.07, 0.02, 1.06 and 0.36 ppm, respectively. Individual mean bioaccumulation index (IMBI) and Metal pollution index (MPI) with heavy metals distributed around the coastal zone were compared with fish tissue and were found to be higher for Zn and Cu. The human health risk was calculated using uncertainty modeling of risk assessment of Estimated daily intake (EDI), Maximum allowable consumption rate (CRlim), Target hazard quotient (THQ), and Hazard index (HI) were estimated for different age groups. Our present values were suggestively high (>1) for both kids and adults. The cumulative cancer risk assessment based on heavy metals and the Hospital-Based Cancer Registry (HBCR) compared to the region did not exceed the recommended threshold risk limit around the Kalpakkam coastal zone. Statistical analyses such as correlation, Principal component, and Cluster investigation ensure that heavy metal concentrations do not pose a major risk to occupants.

The cumulative risk assessment of phthalates exposure in preterm neonates

Phthalates are widely used plasticizers in various consumer products and medical devices, with some reporting as having estrogenic and anti-androgenic endocrine-disrupting effects. Premature neonates may be exposed to high levels of specific phthalates during hospitalization in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) because of reliance on multiple medical procedures that pose a possible health risk. The present study utilized seven urinary phthalate metabolites of dibutyl phthalate isomers [(di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP) and diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP)], butylbenzyl phthalate (BBzP), and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) that had been previously measured in 33 preterm neonates sampled at hospital admission (N=23) and daily during their NICU stay (N=260). We aimed to perform: (1) cumulative risk assessment (CRA) using the volume and creatinine-adjusted models; (2) examine the temporal variability of CRA from repeated measures and (3) estimate the risk of cumulative exposure to phthalates based on their anti-androgenic and/or estrogenic properties. We multiplied the relative activity of individual phthalates exhibiting estrogenic or anti-androgenic effects by daily intake. For each preterm neonate, CRA was assessed based on the hazard index (HI) metric [the sum of hazard quotients] based on three reference doses for anti-androgenicity: the tolerable daily intake (TDI) from the European Food Safety Authority, the reference dose (RfD-AA) published in 2010 and newly revised published in 2020 (NRfD-AA). The metabolites of BBzP and DEHP were 2-23 fold higher in preterm neonates during their NICU stay. Median HIs increased in the order of HINRfDAA>HIRfDAA>HITDI. In the creatinine-based model, 87% (92%), 87% (96%), and 100% (100%) of preterm neonates at admission (during NICU stay) showed HITDI, HIRfD-AA, and HINRfD-AA exceeding 1, respectively with DEHP the most prevalent. The temporal reproducibility of HI (based on three reference doses) during preterm neonate stay in the NICU was high, with intra-class correlation coefficients ranging between 0.77 and 0.97, suggesting persistent exposure to phthalates. The four phthalates that preterm neonates were exposed to in the NICU exhibited estrogenic binding and anti-androgenic effects with median values (creatinine-based) of 98.7 and 56.9μg/kg body weight/day, respectively. This was especially true for DEHP. The results indicate that preterm neonates in this NICU setting are probably at high risk of cumulative phthalate exposure with anti-androgenic properties that may have long-term adverse reproductive and developmental effects.

Examination of the Cumulative Risk Assessment and Nutritional Profiles among College Ballet Dancers

This study examined female collegiate ballet dancers' (n = 28) Female Athlete Triad (Triad) risk via the Cumulative Risk Assessment (CRA) and nutritional profiles (macro- and micronutrients; n = 26). The CRA identified Triad return to play criteria (RTP: Full Clearance, Provisional Clearance, or Restricted/Medical Disqualified) by assessing eating disorder risk, low energy availability, menstrual cycle dysfunction, and low bone mineral density. Seven-day dietary assessments identified any energy imbalances of macro- and micronutrients. Ballet dancers were identified as low, within normal, or high for each of the 19 nutrients assessed. Basic descriptive statistics assessed CRA risk classification and dietary macro- and micronutrient levels. Dancers averaged 3.5 ± 1.6 total score on the CRA. Based on these scores, the RTP outcomes revealed Full Clearance 7.1%, n = 2; Provisional Clearance 82.1%, n = 23; and Restricted/Medical Disqualification 10.7%, n = 3. Dietary reports revealed that 96.2% (n = 25) of ballet dancers were low in carbohydrates, 92.3% (n = 24) low in protein, 19.2% (n = 5) low in fat percent, 19.2% (n = 5) exceeding saturated fats, 100% (n = 26) low in Vitamin D, and 96.2% (n = 25) low in calcium. Due to the variability in individual risks and nutrient requirements, a patient-centered approach is a critical part of early prevention, evaluation, intervention, and healthcare for the Triad and nutritional-based clinical evaluations.

Determination and risk assessment of phthalates in face masks. An Italian study.

Serious human health concerns have been recently raised from daily use of face masks, due to the possible presence of hazardous compounds as the phthalic acid esters (PAEs). In this study, the content of 11 PAEs in 35 commercial masks was assessed by applying a specific and accurate method, using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry. Surgical, FFP2 and non-surgical models, for both adults and children were collected from the Italian market. Analyses showed that four of the target analytes were detected in all tested samples with median total concentrations ranging between 23.6mg/kg and 54.3mg/kg. Results obtained from the experimental analysis were used in the risk assessment studies carried out for both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects. Doses of exposure (Dexp) of PAEs ranged from 6.43×10-5 mg/kg bw/day to 1.43×10-2 mg/kg bw/day. Cumulative risk assessment was performed for non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic effects. No potential risk was found for non-carcinogenic effects, yet the 20% of the mask samples showed potential carcinogenic effects for humans. A refined exposure assessment was performed showing no risk for carcinogenic effects. This paper presents a risk assessment approach for the identification of potential risks associated to the use of face masks.

Comparison of migration and cumulative risk assessment of antioxidants, antioxidant degradation products, and other non-intentionally added substances from plastic food contact materials

Antioxidants are used in the production of synthetic resins to prevent oxidative degradation. However, non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) and the degradation products of antioxidants may contaminate food contact materials (FCM) and migrate into food. Herein, NIAS and antioxidant degradation products in synthetic resins and their migration into food simulants under various conditions were evaluated. Risk assessment was performed based on the toxicity reference values or with threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) approach. The antioxidant degradation products migrated mainly to fatty-food simulants, with the highest migration in isooctane, followed by n-heptane (similar to or lower than isooctane) and 95 % ethanol. Especially, the migration of 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol was high when the FCM was used for the first time under daily use conditions such as ultraviolet sterilization or heating in a pot, oven, or microwave. In addition, 36 target substances were monitored in 142 products of 18 synthetic resins. Of these, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol was most sensitively detected. Risk assessment demonstrated that all the investigated substances were below the toxicity reference values. However, the risk associated with polyethylene was relatively high compared to other synthetic resins. The cumulative risks of oxidizing Irgafos 168, (z)−9-octadecenamide, tri-o-tolyl phosphite, tri-p-tolyl phosphite, and 7,9-di-tert-butyl-1-oxaspiro(4,5)deca-6,9-diene-2,8-dione using the TTC approach were calculated to range from 34.81 % to 73.74 %, suggesting that the TTC is a more conservative risk assessment.

Exposure Characteristics and Cumulative Risk Assessment for Phthalates in Children Living near a Petrochemical Complex

School-aged children living near plastics-producing factories may have higher risk of exposure to phthalates released during the manufacturing processes. We aimed to investigate the urinary concentrations of phthalate metabolites in school-aged children living near a petrochemical complex and estimate the cumulative risk of phthalate exposure. We used a well-established cohort (Taiwan Petrochemical Complex Cohort for Children, TPE3C) of school-aged children (6-13 years old) living near polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) factories in central Taiwan from October 2013 to September 2014. A total of 257 children were included from five elementary schools: Syu-Cuo Branch (n = 58, school A, ~0.9 km), Feng-An (n = 40, school B, ~2.7 km), Ciao-Tou (n = 58, school C, ~5.5 km), Mai-Liao (n = 37, school D, ~6.9 km), and Lung-Feng (n = 57, school E, ~8.6 km). We analyzed 11 metabolites of seven phthalates (including di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP)) in urine. Daily intakes (DIs) were compared with acceptable intake levels to calculate the hazard quotient (HQ) for individual phthalates, and the cumulative risk for each child was assessed using a hazard index (HI), which was the sum of the the individual HQs. The geometric mean and proportion of participants with HIs exceeding one for hepatic (HIhep) and reproductive (HIrep) effects were 0.33 (13.2%) and 0.24 (7.8%), respectively. The major contributors to phthalate exposure risk were DEHP, di-iso-butyl phthalate (DiBP) and DnBP in all children. Moreover, we observed a U shaped distribution of DEHP exposure by school distance from the PVC and VCM factories (school A: 7.48 μg/kg/day and school E: 80.44 μg/kg/day). This may be due to emissions (closest) and and being located downwind of PVC scrap incineration (farthest). Our findings suggest that children living near a petrochemical complex were at a greater risk of phthalate exposure than normal school-aged children and that phthalate exposure was mainly attributed to DEHP, DiBP and DnBP. In addition, inhalation may have been a risk factor for people living near to PVC and VCM factories.

Международный опыт в области целостности скважин

The article covers aspects of the regulatory requirements to well integrity in such countries as Norway, Australia and USA. It also discusses cumulative risk assessment of well integrity in the operate phase of the lifecycle of the wells. The scope of the article primarily addresses offshore wells (both subsea and platform wells), however the same principles could be applied to the onshore wells. Commonly, the cumulative risk assessment covers only the status of the well barriers, excluding risks associated with the status of the interfacing systems. The article covers the methodic of the cumulative risk assessment which cover system interfaces external to well boundaries and which could be modified to address the specificity of each asset and corresponding risks. The article provides the design of an integrated cumulative risk assessment methodology.

Quantitative Measurement of Phthalate Exposure Biomarker Levels in Diaper-Extracted Urine of Japanese Toddlers and Cumulative Risk Assessment: An Adjunct Study of JECS Birth Cohort.

Phthalate exposure monitoring and risk assessment in non-toilet-trained children are rarely reported. This adjunct study of the Japan Environment and Children's Study assessed cumulative health risks in 1.5-year-old toddlers in the Aichi regional subcohort by biomonitoring 16 urinary metabolites of eight phthalate plasticizers. Overnight urine was extracted from toddlers' diapers (n = 1077), and metabolites were quantified using ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. The analyses' quality was assured by running quality control samples. The highest geometric mean concentration was found for mono-(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate, followed by mono-isobutyl phthalate (23 and 21 μg/L, respectively). Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and di-butyl phthalate exhibited higher risks [hazard quotient (HQ) > 1] than the cutoff level in a small proportion of toddlers; 8 and 14% of toddlers were at cumulative risk of multiple phthalates beyond the cutoff level [hazard index, (HI) > 1], based on the tolerable daily intake of the European Food Safety Authority and the United States Environmental Protection Agency Reference Dose. HI > 1 for antiandrogenicity in creatinine-unadjusted and -adjusted estimations were exhibited by 36 and 23% of the children, respectively. Thus, identifying exposure sources and mitigating exposure are necessary for risk management. Additionally, continuous exposure assessment and evaluation of health outcomes, especially antiandrogenic effects, are warranted.

Antibiotic residues in chicken meat in China: Occurrence and cumulative health risk assessment

A national survey of sixteen commonly used antibiotics in chicken meat was conducted for three consecutive years (2016–2018). A total of 4591 chicken meat samples were collected from 24 provinces in China and measured by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The results revealed that all of the antibiotics studied were detected with an overall detection frequency of 20.47% and an exceeding standard rate of 2.94%. 23.62% of the antibiotic-positive samples contained two or more antibiotics. The most predominant category was tetracyclines, followed by quinolones. Geographical differences and variations with time were observed. The cumulative risk assessment of multiple antibiotics in chicken meat was performed using the hazard index (HI) method and indicated that the exposure for Chinese consumers was at an acceptable risk level. Enrofloxacin+ciprofloxacin was the biggest contributor, contributing 51% to the HI, followed by doxycycline. The results provided important references for monitoring and managing antibiotic residues in chicken meat, as well as guiding the scientific use of these antibiotics in China.

Evaluation of cytotoxicity, analysis of metals and cumulative risk assessment in microalgae

Microalgae are one promising source for the production of bioactive compounds. However, microalgae can accumulate harmful substances. So, our objectives were (i) to evaluate cell viability after Phaeodactylum triconutum (0% and 65% cell disruption, DR) and Tetraselmis chuii (0% and 67% DR) freeze-dried exposure in HepG2 cells by MTT assay; (ii) to evaluate cell viability after P. triconutum and T. chuii extract exposure; (iii) to assess the effect in cell viability when they were simultaneously exposed to T-2 toxin and, (iv) to evaluate if inflammatory response is related to the mechanism of toxicity of these microalgae by qPCR assays. Results demonstrated that cell viability did not increase after freeze-dried microalgae exposure in HepG2 cells. And, no IC50 values were observed. However, an increase in HepG2 cell viability after exposure of T. chuii 0% DR extract at 5, 25 and 100 µg/mL was observed. Additionally, 1:64 diluted T. chuii 0% DR with IC50/4 T-2 and with IC50/2 T-2 and 1:32 diluted T. chuii 0% DR with IC50/4 T-2 showed an increase in cell viability. Both microalgae increased the relative TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA expression. Concluding, no cytotoxic effect was evidenced but, it was noted up-regulation of inflammatory genes after T. chuii exposure in HepG2 cell. Thus, more studies related the mechanistic toxicity of microalgae are needed to evaluate the potential toxicological risk of inflammation of these novel foods. .