Dangerous Substances Research Articles

Assessment of acute inhalation toxicity of Low-temperature SMOG insect® smoke generators

The purpose of this work is to calculate the parameters of acute inhalation toxicity of the low-temperature insecticide smoke generator SMOK insect®, as well as to establish its hazard class. The active ingredient in the generator is the synthetic pyrethroid cyflutrin.The research was conducted on the basis of the vivarium and the Department of Veterinary and Sanitary Examination of the St. Petersburg State University of Veterinary Medicine.The object of the study was 5 groups of laboratory rats of the Wistar line (4 experimental and 1 control). There were 6 animals in each group (3 females and 3 males).The animals were inhaled with the active substance of low-temperature SMOK insect® generators. Each of the four experimental groups received the following doses of the drug according to DV: 1 – 0.5 mg / l, 2 – 2 mg/ l, 3 – 10 mg/ l, 4 – 20 mg/ l, respectively. The control group did not receive the drug.As a result of the experiment, no dead animals were identified in group 1. In the 2nd group, 1 rat died, in the 3rd - 2, in the 4th all animals died.During the experiment, respiratory depression and asphyxia were noted in animals. The irritating effect of the drug on the mucous membranes was revealed.As a result of the conducted research, it was revealed that the drug SMOK insect® belongs to the 3rd hazard group (moderately dangerous substances) in accordance with State Standard 32646-2014.

"Skin Whitening Creams: Cosmetovigilance."

Cosmeceutical products such as skin-lightening agents have been used globally to enhance skin tone and obtain a magnificent outward appearance. The pigment known as melanin, produced by melanocytes, imparts skin color. The Cosmetic Europe survey testifies that most people believe that cosmetics enhance one's quality of life. The most in-demand in the cosmetics industry are skin-whitening agents. Heavy metals and dangerous substances like lead and mercury are present in these skin-brightening cosmetics, which have a long-term effect on important organs and begin asymptomatic. Despite these negative consequences, there is a sizable market for these products due to the desire for fairer skin tones. Cosmetovigilance studies determine the of heavy metals in these preparations, which need to be monitored regularly. This article discusses the toxicity of heavy metals such as nickel, mercury, arsenic, lead, cobalt, and others found in skin-lightening formulas. The acceptable limit for these toxic agents is recognized by several healthcare organizations worldwide.

In Vivo Effectiveness of Pleurotus ostreatus in Degradation of Toxic Metabolites of Filamentous Fungi Such as Aflatoxin B1 and Zearalenone.

Mycotoxins, secondary metabolites synthesized by filamentous fungi, have been classified as dangerous substances and proven to be carcinogenic, as well as to have genotoxic, nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic, teratogenic, and mutagenic properties. Despite numerous trials to develop an effective and safe-for-human-health method of detoxification, there is still a high risk associated with the occurrence of these toxins in food and feed. Biological methods of food preservation are an alternative option to conventional chemical and physical methods, characterized by their less negative impact on human health as well as their high efficiency against filamentous fungi and other foodborne pathogens. Mycoremediation is a new biotechnique based on the capability of fungi to detoxify matrices from various pullulans. Ligninolytic enzymes produced by white rot fungi (WRF) characterize a high efficiency in the degradation of various mycotoxins. In our study, Pleurotus ostreatus, as a representative of WRF, was cultivated on a medium contaminated by AFB1 and ZEN (mushroom substrate and maize) in a few variants of concentration. After the cultivation, medium and fruiting bodies were collected and analyzed with the usage of HPLC and LC/MS methods. The reduction oscillated between 53 and 87% (AFB1) and 73 and 97% (ZEN) depending on the initial concentration of toxins in the medium. Grown fruiting bodies contained insignificant amounts of both toxins. These findings confirm the potential of P. ostreatus as an effective biological agent for reducing mycotoxins in contaminated medium, highlighting its applicability in developing sustainable and safe methods for detoxification.

Aflatoxin Contamination, Mycoflora Diversity, and the Toxigenic Potential of Aspergillus spp. Associated with Maize Seeds and their Products

Aflatoxins are naturally occurring mycotoxins that are virtually impossible to eradicate from food and animal feed, and therefore contribute to the widespread contamination of maize products. These toxins are highly dangerous fungal substances that cause acute and chronic toxicity in humans and livestock. In the present study, 32 samples of different maize products were collected from different locations in Tamil Nadu, India, during 2021-2022 to assess aflatoxin contamination. Only two samples were free from aflatoxin contamination, whereas the other 30 maize samples were contaminated with different types of aflatoxins. In addition, maize seeds were collected from 15 locations covering 10 districts of Tamil Nadu, India, to study the mycoflora diversity. The results revealed the six main fungal genera, namely Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium, Rhizopus, Alternaria, and Macrophomina, associated with maize seeds. Out of the 1152 mycoflora isolated from maize seeds, the genus Aspergillus contributed the most (82%), followed by Fusarium spp. (9%) and others (9%). Within the genus Aspergillus, A. niger, A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A. tamarii, and A. oryzae were recorded. Species composition studies revealed that A. niger, A. flavus and A. tamarii were present at all locations. Alpha diversity analysis of maize seed mycoflora and the genus Aspergillus using different indices revealed that abundance, dominance, and species richness were high at very few locations. Beta diversity analysis also revealed that there was no significant difference in the mycoflora between locations i.e. mycoflora distribution was even across all locations. Furthermore, the toxigenic potential of 24 Aspergillus isolates from different locations was assessed. The results revealed that the isolates Asp 16, Asp 17, Asp 20, and Asp 23 produced all four aflatoxins types, namely aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), aflatoxin B2 (AFB2), aflatoxin G1 (AFG1), and aflatoxin G2 (AFG2). Among the isolates, a maximum AFB1 of 10250.78 ppb/g of agar plug was recorded for the Asp 23 isolate, followed by Asp 20 (4246.584 ppb). Most isolates produced one or two aflatoxin types, and some non-toxigenic Aspergillus isolates were also recorded.

Pengaruh Edukasi Keamanan Pangan terhadap Pengetahuan Pemilihan Jajanan pada Anak SD Kelas V di SDN 1 Landono Kabupaten Konawe Selatan

Food is a basic need for every human being to be able to carry out physiological functions. Safe food is food that is free from microbes, chemicals and dangerous substances which, if intentionally or accidentally consumed by humans, will not cause health problems. School children are the forerunners of the nation's next generation. At this age, children have lots of busy activities, causing them to need a healthy physical condition. The aim of this research is to determine the effect of food safety education on knowledge of snack choices in class V children at SDN 1 Landono. The type of research used is pre-experimental design research. This research was conducted on one group, namely the experimental group that received treatment. The population in this study were all students from classes VA and VB, totaling 36 people, the sample was 33 people. Research results: Knowledge of snack selection among fifth grade elementary school children at SDN 1 Landono before being given education had an average score of 12.21. Knowledge of snack selection among fifth grade elementary school children at SDN 1 Landono after being given education had an average score of 13.39. There is an influence of food safety education on knowledge of snack choices in fifth grade elementary school students at SDN 1 Landono with p value = 0.000. Suggestion: For the SDN 1 Landono School, it is hoped that this research can provide input so that the school can continue to provide education about choosing healthy snacks for its students. For future researchers, it is hoped that this research can serve as input and reference material for future researchers.

청소년 위기수준 결정, 위기결과 및 자해행동 유형 분석

This study aims to investigate the current state of adolescent crises to determine crisis levels, crisis outcomes, and analyze types of self-harm behavior. The research was conducted on 1,839 middle and high school students in Y region. The survey method employed a self-report questionnaire administered in person, with a survey period from March 25 to April 30, 2024. For data analysis, frequency analysis and t-tests for correspondence were performed to assess adolescent crises. The Crisis Youth Status Survey Scale was used as a measurement tool to assess crisis levels, crisis outcomes, and self-harm behaviors. The results of this study are as follows: First, regarding the effects on determining adolescent crisis levels, when classified into high-risk, risk, potential risk, and general groups, students in the general group showed the highest levels. Second, in terms of the effects on crisis outcomes, internet and smartphone over-dependence was found to be the highest. Third, concerning the effects on self-harm behaviors, behaviors such as burning the body, inflicting burns, and swallowing dangerous substances were found to be the most prevalent. In summary, the current state of adolescent crises has been clearly identified, confirming crisis level determinations, crisis outcomes, and types of self-harm behaviors. This research will provide important foundational data for policy development and improvements in school counseling programs, by identifying the causes of crisis levels and self-harm behaviors. It is expected that this study will play a significant role in establishing more effective prevention and intervention strategies through a deeper understanding of the current state of adolescent crises.

Igbo Slang Expressions in Literature: Exploring a New Igbo Literature

Over the years, slang expressions generally have been looked at as language of the never-do-good in the society, especially among the youths inspired by constant abuse of hard drugs and other dangerous substance. Yet, these expressions have gained wide acceptance among speakers of the language both home and abroad and even among the adults these days. Igbo slang is not left out of this revolution. In recent times, Igbo Literature has experienced a dwindling growth in readership especially among Igbo youth and young scholars. This has resulted heavily in the decline in production of Igbo Literature thereby fueling the lack of content and thenes in Igbo Literature. This paper therefore, looked at the possibility of engaging Igbo slang in Igbo Literature to know if this may help attract readership for Igbo Literature. To do this some Igbo slangs mainly used at Sokoto Road Main Market Onitsha Anambra State Nigeria, were collected and analysed. This area was chosen because the city is redpponsible for 90% of the Igbo slang spoken in Onitsha. Other data were collected from Igbo Hip-hop because artistes use these slangs in their craft. It was discovered that indeed if these expressions are brought into the Igbo Literature; they would make reading more fun for students as they can easily relate with the text’s language. Furthermore, they would be useful to the younger generation of scholars most especially Igbo scholars because it will open a new and better genre of creative writing and encourage others to write.

ACMT Position Statement: Mifepristone and Misoprostol Are Not "Controlled Dangerous Substances".

ACMT Position Statement: Mifepristone and Misoprostol Are Not "Controlled Dangerous Substances".

AUDIT AND QUALITY CONTROL OF FOOD PRODUCTS IN EU COUNTRIES AND THE WORLD

The article examines regulatory legal acts and other documents and literary sources regarding state control of food safety and quality in Great Britain, Germany, France, the USA and Japan. The health of every nation largely depends on the quality and safety of food products. In any country, at the state level, requirements for product safety and quality are regulated and their compliance is ensured. One of the methods of such provision is state control. The article analyzes the practices of controlling the quality and safety of food products in the USA, Germany, France, Great Britain and Japan. It was revealed that there are both common and special rules in the practice of controlling the quality and safety of food products in the studied countries. In all countries, control over the quality and safety of food products is carried out by state bodies. In all countries, during control, special attention is paid to the reliability of product labeling. Improper labeling entails banning the sale of products, removal from circulation or destruction of particularly dangerous products, and even criminal liability in France and the USA. The main responsibility for dangerous food products in all countries is borne by the manufacturers or suppliers of the products who put them into circulation. In the USA and Japan, information about the presence of allergens in a food product must be included in the labeling. In the USA, in order for the manufacturer's products to be able to be supplied for a government order, the enterprise must implement a quality management system in accordance with the requirements of ISO 9001, and in Japan, in order to obtain a permit for the manufacture of food products, it is necessary to prove that proper sanitary and hygienic control is ensured by implementing HACCP system. In Germany, Great Britain, and Japan, quality and safety control is entrusted to local self-government bodies. In Germany, there is a product safety monitoring program throughout the territory, which makes it possible to monitor the appearance of dangerous products on the market, as well as to check the effectiveness of the established MPC of dangerous substances. The presence of "passports" for ready-made food products is checked only in France, although such a document is mandatory in EU countries. In France and Japan, exceptional importance is attached to the education of schoolchildren on food safety issues.

Investigation of the explosive atmospheres extent of hydrogen and methane gas mixtures by calculation and FLACS-CFD simulation

Explosive atmosphere is defined as a mixture of dangerous substances with air, under atmospheric conditions, in the form of gases, vapours, mist or dust in which, after ignition has occurred, combustion spreads to the entire unburned mixture. Methane-hydrogen mixtures will become more and more important for energy use in the near future. It has many positive economic and environmental benefits, while the risk of explosion is partly forgotten. It is necessary to identify hazardous areas in the interpretation of technological equipment. The applicable standard, EN IEC 60079-10-1:2020, defines the extent of the explosive atmosphere and zones for a given material, but does not cover mixtures. The objective of the study is to determine the explosive hazard areas of different mixtures of hydrogen and natural gas (methane), by adding additional possible relationships to the initial equations of the standard, and to compare them with the results of the models built in the FLACS-CFD simulation.

Enhancement of Photocatalytic Removal of 4-Chlorophenol from Aqueous Solutions by Manganese Oxide Doped ZnO Nanoparticles Using RSM

Background: Phenol and its derivatives as a toxic and dangerous substance produce by many industries. This pollutant must be removed from contaminated streams or fluids before discharging. The aim of this study was to enhancement of nano-photocatalytic removal of 4-chlorophenol (4- CP) from aqueous solutions applying manganese oxide doped ZnO nanoparticle (MnO₃-doped ZnO) catalyst via experimental designing of surface-response method. Methods: In this study, MnO₃-doped ZnO NPs were fabricated using hydrothermal technique and ratio of Mn-doped ZnO NPs consisted of 0 (pure), 0.5, 1 and 1.5%. The characteristics of the synthesized NPs was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) analyses. For determined the doped ZnO quality, variables such as pH, initial 4-CP concentration, NPs dose and contact time were probed in 4-CP removal. Results: Results demonstrate that the removal efficiency are significantly affected by the varied Mn-doped ZnO ratio. The ratio of 1% was optimal. The hexagonal shape of NPs confirmed by XRD and SEM analysis. The SEM indicated that no agglomeration of NPs observed. The sharp edges peaks in XRD indicate a proper crystallized ZnO NPs. Regression analysis showed a quadratic polynomial model was obtained for efficiency prediction. The data providing an acceptable model assumption for analyzing the variance. It was also realized that increasing the nanoparticles dose and the contact time led to reduce the removal rat. Conclusion: Comparing the 4-CP removal efficiency of bare ZnO and Mn-doped ZnO showed that the Mn-doped ZnO have larger efficiency and improve up to 84%.

THE IMPACT OF PHOSPHORUS WEAPONS DURING A FULL-SCALE WAR

Due to military actions, there is destruction of Ukraine's ecosystems, deterioration of sanitary and hygienic indicators of drinking water, air, and soil. With the onset of full-scale war, the negative impact of harmful and dangerous substances (the use of chemical, phosphorus bombs, and other weapons) prohibited by the Geneva Convention leads to unforeseen consequences for the environment of Ukraine. The purpose of the study is to analyze injuries resulting from the action of white phosphorus of various types of phosphorus weapons, namely explosive weapons with a wide area of effect, mines, ammunition, long-range missiles; artillery, mortar shells, various types of grenades in the conditions of russian aggression against Ukraine. The following methods were used in the work: content analysis, comparative analysis, and systematization of the researched material. Research of scientific publications by domestic and foreign scientists using the PubMed and Google Scholar databases for the period 2001-2023 was conducted. Phosphorus munitions such as WP are known for their high effectiveness in combat operations, but also lead to serious injuries, both traumatic and post-traumatic psychological changes. White phosphorus (explosive bombs) causes burns of human body tissues upon contact with burning material, as well as burns of the upper respiratory tract due to inhalation of smoke or gases emitted during combustion. The article analyzes the regulatory framework prohibiting the use of phosphorus munitions in armed conflicts. Clinical cases of gunshot combined injuries of limbs with massive soft tissue defects, gunshot fractures, and the presence of multiple foreign bodies of metal density due to the use of phosphorus munitions are considered. An analysis of scientific research by foreign scientists on this issue was conducted. The article provides algorithms for providing first aid due to the action of phosphorus munitions, as well as methodological recommendations of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine (Order of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine No. 506 of March 20, 2022) for providing medical assistance at the prehospital stage in case of phosphorus munition injuries, burns, enteral poisoning, exposure to white phosphorus in the eyes.

Who Veridicts Health? Health Professional Discourses on Performance and Image-Enhancing Drugs (PIEDs), Health, and Masculinity

This article explores the ways in which Australian health professionals performatively constitute the relationships between performance and image-enhancing drugs (PIEDs), health, and masculinity. It draws on the work of Judith Butler, John Law and Bruno Latour to argue that interviews with health professionals stabilize PIEDs, somewhat paradoxically, as inherently dangerous substances that distort and damage “natural” bodies, and as important medical technologies that can reverse this damage when administered “legitimately.” On the basis of interviews with 20 Australian health professionals who, in the course of their work, encounter men who consume PIEDs, we identify some of the mechanisms through which PIED consumers are excluded from health services, and are sometimes enacted as difficult and deceitful. Rather than taking these as reflecting pre-existing truths about PIED consumers, we show how, when framed within the assumed authority of medical expertise, discourses of “the natural,” health and masculinity produce these realities. Through these entanglements, masculinity is performed as natural to the body, and self-guided, experimental and illicit consumption of drugs constitutes the consumer, his body and his masculinity as unnatural, deceptive, and inauthentic. We conclude by arguing that treating men who consume PIEDs as potential co-experts, acknowledging the uses of PIEDs, and having open discussions could improve health outcomes for this group. Such a move, we propose, might also intervene in the iterative practices that work to regulate so-called “real” and “authentic” masculinities to create more expansive possibilities for men.

E-Waste and Hazardous Elements: A Comprehensive Study of Chemical Components and Environmental Threats

Electronic waste, or "e-waste," has grown significantly as a result of the exponential rise of electronic gadgets and is currently one of the waste streams with the fastest rate of growth in the world. Many dangerous substances, such as organic pollutants like brominated flame retardants and heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium, can be found in e-waste. The chemical components of e-waste are thoroughly analyzed in this work, with an emphasis on the identification, measurement, and health and environmental effects of these hazardous materials. According to study, e-waste improper disposal and unofficial recycling can release dangerous substances into the environment, posing a major risk to human health including endocrine disruption and neurological damage. This can result in soil, water, and air contamination. The results highlight the necessity of more advanced recycling technology, stringent laws, and environmentally friendly design principles in order to reduce these hazards. This study adds to the expanding body of information on e-waste and urges immediate action to mitigate the risks that electronic trash poses to the environment and public health.

. Pesticides: current trends in the use and epidemiology of acute poisoning (literature review)

Introduction. The widespread use of pesticides, which ensures the sustainable development of agriculture and global economic growth, necessitates the constant monitoring of their harmful effects on human health and the environment.Objective. To analyze and systemically review scientific publications on the prevalence of acute pesticide poisoning and trends in their use in order to identify the causes and structure of acute pesticide poisoning at the present time.Materials and methods. A search of the scientific literature is carried out in electronic bibliographic databases in the Russian (eLibrary, CyberLeninka) and English (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library) languages.Results. The risks of pesticide poisoning remain high in many countries of the world among both adults and children. In the structure of acute pesticide poisoning, household and suicidal poisoning with organophosphate and halogenated insecticides, anticoagulant rodenticides and pyrethroids are prevalent. Poisonings that occur at mass-, group- and family levels often have fatal outcomes, whether among agricultural workers or urban residents. The problem of acute poisoning with extremely dangerous limited-use substances based on aluminum or zinc phosphide is relevant not only in industrial agriculture, but also under domestic conditions and when working in personal subsidiary farms.Conclusions. Strengthening controls and ensuring strict compliance with sanitary and hygienic standards of individual and public safety in the storage, use and disposal of pesticides, as well as combating their illegal trafficking, will minimize the risks of acute poisoning involving pesticides under industrial and domestic conditions.

Analysis of Lead Metal Contents (Pb) in Various Cosmetic Dosage Forms Using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) Method

Cosmetics are the preparations whose products are most widely used by people in all circles, from babies to adults. However, it is not uncommon to find dangerous substances contained in cosmetics, one of which is lead contamination, so it is necessary to test the dangerous substances in them. This review aims to provide information regarding the presence and levels of the heavy metal lead in various cosmetic samples using the atomic absorption spectrophotometry method and to analyze the dangers it causes. The method used is a literature review of articles with the keywords "cosmetics", "heavy metals", "lead pollution", "health risks" and "atomic absorption spectrophotometer" between 2019-2023. The results of the review that has been carried out are that the majority of cosmetics contain the heavy metal lead (Pb), either within the required limits or exceeding the required limits. The dangers posed by lead contamination in cosmetics used over a long period of time can be similar to acute or chronic toxic diseases, and can result in pathological changes in body organs such as the cardiovascular system, kidneys, bones, liver, potentially causing cancer and genetic changes. and the most fatal form of lead poisoning can cause death

Beyond greenhouse gases – Comprehensive planetary boundary footprints to measure environmental impact

Beyond greenhouse gases – Comprehensive planetary boundary footprints to measure environmental impact

Efficacy of sustainable cementitious materials on concrete porosity for enhancing the durability of building materials

Abstract The degradation of concrete structures is significantly influenced by water penetration since water serves as the primary vehicle for the movement of harmful compounds. The process of capillary water absorption is widely recognized as a crucial indicator of durability for unsaturated concrete, as it allows dangerous substances to enter the composite material. The water absorption capacity of concrete is intricately linked to its pore structure, as concrete is inherently porous. The main goal of this work is to create an innovative predictive tool that assesses the porosity of concrete by analyzing its components using a machine-learning (ML) framework. Seven distinct batch design variables were included in the generated database: fly ash, superplasticizer, water-to-binder ratio, curing time, ground granulated blast furnace slag, binder, and coarse-to-fine aggregate ratio. Four distant ML algorithms, including AdaBoost, linear regression (LR), decision tree (DT), and support vector machine (SVM), are utilized to infer the generalization capabilities of ML algorithms to estimate concrete porosity accurately. The RReliefF algorithm was implemented to calculate the significant features influencing porosity. This study concludes that in comparison to the alternative techniques, the AdaBoost method demonstrated superior performance with an R 2 score of 0.914, followed by SVM (0.870), DT (0.838), and LR (0.763). The results of the evaluation of RReliefF indicated that the binder possesses a remarkable influence on the porosity of concrete.

Toxicological characterization of the insecticide metofluthrin and assessment of the carcinogenic risk to human health due to its chronic inhalation effect

The aim of the investigation is the toxicological characterization and analysis of the danger criteria of the insecticide metofluthrin with an assessment of the carcinogenic risk to health caused by chronic inhalation exposure to the substance at the level of the maximum possible concentrations in the air environment of human life. The analysis of scientific reports of the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) on the toxicological properties of metofluthrin was carried out. The assessment of the risk of the development of carcinogenic effects due to chronic inhalation exposure to metofluthrin was carried out taking into account the average daily dose of the substance that can enter the human body during the natural life span (LADD) and the carcinogenic potential factor (SF) in accordance with domestic guidelines. Classification of levels of carcinogenic risk was carried out using domestic and international approaches. It was established that the limiting criteria for the danger of metofluthrin are the average lethal concentration in air (LC50 =1080 mg/m³) and the size of the zone of chronic action (Zch=7.46), which characterizes the danger of occurrence of chronic intoxication due to long-term inhalation exposure. According to these indicators, metofluthrin is classified as a dangerous substance (hazard class 2). The key effects of the toxic action of metofluthrin are determined – neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. The threshold non-genotoxic oncogenic potential of metofluthrin according to the phenobarbital type was established. Individual carcinogenic risk under different scenarios of chronic inhalation exposure to metofluthrin was calculated. The substance concentration of 3.54 mg/m³ leads to a high level of risk (1.5×10-3), which is considered unacceptable for production conditions and the population. At concentrations of 0.28 mg/m³ and 1.0 mg/m³, the risk is estimated as average and acceptable for production conditions (1.1-4.1×10-4). The risk of exposure to a concentration of 0.14 mg/m³ is classified as low and acceptable for the population (5.7×10-5). Thus, the results obtained in the study indicate that such concentrations of metofluthrin in the air as 0.14 – 0.28 – 1.0 mg/m³ are safe for human health, subject to compliance with medical and sanitary regulations at the stage of production and application of insecticides based on metofluthrin as prescribed.

A new calibration method for radon detector in seismic systems

A new calibration method for radon detector in seismic systems