Dermal Contact Research Articles

Levels, profiles and human exposure of organophosphate esters (OPEs) in dust from subway stations

For the first time, the pollution characteristics of eight organophosphate esters (OPEs) in dust from staff workspaces of subway stations were investigated in China. Dust samples were collected from ten stations, covering six rooms at each station, including offices, meeting rooms, dressing rooms, control rooms, equipment rooms and platforms within tunnels. The detection rates for seven compounds ranged from 68 % to 97 %, indicating widespread contamination. The median concentration of ∑OPEs was 23.31 μg/g, which was higher than that found in houses but not as high as that reported for station platforms and vehicle cabins. TnBP, TDCIPP and TEHP were identified as the predominant compounds, with concentrations ranging from 2.63 to 3.65 μg/g. The spatial distribution results revealed highly comparable concentrations in control rooms and offices but different profiles. Despite spatial separation between sampling sites, correlation analysis indicated strong links between tunnels and other sections of stations, suggesting the source consistency. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) results revealed that equipment shells, insulating rubber and cable jackets were major sources for control rooms and platforms within tunnels; oil-related sources influenced equipment rooms; and plastic decorations served as the main sources for station offices, dressing and meeting rooms. The hazard quotients (HQs, or noncarcinogenic risk) of ∑OPEs via ingestion and dermal contact for staff were all in the range of 10−4-10−2. Although the HQ levels were below the USEPA threshold, the occupational exposure risks through ingestion and dermal contact were greater than those in building environments and vehicle cabins.

Soil Heavy Metal(loid) Pollution Evaluation, Risk Assessment, and Source Analysis of a Mineral Processing Plant

Yunnan Province is rich in mineral resources. Early mining, processing, metallurgy, and other mining activities produce three industrial wastes (waste water, waste gas, and waste residue) causing environmental pollution. Considering the legacy site of a mineral processing plant in Yunnan as the research object, 21 sampling points in the study area and 12 control sampling points in the periphery were set up to determine the contents of the heavy metal(loid)s As, Hg, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Cr in the soil. The spatial distribution of heavy metal(loid)s was interpolated and analyzed using Arcmap10.8, and combined with the single-factor index, Nemero Comprehensive Pollution Index, and the health risk assessment method for the heavy metal(loid) pollution status and health risk of the soil were evaluated. The soil in the study area was acidic, with the largest average value of elemental As and the largest percentages of control and screening values. The results of the single-factor and Nemero composite pollution index showed the following trend: As > Pb > Cd > Cu > Ni > Hg. Cd, Cu, and Pb mainly originate from mining and metallurgy and Hg from the combustion of fossil fuels, while soil-forming substrates are the main sources of Ni. Pollution by As was the most prominent element, whereas pollution by Cd, Cu, and Pb in some areas also cannot be ignored to prevent negative impacts on residents. It is recommended to remediate and treat the soil on site for public events; therefore, this study fills the gap in studying potential ecological risks, human health risk assessments, and sources of exposure (oral ingestion, respiratory ingestion, dermal contact).

Detection of microplastics in the human penis.

The proliferation of microplastics (MPs) represents a burgeoning environmental and health crisis. Measuring less than 5 mm in diameter, MPs have infiltrated atmospheric, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems, penetrating commonplace consumables like seafood, sea salt, and bottled beverages. Their size and surface area render them susceptible to chemical interactions with physiological fluids and tissues, raising bioaccumulation and toxicity concerns. Human exposure to MPs occurs through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. To date, there is no direct evidence identifying MPs in penile tissue. The objective of this study was to assess for potential aggregation of MPs in penile tissue. Tissue samples were extracted from six individuals who underwent surgery for a multi-component inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP). Samples were obtained from the corpora using Adson forceps before corporotomy dilation and device implantation and placed into cleaned glassware. A control sample was collected and stored in a McKesson specimen plastic container. The tissue fractions were analyzed using the Agilent 8700 Laser Direct Infrared (LDIR) Chemical Imaging System (Agilent Technologies. Moreover, the morphology of the particles was investigated by a Zeiss Merlin Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), complementing the detection range of LDIR to below 20 µm. MPs via LDIR were identified in 80% of the samples, ranging in size from 20-500 µm. Smaller particles down to 2 µm were detected via SEM. Seven types of MPs were found in the penile tissue, with polyethylene terephthalate (47.8%) and polypropylene (34.7%) being the most prevalent. The detection of MPs in penile tissue raises inquiries on the ramifications of environmental pollutants on sexual health. Our research adds a key dimension to the discussion on man-made pollutants, focusing on MPs in the male reproductive system.

Formation and health risk assessment of trihalomethanes in coastal wells impacted by seawater intrusion

The formation of trihalomethanes (THMs) in coastal wells impacted by seawater intrusion (SWI) is relatively understudied. Coastal wells, unlike typical groundwater sources, frequently exhibit elevated levels of chloride and bromide ions, potentially influencing the formation and speciation of THMs. The current study investigated the THM formation in coastal well water from a location affected by SWI. Samples were chlorinated with 2.5 mg L−1 and 5 mg L−1 chlorine doses to replicate field conditions. The THM concentration in the samples exceeded the maximum permissible limit for drinking water. The well with the highest chloride-to-bromide (Cl/Br) ratio (Cl/Br = 645) exhibited the highest total THM concentration (503.2 μg L−1). Samples with high bromide concentration had more brominated THMs over the 5-day reaction period. The bromine substitution factors for wells after 24 h with a chlorine dose of 2.5 mg L−1 were 1.89, 2.21, and 2.78, corresponding to bromide concentrations of 0.098, 0.109, and 1.275 mM, respectively. The average cancer risk associated with the well water was estimated to be 20.9 × 10−06 through dermal contact and 6.84 × 10−04 through inhalation. The study area had an estimated average cancer risk of 705 cases per million population. The study area's common diseases and cancer incidence data for the past four decades indicated a decreasing trend for waterborne diseases and a steep increase in cancers. While several factors may contribute to increasing cancer cases, our study highlights chlorinated coastal well water as an additional potential cancer risk agent.

Effects of microplastics on the kidneys: a narrative review

Micro- and nanoplastics (MPs) are small synthetic organic polymer particles (<5 mm and <1 μm, respectively) that originate directly from plastic compounds or result from the degradation of plastic. These particles are a global concern since they are widely distributed in water, air, food and soil, and recent scientific evidence has linked MPs to negative biological effects. Although these particles are difficult to detect in humans, MPs have been identified in different biological fluids and tissues, such as the placenta, lung, intestines, liver, blood, urine, and kidneys. Human exposure to MPs can occur by ingestion, inhalation, or dermal contact, potentially causing metabolic alterations. Data from experimental and clinical studies have revealed that the ability of MPs to promote inflammation, oxidative stress, and organ dysfunction and negatively affect clinical outcomes is associated with their accumulation in body fluids and tissues. Although evidence of the putative action of MPs in the human kidney is still scarce, there is growing interest in studying MPs in this organ. In addition, chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires investigation because this condition is potentially prone to MP accumulation. The purpose of the present article is (i) to review the general aspects of MP generation, available analytic methods for identification and the main known biological toxic effects and (ii) to describe and critically analyze key experimental and clinical studies that support a role of MPs in kidney disease.

Concentrations, spatial distribution, and human exposure of synthetic phenolic antioxidants in indoor dust from ten provinces in China

Synthetic phenolic antioxidants (SPAs) are widely used in diverse industries due to their exceptional antioxidant characteristics. However, human exposure to SPAs may cause health problems. In this study, 226 dust samples were collected from 10 provinces in China, and six SPAs (three parent SPAs and their three transformation products) were analyzed. The concentrations of ∑6SPAs (the sum of six target compounds) ranged from 15.4 to 3210 ng/g (geometric mean (GM): 169 ng/g). The highest concentration of ∑6SPAs was found in Sichuan Province (GM: 349 ng/g), which was approximately 4 times higher than that in Hubei Province (81.6 ng/g) (p < 0.05). The concentrations of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), 2,2′-methylene bis (4-methyl-6‑tert-butylphenol) (AO2246), 2,6-di‑tert‑butyl‑1,4-benzoquinone (BHT-Q), 2,6-di‑tert‑butyl‑4-(hydroxymethyl) phenol (BHT-OH), and ∑p-SPAs were substantially higher in dust from urban areas than rural areas (p < 0.05). AO2246 concentration in dust from homes (GM: 0.400 ng/g) was about 4 times higher than that in workplaces (0.116 ng/g) (p < 0.01). Significantly higher ∑p-SPAs concentrations were found in dust from homes (GM: 17.5 ng/g) than workplaces (11.4 ng/g) (p < 0.01). The estimated daily intakes (EDIs) of ∑6SPAs exposed through dust ingestion were 0.582, 0.342, 0.197, 0.076, and 0.080 ng/kg bw/day in different age groups, and exposed through dermal contact was 0.358, 0.252, 0.174, 0.167, and 0.177 ng/kg bw/day. EDIs showed that the exposure risks of SPAs decreased with age. This is the first work to determine SPAs in dust from 10 provinces in China and investigate the spatial distribution of SPAs in those regions.

Fast and eco-friendly analytical method to determine bisphenols, parabens, benzophenone-3 and triclosan in human urine by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry

Bisphenols, parabens, benzophenone-3 and triclosan are synthetic chemicals commonly used in various products such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and food items, leading to human exposure through ingestion, dermal contact and inhalation. Once entering the body, they are rapidly absorbed, metabolised, and excreted in urine due to their short half-lives. Recognized as potential endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), they have raised concerns among researchers and regulatory bodies. In response to the concerns regarding environmental harm and risks, innovative analytical strategies are required based on the new criteria focused on the twelve principles of Green Analytical Chemistry. Therefore, a new methodology for the environmentally friendly, fast, efficient and simultaneous determination of nine potential EDCs in human urine, including three bisphenols (A, F and S), four parabens (methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, propyl paraben and butyl paraben), benzophenone-3 and triclosan, has been developed and validated. It is based on a dilute-and-shoot method and ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry analysis. The relative recoveries ranged from 80 % to 120 % with a precision lower than 20 % for all analytes. The concentration ranges obtained encompass the published levels of the compounds in urine and the limits of quantification were between 0.2 and 0.5 ng·mL−1. The proposed method is the most environmentally friendly and practical so far and it was successfully applied for the determination of these compounds in 20 human urine samples from adults residing in the Valencian Region (Spain), and initial findings suggest that methyl paraben, benzophenone-3 and ethyl paraben were the predominant compounds.

Risk assessment of PAHs in dusts from surfaces of abandoned automobiles at auto-workshops of three semi-urban areas of Eastern Nigeria: Compositional patterns and source apportionments

The concentrations, sources, compositional patterns, and risk assessments of PAHs in dust on abandoned automobiles at auto-workshops in three semi urban areas were studied. Dust samples were randomly collected from at least five car surfaces in automobile workshops located at Rumuodomaya-Ogale, Ekwulobia, and Awka between December 2019 and March 2020, and analysed for PAHs using the Buck M910 Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detector. Car surface dust from Rumuodomaya-Ogale showed the highest PAH concentration of 2.348 µg/g in March 2020, while that of Awka had the lowest total PAH concentration of 0.129 µg/g in February 2020. Dust from the Ekwulobia consisted mostly of 3-ring PAHs throughout the month, except in January 2020. Rumuodomaya-Ogale dust had high BaPTEQ values, indicating a potential carcinogenic risk for automobile workers. Considerable cancer risk may arise from prolonged exposure of adult’s automobile workers to PAHs in dust via dermal contact and inhalation. The ingestion cancer risk values for children were higher than adult counterparts (except in Awka, December 2019). The principal component analysis suggested the influence of exhaust emissions on the source of PAHs in dusts of automobile workshops. There is a need for automobile workers to have and wear personal protection equipment (PPE) while on duty to reduce the risk associated with exposure to PAHs in dust particles.

Occurrence, distribution characteristics and exposure assessment of perchlorate in the environment in China

Recognizing the extent of perchlorate pollution in the environment is critical to preventing and mitigating potential perchlorate harm to human health. The presence and distribution of perchlorate in Chinese environmental matrixes (water, atmosphere, and soil) were systematically investigated and comprehensively analyzed, and cumulative perchlorate exposure at the regional level was assessed using a combined aggregate exposure pathway method. The results showed that perchlorate is ubiquitous in the environment of China with significant regional differences. The total perchlorate exposure levels in each region of China ranked as South China > Southwest China > East China > North China > Northeast China > Northwest China. Although the average exposure dose of 0.588 (95 %CI: 0.142 −1.914) μg/kg bw/day being lower than the reference dose of 0.70 μg/kg bw/day, it was observed that the intake of perchlorate in some regions exceed this reference dose. Oral ingestion was the primary route of perchlorate exposure (89.97–96.57 % of the total intake), followed by dermal contact (3.21–9.16 %) and respiratory inhalation. Food and drinking water were the main sources of total perchlorate intake, contributing 52.54 % and 31.12 % respectively, with the latter contributing significantly more in southern China than in northern China. In addition, perchlorate exposure from dust sources was also noteworthy, as its contribution was as high as 23.18 % in some regions. These findings will improve understanding of the perchlorate risk and serve as a critical reference for policymakers in crafting improved environmental management and risk mitigation strategies in China and other nations.

Significant increase in the number of occupational exposures reported to the Dutch Poisons Information Centre (2016–2022): the importance of poison centre data in health surveillance

Introduction Exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace can result in injuries and fatalities. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics and trend of occupational exposures reported to the Dutch Poisons Information Centre and to investigate whether the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on the trend. Methods A retrospective analysis of all acute occupational exposures reported to the Dutch Poisons Information Centre between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2022 was performed. Data on patient and exposure characteristics, symptoms and treatment recommendations were analyzed. Results Between 2016 and 2022, the Dutch Poisons Information Centre received 5,508 calls regarding acute occupational exposures. The annual number of calls on acute occupational exposures almost doubled over the years studied (from 475 in 2016 to 936 in 2022). During and after the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020-December 2022), the number of calls stabilized, but the upward trend was not significantly affected. There were an estimated 0.20 calls per 1,000 human exposure calls per month (95 per cent confidence interval: −0.14; 0.53). Victims were often exposed through multiple routes, with inhalation being the most common route (44 per cent), followed by ocular (32 per cent) and dermal contact (30 per cent). Acids (1,138 exposures) and alkalis (912 exposures) were often involved. The Dutch Poisons Information Centre had information on 6,334 patients, although the total number of exposed patients was not known as some victims did not seek medical assistance, or were treated by healthcare professionals who did not consult our Centre. At the time of contact, 13 per cent (n = 795) of the patients reported no symptoms, 76 per cent (n = 4,805) reported mild to moderate symptoms and 3 per cent (n = 183) reported potentially severe symptoms. Information on symptoms was missing for 9 per cent (n = 551) of the patients. Hospital observation and treatment were recommended for 5 per cent (n = 325) of the patients. Discussion This study highlights the necessity for poisoning prevention strategies to reduce the number of work-related incidents involving hazardous substances. Conclusion The continuing increase in the number of workplace incidents involving hazardous substances is of concern. A comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach should be taken to gain a full understanding of occupational exposure to hazardous substances and to identify risk factors.

Intoxications with trace metal elements: A new concept of the metal profile

Present in quantities ranging from hundreds of milligrams to several grams in various environmental compartments, trace metal elements (TMEs), formerly known as "heavy metals," have been the subject of much discussion in recent years due to their major toxicological impact on human health. They are divided into essential elements such as iron, zinc, copper, selenium, manganese, and toxic elements such as mercury, cadmium, lead, lithium, and arsenic. Essential trace elements play a vital role in the body, and their deficiency can alter important physiological functions, while toxic elements have no physiological role and can lead to serious illnesses. However, essential elements can also cause intoxication depending on their concentrations and chemical forms. The industrialization of the modern world exposes the global population to high concentrations of trace elements that can be toxic in the short or long term. These TMEs enter the human body through various pathways (inhalation, ingestion, or dermal contact). The clinical manifestations of TME intoxications are highly varied and nonspecific, making their diagnosis and management difficult. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) allows the detection of TME intoxications. Indeed, it enables the simultaneous quantification of around thirty trace metal elements in biological media. Thus, it has led to the establishment of a new approach: the metal profile, which has many applications in clinical biology and clinical, forensic, occupational, or environmental toxicology.

Children's exposure to halogenated flame retardants and organophosphate esters through dermal absorption and hand-to-mouth ingestion in Swedish preschools

Children are exposed to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) through inhalation and ingestion, as well as through dermal contact in their everyday indoor environments. The dermal loadings of EDCs may contribute significantly to children's total EDC exposure due to dermal absorption as well as hand-to-mouth behaviors. The aim of this study was to measure potential EDCs, specifically halogenated flame retardants (HFRs) and organophosphate esters (OPEs), on children's hands during preschool attendance and to assess possible determinants of exposure in preschool indoor environments in Sweden. For this, 115 handwipe samples were collected in winter and spring from 60 participating children (arithmetic mean age 4.5 years, standard deviation 1.0) and analyzed for 50 compounds. Out of these, 31 compounds were identified in the majority of samples. Levels were generally several orders of magnitude higher for OPEs than HFRs, and 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate (EHDPP) and tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP) were detected in the highest median masses, 61 and 56 ng/wipe, respectively. Of the HFRs, bis(2-ethyl-1-hexyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (BEH-TEBP) and 2,2′,3,3′,4,4′,5,5′,6,6′-decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) were detected in the highest median masses, 2.8 and 1.8 ng/wipe, respectively.HFR and/or OPE levels were found to be affected by the number of plastic toys, and electrical and electronic devices, season, municipality, as well as building and/or renovation before/after 2004. Yet, the calculated health risks for single compounds were below available reference dose values for exposure through dermal uptake as well as for ingestion using mean hand-to-mouth contact rate. However, assuming a high hand-to-mouth contact rate, at the 95th percentile, the calculated hazard quotient was above 1 for the maximum handwipe mass of TBOEP found in this study, suggesting a risk of negative health effects. Furthermore, considering additive effects from similar compounds, the results of this study indicate potential concern if additional exposure from other routes is as high.

Aristolochic Acid Exposure via Dermal Contact or Inhalation of Herbal Powders: Evidence of Occupational Exposure in Herbalists with Urothelial Cancer.

Emerging evidence showing urothelial cancer in herbalists is linked to aristolochic acid (AA) exposure; however, the exposure pathway remains unclear. Here, we show that dermal contact and inhalation of fine powders of AA-containing herbs are significant occupational AA exposure pathways for herbalists. We initiated the study by quantifying the amount of AA in the AA-containing powder deposited on gloves and face masks worn by the operators of an AA-containing herb grinding machine. Then, we measured the kinetics of dermal absorption and dissolution of AA from fine powders of AA-containing herbs into artificial sweat and surrogate lung fluid. Lastly, we quantified the mutagenic AA-DNA adduct levels formed in the kidneys of mice exposed to AA-containing fine powders through dermal contact. Our findings highlight an urgent occupational risk that should demand implementation of safety standards for herbalists exposed to AA-containing fine powders.

Potential ecological and human health risk assessments of soil heavy metals in orchards of Antalya province in Türkiye

ABSTRACT Agricultural inputs containing heavy metals are used intensively in Türkiye. However, studies on the assessment of the effects of heavy metals on the environmental and human health risks of agricultural areas in Türkiye are very limited. The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations, sources and potential ecological and human health risks of heavy metals in soils from orchards in Antalya, Türkiye. A total of 127 soil samples were collected and analysed for cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn). The mean concentrations of total Cd, Pb, Ni, Cr, Co, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn were found to be 4.54, 64.68, 145.80, 94.00, 23.92, 28264, 763.30, 44.91, and 63.67 mg kg−1, respectively. The mean concentrations of Cd, Co, Ni, Pb, Cu and Mn of soils were higher than the European soil mean values. Enrichment factor (EF) and contamination factor (CF) values of soils indicate serious enrichment for Cd, Pb and Ni. According to the principal component analysis, Cd concentration in the soil from was anthropogenic sources, Ni, Cr and Pb from both anthropogenic and lithogenic origin while other heavy metals from natural sources. Total hazard index (THI) values of heavy metals were <1, suggesting that there were currently absent non-carcinogenic health risks to residents through ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact. Hazard index (HI) indicated that children (3.75) were sensitive 9.4 times more than adults (0.40) to non-carcinogenic risks of heavy metals. The carcinogenic risk values of Cd, Cr, Co and Ni were acceptable range and not expected carcinogenic risks.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon skin permeation efficiency in vitro is lower through human than pigskin and decreases with lipophilicity

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are persistent environmental pollutants, which occasionally appear as contaminants in consumer products. Upon dermal contact, transfer of PAH into the stratum corneum (s.c.) and migration through the skin may occur, resulting in this class of highly toxic compounds to become bioavailable. In this study, dermal penetration through human and porcine skin of 24 PAH, comprising broad molar mass (M: 152–302 g/mol) and octanol-water partition coefficient (logP: 3.9–7.3) ranges, was evaluated via Franz diffusion cell in vitro assays. More lipophilic and potentially more toxic PAH had decreased permeation rates through the rather lipophilic s.c. into the more hydrophilic viable (epi-)dermis. Furthermore, human skin was less permeable than pigskin, a commonly used surrogate in skin penetration studies. In particular, the s.c. of human skin retains a greater share of PAH, an effect that is more pronounced for smaller PAH. Additionally, we compared the skin permeation kinetics of different PAH in pigskin. While small PAH (M < 230 g/mol, logP < 6) permeate the skin quickly and are detected in the receptor fluid after 2 h, large PAH (M > 252 g/mol, logP ≥ 6) do not fully permeate the skin up to 48 h. This indicates that highly lipophilic PAH do not become bioavailable as readily as their smaller congeners when transferred to the skin surface. Our data suggest that pigskin could be used as a surrogate for worst case scenario estimates of dermal PAH permeation through human skin.

Health risk assessment in sediment cores: A preliminary study in Erdek and Bandırma Bays, Türkiye

The contents of heavy metals in the core sediments of Erdek and Bandırma Bays were investigated to determine the pollution level, metal distribution and the associated human risks. It is very important to assess the concentration level of metal pollutants and health risk to adults and children. Therefore, metal analysis, geoaccumulation index (Igeo) contamination degree (Cdeg), modified contamination degree (mCdeg), toxic unit (TU), toxic risk index (TRI), modified hazard quotient (mHQ), and human risk assessment were carried out. The measured metals in the sediments were in the range of Al: 0.71–6.5%, Fe: 0.73–6.7%, Mn:100–923 mg/kg, As: 0.5–28 mg/kg, Co: 0.1–21 mg/kg, Cr: 31–595 mg/kg, Cu: 0.1–58 mg/kg, Ni: 11–196 mg/kg, Pb: 3–72 mg/kg, V: 19–159 mg/kg, Zn: 6–255 mg/kg, Hg: 0.03–1 mg/kg. Based on the Igeo, the mean values were < 0, except for Hg in cores MD72 (0.1), BD1 (0.9), and ER1 (0.2), which means that both bays are “unpolluted to moderately contaminated” with Hg. The mean mCdeg values of Erdek and Bandırma Bays sediments were very low contaminated with selected metals. The mean values of ΣTUs values for the cores (BK1, MD72, BD1 and ER1) ranged from 2.8 to 1.0, 4.9–0.5, 5.8–0.5, and 2.9–0.7, respectively. The mHQ-Hg and -Ni values indicated moderate to considerable significant contamination to living organisms, while it was for -Zn, -Cu, and –Pb indicated low to very low contamination to living organisms. There was no toxic risk to the marine ecosystem according to the TRI value (<5). Based on the human risk assessment using to the Hazard Quotient (HQ) that recommended by the US EPA, there are no adverse health effects by ingestion and dermal contact. Moreover, there are no non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic harm to adults and children. The results of this study will serve as a preliminary baseline human health risk assessment for Bandırma and Erdek Bays.

Monitoring Mycotoxin Exposure in Food-Producing Animals (Cattle, Pig, Poultry, and Sheep).

Food-producing animals are exposed to mycotoxins through ingestion, inhalation, or dermal contact with contaminated materials. This exposure can lead to serious consequences for animal health, affects the cost and quality of livestock production, and can even impact human health through foods of animal origin. Therefore, controlling mycotoxin exposure in animals is of utmost importance. A systematic literature search was conducted in this study to retrieve the results of monitoring exposure to mycotoxins in food-producing animals over the last five years (2019-2023), considering both external exposure (analysis of feed) and internal exposure (analysis of biomarkers in biological matrices). The most commonly used analytical technique for both approaches is LC-MS/MS due to its capability for multidetection. Several mycotoxins, especially those that are regulated (ochratoxin A, zearalenone, deoxynivalenol, aflatoxins, fumonisins, T-2, and HT-2), along with some emerging mycotoxins (sterigmatocystin, nivalenol, beauvericin, enniantins among others), were studied in 13,818 feed samples worldwide and were typically detected at low levels, although they occasionally exceeded regulatory levels. The occurrence of multiple exposure is widespread. Regarding animal biomonitoring, the primary objective of the studies retrieved was to study mycotoxin metabolism after toxin administration. Some compounds have been suggested as biomarkers of exposure in the plasma, urine, and feces of animal species such as pigs and poultry. However, further research is required, including many other mycotoxins and animal species, such as cattle and sheep.

Adverse Outcome Phenomena and Toxicity Mechanisms of Micro and Nanoplastics in Human Health

The ubiquitous presence of micro and nanoplastics (MNPs) in the environment has become a pressing global concern, particularly regarding the potential impacts on human health. This review underscores the urgent need for an integrative research framework that bridges the gap between epidemiological observations and toxicological insights. Human exposure to MNPs occurs predominantly through ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact pathways. Epidemiological findings have consistently demonstrated the presence of MNPs in diverse human tissues, signaling a broad exposure and emphasizing the imperative to explore potential health risks. Population surveys have shown that the concentration of MNPs in the feces of people using disposable plastic tableware reaches 24.65 items/g. These results are associated with changes in microbiota composition and metabolite levels relevant to central nervous system disorders, energy metabolism and inflammatory responses. The detectable abundance of MNPs in the nasal mucus of individuals wearing N95 masks was measured to be 10.6 ± 2.3 items/mg. Moreover, population-based studies have linked MNP exposure to adverse health outcomes, suggesting correlation relationships between exposure levels and specific diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and human pulmonary ground-glass nodules (GGN). These associations underscore the necessity for in-depth toxicological investigations to elucidate the toxicity mechanisms of MNPs. Meanwhile, laboratory-based toxicological studies have the potential to reveal causative relationships and various in vitro and in vivo models have been used to explore the mechanisms of the toxicity of MNPs in the gastrointestinal tract, lungs and cardiovascular system. However, early studies failed to reflect on the complexity of the real environment. To foster interdisciplinary collaborations, this paper aims to reconcile the disparities between exposure risks and human health impacts. By critically reviewing recent advancements in understanding the exposure risks of MNPs, epidemiological observations and organ-specific toxicity, this work furnishes a comprehensive perspective on the health implications of MNPs.

An extensive investigation on human risk associated with PAHs in fish and sediment in Bushehr, Northern of Persian Gulf

Here, a comprehensive study was designed to estimate the human risk assessment attributed to exposure of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)in sediment and fish in most polluted shore area in north of Persian Gulf. To this end, a total of 20 sediment and inhabitual Fish, as one of most commercial fish, samples were randomly collected from 20 different stations along Bushehr Province coastline. The 16 different components of PAHs were extracted from sediment and edible parts of inhabitual fish and measured with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC), respectively. In addition, dietary daily intake (DDI) values of PAHs via ingestion Indian halibut and the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) attributed to human exposure to sediments PAHs via (a) inhalation, (b) ingestion, and (c) dermal contact for two groups of ages: children (1–11 years) and adults (18–70 years) were estimated. The results indicated that all individual PAHs except for Benzo(b)flouranthene (BbF) and Benzo(ghi) perylene (BgP) were detected in different sediment sample throughout the study area with average concentration between 2.275 ± 4.993 mg.kg–1 dw. Furthermore, Naphthalene (Nap) with highest average concentration of 3.906 ± 3.039 mg.kg–1 dw was measured at the Indian halibut. In addition, the human risk analysis indicated that excess cancer risk (ECR) attributed to PAHs in sediment and fish in Asaluyeh with high industrial activities on oil and derivatives were higher the value recommended by USEPA (10−6). Therefore, a comprehensive analysis on spatial distribution and human risk assessment of PAHs in sediment and fish can improve the awareness on environmental threat in order to aid authorities and decision maker to find a sustainable solution.

Assessment of Water Quality, Ecological and Health Risks of Inland Water Bodies in Mexico: A Case Study of Lake Chapala

Water security threatens the world's population, so the assessment of the quality of water in reservoirs is one of the priority issues and represents a challenge for the sustainability of ecosystems and the human population. The aim is to evaluate the physicochemical parameters and heavy metals of the water of Lake Chapala to evaluate its water quality, during the period 2010-2023, and to estimate the ecological and health risks. The results will provide valuable information on water quality management and protection of human health. The design is an ecological study, using water quality, pollution risk, ecological and health risk indices. The place and duration of the study is the Lake Chapala during the period 2010-2023. The methodology consisted of obtaining the quality data of the Water Lake Chapala through the State Water Commission, the National Water Commission and studies conducted by the University of Guadalajara. The analyses were conducted on a monthly basis from 2010 to 2023. Subsequently, the CWQI, WQI, NP, HPI, HEI, DC, PERI, HQ, HI, THI, CR and TCR indices were calculated to determine water quality and ecological and health risks. The results showed que the distribution of parameter concentration showed great spatial variation, but not temporal; the TDS, Turbidity, pH, Al, As, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn with percentages above the CCME standard, but most of them within the NOM-001-SEMARNAT-2021. The heavy metals Al, As, Cr, Pb and Zn have concentration percentages of more than 100% with respect to the international standard. The remaining 14 parameters are within both national and international standards. Pearson's correlation analysis showed that none of the trace elements have positive correlations with each other. Water quality according to the WQI of 178 was categorized as poor quality, while for the CWQI almost all uses except grazing, water quality is poor (20-35). According to the NP index (3.8 to 670), the concentrations of heavy metals showed high levels of contamination. The HPI index (88.6) showed moderate to high levels of heavy metal contamination. The HEI index showed &lt;10 levels, indicating low contamination. The DC had a value of 0.2-18.2, classified as a high degree of contamination. The PERI index showed that the ecological risk from heavy metals is high. Non-carcinogenic risk indices indicate that lake water is not suitable for drinking, and poses a high health risk via ingestion, while dermal contact does not pose a health risk to residential and recreational recipients. The carcinogenic risk index is negligible to acceptable. The conclusion is according to the water quality, ecological and health risk indices, the water quality of Lake Chapala is poor, with a high degree of contamination and represents ecological and health risks (non-carcinogenic). It is recommended that the use of lake water does not include its ingestion to avoid health problems, and it is important to take measures to sanitize the lake to avoid ecological and health risks.