Population Exposure Research Articles

Vanadium exposure and kidney markers in a pediatric population: a cross-sectional study.

Anthropogenic vanadium (V) emissions and exposure in the general population have recently increased. Experimental studies have shown that V is a nephrotoxic agent, but little is known about its effects on human kidney health. This work evaluated the association between urinary V concentrations with early kidney damage biomarkers and function in a pediatric population without any disease diagnosed. A cross-sectional study was carried out and included 914 healthy subjects and determined urinary V concentrations, glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR), and the presence of kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in urine. We evaluated the V effect using linear and logistic regression models adjusted by confounders. Subjects found in the second and third tertiles of V showed an increase in urinary log-NGAL levels (βT2 vs. T1 = 0.39; 95% CI 0.14, 0.64, and βT3 vs. T1 = 1.04; 95% CI 0.75, 1.34) and log-KIM-1(βT2 vs. T1 = 0.25; 95% CI 0.04, 0.45 and βT3 vs. T1 = 0.39; 95% CI 0.15, 0.63); in addition, subjects in the third tertile had a positive and significant association with ACR (ORT3 vs. T1 = 1.96; 95% CI 1.29, 2.97) and increased in eGFR (βT3 vs. T1 = 3.98, 95% CI 0.39, 7.58), compared with subjects in the first tertile. Our study reports the effect of V on kidney markers in a healthy pediatric population. It could be related to tubulointerstitial lesions and function abnormalities.

Review of Correlations Between Telomere Length and Metal Exposure Across Distinct Populations

Telomere length (TL) predicts the onset of replicative senescence, and its shortening is a limiter on the number of divisions individual somatic cells can perform. Metal-induced genotoxic events are discussed in Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry’s (ATSDR) toxicological profiles. In vivo and in vitro toxicological studies suggest the correlation between toxic metals and TL. However, the correlation between TL and exposure to toxic metals in human populations is unclear despite decades of observational research. We conducted a literature search within the ATSDR toxicological profiles and PubMed database for peer-reviewed articles as of 04/2023 discussing TL and metal exposure in human populations. Through review of the 272 publications meeting these criteria, we identified 25 observational studies that considered the correlation between TL and exposure to some or all of six metals: cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), selenium (Se), lead (Pb), and cesium (Cs). Because reported effect sizes were often not comparable across studies, we performed a sign test based on the reported significance for each metal–TL correlation. We found that Cd was consistently significantly correlated with shorter telomeres (p = 0.016). However, no consistent linear relationship was observed between TL and any of the other metals considered. Exploring this association can enhance our understanding of how metal exposure may influence TL dysfunction. Our findings suggest that Cd exposure contributes to shorter TL, which may affect the DNA damage response (DDR) resulting in numerous chronic health conditions. Further, we highlight inconsistencies in findings on the correlation between metal exposure and TL across different populations and exposure levels. This suggests that correlations between some metals and TL may vary across populations, and that correlations may change at different exposure levels. Also, our findings suggest the need for further research on the potential for nonlinear relationships and non-additive effects of co-exposure to multiple hazardous metals, which could explain the inconsistencies observed across studies. The inconsistent incidences of metal–TL correlations justify additional exploration into the complex interaction between metals and TL.

Evaluating the Impact of Dermal Absorption on Internal Doses of Dechlorane Plus in Chinese E-waste Recycling Employees

E-waste recycling employees represent a specific population with a high potential for exposure to dechlorane plus (DP). However, the impact of skin-adherent DP on human exposure within this group has not been well characterized. This study aimed to address this gap by collecting handwipe and matched serum samples (n=86 pairs) of Chinese e-waste recycling employees. In vivo human dermal bioavailability of DP was also examined to achieve effective exposure estimation. As a result, DP was detected in all handwipe and serum samples, indicating the occurrence of widespread exposure in the study population. For all the participants, the median level of ∑DP (the sum of syn-DP and anti-DP) in the serum was 45.1 ng g-1 lipid weight (lw), while handwipe samples showed the loading of 10.8 ng per wipe. Notably, significant associations were found between DP handwipe loadings and matched serum levels (p<0.05). Next, the in vivo human dermal bioavailability was estimated to be 9.54% for ∑DP. Based on this value, the estimated average daily dose was 0.231 ng kg-1 d-1 (median values), contributing 10.9% to serum levels of ∑DP. The significant associations and 10.9% percentage contribution together underscore the non-negligible influence of dermal absorption on DP internal doses in the e-waste recycling employees. Moreover, the extremely high levels of DP (up to 3.64E+04 ng g-1 lw) detected in serum highlight the extent of DP accumulation in humans. Continuous monitoring and assessment are warranted among e-waste workers due to the persistent organic pollutant properties of DP.

Projected Intensification and Expansion of Heat Stress and Related Population Exposure Over Africa Under Future Climates

AbstractAfrica lacks comprehensive studies related to the intensification and expansion of high levels of heat stress and the related population exposure. In this regards, two heat stress indices (HI and UTCI) are applied to 30 CMIP6 GCMs to assess the robust changes in heat stress over Africa during the late 21st century under the SSP1‐2.6, SSP2‐4.5 and SSP5‐8.5 forcing scenarios. The analysis includes spatial extent, frequency and population exposure of different risk levels (Safe, Caution, Extreme Caution and Danger) gradually rising as the value of the heat index increases. The projections show a recession of Safe areas and a robust expansion of the Caution and Extreme caution classes, irrespective of the seasons and scenarios. The largest change of fractional areal cover, estimated between 23.9% and 30.7% of Africa land areas, occurs for the Extreme caution category over West Africa, East Africa, Central Africa and part of East southern Africa in JJA under the SSP5‐8.5 scenario. Furthermore, regions north of 5°S are projected to face an average annual increase of the number of days with high‐end heat stress conditions intensifying as greenhouse gas forcing increases. Under the SSP5‐8.5, the change in the number of days with Extreme caution ranges between 60% and 80%, while that of days in the Danger category reaches 10%–20%. As a result, the total population exposure to the Extreme caution category is projected to increase over West Africa, East Africa, and Central Africa under both SSP2‐4.5 and SSP5‐8.5 scenarios, while for the Danger class, the exposure increase is limited to the Sahel regions under SSP5‐8.5. These exposures are due to the intensification of heat stress but also to its interaction with an increased population. Our results thus highlight the need of adaptation measures to extreme heat in Africa in order to ensure healthy population and safe and efficient working conditions.

Exposure assessment of the European adult population to deoxynivalenol – Results from the HBM4EU Aligned Studies

Mycotoxins are natural toxins produced by fungi that may cause adverse health effects thus constituting a public health concern. Deoxynivalenol (DON), a mycotoxin affecting the immune system and causing intestinal disorders, was selected as a priority under the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU). Urinary total DON levels (tDON) of 1270 participants from six countries were used to characterize the internal exposure of the adult European population and identify the most relevant determinants of exposure. tDON concentrations’ P50 and P95 were in the range of 0.41–10.16 µg/L (0.39–9.05 µg/g crt) and 3.25–46.58 µg/L (2.12–33.50 µg/g crt) respectively. Higher tDON levels were observed for (i) male participants from France and Germany, (ii) samples collected in spring and summer, (iii) participants with a lower educational level, (iv) participants living in rural areas, (v) individuals without a job in France and Luxembourg, while in Portugal higher exposure was observed in working individuals, (vi) individuals with higher consumption of cereals and bread. The proportion of individuals with exposure levels exceeding the HBM-GV of 23 µg/L was 12.3 %, ranging from 0.8 % to 20.7 % in the individual countries. This study on mycotoxins exposure has used post harmonized questionnaire data and validated analytical methodologies for analysis and covered countries representing the four geographical regions of Europe, having produced much needed knowledge on the exposure of the European adult population to deoxynivalenol.

Comparison of associations between proximity to major roads and all-cause mortality across a spectrum of cardiovascular diseases.

Global urbanization is leading to increased exposure to traffic-related air pollution (TRAP), which is associated with adverse health events. While individuals with cardiovascular disease (CVD) are known to have elevated susceptibility to air pollution exposure, no studies have evaluated how mortality risks associated with TRAP exposure differ based on the presence of CVD. We used three electronic health record-based cohorts to examine associations between proximity to major roadways and all-cause mortality. The three cohorts were a random sample of the hospital population, individuals with a prior myocardial infarction, and individuals with diagnosed heart failure (HF). We used Cox proportional hazards models to evaluate associations while adjusting for age, race, sex, and census block group socioeconomic status. Residing <250 m from a major roadway was associated with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.13 (95% confidence interval = 1.05, 1.23) for individuals with HF, an HR of 1.07 (95% confidence interval = 0.96, 1.20) for those with a prior myocardial infarction, and an HR of 1.03 (95% confidence interval = 0.89, 1.20) for a random sample of hospital patients. This pattern persisted across several sensitivity analyses including alternative definitions of proximity to major roadways and matching the cohorts on demographics. These results highlight the differences in air quality-related health risks based on underlying CVD. Individuals with HF consistently had the highest environmental health risks. These results may better inform risks related to TRAP exposure in populations with differing underlying CVD.

Constrained Precipitation Extremes Reveal Unequal Future Socioeconomic Exposure

AbstractExtreme precipitation can lead to major flooding, impacting human health and safety. Thus, reliable projections of population and GDP exposure to future extreme precipitation are imperative. Here, we quantify future precipitation characteristics from robust emergent constraint relationships between historical and future monthly precipitation extremes (99th percentile) across 19 CMIP6 models (r2 &gt; 0.7 in 74–84% of 0.5° global land grids), and narrow uncertainty by 37.0–39.5% (absolute reduction being 0.753–0.774 mm/day). The constrained grid‐averaged future 99th percentile extreme is 6.96 ± 0.0059, 7.03 ± 0.0061, 7.11 ± 0.0063, and 7.29 ± 0.0067 mm/day, under SSP126, SSP245, SSP370, and SSP585, respectively, which exceeds historical extremes substantially in terms of intensity (12.9–19.7%) and frequency (1.6–2.3 times more). Future population and GDP exposed to 99th percentile extreme precipitation grow quickly, and are projected to exceed 1 million people in 27–40 countries and 10 billion USD (2005 Purchasing‐Power Parity) in 48–77 countries. Growth of future population exposure is dominated by an increase in extreme precipitation frequency rather than a rise in population, especially in developed countries. GDP exposure is controlled by the coupled effects of rapid socio‐economic development and significant shifts in precipitation frequency. Using indices of socio‐economic vulnerability, government effectiveness and economic freedom, we identify the unequal situation that high‐risk countries with high exposure are commonly characterized by low GDP per capita and high sociopolitical instability.

The contributions of hazard and exposure to flood risk in Shenzhen City

Flood risk strongly depends on the hazard and the exposure of people and assets. With the continuous growth of the urban population, exposure is contributing more and more to urban flood risk. Meanwhile, climate warming has led to frequent extreme precipitation events, resulting in severe flood hazards in cities. However, the individual contributions of hazard and exposure to flood risk remain unclear, hindering effective risk reduction strategies in metropolitan areas. This study examines the contributions of pluvial flood hazard and population exposure to the population mortality risk, as well as the contributions of pluvial flood hazard and urban built-up area exposure to the economic loss risk in the Shenzhen metropolitan area. The results indicate that the concentration of population and assets in central Shenzhen increases the pluvial flood risk. With almost the same water depth, the Longgang, Longhua, and Luohu districts exhibit higher death tolls and asset losses compared to the Guangming district. Additionally, changes in pluvial flood hazard also significantly contribute to the variation in economic loss risk, which could explain up to 84% of the observed fluctuations. With the existing distribution of population and urban built-up areas, pluvial flood risk in Shenzhen is expected to increase in the future as extreme precipitation intensifies.

Increased population exposure to extreme droughts in Iberia due to 0.5ºC additional anthropogenic warming

Abstract This study investigates the effects of incremental global warming, specifically the transition from 1.5°C to 2.0°C, on drought conditions in the Iberian Peninsula (IP). Our findings confirm a substantial increase in the frequency and intensity of droughts in the IP due to anthropogenic climate change. We highlight the importance of temperature in drought representation and underscore the urgent need to limit global warming below 1.5°C, in line with international climate policies.&amp;#xD;The analysis reveals that the exacerbation of drought conditions is more pronounced under higher emission scenarios, particularly RCP8.5, emphasizing the critical role of emission reduction in climate change mitigation. Furthermore, a substantial increase in affected land area and population exposure to drought is observed, especially under the high-emission scenario. Climate change emerges as the primary factor contributing to increased drought exposure, with emission reduction efforts offering potential mitigation. To overcome limitations associated with model uncertainties, a multi-model multi-variable ensemble approach was employed to enhance the regional specificity of the findings. This provides valuable insights for local climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.&amp;#xD;Results suggest that mitigating anthropogenic warming by 0.5°C to achieve the 1.5°C warmer climate rather than 2.0°C may provide benefits for future drought risks and impacts in the IP and underscore the urgency of implementing stringent climate policies. By offering a comprehensive assessment of drought conditions and population exposure, this study informs decision-making and climate resilience strategies, emphasizing the need for immediate action to mitigate adverse impacts on ecosystems and human populations.&amp;#xD;

Source-Specific PM2.5 and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Mortality

BackgroundFine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure is adversely linked to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). However, most studies focused on PM2.5 mass rather than its chemical composition and specific sources. Particulate pollution sources can have distinct, cumulative, and potentially synergistic health impacts. We investigated the associations of source-specific PM2.5 exposure with ASCVD mortality in the United States, considering the combined associations and regional variations.MethodsWe used data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (including data from 65,838,403 participants) from 2000 to 2016. We estimated PM2.5 exposure using machine-learning models and attributed components to five source categories. We used Poisson survival models to assess the associations with the source categories.ResultsHigher ASCVD mortality rate (rate ratio [95% confidence interval (CI)] per interquartile range increase) was associated with oil combustion (1.051 [1.049 to 1.052]), industrial pollution (1.054 [1.052 to 1.056]), coal and biomass burning (1.065 [1.062 to 1.067]), and motor vehicle pollution (1.044 [1.042 to 1.046]). These associations persisted even after limiting our sample to ZIP code–years with PM2.5<9 μg/m3 — the current National Ambient Air Quality Standard. In these areas the observed rate ratio for a one-unit increase in PM2.5 mass was 1.028 (95% CI, 1.026 to 1.029).ConclusionsWe found higher ASCVD mortality rate associated with PM2.5, with differential effects across sources. These data highlight the importance of considering local population characteristics and exposure patterns when assessing health risks associated with PM2.5.

A comprehensive library of lifetime physiological equations for PBK models: Enhancing dietary exposure modeling with mercury as a case study

Dietary risk assessment of food contaminants requires a well-established understanding of the exposure in a heterogeneous population. There are many methods for estimating human exposure to food contaminants, such as intake calculations and internal biomarkers of exposure measured in individuals. However, those methods are expensive, partly invasive, and often provide a momentary exposure snapshot. Physiologically Based Kinetic (PBK) modelling is increasingly used to overcome those challenges that traditional human exposure methods encounter. Still, PBK models are often restricted to certain life stages (e.g., children, adolescents, adults). This study outlines a strategy for implementing nonlinear organ growths in age-specific PBK models to enhance dietary risk assessment from lifetime exposure. To this end, lifetime physiological equations calculating organ growth for both sexes were inventoried from literature and a library was established for 24 organs. We then assessed total lifelong mercury exposure via foodstuff by combining two existing age-specific PBK models for methylmercury (MeHg) and inorganic mercury (iHg) that simulated internal exposure to total mercury, the speciation typically measured in hair and urine. We implemented a set of physiological equations in the PBK model that fitted best the total mercury measured in individuals' organs, hair, and urine from heterogeneous populations. For refined dietary risk assessment, we ultimately estimated total mercury concentration in hair and urine based on i) maximum limits defined by the regulation for MeHg in seafood, ii) the health-based guidance values for MeHg and iHg, and iii) realistic intakes considering French demographic parameters and food consumption data. These exposure scenarios demonstrated that total mercury concentrations in hair and urine estimated from realistic intakes are below critical effect level measures at all ages. The result of this study is the creation of easily accessible tools in Excel and R that facilitate the implementation of physiological equations in Next Generation PBK models.

Inequity in Population Exposure to Accelerated Warming

AbstractRecent temperature records have triggered debate about whether global warming is accelerating. Here, we examine for acceleration and explore possible causes for regional differences using gridded surface temperature data. We find that global and regional warming is accelerating, and on average, regions with low Human Development Index (HDI) experienced much higher accelerated warming in comparison to regions with high HDI. However, some regions of low HDI with a large population experienced slow acceleration due to high local aerosol emissions. Since aerosol negative forcing impacts are short‐lived and localized, rapid future reduction of aerosol emissions without a concurrent reduction in GHG emissions could have major compounding impacts. Such a pathway, similar to most 21st century scenarios, could expose a large fraction of the world's most vulnerable people to sudden warming acceleration and heat stress associated impacts. These results call for targeted climate adaptation strategies directing attention to low‐socioeconomic aerosol masked regions.

Increases of Compound Hot Extremes Will Significantly Amplify the Population Exposure Risk Over the Mid–High Latitudes of Asia

ABSTRACTBased on Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6) simulations, we found that the frequency and intensity of daytime–nighttime compound hot extremes (HEs) in the mid‐high latitudes of Asia (MHA) are expected to increase. The most significant increase is anticipated under the shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) 5‐8.5, while the smallest increase is expected under SSP1‐2.6. Notably, unlike the decreasing trends of independent HEs since 2050 under the high emission scenarios, the compound HEs, which comprise the largest proportion, are expected to continuously increase and intensify. To better understand the impact of these changes on human society, we also focused on changes in population exposed to HEs. The findings reveal that population exposure to compound and nighttime HEs is projected to increase most rapidly under SSP3‐7.0, with estimates indicating increases of 10.06 and 3.80 times, respectively, by the end of the century. The most significant increases are expected in the mid‐latitudes, where changes in HEs are most pronounced. Climate change is the primary driver behind the rising population exposure to compound and nighttime HEs, with its impact expected to grow over time. Conversely, exposure to daytime HEs is primarily influenced by population changes, particularly in urban areas. Therefore, effective climate change mitigation and adaptive strategies are crucial to reducing future population exposure to HEs in MHA.

An exploratory study of household conditions and youth personal exposure to extreme heat during a heatwave in urban Nashville, Tennessee, USA.

Extreme heat is the deadliest meteorological hazard and is increasingly affecting the southeastern United States. Health effects of extreme heat are often not felt for hours or days after exposure and disproportionately affect vulnerable populations (e.g., youth, minorities). Personal heat exposure research has focused on occupational and everyday heat exposure among adults. To date, heat exposure in teenage populations has not been investigated. This population has unique heat exposure patterns that result from lifestyles that include outdoor jobs (e.g., lifeguard) and participation in outdoor sports. Better understanding of these exposure patterns is needed to reduce youth exposure and illnesses during heat events. Likewise, there have been no studies comparing paired indoor home conditions with individual exposure. Participants (n = 10) wore sensors to collect six days of personal heat exposure data (temperature and humidity) and placed sensors in and around their homes to collect ambient household data. When comparing individual exposure with ambient outdoor conditions and household conditions, this study revealed that: 1) teenagers are less exposed to dangerous heat (> 37.8°C heat index) during the day; 2) teenagers are more exposed to dangerous heat (> 23.9°C temperature) at night; 2) some teenagers are exposed to long periods of high heat at night, which is typically a time for heat recovery; and 3) household temperatures are typically not representative of heat exposure. To better understand teen exposure, we recommend future research focus on larger, representative sample sizes, collecting exposure data during the school year, and comparing exposure between heatwave and normal summer conditions.

Decomposing Future Exposure from Increasing Flood Risk and Forecast Population Changes Across Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) in the United States

Extreme weather events, like flooding, are expected to become more severe due to climate change and increasingly impact populations across the US. Adding to this challenge, populations have concurrently settled in risky areas that were previously thought to have low, or no, exposure. Objective: This research seeks to understand the unique contribution of population growth and climate change as independent components of future risk levels in the US. To do so, future population level forecasts are coupled with future flood projections along all five Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) at the block group level across the US. The results indicate that, across the five SSPs, the most increase in exposure will occur in SSP5 (+470,719), and the least will occur in SSP 3 (+57,189). By decomposing the contributions from flood and population growth, we find that the population growth-induced effect contributed to an increase in the population exposure for all of the SSPs except for SSP3. This research, and these results, provide a foundation for understanding future risks of flood exposure in an isolated framework and lay the groundwork for the development and integration of planning, adaptation, and mitigation efforts that may be used to address the growing risk of flooding in the context of the population forecasts provided here.

Combined Effect of Air Pollution and Genetic Risk on Incident Cardiovascular Diseases.

Whether genetic susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) enhances the vulnerability to adverse cardiovascular outcomes by air pollution is unknown. We assessed the combined effect of air pollution and genetic predispositions on CVD risk. From the UK Biobank cohort, we selected genetically unrelated White British participants without CVD. Levels of ambient particulate matter with a diameter of <2.5 μm (PM2.5) and <10 μm were estimated using land use regression models. An individual's genetic predisposition to CVDs was determined by polygenic risk scores for coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, ischemic stroke, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. We stratified mortality and CVD risk by PM2.5 exposure across high and low genetic risk groups. A total of 249 082 participants (aged 56.9±8.0 years, 46.8% men) were followed for a median of 10.8 years. The combined effect of PM2.5 exposure and the genetic predisposition of CVD demonstrated the highest risk of cardiovascular death in the high genetic risk group with the greatest PM2.5 exposure (adjusted hazard ratios ranging from 1.73 to 2.12 across the polygenic risk score of each CVD). The combination of higher exposure to ambient PM2.5 and high genetic risk was associated with higher incidence of all CVDs, although no significant interactions were observed between genetic risk and PM2.5 exposure on cardiovascular death or CVD events. A combination of greater PM2.5 exposure and higher genetic predisposition to particular CVDs was modestly associated with elevated risks of cardiovascular death and CVDs. Not only alleviating PM2.5 exposure in the general population but also implementing individualized preventive approach for those at high genetic risk might be beneficial.

Impact of tropical cyclones and socioeconomic exposure on flood risk distribution in the Mekong Basin

Tropical cyclones have a big impact on flood risk, and understanding how their activity interacts with population exposure under climate change is critical. Here we investigate spatiotemporal changes in flood risk using numerical models together with historical observations and future projections of tropical cyclone tracks. We find that tropical cyclone-related flood risk shifts from the Mekong Delta to the eastern lower Mekong Basin, driven by the interaction between tropical cyclones and population exposure. Historically, extreme precipitation from tropical cyclones increased flood risk in about 14% and decreased in 7% of the basin. Future tropical cyclones may increase flood risk in about 7% and reduce in nearly 18% of the basin. Moreover, population exposure growth has historically increased flood risk in 3% of the basin and is projected to result in a 1% increase. These findings highlight the complex interactions of tropical cyclone hazards and socioeconomic factors influencing flood risk.

Boosting miniaturization in clinical analysis: determination of bisphenols in human serum and urine by miniaturized stir bar sorptive dispersive microextraction.

In this work, a miniaturized and sustainable method for the determination of endocrine-disrupting bisphenols in human serum and urine employing the miniaturized stir bar sorptive dispersive microextraction (mSBSDME) approach has been developed. As bisphenols are conjugated in the human body to their glucorinated and sulfated forms, an enzymolysis employing a commercial mixture of β-glucuronidase and arylsulfatase was carried out prior to the microextraction procedure to determine their total content. A magnetic covalent organic framework (COF) was employed as thesorbent to carry out the extraction of the analytes from the biological matrixes, showing good extraction performance dueto its hydrophobic, π-π, and dipole-dipole interactions with the analytes. As instrumental detection, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was employed to achieve good sensitivity and selectivity. The method was validated for both matrixes, showing good linearity at least up to 100 ng mL-1, limits of detection in the low ng mL-1 range, good precision values (relative standard deviations below 15%), and good accuracy (relative recoveries between 80 and 127%). In order to show the applicability of the developed method, five samples from female volunteers were analyzed with the final aim of offering a practical tool for monitoring the female population's exposure to these highly endocrine-disrupting compounds. This new procedure enhances the implementation of miniaturized sample preparation approaches in biological samples for clinical analysis, giving special relevance to the sustainability of the method.

Observed Changes and Projected Risks of Hot–Dry/Hot–Wet Compound Events in China

Compound extreme events can cause serious impacts on both the natural environment and human beings. This work aimed to explore the changes in compound drought–heatwave and heatwave–extreme precipitation events (i.e., CDHEs and CHPEs) across China using daily-scale gauge-based meteorological observations, and to examine their future projections and potential risks using the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) under the shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) scenarios (i.e., SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5). The results show the following: (1) The frequencies of CDHEs and CHPEs across China showed a significant increasing trend from 1961 to 2020, with contrasting trends between the first half and second half of the period (i.e., a decrease from 1961 to 1990 and an increase from 1991 to 2020). Similar trends were observed for four intensity levels (i.e., mild, moderate, severe, and extreme) of CDHEs and CHPEs. (2) All the frequencies under three SSP scenarios will show increasing trends, especially under higher emission scenarios. Moreover, the projected intensities of CDHEs and CHPEs will gradually increase, especially for higher levels. (3) The exposure of the population (POP) and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will be concentrated mainly in China’s coastal areas. The GDP exposures to the CDHEs and CHPEs will reach their highest values for SSP5-8.5, while the POP exposure will peak for SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5, respectively. Our findings can offer scientific and technological support to actively mitigate future climate change risks.

Social aspects of rehabilitation of the Bryansk region settlements affected by the Chernobyl NPP accident

Relevance. Currently, in the south-west of the Bryansk region, the settlements most affected by the Chernobyl NPP accident show the radiation exposure of about 30 % of the natural level without causing any negative impact on health. However, the settlements are still facing severe social challenges. Throughout the timespan after the Chernobyl accident, significant population decline has been observed in these settlements. Over the past 20 years, the number of residential settlements in the south-west districts of the Bryansk region has decreased by 22 % and the number of residents by 16%. Considering the long-lasting consequences of the Chernobyl disaster, social protection of the accident affected population and the development of radioactively contaminated areas remains relevant so far.The objective is to assess the current demographic situation in the Bryansk region southwestern settlements, most affected by the Chernobyl NPP accident, as well as to justify the shortage of social infrastructure required to ensure the settlements return back to normal conditions.Methods. The study analyses current social problems, including demographics and infrastructure in the five southwestern districts of the Bryansk region, most affected by the Chernobyl NPP accident.Results and discussion. In 2023, the southwestern districts of the Bryansk region included 72 residential settlements (71 rural and the town of Novozybkov) with an average annual effective radiation dose of population exposure above 1 mSv. The total registered population of the settlements is 63,869 people. The share of rural and urban population is 39 and 61 %, respectively. A difficult demographic situation was noted in the populated areas of the Chernobyl accident zone. Thus, the share of persons under working age (0–15 years) does not exceed 17 % of the total population. Social infrastructure demands were assessed to ensure wellbeing of the population in the Bryansk region districts, most affected by the Chernobyl NPP accident.Conclusion. In the rural settlements where the population is exposed to an average annual effective radiation dose above 1 mS, assessment and audit of the existing social infrastructure is required with follow-up efforts to eliminate the shortages, if any, to comply with modern norms and standards.