Harmful Substances Research Articles

Abstract 1505: E-cigarette aerosols increase NRF2 expression and enhance cancer stemness in human oral epithelial cells

Abstract Background: The popularity of e-cigarettes has surged among cigarette and non-cigarette users, in part due to their promotion as a safer choice compared to traditional smoking. Yet, the true health implications of vaping are still uncertain and need to be explored. E-cigarette aerosols contain harmful substances that can cause oxidative stress. We and others have reported that exposure to e-cigarette aerosols increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduces total antioxidant capacity, leading to a significant increase in DNA damage in oral epithelial cells. This raises important questions about the long-term health effects. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), the master regulator of antioxidant signaling, is crucial for managing oxidative stress and regulating cell stemness. In this study, we examined how exposure of oral epithelial cells to e-cigarette aerosols affect the expression of NRF2 and its downstream targets, which play a critical role in stem cell regulation. Methods: Human oral epithelial cancer (UM-SCC-1) cells were treated with aerosol extracts of e-cigarettes (tobacco flavor) from two brands, every other day for two weeks at 30 ng/ml nicotine. Standard combustible tobacco extracts were used as a positive control. Changes in gene and protein expression were assessed by qRT-PCR and western blotting analysis, respectively. The stemness of cancer cells was evaluated by spheroid assay, and the ALDH+ve cancer stem cell population was measured by the ALDEFLUOR assay. Data analysis was performed using Student's t-test. Results: Exposure to e-cigarette aerosol extracts significantly increased the mRNA and proteins levels of NRF2, SOD2, CAT, and HMOX1, along with a decrease in KEAP1 protein. We observed enhanced spheroid formation in oral epithelial cells exposed to e-cigarette extracts. Notably, a significant rise in the cancer stem cell population was observed in oral cancer cells exposed to e-cigarette aerosols. Furthermore, we observed a marked increase in the expression levels of specific mRNAs related to stemness factors (e.g., BMI1, OCT4), which are crucial for maintaining stem cells. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that exposure to e-cigarette aerosols significantly activates the NRF2 signaling pathway and promotes stemness of oral epithelial cells. The increased expression of NRF2 and its downstream targets suggests an enhanced response to oxidative stress. Additionally, the upregulation of stemness markers highlights the potential of e-cigarette aerosols to enhance cancer stem cell characteristics and tumor progression. These results raise concerns about the role of e-cigarette aerosols in oral carcinogenesis and imply that the perceived safety of e-cigarettes may be misleading, thus warranting further investigation into their long-term effects on human health. Funding: TSET HPRC (Ganapathy), NIH/NCI (R01CA242168, Queimado). Citation Format: Vengatesh Ganapathy, Jimmy Manyanga, Gautham Chengizkhan, Mayilvanan Chinnaiyan, Balaji Sadhasivam, Ilangovan Ramachandran, David A. Rubenstein, Lurdes Queimado. E-cigarette aerosols increase NRF2 expression and enhance cancer stemness in human oral epithelial cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 1505.

Impact of Rice Mill Wastewater on the Water Quality of River: A Case Study from Rajim, Chhattisgarh

The Mahanadi River, located in Chhattisgarh, is experiencing significant water pollution near Rajim, primarily due to wastewater discharged by rice mills. This wastewater contains harmful substances such as rice husks, dust, and chemicals, leading to the degradation of the river's water quality. The pollution not only affects the aquatic ecosystem but also poses health risks to local communities dependent on the river for drinking, irrigation, and other daily activities. To assess the extent of this pollution, key water quality parameters are analyzed, including temperature, electrical conductivity (EC), pH, alkalinity, total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), total solids (TS), total hardness, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and biological oxygen demand (BOD). These parameters help determine the level of contamination and its impact on both the river's ecosystem and the people living nearby, highlighting the need for effective wastewater treatment and pollution control measures.

Food Defense in the Extra Neutral Alcohol Industry: Ensuring Safety Against Intentional Contaminations

In this review article, the production of extra neutral alcohol was explored, a specific segment in the alcohol industry, aiming to fill knowledge gaps and provide information on the practical implementation of a Food Defense plan. The understanding of the physical–chemical specifications of alcohol, its applications in food, and the manufacturing and fractionation processes were comprehensively addressed. The critical importance of extra neutral alcohol in various industries, from the production of distilled beverages to food preservation through innovative technologies, was highlighted. When discussing hazards related to food safety, the possibility of system security failures is recognized, emphasizing the need for a Food Defense plan. Additionally, we explored potential contamination methods in the production of extra neutral alcohol, analyzing its miscibility with harmful substances, which is crucial for understanding the implications of chemical contamination. The possibility of deliberate adulteration of beverages and foods requires constant attention to enhance security measures, implement advanced technologies, and proactive monitoring strategies. Ultimately, this article contributes to advancing knowledge at the intersection of extra neutral alcohol production and food safety.

Advancing Butter Cookie Quality: Low-Oxygen Baking as a Dual Approach for Sensory Enhancement and Acrylamide Mitigation.

This study investigated the impact of oxygen concentrations during baking on flavor, sensory perception, and acrylamide content in butter cookies. Cookies were baked at 190 and 210 °C under three oxygen levels (5, 10, and 21%). Key quality parameters, including moisture content, texture, color, flavor volatiles, and acrylamide content, were measured, and sensory evaluation was conducted using 55 judges. Principal component analysis was implemented to elucidate relationships among physicochemical properties, aroma profiles, and safety metrics. Results demonstrated that baking under low oxygen concentrations significantly reduced acrylamide formation, exemplified by a reduction from 95.8 to 58.5 μg/kg at 190 °C and 116.6 to 53.1 μg/kg at 210 °C, respectively. Notably, baking at 190 °C with 5% oxygen was identified as the optimal condition, balancing sensory quality and safety by minimizing the formation of harmful substances. These findings provide a promising strategy for improving the safety and quality of baked goods through controlled oxygen levels during processing.

Spatiotemporal Angiogenic Patterns in the Development of the Mouse Fetal Blood–Brain Barrier System During Pregnancy

Understanding the timing of fetal brain vulnerability to inflammatory changes in pregnancy complications is crucial for predicting neurodevelopmental risks. Beyond the placenta, the developing brain’s vascular system is believed to form a secondary defense, the blood–brain barrier (BBB), which restricts harmful substances that could disrupt neurodevelopment. However, the precise timing and mechanisms underlying BBB development are poorly understood. In this study, we examined the spatiotemporal expression of key BBB components and fetal brain vascularization in mice from gestational days (GD) 10 to 18. Fetal brain sections were immunostained to identify BBB components, including CD31, Factor VIII, NG2, and claudin-5. Our results showed that endothelial precursor cells form the primitive vascular network in a caudal-to-rostral gradient by GD10, with pericyte recruitment stabilizing vessels by GD12 in a lateral-to-medial gradient that aligns with neurogenesis, despite some regional exceptions. However, Factor VIII was not detected until GD15, and claudin-5 until GD18, suggesting a significant delay in endothelial maturation and tight junction formation. These findings highlight the critical timing of structural developments in the fetal brain vasculature and its vulnerability to placental diseases, laying the groundwork for future research on the impact of placental disorders on fetal brain development and potential therapeutic interventions.

Occupational injury severity among healthcare workers: a retrospective study

BackgroundHealthcare workers (HCWs) are exposed to a multitude of hazards in the hospital environment, increasing their risks of sustaining injuries at a higher rate compared to workers in other sectors and resulting in substantial level of modified work and absenteeism. This study aims to examine the burden and determinants of occupational injury severity of HCWs at a tertiary care hospital in Lebanon.MethodsThis retrospective cross-sectional study examined incident reports completed by HCWs over a period of 5 years (January 2018 to December 2022). Injury severity was assessed by HCWs’ need for an Emergency Department (ED) visit after sustaining an injury at work. The association with age, sex, occupation, and type of injury was examined. Results were reported as adjusted OR, with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals and p-values, using logistic regression.Results1,772 injury reports were recorded, of which 790 were included for analysis since the sample was limited to the outpatient clinic opening hours to ensure a more accurate assessment of injury severity. Of these, 27% required an ED visit. Male sex (OR = 1.601, p-value = 0.005) was associated with more severe injuries. Transportation injuries (OR = 5.927, p-value = 0.001) were more severe compared to other injury mechanism, while needle-pricks (OR = 0.008, p-value = 0.000), exposure to blood products (OR = 0.025, p-value = 0.000), and exposure to harmful substances (OR = 0.209, p-value = 0.003) were less severe. Age and occupation only showed significance at the bivariate level.ConclusionThis study highlighted significant determinants of injury severity among HCWs, emphasizing the critical need for targeted interventions for individuals at risk. Implementing comprehensive safety and wellness programs can enhance the overall health and safety of HCWs in high-stress environments.

Organic pollutants in a large shallow lake, and the potential of the local quagga mussel population for their removal.

Organic pollutants in a large shallow lake, and the potential of the local quagga mussel population for their removal.

'Those sessions open[ed] our eyes and our minds': participant acceptability and satisfaction with a gender-focused HIV and substance use risk-reduction intervention on alcohol use, HIV treatment, and sexual behaviour among women in South Africa.

Women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who use alcohol are at a heightened risk of disengagement in HIV care. A mixed-methods substudy was embedded in an implementation science trial to assess perceived satisfaction and acceptability of the Women's Health CoOp (WHC), a gender-focused, alcohol and harmful substance use, HIV biobehavioural intervention in Cape Town, South Africa. A modified version of the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8)® was used to assess patient satisfaction (N = 456). Eight focus groups were also conducted to assess the perceived acceptability and satisfaction of the WHC after completion of the intervention workshops. Participants reported being very pleased with the WHC with an acceptable internal consistency estimate (α = .81). Intervention satisfaction was high (M = 30.9; SD = 0.1) on the CSQ-8 scale. Focus group participants reported that the WHC helped them reduce the amount and frequency of heavy alcohol use. Knowledge gained through the WHC reduced misperceptions about mixing alcohol with antiretroviral therapy and motivated re-engagement in HIV care. Participants also reported a decrease in condomless sex. Interventions that support and empower women living with HIV reporting heavy alcohol use should be implemented sustainably to improve HIV treatment retention and re-engagement and to reduce alcohol consumption among this population.

Carbon Footprint Analysis on Alternate Disposal Strategies for Personal Protective Equipment Waste

The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) has gained universal acceptance as a critical measure for safeguarding individuals against hazardous environments, including exposure to infectious agents and harmful substances. The increased use of PPE across various industries has resulted in a significant rise in its consumption. Primarily, the steady surge in global COVID cases has caused a sudden rise in demand for PPE. However, the indiscreet and irrational disposal method can potentially augment the impending climate change problem. In the prevailing situation, there is a need to assess their current mode of disposal in terms of carbon emissions. The present study aims to perform carbon footprint analysis (CFA) on landfilling, incineration, and recycling methods of disposal for two scenarios (1 and 100 million PPE). The results indicate that the application of the recycling option could contribute to a situation with conceivably positive emissions with net savings in emissions of approximately 0.159 million kg CO2e/million PPE. In contrast, it shows that the emissions associated with incineration are substantially higher than the other two methods with emissions of more than 0.78 million kg CO2e/million PPE. Additionally, transportation factors such as haulage distance and vehicle type significantly influence overall emissions. For scenario II, emissions from recycling and landfilling increase by 383% and 390%, respectively, compared to a 100% increase for incineration. Based on the net emissions, the order of preference for the three disposal methods is recycling > landfilling > incineration, which is consistent for both scenarios. However, for the hypothetical infinite periods, the emissions from landfilling can potentially rise by more than ten times compared to a surveyable period of 30 years. These findings highlight the need for sustainable PPE waste management to reduce environmental impact.

A rapid method for methanol quantification in spirits using UV-visible spectroscopy and FTIR

Although standards methods of food safety assessment are important, these methods are relatively expensive and require intensive work and time. In alcohol beverage industries, ultraviolet visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy are reliable techniques for quality assessment of alcohol, however, testing methods are often varying with calibration techniques and instrument specification. In this work, methanol content in ethanol was assessed in two approaches using UV-Vis with a developed calibration technique and FTIR spectroscopy with a factory default scan function at every 2 nanometer (nm). For UV-Vis method, potassium dichromate was used as the chromogenic reagent, tested with methanol concentration ranging from 0.12% to 1% (mV−1). For FTIR method, spectra data was collected every 2 nm interval and calibration curve was built by increasing methanol ratio from 0% to 40% (mV−1) at the expense of ethanol while keeping deionised (DO) water constant at 5% (mV−1) concentration. This helps gauge the change in methanol concentration relative to ethanol. Results of analysis using UV-Vis showed a strong negative correlation for methanol concentration and absorbance value at UV region from 900 to 1,100 cm−1 (r = 98.00, RMSE = 0.023) relative to increasing ethanol concentration. A strong peak was observed for methanol concentration at spectral region of 975 cm−1 which is related to the methanoic acid C-O bond. The FTIR spectra region at 900 to 1,050 cm−1 was used for observing methanol concentration with absorbance. A strong correlation was established from spectral region of 1,010 to 1,026 cm−1, enabling quantification of methanol (r = 0.99, RMSEC = 0.55). Methanol peak was observed at 1,020 cm−1 region of the spectrum. A set of experimental repetition was made with methanol concentration of 0.02% to 0.5% and 0.1% to 5% for UV-Vis and FTIR, respectively, to determine the limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ). The observation showed a 0.04% and 0.29% (mV−1) LOD for UV-Vis and FTIR method, respectively. The LOQ was 0.12% and 0.89% (mV−1) for UV-Vis and FTIR respectively. The integration of UV-Vis with potassium dichromate as chromogenic reagent and FTIR spectroscopy with comparatively 50% less data point still present a significant advancement in the test method for safety and quality control of alcohol beverage products. These techniques not only enhance the ability to detect harmful substances but also provide a cost-effective and rapid alternative to traditional methods, making them invaluable tools for distilleries aiming to uphold high standards of quality.

Econometric Modeling and Forecasting of Regional Environmental Conditions and Public Health Issues in Uzbekistan: A Case Study of Navoi Region

In this research work, the problems of connection between various harmful substances emitted into the atmosphere and population morbidity indicators were analyzed in the Navoi region, located in the industrialized and arid climate region of the Republic of Uzbekistan, in the Central Asian region. In today’s globalization process, due to the rapid development of the industry, several problems related to the health of the population are also appearing, so it is more important than ever to pay serious attention to solving these problems. Item 11 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals is also dedicated to the sustainable development of cities, and it is especially emphasized that the people living in the cities of the Asian continent have a very low chance of breathing clean air. Issues such as a very thorough analysis of this situation, improving the environmental situation as much as possible, transitioning to a green economy as soon as possible, and strengthening the health of the population are more important. In the implementation of this study, using methods such as statistical data analysis, sociological survey, and econometric modeling with the help of R Studio software, an attempt was made to determine the correlation between various harmful substances released into the atmosphere and disease groups of the population. This study’s conclusions show a direct relationship between the harmful substances released into the atmosphere and some types of population diseases in the industrialized region of Uzbekistan in Navoi, and their reduction by 2028 forecasts is presented. Decision-making organizations can use these results to prevent this situation from exacerbating.

Contemporary Ergonomic Solutions and Yoga Techniques (Asanas and Pranayama) for Prenatal Care

The workplace environment significantly impacts the physical and psychological well-being of pregnant employees. Pregnancy brings challenges such as postural problems, backache, and reduced coordination, affecting work performance. A specialized ergonomic assessment helps address these issues. This paper explores combining ergonomic solutions with holistic practices like Vihara, which includes Asana (Yoga postures) and Pranayama (breathing exercises), to improve prenatal care. These techniques enhance flexibility, reduce stress, and adapt to the mother’s changing needs across all trimesters. They support both physiological and psychological well-being, ensuring comfort and health. Pregnancy-related changes, including pain, spinal curvature, gait, and balance, require careful attention. Workplace hazards such as exposure to harmful substances and musculoskeletal injuries pose risks to maternal and fetal health.[1] A comprehensive approach - covering work environment, scheduling, communication, clothing, footwear, and diet - promotes a safe pregnancy while maintaining employment. Yoga, integrated into Vihara-based ergonomics, offers benefits like physical ease and psychological resilience. It improves maternal health, enhances prenatal care satisfaction, and fosters a positive pregnancy experience. Conversely, poor workplace ergonomics can lead to complications, including infertility, miscarriage, preterm births, and low birth weight babies.[2] Regular practice of Asana and Pranayama throughout pregnancy supports a smoother labor and a healthier postpartum experience, with modifications tailored to each trimester for maximum benefits.

Breastfeeding and Electronic Cigarettes: A Health Perspectives

Breastfeeding practiced exclusively and/or complemented with other foods is the best practice to be adopted for the infant, since it also offers benefits to the mother, family and the entire society. However, occasionally milk can be a vehicle for transmitting harmful substances to the child, as is the case with mothers who smoke. In recent decades, there has been a large increase in the use of electronic cigarettes, whose components can be found in breast milk, mainly nicotine. Smoking is a major global public health problem and, currently, electronic cigarettes have attracted many new smokers, with increasing prevalence among younger people. Among other effects nicotine can cause bronchospasm, tachycardia, hypersecretion in bronchial tree, increased cardiac contractility and blood flow in the coronary arteries, nausea, vomiting, agitation and tremors. This article presents the main characteristics of electronic cigarettes and the nicotine and its effects on the mother and child's body, also discussing some measures to protect health and reduce the habit of using electronic cigarettes.

Research Progress on the Effect of Biochar Addition on Soil Microorganisms in Cultived Land

Biochar is a carbon-rich product derived from the pyrolysis of fibrous biomass. It has attracted considerate attention because of its functions, such as improving soil fertility, achieving soil carbon sequestration, and adsorbing soil pollutants. Soil microorganisms are the main components of the soil life system in cultivated land, playing an important role in soil structure, nutrition, ecological balance, and plant health. Soil microorganisms are involved in the complex relationship between biochar addition and cultivated soil and plants. Therefore, the direct effects of biochar on soil microorganisms and indirect effects on soil properties, plant root growth, and metabolic status were investigated. Biochar could directly provide habitat and nutrients for soil microorganisms, alter enzymatic activity, and affect signal communication. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons （PAHs） and other substances in biochar were not conducive to the survival and metabolism of soil microorganisms. Biochar could indirectly affect soil microorganisms by improving soil physical and chemical properties, such as porosity, pH, aggregate structure, and bulk density, stimulating plant growth, changing secretion status, and enrichment of harmful substances. The observed effects of biochar on the metabolic activities and community structure of soil microorganisms in cultivated land were complex, related to the properties of biochar raw materials, processing technology, and application rate. We proposed biochar products with low preparation cost, few potential hazards, and high comprehensive benefits and prospected future research directions, providing a basis for the study of biochar regulation in cultivated land soil.

Metrnl protects intestinal barrier function by regulating tight junctions via the IKKβ/IκBα/NFκB/MLCK/MLC signaling pathway

Meteorin-like (Metrnl), also known as Subfatin, IL-41, or Cometin, is a secreted protein predominantly expressed in the intestinal epithelium. The intestinal barrier, primarily consisting of epithelial cells connected by tight junctions, is essential for maintaining gut homeostasis by preventing harmful substances from entering the body. Despite Metrnl’s high expression in the intestine, its role in barrier function remains unclear. In this study, we investigated Metrnl’s role in intestinal barrier function using both loss-of-function (using global and intestinal epithelium-specific knockout mice) and gain-of-function (using intestinal epithelium-specific overexpression mice) approaches. Our findings showed that Metrnl deficiency disrupted tight junctions between enterocytes and exacerbated endotoxin-induced barrier dysfunction. Mechanistically, Metrnl deficiency triggered activation of the IKKβ/IκBα/NFκB signaling pathway, leading to increased MLCK expression and MLC phosphorylation. The NFκB inhibitor PDTC reversed this effect both in vivo and in vitro. Macrophages played an essential role in Metrnl’s intestinal barrier protective effects during endotoxemia, but were not necessary in burn-induced barrier injury, suggesting potential differences in mechanism between these conditions. Notably, recombinant Metrnl protein administration protected against barrier dysfunction, and genetic overexpression of Metrnl in enterocytes preserved barrier function and alleviated DSS-induced colitis. These findings establish Metrnl as a key regulator of intestinal barrier integrity through the IKKβ/IκBα/NFκB/MLCK/MLC pathway, highlighting its potential therapeutic value in treating barrier dysfunction disorders.Intestinal barrier dysfunction triggers, such as endotoxin and severe burns, may induce the release of Metrnl from vascular endothelium. This leads to an increase in circulating Metrnl. Both circulating Metrnl and local Metrnl inhibit inflammation and the IKKβ/IκBα/NFκB/MLCK/MLC signaling pathway in enterocytes, thereby protecting tight junctions from disruption caused by endotoxin or burns.

The Importance of Crosslinking in Electrospun Membranes for Water Contaminant Removal.

Traditional water purification systems often rely on synthetic materials that pose environmental risks due to their non-biodegradability and the potential release of harmful substances. To address these concerns, natural polymer-based membranes are being developed as a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative for water treatment due to their biodegradability, low toxicity, and chemical versatility. These materials are particularly suitable for removing a wide range of contaminants due to their high selectivity and water permeability. Despite their benefits, challenges such as improving mechanical strength, durability, and resistance to fouling persist. Ongoing research continues to optimize the performance of electrospun membranes to meet modern water treatment demands. For this purpose, crosslinking via thermal initiators azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) and 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane)dihydrochloride (V50) and chemical crosslinking by glutaraldehyde (GA) vapor have been studied for methacrylated chitosan and alginate. In addition, biocharcoal has been introduced into the membranes to enhance their functional properties. The development of natural polymer-based membranes combined with biocharcoal presents a promising and scalable solution for sustainable water purification, playing a crucial role in reducing pollution and preserving vital water resources for future generations. In this study, we demonstrate that the crosslinking effect plays a key role in maintaining the stability of alginate-based membranes in an aqueous environment while enhancing their adsorption capacity for methylene blue dye, making them promising for water purification applications.

Home-based care for umbilical cords of neonates by family caregivers in Mpumalanga province, South Africa

Background: Multiple substances have been applied to neonates’ umbilical cords and have yielded detrimental results on neonates’ health status.Aim: The study aimed to explore and describe home-based care for umbilical cords of neonates by family caregivers.Setting: The study was conducted at Waterval community, a village under Dr J.S Moroka local municipality in Nkangala district in the Mpumalanga province.Methods: A qualitative exploratory, descriptive research study design was used to explore home-based care for neonates’ umbilical cords. The target population was family caregivers who had been caring for the umbilical cords of neonates at home. Non-probability and purposive sampling were done, and individual in-depth interviews were used for data collection. The sample size of 18 participants was determined by data saturation. Thematic analysis was utilised to analyse the data.Results: The following main themes emerged during data analysis: substances applied on the umbilical cord, beliefs associated with umbilical cord care, the effectiveness of health education provided on discharge from the community health centre and the healing process.Conclusion: The findings of the study revealed that various harmful substances were applied to the umbilical cords of neonates, and these practices were influenced by cultural beliefs.Contribution: The findings of the study brought to light that indeed, the application of substances that have not been recommended by the South African guidelines on neonates’ umbilical cord does lead to delayed umbilical cord separation and healing and has the potential to cause neonatal infections.

Water Quality Assessment of River Patalganga

The Patalganga River, flowing through the Western Ghats, is an important natural water source for the region. Over the years, its banks have attracted many industries because of the easy availability of raw water. However, rapid industrial growth has led to significant pollution, affecting the river’s water quality. Waste from factories and other human activities has altered its physical, chemical, and biological properties, making it less suitable for various uses. The deterioration of the river is a growing concern, as it directly impacts the people and environment that depend on it. To assess the extent of pollution, river water was tested for various parameters. The analysis showed that several factors, such as turbidity, hardness, color, and PH, Temperature, Clorine Content, Electric Conductivity, were above the recommended safe levels. High turbidity, or cloudiness of water, indicates the presence of suspended particles, making the water difficult to purify. Increased hardness means the water contains excess minerals, which can affect its taste and usability for household chores. The presence of unnatural color suggests contamination from industrial discharge or other pollutants Pollution in the Patalganga River not only affects human health but also disrupts the local ecosystem. Aquatic plants and animals depend on clean water to survive, and the introduction of harmful substances can lead to a decline in fish populations and other wildlife. If the pollution continues to rise, it could permanently damage the river’s biodiversity. Additionally, polluted water can seep into the ground, contaminating wells and underground water sources that many people depend on for drinking and farming. To determine whether the river water is safe for drinking, its quality was compared to the standards set by IS 10500. This standard provides guidelines for safe drinking water in India, ensuring that it does not pose risks to human health. Additionally, WHO (2006) guidelines were referenced where necessary to understand the global recommendations for water safety. The findings suggest that immediate steps are needed to improve the water quality. Key Words: Turbidity, Hardness, pH, Temperature, Electric Conductivity, Chlorine content

IOT Based Smart Helmet for Coal Mining Tracking

Energy production remains heavily reliant on the coal mining industry, yet this sector poses significant occupational hazards to miners, including exposure to toxic gases, temperature, air pollution and various accidents. The IoT enabled Smart Helmet for Coal Mine Workers represents an innovative solution that was conceived and implemented in this research study. The helmet is equipped with a suite of sensors, such as temperature, humidity, and gas sensors, designed to detect harmful substances and environmental changes. These sensors continuously collect real-time data, which is transmitted wirelessly to a centralized monitoring system. This research paper thoroughly explores the design, features, benefits, and underlying IoT architecture of the Smart Helmet. By incorporating this model, the coal mining industry advances toward adopting safer, more sustainable, and environmentally responsible mining practices. Keywords: Smart helmet, coal mining, IoT, safety, environmental monitoring.

Health Effects of Municipal Solid Waste Management Workers – A Review

Workers in solid waste management face numerous risks every day, including exposure to harmful substances, injuries from sharp objects, and the physical strain of lifting heavy objects. Many do not receive proper protective equipment, clean facilities, or necessary training, which makes their work even more dangerous. In addition, long working hours, job insecurity, and social stigma lead to stress and mental health challenges. In many sectors, weak safety regulations and lack of enforcement mean that workers do not receive adequate healthcare and support. To improve their well-being, it is necessary to implement strong safety measures, provide good protective equipment, conduct regular health checks, and provide appropriate training. Enhancing waste management systems and ensuring fair working conditions can greatly reduce risks. Collaborative efforts between governments, waste management organizations, and public health organizations are essential to creating a safe working environment.