Health Effects Of Exposure Research Articles

The Role of Simulation Science in Public Health at the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry: An Overview and Analysis of the Last Decade.

Environmental exposures are ubiquitous and play a significant, and sometimes understated, role in public health as they can lead to the development of various chronic and infectious diseases. In an ideal world, there would be sufficient experimental data to determine the health effects of exposure to priority environmental contaminants. However, this is not the case, as emerging chemicals are continuously added to this list, furthering the data gaps. Recently, simulation science has evolved and can provide appropriate solutions using a multitude of computational methods and tools. In its quest to protect communities across the country from environmental health threats, ATSDR employs a variety of simulation science tools such as Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling, Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) modeling, and benchmark dose (BMD) modeling, among others. ATSDR's use of such tools has enabled the agency to evaluate exposures in a timely, efficient, and effective manner. ATSDR's work in simulation science has also had a notable impact beyond the agency, as evidenced by external researchers' widespread appraisal and adaptation of the agency's methodology. ATSDR continues to advance simulation science tools and their applications by collaborating with researchers within and outside the agency, including other federal/state agencies, NGOs, the private sector, and academia.

EHT and environmental justice at EPA Victoria: Aspirations and regulatory realities

Abstract EPA Victoria (Australia) is a statutory authority that regulates polluting activities and advises other Victorian government departments on relevant policy settings. In 2016, a public health function was installed at EPA Vic to provide emergency health messaging during pollution events, review research evidence of environmental-health relationships and assess industry-contracted health risk assessments of polluting entities. An Environmental Health Tracking Network (EHTN) is under development to support these activities. The EHTN is an agile data and analytical infrastructure for translating expertise across an expanding multidisciplinary network of public health researchers, EPA operational staff and public sector policy makers. Its current interactive dashboards calculate health impacts and associated costs of air pollution scenarios, model land-use influences on land and water contamination and identify coincidences of sociodemographic-, urban environment- and pollution exposure-disadvantage in a high spatial resolution environmental justice (EJ) framework. Regulatory leverage of EHTN intelligence, however, requires legislated EJ thresholds and/or legally tractable costing of industry-externalised human health impacts. Thus, to establish triggers for more stringent conditions on polluting activities and promote equity of interventions and regulations, novel regionally and EJ specific health risk functions are required. Considering these ambitions and challenges, the EHTN at EPA Vic is focussed on 1) identifying and characterising vulnerable populations at high spatial resolution, 2) estimating associated exposure-health effect size modifications using primary epidemiological methods and 3) applying these to health impact and cost assessments of pollution and waste. We seek defensible grounds on which to impose more stringent standards for polluters and redress entrenched social, health and economic disadvantage. Speakers/Panelists Hanna Tolonen THL, Helsinki, Finland

A co-created citizen science project on the short term effects of outdoor residential woodsmoke on the respiratory health of adults in the Netherlands

Background and aimWoodsmoke from household fireplaces contributes significantly to outdoor air pollution in the Netherlands. The current understanding of the respiratory health effects of exposure to smoke from residential wood burning is limited. This study investigated the association between short-term changes in outdoor woodsmoke exposure and lung function, respiratory symptoms, and medication use in adults in the Netherlands.MethodsThis study was co-created with citizen scientists and other relevant stakeholders. A panel study was conducted with repeated observations in 46 adults between February and May 2021 in four Dutch towns. Participants recorded their symptoms and medication use in daily diaries, and conducted morning and evening home spirometry measurements. Woodsmoke exposure was characterized by measuring levoglucosan (most specific marker for woodsmoke exposure), black/brown carbon, fine and ultrafine particulate matter at central monitoring sites. Individual woodsmoke perception (smell) was recorded in daily diaries. Linear and logistic regression models were used to investigate the association between respiratory health and woodsmoke exposure. Models were adjusted for time-varying confounders and accounted for repeated observations within participants.ResultsConsistent positive associations were found between levoglucosan and shortness of breath (SOB) during rest and extra respiratory medication use. Odds ratios for current day exposure to levoglucosan were 1.12 (95% CI: 0.97, 1.30) for SOB during rest and 1.19 (95% CI: 1.07, 1.33) for extra medication use, expressed per interquartile range of levoglucosan concentrations (69.16 ng/m3). Positive non-significant associations were found between levoglucosan and nasal symptoms, cough and waking up with SOB. No consistent association was found between levoglucosan and lung function. Associations found between woodsmoke markers, SOB during rest and extra medication use remained after the inclusion of PM2.5 and UFP in two-pollutant models.ConclusionsAdults experienced more SOB during rest, nasal symptoms and used more medication to treat respiratory symptoms on days with higher levels of outdoor woodsmoke concentrations.

Concentrations and short-term health effects of VOCs in explored subway, bus and taxi in Beijing, China

The transportation environment is one we are exposed to every day. However, previous research on exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and their acute health effects in various public transportation is limited. To address this gap, we conducted a panel study involving 25 healthy adults, investigating the exposures and acute health effects of exposures to 24 VOC species during 40-min commutes in Beijing's subways, buses and taxis during early spring 2023. Our findings revealed that exposure to multiple VOC species, including toluene, styrene, tetrachloroethylene, ethylacetate, resulted in a decrease in Heart Rate Variability (HRV). Specifically, SDNN decreased by 4.37 ms (95%CI: −8.52, −0.21) with per interquartile range (IQR) increase in ethylacetate; rMSSD decreased by 9.93 ms (95%CI: −19.01, −0.86), 4.75 ms (95%CI: −8.63, −0.86), and 7.00 ms (95%CI: −13.20, −0.81) with per IQR increase in toluene, styrene, and tetrachloroethylene, respectively; HF decreased by 154.07 ms2 (95%CI: −284.03, −24.11) with per IQR increase in carbon tetrachloride. For joint effect of these VOC species, we found significant associations with HRV only in taxis. Moreover, higher cyclohexane and methylcyclohexane exposures were linked to reports of sick car syndrome. Despite wearing masks during the COVID-19 period, comparative results from a supplementary experiment conducted post-COVID-19 without masks indicated that masks may not significantly reduce the adverse effects of VOC exposure. Our findings indicated the potential acute health risks of short-term VOC exposures in public transportation, particularly in taxis, highlighting the necessity to improve air quality and related standards in these micro-environments.

Adverse health effects of exposure to plastic, microplastics and their additives: environmental, legal and policy implications for Israel

BackgroundIsrael is a regional "hotspot" of plastic pollution, with little discussion of potential adverse health effects from exposure to plastic. This review aims to stimulate discussion and drive policy by focusing on these adverse health effects.Main bodyPlastics are synthetic polymers containing additives which can leach from food- and beverage-contact plastic into our food and beverages, and from plastic textiles onto our skin. Plastics persist in the environment for generations, fragmenting into MNPs: Micro (1 micron–5 mm)-Nano (1 nm–1 micron)-Plastic, which contaminate our atmosphere, water, and food chain. MNP can enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation and touch. MNP < 10 microns can cross epithelial barriers in the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems, and fragments < 100 nm can cross intact skin, enabling entry into body tissues. MNP have been found in multiple organs of the human body. Patients with MNP in atheromas of carotid arteries have increased risk of a combined measure of stroke, cardiovascular disease, and death. Toxic additives to plastics include bisphenols, phthalates, and PFAS, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) which cause dysregulation of thyroid function, reproduction, and metabolism, including increased risk of obesity, diabetes, endometriosis, cancer, and decreased fertility, sperm count and quality. Fetal exposure to EDCs is associated with increased rates of miscarriages, prematurity and low birth weight. There is likely no safe level of exposure to EDCs, with increasing evidence of trans-generational and epigenetic effects. There are several existing Israeli laws to reduce plastic use and waste. Taxes on single-use plastic (SUP) were recently cancelled. There are many gaps in regulatory standards for food-, beverage- and child- safe plastic. Existing standards are poorly enforced.ConclusionReduction in production and use of plastic, promotion of recycling and reduction of leaching of toxic additives into our food and beverages are essential policy goals. Specific recommendations: Periodic monitoring of MNP in bottled beverages, food, indoor air; Strengthen enforcement of standards for food-, beverage-, and child-safe plastic; Renew tax on SUPs; National ban on SUP at public beaches, nature reserves and parks; Ban products manufactured with MNP; Increase research on sources and health outcomes of exposure to MNP and EDCs.

Association between PM10\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$PM_{10}$$\\end{document} and respiratory diseases admission in peninsula Malaysia during haze

Numerous studies have been conducted in other countries on the health effects of exposure to particulate matter with a diameter of 10 microns or less PM10\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$PM_{10}$$\\end{document}, but little research has been conducted in Malaysia, particularly during the haze season. This study intends to investigate how exposure of PM10\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$PM_{10}$$\\end{document} influenced hospital admissions for respiratory diseases during the haze period in peninsula Malaysia and it was further stratified by age group, gender and respiratory diseases categories. The study includes data from all patients with respiratory diseases in 92 government hospitals, as well as PM10\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$PM_{10}$$\\end{document} concentration and meteorological data from 92 monitoring stations in Peninsula Malaysia starting from 1st January 2000 to 31st December 2019. A quasi-poison time series regression with distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) was employed in this study to examine the relationship between exposure of PM10\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$PM_{10}$$\\end{document} and hospital admissions for respiratory diseases during the haze period. Haze period for this study has been defined from June to September each year. According to the findings of this study, PM10\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$PM_{10}$$\\end{document} was positively associated with hospitalisation of respiratory disease within 30 lag days under various lag patterns, with lag 25 showing the strongest association (RR = 1.001742, CI 1.001029,1.002456). Using median as a reference, it was discovered that females were more likely than males to be hospitalized for PM10\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$PM_{10}$$\\end{document} exposure. Working age group will be the most affected by the increase in PM10\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$PM_{10}$$\\end{document} exposure with a significant cumulative RR from lag 010 to lag 030. The study found that PM10\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$PM_{10}$$\\end{document} had a significant influence on respiratory hospitalisation in peninsula Malaysia, particularly for lung diseases caused by external agents(CD5). Therefore, it is important to implement effective intervention measures to control PM10\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$PM_{10}$$\\end{document} and reduce the burden of respiratory disease admissions.

Inverse Probability Weighting to Estimate Impacts of Hypothetical Occupational Limits on Radon Exposure to Reduce Lung Cancer.

Radon is a known cause of lung cancer. Protective standards for radon exposure are derived largely from studies of working populations that are prone to healthy worker survivor bias. This bias can lead to under-protection of workers and is a key barrier to understanding health effects of many exposures. We apply inverse probability weighting to study a set of hypothetical exposure limits among 4,137 male, White and American Indian radon-exposed uranium miners in the Colorado Plateau followed from 1950 to 2005. We estimate cumulative risk of lung cancer through age 90 under hypothetical occupational limits. We estimate that earlier implementation of the current US Mining Safety and Health Administration annual standard of 4 working level months (implemented here as a monthly exposure limit) could have reduced lung cancer mortality from 16/100 workers to 6/100 workers (95% confidence intervals: 3/100, 8/100), in contrast with previous estimates of 10/100 workers. Our estimate is similar to that among contemporaneous occupational cohorts. Inverse probability weighting is a simple and computationally efficient way address healthy worker survivor bias in order to contrast health effects of exposure limits and estimate the number of excess health outcomes under exposure limits at work.

Exposure to climate events and mental health: Risk and protective factors from the California Health Interview Survey

There is increasing awareness of the effects of climate change on mental health, but more work on understanding risk and protective factors is needed. The 2021 California Health Interview Survey included new questions about exposure to extreme weather events and mental health responses. This study aims to identify how individual factors and neighborhood social cohesion are associated with negative mental health effects of exposure to extreme weather events. In this cross-sectional, representative study, we used data from the 2021 California Health Interview Survey to analyze the association between respondent characteristics and self-report of negative mental health effects following exposure to extreme weather events. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used, adjusting for individual-level sociodemographics and measures of neighborhood social cohesion. We found that 53% of the sample reported being affected by climate events (n = 12,955), and of these, 22.8% (n = 2,955) reported a negative impact on their mental health. Respondents who were younger, White, female, college-educated, or living in a rural area were more likely to report adverse mental health effects of climate events for themselves or household members. Individuals who had experienced property damage were much more likely to report negative mental health effects due to climate events [property damage adjusted OR 3.73, 95% CI 2.82–3.76]. This study identifies subgroups that may have higher vulnerability to the mental health effects of climate change events. Future research is needed to develop targeted prevention and outreach interventions to these subgroups to build individual- and community-level resilience.

Long-term spatiotemporal variation of benzo[a]pyrene in Japan: Significant decrease in ambient concentrations, human exposure, and health risk

Although Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is considered carcinogenic to humans, the health effects of exposure to ambient levels have not been sufficiently investigated. This study estimated the long-term spatiotemporal variation of BaP in Japan over nearly two decades at a fine spatial resolution of 1 km. This study aimed to obtain an accurate spatiotemporal distribution of BaP that can be used in epidemiological studies on the health effects of ambient BaP exposure. The annual BaP concentrations were estimated using an ensemble machine learning approach using various predictors, including the concentrations and emission intensities of the criteria air pollutants, and meteorological, land use, and traffic-related variables. The model performance, evaluated by location-based cross-validation, exhibited satisfactory accuracy (R2 of 0.693). Densely populated areas showed higher BaP levels and greater temporal reduction, whereas BaP levels remained higher in some industrial areas. The population-weighted BaP in 2018 was 0.12 ng m−3, a decrease of approximately 70% from its 2000 value of 0.44 ng m−3, which was also reflected in the estimated excess number of lung cancer incidences. Accordingly, the proportion of BaP exposure below 0.12 ng m−3, which is the BaP concentration associated with an excess lifetime cancer risk of 10−5, reached 67% in 2018. Our estimates can be used in epidemiological studies to assess the health effects of BaP exposure at ambient concentrations.

Variation in the fitted filtration efficiency of disposable face masks by sex.

Disposable face masks are a primary protective measure against the adverse health effects of exposure to infectious and toxic aerosols such as airborne viruses and particulate air pollutants. While the fit of high efficiency respirators is regulated in occupational settings, relatively little is known about the fitted filtration efficiencies of ear loop style face masks worn by the public. We measured the variation in fitted filtration efficiency (FFE) of four commonly worn disposable face masks, in a cohort of healthy adult participants (N = 100, 50% female, 50% male, average age = 32.3 ± 9.2 years, average BMI = 25.5 ± 3.4) using the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration Quantitative Fit Test, for an N95 (respirator), KN95, surgical, and KF94 masks. The latter three ear loop style masks were additionally tested in a clip-modified condition, tightened using a plastic clip to centrally fasten loops in the back of the head. The findings show that sex is a major determinant of the FFE of KN95, surgical, and KF94 masks. On average, males had an 11% higher FFE relative to females, at baseline testing. We show that a simple modification using an ear loop clip, results in improvements in the average FFE for females but provides comparatively minor changes for males. On average, females had a 20% increased FFE when a clip was worn behind the head, relative to a 6% increase for males. The efficacy of a disposable face mask as protection against air contaminants depends on the efficiency of the mask materials and how well it fits the wearer. We report that the sex of the wearer is a major determinant of the baseline fitted filtration efficiency (FFE) of commonly available ear loop style face masks. In addition, we show that a simple fit modifier, an ear loop clip fastened behind the head, substantially improves baseline FFE for females but produces only minor changes for males. These findings have significant public health implications for the use of face masks as a protective intervention against inhalational exposure to airborne contaminants.

Prenatal and childhood neonicotinoid exposure and neurodevelopment: A study in a young Taiwanese cohort

Neonicotinoid insecticides (NEOs) dominate the global pesticide market because of their low cost and effectiveness. However, epidemiological studies regarding the potential adverse health effects of exposure to NEOs before birth and in early childhood are limited. Therefore, this study investigated the associations between NEO exposure before birth and during early childhood and neurodevelopment.A total of 273 mother–child pairs were enrolled in this study. Mothers provided urine samples in the third trimester and breast milk during the first and third months of lactation. Their children provided urine samples and were evaluated for neurodevelopment by using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition at 2–3 years (N = 96) and the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV) at 4–6 years (N = 63). The sum of the concentrations of seven NEOs (ΣNEOs) and the relative potency factor of NEOs, based on comparison with imidacloprid (IMIRPF), were used to assess total exposure to NEOs. Multivariate linear regression analyses were conducted to assess the associations between prenatal and childhood exposure to NEOs and neurodevelopment.The results of the analysis revealed that clothianidin (CLO) and thiamethoxam were the most common NEOs to which children in the Taipei metropolitan area were exposed and that exposure concentrations were high in the Taipei metropolitan area. Imidacloprid was the most frequently detected NEO during the postnatal period. Additionally, exposure to NEOs through breast milk was low. Exposure to CLO, ΣNEOs, and IMIRPF in boys aged 4–6 years was negatively correlated with WPPSI-IV Fluid Reasoning Index. The results of this study indicate that exposure during the third trimester to NEOs does not affect neurodevelopment but that childhood exposure to NEOs may, especially for boys. Further studies with larger sample sizes are required to confirm the sex-specific associations between NEO exposure and neurodevelopment.

Chlorothalonil Exposure and Risk of Cancer : A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocol

Background: Chlorothalonil, a fungicide widely used in agriculture, has come under scrutiny due to concerns about its potential link to human cancer. Although chlorothalonil plays an important role in plant protection, questions remain regarding the health effects of exposure to chlorothalonil and extensive research is needed. This review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the existing evidence on the association between chlorothalonil exposure and cancer risk and to resolve the controversy in existing knowledge. Method: A systematic review of clinical studies published in English from the 1990s to the present was conducted, including design and data management. A search strategy in the primary literature was used and a two-stage analysis was conducted. A sampling design was used to extract data and a design tool was used to assess the quality of included studies. Use meta-analysis techniques to generate quantitative evidence and explore differences across exposures, populations, and regions through cluster analysis. Results: A meta-analysis provides summary estimates of the association between chlorothalonil exposure and breast cancer risk. The group of observers offered different understandings of differences in phenomenon, time, group, and geographic area. While statistical analysis evaluates the quality of results, studying heterogeneity and assessing publication bias leads to a better understanding of the pooled evidence. Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis provides insight into the health effects of chlorothalonil exposure. These findings combined with other studies reached a consensus on the link between chlorothalonil and cancer. The study’s findings have implications for decision-making, public health implications, and future research directions regarding the interaction between pesticide use and human health.

Fine particulate matter exposure and systemic inflammation: A potential mediating role of bioactive lipids

Inflammation is a key mechanism underlying the adverse health effects of exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Bioactive lipids in the arachidonic acid (ARA) pathway are important in the regulation of inflammation and are reportedly altered by PM2.5 exposure. Ceramide-1-phosphate (C1P), a class of sphingolipids, is required to initiate ARA metabolism. We examined the role of C1P in the alteration of ARA metabolism after PM2.5 exposure and explored whether changes in the ARA pathway promoted systemic inflammation based on a panel study involving 112 older adults in Beijing, China. Ambient PM2.5 levels were continuously monitored at a fixed station from 2013 to 2015. Serum cytokine levels were measured to assess systemic inflammation. Multiple bioactive lipids in the ARA pathway and three subtypes of C1P were quantified in blood samples. Mediation analyses were performed to test the hypotheses. We observed that PM2.5 exposure was positively associated with inflammatory cytokines and the three subtypes of C1P. Mediation analyses showed that C1P significantly mediated the associations of ARA and 5, 6-dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acid (5, 6-DHET), an ARA metabolite, with PM2.5 exposure. ARA, 5, 6-DHET, and leukotriene B4 mediated systemic inflammatory response to PM2.5 exposure. For example, C1P C16:0 (a subtype of C1P) mediated a 12.9 % (95 % confidence interval: 3.7 %, 32.5 %) increase in ARA associated with 3-day moving average PM2.5 exposure, and ARA mediated a 27.1 % (7.8 %, 61.2 %) change in interleukin-8 associated with 7-day moving average PM2.5 exposure. Our study indicates that bioactive lipids in the ARA and sphingolipid metabolic pathways may mediate systemic inflammation after PM2.5 exposure.

The effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields exposure on human self-reported symptoms: A systematic review of human experimental studies

BackgroundThe technological applications of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) have been steadily increasing since the 1950s exposing large proportions of the population. The World Health Organization (WHO) is assessing the potential health effects of exposure to RF-EMF. ObjectivesTo systematically assess the effects of exposure to RF-EMF on self-reported non-specific symptoms in human subjects and to assess the accuracy of perceptions of presence or absence of RF-EMF exposure. MethodsEligibility criteria: experimental studies carried out in the general population and in individuals with idiopathic environmental intolerance attributed to EMF (IEI-EMF), in any language.Information sources: Medline, Web of Science, PsycInfo, Cochrane Library, Epistemonikos, Embase and EMF portal, searched till April 2022.Risk of Bias (ROB): we used the RoB tool developed by OHAT adapted to the topic of this review.Synthesis of results: we synthesized studies using random effects meta-analysis and sensitivity analyses, where appropriate. ResultsIncluded studies: 41 studies were included, mostly cross over trials and from Europe, with a total of 2,874 participants.Synthesis of results: considering the primary outcomes, we carried out meta-analyses of 10 exposure-outcomes pairs. All evidence suggested no or small non-significant effects of exposure on symptoms with high (three comparisons), moderate (four comparisons), low (one comparison) and very low (two comparisons) certainty of evidence. The effects (standard mean difference, where positive values indicate presence of symptom being exposed) in the general population for head exposure were (95% confidence intervals) 0.08 (−0.07 to 0.22) for headache, −0.01 (−0.22 to 0.20) for sleeping disturbances and 0.13 (−0.51 to 0.76) for composite symptoms; and for whole-body exposure: 0.09 (−0.35 to 0.54), 0.00 (−0.15 to 0.15) for sleeping disturbances and −0.05 (−0.17 to 0.07) for composite symptoms. For IEI-EMF individuals SMD ranged from −0.19 to 0.11, all of them with confidence intervals crossing the value of zero.Further, the available evidence suggested that study volunteers could not perceive the EMF exposure status better than what is expected by chance and that IEI-EMF individuals could not determine EMF conditions better than the general population. DiscussionLimitations of evidence: experimental conditions are substantially different from real-life situations in the duration, frequency, distance and position of the exposure. Most studies were conducted in young, healthy volunteers, who might be more resilient to RF-EMF than the general population. The outcomes of interest in this systematic review were symptoms, which are self-reported. The available information did not allow to assess the potential effects of exposures beyond acute exposure and in elderly or in chronically ill people. It cannot be ruled out that a real EMF effect in IEI-EMF groups is masked by a mix with insensitive subjects. However, studies on symptoms reporting and/or field perceptions did not find any evidence that there were particularly vulnerable individuals in the IEI-EMF group, although in open provocation studies, when volunteers were informed about the presence or absence of EMF exposure, such differences were consistently observed.Interpretation: available evidence suggests that acute RF-EMF below regulatory limits does not cause symptoms and corresponding claims in the everyday life are related to perceived and not to real EMF exposure status.

Mixture effects of trace element levels on cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes risk in adults using G-computation analysis

There is an increasing concern about the health effects of exposure to a mixture of pollutants. This study aimed to evaluate the associations between serum levels of heavy/essential metals ([Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), Lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), and Zinc (Zn)]) and the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Data were collected from 450 participants (150 with CVDs, 150 with T2D, and 150 healthy subjects) randomly selected from the Ravansar Non-Communicable Disease (RaNCD) cohort in Western Iran, covering the years 2018–2023. Trace element levels in the serum samples were assayed using ICP-MS. Logistic regression was performed to estimate the adjusted risk of exposure to single and multi-metals and CVD/T2D. Odds ratios were adjusted for age, sex, education, residential areas, hypertension, and BMI. The mixture effect of exposure to multi-metals and CVD/T2D was obtained using Quantile G-computation (QGC). In the logistic regression model, chromium, nickel, and zinc levels were associated with CVD, and significant trends were observed for these chemical quartiles (P < 0.001). Arsenic, chromium, and copper levels were also associated with T2D. The weight quartile sum (WQS) index was significantly associated with both CVD (OR 4.17, 95% CI 2.16–7.69) and T2D (OR 11.96, 95% CI 5.65–18.26). Cd, Pb, and Ni were the most heavily weighed chemicals in these models.The Cd had the highest weight among the metals in the CVD model (weighted at 0.78), followed by Hg weighted at 0.197. For T2D, the serum Pb (weighted at 0.32), Ni (weighted at 0.19), Cr (weighted at 0.17), and Cd (weighted at 0.14) were the most weighted in the G-computation model. The results showed the significant role of toxic and essential elements in CVDs and T2D risk. This association may be driven primarily by cadmium and mercury for CVDs and Pb, Ni, Cr, and Cd for T2D, respectively. Prospective studies with higher sample sizes are necessary to confirm or refute our preliminary results as well as to determine other important elements.

Humoral immunosuppression of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and the roles of oxidative stress and inflammation

Previous studies have indicated adverse health effects of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), but evidence on the association between PAH exposure and immunity is scarce and its underlying mechanism is largely unknown. This study assessed human exposure to PAHs by determining the concentrations of PAHs in serum and their metabolites in paired urine. The oxidative stress and inflammation levels were evaluated by urinary DNA damage biomarker 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, white blood cell counts and C-reaction protein. We investigated the relationship between PAH exposure and seven immunological components, and explored the indirect roles of oxidative stress and inflammation by mediation and moderation analysis. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that 1-hydroxynaphthalene and 2-hydroxyfluorene were negatively associated with immunoglobulin A, and 3-hydroxyphenanthrene was negatively correlated with complement component 3. Restricted cubic spline analysis demonstrated nonlinear relationships between some individual PAHs or their metabolites with immunological components. Bayesian kernel machine regression and quantile g-computation revealed significant associations of higher PAH exposure with decreased immunoglobulin G and kappa light chain levels. Phenanthrene was the compound that contributed the most to reduced immunoglobulin G. Mediation analysis demonstrated significant indirect effects of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine and white blood cell counts on the association between higher PAH exposure and decreased immunological components. Moderation analysis revealed that PAH exposure and decreased immunological components are significantly associated with higher levels of C-reaction protein and white blood cell counts. The results demonstrated significant immunosuppression of PAH exposure and highlighted the indirect roles of oxidative stress and inflammation. Interventions to reduce systemic inflammation may mitigate the adverse immune effects of PAH exposure.

Proposal of a methodology for prediction of heavy metals concentration based on PM2.5 concentration and meteorological variables using machine learning

In this study, we developed a prediction model for heavy metal concentrations using PM2.5 concentrations and meteorological variables. Data was collected from five sites, encompassing meteorological factors, PM2.5, and 18 metals over 2 years. The study employed four analytical methods: multiple linear regression (MLR), random forest regression (RFR), gradient boosting, and artificial neural networks (ANN). RFR was the best predictor for most metals, and gradient boosting and ANN were optimal for certain metals like Al, Cu, As, Mo, Zn, and Cd. Upon evaluating the final model’s predicted values against the actual measurements, differences in the concentration distribution between measurement locations were observed for Mn, Fe, Cu, Ba, and Pb, indicating varying prediction performances among sites. Additionally, Al, As, Cd, and Ba showed significant differences in prediction performance across seasons. The developed model is expected to overcome the technical limitations involved in measuring and analyzing heavy metal concentrations. It could further be utilized to obtain fundamental data for studying the health effects of exposure to hazardous substances such as heavy metals.

Health effects of exposure to urban ambient particulate matter: A spatial-statistical study on 3rd-trimester pregnant women

Pregnant women are highly vulnerable to environmental stressors such as ambient particulate matter (PM). Particularly during their 3rd trimester, their bodies undergo significant oxidative stresses. To further consolidate this dialogue into practice, the current study evaluated healthy pregnant women (n = 150 housewives; 18–40 years old; gestation age >36 weeks) from the highly polluted city of Yazd, Iran, from September to November 2021. The aerosol optical depth (AOD) data retrieved from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) were employed as influencing variables and validated using field-collected PM10 data (r = 0.62, p-value <0.01). The links between blood platelet count, enzymes (SGOT, SGPT, LDH, bilirubin), metabolic products (urea and acid uric) and different combinations of AOD data were assessed using the Generalized Additive Model. The results showed a high temporal variability in AOD (0.94 ± 0.51) but a spatially stable distribution pattern. The mean AOD during the 3rd trimester, followed by that of the three-month peak, were identified as the most significant non-linear predictors, while the mean AOD during the 1st trimester and throughout the entire pregnancy showed no significant associations with any of the biomarkers. Considering the associations found between AOD variables and maternal oxidative stresses, urgent planning is required to improve the urban air quality for sensitive subpopulations.

Lifetime Abuse Victimization and Prospective Health Outcomes in Older Adults.

Objectives: The current study examined the associations between lifetime abuse victimization and prospective health outcomes in late adulthood. Methods: Data from 4907 older adults (mean age = 80) from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study were analyzed. Multivariate analyses examined the associations of lifetime abuse victimization with depression, physical health status, and memory. Results: Greater exposure to lifetime abuse was associated with a significantly higher risk of depression (OR = 1.13, CI: [1.08, 1.19], p < .001) and a greater number of limitations in physical functioning (b = .08, SE = .02, p < .001), but not with memory performance (b = .01, SE = .14, p > .05). Discussion: Our results support the interrelations of interpersonal violence across the life course and the lasting health effects of exposure to lifetime abuse. Findings highlight the need for a life course-based, trauma-informed approach in prevention and intervention programs for older adults.

Health and Safety Executive research on wood dust exposure controls in British manufacturing.

To generate new intelligence on occupational exposure to wood dust in woodworking manufacturing activities in Britain, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) performed 22 occupational hygiene site visits to assess exposure and exposure controls between 2014 and 2017. The work aimed to characterise good practice and therefore sites with a poor health and safety record, as identified from HSE inspection records, were not invited to participate. Sites selected covered furniture production, joinery, saw milling, and boat building and repair. Twenty-three follow-up telephone interviews were also carried out across 15 of the companies with supervisors and managers to explore how they tried to promote good practice among the workforce, and if there are any potential challenges encountered. The aim of the interviews was to gain a better understanding of how to enable organisations to improve the management of wood dust exposure. This study found that 6.0% of all wood dust exposure measurements (15 out of 252) were above 5 mg/m³, and 17.6% of exposures to hardwood dust or mixtures of hardwood and softwood dust (38 out of 216) were above 3 mg/m³ (the then current and future workplace exposure limits). Sanding, cleaning, and maintenance activities were of particular concern. Improvements to exposure controls are required, in particular, improvements to local exhaust ventilation controls for hand-held power tools and hand sanding. The management, selection, and use of respiratory protective equipment were poor. All the managers and supervisors recognised that exposure to wood dust can pose serious health risks, and that controls were crucial to protecting workers' health. The findings from the telephone interviews suggest that supervision and provision of information about the health effects of exposure to wood dust were common approaches that organisations used to raise awareness and promote good practice, in relation to managing wood dust exposure. Worker attitudes towards controls, such as perceptions that they hinder task completion and habitual ways of working, were identified as factors influencing the use of controls. Risk communication approaches that focus on increasing workers' awareness of their susceptibility to ill-health using credible sources, such as peers, can help enhance the uptake of messages on the use of controls. Financial constraints were identified as a challenge to improving the control of wood dust, particularly for small companies.