Human Health Risk Research Articles

GIS-Based Analysis of Volatile Organic Compounds in Bucheon, Korea, Using Mobile Laboratory and Proton-Transfer-Reaction Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry Methods.

Recently, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been shown to act as precursors of secondary organic particles that react with ultraviolet rays in the atmosphere and contribute to photochemical smog, global warming, odor, and human health risks, highlighting the importance of VOC management. In this study, we measured VOC concentrations in various contexts including industrial and residential areas of Bucheon, Korea, through mobile laboratory and proton-transfer-reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometry methods to determine winter VOC concentrations and visualized the data based on spatial information. Regional characteristics, temperature/humidity, atmospheric conditions, wind speed, traffic volume, etc., during the measurement period of the study site were comprehensively reviewed. For this purpose, global information system (GIS)-based air quality data and various environmental variables were comprehensively reviewed to assess spatial and temporal concentrations in three dimensions rather than in tables and graphs. Among VOCs, the levels of toluene, methanol, and n + i-butene were relatively high, with average concentrations of 48.3 ± 67.2, 34.4 ± 102.7, and 32.6 ± 57.7 ppb, respectively, at the end of the working day. The highest concentrations occurred near the Ojeong Industrial Complex. Mobile pollution sources are also a major driver of VOCs, highlighting the necessity of comprehensively reviewing traffic variables such as road level, estimated traffic volume, and average speed when identifying hotspots of air pollution. GIS-based visualization analysis techniques will improve the efficiency of air quality management.

High-risk ARGs (HRA) Chip: A high-throughput qPCR-based array for assessment of high-risk ARGs from the environment

The global surge in antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) presents a serious public health challenge. While methods like metagenomic analysis and qPCR arrays have been instrumental in investigating ARG distributions and dynamics, the vast diversity of ARGs often complicates effective monitoring and risk assessment. Here, we developed a High-Risk ARGs (HRA) chip based on high-capacity quantitative PCR array targeting previously identified high-risk ARGs. These ARGs are known to be prevalent in human-related environments, exhibit gene mobility, and are present in ESKAPE pathogens. The HRA chip include 101 primer sets and the 16S rRNA gene as a reference. These primer sets consist of 34 obtained from previous studies, and 67 newly designed primer sets which were validated in silico and experimentally. Absolute quantification of targeted ARGs is accomplished by generating standard curves for all ARGs with serially ten-fold diluted mixed plasmids containing targeted ARG sequences. The amplification efficiencies of all ARGs exceed 99% via plasmid template dilution tests, suggesting high reliability in quantification. The performance of HRA chip is further evaluated by practical applications in environmental samples from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and soils with various land use types and fertilization regimes. The results indicate the dynamics of high-risk ARGs during wastewater treatment process, and reveal the profiles of soil high-risk ARGs which is distinct from those derived via metagenomic approaches. These findings highlight the potentials of HRA Chip in the evaluation of anthropogenic impacts on the environmental resistome with a more focused spectrum of high-risk ARGs. Overall, the HRA Chip emerges as a powerful and efficient high-throughput tool for rapid detection and quantification of high-risk ARGs, facilitating comprehensive profiling of high-risk resistomes in environmental samples which is essential for human health risk assessment of ARGs.

The occurrence and human health risk assessment of total and aflatoxin B1 in selected food commodities in Bhutan

Aflatoxins are mycotoxins that contaminate staple foods globally and pose a significant health risk. To the best of our knowledge, information on the occurrence of aflatoxins in Bhutanese diets is scarce. This study aimed to estimate the aflatoxin levels in selected foodstuffs in Bhutan and determine the health risk associated with aflatoxin exposure. Ten different types of food commodities were randomly collected from farmers’ markets, shelves of supermarkets, and wholesale and retail shops from 20 districts of the country. The samples were subjected to analysis by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for both total aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1 and G2) and aflatoxin B1. Among the 315 samples included, 48.81% and 79.35% were positive for total aflatoxins and aflatoxin B1, respectively. The overall mean total aflatoxin concentration was 11.49 ± 12.83 µg/kg, and that for B1 was 17.62 ± 23.99 µg/kg. The most prevalent food commodity with the highest aflatoxin contamination was chili products. In addition, the estimated daily intake and margin of exposure to aflatoxin B1 via the consumption of chili products ranged from 0.98 to 5.34 ng kg−1 bw day−1 and from 74.90 to 408.10, indicating a risk for public health. The liver cancer risk was estimated to be 0.01 and 0.007 cancers per year per 100,000 population resulting from the consumption of chili products. The present findings revealed the presence of total aflatoxins and aflatoxin B1 in the selected samples. The margin of exposure values was exorbitant, demanding a stringent public health measure. Notably, these results suggest the need for routine monitoring of aflatoxin contamination in the region and stress rigorous safety management strategies to reduce exposure.

Comparison of Chinese medicine additives for antibiotic resistance risks in the Wuding chickens under high stocking density: Advantages and drawbacks

Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) with anti-pathogenic properties have been increasingly utilized in animal husbandry as substitutes for antibiotics. However, lingering uncertainties persist regarding the mobility, bacterial hosts, and potential human hazards associated with antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in animal husbandry when TCMs are introduced. In this study, cecal digesta from Wuding chickens subjected to varying stocking densities (moderate and high) and treated with different TCMs (dihydroartemisinin, berberine hydrochloride, and oligomeric proanthocyanidins) were collected and subjected to metagenomics-based analysis. A total of 280 ARG subtypes were identified, with multidrug and aminoglycoside resistance genes being the most diverse and abundant. The primary antibiotic resistance bacteria identified belonged to the phyla of Firmicutes (38.68%), Bacteroidetes (22.74%), and Proteobacteria (12.71%); however, some pathogenic antibiotic-resistant bacteria (PARB) were also identified across different samples. Surprisingly, high stocking density was not observed to propagate ARGs, which could be due to the restricted usage of antibiotics. Furthermore, higher proportions of mobile genetic elements and some multidrug-resistant PARB (∼4 times) were observed in high-stocking-density chickens fed berberine hydrochloride than in high-stocking-density chickens fed other TCMs, which could facilitate the horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of ARGs and pose potential human health risks. In contrast, dihydroartemisinin reduced the total abundance of ARGs and the resistome risks to human health (∼10% decrease compared to control). Moreover, rank I ARGs with higher human health risk and the risk index based on ARG risk also ranked lowest (p < 0.05) in high-stocking-density chickens fed dihydroartemisinin. The reduction effect of dihydroartemisinin was achieved by regulating the cecal microbiome of broilers and inhibiting HGT (reducing the contribution from 17.7% to 4.0%). This study provides metagenomic evidence of the development of ARGs in broiler breeding environments. The findings highlight the distinct characteristics of TCMs as feed additives on regulating the antibiotic resistome during broiler farming and demonstrate dihydroartemisinin as an effective additive complying with the environmental safety.

A comprehensive study of source apportionment, spatial distribution, and health risks assessment of heavy metal(loid)s in the surface soils of a semi-arid mining region in Matehuala, Mexico

BackgroundThis study investigates the contamination level, spatial distribution, pollution sources, potential ecological risks, and human health risks associated with heavy metal(loid)s (i.e., arsenic (As), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn)) in surface soils within the mining region of Matehuala, located in central Mexico. ObjectivesThe primary objectives are to estimate the contamination level of heavy metal(loid)s, identify pollution sources, assess potential ecological risks, and evaluate human health risks associated with heavy metal(loid) contamination. MethodsSoil samples from the study area were analysed using various indices including Igeo, Cf, PLI, mCd, EF, and PERI to evaluate contamination levels. Source apportionment of heavy metal(loid)s was conducted using the APCS-MLR and PMF receptor models. Spatial distribution patterns were determined using the most efficient interpolation technique among five different approaches. The total carcinogenic risk index (TCR) and total non-carcinogenic index (THI) were used in this study to assess the potential carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic hazards posed by heavy metal(loid)s in surface soil to human health. ResultsThe study reveals a high contamination level of heavy metal(loid)s in the surface soil, posing considerable ecological risks. As was identified as a priority metal for regulatory control measures. Mining and smelting activities were identified as the primary factors influencing heavy metal(loid) distributions. Based on spatial distribution mapping, concentrations were higher in the northern, western, and central regions of the study area. As and Fe were found to pose considerable and moderate ecological risks, respectively. Health risk evaluation indicated significant levels of carcinogenic risks for both adults and children, with higher risks for children. ConclusionThis study highlights the urgent need for monitoring heavy metal(loid) contamination in Matehuala's soils, particularly in regions experiencing strong economic growth, to mitigate potential human health and ecological risks associated with heavy metal(loid) pollution.

Respiratory health assessment of outdoor workers exposed to urban air pollution based on satellite observations

Human health impact assessment due to air pollution is critical for evaluating environmental hazards. In this research, levels of three air pollutants (CO, NO2, and SO2) were estimated based on satellite data (sentinel-5p) to assess the air quality over three areas (Al-Mahaad Al-Dinni, Bus Stop, and Oil Company areas) at Banha city, Qalyobia in addition to evaluating the human health risks resulting from exposure to these air pollutants. Unlike the conventional approaches for human health risk assessment, which depend on in-situ air pollution measurements, in this study, the spatial distribution of the pollutants was acquired from satellite remote sensing for the period 2021–2022. The respiratory health assessment of 151 outdoor workers, exposed to air pollution in Banha City was conducted. Results showed that the highest concentration of the pollutants was found in areas of Bus Stop and Oil Company. Consequently, the percentage of predicted pulmonary function tests was significantly lower among those working in the Oil company area than those working in the Bus Stop and Al-Mahaad Al-Dinni areas. Additionally, 47.6 % of the studied group complained of nasal congestion and 67.5 % of them complained of wheezing, 30.5% of them had obstructive airway diseases. In conclusion, remotely sensed air quality data proved its efficiency in health impact studies which could be carried out in different regions globally with less cost than traditional measurement techniques. Urban pollution can influence outdoor workers with varied percentages according to their exposure rate to pollutants and work-related factors.

Surveillance of PFAS in sludge and biosolids at 12 water resource recovery facilities.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are refractory anthropogenic chemicals and current treatment processes at municipal water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) cannot efficiently degrade them, hence, these chemicals cycle through the environment. Certain PFAS can be concentrated in biosolids from WRRFs and are commonly land applied for beneficial reuse. Given recent advances in measurement of PFAS, documentation of the range of concentrations in pre-stabilized sludge and stabilized biosolids is critical to evaluating treatment best practices and assessing potential human health and ecological risks. In this study, pre-stabilized sludge and post-stabilized biosolids samples were collected from 12 major WRRFs across the United States. PFAS were analyzed using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method SW846-3500C/537.1, and Draft EPA Method 1633, by one commercial laboratory and two university research laboratories, respectively. Results comparison among laboratories demonstrated statistical differences in PFAS concentrations among split samples. For example, 5:3 FTCA (fluorotelomer carboxylic acid) concentrations in post-stabilized sludge at Lab 1 were measured at 21ng/g (dry), while they were detected at 151ng/g (dry) in Lab 3. Further, higher PFAS concentrations were observed in post-stabilized biosolids compared to pre-stabilized sludges, regardless of the laboratory or analysis method, even when solids destruction through solids stabilization was considered. Further research is required to refine methods for analyses of PFAS in sludge and biosolids samples from WRRFs prior to being used for development of regulatory actions as well as understanding how various treatment protocols could impact concentrations of PFAS in land-applied biosolids.

Association between organophosphorus insecticides exposure and osteoarthritis in patients with arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease

BackgroundOrganic phosphorus insecticides (OPPs) are a class of environmental pollutants widely used worldwide with potential human health risks. We aimed to assess the association between exposure to OPPs and osteoarthritis (OA) particularly in participants with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).MethodsParticipants’ information was obtained from data in the National Health and Nutrition Examination (NHANES). Weighted logistic regression models were utilized to detect associations between OPPs metabolites and OA. Restricted cubic spline plots (RCS) were drawn to visualize the dose-response relationship between each metabolite and OA prevalence. Weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression and Bayesian kernel-machine regression (BKMR), were applied to investigate the joint effect of mixtures of OPPs on OA.ResultsA total of 6871 samples were included in our study, no significant associations between OPPs exposure and OA incidence were found in whole population. However, in a subset of 475 individuals with ASCVD, significant associations between DMP (odds ratio [OR] as a continuous variable = 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07,1.28), DEP ((odds ratio [OR] of the highest tertile compared to the lowest = 2.43, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21,4.86), and OA were observed. DMP and DEP showed an increasing dose-response relationship to the prevalence of OA, while DMTP, DETP, DMDTP and DEDTP showed a nonlinear relationship. Multi-contamination modeling revealed a 1.34-fold (95% confidence intervals:0.80, 2.26) higher prevalence of OA in participants with high co-exposure to OPPs compared to those with low co-exposure, with a preponderant weighting (0.87) for the dimethyl dialkyl phosphate metabolites (DMAPs). The BKMR also showed that co-exposure of mixed OPPs was associated with an increased prevalence of OA, with DMP showing a significant dose-response relationship.ConclusionHigh levels of urine dialkyl phosphate metabolites (DAP) of multiple OPPs are associated with an increased prevalence of OA in patients with ASCVD, suggesting the need to prevent exposure to OPPs in ASCVD patients to avoid triggering OA and further avoid the occurrence of cardiovascular events caused by OA.

LaFeO3 supported by ionic liquid on Bi7O9I3 for the degradation of ciprofloxacin and tetracycline

The introduction of LaFeO3 nanoparticles into the nanospaces of the Bi7O9I3 filamentary structure was achieved through the utilization of an ionic liquid (IL). The juxtaposition of these two types of nanoparticles resulted in the formation of a bifunctional nanocatalyst known as Bi7O9I3/IL/LaFeO3 NFs. The contamination of antibiotics presents serious ecological and human health risks. Therefore, the development of innovative approaches is imperative to effectively eliminate these harmful contaminants. To mitigate these adverse effects, a cost-effective and innovative three-dimensional (3D) heterogeneous material, namely Bi7O9I3 modified IL/LaFeO3 (Bi7O9I3/IL/LaFeO3), was successfully synthesized. The analyses of FESEM, BET, TEM, XRD, XPS, TGA, and FTIR are used for characterizing the catalyst. This material exhibited enhanced catalytic performance in the degradation of ciprofloxacin (CIP) and tetracycline (TC) under exposure to light. Remarkably, this entire process is carried out at short time and minimal amount of catalyst and at low temperatures, ensuring energy conservation and minimizing any potential adverse effects.

Health and environmental risk assessment of mercury in outdoor and indoor dust in artisanal and small-scale gold mining area in Amansie-west district in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.

Mercury (Hg) pollution around artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) areas has been of much concern. Many studies have reported elevated Hg concentrations in environmental media, but studies on dust relating to inhalation exposure of Hg around ASGM area are limited. In this study, we investigated Hg in indoor and outdoor dust to reveal environmental and human health risk around ASGM in Amansie West district, Ghana. Indoor and outdoor dust samples were collected from Manso Abore and Manso Nkwanta in Ashanti Region. Concentration of Hg in the samples were analyzed using a direct Hg analyzer. The mean and median value of Hg concentration in the indoor dust (n = 31) were 2.2 ± 3.6mg/kg and 0.72mg/kg respectively while that of the outdoor dust (n = 60) were 0.19 ± 0.48mg/kg and 0.042mg/kg, respectively. The mean and median Hg concentration in indoor dust were about 11 and 17 times higher respectively than that in the outdoor dust. The Hg concentration in the indoor dust was statistically significantly higher than that of the non-miner in Manso Abore (p < 0.05) but was not significant in Manso Nkwanta, probably due to higher mining activity. The geo-accumulation index of the outdoor dust ranged from unpolluted to extremely polluted while that of the indoor dust ranged from moderately polluted to extremely polluted. Health risk assessments suggested that there was no potential non-carcinogenic health effect for Hg exposure relating to the dust to residents living in rooms of miners and non-miners.

Heavy metal bioaccumulation in fish: ımplications for human health risk assessment in ten commercial fish species from Konya, Türkiye

Heavy metal bioaccumulation in fish: ımplications for human health risk assessment in ten commercial fish species from Konya, Türkiye

Biomonitoring of petroleum hydrocarbon residues in commercially important fish and shrimp species from a tropical coastal ecosystem Chilika, India: Associated human health risk assessment

Petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) residues in commercially important fish and shrimp species from Asia's largest brackish water lagoon, Chilika and their dietary risk factors like Bioaccumulation factor (BAF), Estimated dietary intake (EDI) and Exposure risk index (ERI) were investigated. The PHCs in water samples were found within the range of 2.21 to 9.41 μg/l; while in organisms, PHCs varied from 0.74 to 3.16 μg/g (wet weight). The lowest and highest PHCs concentration was observed in Etroplus suratensis (0.74 ± 0.12; crude fat 0.57 %) and Nematalosa nasus (3.16 ± 0.12; crude fat 6.43 %) respectively. From human health risk view point, the calculated BAF, EDI, ERI were within the prescribed safe limits. Our finding suggests that Nematalosa nasus can be used as biomonitor species for petroleum hydrocarbon contamination status for this ecosystem and also continuous pollution monitoring programs must be conducted by the concerned authorities to safeguard this important aquatic ecosystem.

Copper Micro-Flowers for Electrocatalytic Sensing of Nitrate Ions in Water.

The progressive increase in nitrate's (NO3-) presence in surface and groundwater enhances environmental and human health risks. The aim of this work is the fabrication and characterization of sensitive, real-time, low-cost, and portable amperometric sensors for low NO3- concentration detection in water. Copper (Cu) micro-flowers were electrodeposited on top of carbon screen-printed electrodes (SPCEs) via cyclic voltammetry (with voltage ranging from -1.0 V to 0.0 V at a scan rate of 0.1 V s-1). The obtained sensors exhibited a high catalytic activity toward the electro-reduction in NO3-, with a sensitivity of 44.71 μA/mM. They had a limit of detection of 0.87 µM and a good dynamic linear concentration range from 0.05 to 3 mM. The results were compared to spectrophotometric analysis. In addition, the devices exhibited good stability and a maximum standard deviation (RSD) of 5% after ten measurements; reproducibility, with a maximum RSD of 4%; and repeatability after 10 measurements with the RSD at only 5.63%.

Assessing microbiological and heavy metal pollution in surface waters associated with potential human health risk assessment at fish ingestion exposure

Fish represent a significant source of nutrients but also cause negative health effects due to their bioaccumulation capacity for pollutants. The aim of this study was to examine the transfer of metals from the water of several rivers (Somes, Tisa, Sasar, Lapus, Lăpusel) to fish (Caras sp) tissue (subcutaneous fat, muscles, liver, intestines, kidneys, gills, brain, and eyes) and to identify and assess the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks of Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Nickel (Ni), Manganese (Mn), Cooper (Cu), Lead (Pb), Chromium (Cr) and Zinc (Zn) through the ingestion of fish (muscles and subcutaneous fat tissues). The obtained results indicated that a diet consisting of fish is particularly vulnerable, particularly in children compared to adults. The risk assessment results were below the threshold limit, although the fish samples contained heavy metals, with values exceeding the permitted limits of Fe (4.41–1604 mg/kg), Cr (727–4155 µg/kg), Zn (4.72–147 mg/kg), and Ni (333–2194 µg/kg). The studied surface waters are characterized by low and high degrees of pollution with heavy metals, as indicated by the heavy metal pollution index scores (HPI: 12.4–86.4) and the heavy metal evaluation index scores (HEI: 1.06–17.6). The considerable pollution levels are attributed to the high Mn content (0.61–49.7 µg/kg), which exceeded the limit up to fifty times. A consistent set of physico-chemical analysis (pH, electrical conductivity, total hardness, turbidity, chloride, sulphate, nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, Ca, Mg, Na, K) was analysed in water samples as well. Considering the water quality index scores (WQI: 16.0–25.2), the surface waters exhibited good quality. Microbiological results indicated the presence of Listeria monocytogenes and atypical colonies of coagulase-positive staphylococcus in fish. In contrast, the surface waters from which fish samples were collected were positive for Escherichia coli, and coliform bacteria intestinal Enterococci. Based on the study’s results, it is recommended to exercise caution in the case of children related to the consumption of fish and using the waters for drinking purposes. This study provides important data of considerable novelty to the riparian population, researchers, and even policy makers on the quality status and potential levels of contamination of river waters, fish and the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in fish that may cause adverse effects on human health if consumed, and similarly the heavy metal pollution degree of waters and the non-carcinogenic risk of heavy metals through ingestion and skin absorption of water in children and adults (the study area is a significant source of fisheries).

Saltwater intrusion and human health risks for coastal populations under 2050 climate scenarios

Populations consuming saline drinking water are at greater risk of high blood pressure and potentially other adverse health outcomes. We modelled data and used available datasets to identify countries of higher vulnerability to future saltwater intrusion associated with climate change in 2050 under Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP)4.5 and RCP8.5. We developed three vulnerability criteria to capture geographies with: (1) any coastal areas with projected inland saltwater intrusion of ≥ 1 km inland, (2) > 50% of the population in coastal secondary administrative areas with reliance on groundwater for drinking water, and 3) high national average sodium urinary excretion (i.e., > 3 g/day). We identified 41 nations across all continents (except Antarctica) with ≥ 1 km of inland saltwater intrusion by 2050. Seven low- and middle-income countries of higher vulnerability were all concentrated in South/Southeast Asia. Based on these initial findings, future research should study geological nuances at the local level in higher-risk areas and co-produce with local communities contextually appropriate solutions to secure equitable access to clean drinking water.

Spatial variations and health risk assessment of heavy metal levels in groundwater of Qatar

The present work’s objective is to give a comprehensive overview of the quality of groundwater in Qatar in terms of heavy metals content as well as investigating the cause and effect of the elevation in their levels above the WHO/US-EPA standards. The scope of the study included (1) physical and chemical analysis of 82 groundwater samples collected from various locations around Qatar, (2) development of ArcGIS maps depicting the variations in the levels, (3) assessment of the human health risks associated with the existing levels using three of the most used models which are: Hazard index (HI), Nemerow comprehensive pollution index (NCPI) and Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR). There is no extensive study ever reported to assess the health risks linked with the consumption of groundwater characterized with such heavy metals levels in Qatar. The chronic daily intake (CDI) of the investigated heavy metals (Ag, Mn, Cr, V, Mo and Sr) through ingestion and dermal pathways had a range of 1.4 × 10–5–6.7 × 10–1 mg/kg/day while the NCPI’s range was reported at 0–4.39. Moreover, the HI and ILCR were found to have a range of 0–3.2 and 5.6 × 10–4–5.5 × 10–2, respectively. The assessment of health risks, conducted in the present work, could be beneficial in building the baseline of heavy metals levels in groundwater in Qatar. This will also help in the determination of any future contamination of groundwater.

Comprehensive review on parasitic infections reported in the common fish found in UT of Jammu and Kashmir, India.

The people of Jammu and Kashmir rely heavily on fish as a source of nutritional protein. Fishes also contribute significantly to the local economy of this area. However, several infectious disorders, some of which are brought on by helminth parasites, constitute a persistent threat to fish. The primary goal of the present review is to find out the parasites in common fishes found in Jammu and Kashmir as well as the impact of parasites on fishes and sickness on human health. Like other animals, fishes are susceptible to several diseases, many of which are external in origin while others are internal in origin. Fishes are known to be susceptible to parasites, fungi, bacteria, viruses, and other external agents that can cause disease, and they also commonly experience organic and degenerative problems internally. Fish parasites have significant impact on both fish and human health. These diverse organisms, including protozoa, helminths, and crustaceans, can infest various fish tissues, leading to detrimental effects. Infested fish often experience reduced growth, weakened immune system, behavioral changes, physical damage, and even mortality. Economically, fish parasites can diminish the value of fish in markets and increase production costs in fisheries and aquaculture. Moreover, fish parasites pose potential human health risks. Consumers who ingest raw or undercooked fish containing certain parasites, like Anisakis spp., may develop gastrointestinal discomfort or anisakiasis. Proper cooking and freezing can mitigate this risk. While fish parasites are primarily harmful, they also play ecological roles, contributing to biodiversity and ecosystem stability by controlling fish populations. Understanding the complex interactions between parasites, fish, and their environment is vital for effective fisheries management, aquaculture practices, and public health measures. Striking a balance between controlling parasite infestation and maintaining ecological integrity is crucial for sustaining both fish populations and human well-being.

PM10-bound microplastics and trace metals: A public health insight from the Korean subway and indoor environments

Inhalable airborne microplastics (MPs) presented in indoor and outdoor environments, can deeply penetrate the lungs, potentially triggering inflammation and respiratory illnesses. The present study aims to evaluate human health risks from respirable particulate matter (PM)-bound trace metals and MPs in indoor (SW- subway and IRH- indoor residential houses) and outdoor (OD) environments. This research provides an initial approach to human respiratory tract (HRT) mass depositions of PM10-bound total MPs and nine specific MP types to predict potential human health threats from inhalation exposure. Results indicate that PM-bound trace metals and MPs were around 4 times higher in SW microenvironments compared to OD locations. In IRH, cancer risk (CR) levels were estimated 9 and 4 times higher for PM10 and PM2.5, respectively. Additionally, MP particle depositions per gram of lung cell weight were highest in IRH (23.77), followed by OD and SW. Whereas, lifetime alveoli depositions of MPs were estimated at 13.73 MP/g, which exceeds previously reported respiratory disease fatality cases by 10 to 5 times. Prolonged exposure duration at IRH emerged as a key factor contributing to increased CR and MP lung deposition levels. This research highlights severe lung risks from inhaling PM-bound MPs and metals, offering valuable health insights.

Elemental Impurities in Gelatine Capsules: Human Health Risk Assessment

INTRODUCTION. This work continues the authors’ earlier study on gelatine capsule contamination with elemental impurities, which resulted in proposing a list of elements for standardisation. To ensure the safe use of medicinal products in this dosage form, it is necessary to develop criteria for the quantitative assessment of potential human health risks associated with elemental impurities in gelatine capsule shells.AIM. This study aimed to determine the permitted daily concentration (PDC) limits for elemental impurities in gelatine capsules from a risk-based pharmaceutical quality control perspective.MATERIALS AND METHODS. The authors analysed their previous experimental data, the relevant Russian State Standard (GOST), the requirements of the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation and leading world pharmacopoeias (USA, UK, EU, China, Japan, and India), and the scientific literature published from 1980 to 2023 on the content of elemental impurities (Al, As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Cr, Fe, Hg, Mn, Pb, and Zn) in gelatine capsule shells and medical gelatine.RESULTS. When standardising the content of elemental impurities in gelatine capsule shells, it is necessary to consider not only the toxicity of impurities but also their potential to compromise the quality of gelatine. Complexing elements (Cd, Cu, Hg, Cr, and Zn) can affect the quality of gelatine at subtoxic concentrations. For Cd, Cu, and Hg, the authors recommended using the PDC limits specified in GOST 23058-89 Gelatine. Raw materials for the medical industry. Specifications. For Cr and Zn, the authors recommended adhering to the PDC limits specified in the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation, edition XIV, Monograph 2.1.0099.18 Gelatine. Lead affects the quality of gelatine at concentrations above the toxicity threshold, and arsenic does not cause clustering of gelatine molecules. For Pb and As, the authors recommended using the PDC limits specified in the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation, edition XV, General Monograph 1.1.0040 Elemental impurities. The authors proposed a conversion factor to account for the complexing potential of Al when limiting its content in gelatine capsule shells. The authors recommended assessing the risks to human health associated with Mn intake with gelatine capsule shells indirectly by listing total heavy metals as a quality attribute to be controlled at the level of medical gelatine. The content of Fe should also be standardised at the raw material level.CONCLUSIONS. The content of elemental impurities in gelatine capsule shells should not exceed the following limits: 45 µg/g for Al, 1.5 µg/g for As, 0.03 µg/g for Cd, 10 µg/g for Cr, 15 µg/g for Cu, 0.05 µg/g for Hg, 0.5 µg/g for Pb, and 30 µg/g for Zn. The standardisation of these elements in gelatine capsule shells will prevent negative effects on the human body and shell quality.

A review of Health Canada’s progress on human biomonitoring-based risk assessments and the path forward

Since the launch of the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) in 2006, Health Canada has initiated screening-level risk assessments (RAs) of approximately 4300 priority substances under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA). With the availability of nationally representative human biomonitoring (HBM) data, over 300 of these substances were assessed using HBM-based RA approaches. Qualitative and quantitative HBM-based RA approaches for the regulatory risk assessment of the general population of Canada were developed to increase the efficiency of screening the potential health risk of CMP priority substances. To support HBM-based RAs, several biomonitoring equivalents (BE) were derived to interpret HBM data. For some CMP substances, Health Canada conducted cumulative risk assessments of chemical mixtures using HBM data as measures of exposure. In 2023, CEPA was amended to include the assessment of populations who may be disproportionately impacted (vulnerable populations) and the cumulative effects of multiple chemicals. Going forward, Health Canada is exploring modern approaches in HBM-based RAs, including biomarkers of effect and non-traditional biomarkers (e.g., hair, nails) to address CEPA amendments. This manuscript will discuss Health Canada’s progress in HBM-based RAs, and the possible path forward in using HBM data to strengthen human health risk assessments.