Health Risk Level Research Articles

Disgust sensitivity in early pregnancy as a response to high pathogen risk.

Considered a part of the behavioral immune system (BIS), disgust sensitivity is expected to be adjusting as a response to the actual level of the environmental health risks. In this preregistered study, we tested the hypothesis that disgust sensitivity would be higher during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period in pregnant women. In this between-subject study with a longitudinal trend design, we administered the Disgust Scale-Revised to 200 pregnant women before the pandemic and to 350 pregnant women during the pandemic. We found a small but significant effect of the pandemic on disgust sensitivity, such that higher disgust sensitivity was found in women pregnant during the pandemic. This effect was stronger in primiparae, however, the interaction between parity and the pandemic period was not significant. Disgust sensitivity decreased with age. No differences in terms of nausea and vomiting were found between the women pregnant before and during the pandemic. Our findings indicate that although BIS is presumed to function as a complex mechanism to prevent health-threatening behaviors, its activation in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic is rather weak.

Perceived Health Risks among Teachers Working Remotely in the Era of Covid-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic gained prominence and posed a threat to the traditional education system when quarantine was implemented. The teachers' workload increased as work from home was mandated. As a result of working remotely, the teachers experience challenges in their physical, mental, and socio-emotional health. This study evaluated the health risks as perceived by teachers in a tertiary educational institution working remotely during the era of the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of physical, mental, and socio-emotional health. It also aimed to describe the socio-demographic profile of the respondents and determined their current health problems. 
 
 A cross-sectional descriptive study design was utilized. The respondents were selected using a non-probability convenience sampling technique and data were collected using a researcher-made Likert-type questionnaire adapted from the Occupational Safety and Health Standards by DOLE (2022). Content and construct validity were accomplished through expert reviews and reliability testing was established through a Cronbach alpha coefficient value of 0.950. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics as well as Z-test and ANOVA for the test of difference. The demographic profile of the respondents indicated a majority belonging to the College of Arts and Sciences, mostly of married civil status, and predominantly female with ages ranging from 41 to 50. The dominant ranks showed Instructors I, II, and III while time engagement in educational technology ranged from 3 hours and above but not greater than 6 hours. The respondents' perceived physical, mental, and socio-emotional health risks revealed a moderate risk as supported by an overall grand mean of 2.629. The physical risk was primarily associated with musculoskeletal problems and had the highest grand mean of 3.038, signifying a moderate level of risk. On the other hand, mental and socio-emotional dimensions were both perceived as low risks, with corresponding grand means of 2.525 and 2.323 respectively. Further results highlighted that level of health risks has a significant difference when grouped according to age (p-value of 0.0012) and academic rank (p-value of 0.0019), thus rejecting the null hypothesis. Sex, marital status, college affiliation, and time engagement in education technology demonstrated no significant difference at all. Health Optimization Practices for Educators (HOPE) was crafted to address health risks by promoting health and wellness through knowledge enhancement. Future studies akin to teachers’ health risks while working remotely need to be explored in the areas of ergonomics and occupational hazards.

Analysis of Heavy Metal Sources in Groundwater and Assessment of Health Risks: An Example from the Southwest Sub-basin of the Shiqi River

In order to explore the sources of pollution and health risk profile of heavy metal elements in groundwater, 41 sets of representative groundwater samples from the southwest sub-basin of the Shiqi River were examined for 10 heavy metal elements (As, Cr, Cd, Al, Cu, Zn, Ni, Co, Mn, and Hg), and correlation analysis and principal component analysis were used to resolve the possible sources of heavy metal contamination in groundwater in the study area. The concentration characteristics and health risk levels of the 10 heavy metals were assessed using the single-factor contamination index (Pi), the Nemerow comprehensive contamination index (PN), and the health risk model. The results showed that:① the average values of heavy metal elements of the groundwater in the study area all met the limit of the class Ⅲ water standard in the quality standard for groundwater (GB/T 14848-2017); only the maximum value of Al was exceeded, followed by a large variation in the concentrations of Al, Mn, and Cr. The heavy metal element with the largest average contribution was Al (65.74%). ② The results of the single-factor contamination index evaluation showed that only the heavy metal element Al exceeded the cleaning level, and the results of the Nemerow comprehensive contamination index evaluation showed that the study area was basically at low pollution levels, and the quality of groundwater was good. ③ The results of the multivariate statistical analysis showed that Zn, Co, and Mn were from mixed sources consisting of geological formation and domestic waste; Al, As, and Cu were from agricultural sources; Cd, Cr, and Ni were from industrial sources; and Hg came from long-range atmospheric transport. ④ The health risk values for all heavy metals in the study area were within acceptable limits, with higher health risk values for children than for adults from the drinking water route, lower health risk values than in adults from the dermal route, and higher health risk values for heavy metals from the drinking water route than those from the dermal route, indicating that the drinking water route was the main route of exposure to heavy metals.

Hazard identification and risk assessment for occupational safety and health in the limestone quarries transportation

In quarries for building material, the primary transportation mode is by truck due to its high mobility that is suitable for the actual terrain conditions of the mine. The characteristic of transportation work in these mines is the large amount of cargo transportation, steep slopes, small turning radius, and therefore always potential hazards and risks for workers at the mine. The article presents a method for evaluating the points to identify and assess the level of occupational safety and health risks in transportation activities in quarries for building material, based on which control solutions are proposed to ensure safety and occupational health during the production and business process of construction material mines. From identifying and evaluating the level of risks, they are quantified into risk levels to assess the potential loss of occupational safety at each specific stage of the transportation process in the mine. This is a quantitative method that allows for the easy evaluation of occupational safety and health risk levels through quantifiable values obtained by expert scoring and surveys of worker opinions at the production site. This evaluation is based on separate assessments of factors such as estimating the consequences of injury to workers, the frequency of occupational accidents, and the ability to recognize occupational hazards. Through this assessment, a classification table is proposed for workers to understand and implement occupational safety and health procedures correctly, avoiding occupational accidents and unnecessary occupational diseases.

Priority Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Heavy Metals in Urban Roadside Soils of Heavy-Traffic Density Areas in Ibadan, Nigeria: Levels, Sources and Health Risk Assessment

Priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals (HMs) were investigated in heavy-traffic roadside soils in Ibadan, Nigeria to assess the level of contamination and human health risk. PAHs and HMs were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and atomic absorption spectroscopy. The concentrations of ∑11PAHs were 263.2 ± 20.9 to 380.0 ± 23.8 µg kg–1, with a dominance of the higher molecular PAHs, and the soils can be classified as weakly contaminated. The most abundant PAH was fluoranthene. Also, five carcinogenic PAH were identified in the study. PAH diagnostic ratios suggested mixed pyrogenic and petrogenic sources. Roadside soil concentrations (mg kg−1) of Cd, Ni and Pb were 1.3 ± 1.2–5.3 ± 7.4, 15.0 ± 7.3–24.5 ± 4.8 and 41.6 ± 13.7–56.8 ± 8.3, respectively. Pollution indices revealed roadside soils were highly contaminated with Cd and Pb according to contamination factor and geoaccumulation index. Cd presented a considerable to high ecological risk. Health risk assessment for children and adults revealed soil ingestion was the main exposure pathway to metals. The hazard quotient (HQ) and health index (HI) were within the safe level (<1.0), although, HI values were higher for children. The cancer risk of exposure to Pb in roadside soils (1.18 E–06 to 1.61 E–06) was within safe limit (1.0 E–04 to 1.0 E–06). This study provides the basis for the reduction of anthropogenic emissions of PAHs and HMs.

Investigating urban heat-related health risks based on local climate zones: A case study of Changzhou in China

Assessing heat-related health risks is important for sustainable urban development. Although fine-scale information (e.g., at the community/neighborhood or city block level) is ideal for identifying and mitigating these risks, previous studies have preferred to work at the administrative unit level. High-resolution Local Climate Zone (LCZ) maps, i.e., maps of urban “zones” with different microclimates, could help to standardize the analyzing units. In this study, we proposed an LCZ-based risk assessment approach for this purpose. First, an LCZ map of the study site (Changzhou, China) was generated using multisource big data and machine-learning techniques. Next, Crichton's Risk Triangle framework, based on the hazard-exposure-vulnerability risk components, was employed to estimate heat-related health risks. Finally, the relationship between LCZ types and heat-related health risk levels was quantitatively analyzed in detail. The results indicated that at least 60% of LCZ1-5 (compact high-/mid-/low-rise, open high-/mid-rise areas) were designated as high-risk areas, while heat hazard mitigation and climate adaptation strategies in urban planning would benefit more from LCZ 6 (open low-rise). This study, based on the LCZ concept, shows the risk difference at the community level, and can be used for informing and implementing area-level urban planning strategies. It could contribute to global heat-related health risk analysis, since the LCZ is a globally consistent system for urban microclimate analysis.

The Influence of Safety Slogan and Safety Program to Safety Culture: Case study at Drilling and Well Intervention Division one of Indonesia’s Oil and Gas Company

In the Oil and Gas Industry, Occupational Safety and Health are prioritized. This is not only based on the high risk in this industry but also part of maintaining the name of a company in developing its business. Because if a company's occupational safety and health record is bad, then investors will re-think for investing in the company. Occupational Safety and Health will be included as one of the points in the Key Performance Indicator of the company. The PTM as a subsidiary of one of oil company in developing country also considering that maintaining occupational safety and health properly is the main thing. As one of the upstream businesses in the field of oil and gas consisting of exploration and production, work operations at PTM have a high level of accident and occupational health risk. Mainly in drilling and well intervention operation. The company's vision and mission are then carried out with a Safety Management System and use a safety slogan as the objective of the organization. The embodiment of this slogan is through safety programs which was implemented in drilling rigs and well intervention barges with purpose to create free accident on working environment for PTM workers and their contractors. The transfer of management of the operational Block from previous operator to PTM in 2018 also affected the culture of occupational safety and health in the work area, especially in the field. Based on these conditions, this research was conducted to find out whether the safety culture practiced by PTM employees in the Drilling and Well Intervention division in the field is good enough. And to find out whether the safety slogans and safety programs that were carried out in part at the previous operator had an influence on the existing safety culture. The research method uses quantitative methods with research instruments in the form of questionnaires using a Likert scale. The population in this study were permanent and contractor employees who worked on drilling rigs and well intervention barges. The results showed that in general, the Company has a safety slogan and safety program that influences the safety culture implemented by employees. However, there is still a need to transform and improve the safety program in PHM in general and in the implementation of Drilling and Intervention.

Health risk assessment associated with priority potentially hazardous chemical compounds detected in canned meat and meat-and-vegetable food for infants

Assessment of public health safety associated with chemical contaminants consumed with food is an important component for solving the tasks of ensuring the sanitary and epidemiological well-being of the population. For these purposes, it is necessary to establish priority potentially dangerous compounds among the identified undeclared and unintended chemical contaminants for further consumers risk assessment. In conditions of unacceptable levels of health risk, it is necessary to decide whether it is advisable to develop new or change existing hygiene standards for these substances. The aim of the study was to assess the health risk associated with priority potentially dangerous unintended chemical components of contamination in canned meat and meat-and-vegetable products for infants (using the example of N-nitrosoamines). Material and methods. The selection of priority chemical compounds and public health risk assessment were carried out in accordance with the procedure for identifying undeclared and potentially dangerous unintended chemicals in food and using modified approaches based on the results of previous studies. Health risk assessment for infants consuming canned meat and meat-and-vegetables containing priority chemicals was carried out in accordance with the methodology approved by the Eurasian Economic Commitee, as well as using the Guidelines for assessing risks to public health when exposed to environmental pollutants. To characterize the calculated risk levels, the classification proposed in the draft document «Guidelines for assessing risks to public health when exposed to environmental pollutants» was used. Results. N-nitrosoamines are classified as chemical contaminants that are a priority for public health risk assessment, identified on the basis of the potential hazard category. A comparative health risk assessment for the target group consumers of canned meat and meat-and-vegetables sold on the territory of the Russian Federation and the Socialistic Republic of Vietnam showed the presence of an unacceptable risk to the health of the Russian population in relation to non-carcinogenic adverse health effects associated with the intake of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) (hazard quotient HQ=1.1) and N-nitrosodibuthylamine (HQ=5.25). Many experimental (animal) researches confirm the formation of negative effects and potential harm to humans, formed by the consumption of N-nitrosoamines with food. At the same time, the level of the exposure of N-nitrosoamines during oral administration was assessed mainly from the side of carcinogenic effects, however, this study reflects the hazard, including from non-carcinogenic risks associated not only with NDMA and N-nitrosodiethylamine, for which there is a hygienic standard, but also for other N-nitrosoamines, for which there is no hygienic regulation. In turn, the European Food Safety Agency's (EFSA) study notes that it is necessary to conduct a risk assessment for human health in relation to other N-nitrosoamines identified in food, and, if necessary, rationing of these compounds, which is also confirmed by this study. Conclusion. The conducted health risk assessment of the target population of Russia (infants from 6 months to 3 years) consuming the studied types of products containing N-nitrosoamines showed the presence of unacceptable levels of non-carcinogenic health risks in relation to the development processes and impaired liver function. In connection with the identified risks to the health of the target population, it is advisable to establish maximum permissible levels not only for the amount of NDMA and N-nitrosodiethylamine, but also for other N-nitrozoamines identified by the results of the study, with their subsequent regulation.

Assessment of ambient air quality in areas influenced by fuel and energy enterprises to provide environmental safety of the population

The article provides the spatial-dynamic and structural hygienic assessment of influence exerted by fuel and energy enterprises on ambient air quality and potential public health risks in the Russian Federation. An average potential health risk level (Rlav) equaled 5.44∙10-4 per one economic entity operating in the ‘Electrical power, gas and steam supply; air conditioning’ branch in the RF as a whole. In the RF regions, the highest potential health risk level per one economic entity was identified in the Siberian Federal District where it equaled 9.9∙10-4. According to the Register, the exposure level (Mi) established for economic entities operating in the ‘Electrical power, gas and steam supply; air conditioning’ branch and belonging to extremely high and high risk categories varies within the range of 0.0928 – 0.0093 and 0.00921 – 0.00092 million people accordingly; a potential health risk level identified for such economic entities equals 1.11∙10-3 – 0.17 and 1.0∙10-4 – 9.8∙10-4 accordingly.

Assessment of Heavy Metals in Water and Crucian Carp (Carassius auratus gibelio) from Subsidence Pools in the Huaibei Coal Mining Region, China, with Evaluation of the Human Health Risk

The levels of heavy metals and possible health risks in water and crucian carp (Carassius auratus gibelio) were assessed from two coal mining subsidence pools and a reference pool in the Huaibei coal mining region. The concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, and Pb in subsidence pools were the highest, 8.71, 110.06, 13.85, 48.36, 22.19, and 38.76 ug L−1, respectively. Compared with water quality standards, some metals in subsidence pools were higher than the standard limits. Correlation analysis indicated that all metals were related to coal mining activities except for Mn. The average concentrations of metals in crucian carp from the study area followed the order: Mn > Ni > Cu > Cr > Pb > Cd. Heavy metals in fish showed the order of viscera > gill > muscle (except for Cu in crucian carp in the reference pool). The levels of Cd and Pb in the muscle of crucian carp in subsidence pools exceeded the standard limits. The mean bioaccumulation factor of the metals showed that Cu, Mn, and Ni in the water could accumulate in the fish. The target hazard quotient results indicated that consumption of crucian carp from subsidence pools by children and adults may result in significant non-carcinogenic health risks. These results showed that water pollution due to coal mining activities may lead to fish contamination and ultimately endanger human health.

Evaluation and relation of determinants of risk perception in the resident population living near industrially contaminated sites

The association between industrial pollution and human health is of high importance for public health. Living near industrially contaminated sites (ICSs) and being exposed to increasing concentrations of environmental pollutants along with disadvantaged social and economic conditions result in an increased occurrence of diseases. There are 16 identified industrially contaminated sites in the Republic of North Macedonia, and of all of them, chemical industry AD OHIS - Skopje and lindane dump located near the plant, according to almost all categorizations,has been evaluated to pose the highest level of ecological and health risk, although there has been no recent evidence about these issues. The main aim of this study was to obtain general information about risk perception of resident population living around and near AD OHIS in the Skopje region. Methods: A standardized and modified questionnaire was sent to the participants in an electronic form by e-mail and was published on social networks and municipalities’ web sites. The responses to the questionnaire were given anonymously and voluntarily. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods with calculating central tendency parameters and analytical statistical methods with correlation and Pearson χ2 test and independent sample test. Results: During the observation period, 220 people responded to the survey, with female respondents being predominant (70%). Analysis showed that there was no significant difference between genders regarding risk perception. According to Likert scale, with 95% CI, among anthropogenic sources, respondents stated they were extremely worried about air pollution and very worried or worried about water pollution, noise, waste and dangerous industry. The diseases that trigger a response of greater concern were those related to allergies, respiratory diseases and cancer. Age, education and information related to ecological risks significantly influenced on judgement of the environmental conditions in the living area of resident population (p&lt;0.05). Conclusions: Investigation results showed that resident population in the exposed Skopje region has a high level of perception and is susceptible to ecological risks by anthropogenic and natural influence. There is a direct relationship between exposureand environmental health impact. Also, sociоeconomic characteristics (gender, age, education) and cognitive factors have influence on risk perception level.

Scientific substantiation of priority chemicals, objects for setting quotas and trends in mitigating airborne public health risks within activities per-formed by the sanitary service of the Russian Federation

The study was conducted due to the necessity to streamline management of ambient air quality in large industrial cities in the country. The relevant tasks were set within the ‘Clean Air’ Federal project and the system for setting emission quotas. The aim was to develop scientific-methodical approaches that would support Rospotrebnadzor in performing its functions and duties as regards management of ambient air quality, including those accomplished within the ‘Clean Air’ Federal project. We took into account that initial data for the whole system for setting emission quotas were represented by aggregated calculation of pollutant dispersion. The study relied on input and output data provided by the ‘Ekolog-Gorod’ software package for calculating ambient air pollution. This software employs methods for calculating emission diffusion in ambient air that are applied as standards in Russia. Calculations were accomplished at points located within residential areas in the analyzed cities and covered not less than 20 major contributions made by emission sources to levels of each chemical at each calculation point. Airborne health risks were assessed in accordance with the valid methodical documents. We applied the following criteria for permissible (acceptable) risks: carcinogenic ones should not exceed 1.0•10-4; non-carcinogenic chronic and / or acute risks should be at a level of a hazard index for chemicals with the same effects equal to 3.0. The brunch and bound method of linear programming was applied to substantiate optimal regulatory impacts aimed at minimizing health risks by reducing emissions into ambient air. We developed a fundamental algorithm for identifying a list of priority pollutants and a list of objects for setting emission quotas, as well as for substantiating optimal regulatory impacts to mitigate airborne public health risks. We suggest ranking chemicals as priority pollutants in case their registered levels are higher than the established hygienic standards and they in total account for not less 95 % of contributions to unacceptable health risks for critical organs and systems at least at one calculation point. Priority objects are those that are responsible for not less than 95 % of unacceptable health risks and violations of the established hygienic standards. The study describes a developed and tested instrument for selecting optimal regulatory impacts as per relevant hygienic indicators, including levels of public health risks. The suggested approaches support the Sanitary Service in its effort to provide proper quality of ambient air. They make it possible to identify priority chemicals and objects for setting emission quotas on the unified methodical basis for any city on the country, including those listed within the ‘Clear Air’ Federal project as priority ones. They also allow estimating whether environmental protection activities are relevant to the essence and levels of public health risks.

Научное обоснование приоритетных веществ, объектов квотирования и направлений действий по снижению аэрогенных рисков здоровью населения при реализации полномочий санитарной службы Российской Федерации

The study was conducted due to the necessity to streamline management of ambient air quality in large industrial cities in the country. The relevant tasks were set within the ‘Clean Air’ Federal project and the system for setting emission quotas. The aim was to develop scientific-methodical approaches that would support Rospotrebnadzor in performing its functions and duties as regards management of ambient air quality, including those accomplished within the ‘Clean Air’ Federal project. We took into account that initial data for the whole system for setting emission quotas were represented by aggregated calculation of pollutant dispersion. The study relied on input and output data provided by the ‘Ekolog-Gorod’ software package for calculating ambient air pollution. This software employs methods for calculating emission diffusion in ambient air that are applied as standards in Russia. Calculations were accomplished at points located within residential areas in the analyzed cities and covered not less than 20 major contributions made by emission sources to levels of each chemical at each calculation point. Airborne health risks were assessed in accordance with the valid methodical documents. We applied the following criteria for permissible (acceptable) risks: carcinogenic ones should not exceed 1.0•10-4; non-carcinogenic chronic and / or acute risks should be at a level of a hazard index for chemicals with the same effects equal to 3.0. The brunch and bound method of linear programming was applied to substantiate optimal regulatory impacts aimed at minimizing health risks by reducing emissions into ambient air. We developed a fundamental algorithm for identifying a list of priority pollutants and a list of objects for setting emission quotas, as well as for substantiating optimal regulatory impacts to mitigate airborne public health risks. We suggest ranking chemicals as priority pollutants in case their registered levels are higher than the established hygienic standards and they in total account for not less 95 % of contributions to unacceptable health risks for critical organs and systems at least at one calculation point. Priority objects are those that are responsible for not less than 95 % of unacceptable health risks and violations of the established hygienic standards. The study describes a developed and tested instrument for selecting optimal regulatory impacts as per relevant hygienic indicators, including levels of public health risks. The suggested approaches support the Sanitary Service in its effort to provide proper quality of ambient air. They make it possible to identify priority chemicals and objects for setting emission quotas on the unified methodical basis for any city on the country, including those listed within the ‘Clear Air’ Federal project as priority ones. They also allow estimating whether environmental protection activities are relevant to the essence and levels of public health risks.

Association of Substance Use with Immunological Response to Antiretroviral Therapy in HIV-Positive Patients from Southwest Ethiopia: A Prospective Observational Study.

Use of psychoactive substances by HIV-positive patients in the course of antiretroviral drug treatment has become a public health problem globally. Substance use (alcohol, nicotine, and khat) during the course of treatment results in interactions with drugs that lead to undesired treatment outcomes. This condition is understudied, and the consequences of substance use among patients on antiretroviral treatment are not well explored. A prospective observational study was conducted among people on antiretroviral therapy (ART) at Jimma University Medical Center in southwest Ethiopia from April 20 to November 27, 2019. Data were collected using the World Health Organization's alcohol, smoking, and substance involvement screening test among adults who have followed antiretroviral therapy for a minimum of 6 months. Logistic regression analysis was done to identify factors associated with immunological response. The inadequate immunological response was defined as patients who were unable to achieve or maintain a CD4 cell count of >350 cells/mm³ after the 6-months of follow-up. Of the 332 patients enrolled, a majority (64.2%) of the respondents were females. The mean (±SD) age of the patients was 38.5 ± 9.5 years. The proportion of participants with a high level of health risk due to alcohol use was 8.4%, while 63.8% of them were non-alcohol users with no health risk. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, moderate and high levels of health risks from alcohol use were significantly associated with increased odds of inadequate immunological response (AOR: 2.9; 95% CI, 1.1-7.4) and (AOR: 4.3; 95% CI, 1.2-14.8), respectively, but the level of health risk from khat and cigarette use showed no association with inadequate immunological response in this study. Moderate and high levels of health risk from alcohol use were independently associated with inadequate immunological response. People living with HIV/AIDS should regularly be screened for and be educated about substance use and its potential negative impact on CD4 cell recovery.

The status and natural impact of floriculture production in Ethiopia: a systematic review.

Ethiopia's floriculture industry is exceedingly emerging, and, currently, it ranks as the sixth largest exporter of roses worldwide and second largest in Africa. Currently, many flowers, such as rose, gypsophila, carnations, and chrysanthemum, are growing. However, floriculture farms are contributing a high level of health risks and environmental problems in Ethiopia. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to scrutinize the status and impacts of floriculture industries in Ethiopia. The floriculture division is an emerging sector in Ethiopia, and the number of farms, income, job opportunities, and diversity of flowers are increasing. However, the health risks and environmental fates of the sector are also increasing. Ethiopian floriculture farms lack waste disposal technologies and workers' protective equipment and safety, and the chemicals, plastics, and corrugated irons used in the farms are carelessly disposed everywhere. Pesticides, plastics, and fertilizers are also freely discharged into water bodies and terrestrial land, which is causing the development of health risks; aquatic life hazards; and soil, water, and air pollution. However, Ethiopia has no strong and functional system or structure to control the impacts of floriculture farms. The government and the farm owners are not thoughtful about the environmental issues, health concerns, and socioeconomic impacts of the wastes. The government lacks regular control and assessment of farms, and the farms are engaging for their profit. Nevertheless, developed countries are currently using both natural and modern technologies to manage floricultural wastes. Ethiopia should therefore suggest manageable possible approaches and sound management strategies based on the findings of the analyses.

Toxicological health risk analysis of hazardous trace elements accumulation in the edible fish species of the Black Sea in Türkiye using multivariate statistical and spatial assessment

In the current study, the levels of eleven hazardous trace elements (HTEs) were measured in five different fish species frequently consumed in eleven cities along the Black Sea coast of Türkiye. And also the maximum permissible limits (MPLs) specified by international standards are compared to 11 HTEs levels. In addition, human health risk levels from fish consumption were assessed using multiple approaches. The highest metal concentrations of Fe, Mn, Co, Cr, Ni, Cd and Hg were detected in the fish sampled from Samsun city. It was determined that Cu, Zn, Pb and As metal concentrations were the highest in fish sampled from Düzce city. In the demersal Mullus barbatus (MB), the highest quantities of As, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Hg, and Pb were discovered. The highest concentrations of Zn and Cd were found in Engraulis encrasicolus (EE), which is a topminnow fish. The highest concentrations of Cu were found in Sarda sarda (SS), which is a topminnow fish. For all HTEs, the metal hazard index (MPI) and target hazard quotients (THQ) from metal intake by ingesting fish species were less than 1, indicating no risk from consumption. All investigated fish species were acceptable (10-4 to 10-6) in terms of carcinogenic risks (CR) from exposure to inorganic arsenic (iAs). Additionally, because the hazard index (HI) is less than 1, it has been determined that consuming certain fish species will not pose a risk to public health. The predicted daily intakes of HTEs in each fish species were far lower than their corresponding acceptable daily intakes, indicating that consuming fish would not put consumers at risk for health problems from daily intakes of HTEs. In addition, the multivariate statistical analysis justified that HTEs were from anthropogenic and lithogenic origin.

Using a Pollution-to-Risk Method to Evaluate the Impact of a Cold Front: A Case Study in a Downstream Region in Southeastern China

Cold fronts frequently intrude China in winter, causing air pollution episodes in downwind regions. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has been used as a major proxy of air pollution to examine the impacts of cold fronts. Compared to particles, gaseous pollutants can cause comparable or even higher levels of short-term health risks. In this study, a pollution-to-risk model was used to systematically evaluate the impacts of cold fronts on the combined health risks of air pollution mixtures, including PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), and sulfur dioxide (SO2). Dominant pollutants that caused significant mortality risks during a cold frontal passage in December 2019 over Fuzhou, a downwind city in southeastern China, were then examined. Under northerly frontal airflows, a pollution belt propagated southwards. In Fuzhou, two pollution peaks existed during the cold frontal passage. At the first peak, convergence and stagnant air in the frontal zone rapidly accumulated local air pollutants. The dominant pollutants that caused the mortality risk were identified as NO2 and PM2.5, both of which contributed 45% to the total risk. At the second peak, advection transported a significant amount of secondary pollutants from the upwind regions. Although PM2.5 was the dominant pollutant at this peak, gaseous pollutants still accounted for 34% of the total risk. Our risk analyses underscore the significant health impacts of gaseous pollutants during cold frontal passages in winter. The results generated from this study will help guide environmental policy makers in forming and improving air pollution control strategies during pollution episodes.

Urinary arsenic and health risk of the residents association in contaminated-groundwater area of the urbanized coastal aquifer, Thailand

Determining of arsenic (As) exposure was conducted in 110 residents which divided into two groups using the WHO guidelines for As in drinking water of 10 μg/L. Moreover, questionnaires with face-to-face interviews were used to make a health risk assessment and to determine the associated factors. The median of As in urine was 61.33 μg/L (5.38–600.86 μg/L), accounting for 68.18% of participants who exposed to the contaminated groundwater had obviously high urinary As levels, exceeded the normal value of 50 μg/L of As, as set by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The major factor affecting As in urine was the As contaminated groundwater. Pearson's chi-squared test showed that the urinary As level was influenced on the different groups of As level in groundwater (p-value <0.001). Multiple linear regression confirmed that the actual risk factors of As in urine were the As level in groundwater and the oral exposure route but not the dermal contact. Meanwhile binary logistic regression revealed that all socio-demographic factors were not influenced. Approximately 45.45% of the area had the HI above the risk level of 1, mostly via groundwater drinking pathway. The estimated total cancer risk values, 5.11 × 10−6 to 2.08 × 10−3, were higher than the safe level of 10−6. For long-term exposure, the As concentration and exposure duration were the most variables influencing health risk level. This finding suggests that chronic As exposure should be monitored and also the groundwater should be improved to provide the safe drinking water for the residents.

Spatial distribution characteristics of heavy metal(loid)s health risk in soil at scale on town level

In order to reveal the Spatial distribution characteristics of heavy metal(loid)s health risk in soil on the town-scale, 788 topsoil samples were collected from a town in the hinterland of Chengdu Plain, with 5 subordinate communities and 17 administrative villages as the research sub regions. The USEPA health risk assessment model was used to assess the health risks of heavy metal(loid)s Cd, Hg, As, Cu, Pb, Cr, Zn and Ni in the soil, the health risk analysis method system based on the geographic detector and the optimized rank-size theory model are used to clarify the spatial differentiation and risk level difference of health risk in the study area. The results showed that the average values of Cd, Hg, As, Pb, Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn in the soil of the study area were 0.221, 0.155, 9.76, 32.2, 91.9, 35.2, 37.1 and 108.8 mg/kg, respectively. The health risks of heavy metal(loid)s in soil to adults and children are generally within the acceptable range, but the maximum hazard index of children and the maximum non-carcinogenic risk value of Cr to children are 2.653303 and 1.213098 respectively, which were exceeding the acceptable range. The carcinogenic risk of Cr and As to adults and children and the carcinogenic risk of Cd to children are at 1 × 10–4 to 1 × 10–6, exceeding the 10–6 health threshold. The q-value range of heavy metal(loid)s health risk spatial differentiation of soil in the study area is 0.016–0.425. The spatial differentiation of non-carcinogenic risk of Hg, As, Ni, Pb, Cd and Cr and the spatial differentiation of carcinogenic risk of Cr and As are larger, which needs further attention. The strictly controlled area of heavy metal(loid)s health risk in the soil of the study area (R ≥ 1.1) is mainly concentrated in the central, western and northeast sub regions, and most sub regions belong to the safe utilization area (0.9 < R < 1.1). The health risk assessment of heavy metal(loid)s in soil on a town scale is of positive significance for enriching health risk research methods, measuring health risk levels at different scales, and formulating refined risk management and control strategies.

Principal Component Analysis (PCA)–Geographic Information System (GIS) Modeling for Groundwater and Associated Health Risks in Abbottabad, Pakistan

Drinking water quality is a major problem in Pakistan, especially in the Abbottabad region of Pakistan. The main objective of this study was to use a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and integrated Geographic Information System (GIS)-based statistical model to estimate the spatial distribution of exceedance levels of groundwater quality parameters and related health risks for two union councils (Mirpur and Jhangi) located in Abbottabad, Pakistan. A field survey was conducted, and samples were collected from 41 sites to analyze the groundwater quality parameters. The data collection includes the data for 15 water quality parameters. The Global Positioning System (GPS) Essentials application was used to obtain the geographical coordinates of sampling locations in the study area. The GPS Essentials is an android-based GPS application commonly used for collection of geographic coordinates. After sampling, the laboratory analyses were performed to evaluate groundwater quality parameters. PCA was applied to the results, and the exceedance values were calculated by subtracting them from the World Health Organization (WHO) standard parameter values. The nine groundwater quality parameters such as Arsenic (As), Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), Cadmium (Cd), Iron (Fe), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), and Colony Forming Unit (CFU) exceeded the WHO threshold. The highly exceeded parameters, i.e., As, Pb, Hg, Cd, and CFU, were selected for GIS-based modeling. The Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) technique was used to model the exceedance values. The PCA produced five Principal Components (PCs) with a cumulative variance of 76%. PC-1 might be the indicator of health risks related to CFU, Hg, and Cd. PC-2 could be the sign of natural pollution. PC-3 might be the indicator of health risks due to As. PC-4 and PC-5 might be indicators of natural processes. GIS modeling revealed that As, Pb, Cd, CFU, and Hg exceeded levels 3, 4, and 5 in both union councils. Therefore, there could be greater risk for exposure to diseases such as cholera, typhoid, dysentery, hepatitis, giardiasis, cryptosporidiosis, and guinea worm infection. The combination of laboratory analysis with GIS and statistical techniques provided new dimensions of modeling research for analyzing groundwater and health risks.