Main Environmental Risk Factor Research Articles

Targeting IGF2BP1 alleviated benzene hematotoxicity by reprogramming BCAA metabolism and fatty acid oxidation

Benzene is the main environmental pollutant and risk factor of childhood leukemia and chronic benzene poisoning. Benzene exposure leads to hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) dysfunction and abnormal blood cell counts. However, the key regulatory targets and mechanisms of benzene hematotoxicity are unclear. In this study, we constructed a benzene-induced hematopoietic damage mouse model to explore the underlying mechanisms. We identified that Insulin like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1) was significantly reduced in benzene-exposed mice. Moreover, targeting IGF2BP1 effectively mitigated damages to hematopoietic function and hematopoietic molecule expression caused by benzene in mice. On the mechanics, by metabolomics and transcriptomics, we discovered that branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolism and fatty acid oxidation were key metabolic pathways, and Branched-chain amino acid transaminase 1 (BCAT1) and Carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1a (CPT1A) were critical metabolic enzymes involved in IGF2BP1-mediated hematopoietic injury process. The expression of the above molecules in the benzene exposure population was also examined and consistent with animal experiments. In conclusion, targeting IGF2BP1 alleviated hematopoietic injury caused by benzene exposure, possibly due to the reprogramming of BCAA metabolism and fatty acid oxidation via BCAT1 and CPT1A metabolic enzymes. IGF2BP1 is a potential regulatory and therapeutic target for benzene hematotoxicity.

A regressive analysis of the main environmental risk factors of human echinococcosis in 370 counties in China.

Echinococcosis is a natural focal, highly prevalent disease in China. Factors influencing the spread of echinococcosis are not only related to personal exposure but also closely related to the environment itself. The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of environmental factors on the prevalence of human echinococcosis and to provide a reference for prevention and control of echinococcosis in the future. Data were collected from 370 endemic counties in China in 2018. By downloading Modis, DEM and other remote-sensing images in 2018. Data on environmental factors, i.e., elevation, land surface temperature (LST) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) were collected. Rank correlation analysis was conducted between each environmental factor and the prevalence of echinococcosis at the county level. Negative binomial regression was used to analyze the impact of environmental factors on the prevalence of human echinococcosis at the county level. According to rank correlation analysis, the prevalence of human echinococcosis in each county was positively correlated with elevation, negatively correlated with LST, and negatively correlated with NDVI in May, June and July. Negative binomial regression showed that the prevalence of human echinococcosis was negatively correlated with annual LST and summer NDVI, and positively correlated with average elevation and dog infection rate. The prevalence of human cystic echinococcosis was inversely correlated with the annual average LST, and positively correlated with both the average elevation and the prevalence rate of domestic animals. The prevalence of human alveolar echinococcosis was positively correlated with both NDVI in autumn and average elevation, and negatively correlated with NDVI in winter. The prevalence of echinococcosis in the population is affected by environmental factors. Environmental risk assessment and prediction can be conducted in order to rationally allocate health resources and improve both prevention and control efficiency of echinococcosis.

Spatiotemporal Distribution and Source Analysis of Heavy Metals in Surface Sediments in Lake Ulansuhai Based on PCA-APCS-MLR Model

To explore the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of heavy metals in the surface sediments of lakes in cold regions during ice-sealing and non-ice-sealing periods, we analyzed the potential ecological risk degree and the pollution sources. A total of 20 sampling sites in Lake Ulansuhai in cold regions were collected from 2020 to 2021, and 120 surface sediment samples were collected during different periods. The contents of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, and Hg were determined. Correlation analysis, principal component analysis, and the absolute factor score-multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) receptor model were used to trace the source of heavy metal pollution. The results showed that:① the distribution of heavy metals in lake surface sediments was different between the ice-sealing period and the non-ice-sealing period. The distribution of heavy metals during the ice-sealing period was higher in the north and lower in the south. Cd and Hg were mainly distributed in the central and southern lakes during the non-glacial period. ② Hg, Cd, and As were moderately polluted, and Ni was mildly polluted in the surface sediments of the lake. The overall performance was at a high risk level, and the pollution level during the non-ice-sealing period was higher than that during the ice-sealing period. The main environmental risk factors were Hg and Cd, which showed high risk and moderate risk, respectively. ③ The sources of heavy metals in lake surface sediments were mainly industrial sources from mining and transportation, agricultural sources, and natural sources. As, Ni, Pb, and Hg were mainly affected by industrial sources, with contribution rates of 62.67%, 75.31%, 77.47%, and 80.11%, respectively. The main sources of Cu and Zn were natural sources, and Cd was greatly affected by agricultural sources. The contribution rate was 81.57%. The source of Cr was mainly affected by natural factors, and the influence of human activities and unknown sources require further attention.

Gut microbiota and childhood malnutrition: Understanding the link and exploring therapeutic interventions.

Childhood malnutrition is a metabolic condition that affects the physical and mental well-being of children and leads to resultant disorders in maturity. The development of childhood malnutrition is influenced by a number of physiological and environmental factors including metabolic stress, infections, diet, genetic variables, and gut microbiota. The imbalanced gut microbiota is one of the main environmental risk factors that significantly influence host physiology and childhood malnutrition progression. In this review, we have evaluated the gut microbiota association with undernutrition and overnutrition in children, and then the quantitative and qualitative significance of gut dysbiosis in order to reveal the impact of gut microbiota modification using probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and engineering biology methods as new therapeutic challenges in the management of disturbed energy homeostasis. Understanding the host-microbiota interaction and the remote regulation of other organs and pathways by gut microbiota can improve the effectiveness of new therapeutic approaches and mitigate the negative consequences of childhood malnutrition.

Analyzing the Effect of Air Pollutants on Particulate Matter Concentrations of the Tropical coastal city of Thiruvananthapuram, India by Wavelet Coherence

The main environmental risk factor that need regular monitoring and analysis for efficient air quality management is particulate matter (PM). This paper analyzes the effect of gaseous air pollutants (SO2, CO, Ozone, NOx) on PM concentration in the coastal city of Thiruvananthapuram, India using Wavelet coherence (WTC). The study was conducted using the data from Plammoodu station of the city for the period of 2018 to 2021. The teleconnections of air pollutants with PMs are analysed using WTC for the data of different time spells of 2018-2021, 2018 and 2020. Results showed that among the air pollutants, Ozone (AWC of 0.4713 & PoSC of 23.0234 for PM10, AWC of 0.4814 & PoSC of 26.2261 for PM2.5) have most dominant influence on irrespective of the particulate matter type and time spells. The secondary influencing factors were found to be different with respect to the time spells chosen, indicating the dynamics of local variables on PM concentrations of the city.

Epidemiology of environmental factors related to beta-catenin pathway and its impact on the development and progression of colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a complex disease, determined by genetic, environmental and lifestyle-associated risk factors. Genetic (inherited) factors have great influence on its development; however, most cases of CRC are sporadic and gradually develop over several years. The main environmental risk factors are associated with b-catenin signaling pathway, including obesity, lack of physical activity, consumption of red and processed meats, alcoholism, and smoking. The pathway is related to cell homeostasis regulation and cell self-renewal during embryogenesis and adulthood. The main recommendation for preventing the development of CRC is to reduce the risk factors, increase the consumption of fruits, vegetables and grains, exercise regularly and limit the consumption of both alcohol and tobacco. However, family history and the presence of a hereditary syndrome increase the risk, which is why carrying out periodic examinations to detect CRC is suggested, using development predictors such as biochemical and molecular markers, which are discussed in this work.

Gene-environment interaction in myopia.

Myopia is a health issue that has attracted global attention due to its high prevalence and vision-threatening complications. It is well known that the onset and progression of myopia are related to both genetic and environmental factors: more than 450 common genetic loci have been found to be associated with myopia, while near work and outdoor time are the main environmental risk factors. As for many complex traits, gene-environment interactions are implicated in myopia development. To date, several genetic loci have been found to interact with near work or educational level. Gene-environment interaction research on myopia could yield models that provide more accurate risk predictions, thus improving targeted treatments and preventive strategies. Additionally, such investigations might have the potential to reveal novel genetic information. In this review, we summarised the findings in this field and proposed some topics for future investigations.

Evaluation of a school-based sun safety education program in Reunion Island, 2016–2017

BackgroundSun exposure, especially during childhood, is the main environmental risk factor for skin cancers. This study evaluated the impact of the school-based sun safety education program “Living with the Sun” on the knowledge and behavior of primary school children regarding sun safety in Reunion Island. MethodsThis multicenter, comparative intervention study was conducted in selected primary schools of Reunion during the 2016–2017 school year. The intervention consisted of an in-class slide-show presentation on sun safety, a teaching guide, and school trips during which children were offered sunscreen and were requested to wear sunglasses, a T-shirt, and a cap. The children completed a questionnaire before and after the intervention. The percentage of children wearing a cap in school playgrounds at the end of the school year was compared between paired intervention and control schools. ResultsSeven hundred children from 7 Reunionese schools completed the questionnaire before and after the intervention. There was a statistically significant improvement in children’s knowledge of sun safety, with differences between schools, teachers, school levels, and questionnaire responses. The percentage of children wearing a cap at the end of the school year was significantly higher in intervention schools compared to control schools. ConclusionsChildren’s knowledge and behavior regarding sun safety improved significantly as a result of the intervention.

The clinical characteristics of patients with asthma exposed to different environmental risk factors: A cross-sectional study.

Smoking, biomass, and occupational exposure are the main environmental risk factors for asthma. The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical characteristics of exposure to these risk factors in patients with asthma. This cross-sectional study enrolled patients with asthma from an outpatient department according to the Global Initiative for Asthma. Demographics, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1%pred, FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC), laboratory tests, asthma control test (ACT), asthma control questionnaire (ACQ) scores, and the inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) dose were recorded. A generalized linear mixed model was used to adjust for potential confounders. A total of 492 patients with asthma were included in this study. Of these patients, 13.0% were current smokers, 9.6% were former smokers, and 77.4% were never smokers. Compared with never smokers, the current and former smokers had a longer duration of asthma; lower ACT scores, FEV1, FEV1%pred, and FEV1/FVC; and higher ACQ scores, IgE, FeNO, blood eosinophils, and ICS dose (p < .05). In addition, the patients exposed to biomass alone were older; had higher exacerbation in the past year; a longer duration of asthma; and lower FEV1, FEV1%pred, FEV1/FVC, IgE, and FeNO compared with smoking or occupational exposure alone. Compared with smoking exposure alone, patients with occupational exposure alone had a longer duration of asthma and lower FEV1, FEV1%pred, FVC, IgE, FeNO, and ICS dose (p < .05). There are significant differences in the clinical characteristics of patients with asthma depending on the smoking status. In addition, significant differences also observed among smoking, biomass, and occupational exposure.

Dopamine-Dependent Ketamine Modulation of Glutamatergic Synaptic Plasticity in the Prelimbic Cortex of Adult Rats Exposed to Acute Stress.

Traumatic stress is the main environmental risk factor for the development of psychiatric disorders. We have previously shown that acute footshock (FS) stress in male rats induces rapid and long-lasting functional and structural changes in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), which are partly reversed by acute subanesthetic ketamine. Here, we asked if acute FS may also induce any changes in glutamatergic synaptic plasticity in the PFC 24 h after stress exposure and whether ketamine administration 6 h after stress may have any effect. We found that the induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) in PFC slices of both control and FS animals is dependent on dopamine and that dopamine-dependent LTP is reduced by ketamine. We also found selective changes in ionotropic glutamate receptor subunit expression, phosphorylation, and localization at synaptic membranes induced by both acute stress and ketamine. Although more studies are needed to understand the effects of acute stress and ketamine on PFC glutamatergic plasticity, this first report suggests a restoring effect of acute ketamine, supporting the potential benefit of ketamine in limiting the impact of acute traumatic stress.

Controlling Gastric Cancer in a World of Heterogeneous Risk

Gastric cancer (GC) is a leading cause of global mortality but also a cancer whose footprint is highly unequal. This review aims to define global disease epidemiology, critically appraise strategies of prevention and disease attenuation, and assess how these strategies could be applied to improve outcomes from GC in a world of variable risk and disease burden. Strategies of primary prevention focus on improving the detection and eradication of the main environmental risk factor, Helicobacter pylori. In certain countries of high incidence, endoscopic or radiographic screening of the asymptomatic general population has been adopted as a means of secondary prevention. By contrast, identification and targeted surveillance of individuals with precancerous lesions (such as intestinal metaplasia) is being increasingly embraced in nations of low incidence. This review also highlights existing knowledge gaps in GC prevention as well as the role of emerging technologies for early detection and risk stratification.

Skin cancer mortality in Spain: adjusted mortality rates by province and related risk factors.

Ultraviolet radiation is the main environmental risk factor responsible for the development of skin cancer. Other occupational, socioeconomic, and environmental factors appear to be related to the risk of skin cancer. Furthermore, the factors appear to differ for melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). The purpose of this study is to analyze mortality rates of skin cancer in the different provinces of Spain and to determine the influence of socioeconomic conditions and other environmental and demographic factors in rates. Deaths from melanoma and NMSC in the period 2000-2019 were obtained as well as socioeconomic and environmental variables. Annual standardized mortality rates (SMR) were calculated for all Spanish provinces. The Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated. The SMR of melanoma was 2.10/100,000 inhabitants, while that of NMSC was 1.28/100,000. At the provincial level, a great variability is confirmed. Gross domestic product showed a positive correlation with melanoma mortality but a negative correlation with NMSC. Other environmental and socioeconomic variables also showed correlation, as a positive correlation between tobacco sales and melanoma and between agricultural development and the NMSC. There are still important differences between each province that must be taken into account when planning health care and resource distribution. This ecological and province-wise study helps to elucidate the relationship between social and ambient exposure determinants and skin cancer mortality in Spain.

Time Trends in Ischemic Heart Disease Mortality Attributable to PM2.5 Exposure in Southeastern China from 1990 to 2019: An Age-Period-Cohort Analysis.

Data were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease study 2019 (GBD2019). The magnitude and direction of the trends in IHD mortality attributable to PM2.5 exposure were analyzed by Joinpoint regression. The age-period-cohort (APC) model was used to evaluate the cohort and period effect. Age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) of IHD attributable to PM2.5 exposure decreased from 1990 to 2019, with an average annual percentage change (AAPC) of -1.71% (95%CI: -2.02~-1.40), which, due to ambient PM2.5 (APM) exposure and household PM2.5 (HPM) exposure increased with AAPCs of 1.45% (95%CI: 1.18~1.72) and -8.27% (95%CI: -8.84~-7.69), respectively. APC analysis revealed an exponential distribution in age effects on IHD mortality attributable to APM exposure, which rapidly increased in the elderly. The risk for IHD mortality due to HPM exposure showed a decline in the period and cohort effects, which, due to APM, increased in the period and cohort effects. However, favorable period effects were found in the recent decade. The overall net drift values for APM were above zero, and were below zero for HPM. The values for local drift with age both for APM and HPM exposures were initially reduced and then enhanced. The main environmental risk factor for IHD mortality changed from HPM to APM exposure in Jiangsu Province, China. Corresponding health strategies and prevention management should be adopted to reduce ambient air pollution and decrease the effects of APM exposure on IHD mortality.

Retrospective and Prospective Study on Injuries during Coital Accidents at the Central Hospital of Yaounnde: A Study of 23 Cases

Introduction: A penile fracture is the traumatic rupture of the turnica albuginea of one of both cavernous bodies of an erect penis. It is a urologic emergency in young adults. The objective of our study is to determine the epidemiologic, clinical, and therapeutic aspects and evaluate the complications at the Yaounde Central Hospital (YCH). Methodology: It was a cross-sectional retrospective and descriptive study, carried out for a period of five years, from 2015 to 2020, followed by a prospective phase for a period of 1 year, from December 2020 to 2021 at the Urology Unit of Yaounde Central Hospital. Results: Our study involved 23 patients. The mean age was 34 ± 4 years with extremes of 23 - 65 years. Married men were the most involved, with 16 cases (69.6%). The majority of patients presented for consultation within the first 6 hours (60.9%). The mean delay time before the consultation was 5 [3 - 24] hours, with extreme values of 1 - 72 hours. Sitting position during sexual intercourse was mainly found (56.5% of cases), while alcohol consumption was the main environmental risk factor found (47.8% of cases). Penile pain (100.0%) and deformation of the penile shaft (91.3%) were the most encountered symptom during admission. The frequency of cavernosa involement was 87.0%. The injury was partial in the majority of cases (95.0%), involving both corpus cavernosa (55.0%) and mostly on the right (60.0%). The mean management delay was 5 hours standard deviation [5 - 7], with extremes of 2 - 48 hours. The intra-cavernous hematoma was the essential per-operative finding in all the operated cases (100.0%). Most patients resumed sexual intercourse 2 - 3 months following management (65.3% of cases). After one year of treatment, 78.3% of patients declared satisfactory sexual activity. Conclusion: Penile fracture is an anthological emergency in young adults. The management is essentially surgical. Functional prognosis depends on the promptitude of surgical intervention.

Analysis of Heavy Metal Pollution Characteristics and Potential Ecological Risks of Surface Sediments in Dongjiang Lake

To understand the pollution characteristics, spatial distribution characteristics, potential ecological risks, and sources of heavy metals in surface sediments of Dongjiang Lake, 12 surface sediment samples were collected from Dongjiang Lake. The contents of 20 heavy metals including Li, Be, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Ag, Cd, Cs, Ba, Pb, and U were analyzed in this study. The geo-accumulation index method and potential risk index method were used to evaluate the pollution degree and potential risks of heavy metals in sediments, and the correlation analysis and principal component analysis were used to trace the source of the primary heavy metals. The results showed that the average contents of ω(Cd)(2.25 mg·kg-1) and ω(As)(80.80 mg·kg-1) in heavy metals of Dongjiang Lake sediments were 21.2 times and 5.5 times the background value (0.11 mg·kg-1 and 14.7 mg·kg-1) of Hunan province. The overall spatial distribution of heavy metals was in the order of South>North>Central. The evaluation by the geo-accumulation index method showed that Cd was at the heavy pollution level, As and Se were at the moderate pollution level, Ag and Ga were at the light pollution level, and the other heavy metals were below the pollution standard. The evaluation by the potential risk index showed that all the surface sediments of Dongjiang Lake were at the high-risk level. The main environmental risk factor was Cd, which had an extremely high risk; the second was As, which had a medium risk; and the remaining heavy metals had no ecological risk.

Characterization of a microglia-specific humanized P2X7 receptor knock-out mouse line: Implications for translational psychoneuroimmunology

IntroductionDepression is a common psychiatric disorder and chronic stress is considered its main environmental risk factor. Recently, immune processes including adenosine triphosphate mediated P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) signalling via microglia and macrophages (M/Ms) were found to play a critical role in depression genesis, by linking environmental stress to depression biology and symptoms.ObjectivesTo characterize the role of human P2X7R (hP2X7R) in psychosocial and immune stress conditions, both in vitro and in vivo.MethodsSeveral, custom designed mouse lines expressing the loxP-flanked, hP2X7R-sequence in the murine P2X7R locus were established. In addition, these mice possess a Cre-sensitive reporter and express a Cre recombinase fused to a mutant estrogen receptor ligand-binding domain in M/Ms. This enables conditional, tamoxifen-inducible hP2X7R inactivation and simultaneous tdTomato expression. First, we established primary microglia cell cultures and characterized them at baseline and following immune stimulation. Next, we performed behavioural assessment of hP2X7Rwt and microglia-specific hP2X7RKO mice following chronic psychosocial stress. Last, we developed a novel in vivo two-photon microscopy (TPM) approach by use of frontolimbic cranial windows.ResultsPrimary hP2X7RKO microglia displayed significantly lower IL-1β production, increased survival and decreased morphological activation upon immune stimulation. Although hP2X7RKO mice showed a significant increase of locomotor activity at baseline, there was no impact on anxiety- and depressive-like phenotypes. Longitudinal in vivo TPM enabled morphometric characterization of cortical M/Ms over several weeks.ConclusionsOur results illustrate the great potential of this humanized mouse line for translational psychiatry. In the future, this system could proof useful to evaluate immunomodulatory approaches in chronic stress and depression.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Environmental risk factors in multiple sclerosis: bridging Mendelian randomization and observational studies.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex disease with both genetic variants and environmental factors involved in disease susceptibility. The main environmental risk factors associated with MS in observational studies include obesity, vitamin D deficiency, Epstein-Barr virus infection and smoking. As modifying these environmental and lifestyle factors may enable prevention, it is important to pinpoint causal links between these factors and MS. Leveraging genetics through the Mendelian randomization (MR) paradigm is an elegant way to inform prevention strategies in MS. In this review, we summarize MR studies regarding the impact of environmental factors on MS susceptibility, thereby paying attention to quality criteria which will aid readers in interpreting any MR studies. We draw parallels and differences with observational studies and randomized controlled trials and look forward to the challenges that such work presents going forward.

Neural correlates of attentional control in social anxiety disorder: the impact of early-life adversity and DNA methylation.

Background:Social anxiety disorder is characterized by intense fear and avoidance of social interactions and scrutiny by others. Although alterations in attentional control seem to play a central role in the psychopathology of social anxiety disorder, the neural underpinnings in prefrontal brain regions have not yet been fully clarified.Methods:The present study used functional MRI in participants (age 18–50 yr) with social anxiety disorder (n = 42, 31 female) and without (n = 58, 33 female). It investigated the interrelation of the effects of social anxiety disorder and early-life adversity (a main environmental risk factor of social anxiety disorder) on brain activity during an attentional control task. We applied DNA methylation analysis to determine whether epigenetic modulation in the gene encoding the glucocorticoid receptor, NR3C1, might play a mediating role in this process.Results:We identified 2 brain regions in the left and medial prefrontal cortex that exhibited an interaction effect of social anxiety disorder and early-life adversity. In participants with low levels of early-life adversity, neural activity in response to disorder-related stimuli was increased in association with social anxiety disorder. In participants with high levels of early-life adversity, neural activity was increased only in participants without social anxiety disorder. NR3C1 DNA methylation partly mediated the effect of social anxiety disorder on brain activity as a function of early-life adversity.Limitations:The absence of behavioural correlates associated with social anxiety disorder limited functional interpretation of the results.Conclusion:These findings demonstrate that the neurobiological processes that underlie social anxiety disorder might be fundamentally different depending on experiences of early-life adversity. Long-lasting effects of early-life adversity might be encoded in NR3C1 DNA methylation and entail alterations in social anxiety disorder–related activity patterns in the neural network of attentional control.

Evidence of the correlation between a city's air pollution and human health through soft computing.

Huge quantities of pollutants are released into the atmosphere of many cities every day. These emissions, due to physicochemical conditions, can interact with each other, resulting in additional pollutants such as ozone. The resulting accumulation of pollutants can be dangerous for human health. To date, urban pollution is recognized as one of the main environmental risk factors. This research aims to correlate, through soft computing techniques, namely Artificial Neural Networks and Genetic Programming, the data of the tumours recorded by the Local Health Authority of the city of Benevento, in Italy, with those of the pollutants detected in the air monitoring stations. Such stations can monitor many pollutants, i.e. NO2, CO, PM10, PM2.5, O3 and Benzene (C6H6). Assuming possible effects on human health in the medium term, in this work we treat the data relating to pollutants from the 2012–2014 period while, the tumour data, provided by local hospitals, refer to the time interval 2016–2018. The results show a high correlation between the cases of lung tumours and the exceedance of atmospheric particulate matter and ozone. The explicit genetic programming knowledge representation allows also to measure the relevance of each considered pollutant on human health, evidencing the major role of PM10, NO2 and O3.

Environmental risks for children oral health in Low Danube region

The study was aimed to assess the environmental risks for children oral health in Low Danube region.Material and methods. The study was conducted in 2011-2021. Information on the state of drinking water, the level of environmental safety of food, qualitative and quantitative composition of food was obtained from the reports of territorial institutions of the sanitary-epidemiological service of Odessa region. Actual nutrition was assessed using standard questionnaires. The assessment of the level of environmental and hygienic safety was based on the recommendations of the EPA. Statistical processing was performed by methods of analysis of variance and correlation using specialized software Statistica 10.0.Results. Excessive carbohydrate intake and excessive nitrate load are the main environmental risk factors for dental pathology in children living in the Danube region. Qualitative composition of diets plays a bigger role than mineral composition of drinking water.Conclusion. 1. Drinking water of suboptimal mineral composition was consumed by 41.7% of people, high content of refined carbohydrates was inherent in the diets of 63.0% of surveyed children.2. Children’s diet is characterized with subdeficiency of B vitamins, excessive consumption of refined carbohydrates and a significant nitrate load.