Non-carcinogenic Compounds Research Articles

Ambient volatile organic compounds in the Seoul metropolitan area of South Korea: Chemical reactivity, risks and source apportionment

The chemical reactivity, contribution of emission sources, and risk assessment of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the atmosphere of the Seoul metropolitan area (SMA) were analyzed. Datasets collected from 6 photochemical assessment monitoring stations (PAMS) of SMA from 2018 to 2021 were used. Alkenes and aromatics contributed significantly to ozone formation relative to the emission concentrations, and aromatics accounted for most of the secondary organic aerosols (SOA) formation in the SMA. The contributions of ozone and SOA formation were found to be notably higher at measurement stations in residential areas such as Guwol (GW) and Sosabon (SS) compared to other measurement stations. From the results of an emission source analysis, it was confirmed that anthropogenic sources such as combustion sources, vehicle exhaust, fuel evaporation, and solvent use had a significant effect at all measurement stations. Assessing the health risk, non-carcinogenic compounds were at acceptable level at all measurement stations. On the other hand, carcinogenic compounds were approaching risk level (10−4), thereby demanding immediate attention. The level of exposure to carcinogenic compounds increased by age group, and male was more vulnerable than female. It was found that SS had the highest level of exposure to carcinogens in the atmosphere of the population ages 60 or older. The health threat of the SMA population is expected due to direct exposure from inhalation of ambient toxic compounds and indirect exposure from ozone and PM2.5 formations through oxidation of VOCs. This study emphasizes the importance of addressing specific emission sources within the metropolitan area and developing comprehensive regional strategies to mitigate VOCs.

DCAMCP: A deep learning model based on capsule network and attention mechanism for molecular carcinogenicity prediction.

The carcinogenicity of drugs can have a serious impact on human health, so carcinogenicity testing of new compounds is very necessary before being put on the market. Currently, many methods have been used to predict the carcinogenicity of compounds. However, most methods have limited predictive power and there is still much room for improvement. In this study, we construct a deep learning model based on capsule network and attention mechanism named DCAMCP to discriminate between carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic compounds. We train the DCAMCP on a dataset containing 1564 different compounds through their molecular fingerprints and molecular graph features. The trained model is validated by fivefold cross-validation and external validation. DCAMCP achieves an average accuracy (ACC) of 0.718 ± 0.009, sensitivity (SE) of 0.721 ± 0.006, specificity (SP) of 0.715 ± 0.014 and area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.793 ± 0.012. Meanwhile, comparable results can be achieved on an external validation dataset containing 100 compounds, with an ACC of 0.750, SE of 0.778, SP of 0.727 and AUC of 0.811, which demonstrate the reliability of DCAMCP. The results indicate that our model has made progress in cancer risk assessment and could be used as an efficient tool in drug design.

Genomic Survey of Flavin Monooxygenases in Wild and Cultivated Rice Provides Insight into Evolution and Functional Diversities.

The flavin monooxygenase (FMO) enzyme was discovered in mammalian liver cells that convert a carcinogenic compound, N-N'-dimethylaniline, into a non-carcinogenic compound, N-oxide. Since then, many FMOs have been reported in animal systems for their primary role in the detoxification of xenobiotic compounds. In plants, this family has diverged to perform varied functions like pathogen defense, auxin biosynthesis, and S-oxygenation of compounds. Only a few members of this family, primarily those involved in auxin biosynthesis, have been functionally characterized in plant species. Thus, the present study aims to identify all the members of the FMO family in 10 different wild and cultivated Oryza species. Genome-wide analysis of the FMO family in different Oryza species reveals that each species has multiple FMO members in its genome and that this family is conserved throughout evolution. Taking clues from its role in pathogen defense and its possible function in ROS scavenging, we have also assessed the involvement of this family in abiotic stresses. A detailed in silico expression analysis of the FMO family in Oryza sativa subsp. japonica revealed that only a subset of genes responds to different abiotic stresses. This is supported by the experimental validation of a few selected genes using qRT-PCR in stress-sensitive Oryza sativa subsp. indica and stress-sensitive wild rice Oryza nivara. The identification and comprehensive in silico analysis of FMO genes from different Oryza species carried out in this study will serve as the foundation for further structural and functional studies of FMO genes in rice as well as other crop types.

Connexin-Based Channel Activity Is Not Specifically Altered by Hepatocarcinogenic Chemicals.

Connexin-based channels play key roles in cellular communication and can be affected by deleterious chemicals. In this study, the effects of various genotoxic carcinogenic compounds, non-genotoxic carcinogenic compounds and non-carcinogenic compounds on the expression and functionality of connexin-based channels, both gap junctions and connexin hemichannels, were investigated in human hepatoma HepaRG cell cultures. Expression of connexin26, connexin32, and connexin43 was evaluated by means of real-time reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis, immunoblot analysis and in situ immunostaining. Gap junction functionality was assessed via a scrape loading/dye transfer assay. Opening of connexin hemichannels was monitored by measuring extracellular release of adenosine triphosphate. It was found that both genotoxic and non-genotoxic carcinogenic compounds negatively affect connexin32 expression. However, no specific effects related to chemical type were observed at gap junction or connexin hemichannel functionality level.

Health Risk Assessment for the Exposure of Workers to BTEX at the Gasoline Stations

The study was conducted to assess the health risks of workers due to exposure to toxic gases including benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, m, p-xylene, o-xylene, formaldehyde and acetaldehyde at gasoline retail stations. In this study, data on the concentrations of the toxic gases were collected from the previously published studies in the qualified scientific journals. The health risk assessment was followed by the process of the United States Environment Protection Agency (U.S. EPA). The results show that the concentrations of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, m, p-xylene, o-xylene, formaldehyde, and acetaldehyde were in the range of 12.40 - 357.5, 12.47 - 574.17, 2.05 - 156.5, 4.57 - 218, 2.36 - 77.04, 3.64 - 153.93 and 1.27- 27.83 µg/m3 , respectively. Life time cancer risk for gasoline station workers due to exposure to benzene, ethylbenzene, formaldehyde, and acetaldehyde was calculated in the ranges of 2.13x10-5 - 6.14x10-4 , 4.96x10-7 - 3.79x10-5 , 4.81x10-6 - 2.03x10-4 , and 7.99x10-7 - 1.75x10-5 , respectively. For non-carcinogenic compounds, the hazard index due to benzene, toluene, m, p-xylene, o-xylene were respectively in the range of 0.13 - 3.81, 7.97x10-4 - 0.04, 0.01 - 0.70 and 0.01 - 0.25. The findings revealed that there is high risk of cancer and non-cancer for the workers working at the gasolines stations if they are not taking good preventive measures. The calculation showed that the limit levels of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, formaldehyde and acetaldehyde should be reduced to 5.82x10-4 , 15.64, 4.13x10- 3 , 0.31, 7.57x10-4 and 1.59x10-3 mg/m3 , respectively to meet the safety levels for the workers at the gasoline stations. 
 Keywords: benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, life-time cancer risk, health

The risk assessment, a decision-making tool for the management of contaminated sites

The paper presents a methodology to assess the solutions for the management of contaminated sites. For defining these solutions there were developed two main activities. First one consists in a detailed site investigation to define its geological, hydrogeological characteristics and surely the contamination level. The second activity is dedicated to the assessment of risk generated by the soil, subsoil, air, and groundwater contamination, by using a professional software. The methodology was applied to a real case study. The results showed that for non-carcinogenic compounds the risk is above the thresholds establish by legislation. The conclusion is that measures to mitigate this risk must be taken, based on a feasibility study that will be realised in the next stage of the research.

BTEX indoor air characteristic values in rural areas of Jordan: Heaters and health risk assessment consequences in winter season

Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene isomers (BTEX) are known to affect environmental air and health quality. In this study, the levels of BTEX compounds were determined in indoor air environments during the winter generated by several different heaters: diesel pot-bellied heater with chimney (DH); electric heater (EH); unfluted gas heater (GH); kerosene heater (KH); and wood pot-bellied heater with chimney (WH). The samples were collected using a diffusion passive adsorbent (activated charcoal) and then analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results showed that the heaters differ in the quantity of BTEX released during operation. The KH was the most polluted heater based on BTEX measurement, followed by DH. The ∑BTEX for heaters were observed as follows: KH (290 μg m−3); DH (120 μg m−3); GH (84 μg m−3); WH (31 μg m−3); EH (16 μg m−3). Toluene was the predominant compound in all air samples. In KH and DH, the toluene to benzene ratios (T/B) were higher than 4 due to fuel evaporation, while GH had a T/B ratio of 3.9, indicating that the combustion of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) was the main source. Moreover, a risk assessment was performed to evaluate where the cancer risks (CR) for benzene and ethylbenzene exceeded the critical values (10−6). KH was found to be the most harmful heater for residents, followed by DH and GH. For non-carcinogenic compounds, hazard quotients (HQ) were found to be less than one and thus unlikely to cause health problems.

Health risk assessment of heavy metals, BTEX and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the workplace in a secondary oil re-refining factory

The present study aimed to evaluate the health risk of heavy metals (iron, zinc, cadmium, arsenic, nickel, lead, and mercury), benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the workplace in a secondary oil re-refining factory. In this descriptive, cross-sectional study, samples were collected and analyzed using the NIOSH 1501 method at eight sampling points with determined concentrations of BTEX, 16Ʃ PAHs, and heavy metals. The concentration of each pollutant was evaluated based on the type of workers (packaging/filtration). The risk assessment of the contaminants was carried out using the RAIS software, and the risk of non-carcinogenic compounds was estimated based on the reference respiratory concentration (mg/m3). The results showed that the lifetime cancer risk index (LCR) cumulative risk of the heavy metals was within the definitive risk range at all the sampling points. The highest carcinogenic risk of LCR belonged to arsenic at sampling point H (filtration chamber), and the highest cumulative carcinogenic risk of the total contaminants in the environmental sampling points belonged to sampling point H. At all the sampling points, the LCR carcinogenic risk accumulation for the hydrocarbon compounds was within the definitive range. The maximum cumulative lifetime cancer risk for the hydrocarbon compounds was evaluated in filtration (point B), and the most hazardous carcinogens were arsenic, benzo(a)pyrene, and naphthalene. The proposed risk assessment method was observed to be comprehensive, and its results could be used for corrective and controlling measures and the prioritization of risk reduction resources.

The occurrence and spatial distribution of phthalate esters (PAEs) in the Lanzhou section of the Yellow River.

The occurrence and spatial distribution of 22 congener phthalate esters (PAEs) in the Lanzhou section of the Yellow River were investigated using water and sediment samples collected from 12 stations along the river in August 2016 to March 2017. PAEs were determined by liquid-liquid extraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The average concentrations of PAE in the water samples during the dry and wet periods were 3236.0ng/L and 2300.0ng/L, and the average dry and wet periods of the PAEs in the sediments were 4238.9ng/g and 3959.9ng/g, respectively. PAEs were detected in all sampling sites. The six PAEs controlled by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), namely dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP), and butyl benzyl phthalate(BBP), were detected. DMP, DEP, DBP, and DEHP accounted for more than 70% of all PAEs. In view of time distribution, PAEs concentration in the water samples of the dry season were greater than those of the wet season, but the sediments did not differ remarkably across the different periods. As for spatial distribution, the PAEs initially exhibited low concentrations in the upper reaches, high concentrations in the middle part, and low concentrations in the downstream; a health risk assessment of the six PAEs controlled by the U.S. EPA was carried out according to priority. Results showed that the carcinogenic risk value was less than 10-6, and the values of the non-carcinogenic compound risk index were less than 1, indicating the absence of carcinogenic damage to organisms or humans.

Carcinogenic, ethanol, acetaldehyde and noncarcinogenic higher alcohols, esters, and methanol compounds found in traditional alcoholic beverages. A risk assessment approach

Greek fermentation and distillation industries produce traditional spirit beverages, such as tsipouro and tsikoudia, consumed both in bottles and bulk quantities by the general population or tourists. The same spirits are also produced by individuals at home since previous centuries, as a part of the local culture but mainly due to the Greek agricultural sector unique characteristics (small cultivation areas with great number of farmers). In this study, the concentrations of carcinogenic compounds: ethanol and acetaldehyde; and noncarcinogenic: higher alcohols (1-propanol, isobutanol, and isoamyl alcohol), esters (ethyl acetate), and methanol were measured to estimate the potential cancer risk and daily intake of these compounds. The margin of exposure (MOE) of carcinogenic compounds was found to be less than 500 (mean value), well below the toxic threshold of 10,000, above which there is not public concern, as suggested by the European Food Safety Authority. Additionally, through risk assessment of noncarcinogenic compounds, we identified two specific compounds in-bulk spirits (produced by individuals), namely ethyl acetate and isobutanol, with health risk index (HRI) greater than 1 (indicating a possibility to induce side effects by consumption of high amounts). Our results indicate that bottled spirits, which are produced in a controlled environment (alcohol industries), showed higher human safety level in terms of both carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risk assessment studies, comparing to bulk beverages produced by individuals (with out strict regulations).

Chemicals from textiles to skin: an in vitro permeation study of benzothiazole

Despite the possible impact on human health, few studies have been conducted to assess the penetration and accumulation of contaminants in the skin after a prolonged contact with textile materials. In previous studies, we have shown that benzothiazole and its derivatives, as well as other potentially hazardous chemicals, often are present as textile contaminants in clothes available on the retail market. Since benzothiazole is a common contaminant in clothes, these can be a possible route for human chemical exposure, both systemic and onto the skin. To investigate this potential exposure, Franz-type and flow-through cells were used for the permeation studies together with a Strat-M® artificial membranes. Experiments were performed using solutions of benzothiazole, as well as contaminated textile samples in the donor chamber. Benzothiazole was demonstrated to penetrate through, as well as being accumulated in the membrane mimicking the skin. After 24 h, up to 62% of benzothiazole was found in the acceptor cell, while up to 37% was found absorbed in the skin mimicking membrane. It also was shown that there was release and permeation from contaminated fabrics. The results indicate that benzothiazole can be released from textile materials, penetrate through the skin, and further enter the human body. This will possibly also apply to other chemical contaminants in textiles, and the results of this study indicate that the presence of these textile contaminants entails potential health risks. A rough risk assessment was made for clothing textiles according to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and European regulations for carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic compounds, using literature data for benzothiazole.

The lower alkyl methacrylates: Genotoxic profile of non-carcinogenic compounds

All of the lower alkyl methacrylates are high production chemicals with potential for human exposure. The genotoxicity of seven mono-functional alkyl esters of methacrylic acid, i.e. methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, n-, i- and t-butyl methacrylate and 2 ethyl hexyl methacrylate, as well as methacrylic acid itself, the acyl component common to all, is reviewed and compared with the lack of carcinogenicity of methyl methacrylate, the representative member of the series so evaluated. Also reviewed are the similarity of structure, chemical and biological reactivity, metabolism and common metabolic products of this group of compounds which allows a category approach for assessing genotoxicity. As a class, the lower alkyl methacrylates are universally negative for gene mutations in prokaryotes but do exhibit high dose clastogenicity in mammalian cells in vitro. There is no convincing evidence that these compounds induce genotoxic effects in vivo in either sub-mammalian or mammalian species. This dichotomy of effects can be explained by the potential genotoxic intermediates generated in vitro. This genotoxic profile of the lower alkyl methacrylates is consistent with the lack of carcinogenicity of methyl methacrylate.

Dynamic olfactometry and sample toxicity. a case study for a MSW incinerator odour assessment project

The study reported in this paper is focused on occupational exposure to potential toxic compounds for employees working in dynamic olfactometry, following EN 13725:2003 standard procedures.Municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration plants, typically, have authorized stack emissions for primary pollutants (like CO, NOx, particulate), for selected trace organics (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) or dioxins), metals or for total organic compounds (TOC). Odour control is limited on recommendations of good practices for the waste receiving areas and storage, generally on the air management systems.In Italy there is an increasingly number of requests, to environmental inspection authorities, Agenzia Regionale per la Protezione Ambientale (ARPA), Regional Environment Agency, to quantitatively describe possible odour annoyance effects from different industrial plants, including MSW incineration plants. Recently ARPA Piemonte has been asked to perform one odour survey for the newly incinerator for the city of Torino, that burns 500,000 t/y of MSW recovering energy through cogeneration. The plant is equipped with a pollutant's automated measuring system (AMS) to assess the compliance with the emission limit values, but not to measure odour emissions. For this reason, it is necessary to assess odour emissions as well, in order to prepare an exhaustive environmental odour scenario for the whole area.We recently presented a risk assessment approach, to evaluate non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic compounds for different sample types, based on STEL or TWA data, or EPA slope factors values respectively. It has been decide to follow this approach to define potential sample toxicity (PT), using the different risk occupational scenarios proposed, before odour concentration analysis of stack emissions samples. Using emission limit values that are set in the permit, PT has been defined. Since samples are presented to assessors in an ascending concentration series, workers exposure has been limited to acceptable levels defining the specific minimum dilution value to be used in the ARPA Piemonte olfactometric laboratory standard procedures.

Assessing the Impact of Soil Contamination in the Area of Ballistic Missiles Launching Sites on Human Health and the Environment

Використовуючи концепцію екологічного ризику, досліджено вплив на здоров'я людини та довкілля забруднень, що залишилися у ґрунті на території колишньої ракетної бази. Проведено оцінювання впливу як канцерогенних так і неканцерогенних сполук важких металів. Аналіз отриманих результатів дає змогу стверджувати, що рівень забруднень незначний і не несе загрози для довкілля та людини, всупереч існуючим ствердженням, що ґрунтуються на застосуванні гранично допустимої концентрації як порогової величини, що визначає небезпеку.

Assessment of volatile organic compounds and particulate matter in a dental clinic and health risks to clinic personnel

This study was conducted to assess (1) levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter (PM) in a dental clinic in southern Taiwan and (2) dental care personnel's health risks associated with due to chronic exposure to VOCs. An automatic, continuous sampling system and a multi-gas monitor were employed to quantify the air pollutants, along with environmental comfort factors, including temperature, CO2, and relative humidity at six sampling sites in the clinic over eight days. Specific VOC compounds were identified and their concentrations were quantified. Both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic VOC compounds were assessed based on the US Environmental Protection Agency's Principles of Health Risk Assessment in terms of whether those indoor air pollutants increased health risks for the full-time dental care professionals at the clinic. Increased levels of VOCs were recorded during business hours and exceeded limits recommended by the Taiwan Environmental Protection Agency. A total of 68 VOC compounds were identified in the study area. Methylene methacrylate (2.8 ppm) and acetone (0.176 ppm) were the only two non-carcinogenic compounds that posed increased risks for human health, yielding hazard indexes of 16.4 and 4.1, respectively. None of the carcinogenic compounds increased cancer risk. All detected PM10 levels ranged from 20 to 150 μg/m3, which met the Taiwan EPA and international limits. The average PM10 level during business hours was significantly higher than that during non-business hours (P = 0.04). Improved ventilation capacity in the air conditioning system was recommended to reduce VOCs and PM levels.

Development of the Risk Assessment and Management Strategies for TPH-Contaminated Sites Using TPH Fraction Methods

AbstractPetroleum hydrocarbon–contaminated soil and groundwater is a worldwide environmental problem, which results in environmental hazard and human health risk problems. Because petroleum is a complex composition mixture rather than a single compound, health risk assessment for a petroleum hydrocarbon–contaminated site is a complicated process. In this study, a modified total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) fraction method was applied to determine the health risk level for each TPH fraction. The concentrations and toxicity data of total of 13 TPH fraction categories were evaluated and used for risk calculation. Results show that up to 1,772 mg/kg of TPH concentration was observed in soils collected from the studied site. Results indicate that benzene was the most concerning chemical that appeared in TPH. The calculated cancer risk for benzene was 4.48×10−7, which was lower than the minimum total cancer risk level (1×10−6). The calculated hazard quotient for the noncarcinogenic compounds was slightly highe...

An integrated model-based approach to the risk assessment of pesticide drift from vineyards

The inhalation of pesticide in air is of particular concern for people living in close contact with intensive agricultural activities. This study aims to develop an integrated modelling methodology to assess whether pesticides pose a risk to the health of people living near vineyards, and apply this methodology in the world-renowned Prosecco DOCG (Italian label for protection of origin and geographical indication of wines) region. A sample field in Bigolino di Valdobbiadene (North-Eastern Italy) was selected to perform the pesticide fate modellization and the consequent inhalation risk assessment for people living in the area. The modellization accounts for the direct pesticide loss during the treatment of vineyards and for the volatilization from soil after the end of the treatment. A fugacity model was used to assess the volatilization flux from soil. The Gaussian puff air dispersion model CALPUFF was employed to assess the airborne concentration of the emitted pesticide over the simulation domain. The subsequent risk assessment integrates the HArmonised environmental Indicators for pesticide Risk (HAIR) and US-EPA guidelines. In this case study the modelled situation turned to be safe from the point of view of human health in the case of non-carcinogenic compounds, and additional improvements were suggested to further mitigate the effect of the most critical compound.

Fluorescence-based recombination assay for sensitive and specific detection of genotoxic carcinogens in human cells

In vitro genotoxicity tests are known to suffer from several shortcomings, mammalian cell-based assays, in particular, from low specificities. Following a novel concept of genotoxicity detection, we developed a fluorescence-based method in living human cells. The assay quantifies DNA recombination events triggered by DNA double-strand breaks and damage-induced replication fork stalling predicted to detect a broad spectrum of genotoxic modes of action. To maximize sensitivities, we engineered a DNA substrate encompassing a chemoresponsive element from the human genome. Using this substrate, we screened various human tumor and non-transformed cell types differing in the DNA damage response, which revealed that detection of genotoxic carcinogens was independent of the p53 status but abrogated by apoptosis. Cell types enabling robust and sensitive genotoxicity detection were selected for the generation of reporter clones with chromosomally integrated DNA recombination substrate. Reporter cell lines were scrutinized with 21 compounds, stratified into five sets according to the established categories for identification of carcinogenic compounds: genotoxic carcinogens ("true positives"), non-genotoxic carcinogens, compounds without genotoxic or carcinogenic effect ("true negatives") and non-carcinogenic compounds, which have been reported to induce chromosomal aberrations or mutations in mammalian cell-based assays ("false positives"). Our results document detection of genotoxic carcinogens in independent cell clones and at levels of cellular toxicities <60% with a sensitivity of >85%, specificity of ≥90% and detection of false-positive compounds <17%. Importantly, through testing cyclophosphamide in combination with primary hepatocyte cultures, we additionally provide proof-of-concept for the identification of carcinogens requiring metabolic activation using this novel assay system.

Surgical smoke may be a biohazard to surgeons performing laparoscopic surgery

Surgical smoke production is inevitable during surgical procedures. Although many workplaces have adopted smoke-free environments, healthcare workers, especially surgeons, continue to be exposed to surgical smoke. From February 2013 to March 2013, a total of 20 patients underwent transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma. A 5-L gas sample was collected 30min after the electrocautery device was first used and was analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Cancer risk was calculated for carcinogenic compounds and hazard quotient was calculated for noncarcinogenic compounds using US Environmental Protection Agency guidelines. Twenty patients with a median age of 57.5years were enrolled in the study. Eighteen volatile organic compounds were detected by Japanese indoor air standards mix analysis. The cancer risks were ethanol, 5.10×10(-5)±6.35×10(-5); 1,2-dichloroethane, 4.75×10(-3)±7.42×10(-4); benzene, 1.09×10(-3)±4.33×10(-4); ethylbenzene, 2.87×10(-5)±1.32×10(-5); and styrene, 2.94×10(-6)±1.16×10(-6). The hazard quotients were acetone, 1.88×10(-2)±7.63×10(-3); hexane, 1.48×10(-1)±8.70×10(-2); benzene, 4.66±1.85; toluene, 2.61×10(-2)±7.23×10(-3); p-xylene, 1.81×10(-1)±6.45×10(-2); o-xylene, 2.40×10(-2)±3.33×10(-2); and styrene, 5.15×10(-3)±2.03×10(-3). For five carcinogenic compounds detected, the cancer risk was greater than negligible. For 1,2-dichloroethane and benzene, the risk was classified as unacceptable. Analysis of noncarcinogenic compounds showed that risk reduction measures are needed for benzene. Even though surgical smoke is not an immediate health hazard, operating room personnel should be aware of the potential long-term health risks associated with exposure.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in lung tissue of patients with pulmonary cancer from Romania. Influence according as demographic status and ABO phenotypes

The lung is a target organ for the toxic effects of several chemical agents, including natural products, industrial chemicals, environmental agents, and occasionally, drugs. The assessment of PAHs in the lungs of patients with pulmonary cancer is important because these pollutants have mutagenic, carcinogenic and endocrine-disrupting properties. This study included 31 histological confirmed lung cancer cases diagnosed consecutively at the Clinical Hospital of Pneumology (Iasi, Romania) from 2008 to 2009. Analyses were carried out using an accelerated solvent extraction technique and HPLC with a fluorescence detector. Fifteen PAHs were detected in all analyzed samples with non-carcinogenic compounds significantly elevated (45.57ngg−1 wet tissue) against carcinogenic compounds (6.12ngg−1 wet tissue). The mean±SD lung tissue level of benzo(a)anthracene (3.57±4.64ngg−1 wet tissue), a carcinogenic PAH, was found to be significantly higher (p<0.05) in patients from urban areas compared with the level (1.22±1.45ngg−1 wet tissue) in patients from rural areas. Similarly, the levels of non-carcinogenic acenaphtene (8.95±13.32ngg−1 wet tissue), fluoranthrene (5.31±5.40ngg−1 wet tissue) and anthracene (4.83±7.57ngg−1 wet tissue) were also detected to be higher (p<0.05) in the urban group compared to the levels for the rural group (1.46±2.34, 1.83±2.50 and 1.89±3.79ngg−1 wet tissue, respectively). High concentrations of PAHs, especially carcinogenic PAHs, such as benzo(a)pyrene, benzo(a)anthracene, benzo(b)fluoranthrene, and benzo(k)fluoranthrene, were observed in lung tissue samples collected from subjects with A and O blood types.