Non-carcinogenic Health Effects Research Articles

Effective Bioconversion of Lignocellulosic Waste to Biodegradable Products for a Cleaner Earth

Earth is constantly subjected to dramatic changes due to uncontrolled human activities and this has led to climatic variations associated with global warming resulting in unparalleled greenhouse gas emissions. One of the major causes is solid waste accumulation by human activities ranging from agricultural to industrial activities. The relation between solid waste and climatic change had forced scientists to propose a solid waste management plan to reuse, recycle and create energy from solid waste preventing its accumulation and subsequent pollution. When we consider human activities which are environmentally hazardous; plastic waste accumulation, agricultural wastes disposal and fossil fuel burning holds prominent positions. Plastic wastes. The accumulation of plastic wastes and agricultural wastes pose serious problems of disposal. Plastic wastes are often incinerated or left to be dumped in landfills. Similarly, agricultural wastes are also burnt, releasing a lot of toxic gases into the atmosphere. A common solution to curb both the problems is to streamline the production of bioplastic using agricultural waste (mostly lignocellulose) as a substrate. The third major environmental threat is the increased motor vehicle emission leading to air pollution associated with health threat. The extent of risk ranges from carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic health effects. Carbon dioxide emission by the increasing use of fossil fuels by ever increasing world population not only depletes the resource but also will result in anthropogenic climate change. Therefore, utilization of lignocellulosic waste material as raw material for monomers for bioplastic as well as for bioethanol production can be considered as a productive approach to address all the three problems mentioned above. In addition utilization of fermentation residue after bio products extraction can be used as a soil enriching agent. The intention is converting lignocellulosic waste to zero waste.

Seasonal Variation of Drinking Water Quality and Human Health Risk Assessment: A Case Study in Rural Village of the Eastern Cape, South Africa

Contamination of drinking water by metals remains a global threat to living organisms. Therefore, the current study describes variations of metal occurrence, water quality and human health risk assessment between the dry and wet seasons of a rural village located in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The concentrations of major and trace metals were determined in drinking water samples using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The physicochemical parameters, water quality index (WQI), total water hardness (TWH) and health risk assessment (hazard quotient: HQ and chronic daily intake: CDI) were evaluated seasonally. The TWH results showed that the water was very hard with water hardness values ranging between 415 and 442. The water also contained several metals and metalloids such as Al (2.18–3.36 mg L−1), As (0.17–0. 53 mg L−1), Cd (0.0068–0.0134 mg L−1), Cr (0.2481–0.2601 mg L−1), Mn (0.387–1.582 mg L−1), Pb (0.064–0.0802 mg L−1), Sb (0.0496–0.1391 mg L−1) and Se (0.075–0.148 mg L−1) that exceeded the SANS and WHO permissible limits in drinking water. The health risk assessment revealed that the water may cause noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic health effects due to the presence of As, Cr, Sb, Tl and V in water samples, while the water quality index revealed that the water was of very poor quality.

Aerosol mass and size-resolved metal content in urban Bangkok, Thailand

Inhalable particulate matter (PM) is a health concern, and people living in large cities such as Bangkok are exposed to high concentrations. This exposure has been linked to respiratory and cardiac diseases and cancers of the lung and brain. Throughout 2018, PM was measured in northern Bangkok near a toll road (13.87°N, 100.58°E) covering all three seasons (cool, hot and rainy). PM10 was measured in 24- and 72-h samples. On selected dates aerodynamic size and mass distribution were measured as 3-day samples from a fixed 5th floor inlet. Particle number concentration was measured from the 5th floor inlet and in roadside survey measurements. There was a large fraction of particle number concentration in the sub-micron range, which showed the greatest variability compared with larger fractions. Metals associated with combustion sources were most found on the smaller size fraction of particles, which may have implications for associated adverse health outcomes because of the likely location of aerosol deposition in the distal airways of the lung. PM10 samples varied between 30 and 100 μg m−3, with highest concentrations in the cool season. The largest metal fractions present in the PM10 measurements were calcium, iron and magnesium during the hot season with average airborne concentrations of 13.2, 3.6 and 2.0 μg m−3, respectively. Copper, zinc, arsenic, selenium, molybdenum, cadmium, antimony and lead had large non-crustal sources. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified likely sources of the metals as crustal minerals, tailpipe exhaust and non-combustion traffic. A health risk analysis showed a higher risk of both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health effects in the drier seasons than the wet season due to ingestion of nickel, arsenic, cadmium and lead.Graphical abstract

Hydrogeochemical and health risk assessment in and around a Ramsar-designated wetland, the Ganges River Basin, India: Implications for natural and human interactions.

Wetlands are the most productive and dynamic ecosystems, which have continuously been influenced by social and economic development. As a result, the pollution of wetland surface water and groundwater in adjacent regions has become an emerging global issue that requires constant monitoring and assessment. The current study investigates the natural and anthropogenic processes that influence surface and groundwater chemistry in and around Saman wetland (a Ramsar site) in the Ganges River Basin, India. Various physicochemical parameters are analyzed, and different hydrochemical indices are utilized to evaluate surface and groundwater quality for domestic and irrigation purposes. It is observed that the waters are alkaline in nature and dominated by moderately hard to hard types. An increase in the concentration of nitrate (NO3-) in Saman wetland water is noted, which is possibly due to the leaching of nitrogen ions primarily from fertilizers, pesticides, animal and human waste, and wastewater drained from brick and other factories. The elevated fluoride (F-) content in studied groundwater samples is mainly governed by geogenic processes. Furthermore, surface and groundwater chemistry are mainly controlled by weathering reaction (rock-water interaction), excluding a few wetland surface water samples that are placed outside the boomerang-shaped boundaries of Gibb's diagram, which suggests evaporated dominance. Water Quality Index (WQI) estimation suggests that around 57% of groundwater samples have poor groundwater quality for drinking purposes. Estimation of irrigation water quality indices suggests that surface water of Saman wetland is permissible for irrigation purposes; however, none of the samples have excellent and good class as per sodium (alkali) hazard. Furthermore, health risk assessment showed that NO3- and F- levels in the groundwater pose noncarcinogenic health effects, preferably to children, and thus is unfit for drinking purposes. For long-term water resource management and conservation of the Saman wetland, this study suggests proper awareness, appropriate remedial measures, and regular monitoring of the surface as well as groundwater quality monitoring in the study region.

Assessment of Potential Human Health Risks from Exposure to Select Heavy Metals in Road Dust Around Mining Sites in Carrascal, Surigao Del Sur, Philippines

Road dust samples around human settlements nearby mining areas in Carrascal, Surigao del Sur, Philippines were investigated to quantify the levels of chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) and assess the potential health risks from selected heavy metals. Metal concentrations of chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) in road dust were analyzed using Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometer. Analytical results showed that the average concentrations of Cr, Ni, Mn, and Zn were very high at 15,668, 14,814, 7,054, and 684 mg/kg, respectively. Measured concentrations exceeded standards stipulated in international regulations and guidelines by several orders of magnitude. Mortality and morbidity cases with causes probably related to dust inhalation (e.g., upper respiratory tract infection and pneumonia) noticeably increased during the peak years of mining operations. Non-carcinogenic health risk assessment revealed that children are more prone to develop non-carcinogenic health effects than adults (HI values >1 for Cr, Ni and Mn for children and only Cr for adults), owing to their smaller body weight and activities exposing them to these metals via the ingestion route. Assessment of carcinogenic risk value or the lifetime probability of an individual to develop cancer due to exposure to Ni revealed that such risk is negligible. This study suggests that mining companies and government units should proactively take measures to reduce dust exposure (e.g., dust inhalation) of mine workers and residents in nearby communities. In developing management measures, children should be provided with attention given their greater risk of developing dust-related illnesses and diseases.

Seasonal behavior and accumulation of some toxic metals in commercial fishes from Kirtankhola tidal river of Bangladesh – A health risk taxation

Contamination of fish with heavy metals (Heavy metals) is one of the most severe environmental and human health issues. However, the contamination levels in tropical fishes from Bangladesh are still unknown. To this end, the evaluated concentrations of arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in 12 different commercially important fish species (Tenualosa ilisha, Gudusia chapra, Otolithoides pama, Setipinna phasa, Glossogobius giuris, Pseudeutropius atherinoides, Polynemus paradiseus, Sillaginopsis panijus, Corica soborna, Amblypharyngodon mola, Trichogaster fasciata, and Wallago attu) were collected from the Kirtankhola River assess human health risk for the consumers, both in the summer and winter seasons. Toxic metals surpassed the acceptable international limits in P. atherinoides, P. paradiseus, S. panijus, C. soborna, and W. attu. The target hazard quotient (THQ) revealed that non-carcinogenic health effects (HI < 1) for children and adults, and the carcinogenic risk (CR) indicated safety. Results show that children are more susceptible to carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic hazards from higher As. The multivariate analysis justified that heavy metals were from anthropogenic actions. The lessening of toxic metals might need strict rules and regulations as metal enrichment would continue to increase in this tidal river from both the anthropogenic and natural sources.

Ecological and Human Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Cultured Shrimp and Aquaculture Sludge.

Shrimp is one of the major export products in South Asian countries and also an eminent source of nutrition for humans. Hence, any negative effect of this industry may affect not only the country’s economy but also human health. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to assess heavy metal contamination and associated human health risks in cultured shrimp (Penaeus monodon) and aquaculture sludge collected from three shrimp farms of the Cox’s Bazar district, Bangladesh. The results showed that among the eight metals studied, Pb (17.75 ± 1.5 mg/kg) and Cu (9.43 ± 2.8 mg/kg) levels in all shrimp samples were higher than the recommended limit, whereas the concentrations of Cd (0.09 ± 0.03 mg/kg), Mn (4.83 ± 2.2 mg/kg), As (0.04 ± 0.02 mg/kg), Hg (0.02 ± 0.006 mg/kg), Zn (18.89 ± 2.9 mg/kg) and Cr (0.69 ± 0.6 mg/kg) were within the permissible level. The concentrations of Mn (1043.37 ± 59.8 mg/kg), Cr (30.38 ± 2.1 mg/kg), Zn (74.72 ± 1.13 mg/kg) and Cu (31.14 ± 1.4 mg/kg) in the sludge of all farms were higher than the recommended limit, whereas the concentrations of Pb (20.23 ± 1.9 mg/kg), Cd (0.09 ± 0.2 mg/kg), As (0.44 ± 0.34 mg/kg) and Hg (0.08 ± 0.02 mg/kg) in all sludge samples were lower than the threshold limits. However, the estimated daily intake (EDI), targeted hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) assessed for potential human health risk implications suggested that Pb and Cr may pose non-carcinogenic health effects, although carcinogenic risks (CR) values were acceptable for consumers. However, the pollution load index (PLI) of the studied area was below 1, which indicates low deterioration of the area. Geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and contamination factor (CF) analyses revealed that study area is unpolluted and sludge is enriched with metals in the following order: Mn > Zn > Cu > Cr > Cd > Hg > Pb > As.

Metals Bioaccumulation in 15 Commonly Consumed Fishes from the Lower Meghna River and Adjacent Areas of Bangladesh and Associated Human Health Hazards.

The lower Meghna River, the easternmost part of the Ganges Delta, faces severe anthropogenic perturbations as it receives a huge discharge and industrial effluents. To measure the metal concentrations and human health hazards, edible tissues of 15 commercially important fish species were collected from the local fish markets and the lower Meghna River, Bangladesh. Trace and heavy metals such as Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Hg, Ni, Ca, Co, Se, Rb, Sr, and As were detected using the Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) method. The hierarchy of mean metal concentrations obtained was: Fe (162.198 mg/kg) > Zn (113.326 mg/kg) > Ca (87.828 mg/kg) > Sr (75.139 mg/kg) > Cu (36.438 mg/kg) > Se (9.087 mg/kg) > Cr (7.336 mg/kg) > Mn (6.637 mg/kg) > Co (3.474 mg/kg) > Rb (1.912 mg/kg) > Hg (1.657 mg/kg) > Ni (1.467 mg/kg) > Pb (0.521 mg/kg) > As (BDL). Based on the metal concentration obtained, the carnivorous species contained more metals than omnivores and herbivores. Similarly, the euryhaline and benthic feeder fishes had more metals than the stenohalines and demersal fishes. The metal pollution index (MPI) suggested that the highly consumed fish species Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) and Rui (Labeo rohita) accumulated higher metals than other fishes. Both the Targeted Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Hazard Index (HI) values for adult and child consumers were <1, indicating that consumers would not experience the non-carcinogenic health effects. Although children were more susceptible than adults, carcinogenic risk (CR) exposure of Cr for all the consumers was found in the acceptable range (10−6 to 10−4), but the CR exposure of Pb was negligible for all the consumers. The correlation, principal component analysis (PCA), and cluster analysis were conducted to identify the sources of metals identified from the fish tissue. The results indicated that the probable sources of the pollutants were anthropogenic, arising from agricultural activities, electroplating materials, and lubricants used near the study area. However, the present study showed a different metal concentration in the samples at different levels but within the threshold levels non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks; hence, the fishes of the area, in general, are safe for human consumption.

Characterization, source apportionment and associated health risk assessment of respirable air particulates in Metro Manila, Philippines

Coarse (PM10) and fine (PM2.5) aerosols were sampled from June to November 2016 at three different sites in Metro Manila Philippines (Valenzuela, NAMRIA, and MMDA). PM2.5 average levels in all sites exceeded the World Health Organization annual and daily limits, indicating that the ambient air qualities in all sites were unhealthy. Black Carbon (BC), a fingerprint of incomplete combustion, constituted 31–46% of PM2.5. Multi-element analysis of PM indicated that the sulfur, lead, and zinc had substantial contributions to PM2.5, with the highest level found in Valenzuela. Receptor modeling highlighted six important sources: vehicular emissions, biomass burning, industrials, secondary sulfur, sea spray, and fine soil. Among the sources, vehicular emission was the most dominant source, comprising 20–35% of the apportioned sources. An industrial source, predominantly with Zn and Pb, was seen in Valenzuela, contributing about 5.4% of its PM2.5. The health risks of fine aerosol, BC, and major elements were evaluated also in this study. Elements studied showed negligible potential (HQ < 1) to cause non-carcinogenic health effects and very low (<1 × 10−6) carcinogenic health effects to children and adults. The observed trend for carcinogenic risks of PM2.5 in children was Valenzuela > MMDA > NAMRIA while a medium carcinogenic risk was observed for adults at all sites (CR > 1 × 10−5). The trend for PM2.5 average HQ values in both age groups was Valenzuela > MMDA > NAMRIA. Our results showcased varying levels and sources of PM and its components that can impact the health upon exposure and should be addressed in future policies to safeguard public health.

Exposure to microcystin-LR in tropical reservoirs for water supply poses high risks for children and adults.

While the presence of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) in raw water from eutrophic reservoirs poses human health concerns, the risks associated with the ingestion of MC-LR in drinking water are not fully elucidated. We used a time series of MC-LR in raw water from tropical urban reservoirs in Brazil to estimate the hazard quotients (HQs) for non-carcinogenic health effects and the potential ingestion of MC-LR through drinking water. We considered scenarios of MC-LR removal in the drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) of two supply systems (Cascata and Guarapiranga). The former uses coagulation/flocculation/sedimentation/filtration/disinfection, while the latter has an additional step of membrane ultrafiltration, with contrasting expected MC-LR removal efficiencies. We considered reference values for infants (0.30μg L-1), children/adults (1.60μg L-1), or the population in general (1.0μg L-1). For most scenarios for Cascata, the 95% upper confidence level of the HQ indicated high risks of exposure for the population (HQ > 1), particularly for infants (HQ = 30.910). The water treatment in Cascata was associated to the potential exposure to MC-LR due to its limited removal capacity, with up to 263days/year with MC-LR above threshold values. The Guarapiranga system had the lowest MC-LR in the raw water as well as higher expected removal efficiencies in the DWTP, resulting in negligible risks. We reinforce the importance of integrating raw water quality characteristics and treatment technologies to reduce the risks of exposure to MC-LR, especially for vulnerable population groups. Our results can serve as a starting point for risk management strategies to minimize cases of MC-LR intoxication in Brazil and other developing countries.

Probabilistic Health Risk Assessment of Iodine Exposure in Bangladesh.

In this study, the concentrations of iodine in household salt samples (n = 690) were determined by following the iodometric titration method, and the health risks of Bangladeshi people were assessed based on the semi-probabilistic approach and the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) deterministic model. After adjusting 20% of cooking losses, the iodine concentration (mean, range) in salt samples of Phultala, Dighalia, Terokhada, Rupsha, Batiaghata, Dumuria, Paikgacha, Koyra, Dacope, and KCC was (29.68 ± 8.67, 14.39-48.26), (31.05 ± 6.68, 15.24-43.18), (26.94 ± 5.57, 16.09-45.72), (24.33 ± 5.61, 12.70-37.26), (26.69 ± 6.73, 10.16-44.87), (27.20 ± 8.44, 9.31-53.34), (27.71 ± 8.09, 8.46-47.42), (28.39 ± 7.80, 11.01-46.57), (28.20 ± 7.97, 3.38-49.10), and (29.21 ± 6.62, 18.62-40.64) mg/kg, respectively. The iodine contents in 97.25% of samples were within the standard fortification level of Bangladesh (15-50mg/kg), while 2.61% of samples were below this limit. The semi-probabilistic risk assessment studies showed that 80.14% of samples at a low ingestion rate could provide optimal nutrition (150-299μg/day) to the whole population. Contrarily, at medium, moderate-high, and high consumption rates 34.93%, 65.22%, and 85.94% of samples, respectively, belonged to above the requirements to excessive exposure categories (300-1100μg/day), which might cause iodine-induced diseases. The target hazard quotient (THQ) values for the adults in most of the samples were within the threshold risk limit (THQ < 1.0), whereas THQ values in 6.82% to 85.97% of samples for the children at low to high ingestion rates, respectively exceeded this limit, which revealed that the adults were almost safe, but the children might face non-carcinogenic health effects. Therefore, regular monitoring of iodine concentration in iodized salts should be done to prevent iodine deficiency or iodine-induced disorders.

Consumption of Pila globosa (Swainson) collected from organophosphate applied paddy fields: human health risks.

Unregulated use of chlorpyrifos (CPF) and monocrotophos (MCP) in agriculture casts adverse effects on non-target freshwater mollusc, Pila globosa and humans. Levels of CPF and MCP were assessed in the paddy field from the edible foot tissue of apple snail (Pila globosa) exposed to low (1.5mll-1 water) and high (2.5mll-1 water) agricultural doses for 48h to determine human health risk associated with consumption of tissue. CPF and MCP were extracted by liquid-liquid extraction and analysed by QuEChERS method using GC-MS/MS. For low and high concentrations of CPF exposure, the pesticide residue levels in the paddy field water ranged from 4.43 to 1.08 and 5.13 to 1.53µgl-1, respectively, whereas, for low and high concentrations of MCP exposure, the residue levels in water ranged from 16.43 to 5.78 and 31.41 to 9. 27µgl-1, respectively, for 3-48h. In the foot tissue, residues ranged from 4.36 to 15.54µgkg-1 for low-dose CPF, 7.1 to 18.05µgkg-1for high-dose CPF and from 5.28 to 12.3µgkg-1 and 8.94 to 18.21µgkg-1 for low and high dose of MCP, respectively, during 3 to 48h of exposure. Pesticides in the tissue were lower than the recommended maximum residue limits. Estimated health risk for adults and children revealed that the estimated daily intake values did not exceed the threshold values of acceptable daily intake. Non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health effects were less than the safe value of 1.0 and 1 × 10-6, respectively, suggesting that CPF and MCP residues from ingestion of apple snail posed low risks to both children and adults. This preliminary result suggests regular monitoring of pesticides residues in Pila globosa collected from the paddy field of India.

Assessment of natural radionuclides and heavy metals contamination to the environment: Case study of Malaysian unregulated tin-tailing processing industry

The tin tailing processing industry in Malaysia has operated with minimal regard and awareness for material management and working environment safety, impacting the environment and workers in aspects of radiation and heavy metal exposure. RIA was conducted where environmental samples were analyzed, revealing concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K between the range of 0.1–10.0, 0.0–25.7, and 0.1–5.8 Bq/g respectively, resulting in the AED exceeding UNCEAR recommended value and regulation limit enforced by AELB (1 mSv/y). Raeq calculated indicates that samples collected pose a significant threat to human health from gamma-ray exposure. Assessment of heavy metal content via pollution indices of soil and sediment showed significant contamination and enrichment from processing activities conducted. As and Fe were two of the highest metals exposed both via soil ingestion with an average of 4.6 × 10−3 mg/kg-day and 1.4 × 10−4 mg/kg-day, and dermal contact with an average of 5.6 × 10−4 mg/kg-day and 6.0 × 10−4. mg/kg-day respectively. Exposure via accidental ingestion of soil and sediment could potentially cause adverse non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health effect towards workers in the industry. Correlation analysis indicates the presence of a relationship between the concentration of NORM and trace elements.

Assessment of the Risk of Exposure of Côte D’ivoire Kola Nuts (Cola nitida Schott &amp; Endl. to Pyrethrinoids and Oragnophosphorus Pesticides

Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the risk of exposure to pyrethrinoids and oragnophosphorus pesticides found in Côte d’Ivoire kola nuts.&#x0D; Study Design: Kola nuts samples were collected from farmers, collectors and urban stores in 3 regions (western, southwestern and eastern) and 2 big storage centers of Côte d’Ivoire.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Health Department of Hydrology Health and Toxicology, Training and Research Unit of Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, running 2017-2020.&#x0D; Methodology: Pyrethrinoids and organophosphorus residues were qualitatively and quantitatively determined using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem mass spectrometry Agilent 1290 Infinity II LC (LC-MS/MS) and their potential health risks assessed in kola nuts samples from selected regions of Côte d’Ivoire. Health risk estimates were analyzed using Estimated Average Daily Intake (EADI) and Hazard Index (HI) with risk categorized for non-carcinogenic health effects.&#x0D; Results: A total of 12 pyrethrinoids and 3 organophosphorus were identified and their residues were detected in all the kola nuts samples analyzed. The results showed that the mean concentration of organphosphorus in all kola nuts was 5±1 µg/kg FW. This level is the same observed for acrinathrin, delatmethrin, fenpropathrin, fenvelerate, flucythrinate, tau-fluvalinate, cyfluthrin et tefluthrin. As for the other pyrethrinoids, the values obtained are 17.2±6.2 µg/kg FW, 25±14.6 µg/kg FW, 30±11.3 µg/kg FW and 39.4±21.2 µg/kg FW, respectively for bifenthrin, cypermethrin, permethrin and cyhalothrin. The average contents determined for each active molecule are all lower than the MRLs fixed for these residues in the kola nuts. As a result, all the Estimate Average Daily Intake (EADIs) determined in adult Ivorians are lower than the corresponding Toxicological References Values (TRVs). Thus, the Hazard Quotient (HQ) calculated for each substance is less than 1.&#x0D; Conclusion: The risk of adverse effects from consuming kola nuts contaminated with residues of pyrethrinoids or organophosphorus is very unlikely.

Exposure Assessment of methyl mercury from consumption of fish and seafood in Peninsular Malaysia

The concentration of meHg in freshwater fish and seafood was investigated, as well as the consumption patterns of fish and seafood by different demographic groups (age, ethnicity, gender). A potential alarm for human health hazards was also assessed, and the results were compared to the provisional tolerable weekly intakes (PTWIs) and the hazard quotient parameter (HQ). The results showed that meHg levels of 67 species ranged from 0.013 to 0.252 mg/kg of wet weight (WW) with significant differences between different fish and seafood groups (χ2KW = 49.09; p < 0.001). Median concentrations of meHg in fish and seafood groups in descending orders are as follows: demersal fish (0.1006 mg/kg WW) > pelagic fish (0.0686 mg/kg WW) > freshwater fish 0.045 mg/kg WW) > cephalopods (0.0405 mg/kg WW) crustaceans (0.0356 mg/kg WW). The results revealed that older population (> 40 years old) consumed significantly (p = 0.000) more fish compared to younger generations and the elderly consumed the highest amounts of fish (104.0 ± 113.0 g/day). The adolescents (10–17 years old) consumed more than double of amount for both cephalopod and crustacean compared to the older populations (p < 0.05). Malay ethnic (96.1 ± 99.6 g/day) consumed significantly (p = 0.000) higher amounts of fish and seafood compared to other ethnicities, similar to male subjects (95.2 ± 102 g/day; p = 0.026) when compared to the female (86 ± 96.3 g/day). The estimated weekly intake (EWI) values showed results below 1.6 µg/kg BW/week, the tolerable levels recommended by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) for all different demographic factors except for higher consumers at 75th percentile and above. Consumption of marine fish contributed to a higher value of PTWI to all different demographic groups (the estimated weekly intake (EWI) range: 0.2988–0.6893 µg/kg BW/week) but for the adolescents, where from the consumption of crustaceans (0.3488 µg/kg BW/week or 21.8% of PTWI) and cephalopods (0.504 µg/kg BW/week or 31.5% of PTWI). The results from this study also revealed the HQ value for overall consumption of fish and seafood by the adolescents and elderly exceeded one. This was contributed from the consumption of demersal fish and cephalopods, thus indicating the nonacceptable level of noncarcinogenic adverse health effects.

Aflatoxin B1 and heavy metals in imported black tea to Bushehr, southern Iran; Contamination rate and risk assessment

Black tea is a popular and widely consumed beverage in Iran. Due to the possibility of transferring heavy metals and mycotoxins to the food chain, its potential hazards should be considered. In this study, forty samples of black tea imported to Bushehr port were collected. The physicochemical and microbial properties and their contamination with heavy metals including copper, lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium, as well as Aflatoxin B1 were evaluated. Moreover, to evaluate the health effects of exposure to heavy metals, both Hazard Index (HI) and Hazard Quotient (HQ) values were calculated. The concentration of lead, cadmium, arsenic and copper were: 0.63, 0.061, 0.01, 29.93 mg kg−1 in Sri Lankan, 0.65, 0.063, 0.11, 21.3 mg kg−1 in Indian, 0.61, 0.055, 0.085, 14.82 mg kg−1 in Kenyan and 1.71, 0.06, 0.1, 37.87 mg kg−1 in Vietnamese tea samples, respectively. No Hg contamination was observed. Aflatoxin B1 was only detected in Kenyan and Vietnamese samples (24.33 and 42.66 ng g−1, respectively). The calculation of HQ value for all heavy metals and HI value for all brands, which all were below one, showed that there is no non-carcinogenic adverse health effect through consuming these black teas for the adult consumers.

Evaluation of Occupational Exposure Risk for Employees Working in Dynamic Olfactometry: Focus On Non-Carcinogenic Effects Correlated with Exposure to Landfill Emissions

This work aims to evaluate the non-carcinogenic health effects related to landfill odor emissions, therefore focusing on workers involved in dynamic olfactometry. Currently, the most common technique to quantify odor emissions is dynamic olfactometry, a sensorial analysis involving human assessors. During the analysis, assessors are directly exposed, at increasing concentrations, to odor samples, and thus to the hazardous pollutants contained therein. This entails the need to estimate the associated exposure risk to guarantee examiners’ safety. Therefore, this paper evaluates the exposure risk for olfactometric examiners to establish the minimum dilution level to be adopted during the analysis of landfills’ odorous samples to guarantee panelists’ safety. For this purpose, an extensive literature review regarding the pollutants emitted by landfill odor sources was conducted, comparing compounds’ chemical concentrations and threshold limit values (TLVs) to calculate the Hazard Index (HI) and thus establish a minimum dilution value. The data collected indicate that a non-negligible non-carcinogenic risk exists for all landfill emissions considered. However, from the data considered, the minimum dilution factor to be adopted is lower than the typical odor concentration observed for these sources. Therefore, the olfactometric analysis of landfill samples can be generally conducted in safe conditions.

Arsenic exposure and non-carcinogenic health effects.

Inorganic arsenic (iAs) exposure is a serious health problem that affects more than 140 million individuals worldwide, mainly, through contaminated drinking water. Acute iAs poisoning produces several symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and severe diarrhea, whereas prolonged iAs exposure increased the risk of several malignant disorders such as lung, urinary tract, and skin tumors. Another sensitive endpoint less described of chronic iAs exposure are the non-malignant health effects in hepatic, endocrine, renal, neurological, hematological, immune, and cardiovascular systems. The present review outlines epidemiology evidence and possible molecular mechanisms associated with iAs-toxicity in several non-carcinogenic disorders.

Data on the detection of toxic metals, essential nutrients, and microbial load of Solanum lycopersicum L. (tomato) and Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench (okra) in Southern India and their impact on human health—A comparison between organic and conventional vegetables

Data on concentration of essential and toxic metals as well as microbial load of conventionally grown and organic certified commonly consumed vegetable crops Solanum lycopersicum L. (tomato) and Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench (okra) in Mysore region of Southern India were determined analytically using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The mean concentrations of heavy metals and microbial contaminants in S. lycopersicum was Pb>Cd>TAC>TC>YM and in A. esculentus was Pb>TC>TAC>YM. In S. lycopersicum , the highest mean concentration of Pb (5.731 ppm) was recorded for conventionally grown and Cd (0.652 ppm) was recorded for organic certified. Hazard Index (HI) and Hazard Quotient (HQ) values indicated adverse non-carcinogenic health effects on prolonged exposure to Pb and Cd by consumption of S. lycopersicum . Target cancer risk (TCR) value also indicated cancer risk on consumption of S. lycopersicum due to Pb. These findings exposed an urgent need for regulations for fresh produce to ensure safety of consumers.

Contamination and health risk assessment of instant noodles by heavy metals from commercial outlets in Windhoek, Namibia

With growing international trade, food safety has emerged as an important global human health issue. One of the pathways by which extraneous contaminants such as toxic heavy metals access the human system is through food ingestion. At above permissible levels, these metals pose serious danger to human health. Cultivated farm produce on contaminated soil has the propensity to uptake and accumulate such contaminants. In this study, the prevalence and possible human health risks of toxic heavy metals such as Zinc, Cadmium, Copper, Lead, and Arsenic (Zn, Cd, Cu, Pb and As) in selected Instant Noodle Brands (INBs) from commercial outlets in Windhoek, Namibia was carried out. Different brands of instant noodle samples were purchased from four different commercial outlets for four periods with one-month interval. A total of 48 samples were collected and analysed for the level of heavy metals using mineral acid digestion method. Quantification of analysed metals in digested samples was done using Inductive Coupled Plasma -Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES). The mean concentration of heavy metals in the digested instant noodle samples across the sampling periods ranged from 13.1 – 17.9 mg/kg with overall mean concentration of 14.6mg/kg; 0.05 – 0.5mg/kg with overall mean level of 0.15 mg/kg; 1.5 – 2.4 mg/kg with overall mean concentration of 1.9 mg/kg; ND – 1.3 mg/kg with overall mean level of 0.4 mg/kg and 2.3 – 3.8 mg/kg with overall mean concentration of 1.4 mg/kg for Zn, Cd, Cu, Pb and As, respectively. A strong correlation (r = 0.99) was obtained between Zn and Cd levels but average correlation (r = 0.56) between Cd and Cu as well as between Cu and As (r= 0.55). Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) values greater than 1 (one) was obtained for Pb (1.7) and As (7.3). In addition, Carcinogenic Risk Index (CRI) values of 0.71 and 0.02 were also obtained for Pb and As, respectively. Of great concerns are the potential development of non-carcinogenic health effects and carcinogenic health risks with respect to these two toxic metals. Both metals are of no physiological benefits to the human system and very toxic at low levels. Hence, proper quality assurance protocol and monitoring of the level of toxic heavy metals in instant noodles products is recommended.