Potential Adverse Health Effects Research Articles

Adverse health effects of exposure to plastic, microplastics and their additives: environmental, legal and policy implications for Israel

BackgroundIsrael is a regional "hotspot" of plastic pollution, with little discussion of potential adverse health effects from exposure to plastic. This review aims to stimulate discussion and drive policy by focusing on these adverse health effects.Main bodyPlastics are synthetic polymers containing additives which can leach from food- and beverage-contact plastic into our food and beverages, and from plastic textiles onto our skin. Plastics persist in the environment for generations, fragmenting into MNPs: Micro (1 micron–5 mm)-Nano (1 nm–1 micron)-Plastic, which contaminate our atmosphere, water, and food chain. MNP can enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation and touch. MNP < 10 microns can cross epithelial barriers in the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems, and fragments < 100 nm can cross intact skin, enabling entry into body tissues. MNP have been found in multiple organs of the human body. Patients with MNP in atheromas of carotid arteries have increased risk of a combined measure of stroke, cardiovascular disease, and death. Toxic additives to plastics include bisphenols, phthalates, and PFAS, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) which cause dysregulation of thyroid function, reproduction, and metabolism, including increased risk of obesity, diabetes, endometriosis, cancer, and decreased fertility, sperm count and quality. Fetal exposure to EDCs is associated with increased rates of miscarriages, prematurity and low birth weight. There is likely no safe level of exposure to EDCs, with increasing evidence of trans-generational and epigenetic effects. There are several existing Israeli laws to reduce plastic use and waste. Taxes on single-use plastic (SUP) were recently cancelled. There are many gaps in regulatory standards for food-, beverage- and child- safe plastic. Existing standards are poorly enforced.ConclusionReduction in production and use of plastic, promotion of recycling and reduction of leaching of toxic additives into our food and beverages are essential policy goals. Specific recommendations: Periodic monitoring of MNP in bottled beverages, food, indoor air; Strengthen enforcement of standards for food-, beverage-, and child-safe plastic; Renew tax on SUPs; National ban on SUP at public beaches, nature reserves and parks; Ban products manufactured with MNP; Increase research on sources and health outcomes of exposure to MNP and EDCs.

Elevated airborne radioactivity downwind of a colorado oil refinery

ABSTRACT Airborne radioactivity from fossil fuel production systems is poorly characterized, but a recent study showed elevated ambient levels with proximity to oil and gas production wells. Here, we report year-long, high temporal resolution monitoring results of airborne alpha radioactivity from both radon gas and radon progeny attached to particulates immediately northeast of an oil refinery in Commerce City, Colorado, USA, in an environmental justice community of concern. Gas and particle-associated radioactivity contributed nearly evenly to the total alpha radioactivity. Total radioactivity levels of 30–40 Bq m−3 were 2–3 times higher than background levels (~10–15 Bq m−3) when winds were light and southwesterly, suggesting the refinery as the geographic origin. Furthermore, elevated airborne radioactivity tracked most closely with the light hydrocarbon and natural gas tracer ethane. Thus, the data imply natural gas as the radon emission carrier, possibly from flaring. However, this could not explain all our particle-associated radioactivity observations. Our findings are unique and suggest a need for further investigations of radon emissions from oil and gas infrastructure such as natural gas processing plants, compressor stations, petrochemical plants, and oil refineries that process oil and natural gas from unconventional production. Implications Statement: Regulatory agencies currently do not mandate or conduct monitoring of radioactivity releases and public exposure from petroleum industry air emissions. This study reports elevated radioactivity from radon gas and nonvolatile radon decay products attached to particulate matter, at about 2-3 times above background levels in proximity to Colorado’s largest oil refinery. Observations were within an environmental justice community of concern that experiences well above-average exposure to many other harmful atmospheric pollutants, suggesting potential adverse health effects from this cumulative exposure. Our findings offer actionable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and affected communities alike.

Reversible Lesion in the Splenium of the Corpus Callosum due to Thermogenic Dietary Supplements

The use of thermogenic dietary supplements has led to growing concerns about potential adverse health effects. A 19-year-old female patient experienced recurrent blurred vision after consuming thermogenic dietary supplements for 5 weeks and eating only one meal per day. Initial brain imaging showed a lesion at the corpus callosum, which disappeared after a month, and her symptoms resolved within 2 days. The potential risks associated with using thermogenic dietary supplements in combination with intermittent fasting need to be carefully considered.

Long-term impact of Hurricane Maria on point-of-use drinking water quality in Puerto Rico and associated potential adverse health effects

Drinking water security in Puerto Rico (PR) is increasingly challenged by both regulated and emerging anthropogenic contaminants, which was exacerbated by the Hurricane Maria (HM) due to impaired regional water cycle and damaged water infrastructure. Leveraging the NIEHS PROTECT (Puerto Rico Testsite for Exploring Contamination Threats) cohort, this study assessed the long-term tap water (TW) quality changes from March 2018 to November 2018 after HM in PR, by innovatively integrating two different effect-based quantitative toxicity assays with a targeted analysis of 200 organic and 22 inorganic pollutants. Post-hurricane PR TW quality showed recovery after >6-month period as indicated by the decreased number of contaminants showing elevated average concentrations relative to pre-hurricane samples, with significant difference of both chemical and toxicity levels between northern and southern PR. Molecular toxicity profiling and correlation revealed that the HM-accelerated releases of certain pesticides and PPCPs could exert increased cellular oxidative and/or AhR (aryl hydrocarbon receptor)-mediated activities that may persist for more than six months after HM. Maximum cumulative ratio and adverse outcome pathway (AOP) assessment identified the top ranked detected TW contaminants (Cu, Sr, V, perfluorooctanoic acid) that potentially associated with different adverse health effects such as inflammation, impaired reproductive systems, cancers/tumors, and/or organ toxicity. These insights can be incorporated into the regulatory framework for post-disaster risk assessment, guiding water quality control and management for public health protection.

Regulatory Framework for Cannabis: A Position Paper From the American College of Physicians.

Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is the dried flowers, stems, seeds, and leaves of the Cannabis sativa plant. It contains more than 100 compounds, including tetrahydrocannabinol, which has psychoactive effects. Federal law prohibits the possession, distribution, and use of cannabis outside limited research activities, but most states have legalized cannabis for medical or recreational use. However, research into the potential therapeutic and adverse health effects of cannabis has been limited, in part because of the drug's federal legal status. In this position paper, the American College of Physicians (ACP) calls for the decriminalization of possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use and outlines a public health approach to controlling cannabis in jurisdictions where it is legal. ACP recommends the rigorous evaluation of the health effects and potential therapeutic uses of cannabis and cannabinoids as well as research into the effects of legalization on cannabis use. It also calls for evidence-based medical education related to cannabis and increased resources for treatment of cannabis use disorder.

Heavy metal impacts on antioxidants in cow blood from wastewater-irrigated areas

The aim of the present research was to investigate the presence of heavy metals such as lead (Pb), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), and cadmium (Cd) in blood samples from cows raised with irrigated wastewater, as well as in the wastewater itself, in the North-western region of Pakistan. A total of 60 blood samples were collected from five different locations in Kohat, namely Tappi Road (TR), Pindi Road (PR), Gul Malik Road (GMR), Markaz Road (MR), and a control group. The samples of both i.e. cow blood and wastewater were analyzed for the concentrations of heavy metals. The highest concentration of Cd was detected in the MR site with a mean value of 0.03 mg/L, and the highest concentration of Cu (0.04 mg/L) was recorded in the TR site, while the lowest level was found in the control group with a mean of 0.002 mg/L in blood samples. The highest Cr and Pb concentrations were found at the PR site, with mean values of 0.03 and 0.07 mg/L, respectively, whereas the control group had the lowest concentrations, with mean values of 0.002 and 0.01 mg/L. Similarly, heavy metal concentrations were analyzed in wastewater used for irrigation in the study area. Results indicated elevated concentrations of Cu and Cr in wastewater, although they remained below the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended values except for Cr (0.13 mg/L) in the GMR site, which exceeded permissible limits. Cd and Pb concentrations in wastewater were relatively low, but Cd concentration surpassed WHO limits, particularly with a mean concentration of 0.08 mg/L in the TR site. Comparison between heavy metal concentrations in blood and wastewater revealed higher values of Cd and Pb in blood samples than in wastewater, while Cu and Cr concentrations were higher in water compared to blood. Additionally, elevated levels of Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD), antioxidant enzyme Catalase (CAT), and oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA) were detected in blood samples. Cluster and principal component analyses were employed to assess heavy metal toxicity among the groups, indicating potential long-term adverse health effects on animals, transfer to humans, and toxicity in living organisms.

Investigation of Heavy Metal Composition and Associated Health Risks from Selected Groundwater Wells in Temeke, Dar-es-Salaam

Water quality continues to be the challenge to residents in Dar es Salaam due to various anthropogenic activities in the city. This study was conducted to assess groundwater quality by determining concentrations of heavy metals. Both probability and Nonprobability sampling techniques were used to collect samples from 40 groundwater wells in 24 wards of Temeke municipal and analysed using Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometer (Agilent 4210 MP-AES) at the Geochemistry Laboratory of the University of Dar es Salaam. Results indicated varying heavy metal concentrations ranging from 0.71 ± 0.08 to 6.64 ± 0.21 mg/l for As, 0.02 ± 0.01 to 0.07 ± 0.01 mg/l for Co and 0.16 ± 0.01 to 0.02 ± 0.01 mg/l for Pb. The As, Co and Pb concentrations exceeded (P &amp;lt; 0.05) the recommended TBS standards of 0.05 mg/l, 0.003 mg/l and 0.01 mg/l respectively. Other concentrations ranged from 0.01 ± 0.01 to 0.88 ± 0.01 mg/l for Cu, 0.02 ± 0.01 to 3.55 ± 0.02 mg/l for Fe, 0.00 ± 0.00 to 4.63 ± 0.03 mg/l for Mn and 0.01 ± 0.01 to 3.00 ± 0.01 mg/l for Zn. The Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn concentrations were below (P &amp;gt; 0.05) the allowable TBS limits of 0.05 mg/l, 0.3 mg/l, 0.1 mg/l and 3 mg/l respectively. Health risk analysis revealed potential adverse health effects from long term consumption of As, Mn and Pb with Hazard Quotient exceeding 1 (HQ &amp;gt; 1). The Hazard Index (HI) for all groundwater samples was also above 1 (HI &amp;gt; 1) indicating a higher likelihood of adverse health effects. The study concluded that groundwater wells in Temeke Municipal are affected through natural and anthropogenic activities leading to high levels of heavy metal concentrations. Also, this study provides valuable information on risk associated by continued usage of groundwater in Temeke region and hence informs respective stakeholders on groundwater quality and potential risks thereby emphasizing the need for remedial measures and stricter regulations to safeguard public health. The study recommends the need for regular groundwater quality and safety monitoring to assess the levels of heavy metals concentrations and implement sustainable groundwater management strategies to address the increasing water demand in Temeke municipal, Dar es Salaam.

Quantification of cooking oil fumes using non-catalytic transesterification: A reliable method for indoor air quality assessment

Cooking oil fumes (COFs), which are aerosols formed via the interaction of water and oil (triglycerides, TGs), contribute to the incidence of lung cancer. Control of indoor COF concentrations has not yet been established, as reliable methods for quantifying COFs have not been developed. This study aimed to quantify COFs based on the derivatization of TGs via a non-catalytic transesterification reaction. Our investigation into the thermolytic behaviors of oil confirmed that COFs generated at ≤ 200 °C primarily consisted of oil and water vapor. Alkali-catalyzed transesterification is commonly used for the derivatization of TGs. However, it is sensitive to impurities such as free fatty acids and water, leading to side reactions. Furthermore, this reaction requires additional purification steps to separate the catalyst and has long reaction times (≥120 min). In contrast, non-catalytic transesterification is not sensitive to impurities and can achieve a conversion yield of over 97 wt% within 1 min. The conversion yield of non-catalytic transesterification was higher than that of the alkali-catalyzed method, indicating that non-catalytic transesterification could be a more reliable method for quantifying COFs. Additionally, the concentration of COFs determined using non-catalytic derivatization was higher than that obtained using the conventional aerosol analysis method (PM gravimetric method). This approach addresses a critical gap in current practices, offering a valuable tool for assessing and regulating COF levels in indoor spaces. Consequently, this contributes to broader efforts aimed at mitigating potential adverse health effects associated with exposure to COFs.

The formation of lamellar body-like structures may be a trigger of cetylpyridinium chloride-induced cell death and inflammatory response

Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) is a quaternary ammonium compound used widely in health and personal care products. Meanwhile, due to its increasing use, its potential adverse health effects are emerging as a topic of public concern. In this study, we first administered CPC by pharyngeal aspiration to determine the survival level (the maximum concentration at which no death is observed) and then administered CPC to mice repeatedly for 28 days using the survival level as the highest concentration. CPC increased the total number of pulmonary cells secreting pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Infiltration of inflammatory cells, production of foamy alveolar macrophages, and chronic inflammatory lesions were found in the lung tissue of male and female mice exposed to the highest dose of CPC. We also investigated the toxicity mechanism using BEAS-2B cells isolated from normal human bronchial epithelium. At 6 h after exposure to CPC, the cells underwent non-apoptotic cell death, especially at concentrations greater than 2 μg/mL. The expression of the transferrin receptor was remarkably enhanced, and the expression of proteins that contribute to intracellular iron storage was inhibited. The expression of both mitochondrial SOD and catalase increased with CPC concentration, and PARP protein was cleaved, suggesting possible DNA damage. In addition, the internal structure of mitochondria was disrupted, and fusion between damaged organelles was observed in the cytoplasm. Most importantly, lamellar body-like structures and autophagosome-like vacuoles were found in CPC-treated cells, with enhanced expression of ABCA3 protein, a marker for lamellar body, and a docking score between ABCA3 protein and CPC was considered to be approximately −6.8969 kcal/mol. From these results, we propose that mitochondrial damage and iron depletion may contribute to CPC-induced non-apoptotic cell death and that pulmonary accumulation of cell debris may be closely associated with the inflammatory response. Furthermore, we hypothesize that the formation of lamellar body-like structures may be a trigger for CPC-induced cell death.

Stability study of ptaquiloside biotoxin from P. esculentum var. Arachnoideum in bovine milk and artisanal dairy-food products

The potential health risk of consuming dairy products made from milk processed in an artisanal manner was investigated due to possible contamination with Ptaquiloside (PTA), a carcinogenic compound found in the food chain of the bracken fern. The study aimed to assess the occurrence and stability of PTA across various processing stages, including pasteurization, cheese production, and yogurt production. Results indicated that pasteurization effectively converted all PTA to Pterosin (PTB), with PTB levels decreasing during refrigerated storage for up to two weeks. The stability and occurrence of initial PTA contamination remained unchanged in yogurt production. Biotoxin concentrations in soft cheeses decreased over time, independent of ionic strength; cheeses with low salt concentrations showed lower retention of the biotoxin within the cheese protein network. These findings offer valuable insights into the stability and occurrence of PTA, facilitating the monitoring and identification of potential adverse health effects.

The effect of ambient temperatures on hospital admissions for kidney diseases in Central Australia

This study aimed to quantify risk of hospitalisations for kidney diseases related to ambient temperature in Central Australia, Northern Territory (NT).Daily hospitalisation data were extracted for Alice Springs Hospital, Central Australia, 2010–2021. The association between daily mean temperature and daily hospital admissions for total kidney and specific kidney conditions was assessed using a quasi-Poisson Generalized Linear Model combined with a distributed lag non-linear model.A total of 52,057 hospitalisations associated with kidney diseases were recorded. In general, risk of specific kidney related hospitalisations was immediate due to hot temperatures and prolonged due to cold temperatures. Relative to the minimum-risk temperature (5.1 °C), at 31 °C, cumulative relative risk (RR) of hospitalisations for total kidney disease (TKD) was 1.297 [95% CI 1.164,1.446] over lag0-1 days, for chronic kidney disease (CKD) cumulative RR was 1.269 [95% CI 1.115,1.444] and for kidney failure (KF) cumulative RR was 1.252 [95% CI 1.107,1.416] at lag 0, and for urinary tract infection (UTI) cumulative RR was 1.522 [95% CI 1.072,2.162] over lag0-7 days. At 16 °C and over lag0-7 days, cumulative RR of hospitalisations for TKD was 1.320 [95% CI 1.135,1.535], for CKD was 1.232 [95% CI 1.025,1.482], for RF was 1.233 [95% CI 1.035,1.470] and for UTI was 1.597 [95% CI 1.143, 2.231]. Both cold and hot temperatures were also associated with increased risks of kidney related total hospitalisations among First Nations Australians and women. Overall, temperature attributable to 13.7% (i.e. 7138 cases) of kidney related hospitalisations with higher attributable hospitalisations from cold temperature.Given the significant burden of kidney disease and projected increases in extreme temperatures associated with climate change in NT including Central Australia there is a need to implement public health and environmental health risk reduction strategies and awareness programs to mitigate potential adverse health effects of extreme temperatures.

Highly sensitive two-dimensional ion chromatography mass spectrometry method for nitrite determination in hydroxypropyl methylcellulose

Due to their potential adverse health effects, some N-nitrosamines in drug products are strictly regulated with very low maximum daily intake limits. Nitrosamines can be formed from the reaction of nitrite and secondary or tertiary amines when both species co-exist in the drug synthesis or formulation process. One key strategy to mitigate nitrosamine risk in drugs is to select low-nitrite containing pharma excipients for formulation. It is necessary to develop a sensitive method for trace nitrite determination in pharma excipients as it enables drug producers to study nitrosamine formation kinetics and select excipient suppliers. This study details the development and validation of a two-dimensional ion chromatography mass spectrometry (2D-IC/MS) method for trace nitrite determination in hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), one of the most important pharmaceutical excipients used in many drug formulations. The 2D-IC system was operated in heart-cutting mode with a concentrator column coupling the two dimensions. A standard bore anion-exchange column was used in the first dimension (1D) to enable a large volume injection for increased sensitivity and provide improved resolution between nitrite and the interfering chloride peak. A high efficiency microbore anion-exchange column with different selectivity was used in the second dimension (2D) to resolve nitrite from other interfering species. The use of 2D-IC resulted in significantly improved resolution, solving the sensitivity loss issue due to ion suppression from an otherwise 1D separation. MS detection with selective ion monitoring and isotope labeled nitrite internal standard further improve the method specificity, accuracy, and ruggedness, as compared with conductivity detection. For trace determination, it is also extremely important to have a clean blank. For this purpose, a novel cleaning procedure using a strong anion wash was developed to remove nitrite contamination from labware. The optimized method was validated with linearity of nitrite in the concentration range of 18.5–5005.8 ng/g having a regression coefficient of >0.9999, precision with RSD at 3.5–10.1 % and recovery of 90.5–102.4 %. The limit of detection and limit of quantitation were 8.9 and 29.6 ng/g relative to the HPMC sample, or equivalent to 89 and 296 pg/g in the sample solution, respectively.

Prenatal and childhood neonicotinoid exposure and neurodevelopment: A study in a young Taiwanese cohort

Neonicotinoid insecticides (NEOs) dominate the global pesticide market because of their low cost and effectiveness. However, epidemiological studies regarding the potential adverse health effects of exposure to NEOs before birth and in early childhood are limited. Therefore, this study investigated the associations between NEO exposure before birth and during early childhood and neurodevelopment.A total of 273 mother–child pairs were enrolled in this study. Mothers provided urine samples in the third trimester and breast milk during the first and third months of lactation. Their children provided urine samples and were evaluated for neurodevelopment by using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition at 2–3 years (N = 96) and the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV) at 4–6 years (N = 63). The sum of the concentrations of seven NEOs (ΣNEOs) and the relative potency factor of NEOs, based on comparison with imidacloprid (IMIRPF), were used to assess total exposure to NEOs. Multivariate linear regression analyses were conducted to assess the associations between prenatal and childhood exposure to NEOs and neurodevelopment.The results of the analysis revealed that clothianidin (CLO) and thiamethoxam were the most common NEOs to which children in the Taipei metropolitan area were exposed and that exposure concentrations were high in the Taipei metropolitan area. Imidacloprid was the most frequently detected NEO during the postnatal period. Additionally, exposure to NEOs through breast milk was low. Exposure to CLO, ΣNEOs, and IMIRPF in boys aged 4–6 years was negatively correlated with WPPSI-IV Fluid Reasoning Index. The results of this study indicate that exposure during the third trimester to NEOs does not affect neurodevelopment but that childhood exposure to NEOs may, especially for boys. Further studies with larger sample sizes are required to confirm the sex-specific associations between NEO exposure and neurodevelopment.

Pulmonary damage induction upon Acrylic amide exposure via activating miRNA-223–3p and miRNA-325–3p inflammasome/pyroptosis and fibrosis signaling pathway: New mechanistic approaches of A green-synthesized extract

Exposure to acrylic amide (AD) has garnered worldwide attention due to its potential adverse health effects, prompting calls from the World Health Organization for intensified research into associated risks. Despite this, the relationship between oral acrylic amide (acrylamide) (AD) exposure and pulmonary dysfunction remains poorly understood. Our study aimed to investigate the correlation between internal oral exposure to AD and the decline in lung function, while exploring potential mediating factors such as tissue inflammation, oxidative stress, pyroptosis, and apoptosis. Additionally, we aimed to evaluate the potential protective effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles green-synthesized moringa extract (ZNO-MONPs) (10 mg/kg b.wt) against ACR toxicity and conducted comprehensive miRNA expression profiling to uncover novel targets and mechanisms of AD toxicity (miRNA 223–3 P and miRNA 325–3 P). Furthermore, we employed computational techniques to predict the interactions between acrylic amide and/or MO-extract components and tissue proteins. Using a rat model, we exposed animals to oral acrylamide (20 mg/kg b.wt for 2 months). Our findings revealed that AD significantly downregulated the expression of miRNA 223–3 P and miRNA 325–3 P, targeting NLRP-3 & GSDMD, respectively, indicating the induction of pyroptosis in pulmonary tissue via an inflammasome activating pathway. Moreover, AD exposure resulted in lipid peroxidative damage and reduced levels of GPX, CAT, GSH, and GSSG. Notably, AD exposure upregulated apoptotic, pyroptotic, and inflammatory genes, accompanied by histopathological damage in lung tissue. Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence techniques detected elevated levels of indicative harmful proteins including vimentin and 4HNE. Conversely, concurrent administration of ZNO-MONPs with AD significantly elevated the expression of miRNA 223–3 P and miRNA 325–3 P, protecting against oxidative stress, apoptosis, pyroptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in rat lungs. In conclusion, our study highlights the efficacy of ZNO-MONPs NPs in protecting pulmonary tissue against the detrimental impacts of foodborne toxin AD.

The fate of an inhaled cigarette puff in the human respiratory tract

Objective Cigarette smoking can lead to a host of adverse health effects such as lung and heart disease. Increased lung cancer risk is associated with inhalation of carcinogens present in a puff of smoke. These carcinogenic compounds deposit in the lung at different sites and trigger a cascade of events leading to adverse outcomes. Understanding the site-specific deposition of various smoke constituents will inform the study of respiratory diseases from cigarette smoking. We previously developed a deposition model for inhalation of aerosol from electronic nicotine delivery systems. In this study, the model was modified to simulate inhalation of cigarette smoke consisting of soluble and insoluble tar, nicotine, and cigarette-specific constituents that are known or possible human carcinogens. Materials and Methods The deposition model was further modified to account for nicotine protonation and other cigarette-specific physics-based mechanisms that affect smoke deposition. Model predictions showed a total respiratory tract uptake in the lung for formaldehyde (99%), nicotine (80%), and benzo[a]pyrene (60%). Results The site of deposition and uptake depended primarily on the constituent’s saturation vapor pressure. High vapor pressure constituents such as formaldehyde were preferentially absorbed in the oral cavity and proximal lung regions, while low vapor pressure constituents such as benzo[a]pyrene were deposited in the deep lung regions. Model predictions of exhaled droplet size, droplet retention, nicotine retention, and uptake of aldehydes compared favorably with experimental data. Conclusion The deposition model can be integrated into exposure assessments and other studies that evaluate potential adverse health effects from cigarette smoking.

UVB-Aged Microplastics and Cellular Damage: An in Vitro Study

Plastics are synthetic organic compounds whose widespread use generates enormous waste. Different processes, such as mechanical abrasion, microbiological activity, and UVB irradiation, can fragment the plastic material and generate microplastics (MPs). MPs are ubiquitous, and various organisms, including humans, can ingest or inhale them, with potential adverse health effects. The differences between UV-aged and virgin particles were studied to evaluate the genotoxic damage and oxidative stress induced by polystyrene MPs with 1 and 5 µm sizes on the monocyte-like cell line (THP-1). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Ζ-potential measurements were used to characterise MP particles after UVB exposure. Cells exposed to MPs show a widespread change in the cellular environment with the generation of reactive oxidative species (ROS), as indicated by the increased malondialdehyde level. The occurrence of genotoxic damage is correlated to the smaller size and ageing state of the MPs. The biochemical and genomic alterations observed in this in vitro study suggest that MPs, ubiquitous pollutants, following natural degradation and oxidation processes can cause various adverse effects on the health of the exposed population, making it necessary to carry out further studies to better define the real risk.

Bis-(2-Chloroisopropyl) ether.

Bis-(2-Chloroisopropyl) ether (BCIPE) was used as a solvent for fats, greases, paint, varnish removers, and in spotting and cleaning solutions. However, BCIPE has not been commercially manufactured or used for numerous years. In experimental animal studies, BCIPE is moderately toxic following acute oral, dermal, and inhalation routes of exposure. BCIPE is a severe eye irritant but not a dermal irritant or dermal sensitizer. BCIPE was not genotoxic or mutagenic in in vitro and in vivo assays; it was not toxic in a 3-generation reproductive dietary study in rats. Short-term, repeated inhalation and oral exposure in rats produced increased liver and kidney weights and congestion; dermal exposure in rabbits did not produce any observable adverse effects. BCIPE did not produce a statistically significant increase in tumors in two different 2-year dietary studies in mice and rats. In mice, technical grade BCIPE produced increased incidences of alveolar/bronchiolar adenomas in females, hepatocellular carcinomas in males, and a low incidence of forestomach hyperplasia (in both sexes at the high-dose). Further investigation with technical grade BCIPE concluded that these effects were species- and dose-specific with limited, if any, relevance to humans. The NOAEL of 400 ppm (15 mg/kg/day) from the 2-year dietary study in female rats was considered the point of departure for the health-based WEEL derivation. After adjustment for duration of exposure, interindividual variability, and intraindividual variability, an 8-h time-weighted average (TWA) WEEL value of 3 ppm (21 mg/m3) was derived. This exposure limit is expected to provide a significant margin of safety against any potential adverse health effects in workers.

Ultrasound versus MRI for evaluation of silicone leakage from silicone breast implants

BackgroundImplant ruptures and gel bleed are not uncommon among women with silicone breast implants. While magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is traditionally considered the gold standard diagnostic modality, recent studies suggest ultrasound might be an acceptable alternative. This study compares the efficacy of ultrasound and MRI in assessing implant integrity. MethodsWomen with silicone breast implants underwent a breast and axillary ultrasound and MRI on the same day. All tests were assessed by experienced radiologists. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of ultrasound and MRI for implant rupture detection and silicone depositions in axillary lymph nodes were evaluated. FindingsA total of 104 women participated in the study. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of ultrasound for detecting implant ruptures compared to MRI were 96 %, 95 %, and 96 %, respectively. MRI demonstrated significantly lower sensitivity (44 %) for detecting silicone depositions in axillary lymph nodes compared to ultrasound. A significant association was observed between the presence of enlarged axillary lymph nodes and/or axillary pain and the detection of silicone depositions in axillary lymph nodes on ultrasound (χ2 (1, N = 104) = 5·1, p = 0·024). Six women exhibited silicone depositions in axillary lymph nodes despite having intact first-pair implants, indicative of gel bleed. InterpretationUltrasound is nearly as effective as MRI for detecting breast implant ruptures and is superior for detecting silicone depositions in axillary lymph nodes. We therefore recommend initiating radiological examination in women with breast implants with a breast and axillary ultrasound, proceeding to MRI only if the ultrasound is inconclusive. The prevalence of gel bleed is understudied and its potential adverse health effects might be underestimated. Further research is needed to explore its potential association with development of systemic symptoms.

Occurrence and distribution of pesticides and transformation products in ambient air in two European agricultural areas

Pesticides present a significant risk for both humans and the environment. However, quantitative data for a broad range of airborne pesticides in agricultural areas are missing. During or after the application, pesticides can reach the atmosphere and partition between the particulate and gaseous phase. As part of the EU project SPRINT, weekly ambient air samples were collected from two agricultural areas in Portugal (vineyard) and the Netherlands (potatoes, onions, and sugarbeet) between April 2021 and June 2022 using high-volume air samplers. The samples were analysed for 329 pesticides, of which 99 were detected. The most frequently detected compounds included the fungicides folpet, fenpropidin and mandipropamid, the insecticide chlorpyrifos-methyl, the herbicide terbuthylazine, and the metabolite prothioconazole-desthio, which were found with detection frequencies between 40 and 57 %. Pesticide concentrations ranged between 0.003 ng/m3 and 10 ng/m3. Remarkably, 97 % of the samples contained at least one pesticide and in 95 % of the samples, pesticide mixtures were present. The calculated particle phase fractions correlated with the octanol-air partitioning coefficient for most of the investigated compounds. Furthermore, calculated daily inhalation rates for individual pesticides and pesticide mixtures were far below the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) with a margin of exposure (MOE) of >1000 for the highest calculated daily inhalation rate for a child. However, as this value only includes pesticide intake from food and drinking water and considering that 91 % of the detected pesticides are associated with potential adverse human health effects. These findings highlight the broad range of airborne pesticides in agricultural areas and the need for quantitative data to include the intake of mixtures of highly hazardous pesticides by inhalation in human risk assessment.

Structural Studies on the Binding Mode of Bisphenols to PPARγ.

Bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol B (BPB) are widely used in the production of plastics, and their potential adverse health effects, particularly on endocrine disruption and metabolic health, have raised concern. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) plays a pivotal role in metabolic regulation and adipogenesis, making it a target of interest in understanding the development of obesity and associated health impacts. In this study, we employ X-ray crystallography and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to study the interaction of PPARγ with BPA and BPB. Crystallographic structures reveal the binding of BPA and BPB to the ligand binding domain of PPARγ, next to C285, where binding of partial agonists as well as antagonists and inverse agonists of PPARγ signaling has been previously observed. However, no interaction of BPA and BPB with Y437 in the activation function 2 site is observed, showing that these ligands cannot stabilize the active conformation of helix 12 directly. Furthermore, free energy analyses of the MD simulations revealed that I341 has a large energetic contribution to the BPA and BPB binding modes characterized in this study.