Potential Sources Of Exposure Research Articles

Reviewing the current state of legacy POP-brominated flame retardants in plastic childcare products and toys: a scoping review protocol

BackgroundDue to their adverse environmental and health impacts, brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are listed in Annex A of the Stockholm Convention for global elimination of production and use. Their health impacts include endocrine disruption, cancer, reproductive effects, and neurobehavioral and developmental disorders in children. Emerging literature suggests that legacy POP-BFRs are increasingly found in consumer products, including those used for and by children. The presence of legacy POP-BFRs in children’s products is a big concern. Children are more vulnerable to chemical exposure risks than adults because their bodies are still developing and fragile. The rising problem is contributed to by the global push towards a circular economy that encourages responsible production and consumption by practising the recycling of waste materials. Waste materials such as electronic and electrical equipment plastics often contain POP-BFRs. POP-BFRs in waste materials are transferred into new products through recycling. The recycled products have become a potential source of exposure to legacy POP-BFRs for vulnerable populations, particularly children. Our scoping review aims to map and summarise the emerging literature. This information is needed to inform evidence-based policies to protect children from toxic exposures.MethodsOur scoping review will follow a methodological framework proposed by Arksey and O’Malley. Peer-reviewed and grey literature on the topic will be retrieved from electronic databases and other relevant sites. Two reviewers will screen titles and abstracts, followed by a full-text review of studies for eligibility based on the established inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data will be extracted, and findings will be mapped in a table according to study settings, types of children’s products tested, and concentration of legacy POP-BFRs in contaminated products. A map chart will be created to display how contaminated products are spread globally.DiscussionBecause of their unique vulnerabilities, children continue to suffer disproportionate exposures to toxic chemicals compared to adults. Information on potential exposures, particularly for children, is crucial to make evidence-based policies. We intend to map and summarise the emerging literature on legacy POP-BFRs in children's products. Findings will be disseminated to relevant stakeholders through publishing in a peer-reviewed scientific journal and policy briefs.Systematic review registrationThe protocol is registered with the Open Science Framework (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/7KDE5).

Substances of health concern in home-distilled and commercial alcohols from Texas

ObjectivePoor distillation practices in the production of spirits have historically resulted in many instances of adverse health outcomes including death. Concern has focused on lead and copper contamination as well as unhealthy levels of methanol and glyphosate. This study assesses home-distilled and commercially distilled alcohols from Texas for these substances of concern, highlighting their potential risks to public health. MethodsAtomic absorption spectroscopy, gas chromatography, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were employed to determine lead and copper, methanol, and glyphosate levels in 12 commercial and 36 home-distilled alcohol samples. ResultsOur findings showed that 11 % of the home-distilled alcohols exceeded the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau's copper safety limits of 0.5 mg/L for wine. Additionally, 36 % of these samples surpassed the European Commission (EC)'s lead legal threshold of 0.15 mg/L set for wine products. Results from commercial alcohols indicated that no samples exceeded the same safety limits for copper, and 33 % exceeded the same legal threshold for lead. Both commercial and home-distilled alcohols exhibited methanol concentrations remarkably below the 0.35 % limit for brandy set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Only two home-distilled samples contained detectable glyphosate concentrations well below 100 μg/L, the maximum residue level in beer and wine established by the EC. ConclusionsOur findings suggested that consumption of alcohol in Texas may pose potential health risks associated with the elevated content of lead and copper. There is a need for increased focus on alcohol as a potential source of exposure to heavy metals.

Elevated level of urinary tellurium is a potential risk for increase of blood pressure in humans and mice

BackgroundPeople worldwide are routinely exposed to tellurium mainly via dietary ingestion. There has been no study to clarify the contribution of tellurium to blood pressure in humans or animals. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study conducted in a general population of 2592 residents in Japan, the associations of urinary tellurium levels with blood pressure and prevalence of hypertension were investigated. The potential sources of tellurium were also investigated. An interventional study in mice confirmed the effect of tellurium exposure on blood pressure. ResultsLinear and logistic regression analyses with consideration of confounders including urinary sodium–potassium ratio showed significant positive associations of urinary tellurium level with prevalence of hypertension and blood pressure. Cereals/beans and vegetables/fruits were determined to be potential dietary sources of tellurium exposure. Intermediary analysis suggested that increased intake of cereals/beans, but not that of vegetables/fruits, is positively associated with the tellurium-mediated risk of hypertension. Correspondingly, the mouse study showed that exposure to a putative human-equivalent dose of tellurium via drinking water increased blood pressure with an elevated level of urinary tellurium. The temporally increased blood pressure was decreased to the normal level by a break of tellurium exposure with a reduced level of urinary tellurium. ConclusionsThe interdisciplinary approach provided the first evidence that tellurium exposure is a potential risk for increase of blood pressure. Since the human urinary tellurium level in this study is comparable with the levels in general populations in other Asian and European countries in previous studies, exposure to tellurium may be a latent universal risk for hypertension.

Assessment of Societal Health Risks: Spatial Distribution and Potential Hazards of Toxic Metals in Street Dust Across Diverse Communities

On a global scale, the urban design of city centers is a topic of discussion concerning various aspects such development and its impact on public health. This research examines the health effects of urban agglomeration in city centers with compact, close development. In this work, the potentially toxic metals in street dust were studied by collecting and measuring street dust samples, measuring trace metal concentrations, and using index assessment, spatial analysis, correlation analysis, and health risk assessment models. Eskişehir, located in the part of Central Anatolia close to the Aegean region, west Türkiye, has been widely recognized as one of the most popular, known for having many narrow and old buildings in urban environments. The present paper investigates the atmospheric dust-related chemical speciation, urban environmental pollution, and human health risks in Eskişehir City by studying 66 dust samples collected at 11 points in the selected streets in August 2023. the study found that the concentrations of trace elements followed the order Cr > Ni > Pb > Cd > Cu. The primary source of these high levels is believed to be traffic-related contamination involving Cd, Pb, and Ni. The assessment of non-carcinogenic health risks has shown that the significant sources of potential toxic metals exposure for both children and adults are i) through ingestion and ii) dermal contact. The Hazard index (HI) for selected metals decreased in the order Cr > Pb > Ni > Cd > Cu for both children and adults without imposing possible non-carcinogenic risk (HI<1). On the contrary, Cr posed cancer risks above the safety threshold (> 10-4) through ingestion. Based on the available findings, Eskişehir still suffers from considerable environmental and ecological degradation and severe health risks due to street dust contamination. However, while high pollution was detected in the city center, where there is commercial land use, low values were observed in the region, rich with the water surface, bicycle paths, landscape design, and where traffic is slowed down.

Systematic investigation of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls blood levels in Greek children from the Rhea birth cohort suggests historical exposure to DDT and through diet to DDE

The blood levels of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been thoroughly investigated in Greek children from the Rhea birth cohort study. This investigation aimed to assess exposure levels, explore their possible relationship with children's age and sex, and indicate potential sources of exposure. Exposure patterns and common sources of PCBs and OCPs were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate statistics.A total of 947 blood samples from study participants were analyzed for OCP and PCB exposure, with 375 samples collected at 4 years old, 239 at 6.5 years old, and 333 at 11 years old. Elevated levels of DDE were observed in 6.5-year-old children compared to corresponding levels in other European countries. Higher levels of DDE were found in 4-year-old children, with the lowest concentrations in the 11-year-old group. The DDT/DDE ratio was consistently less than 1 among all the examined subjects. These results indicate exposure to DDT and DDE both in utero and through breastfeeding and dietary intake. For the entire cohort population, the highest concentration was determined for PCB 28, followed by PCBs 138, 153, and 180. The sum of the six indicator PCBs implied low exposure levels for the majority of the cohort population. Spearman correlations revealed strong associations between PCBs and OCPs, while principal component analysis identified two different groupings of exposure. DDE exhibited a correlation with a series of PCBs (153, 156, 163, 180), indicating a combined OCP-PCB source, and an anticorrelation with others (52, 28, 101), implying a separate and competing source.

Ensuring firefighter safety and resource preservation from contamination in demolition building fires

Research characteristics and define toxic substances that remain in emergency clothing after fires in abandoned and demolition buildings. As a basic component of the integrated rescue system, members of the Fire and Rescue Service may be primarily or secondarily exposed to the effects of dangerous substances that penetrate the body as part of intervention activities. Personal protective equipment (PPE) used by firefighters can be characterized as a potential source of hazardous exposure to toxic contaminants commonly found and released during fires. The research task was to detect these contaminants in individual samples based on gas chromatography (GC) and subsequently to determine the decontamination methods of firefighters and PPE after an intervention. Based on a real intervention in an abandoned and demolished building where there was a fire, firefighters from individual fire stations intervened, where, as stated in the research, they intervened in the mentioned protective equipment. The amount of dangerous substances was determined based on gas chromatography in the Control and Chemical Laboratory of the Ministry of the Interior in the village of Jasov. The stated procedure was used to determine the amount of residual hazardous substances on emergency clothing and the procedures for possible elimination of the hazard.

Legacy and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in tissue and toilet paper from China

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have been found in toilet paper in Europe, the United States, and Africa; however, their presence in Chinese household paper has not been investigated. In this study, 21 legacy and 30 emerging PFASs were analyzed in tissue and toilet paper from China, including 48 samples of different origins and materials. Median concentrations of chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonates (Cl-PFESAs), hexafluoropropylene oxide homologs (HFPOs), and p-perfluorous nonenoxybenzenesulfonate (OBS) were 0.32, 0.19, and 0.10 ng/g dry weight (dw), respectively. The detection frequencies (DFs) of Cl-PFESAs and OBS both were greater than 96%, followed by hexafluoropropylene oxide trimer acid (HFPO-TrA, DF: 85%). Notably, the level of HFPO-TrA in one sample was as high as 540 ng/g dw, indicating a potential environmental risk to humans. In addition, the concentrations of Cl-PFESAs in toilet paper were significantly higher than that in tissue (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in the concentrations of PFASs in tissue and toilet paper from different materials and origins. This suggests that PFASs, particularly emerging PFASs, are widely detected in tissue and toilet paper products across China, and their presence is a potential source of landfill contamination and human exposure.

Spatiotemporal variations in the occurrence of Campylobacter species in the Bloukrans and Swartkops rivers, Eastern Cape, South Africa

An increase in the incidence of Campylobacter species in rivers raises concerns on the safety of river water for humans who get exposed to river water. This study examines the spatiotemporal dynamics of Campylobacter species in the Bloukrans and Swartkops rivers, analysing patterns of its occurrence in relation to meteorological conditions, physicochemical parameters, seasons, and sampling sites. Physico-chemical parameters and meteorological conditions were measured during water sampling from various sites along the rivers over a year, while Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was utilised to detect Campylobacter genus-specific genes and selected antibiotic-resistant genes. Campylobacter was detected in 66.67% (Bloukrans River) and 58.33% (Swartkops River). In the Bloukrans River, multi-drug resistance genes cmeA (20%), cmeB (65%), cmeC (10%), were detected while and tetO was detected at 70%. In the Swartkops River, the corresponding prevalence were 28%, 66.67%, 28.56%, and 76%. The study indicates that sampling season did not significantly impact Campylobacter prevalence. However, variation in Campylobacter occurrence exists among different sites along the rivers, reflecting the influence of site proximity to potential contamination sources. The study suggests that Campylobacter infection may be endemic in South Africa, with rivers serving as potential sources of exposure to humans, thereby contributing to the epidemiology of campylobacteriosis.

ASSESSING ANNUAL EXPOSURES DOSE AND OTHER RADIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS FROM COSMIC RADIATION AMONG FLIGHT CREWS IN NIGERIA LOCAL AIRLINE

Cosmic radiation is high-energy radiation generated in outer space that increases with altitudes. This study uses aircrew cosmic radiation exposure to measure radiation dose received by monitoring individual crew members (a total of 179 members for all the crews in the three routes for 2011 to 2022) using computer model calculator (CARI – 6M) on Nigeria’s local airlines crews and evaluated other radiological parameters. The finding shows that annual effective dose (AED) received by the air crew members between 2011 and 2022 across the three routes (Lagos – Kano, Lagos – Abuja and Lagos – Port Harcourt) ranges between 0.230 and 1.90 µSv y-1 and there is a direct relationship between the time of flight and the effective dose received by the crew members. This result is lower than the recommended value of 20 µSv y-1 by International bodies. The result also revealed that Annual Gonadal Dose Equivalent (AGDE) across the three routes ranges from 7.20 – 380 µSv y-1 with only Lagos – Kano route in year 2017 (380 µSv y-1) were above the maximum permissible value of 300 µSv y-1. The findings indicated low AED however; the significant excess lifetime cancer risk that increases with cumulative doses and dependent of the flight route constitute a risk. This implies that, there are possibilities of the crew members developing cancer during their lifetime. It’s therefore recommended that Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority should introduce regulations and training program to reduce potential sources of radiation exposure of Nigerian flight crews.

Baking releases microplastics from polyethylene terephthalate bakeware as detected by optical photothermal infrared and quantum cascade laser infrared

The use of plastic bakeware is a potential source of human exposure to microplastics (MPs). However, characterizing MPs remains a challenge. This study aims to employ optical photothermal infrared (O-PTIR) and quantum cascade laser infrared (QCL-IR) technology to characterise polyethylene terephthalate (PET) MPs shed from PET bakeware during the baking process. The bakeware, filled with ultrapure water, underwent baking cycles at 220 °C for 20 min, 60 min, and three consecutive cycles of 60 min each. Subsequently, particles present in the ultrapure water were collected using an Al2O3 filter. O-PTIR and QCL-IR were used to characterise PET MPs collected from the filtration. Analysis revealed that QCL-IR spectra exhibited broader absorption peaks, compared to O-PTIR. Notably, MP spectra obtained from both techniques displayed common absorption peaks around 1119, 1623, 1341 and 1725 cm−1. The dominant size of PET MPs detected by O-PTIR and QCL-IR was 1–3 μm and 5–20 μm, respectively. The quantity of identified PET MPs using O-PTIR was 18 times greater than that with QCL-IR, which was attributed to variations in spatial resolution, sampling methods for spectra collection, and data analysis employed by the two methods. Importantly, findings from both techniques highlighted a notably large quantity of MPs released from PET bakeware, particularly evident after 3 cycles of 60 min of baking, suggesting a substantial increase in the potential ingestion of MPs, especially in scenarios involving extended baking durations. The research outcomes will guide consumers on minimizing the intake of microplastics by using PET bakeware for shorter baking time. Additionally, the study will yield valuable insights into the application of O-PTIR and QCL-IR for MPs detection, potentially inspiring advancements in MPs detection methodologies through cutting-edge technologies.

2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (2-HEMA) sensitization, a global epidemic at its peak in Spain?

A global epidemic of allergic contact dermatitis to (meth)acrylates has been described in relation to the widespread use of manicure products. To evaluate the frequency of sensitization to 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (2-HEMA) among consecutively patch tested patients with eczema in Spain; the percentage of current relevance; the MOAHLFA index; and, the potential sources of exposure to (meth)acrylates. From January 2019 to December 2022, 2-HEMA 2% pet. was prospectively patch tested in 24 REIDAC (Spanish Allergic Contact Dermatitis Registry) centres. Six thousand one hundred thirty-four patients were consecutively patch tested with 2-HEMA 2% pet. 265/6134 (4.3%) were positive. Positive reactions of current relevance were identified to involve 184/265 (69%). The efficiency (number of patch tests needed to detect relevant positive patch test reactions) was 34 (6134/184). The variable 'occupational' was found to be significantly associated with a higher risk for relevant positive reactions to 2-HEMA (OR: 10.9; 95% CI: 8.1-14.9). (Meth)acrylate sensitization is a prevalent health issue in Spain. 2-HEMA 2% pet. has been identified to be a highly effective (meth)acrylate allergy marker in the GEIDAC baseline series. The responsible authorities should implement policies guaranteeing accurate labelling of industrial, medical, and consumer materials while ensuring the enforcement of said labelling through appropriate legal means.

Suspect Screening Analysis of Pooled Human Serum Samples Using GC × GC/TOF-MS.

Humans interact with thousands of chemicals. This study aims to identify substances of emerging concern and in need of human health risk evaluations. Sixteen pooled human serum samples were constructed from 25 individual samples each from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences' Clinical Research Unit. Samples were analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) × GC/time-of-flight (TOF)-mass spectrometry (MS) in a suspect screening analysis, with follow-up confirmation analysis of 19 substances. A standard reference material blood sample was also analyzed through the confirmation process for comparison. The pools were stratified by sex (female and male) and by age (≤45 and >45). Publicly available information on potential exposure sources was aggregated to annotate presence in serum as either endogenous, food/nutrient, drug, commerce, or contaminant. Of the 544 unique substances tentatively identified by spectral matching, 472 were identified in females, while only 271 were identified in males. Surprisingly, 273 of the identified substances were found only in females. It is known that behavior and near-field environments can drive exposures, and this work demonstrates the existence of exposure sources uniquely relevant to females.

Microplastic particles in river sediments and water of southwestern Nigeria: insights on the occurrence, seasonal distribution, composition, and source apportionment.

Microplastics (MPs) are globally recognized as an emerging environmental threat, particularly in the aquatic environment. This study presents baseline data on the occurrence and distribution of MPs in sediments and surface water of major rivers in southwestern Nigeria. Microplastics were extracted by density separation and polymer identification using Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance mode (FTIR-ATR). The abundance of MPs in surface sediment and water samples across all locations ranged from 12.82 to 22.90 particle/kg dw and 6.71 to 17.12 particle/L during the dry season and 5.69 to 14.38 particle/kg dw and 12.41 to 22.73 particle/L during the wet season, respectively. On average, fiber constituted the highest percentage of MP in sediments (71%) and water (67%) while foam accounted for the lowest values of 0.6% and 1.7%, respectively. Polypropylene(PP) and polyethylene (PE) were the main MPs across all locations based on Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). MPs of size < 1mm were the most abundant (≥ 55%) on average in both water and sediments. The study identified run-off from human activities and industrial wastewater as potential sources of MP exposure based on positive matrix factorization. The study suggests assessing the impact of different land-use activities on MPs occurrence and distribution in addition to quantifying MPs in seafood as a way forward in food safety management systems for further studies. This study confirmed the occurrence and widespread distribution of MPs in surface water and sediments and provides a database on MP pollution in Nigeria.

Bisphenol derivatives in cord blood and association between thyroid hormones and potential exposure sources

ABSTRACT Endocrine-disrupting environmental chemicals are a public health concern, particularly fetal exposure to Bisphenol derivatives. This study aimed to assess fetal exposure to Bisphenol derivatives (BPA, BPF, and BPS) by measuring their levels in cord blood and investigating their association with plastic material used in daily life as well as cord blood TSH and free L-thyroxine (fT4) levels. In this descriptive study, a questionnaire with a face-to-face interview was administered before birth, and cord blood samples were taken immediately after delivery. The mean levels of BPA, BPF, TSH, and fT4 were measured as 10.69 ± 2.39 ng/ml, 3.80 ± 0.58 ng/ml; 2.36 ± 0.23 µIU/ml, and 14.18 ± 0.53 pg/ml, respectively, in a total of 104 cord blood samples. All BPS levels remained below the detection limit. Linear regression analysis revealed a positive association between birth weight and cord blood BPA concentration (β = 0.26; p = 0.02). Further research on maternal exposure during the fetal and neonatal period is critical for public health.

Gas-Phase and Surface-Initiated Reactions of Household Bleach and Terpene-Containing Cleaning Products Yield Chlorination and Oxidation Products Adsorbed onto Indoor Relevant Surfaces.

The use of household bleach cleaning products results in emissions of highly oxidative gaseous species, such as hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and chlorine (Cl2). These species readily react with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as limonene, one of the most abundant compounds found in indoor enviroments. In this study, reactions of HOCl/Cl2 with limonene in the gas phase and on indoor relevant surfaces were investigated. Using an environmental Teflon chamber, we show that silica (SiO2), a proxy for window glass, and rutile (TiO2), a component of paint and self-cleaning surfaces, act as a reservoir for adsorption of gas-phase products formed between HOCl/Cl2 and limonene. Furthermore, high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) shows that the gas-phase reaction products of HOCl/Cl2 and limonene readily adsorb on both SiO2 and TiO2. Surface-mediated reactions can also occur, leading to the formation of new chlorine- and oxygen-containing products. Transmission Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy of adsorption and desorption of bleach and terpene oxidation products indicates that these chlorine- and oxygen-containing products strongly adsorb on both SiO2 and TiO2 surfaces for days, providing potential sources of human exposure and sinks for additional heterogeneous reactions.

Deposition of inhalable particles onto human clothing: A manikin-based chamber study

Clothing has been identified as a potential source of exposure to particulate matter accumulated from human and environmental sources. However, limited studies have investigated the deposition of airborne particles onto worn clothing surfaces. In a controlled chamber, we investigated size-resolved particle deposition (0.2–10 μm) onto a seated thermal manikin as a function of (i) distinct clothing materials and skin area coverages, including (a) short-sleeve cotton shirt (63 % cotton, 34 % polyester, 3 % elastane), (b) long-sleeve cotton shirt (98 % cotton, 2 % elastane), (c) short-sleeve polyester shirt (100 % polyester), (d) long-sleeve fleece jacket (100 % polyester), and (e) long-sleeve sweater (68 % wool, 32 % polyamide); and (ii) three air speeds (19 cm/s, 26 cm/s, and 33 cm/s). We found that the size-dependent particle deposition loss rate coefficients onto high-roughness clothing material, such as wool/polyamide, were 2–27 % higher than smooth materials, such as cotton. Roughness parameters of clothing were found to be positively associated with deposition loss rate coefficients. As the air speed in the chamber increased, the deposition loss rate coefficient increased. Expectedly, we observed an exponential relationship between deposition loss rate coefficients and particle size. Our results suggest that the type and properties of clothing and air speed are strong determinants of environmental particle uptake by the clothing and could play an essential role in influencing the inhalation exposure of the wearer.

The effectiveness of an intervention to reduce exposure to trace metals during or prior to pregnancy: A prospective study in urban and rural locations

BackgroundPrenatal exposure to trace metals can have adverse effects on health and increase the risk of developing certain diseases. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of giving women advice to reduce their exposure to trace metals during pregnancy or prior to conception. The study also examined differences in exposure between rural and urban environments in southern France. MethodsIn this prospective study, pregnant women or those intending to conceive were recruited from two medical centers for gynecology/obstetrics (rural location: Saint-Rémy-de-Provence; urban location: Marseille). Hair samples were collected and analyzed to determine the levels of exposure to trace metals. Participants with ‘risky’ levels were given corresponding advice sheets on how to reduce their exposure or, for certain metals, they were encouraged to find out about potential sources of exposure. A second hair sample was collected and analyzed 3 months later. ResultsIt was found that 109 women had ‘risky’ levels of exposure to trace metals, out of a total of 184 women (59.2 %). Cerium was the most frequently identified metal (N = 26), followed by nickel (N = 23), and titanium (N = 19). There were more women at the urban center with ‘risky’ levels (56/86; 65.1 %) than at the rural center (53/98; 54.1 %), but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.13). Advice sheets were given to 64 of the 109 participants with ‘risky’ levels (58.7 %), but only 21 returned for the second hair analysis. Of these, 14 were found to have reduced their exposure, which corresponds to just 12.8 % (14/109) of the participants with ‘risky’ levels. ConclusionsThese results indicate that it would be helpful to develop new interventions to reduce trace metal exposure during or prior to pregnancy.

Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistance of Salmonella Dublin and Thermotolerant Campylobacter in Liver from Veal Calves in Québec, Canada.

Salmonella Dublin and Campylobacter spp. are two foodborne pathogens of importance. A small number of studies reported that consumption of veal liver was associated with an increased risk of human illness from these two pathogens. To better characterize the risk of exposure from liver, a cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of white veal calf liver contamination with these two pathogens and to characterize the antimicrobial non-susceptibility patterns of isolates. Veal liver samples were collected at two slaughterhouses in Quebec, Canada, in 2016 and 2017. Samples were submitted for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screening followed by culture of Salmonella and thermotolerant Campylobacter. Isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility using broth microdilution. Salmonella Dublin was the only serotype cultured from 3.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.0-7.9) of 560 liver samples. Among them and for technical reasons, 498 were tested by PCR for Campylobacter. The prevalence of PCR-positive livers was estimated to be 65.8% (95% CI: 58.7-72.9) for Campylobacter jejuni and 7.0% (95% CI: 3.9-10.1%) for Campylobacter coli. Fourteen Salmonella Dublin isolates were submitted for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) testing; all were non-susceptible to at least eight antimicrobials from six different classes. Most (81.4%) of the 188 C. jejuni isolates submitted for AMR testing were non-susceptible to tetracycline, and 23.0% of isolates were non-susceptible to nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin. Of the seven C. coli isolates, four were multidrug resistant. This study highlights the importance of veal liver as a potential source of exposure to multidrug-resistant Salmonella Dublin and thermotolerant Campylobacter spp.

Prevalence of elevated blood lead level in children with global developmental delay and its relation with parental and child attributes

Background: Lead, a potential neurotoxin, is found in soil, water and air as a result of its non-biodegradable nature. Common sources of lead toxicity in children are household paints, leaded pipes for water supply, canned food, coloured toys, herbal/folk remedies and electronic wastes. Along with this, other child and parental attributes have been found to contribute to elevated blood lead level (EBLL). Objectives were to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of EBLL in children with global developmental delay (GDD). Methods: This hospital based cross sectional study was conducted between October 2019 and October 2021 at department of paediatrics of JNMCH, AMU, Aligarh. Data regarding clinical and sociodemographic characteristics as well as parental attributes was collected and entered on pre-designed proforma. Results: Among 94 children with GDD mean BLL was found to be 6.72±6.46 mcg/dl and in their mothers it was 6.74±6.46 mcg/dl (p=0.984). A high prevalence of EBLL (&gt;5 mcg/dl) in children with GDD (53.20%) and their mothers (49.3%) was noted. Various child and parental attributes were identified as potential sources of exposure to lead. Conclusions: A high prevalence of EBLL in children with GDD in our study area might also suggest higher exposure from environmental sources such as soil, water, electronic waste, lead acid batteries, etc. For countries like ours which is rapidly undergoing industrialisation, these potential sources need to be identified promptly and swift action in this regard is needed in addition to preventive measures at personal and family levels.

Concentrations of lead in ceramic tableware in South Africa

Ceramic ware is used around the world, usually daily. In the past, lead was used in the glazes and decorative paints applied to ceramic ware, mainly to increase durability, impart a smooth, glasslike finish to glazes and intensify decorative pigments. However, this use of lead at times contributed to lead exposure and poisoning. While measures have been put in place to limit the use of lead in ceramic ware in well-resourced countries, there is relatively little information on the situation in poorly resourced settings. In the current preliminary South African study, we assessed the lead content and leaching rates from newly purchased ceramic ware. The majority of the 44 ceramic ware items had lead levels ≥ 90 ppm. Elevated lead concentrations were found in the leachate from only one item. The findings indicate a need for further research on the potential for lead exposure from ceramic wares, and support calls for increased attention to the many potential sources of lead exposure in poorly resourced settings. Significance: The study reveals the potential for lead contamination of certain types of ceramic ware available in South Africa. Daily use of lead-contaminated ceramic ware may increase the risk of lead exposure, especially among the poorest. The study findings are indicative of a need for further research to fully characterise the extent of lead in ceramic ware.