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Environmental and Occupational Exposure to Airborne Hazardous Pollutants: Contributions from (Bio)Monitoring Studies to Improve Human Health

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Toxicology and Public Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (17 February 2022) | Viewed by 42711

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Marta Oliveira

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Guest Editor

REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
Interests: environmental monitoring; occupational exposure; human biomonitoring; polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs); monohydroxyl-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OH-PAHs); air pollution; forest fires; firefighters; particulate matter; health risk assessment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Cristina Delerue-Matos

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Assistant Guest Editor

Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
Interests: chromatographic determinations; electrochemistry; sensors/biosensors; sample preparation; environment and food control; environmental monitoring; contaminant detection; PAHs; pesticides; pharmaceuticals; heavy metals; allergens
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Carmen Freire

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Assistant Guest Editor

Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.Granada), Hospitales Universitarios de Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
Interests: environmental epidemiology; children; mother-child health; human biomonitoring; endocrine disruptors; pesticides; heavy metals; neurodevelopment; endocrine system

Special Issue Information

Dear colleagues,

Human environmental and/or occupational exposure to health-hazardous pollutants has implications in the health of exposed people, principally for the most susceptible groups of the population (children, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases, and the elderly). Air pollution, a known human carcinogen, represents an environmental problem that causes numerous adverse effects in relation to human health. Populations are regularly exposed to a countless number of airborne pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NO_x), and ground-level ozone (O₃), originating from different sources such as wildfires, industrial and traffic emissions, etc. A comprehensive and complete exposure assessment requires the monitoring of environmental and/or occupational (micro)environments for health-relevant pollutants, and whenever possible, this must be complemented with biomonitoring studies to determine the concentrations of those pollutants or the main metabolites in human biological fluids (e.g., exhaled air, blood, urine, milk, and saliva).

This Special Issue is devoted to publishing original research and state-of-the-art reviews addressing human environmental and/or occupational exposure to airborne hazardous pollutants (PM, PAHs, CO, NO_x, and O₃).

Studies combining human (environmental and/or occupational) exposures with biomonitoring assays and the associated potential health risks are welcome.

Dr. Marta Oliveira
Prof. Cristina Delerue-Matos
Dr. Carmen Freire
Guest Editors

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Keywords

air pollution
occupational exposure
health-relevant pollutants
particulate matter
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
human biomonitoring
biomarkers of exposure
biomarkers of effect
health risk assessment
public health

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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11 pages, 753 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reaction Times among Batik Workers: The Influence of Gender and Occupational Lead Exposure

by Denny Agustiningsih, Meida Sofyana, Santosa Budiharjo, Sri Awalia Febriana, Hikmawati Nurokhmanti, Suhartini Suhartini, Dewanto Yusuf Priyambodo, Dwi Aris Agung Nugrahaningsih, Roto Roto and Rakhmat Ari Wibowo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(23), 12605; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182312605 - 30 Nov 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2591

Abstract

(1) Background: Neglected occupational health and safety aspects in batik industries cause their workers to have an increased risk of lead exposure. The effect of occupational lead exposure on neurocognitive performance is inconclusive. Therefore, we conducted an observational study to examine the difference in simple reaction time between lead-exposed batik workers and non-exposed referents. (2) Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in seven batik enterprises in Lendah District, Indonesia, excluding workers with medical conditions impairing reaction time. Simple reaction time tests were conducted using an online tool. Two-way model ANCOVAs examined interactions between gender and job types on the mean differences in reaction time. (3) Results: After controlling for age and body mass index, we observed longer reaction times among lead-exposed batik workers than non-exposed referents with an adjusted mean difference of 0.19 (95% CI: 0.016–0.368) seconds. A more prominent detrimental effect of lead exposure on reaction time among female workers than among male workers was observed. (4) Conclusions: Our results suggest that occupational lead exposure could contribute to longer reaction time, notably among female workers. Thus, occupational health and safety precautions are vital to protect batik workers and preserve their important contributions to cultural heritage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental and Occupational Exposure to Airborne Hazardous Pollutants: Contributions from (Bio)Monitoring Studies to Improve Human Health)

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21 pages, 851 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biomonitoring of Exposure to Metals in a Population Residing in an Industrial Area in Brazil: A Feasibility Study

by Élida Campos, Carmen Freire, Fernando Barbosa, Jr., Cristina Lemos, Valéria Saraceni, Rosalina J. Koifman, Rafael do Nascimento Pinheiro and Ilce Ferreira da Silva

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(23), 12455; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182312455 - 26 Nov 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2401

Abstract

Background: Industries are sources of environmental pollutants. However, there are few human biomonitoring (HBM) studies in the vicinity of industrial areas. Thus, we evaluate the feasibility of conducting an HBM study to assess exposure to metals in an industrial area in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted near a steel factory. Adults (exposed = 775; controls = 775) were randomly selected and sex-matched. Subjects were interviewed using a questionnaire and a 24 h dietary recall. Blood samples were collected to analyze metal concentrations, blood count, biochemical parameters, and thyroid hormones. The feasibility of the survey was assessed following guidelines. The descriptive analysis was performed for the first 250 participants (pilot study). Results: Adjustments were made to the survey execution, including age-matching, fieldwork team, questionnaire, blood collection, and research awareness. The complete questionnaire was answered by ≥97% of participants; metals were measured in ≥98% and clinical parameters in ≥89%, except thyroid hormones (13–44%). The average age and family income were of 50 years and USD 575/month, respectively. The participants had equal distribution among sexes: 50% had a medium education level, and 59% were nonwhite. Conclusion: This preliminary HBM study demonstrates feasibility for the total population, with results indicating representativeness of the target population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental and Occupational Exposure to Airborne Hazardous Pollutants: Contributions from (Bio)Monitoring Studies to Improve Human Health)

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17 pages, 5122 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Polydisperse Aerosol Transport and Deposition in Upper Airways of Age-Specific Lung

by Mohammad S. Islam, Puchanee Larpruenrudee, Sheikh I. Hossain, Mohammad Rahimi-Gorji, Yuantong Gu, Suvash C. Saha and Gunther Paul

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(12), 6239; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18126239 - 9 Jun 2021

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 3825

Abstract

A comprehensive understanding of airflow characteristics and particle transport in the human lung can be useful in modelling to inform clinical diagnosis, treatment, and management, including prescription medication and risk assessment for rehabilitation. One of the difficulties in clinical treatment of lung disorders lies in the patients’ variable physical lung characteristics caused by age, amongst other factors, such as different lung sizes. A precise understanding of the comparison between different age groups with various flow rates is missing in the literature, and this study aims to analyse the airflow and aerosol transport within the age-specific lung. ANSYS Fluent solver and the large-eddy simulation (LES) model were employed for the numerical simulation. The numerical model was validated with the available literature and the computational results showed airway size-reduction significantly affected airflow and particle transport in the upper airways. This study reports higher deposition at the mouth-throat region for larger diameter particles. The overall deposition efficiency (DE) increased with airway size reduction and flow rate. Lung aging effected the pressure distribution and a higher pressure drop was reported for the aged lung as compared to the younger lung. These findings could inform medical management through individualised simulation of drug-aerosol delivery processes for the patient-specific lung. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental and Occupational Exposure to Airborne Hazardous Pollutants: Contributions from (Bio)Monitoring Studies to Improve Human Health)

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23 pages, 8839 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of PM_2.5 Exposure during Cycle Trips in The Netherlands Using Low-Cost Sensors

by Joost Wesseling, Wouter Hendricx, Henri de Ruiter, Sjoerd van Ratingen, Derko Drukker, Maaike Huitema, Claar Schouwenaar, Geert Janssen, Stephen van Aken, Jan Willem Smeenk, Arjen Hof and Erik Tielemans

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 6007; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18116007 - 3 Jun 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5913

Abstract

Air pollution, especially fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), is a major environmental risk factor for human health in Europe. Monitoring of air quality takes place using expensive reference stations. Low-cost sensors are a promising addition to this official monitoring network as they add spatial and temporal resolution at low cost. Moreover, low-cost sensors might allow for better characterization of personal exposure to PM_2.5. In this study, we use 500 dust (PM_2.5) sensors mounted on bicycles to estimate typical PM_2.5 levels to which cyclists are exposed in the province of Utrecht, the Netherlands, in the year 2020. We use co-located sensors at reference stations to calibrate and validate the mobile sensor data. We estimate that the average exposure to traffic related PM₂._5, on top of background concentrations, is approximately 2 μg/m³. Our results suggest that cyclists close to major roads have a small, but consistently higher exposure to PM_2.5 compared to routes with less traffic. The results allow for a detailed spatial representation of PM_2.5 concentrations and show that choosing a different cycle route might lead to a lower exposure to PM_2.5. Finally, we conclude that the use of mobile, low-cost sensors is a promising method to estimate exposure to air pollution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental and Occupational Exposure to Airborne Hazardous Pollutants: Contributions from (Bio)Monitoring Studies to Improve Human Health)

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15 pages, 3569 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Respiratory Hospitalizations and Their Relationship with Air Pollution Sources in the Period of FIFA World Cup and Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

by Élida Campos, Carlos Alexandre R. Pereira, Carmen Freire and Ilce F. da Silva

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(9), 4716; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094716 - 28 Apr 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2867

Abstract

Background: From 2010 onwards, the city of Rio de Janeiro has undergone changes related to the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games, potentially affecting the respiratory health of inhabitants. Thus, the spatial distribution of respiratory hospitalizations (2008–2017) and the relationship between this outcome and potential air pollution sources in the city of Rio de Janeiro (2013–2017) were evaluated. Methods: An ecological study was performed using the Bayesian model with multivariate Poisson regression for the period of the sporting events (2013–2017). The outcome was the ratio of hospitalizations for respiratory diseases by the population at risk. Data analysis was performed in the total population and by sex and age group. The air pollution-related variables included industrial districts, traffic density, tunnel portals, a seaport, airports, and construction/road work. Results: All explanatory variables, except tunnel portals, were associated with an increase in the outcome. Construction/road work showed a greater magnitude of association than the other pollution-related variables. Airports were associated with an increased hospitalization ratio among the ≥60 year-old group (mean = 2.46, 95% credible intervals = 1.35–4.46). Conclusion: This study allows for a better understanding of the geographical distribution of respiratory problems in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Present results may contribute to improved healthcare planning and raise hypotheses concerning exposure to air pollution and respiratory hospitalizations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental and Occupational Exposure to Airborne Hazardous Pollutants: Contributions from (Bio)Monitoring Studies to Improve Human Health)

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17 pages, 4330 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Indoor Formaldehyde Concentration, Personal Formaldehyde Exposure and Clinical Symptoms during Anatomy Dissection Sessions, University of Medicine 1, Yangon

by Win-Yu Aung, Hironari Sakamoto, Ayana Sato, Ei-Ei-Pan-Nu Yi, Zaw-Lin Thein, Myint-San Nwe, Nanda Shein, Htin Linn, Shigehisa Uchiyama, Naoki Kunugita, Tin-Tin Win-Shwe and Ohn Mar

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(2), 712; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18020712 - 15 Jan 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3385

Abstract

The formaldehyde (FA) embalming method, the world’s most common protocol for the fixation of cadavers, has been consistently used in medical universities in Myanmar. This study was designed to examine the indoor FA concentrations in anatomy dissection rooms, an exposed site, and lecture theater, an unexposed control site, and to access personal exposure levels of FA and clinical symptoms of medical students and instructors. In total, 208 second year medical students (1/2019 batch) and 18 instructors from Department of Anatomy, University of Medicine 1, participated. Thirteen dissection sessions were investigated from February 2019 to January 2020. Diffusive sampling devices were used as air samplers and high-performance liquid chromatography was used for measurement of FA. Average indoor FA concentration of four dissection rooms was 0.43 (0.09–1.22) ppm and all dissection rooms showed indoor concentrations above the occupational exposure limits and short-term exposure limit for general population. Personal FA exposure values were higher than indoor FA concentrations and the instructors (0.68, 0.04–2.11 ppm) had higher exposure than the students (0.44, 0.06–1.72 ppm). Unpleasant odor, eye and nose irritations and inability to concentrate were frequently reported FA-related symptoms, and the students were found to have significantly higher risks (p < 0.05) of having these symptoms during the dissection sessions than during lecture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental and Occupational Exposure to Airborne Hazardous Pollutants: Contributions from (Bio)Monitoring Studies to Improve Human Health)

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17 pages, 2386 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Grill Workers Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons: Levels and Excretion Profiles of the Urinary Biomarkers

by Marta Oliveira, Sílvia Capelas, Cristina Delerue-Matos and Simone Morais

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(1), 230; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18010230 - 30 Dec 2020

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 2702

Abstract

Grilling activities release large amounts of hazardous pollutants, but information on restaurant grill workers’ exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is almost inexistent. This study assessed the impact of grilling emissions on total workers’ exposure to PAHs by evaluating the concentrations of six urinary biomarkers of exposure (OHPAHs): naphthalene, acenaphthene, fluorene, phenanthrene, pyrene, and benzo(a)pyrene. Individual levels and excretion profiles of urinary OHPAHs were determined during working and nonworking periods. Urinary OHPAHs were quantified by high-performance liquid-chromatography with fluorescence detection. Levels of total OHPAHs (∑OHPAHs) were significantly increased (about nine times; p ≤ 0.001) during working comparatively with nonworking days. Urinary 1-hydroxynaphthalene + 1-hydroxyacenapthene and 2-hydroxyfluorene presented the highest increments (ca. 23- and 6-fold increase, respectively), followed by 1-hydroxyphenanthrene (ca. 2.3 times) and 1-hydroxypyrene (ca. 1.8 times). Additionally, 1-hydroxypyrene levels were higher than the benchmark, 0.5 µmol/mol creatinine, in 5% of exposed workers. Moreover, 3-hydroxybenzo(a)pyrene, biomarker of exposure to carcinogenic PAHs, was detected in 13% of exposed workers. Individual excretion profiles showed a cumulative increase in ∑OHPAHs during consecutive working days. A principal component analysis model partially discriminated workers’ exposure during working and nonworking periods showing the impact of grilling activities. Urinary OHPAHs were increased in grill workers during working days. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental and Occupational Exposure to Airborne Hazardous Pollutants: Contributions from (Bio)Monitoring Studies to Improve Human Health)

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22 pages, 937 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Perceptions, Knowledge, and Practices Concerning Indoor Environmental Pollution of Parents or Future Parents

by Laure Daniel, Marylou Michot, Maxime Esvan, Pauline Guérin, Guillaume Chauvet and Fabienne Pelé

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(20), 7669; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17207669 - 21 Oct 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2792

Abstract

Indoor pollutants can have short- and long-term health effects, especially if exposure occurs during prenatal life or early childhood. This study describe the perceptions, knowledge, and practices of adults concerning indoor environmental pollution. Adults of 18 to 45 years of age were recruited in the department of Ille-et-Vilaine (Brittany-France) in 2019 through a stratified random draw in the waiting rooms of general practitioners (GPs) (n = 554) who completed a self-questionnaire. The 71% who had already heard of this type of pollution were older (p = 0.001), predominantly women (p = 0.007), not expecting a baby (p = 0.005), and had a higher knowledge score (p < 0.001). The average knowledge score was 6.6 ± 6.6 out of 11, which was higher for participants living in a couple and with a higher level of education (p < 0.001). Some practices were well implemented (>80% of participants) (aeration during renovation) whereas others were insufficiently practiced (<60% of participants) (paying attention to the composition of cosmetic products). Factors associated differed depending on the frequency of integration: living in a couple and having a child for well implemented practices and educational level, knowledge level, and perception for those under implemented. Knowledge must be improved to modify perceptions and certain practices, making sure not to increase social inequalities in health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental and Occupational Exposure to Airborne Hazardous Pollutants: Contributions from (Bio)Monitoring Studies to Improve Human Health)

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Review

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22 pages, 1153 KiB

Open AccessReview

Exposure to PAHs during Firefighting Activities: A Review on Skin Levels, In Vitro/In Vivo Bioavailability, and Health Risks

by Gabriel Sousa, Joana Teixeira, Cristina Delerue-Matos, Bruno Sarmento, Simone Morais, Xianyu Wang, Francisca Rodrigues and Marta Oliveira

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 12677; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912677 - 4 Oct 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3492

Abstract

Occupational exposure as a firefighter is a complex activity that continuously exposes subjects to several health hazards including fire emissions during firefighting. Firefighters are exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), known as toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic compounds, by inhalation, dermal contact, and ingestion. In this work, a literature overview of firefighters’ dermal exposure to PAHs after firefighting and data retrieved from skin in vitro/in vivo studies related to their dermal absorption, bioavailability, and associated toxicological and carcinogenic effects are reviewed. The evidence demonstrates the contamination of firefighters’ skin with PAHs, mainly on the neck (2.23–62.50 ng/cm²), wrists (0.37–8.30 ng/cm²), face (2.50–4.82 ng/cm²), and hands (1.59–4.69 ng/cm²). Concentrations of possible/probable carcinogens (0.82–33.69 ng/cm²), including benzopyrene isomers, were found on firefighters’ skin. PAHs penetrate the skin tissues, even at low concentrations, by absorption and/or diffusion, and are locally metabolized and distributed by the blood route to other tissues/organs. Lighter PAHs presented increased dermal permeabilities and absorption rates than heavier compounds. Topical PAHs activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor and promote the enzymatic generation of reactive intermediates that may cause protein and/or DNA adducts. Future research should include in vitro/in vivo assays to perform a more realistic health risk assessment and to explore the contribution of dermal exposure to PAHs total internal dose. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental and Occupational Exposure to Airborne Hazardous Pollutants: Contributions from (Bio)Monitoring Studies to Improve Human Health)

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14 pages, 661 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Urinary Metabolites of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Firefighters: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Jooyeon Hwang, Chao Xu, Paul Grunsted, Robert J. Agnew, Tara R. Malone, Shari Clifton, Krista Thompson and Xin Xu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(14), 8475; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19148475 - 11 Jul 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2961

Abstract

Firefighters are intermittently exposed to complex, mixed pollutants in random settings. Of those pollutants, PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) are the most commonly studied and best understood. PAH exposure can occur via multiple routes; therefore, the levels of hydroxylated metabolites of PAHs in urine have been used as a biomonitoring tool for risk assessment. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature to estimate the levels of urinary hydroxylated PAH (OHPAH) among firefighters, determine risk attributions, and, finally, evaluate the scope of preventive efforts and their utility as diagnostic tools. The meta-regression confirmed increases in OHPAH concentrations after fire activities by up to 1.71-times (p-values: <0.0001). Samples collected at a time point of 2–4 h after a fire suppression showed a consistent, statistically significant pattern as compared with baseline samples. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard 1582 Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments lists various health examinations, including a urinalysis for occupational chemical exposure if indicated and medical screening for cancers and cardiovascular diseases. Biomonitoring is a valuable screening tool for assessing occupational exposure and the results of this meta-analysis support their inclusion in regular health screenings for firefighters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental and Occupational Exposure to Airborne Hazardous Pollutants: Contributions from (Bio)Monitoring Studies to Improve Human Health)

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25 pages, 2115 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Human Biomonitoring of Environmental and Occupational Exposures by GC-MS and Gas Sensor Systems: A Systematic Review

by Valentina Longo, Angiola Forleo, Lucia Giampetruzzi, Pietro Siciliano and Simonetta Capone

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(19), 10236; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph181910236 - 29 Sep 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4559

Abstract

Environmental chemicals and contaminants coming from multiple external sources enter the human body, determining a potential risk for human health. Human biomonitoring (HBM), measuring the concentrations of biomarkers in human specimens, has become an emerging approach for assessing population-wide exposure to hazardous chemicals and health risk through large-scale studies in many countries. However, systematic mapping of HBM studies, including their characteristics, targeted hazardous pollutants, analytical techniques, and sample population (general population and occupationally exposed workers), has not been done so far. We conducted a systematic review of the literature related to airborne hazardous pollutants in biofluids to answer the following questions: Which main chemicals have been included in the literature, which bodily fluids have been used, and what are the main findings? Following PRISMA protocol, we summarized the publications published up to 4 February 2021 of studies based on two methods: gas-chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and electronic noses (e-noses). We screened 2606 records and 117 publications were included in the analysis, the most based on GC/MS analysis. The selected HBM studies include measurements of biomarkers in different bodily fluids, such as blood, urine, breast milk, and human semen as well as exhaled air. The papers cover numerous airborne hazardous pollutants that we grouped in chemical classes; a lot of hazardous and noxious compounds, mainly persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), have been detected in biological fluids at alarming levels. The scenario that emerged from this survey demonstrates the importance of HBM in human exposure to hazardous pollutants and the need to use it as valid tool in health surveillance. This systematic review represents a starting point for researchers who focus on the world of pollutant biomonitoring in the human body and gives them important insights into how to improve the methods based on GC/MS. Moreover, it makes a first overview of the use of gas sensor array and e-noses in HBM studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental and Occupational Exposure to Airborne Hazardous Pollutants: Contributions from (Bio)Monitoring Studies to Improve Human Health)

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9 pages, 540 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Off-Gassing of Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds from Fire-Fighters’ Uniforms in Private Vehicles—A Pilot Study

by Andrew P. W. Banks, Xianyu Wang, Chang He, Michael Gallen, Kevin V. Thomas and Jochen F. Mueller

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(6), 3030; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18063030 - 16 Mar 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2982

Abstract

Firefighters’ uniforms become contaminated with a wide range of chemicals, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Laundering practices do not completely remove PAHs, OPFRs, and PBDEs from firefighting uniforms. This residual contamination of firefighting ensembles may be an ongoing source of exposure to firefighters. Firefighters are known to occasionally store firefighting ensembles in private vehicles. This study aimed to assess whether a firefighting uniform in a vehicle could act as a source for PAHs, OPFRs, and PBDEs to vehicle users. The shell layers of four laundered firefighting uniforms were sampled non-destructively. Three of these uniforms were heated in a laboratory oven (40, 60, and 80 °C) while the fourth was placed in a private vehicle on a summer day and off-gassing samples were collected from the uniforms. The off-gassing results for PAHs and OPFRs were relatively consistent between laboratory oven and the in-vehicle sample with ∑₁₃ PAHs in off-gas ranging from 7800–23,000 ng uniform⁻¹ day⁻¹, while the ∑₆ OPFRs off-gassed was an order of magnitude lower at 620–1600 ng uniform⁻¹ day⁻¹. The off-gassing results for PBDEs were much lower and less consistent between the experiments, which may reflect differences in uniform history. Currently, there is limited understanding of how PAHs, OPFRs, and PBDEs off-gassed from firefighting uniforms influence firefighter exposure to these chemicals. These findings suggest that firefighting ensembles off-gassing in private vehicles could be a relevant source of PAHs, OPFRs, and PBDEs that contributes to firefighters’ exposure and that this warrants further investigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental and Occupational Exposure to Airborne Hazardous Pollutants: Contributions from (Bio)Monitoring Studies to Improve Human Health)

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