International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Research

17 pages, 1450 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Implications of Extractivism and Environmental Pollution in Mapuche Territories of the Araucania Region

by Juan Beltrán-Véliz, José Luis Gálvez-Nieto, Julio Tereucán-Angulo, Fabián Muñoz-Vidal, Nathaly Vera-Gajardo and Pablo Müller-Ferrés

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(9), 5672; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20095672 - 28 Apr 2023

Viewed by 2477

Abstract

Chile is facing an environmental crisis and the territory of the Mapuche people is no exception. This is largely due to extractivism, which refers to the massive extraction and exploitation of natural resources in an indiscriminate manner. The objective of this study was [...] Read more.

Chile is facing an environmental crisis and the territory of the Mapuche people is no exception. This is largely due to extractivism, which refers to the massive extraction and exploitation of natural resources in an indiscriminate manner. The objective of this study was to reveal the implications of extractivism and environmental pollution in Mapuche territories in the Araucanía region. The methodology used was qualitative, based on constructivist grounded theory. In-depth interviews and participant observation were used to collect data. The participants were 46 kimeltuchefes. The main results revealed extensive monocultures of non-native trees: pine and eucalyptus, which consume large amounts of water. They also revealed environmental pollution and indiscriminate forestry extractivism related to these trees, which generate soil degradation and water pollution. These consequences reduce biodiversity and disturb the ngenh (spiritual beings and protectors of nature). They also affect the Mapuche’s agricultural activities and, in turn, their health and subsistence. In addition, non-native tree monocultures, environmental pollution and forestry extractivism transgress the az mapu (Mapuche code of ethics and behaviour), which disturbs the ethical, moral and spiritual relationship between the Mapuche and nature. They also have negative implications for the küme mogen (good living of the Mapuche), since they violate the balance and harmony between the Mapuche and all living beings, elements and spiritual beings that are part of nature. This also violates the reciprocity between the Mapuche and nature. It was concluded that there have been violations of the human rights of the Mapuche people, given that they are exposed to harmful environmental conditions that put their health and subsistence at considerable risk. In this sense, the Mapuche are experiencing a spiritual, physical, cognitive, attitudinal, affective and material imbalance. Ultimately, the state of Chile must generate intercultural environmental public and educational policies aimed at generating environmental awareness and creating actions to solve environmental problems in order to protect Mapuche and non-Mapuche territories. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Exposure, Health Effects and Risk)

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11 pages, 659 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Freshwater Water-Quality Criteria for Chloride and Guidance for the Revision of the Water-Quality Standard in China

by Yajun Hong, Ziwei Zhu, Wei Liao, Zhenfei Yan, Chenglian Feng and Dayong Xu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(4), 2875; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20042875 - 7 Feb 2023

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3865

Abstract

The chloride in water frequently exceeds the standard; directly quoting foreign water-quality criteria (WQC) or standards will inevitably reduce the scientific value of the water-quality standard (WQS) in China. Additionally, this may lead to the under- or overprotection of water bodies. This study [...] Read more.

The chloride in water frequently exceeds the standard; directly quoting foreign water-quality criteria (WQC) or standards will inevitably reduce the scientific value of the water-quality standard (WQS) in China. Additionally, this may lead to the under- or overprotection of water bodies. This study summarized the sources, distribution, pollution status, and hazards of chloride in China’s water bodies. Additionally, we compared and analyzed the basis for setting WQS limits for chloride in China; we systematically analyzed the basis for setting the WQC for chloride in foreign countries, especially the United States. Finally, we collected and screened data on the toxicity of chloride to aquatic organisms; we also used the species sensitivity distribution (SSD) method to derive the WQC value for chloride, which is 187.5 mg·L⁻¹. We put forward a recommended value for freshwater WQS for chloride in China: less than 200 mg·L⁻¹. The study of a freshwater WQC for chloride is not only a key point of environmental research, but also an urgent demand to ensure water ecological protection in China. The results of this study are of great significance for the environmental management of chloride, protection of aquatic organisms, and risk assessment, especially for the revision of WQSs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Exposure, Health Effects and Risk)

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15 pages, 7061 KiB

Open AccessArticle

5-Methyltetrahydrofolate Alleviates Memory Impairment in a Rat Model of Alzheimer’s Disease Induced by D-Galactose and Aluminum Chloride

by Zhengduo Zhang, Hong Wu, Shaojun Qi, Yanjin Tang, Chuan Qin, Rui Liu, Jiacheng Zhang, Yiyao Cao and Xibao Gao

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(24), 16426; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192416426 - 7 Dec 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2361

Abstract

The effects of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) on a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) induced by D-galactose (D-gal) and aluminum chloride (AlCl₃) were investigated. Wistar rats were given an i.p. injection of 60 mg/kg D-gal and 10 mg/kg AlCl₃ to induce [...] Read more.

The effects of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) on a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) induced by D-galactose (D-gal) and aluminum chloride (AlCl₃) were investigated. Wistar rats were given an i.p. injection of 60 mg/kg D-gal and 10 mg/kg AlCl₃ to induce AD and three doses of 1 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg 5-MTHF by oral gavage. A positive control group was treated with 1 mg/kg donepezil by gavage. Morris water maze performance showed that 5 and 10 mg/kg 5-MTHF significantly decreased escape latency and increased the number of platform crossings and time spent in the target quadrant for AD rats. The administration of 10 mg/kg 5-MTHF decreased the brain content of amyloid β-protein 1-42 (Aβ_1-42) and phosphorylated Tau protein (p-Tau) and decreased acetylcholinesterase and nitric oxide synthase activities. Superoxide dismutase activity, vascular endothelial growth factor level and glutamate concentration were increased, and malondialdehyde, endothelin-1, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and nitric oxide decreased. The administration of 10 mg/kg 5-MTHF also increased the expression of disintegrin and metallopeptidase domain 10 mRNA and decreased the expression of β-site amyloid precursor protein cleavage enzyme 1 mRNA. In summary, 5-MTHF alleviates memory impairment in a D-gal- and AlCl₃-exposed rat model of AD. The inhibition of Aβ_1-42 and p-Tau release, reduced oxidative stress, the regulation of amyloid precursor protein processing and the release of excitatory amino acids and cytokines may be responsible. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Exposure, Health Effects and Risk)

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13 pages, 1291 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Water Quality Criteria and Ecological Risk Assessment of Typical Transition Metals in South Asia

by Ying Wang, Tanjena Rume, S. M. Didar-Ul Islam, Wenhong Fan, Jiangyue Wu and Xiaomin Li

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(23), 16125; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192316125 - 2 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1797

Abstract

Transition metal pollution in rivers in South Asia is more serious than in other regions because of the lack of adequate freshwater management measures. Water quality criteria (WQC) for South Asia is urgently needed to protect regional aquatic environments because of the occurrence [...] Read more.

Transition metal pollution in rivers in South Asia is more serious than in other regions because of the lack of adequate freshwater management measures. Water quality criteria (WQC) for South Asia is urgently needed to protect regional aquatic environments because of the occurrence of transboundary rivers. The present study established non-parametric kernel density estimation species sensitivity distribution (NPKDE-SSD) models and then derived the acceptable hazardous concentration for protection of 95% of all aquatic species (HC5) and WQC of six typical transition metals in South Asia. The results showed that the order of acute and chronic WQC was Mn > Fe > Cd > Zn > Cu > Hg and Cu > Fe > Cd, respectively. A risk assessment of these metals in the Indus River, the Ganges River, the Brahmaputra River, the Meghna River, and the Bagmati River was also carried out. Based on the results, these major rivers in South Asia were highly polluted with transition metals, with significant ecological risks for a large number of aquatic species. This study can contribute to a better understanding of ecological risks in South Asia and provide a scientific basis for the updating of water quality standards and the increase in overall water quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Exposure, Health Effects and Risk)

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22 pages, 962 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Psychological Impact of Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Pollution in the Veneto Region, Italy: A Qualitative Study with Parents

by Marialuisa Menegatto, Sara Lezzi, Michele Musolino and Adriano Zamperini

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(22), 14761; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192214761 - 10 Nov 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3342

Abstract

Little is known about the psychosocial impact on people who live in polluted areas, and its consequences for the parental role have been neglected. This study addresses this gap, proposing qualitative research referring to the case of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) water [...] Read more.

Little is known about the psychosocial impact on people who live in polluted areas, and its consequences for the parental role have been neglected. This study addresses this gap, proposing qualitative research referring to the case of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) water pollution in the Veneto Region of Italy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the chronic exposure contamination (CEC) experience of parents. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 32 parents living in the so-called ‘Red Area’ considered to have had maximum exposure. Grounded theory was used to analyse the data. The three themes to emerge were three phases of a dynamic process: shock around the discovery (phase 1), lifestyle change (phase 2), and living with PFAS (phase 3). The two transitions (loss of innocence and environmental adaptation) linked the phases. Our findings show that PFAS CEC experience is a process whereby parents need to move from the shock of discovery to adapting to the new situation in order to incorporate a change into their daily life, especially in regard to children. Two emerging aspects that characterised the process as a constant were uncertainty and health concerns, while role strains could be a stress source in the context of CEC. We suggest introducing the notion of chronic role strain (CRS). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Exposure, Health Effects and Risk)

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17 pages, 2824 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multiple Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Surface Water and Sediment in Taihu Lake, China

by Jiwei Yang, Fuhong Sun, Hailei Su, Yanru Tao and Hong Chang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(20), 13120; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013120 - 12 Oct 2022

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2445

Abstract

Taihu Lake is the third-largest freshwater lake in eastern China. The contamination of heavy metals (HMs) in Taihu Lake resulting from rapid economic development and population growth has raised significant concerns in recent years. In this study, the contents and spatial distributions of [...] Read more.

Taihu Lake is the third-largest freshwater lake in eastern China. The contamination of heavy metals (HMs) in Taihu Lake resulting from rapid economic development and population growth has raised significant concerns in recent years. In this study, the contents and spatial distributions of eight typical HMs (Hg, Cr(VI), As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in the fresh surface water and sediments from Taihu Lake were investigated. The potential ecological and health risks posed by HMs were evaluated using multiple assessment methods. Risk quotients were used to assess the ecological risks of HMs, and chronic risk quotients of Cu, Ni, and Pb (>1.0) were found in the surface water of Taihu Lake. According to the geo-accumulation index (I_geo) and pollution load index (PLI) values, the lake sediments exhibited moderate risks of Cd and Hg. In general, the sediments were moderately contaminated by HMs based on the average risk index (RI < 300). Spatially, a high ecological risk posed by the HMs existed in the sediments of northern Taihu Lake (RI > 300), while the sediments in the southwestern and eastern regions had moderate risk levels. The non-carcinogenic risk levels of Hg, Cd, Cu, and Zn were acceptable based on the exposure characteristics of residents living around Taihu Lake. The carcinogenic risk levels of Cr(VI), As, Pb, and Ni through drinking water were acceptable. However, the ingestion of Cr(VI), As, and Ni through drinking water and fish consumption may pose certain health risks. Therefore, the levels of toxic metals, in particular, Cr(VI), As, and Ni, in edible organisms should be monitored periodically and controlled to alleviate the potential carcinogenic risks through food ingestion. Our work provides valuable information concerning the ecological risk distribution of HMs in Taihu Lake, which is essential for protecting the safety of aquatic organisms and human health and minimizing HM pollution in the lake. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Exposure, Health Effects and Risk)

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20 pages, 783 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Short- to Long-Term Exposure to Ambient Particulate Matter on Cognitive Function in a Cohort of Middle-Aged and Older Adults: KoGES

by Jane J. Lee, Ji Hyun Kim, Dae Sub Song and Kyoungho Lee

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(16), 9913; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19169913 - 11 Aug 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2370

Abstract

Exposure to ambient air pollution and its threat to human health is a global concern, especially in the elderly population. Therefore, more in-depth studies are required to understand the extent of the harmful effects of particulate matter (PM) based on duration and levels [...] Read more.

Exposure to ambient air pollution and its threat to human health is a global concern, especially in the elderly population. Therefore, more in-depth studies are required to understand the extent of the harmful effects of particulate matter (PM) based on duration and levels of exposure. An investigation was conducted to determine the association between short- (1–14 days), medium- (1, 3, and 6 months), and long-term (1, 2, and 3 years) exposure to air pollutants (PM_2.5 and PM₁₀) and cognitive function among Koreans (4175 participants, mean age 67.8 years, 55.2% women) aged over 50 years. Higher levels of PM_2.5 exposure for short to long term and PM₁₀ exposure for medium to long term were found to be associated with decreased cognitive function, as indicated by lower scores of the Mini-Mental State Examination adopted in Korean (K-MMSE). There were significant effect modifications by sex, age group, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and smoking status in the association between long-term PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ exposure and cognitive function. These findings, which underscore the importance of the efforts to reduce the exposure levels and durations of air pollutants, especially in the vulnerable elderly population, provide evidence for establishing more stringent policies for air pollution regulations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Exposure, Health Effects and Risk)

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10 pages, 586 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Exposure to Ambient Air Pollution and the Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Taiwan: A Population-Based Retrospective Cohort Study

by Wen-Chao Ho, Li-Wei Chou, Ruey-Yun Wang, Thanh-Nhan Doan, Hwa-Lung Yu, Ting-Hsuan Chou, Kang-Yung Liu, Po-Chang Wu and Shwn-Huey Shieh

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(12), 7006; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19127006 - 8 Jun 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2169

Abstract

Background: The association between ambient air pollution (AAP) and the risk of Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains debatable. We conducted a population-based cohort study to investigate the association between exposure to AAP and the risk of RA in Taiwan. Methods: We analyzed and combined [...] Read more.

Background: The association between ambient air pollution (AAP) and the risk of Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains debatable. We conducted a population-based cohort study to investigate the association between exposure to AAP and the risk of RA in Taiwan. Methods: We analyzed and combined the longitudinal Health Insurance Database (LHID) and the Taiwan Air Quality-Monitoring Database (TAQMD), which were in line with the residential areas. We calculated the RA incidence rates per 10,000 person-years exposed to each quartile of PM2.5 or PM10 concentrations or RH. Hazards regression was conducted to analyze the associations between exposure to each quartile of PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations and the risk of developing RA. The hazard ratios of RA were analyzed between participants exposed to annual average concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10. All the hazard ratios of RA were stratified by gender and adjusted for age and relative humidity (RH). A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Among 722,885 subjects, 9338 RA cases were observed. The analyses adjusted for age, gender, and humidity suggested an increased risk of developing RA in the exposure to PM2.5 in the last quartile (Q4) with the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) was 1.053 (95%CI: 1.043 to 1.063). Conclusion: Our study suggests that exposure to PM2.5 is associated with an increased risk of RA. The finding has implications for policymaking to develop coping strategies to confront AAP as a risk factor for RA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Exposure, Health Effects and Risk)

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12 pages, 1409 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hardness-Dependent Water Quality Criteria for Protection of Freshwater Aquatic Organisms for Silver in China

by Qi Jin, Chenglian Feng, Peng Xia and Yingchen Bai

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(10), 6067; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19106067 - 17 May 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2118

Abstract

Silver is toxic to freshwater aquatic organisms and aquatic ecosystems, and it is necessary to develop regional water quality criteria (WQC) for silver to protect the freshwater aquatic organisms in China. The toxicity database of silver for freshwater aquatic organisms involved 121 acute [...] Read more.

Silver is toxic to freshwater aquatic organisms and aquatic ecosystems, and it is necessary to develop regional water quality criteria (WQC) for silver to protect the freshwater aquatic organisms in China. The toxicity database of silver for freshwater aquatic organisms involved 121 acute toxicity values for 35 species (6 phyla and 27 families) and 15 chronic toxicity values for 4 species (2 phyla and 4 families). Teleost fish showed the most sensitivity to silver after both short-term and long-term exposure. Significant correlations between the natural logarithms of hardness and the natural logarithms of acute silver toxicity were found for Daphnia magna, Oncorhynchus mykiss, and Pimephales promelas. The criterion maximum concentration (CMC) was calculated by the species sensitivity distribution method with sigmoid as the best fitting model (Adj R² 0.9797), and the criterion continuous concentration (CCC) was obtained by the acute-to-chronic ratio method. The CMC and CCC of silver were

e^{1.58 \ln (H_{{CaCO}_{3}}) - 8.68}

, and

e^{1.58 \ln (H_{{CaCO}_{3}}) - 10.28}

respectively, in China, with water hardness (

H_{{CaCO}_{3}}

, mg/L) as an independent variable. This research can provide a basis and reference for the management of silver to protect freshwater aquatic organisms in China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Exposure, Health Effects and Risk)

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14 pages, 1867 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of P-Chloroaniline on Oxidative Stress and Biomacromolecules Damage in the Clam Ruditapes philippinarums: A Simulate Toxicity Test of Spill Incident

by Manni Wu, Jingjing Miao, Yuhan Li, Jiangyue Wu, Guoshan Wang, Dasheng Zhang and Luqing Pan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5092; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095092 - 22 Apr 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1963

Abstract

As a hazardous chemical, p-chloroaniline (PCA) shows intensive adsorption and accumulation after entering the aquatic ecosystem, which can be enriched in organisms and cause damage. With the objective of achieving an integrated and mechanistic view of the toxic effects of PCA in the [...] Read more.

As a hazardous chemical, p-chloroaniline (PCA) shows intensive adsorption and accumulation after entering the aquatic ecosystem, which can be enriched in organisms and cause damage. With the objective of achieving an integrated and mechanistic view of the toxic effects of PCA in the marine sentinel organism Ruditapes philippinarum, Manila clams were exposed to different concentration of PCA (0.5, 2 and 5 mg/L) for 15 days. Focusing on the gills, first targeting the toxic and digestive gland, the metabolic detoxification organ, we detected dose- and time-related changes inantioxidase activities and biomacromolecular damages in treated clams. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity and glutathione (GSH) contents were significantly induced, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased at the beginning of exposure and then decreased. The malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein methylation (PC) contents which represent lipid peroxidation and carbonylation of proteins, increased first with exposure time and then decreased in the digestive gland. DNA strand break levels were consistently higher than those in the control group. The digestive gland showed more sensitivity to the stress of PCA than the gills. GST and MDA in the gill and GST, GSH, SOD, DNA strand break level in the digestive gland showed significant correlation with PCA exposure, which indicated that these parameters can be used as sensitive biomarkers to indicate toxic effects from chloraniline leakage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Exposure, Health Effects and Risk)

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13 pages, 592 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Risk of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Is Associated with Urinary Phthalate Metabolites Levels in Adults with Subclinical Hypothyroidism: Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) 2012–2014

by Eun-Jung Yang, Byung-Sun Choi and Yun-Jung Yang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(6), 3267; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063267 - 10 Mar 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2065

Abstract

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition of excess accumulation of fats in the liver. Thyroid dysfunction is commonly observed in adult populations with NAFLD. In subjects with thyroid dysfunction, phthalates, which are chemical compounds widely used to increase the flexibility of [...] Read more.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition of excess accumulation of fats in the liver. Thyroid dysfunction is commonly observed in adult populations with NAFLD. In subjects with thyroid dysfunction, phthalates, which are chemical compounds widely used to increase the flexibility of various plastic products, may increase the risk of NAFLD prevalence. Therefore, our study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the levels of urinary phthalate metabolites and the risk of NAFLD stratified by the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Data (n = 2308) were obtained from the Korean National Environmental Health Survey II (2012–2014). Using the hepatic steatosis index, participants were classified into non-NAFLD (<30) and NAFLD (>36) groups. Participants with euthyroidism were defined as 0.45–4.5 mIU/L for serum TSH and normal thyroxine (T4) levels (n = 2125). Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) was defined as a higher TSH level (4.5–10 mIU/L) with normal total T4 levels in the serum (n = 183). A multivariate analysis was performed to assess the association of the urinary phthalate concentration with the risk of NAFLD after stratification based on the thyroid hormone levels. The levels of phthalate metabolites in urine were not significantly associated with NAFLD in adults with euthyroidism. However, a significant increased risk of NAFLD in those with SCH was observed in the fourth quartile of mono (2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (odds ratio (OR) 13.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) 12.13–86.44), mono (2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (OR 8.55, 95% CI 1.20–60.53), mono-(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (OR 9.06, 95% CI 1.78–45.96), and mono-benzyl phthalate (OR 6.05, 95% CI 1.62–22.54) compared to those of the lowest quartile after being adjusted with covariates. In conclusion, the levels of phthalate metabolites in urine are positively associated with NAFLD in adults with SCH. More experimental studies are needed to clarify the risk of NAFLD caused by phthalate exposure in cases with poor thyroid function. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Exposure, Health Effects and Risk)

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12 pages, 3319 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence of Aspergillus-Derived Mycotoxins (Ochratoxin, Aflatoxin, and Gliotoxin) and Their Distribution in the Urinalysis of ME/CFS Patients

by Ting Yu Wu, Taura Khorramshahi, Lindsey A. Taylor, Nikita S. Bansal, Betsy Rodriguez and Irma R. Rey

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(4), 2052; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19042052 - 12 Feb 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5810

Abstract

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a known complex, multi-organ system disorder with a sudden or subacute onset. ME/CFS occurs most commonly among women between 30 and 50 years of age. The current diagnostic criteria of ME/CFS, as defined by the Centers for [...] Read more.

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a known complex, multi-organ system disorder with a sudden or subacute onset. ME/CFS occurs most commonly among women between 30 and 50 years of age. The current diagnostic criteria of ME/CFS, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, includes: profound fatigue and post-exertional malaise (>6 mo) unrelieved by rest, persistent cognitive impairment or orthostatic intolerance, and chronic unrefreshing sleep. Despite reported associations between ME/CFS onset and exposure to infectious agents (viral, bacterial, or fungal), the pathophysiology of ME/CFS remains unknown. In this prevalence study, we investigated the rates of Aspergillus-derived toxin levels, Aflatoxin (AF), Ochratoxin A (OTA), and Gliotoxin (GT), in the urinalysis of 236 ME/CFS patients with a history of chronic exposure to mold (i.e., from water-damaged buildings). Among ME/CFS patients reporting chronic exposure to mold, we found evidence of exposure in 92.4 percent of patients, with OTA being the most prevalent mycotoxin. Mold distributions (OTA, AF, and GT) in the urinalysis all demonstrated right skewness, while the distribution of age of ME/CFS patients diagnosed showed no deviation from normality. This study aims to provide preliminary, epidemiological evidence among ME/CFS patients who were diagnosed in South Florida with a history of exposure to mycotoxins. Based on these findings, we proposed how future control studies should approach investigating the association between chronic mold exposure and the diagnosis of ME/CFS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Exposure, Health Effects and Risk)

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16 pages, 3493 KiB

Open AccessArticle

External Exposure to BTEX, Internal Biomarker Response, and Health Risk Assessment of Nonoccupational Populations near a Coking Plant in Southwest China

by Ning Qin, Yuanyuan Zhu, Yan Zhong, Jing Tian, Jihua Li, Laiguo Chen, Ruifang Fan and Fusheng Wei

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(2), 847; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19020847 - 13 Jan 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2424

Abstract

Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene isomers (BTEX) have raised increasing concern due to their adverse effects on human health. In this study, a coking factory and four communities nearby were selected as the research area. Atmospheric BTEX samples were collected and determined by [...] Read more.

Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene isomers (BTEX) have raised increasing concern due to their adverse effects on human health. In this study, a coking factory and four communities nearby were selected as the research area. Atmospheric BTEX samples were collected and determined by a preconcentrator GC–MS method. Four biomarkers in the morning urine samples of 174 participants from the communities were measured by LC–MS. The health risks of BTEX exposure via inhalation were estimated. This study aimed to investigate the influence of external BTEX exposure on the internal biomarker levels and quantitatively evaluate the health risk of populations near the coking industry. The results showed that the average total BTEX concentration in residential area was 7.17 ± 7.24 μg m⁻³. Trans,trans-muconic acid (T,T-MA) was the urinary biomarker with the greatest average level (127 ± 285 μg g⁻¹ crt). Similar spatial trends can be observed between atmospheric benzene concentration and internal biomarker levels. The mean values of the LCR for male and female residents were 2.15 × 10⁻⁵ and 2.05 × 10⁻⁵, respectively. The results of the risk assessment indicated that special attention was required for the non-occupational residents around the area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Exposure, Health Effects and Risk)

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12 pages, 1295 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Health Risk Assessment of Metals via Multi-Source Oral Exposure for Children Living in Areas with Intense Electronic Manufacturing Activities

by Beibei Wang, Chunye Lin, Hongguang Cheng, Xiaoli Duan, Qin Wang and Dongqun Xu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(21), 11409; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111409 - 29 Oct 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2027

Abstract

Oral ingestion is the predominant pathway of metal(loid)s exposure. In this study, the health risks of typical metal(loid)s (including Mn, As, Cr, Cd, and Pb) via multi-source, oral pathways for children aged 3–12 years, living in an area of China dominated by the [...] Read more.

Oral ingestion is the predominant pathway of metal(loid)s exposure. In this study, the health risks of typical metal(loid)s (including Mn, As, Cr, Cd, and Pb) via multi-source, oral pathways for children aged 3–12 years, living in an area of China dominated by the electronic manufacturing industry, were studied based on the field sampling of duplicated diet, soil, and drinking water. Child-specific ingestion parameters were measured (except the soil ingestion rates, which were from a previous study of the same population), and a Monte Carlo method was applied to determine the uncertainty of the risk assessment. It was observed that children living in such environments were at risk of metal(loid)s exposure, with the accumulative carcinogenic risk exceeding the maximum acceptable level. Food intake was identified to be the primary exposure pathway. Moreover, Pb and Cr were the major risk elements to local children’s health. Compared with primary school students, kindergarten children experienced a higher risk. This study highlights that high attention should be paid to children living in suburban areas dominated by the electronic manufacturing industry, and that priority should be given to studies on metal(loid)s exposure deriving from different types of food and their corresponding bioavailability, in order to further discern the precise risk sources to protect children’s health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Exposure, Health Effects and Risk)

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14 pages, 1543 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Key Factors for Improving the Carcinogenic Risk Assessment of PAH Inhalation Exposure by Monte Carlo Simulation

by Ning Qin, Ayibota Tuerxunbieke, Qin Wang, Xing Chen, Rong Hou, Xiangyu Xu, Yunwei Liu, Dongqun Xu, Shu Tao and Xiaoli Duan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(21), 11106; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111106 - 22 Oct 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2621

Abstract

Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) is a computational technique widely used in exposure and risk assessment. However, the result of traditional health risk assessment based on the MCS method has always been questioned due to the uncertainty introduced in parameter estimation and the difficulty [...] Read more.

Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) is a computational technique widely used in exposure and risk assessment. However, the result of traditional health risk assessment based on the MCS method has always been questioned due to the uncertainty introduced in parameter estimation and the difficulty in result validation. Herein, data from a large-scale investigation of individual polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure was used to explore the key factors for improving the MCS method. Research participants were selected using a statistical sampling method in a typical PAH polluted city. Atmospheric PAH concentrations from 25 sampling sites in the area were detected by GC-MS and exposure parameters of participants were collected by field measurement. The incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) of participants was calculated based on the measured data and considered to be the actual carcinogenic risk of the population. Predicted risks were evaluated by traditional assessment method based on MCS and three improved models including concentration-adjusted, age-stratified, and correlated-parameter-adjusted Monte Carlo methods. The goodness of fit of the models was evaluated quantitatively by comparing with the actual risk. The results showed that the average risk derived by traditional and age-stratified Monte Carlo simulation was 2.6 times higher, and the standard deviation was 3.7 times higher than the actual values. In contrast, the predicted risks of concentration- and correlated-parameter-adjusted models were in good agreement with the actual ILCR. The results of the comparison suggested that accurate simulation of exposure concentration and adjustment of correlated parameters could greatly improve the MCS. The research also reveals that the social factors related to exposure and potential relationship between variables are important issues affecting risk assessment, which require full consideration in assessment and further study in future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Exposure, Health Effects and Risk)

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14 pages, 4002 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Knowledge, Practice of Personal Hygiene, School Sanitation, and Risk Factors of Contracting Diarrhea among Rural Students from Five Western Provinces in China

by Yu-E Cha, Yuan-Zheng Fu and Wei Yao

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(18), 9505; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18189505 - 9 Sep 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4355

Abstract

Background: Diarrhea is a global public health issue and a leading cause of childhood malnutrition, growth disturbances, and mortality. The spread of diarrhea is closely linked to the knowledge and maintenance of personal hygiene and quality of drinking water and sanitation facilities. However, [...] Read more.

Background: Diarrhea is a global public health issue and a leading cause of childhood malnutrition, growth disturbances, and mortality. The spread of diarrhea is closely linked to the knowledge and maintenance of personal hygiene and quality of drinking water and sanitation facilities. However, there are few such investigations and analysis in rural areas of China. This study aims to determine the association between the risk of contracting diarrhea and knowledge and practices of personal hygiene and school sanitation among rural students as well as provide a scientific basis for preventing the spread of diarrhea and other infectious diseases. A stratified cluster sampling method was used to randomly select 12 rural primary schools in each of 5 counties where the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Plus Program has been implemented. The counties are located in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, Chongqing municipality, Guizhou province, Yunnan province, and Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. A single fourth-grade class was randomly chosen from each of the 60 schools for observation and a questionnaire survey. The study involved a total of 2330 students. The logistic regression method was adopted to determine the factors contributing to diarrhea in rural students. The results show that male students accounted for 49.40% (n = 1151) of the 2330 research subjects; the average age of the students was 9.9 ± 0.3 years. Approximately 33.09% of the students suffered from diarrhea in the three months leading up to the survey. The odds ratios (ORs) of students who did not know that “diarrhea can be prevented by washing fruits before eating them raw and not drinking untreated water” (OR: 1.303, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.063, 1.597) and that “the disease can be prevented by washing hands before meals and after going to the toilet” (OR: 1.522, 95% CI: 1.207, 1.920) were higher than those who knew the above stated facts. Students who “have drunk untreated water at school” (OR: 1.584, 95% CI: 1.268, 1.978), “have drunk untreated water at home” (OR: 1.643, 95% CI: 1.319, 2.048), and “did not wash hands before every meal” (OR: 1.490, 95% CI: 1.120, 1.983) were at a higher risk of contracting diarrhea than those who drank treated water at school and at home and washed their hands before every meal. Diarrhea was more likely to affect students who attended schools with unclean and poorly maintained toilets (OR: 1.586, 95% CI: 1.261, 1.995) or toilets with flies (OR: 1.383, 95% CI: 1.114, 1.717) and without adequate drinking water facilities (OR: 1.407, 95% CI: 1.009, 1.962). The knowledge of methods to maintain personal hygiene, general hygiene practices, and school sanitation are the three major risk factors that account for the spread of diarrhea among rural students from five western provinces (municipalities and autonomous regions) of China. Therefore, to prevent such diseases and maintain health, it is important to provide students with health education, help them develop good hygiene habits, ensure the provision of clean water at schools, and improve the overall school environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Exposure, Health Effects and Risk)

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Review

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15 pages, 769 KiB

Open AccessReview

Minireview: Parabens Exposure and Breast Cancer

by Emily Hager, Jiangang Chen and Ling Zhao

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1873; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031873 - 8 Feb 2022

Cited by 49 | Viewed by 11572

Abstract

There is increasing recognition that environmental exposure to chemicals, such as endocrine-disruptive chemicals (EDCs), contributes to the development of breast cancer. Parabens are a group of EDCs commonly found in personal care products, foods, and pharmaceuticals. Systemic exposure to parabens has been confirmed [...] Read more.

There is increasing recognition that environmental exposure to chemicals, such as endocrine-disruptive chemicals (EDCs), contributes to the development of breast cancer. Parabens are a group of EDCs commonly found in personal care products, foods, and pharmaceuticals. Systemic exposure to parabens has been confirmed by the ubiquitous detection of parabens in human blood and urine samples. Although evidence from in vivo and epidemiological studies linking parabens exposure to breast cancer is limited, the current evidence suggests that parabens may negatively interfere with some endocrine and intracrine targets relevant to breast carcinogenesis. So far, most studies have focused on a single paraben’s effects and the direct modulating effects on estrogen receptors or the androgen receptor in vitro. Recent studies have revealed that parabens can modulate local estrogen-converting enzymes, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 and 2 and increase local estrogen levels. Also, parabens can crosstalk with the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) pathway and work with ER signaling to increase pro-oncogenic c-Myc expression in ER+/HER2+ breast cancer cells. Future studies investigating paraben mixtures and their crosstalk with other EDCs or signaling pathways both in vitro and in vivo in the context of breast cancer development are warranted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Exposure, Health Effects and Risk)

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33 pages, 2463 KiB

Open AccessReview

Indoor Particulate Matter in Urban Households: Sources, Pathways, Characteristics, Health Effects, and Exposure Mitigation

by Ling Zhang, Changjin Ou, Dhammika Magana-Arachchi, Meththika Vithanage, Kanth Swaroop Vanka, Thava Palanisami, Kanaji Masakorala, Hasintha Wijesekara, Yubo Yan, Nanthi Bolan and M. B. Kirkham

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(21), 11055; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111055 - 21 Oct 2021

Cited by 50 | Viewed by 8511

Abstract

Particulate matter (PM) is a complex mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets suspended in the air with varying size, shape, and chemical composition which intensifies significant concern due to severe health effects. Based on the well-established human health effects of outdoor PM, [...] Read more.

Particulate matter (PM) is a complex mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets suspended in the air with varying size, shape, and chemical composition which intensifies significant concern due to severe health effects. Based on the well-established human health effects of outdoor PM, health-based standards for outdoor air have been promoted (e.g., the National Ambient Air Quality Standards formulated by the U.S.). Due to the exchange of indoor and outdoor air, the chemical composition of indoor particulate matter is related to the sources and components of outdoor PM. However, PM in the indoor environment has the potential to exceed outdoor PM levels. Indoor PM includes particles of outdoor origin that drift indoors and particles that originate from indoor activities, which include cooking, fireplaces, smoking, fuel combustion for heating, human activities, and burning incense. Indoor PM can be enriched with inorganic and organic contaminants, including toxic heavy metals and carcinogenic volatile organic compounds. As a potential health hazard, indoor exposure to PM has received increased attention in recent years because people spend most of their time indoors. In addition, as the quantity, quality, and scope of the research have expanded, it is necessary to conduct a systematic review of indoor PM. This review discusses the sources, pathways, characteristics, health effects, and exposure mitigation of indoor PM. Practical solutions and steps to reduce exposure to indoor PM are also discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Exposure, Health Effects and Risk)

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Other

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13 pages, 854 KiB

Open AccessConcept Paper

Concept for the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Substances in Population-Based Human Biomonitoring

by Klaus-Michael Wollin, Petra Apel, Yvonni Chovolou, Ulrike Pabel, Thomas Schettgen, Marike Kolossa-Gehring, Claudia Röhl and On behalf of the Human Biomonitoring Commission of the German Environment Agency

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(12), 7235; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19127235 - 13 Jun 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2405

Abstract

The Human Biomonitoring (HBM) Commission at the German Environment Agency holds the opinion that for environmental carcinogens for which no exposure levels can be assumed and are harmless to health, health-based guidance values corresponding to the classical definition of the HBM-I or HBM-II [...] Read more.

The Human Biomonitoring (HBM) Commission at the German Environment Agency holds the opinion that for environmental carcinogens for which no exposure levels can be assumed and are harmless to health, health-based guidance values corresponding to the classical definition of the HBM-I or HBM-II value cannot be established. Therefore, only reference values have been derived so far for genotoxic carcinogens from exposure data of the general population or subpopulations. The concept presented here opens up the possibility of performing health risk assessments of carcinogenic substances in human biomonitoring, and thus goes decisively beyond the purely descriptive statistical reference value concept. Using the presented method, quantitative dose descriptors of internal exposure can be derived from those of external exposure, provided that sufficient toxicokinetic information is available. Dose descriptors of internal exposure then allow the simple estimate of additional lifetime cancer risks for measured biomarker concentrations or, conversely, of equivalent concentrations for selected risks, such as those considered as tolerable for the general population. HBM data of chronic exposures to genotoxic carcinogens can thus be used to assess the additional lifetime cancer risk referring to the general population and to justify and prioritize risk management measures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Exposure, Health Effects and Risk)

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