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Toxics
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Environmental Exposure to Toxic Chemicals and Human Health II
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Environmental Exposure to Toxic Chemicals and Human Health II

A special issue of Toxics (ISSN 2305-6304). This special issue belongs to the section "Exposome Analysis and Risk Assessment".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2024) | Viewed by 10064

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Virgínia Cruz Fernandes

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Guest Editor
REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 431, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
Interests: analytical chemistry; chromatography; contaminants: pesticides; flame retardants, PCBs; environmental, food and human samples; monitoring and biomonitoring
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Diogo Pestana

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
CINTESIS & NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campo Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
Interests: basic, clinical and population studies; diet and environmental exposure to toxic chemicals; endocrine disruptors; human biomonitoring; human health; obesity and metabolic-related pathologies; risk–benefit analysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Human and industrial activities generate various forms of residual wastes and by-products in a solid, liquid, or gaseous state. Waste generation starts with simple processes such as living, eating, and breathing. Managing waste and minimizing associated environmental impacts have become more challenging as worldwide populations and economies continue to grow. Once these hazardous chemicals are present in the environment, people can be exposed to them, namely more vulnerable populations. Human health can be influenced by many factors, including exposure to physical, chemical, biological, and radiological contaminants in the environment. Considering this evidence and the increasing exposure to hazardous chemicals, the impact on the functionality of the gut microbiome and their potential biodegradation through digestion and intestinal bacteria merits critical investigation.

Due to the increasing importance of this topic and the success of the first Special Issue, entitled “Environmental Exposure to Toxic Chemicals and Human Health”, we are now publishing a second edition, which will comprise research articles, short communications, and reviews on all aspects related to environmental exposure to multiple toxic chemicals and human health. Manuscripts dedicated to toxicology, gut microbiota, microbiome, biomonitoring, exposure and risk assessment, and new analytical approaches in human matrices are welcome. Furthermore, other aspects such as endocrine disruptors, determinants of exposure and effect, as well as contaminated sites and occupational exposure will also be accepted.

As such, with this Special Issue, we intend to collect a broad overview of environmental exposure to several toxic chemicals (e.g., heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, micro(nano)plastics, plastic-related chemicals) and human health.  

Main Goals:

Evaluate the extent to which people are exposed to contaminants in the air, water, soil, sediments, and through food ingestion; how these exposures affect human health; and what levels of exposure are harmful.

Prof. Dr. Virgínia Cruz Fernandes
Prof. Dr. Diogo Pestana
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Toxics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • environmental exposure
  • toxic chemicals
  • emerging pollutants
  • micro(nano)plastics
  • analytical methods
  • biomonitoring
  • human health
  • risk assessment
  • microbiota
  • microbiome

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 3588 KiB  
Article
Risks to Human Health from Mercury in Gold Mining in the Coastal Region of Ecuador
by Carlos Mestanza-Ramón, Samantha Jiménez-Oyola, Juan Cedeño-Laje, Karla Villamar Marazita, Alex Vinicio Gavilanes Montoya, Danny Daniel Castillo Vizuete, Demmy Mora-Silva, Luis Santiago Carrera Almendáriz, Santiago Logroño-Naranjo, Guido Mazón-Fierro, Renato Herrera-Chávez, Giovanni D’Orio and Salvatore Straface
Toxics 2024, 12(5), 323; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12050323 - 29 Apr 2024
Viewed by 2363
Abstract
Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) plays a crucial role in global gold production. However, the adoption of poor mining practices or the use of mercury (Hg) in gold recovery processes has generated serious environmental contamination events. The focus of this study is [...] Read more.
Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) plays a crucial role in global gold production. However, the adoption of poor mining practices or the use of mercury (Hg) in gold recovery processes has generated serious environmental contamination events. The focus of this study is assessing the concentration of Hg in surface waters within the coastal region of Ecuador. The results are used to conduct a human health risk assessment applying deterministic and probabilistic methods, specifically targeting groups vulnerable to exposure in affected mining environments. Between April and June 2022, 54 water samples were collected from rivers and streams adjacent to mining areas to determine Hg levels. In the health risk assessment, exposure routes through water ingestion and dermal contact were considered for both adults and children, following the model structures outlined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The results indicate elevated Hg concentrations in two of the five provinces studied, El Oro and Esmeraldas, where at least 88% and 75% of the samples, respectively, exceeded the maximum permissible limit (MPL) set by Ecuadorian regulations for the preservation of aquatic life. Furthermore, in El Oro province, 28% of the samples exceeded the MPL established for drinking water quality. The high concentrations of Hg could be related to illegal mining activity that uses Hg for gold recovery. Regarding the human health risk assessment, risk values above the safe exposure limit were estimated. Children were identified as the most vulnerable receptor. Therefore, there is an urgent need to establish effective regulations that guarantee the protection of river users in potentially contaminated areas. Finally, it is important to continue investigating the contamination caused by human practices in the coastal region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Exposure to Toxic Chemicals and Human Health II)
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16 pages, 937 KiB  
Article
Metals in Cow Milk and Soy Beverages: Is There a Concern?
by Vanda Lopes Andrade, Iolanda Ribeiro, A. P. Marreilha dos Santos, Michael Aschner and Maria Luisa Mateus
Toxics 2023, 11(12), 1013; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11121013 - 11 Dec 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2160
Abstract
Nowadays, there is an increased consumption of plant-based protein beverages like soy beverages (SBs) as substitutes for cow milk (CM). Both accumulate toxic metals like lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and manganese (Mn), which, although essential, are neurotoxic at high levels. Metals can also [...] Read more.
Nowadays, there is an increased consumption of plant-based protein beverages like soy beverages (SBs) as substitutes for cow milk (CM). Both accumulate toxic metals like lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and manganese (Mn), which, although essential, are neurotoxic at high levels. Metals can also perturb the normal development of children. This work aimed to evaluate these metal concentrations in CM and SB purchased on the Portuguese market. After validation of the method, linearity of calibration curves, work range, detection and quantification limits, and selectivity, metals were determined in 14 CM and 14 SB brands using atomic absorption spectrometry. The values were compared between CM and SB and with permissible limit values. Soy beverages had significantly (p < 0.05) higher concentrations of Cd (5.6 ± 4.2 µg/L) and Mn (117.4 ± 30.3) µg/L) than CM (2.15 ± 1.84 µg/L and 5.93 ± 1.21 µg/L, respectively); the Pb concentrations in CM (19.3 ± 12.1 µg/L) were not significantly (p > 0.05) higher than in SB (13.4 ± 9.6 µg/L). These values were similar to other studies and close to but under permissible limit values. Nevertheless, due to the toxicity and bioaccumulation of metals, the fact that these foods are routinely ingested by all ages, mainly children, and represent key ingredients in many processed foods, including baby foods, we suggest strict surveying of metal levels in CM and SBs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Exposure to Toxic Chemicals and Human Health II)
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18 pages, 2326 KiB  
Article
Modulation of the Cardiovascular Effects of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons: Physical Exercise as a Protective Strategy
by Gabriel A. Rojas, Nicolás Saavedra, Cristian Morales, Kathleen Saavedra, Fernando Lanas and Luis A. Salazar
Toxics 2023, 11(10), 844; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11100844 - 8 Oct 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1767
Abstract
Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) present in air pollution increases cardiovascular risk. On the contrary, physical exercise is a widely used therapeutic approach to mitigate cardiovascular risk, but its efficacy in an environment of air pollution, particularly with PAHs, remains unclear. This [...] Read more.
Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) present in air pollution increases cardiovascular risk. On the contrary, physical exercise is a widely used therapeutic approach to mitigate cardiovascular risk, but its efficacy in an environment of air pollution, particularly with PAHs, remains unclear. This study investigates the effects of exercise on inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and REDOX imbalance due to PAH exposure using a mouse model. Twenty male BALB/c mice were subjected to a mixture of PAHs (phenanthrene, fluoranthene, pyrene) in conjunction with aerobic exercise. The investigation evaluated serum levels of inflammatory cytokines, gene expression linked to inflammatory markers, endothelial dysfunction, and REDOX imbalance in aortic tissues. Furthermore, the study evaluated the expression of the ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 proteins. Exercise led to notable changes in serum inflammatory cytokines, as well as the modulation of genes associated with endothelial dysfunction and REDOX imbalance in aortic tissue. In turn, exercise produced a modulation in the protein expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. The findings implicate the potential of exercise to counter PAH-induced damage, as demonstrated by changes in markers. In conclusion, exercise could mitigate the adverse effects related to exposure to PAHs present in air pollution, as evidenced by changes in inflammatory markers, endothelial dysfunction, and REDOX imbalance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Exposure to Toxic Chemicals and Human Health II)
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18 pages, 351 KiB  
Article
Trace Elements in Portuguese Children: Urinary Levels and Exposure Predictors
by Luísa Correia-Sá, Virgínia C. Fernandes, Maria Luz Maia, Edgar Pinto, Sónia Norberto, Agostinho Almeida, Cristina Santos, Cristina Delerue-Matos, Conceição Calhau and Valentina F. Domingues
Toxics 2023, 11(9), 767; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11090767 - 9 Sep 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1453
Abstract
Exposure to environmental chemicals during developmental stages can result in several adverse outcomes. In this study, the exposure of Portuguese children to Cu, Co, I, Mo, Mn, Ni, As, Sb, Cd, Pb, Sn and Tl was evaluated through the analysis of first morning [...] Read more.
Exposure to environmental chemicals during developmental stages can result in several adverse outcomes. In this study, the exposure of Portuguese children to Cu, Co, I, Mo, Mn, Ni, As, Sb, Cd, Pb, Sn and Tl was evaluated through the analysis of first morning urine through ICP-MS. Furthermore, we attempted to determine possible exposure predictors. The study sample consisted of 54% girls and 46% boys, with a median age of 10 years; 61% were overweight/obese and were put on a nutritionally oriented diet. For I, half of the population was probably in deficiency status. The median urinary concentrations (μg/L) were Cu 21.9, Mo 54.6, Co 0.76, Mn 2.1, Ni 4.74, As 37.9, Sb 0.09, Cd 0.29, Pb 0.94, Sn 0.45, Tl 0.39 and I 125.5. The region was a significant predictor for Cu, Co, Ni, As and Tl. Children living in an urban area had higher urinary levels, except for Co and Ni. Age was a significant predictor for Cu, I, Mo, Mn, Ni, Sb, Cd and Sn with urinary levels of these elements decreasing with age. No sex-related differences were observed. Diet and weight group were predictors for urinary Cu, Mn, Ni, Sb and As. Significant differences were observed between the diet/weight groups for Cu, Ni, Sb and As, with the healthy diet group presenting higher values. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Exposure to Toxic Chemicals and Human Health II)

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23 pages, 839 KiB  
Review
Micro(nano)plastic and Related Chemicals: Emerging Contaminants in Environment, Food and Health Impacts
by Juliana G. R. de Carvalho, Helga Coelho Augusto, Ricardo Ferraz, Cristina Delerue-Matos and Virgínia Cruz Fernandes
Toxics 2024, 12(10), 762; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12100762 - 20 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1665
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is a problem of increasing concern in food, and while food safety issues around the world are serious, an increasing number of food safety issues related to microplastics have become the focus of people’s attention. The presence of microplastics in food [...] Read more.
Microplastic pollution is a problem of increasing concern in food, and while food safety issues around the world are serious, an increasing number of food safety issues related to microplastics have become the focus of people’s attention. The presence of microplastics in food is a worldwide problem, and they are present in all kinds of foods, foods of both animal and plant origin, food additives, drinks, plastic food packaging, and agricultural practices. This can cause problems for both humans and the environment. Microplastics have already been detected in human blood, heart, placenta, and breastmilk, but their effects in humans are not well understood. Studies with mammals and human cells or organoids have given perspective about the potential impact of micro(nano)plastics on human health, which affect the lungs, kidneys, heart, neurological system, and DNA. Additionally, as plastics often contain additives or other substances, the potentially harmful effects of exposure to these substances must also be carefully studied before any conclusions can be drawn. The study of microplastics is very complex as there are many factors to account for, such as differences in particle sizes, constituents, shapes, additives, contaminants, concentrations, etc. This review summarizes the more recent research on the presence of microplastic and other plastic-related chemical pollutants in food and their potential impacts on human health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Exposure to Toxic Chemicals and Human Health II)
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