Frontiers in Occupational and Environmental Exposures: Their Impact on Public Health

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 (31 July 2022) | Viewed by 12570

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
Interests: chronic lung disease; COPD; house hold air pollution (HAP); LIC; LMIC; electronic cigarettes; heated tobacco products
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Exposure to toxic chemicals through various routes (inhalation, oral, dermal, etc.) in work, indoor, and outdoor environments has a wide range of effects on the population. Multiple target organs are affected, and the effects may range from in utero to adulthood. Studies dealing with developmental and reproductive toxicity, endocrine disruption, and gender-specific effects warrant more attention apart from studies dealing with epidemiology, disease susceptibility, and disease patho-mechanisms. Exposure assessment is a key aspect in this process. Understanding the impact of toxicant exposure in low- and lower-middle income countries will be a key aspect towards achieving the United Nation’s sustainability goal.

We are pleased to invite you to submit original research articles, review articles, and meta-analysis studies dealing with various aspects of the above-mentioned topics:

 Research areas may include but are not limited to the following:

  • Exposure assessment;
  • Modelling studies;
  • Pulmonary effects;
  • Cardiovascular effects;
  • Developmental and reproductive toxicity;
  • Endocrine disruption;
  • Dermal effects.

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Koustav Ganguly
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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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.

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Keywords

  • air pollution
  • exposure assessment
  • cardiovascular
  • indoor
  • endocrine
  • development
  • reproductive
  • occupational
  • work environment

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 1131 KiB  
Article
Impact of Acute Exacerbation and Its Phenotypes on the Clinical Outcomes of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Hospitalized Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Mohammed Kaleem Ullah, Ashwaghosha Parthasarathi, Jayaraj Biligere Siddaiah, Prashant Vishwanath, Swapna Upadhyay, Koustav Ganguly and Padukudru Anand Mahesh
Toxics 2022, 10(11), 667; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics10110667 - 6 Nov 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2730
Abstract
Acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) are clinically significant events having therapeutic and prognostic consequences. However, there is a lot of variation in its clinical manifestations described by phenotypes. The phenotypes of AECOPD were categorized in this study based on pathology and exposure. In [...] Read more.
Acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) are clinically significant events having therapeutic and prognostic consequences. However, there is a lot of variation in its clinical manifestations described by phenotypes. The phenotypes of AECOPD were categorized in this study based on pathology and exposure. In our cross-sectional study, conducted between 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2020, the patients were categorized into six groups based on pathology: non-bacterial and non-eosinophilic; bacterial; eosinophilic; bacterial infection with eosinophilia; pneumonia; and bronchiectasis. Further, four groups were classified based on exposure to tobacco smoke (TS), biomass smoke (BMS), both, or no exposure. Cox proportional-hazards regression analyses were performed to assess hazard ratios, and Kaplan–Meier analysis was performed to assess survival, which was then compared using the log-rank test. The odds ratio (OR) and independent predictors of ward admission type and length of hospital stay were assessed using binomial logistic regression analyses. Of the 2236 subjects, 2194 were selected. The median age of the cohort was 67.0 (60.0 to 74.0) and 75.2% were males. Mortality rates were higher in females than in males (6.2% vs. 2.3%). AECOPD-B (bacterial infection) subjects [HR 95% CI 6.42 (3.06–13.46)], followed by AECOPD-P (pneumonia) subjects [HR (95% CI: 4.33 (2.01–9.30)], were at higher mortality risk and had a more extended hospital stay (6.0 (4.0 to 9.5) days; 6.0 (4.0 to 10.0). Subjects with TS and BMS-AECOPD [HR 95% CI 7.24 (1.53–34.29)], followed by BMS-AECOPD [HR 95% CI 5.28 (2.46–11.35)], had higher mortality risk. Different phenotypes have different impacts on AECOPD clinical outcomes. A better understanding of AECOPD phenotypes could contribute to developing an algorithm for the precise management of different phenotypes. Full article
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15 pages, 1818 KiB  
Article
Indoor Air Quality Monitoring and Characterization of Airborne Workstations Pollutants within Detergent Production Plant
by John Stephen Gushit, Salamatu Uba Mohammed and Haruna Musa Moda
Toxics 2022, 10(8), 419; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics10080419 - 26 Jul 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2109
Abstract
The indoor air quality (IAQ) of five workstations within a detergent production unit was monitored. Particulate matter (PM) was measured using a gravitational settlement method, and later characterized. To ascertain the quality of indoor air within the workstations, which could directly or indirectly [...] Read more.
The indoor air quality (IAQ) of five workstations within a detergent production unit was monitored. Particulate matter (PM) was measured using a gravitational settlement method, and later characterized. To ascertain the quality of indoor air within the workstations, which could directly or indirectly affect the health and performance of the workers, a physical inspection of the plant premises was undertaken. The mean value of the following air-quality parameters; particulate matter(PM2.5), particulate matter (PM10), formaldehyde (HCHO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon dioxide (CO2), temperature (T) and percent relative humidity (%RH) were obtained within the range of 24.5–48.5 µg/m3, 26.75–61.75 µg/m3, 0.0–0.012 mg/m3, 0.09–1.35 mg/m3, 1137–1265 ppm, 25.65–28.15 °C and 20.13–23.8%, respectively. Of the particulate matter components characterized, sodium oxide (Na2O)—25.30 mg/m3, aluminum oxide (Al2O3)—22.93 mg/m3, silicon dioxide (SiO2)—34.17 mg/m3, sulfur trioxide (SO3)—41.57 mg/m3, calcium oxide (CaO)—10.94 mg/m3 and iron III oxide (Fe2O3)—19.23 mg/m3, were of significance. These results, compared with international standards for industrial indoor air quality, suggest that indoor air contamination emanating from the chemicals used in production workstations is traced to the design of the plant structures and the activities carried out within the workstations. Full article
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12 pages, 1570 KiB  
Article
High Thyroid Cancer Incidence Rate in a Community near a Landfill: A Descriptive Epidemiological Assessment
by Maaike van Gerwen, Brandon Gold, Mathilda Alsen, Mohemmed N. Khan, Lauren Petrick and Eric Genden
Toxics 2021, 9(12), 325; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics9120325 - 1 Dec 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3313
Abstract
Background: to investigate the high thyroid cancer incidence rate of Staten Island and to disentangle the effects of potential environmental exposure from a landfill from screening. Methods: age-adjusted thyroid cancer incidence rates obtained from the New York State Public Access Cancer Epidemiology Data [...] Read more.
Background: to investigate the high thyroid cancer incidence rate of Staten Island and to disentangle the effects of potential environmental exposure from a landfill from screening. Methods: age-adjusted thyroid cancer incidence rates obtained from the New York State Public Access Cancer Epidemiology Data for New York State (NYS) excluding New York City (NYC) and the five NYC boroughs, including Staten Island, were mapped over time (1995–2018), investigated per age group and by percentage of localized thyroid cancer. Changes in trends were assessed using joinpoint. Contaminants of concern on Staten Island were assessed for carcinogenic and endocrine disruptive properties. Results: a more pronounced thyroid cancer incidence rate increase, without a difference in age distribution and similar percentages of localized thyroid cancer, was found in Staten Island compared to its demographic equivalent (NYS excluding NYC). Multiple contaminants of concern with carcinogenic and endocrine disrupting properties (e.g., cadmium, lead) were identified in air, water and sediment samples. Conclusion: investigations into the effects of increased/sustained environmental exposures are needed in chronically exposed populations to identify potential mechanisms of action of certain pollutants. Full article
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11 pages, 3613 KiB  
Systematic Review
Insecticide Exposure and Risk of Asthmatic Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Jiraporn Chittrakul, Ratana Sapbamrer and Wachiranun Sirikul
Toxics 2021, 9(9), 228; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics9090228 - 21 Sep 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3489
Abstract
The incidence of respiratory disease is increasing. In relation to this, in addition to infection, factors associated with working with chemical insecticides are a cause for concern. Some of the chemicals involved have been shown to affect the respiratory system, and consequentially workers [...] Read more.
The incidence of respiratory disease is increasing. In relation to this, in addition to infection, factors associated with working with chemical insecticides are a cause for concern. Some of the chemicals involved have been shown to affect the respiratory system, and consequentially workers are at increased risk of conditions such as asthma. However, medical opinion around this area is still controversial; therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate the association between exposure to insecticides and asthma by means of a systematic review of the relevant literature. Relevant literature was identified, and a systematic review was conducted to investigate the association between exposure to insecticides and asthma. A total of five studies (three cross sectional and two cohort) including 45,435 subjects were identified as relevant. The summary odds ratios related to the impact of exposure to specific insecticides on asthma were organophosphates 1.31 (95%CI = 1.17–1.48, I2 = 27%, p = 0.172), carbamates 1.44 (95%CI 1.08–1.92, I2 = 56.7%, p = 0.031) and organochlorines 1.31 (95%CI 1.19–1.64, I2 = 37.3%, p = 0.131). Farmers exposed to certain insecticides may have an increased risk of asthma and asthmatic symptoms, but further research on that issue is urgently needed. Full article
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