Journal of Xenobiotics

Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDSs) expose users to nicotine, volatile organic chemicals, and ultrafine particles that pose emerging toxicological concerns for youth. The prevalence of vaping among college students quadrupled between 2017 and 2019. The Vaping Initiation, Continuation, Termination, or Resumption in Youth (VICTORY) study explored a random sample of 543 undergraduate students at a Midwestern university, using an anonymous online survey, for factors associated with initiation and regular inhalation of vape-derived aerosols. Results showed that 50% of participants had ever used a vape, and 67% had used tobacco, vape, or marijuana. The mean age of first use of tobacco was 15.16 years, significantly younger than the mean ages for vaping (16.33) and marijuana (16.60). There were no significant gender differences in ENDS use, although more males reported tobacco as their first substance (18% difference). Notably, 40% reported non-alcoholic substance or alcohol use in the past 30 days. Decision-tree analysis revealed complex relationships between vaping aerosols, tobacco, alcohol use, marijuana use, and living arrangements. Logistic regression identified key predictors of regular vaping, including higher school year, lower household income, employment status, and younger age at first use. These findings highlight the need for tailored public health interventions and continued monitoring to address the growing trend of youth vaping.

Although cancer biology has advanced considerably, the impact of environmental toxins on carcinogenesis remains underrecognized and scattered across disciplines. Evidence increasingly shows that chronic exposure to a broad range of toxins—including persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals, pesticides, phthalates, microplastics, and fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which significantly contributes to cancer initiation, progression, and treatment resistance. This review synthesizes mechanistic, molecular, and epidemiological findings from 2015 to 2025, identified through systematic searches of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and MeSH. Key pathways include oxidative stress-mediated DNA damage, epigenetic reprogramming (DNA methylation, histone modifications, miRNA dysregulation), hormone receptor modulation, chronic inflammation, immune evasion, and tumor microenvironment remodeling. Case studies of benzene, arsenic, aflatoxins, pesticides, and microplastics detail exposure routes, molecular targets, and associated cancers, highlighting significant public health risks. Ongoing debates persist regarding safe exposure thresholds, latency periods, and the effects of mixed toxin exposures. The review also highlights recent innovations in environmental oncology, including AI-based predictive models, CRISPR screens for susceptibility genes, organoid/3D models, green chemistry interventions, and real-time exposure monitoring, which provide mechanistic insight and inform early detection and personalized prevention strategies. Additionally, regional data gaps, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, indicate the need for stronger interdisciplinary collaboration. By integrating molecular mechanisms, epidemiology, and technological advances, this review offers a comprehensive framework for understanding toxin-induced carcinogenesis and guiding future research, public health policy, and preventive strategies.

The metallurgical industry generates substantial amounts of heavy metal-containing solid waste, posing significant environmental and health risks. This study systematically evaluates the environmental behavior and ecological risks of heavy metals in four typical metallurgical wastes: jarosite slag (SW1), electric arc furnace ash (SW2), chromium-containing sludge (SW3), and acid-base sludge (SW4). We demonstrate that particle size fundamentally governs heavy metal mobility, with fine-structured SW1 and SW2 (D₅₀ = 4.76 µm and 1.34 µm) exhibiting enhanced metal mobility and bioavailability. In contrast, coarser SW3 and SW4 particles (D₅₀ = 268.83 µm and 133.94 µm) retain heavy metals in more stable forms. Among all metals analyzed, cadmium (Cd) presents the most severe ecological threat, with acid-extractable fractions reaching 52% in SW2 and 45% in SW3—indicating high release potential under changing pH conditions. Risk assessment confirms high to very high ecological risks for Cd in both SW2 and SW3. Moreover, under acidic leaching conditions, SW1 and SW2 show significantly higher cumulative toxicity than SW3 and SW4. These findings highlight the critical role of waste-specific properties in controlling heavy metal fate and provide a scientific basis for targeted risk management and sustainable remediation strategies.