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Toxics
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Exposure to Chemicals and Health Effects in Occupational and Everyday...
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Exposure to Chemicals and Health Effects in Occupational and Everyday Settings

A special issue of Toxics (ISSN 2305-6304). This special issue belongs to the section "Human Toxicology and Epidemiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2026 | Viewed by 15990

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Lidia Caporossi

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Guest Editor
Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, INAIL-National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work, 00078 Monteporzio Catone, Italy
Interests: occupational and environmental exposure to chemicals; assessment of risk; toxicology; epidemiology; reprotoxic substances and endocrine disrupters; occupational medicine and hygiene; analytical chemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Daniela Pigini

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Guest Editor
Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Istituto nazionale Assicurazione Infortuni sul Lavoro (INAIL), 00144 Roma, Italy
Interests: biological monitoring; biomarkers; occupational exposure; occupational and environmental health; oxidative stress
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Data from the WHO underline the fact that in 2019, more than 53 million disabilities worldwide were estimated to have resulted from chemical exposure, and in Europe in particular, 269.500 deaths could be attributed to this type of exposure.

At present, there is a large and growing number of chemicals in use, many of which are harmful to human health. People are potentially exposed to multiple chemicals on a daily basis from the environment, drinking water, food, and consumer products, as well as from their workplaces. The many systems of an organism, which include respiratory, reproductive, cardiovascular, urinary, nervous, immune, and metabolic systems, are significantly affected by chemicals, both acutely and chronically. Conditions ranging from allergies to cancer are also possible consequences of chemical exposure.

Occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals is a highly researched area of study, both in response to regulatory demands and, above all, in efforts to protect worker health. New substances are often introduced into production cycles; consequently, it is necessary to continually monitor exposure and understand the possible health risks. These risks are not only associated with workplaces, as exposure can also occur in living environments. In fact, evidence shows that children are especially vulnerable to the effects of exposure to chemicals.

Therefore, assessing health risks due to exposure to chemicals is an essential requirement not only in the workplace but also in living environments. Biomonitoring makes it possible to assess exposure by quantifying dose biomarkers in biological fluids and in subjects without occupational exposure, taking into account the biological variability of the population studied and other factors such as residence and lifestyle. Additionally, is also important to assess health effects by measuring biomarkers of effect, which are used to assess the effects of exposure to risk agents, including exposure to mixtures, by comparing the levels found with those of controls in order to identify risk situations and, thus, prevent occupational disease.

This Special Issue aims to collect studies on both work-related exposure and everyday life conditions that can investigate exposure levels to chemicals, new analytical monitoring methods, new evidence of health risks, and investigations to assist in the understanding of exposure-related conditions and effects.

Dr. Lidia Caporossi
Dr. Daniela Pigini
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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

  • chemicals
  • workplaces
  • workers
  • exposure
  • toxicity
  • methods
  • daily life

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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28 pages, 15955 KB  
Article
Airborne Dental Material Particulates and Occupational Exposure: Computational and Field Insights into Airflow Dynamics and Control Strategies
by Chanapat Chanbandit, Kanchana Kanchanatawewat, Ghaim Man Oo, Jatuporn Thongsri and Kuson Tuntiwong
Toxics 2025, 13(11), 957; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13110957 - 5 Nov 2025
Viewed by 576
Abstract
Occupational exposure to airborne polymethacrylate (PMMA) particles during dental laboratory procedures poses an underexplored health risk. This study presents the first integrated Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and real-time particle monitoring investigation of 0.5 µm PMMA particle dispersion during mechanical polishing in an actual [...] Read more.
Occupational exposure to airborne polymethacrylate (PMMA) particles during dental laboratory procedures poses an underexplored health risk. This study presents the first integrated Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and real-time particle monitoring investigation of 0.5 µm PMMA particle dispersion during mechanical polishing in an actual clinic. We quantitatively assessed particle behavior in 30 s exposure scenarios by examining the effects of dental professional work orientations and comparing two mitigation strategies, rear-inlet portable air cleaners (PACs) and a Box Dust Collector (BC), with an emphasis on the safety of both personnel and patients. The findings establish that operatory airflow is a primary safety determinant: aligning the workflow with the main airflow (0°). Furthermore, the combined use of PACs and BC demonstrated synergistic superiority, achieving the optimal reduction in peak concentrations and airborne residence time. PACs alone reduced working zone concentrations by up to 80%, while BC provided a crucial 40–60 s delay in initial plume dispersion. We conclude that effective exposure control requires a proactive, two-stage engineering defense: source confinement augmented by continuous ambient filtration. This research provides a robust, evidence-based foundation for defining airflow-aware ergonomic and combined engineering standards in the evolving digital era of dentistry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exposure to Chemicals and Health Effects in Occupational and Everyday Settings)
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21 pages, 1135 KB  
Article
Measuring Environmental Chemical Burden with Wristbands: Implications for Kidney Health Among Women in Rural Guatemala
by Jaime Butler-Dawson, Grant Erlandson, Diana Jaramillo, Karely Villarreal Hernandez, Laura Calvimontes, Lyndsay Krisher, Miranda Dally, Stephen Brindley, Daniel Pilloni, Alex Cruz, Alison K. Bauer, Richard J. Johnson, Lee S. Newman, Joshua Schaeffer, John L. Adgate, Kim A. Anderson and Katherine A. James
Toxics 2025, 13(9), 761; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13090761 - 8 Sep 2025
Viewed by 831
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease of unknown origin (CKDu) is a public health concern, particularly in agricultural communities, with multiple environmental exposures hypothesized as potential contributors. This study employed a targeted exposure assessment using personal silicone wristbands to characterize chemical exposures among women living and [...] Read more.
Chronic kidney disease of unknown origin (CKDu) is a public health concern, particularly in agricultural communities, with multiple environmental exposures hypothesized as potential contributors. This study employed a targeted exposure assessment using personal silicone wristbands to characterize chemical exposures among women living and working in CKDu-affected regions of Guatemala. Participants wore wristbands for seven days, passively sampling air and dermal exposures. Overall, 45 wristbands were collected from 37 female participants (19 sugarcane workers and 18 community members). Of the 1530 chemicals measured using a single semi-quantitative method, 103 were detected, with an average of 27 chemicals per wristband (range: 16–40). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) levels were higher in community members’ wristbands, whereas workers exhibited higher exposure to pesticides (i.e., pendimethalin and fipronil). Workers had worse kidney function compared to community members, with almost half of the workers having an estimated glomerular filtration rate, eGFR, <90 mL/min/1.73 m2. Correlations were observed between kidney function markers and specific chemicals, with the strongest correlation between albumin-to-creatinine ratio and pyrene levels (ρ = 0.57, p < 0.01) among workers. Women in agricultural regions of Guatemala experience widespread exposure to diverse environmental chemicals, some of which may contribute to kidney function decline. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exposure to Chemicals and Health Effects in Occupational and Everyday Settings)
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15 pages, 807 KB  
Article
Presence and Dermal Exposure to Benzene and Acetaldehyde in Hand Sanitizers Available in Taiwan
by Chieh-An Cheng and Shih-Wei Tsai
Toxics 2025, 13(7), 537; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13070537 - 26 Jun 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1122
Abstract
The widespread use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (ABHS) during and after the COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about potential exposure to harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as benzene, acetaldehyde, and other impurities, which may pose health risks. This study investigated the concentrations [...] Read more.
The widespread use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (ABHS) during and after the COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about potential exposure to harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as benzene, acetaldehyde, and other impurities, which may pose health risks. This study investigated the concentrations of ethanol, isopropanol, and 12 impurities, including benzene, acetaldehyde, and methanol, in 85 commercially available ABHS products in Taiwan using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results revealed that 12 samples contained alcohol concentrations below the recommended 60% (v/v) threshold. Benzene and acetaldehyde were identified as the primary impurities, with mean concentrations of 0.84 μg/g and 22.39 μg/g, respectively, exceeding the US FDA interim limits. For frequent ABHS users, the average dermal exposure doses (DEDs) to benzene ranged from 3.17 × 10−2 to 15.5 μg/kg-bw/day, with children aged 2–11 years showing the highest non-carcinogenic risk (Hazard Quotient > 1) and cancer risk (6.37 × 10−5 to 9.33 × 10−4). The findings emphasize the need for stringent quality control of ABHS products and caution in their selection and use. This study provides critical insights into the health risks associated with ABHS in Taiwan, underscoring the importance of regulatory oversight to ensure consumer safety. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exposure to Chemicals and Health Effects in Occupational and Everyday Settings)
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17 pages, 6775 KB  
Article
MiR-101-3p Promotes Tumor Cell Proliferation and Migration via the Wnt Signal Pathway in MNNG-Induced Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
by Jianding Wang, Wenwen Zhang, Rui Zhang, Hanteng Yang, Yitong Li, Junling Wang and Chengyun Li
Toxics 2024, 12(11), 824; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12110824 - 18 Nov 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1572
Abstract
N-methyl-n’-nitroso-n’-nitroso guanidine (MNNG) can induce esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), and microRNAs are associated with the development of ESCC and may serve as potential tumor prognostic markers. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the potential function of miR-101-3p in MNNG-induced [...] Read more.
N-methyl-n’-nitroso-n’-nitroso guanidine (MNNG) can induce esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), and microRNAs are associated with the development of ESCC and may serve as potential tumor prognostic markers. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the potential function of miR-101-3p in MNNG-induced ESCC. An investigation of risk factors in patients with ESCC was carried out and the concentration of nine nitrosamines in urine samples was detected by the SPE-GC-MS technique. Then, we performed cancer tissue gene sequencing analysis, and RT-qPCR verified the expression level of miR-101-3p. Subsequently, the relationship between miR-101-3p potential target genes and the ESCC patients’ prognosis was predicted. Finally, we investigated the function of miR-101-3p in MNNG-induced ESCC pathogenesis and the regulatory mechanism of the signaling pathway by in vivo and in vitro experiments. The results revealed that high dietary nitrosamine levels are high-risk factors for ESCC. MiR-101-3p is down-regulated in ESCC tissues and cells, and its potential target genes are enriched in cell migration and cancer-related pathways. MiR-101-3p target genes include AXIN1, CK1, and GSK3, which are involved in the regulation of the Wnt signaling pathway. MiR-101-3p overexpression promotes apoptosis and inhibits the proliferation and migration of Eca109 cells. The Wnt pathway is activated after subchronic exposure to MNNG, and the Wnt pathway is inhibited by the overexpression of miR-101-3p in Eca109 cells. Down-regulated miR-101-3p may exert tumor suppressive effects by regulating the Wnt pathway and may be a useful biomarker for predicting ESCC progression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exposure to Chemicals and Health Effects in Occupational and Everyday Settings)
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Review

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24 pages, 7019 KB  
Review
Is Fluoride the Culprit? Revisiting Evidence on Environmental Origins of Chronic Kidney Disease of Uncertain Etiology (CKDu): A Narrative Review
by T. D. K. S. C. Gunasekara, P. Mangala C. S. De Silva, W. M. P. A. Wijesundara, G. G. T. Chaminda, Chula Herath, Sisira Siribaddana, Mercedes A. Bravo and Nishad Jayasundara
Toxics 2025, 13(11), 966; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13110966 - 10 Nov 2025
Viewed by 466
Abstract
Fluoride is increasingly discussed as a geogenic risk factor for chronic kidney disease of uncertain etiology (CKDu); an epidemic of kidney disease is affecting hot tropical farming communities worldwide. Emerging evidence continues to support the association between high-fluoride exposure and kidney injury, particularly [...] Read more.
Fluoride is increasingly discussed as a geogenic risk factor for chronic kidney disease of uncertain etiology (CKDu); an epidemic of kidney disease is affecting hot tropical farming communities worldwide. Emerging evidence continues to support the association between high-fluoride exposure and kidney injury, particularly in regions with high fluoride levels. However, while fluoride’s geogenic nature leads to prolonged exposure through water and food sources, the direct impact on kidney health remains incompletely understood. This review explores the relationship between fluoride exposure and adverse kidney health outcomes, especially in the context of CKDu, synthesizing findings from epidemiological studies conducted worldwide. While a broad range of studies show widespread dental fluorosis prevalence in regions with high environmental fluoride levels in Sri Lanka, India, China, and Mexico, such correlation was not evident for CKDu and environmental fluoride levels. Notably, the spatial distribution patterns of CKDu and exposure risk through high fluoride levels in drinking water exhibit some inconsistencies, suggesting fluoride alone may not be the sole driver of CKDu. This review underscores the kidney health risks of fluoride exposure while emphasizing the need for further studies that consider multiple interacting factors beyond fluoride exposure in examination of environmental triggers of CKDu. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exposure to Chemicals and Health Effects in Occupational and Everyday Settings)
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12 pages, 490 KB  
Review
A Scoping Review on Male-Mediated Developmental Toxicity
by Lidia Caporossi, Paola Castellano, Enrico Paci and Daniela Pigini
Toxics 2025, 13(9), 707; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13090707 - 22 Aug 2025
Viewed by 1019
Abstract
Background: Developmental toxicity is defined as adverse effects induced either during pregnancy or as a result of parental exposure. While considerable attention has been devoted to maternal exposure to such chemicals, the role of paternal exposure has often been regarded as less significant. [...] Read more.
Background: Developmental toxicity is defined as adverse effects induced either during pregnancy or as a result of parental exposure. While considerable attention has been devoted to maternal exposure to such chemicals, the role of paternal exposure has often been regarded as less significant. Objective: This study aims to highlight the impact of male-mediated developmental toxicity. Methods: An online search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar to identify studies focusing on developmental toxicity in offspring associated with paternal exposure during the preconception period. Results: The scientific literature—ranging from studies on pharmaceutical use to substances of abuse (notably tobacco, alcohol, opioids, and cannabinoids), as well as occupational and environmental exposure to specific compounds (e.g., phthalates, certain organic solvents, pesticides)—indicates that paternal exposure to developmental toxicants can adversely affect offspring health through various biochemical mechanisms. Conclusions: There is substantial experimental evidence of male-mediated developmental toxicity for various chemicals, demonstrating a particular vulnerability of the male germ line to transmissible effects. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the biochemical pathways underlying this toxicity. Evidence in humans is more challenging to interpret; however, numerous findings—both concerning substances of abuse and occupational exposures—raise concerns regarding the potential developmental risks to offspring. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exposure to Chemicals and Health Effects in Occupational and Everyday Settings)
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24 pages, 2639 KB  
Review
Cement Industry Pollution and Its Impact on the Environment and Population Health: A Review
by Alina Bărbulescu and Kamal Hosen
Toxics 2025, 13(7), 587; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13070587 - 14 Jul 2025
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 8624
Abstract
The cement industry, a foundation of global infrastructure development, significantly contributes to environmental pollution. Key sources of pollution include dust emissions; greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide; and the release of toxic substances such as heavy metals and particulate matter. These pollutants contribute to [...] Read more.
The cement industry, a foundation of global infrastructure development, significantly contributes to environmental pollution. Key sources of pollution include dust emissions; greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide; and the release of toxic substances such as heavy metals and particulate matter. These pollutants contribute to air, water, and soil degradation and are linked to severe health conditions in nearby populations, including respiratory disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and increased mortality rates. Noise pollution is also a significant issue, inducing auditory diseases that affect most workers in cement plants, and disturbing the population living in the neighborhoods and fauna behavior. This review explores the pollution paths and the multifaceted impacts of cement production on the environment. It also highlights the social challenges faced by communities, underscoring the urgent need for stricter environmental policies and the adoption of greener technologies to mitigate the adverse effects of cement production on both the environment and human health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exposure to Chemicals and Health Effects in Occupational and Everyday Settings)
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Other

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22 pages, 1089 KB  
Systematic Review
A Systematic Review of Aircraft Disinsection Safety, Toxicity, and Tolerability
by Michael Klowak, Gregory D. Hawley, Syed Zain Ahmad, Candice Madakadze, Aquilla Reid-John, Jahmar Hewitt, Asal Adawi and Andrea K. Boggild
Toxics 2025, 13(11), 965; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13110965 - 9 Nov 2025
Viewed by 494
Abstract
Treatment of aircraft with insecticide in a procedure referred to as ‘disinsection’ is recommended to prevent the conveyance of arthropod vectors internationally and to mitigate the globalization of vector-borne infectious diseases. However, the full spectrum of human-based outcomes related to disinsection of conveyances [...] Read more.
Treatment of aircraft with insecticide in a procedure referred to as ‘disinsection’ is recommended to prevent the conveyance of arthropod vectors internationally and to mitigate the globalization of vector-borne infectious diseases. However, the full spectrum of human-based outcomes related to disinsection of conveyances has not been recently synthesized. A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the human safety and toxicity of insecticides used during the process of disinsecting international aircraft, marine vessels, rail, and ground transportation of mosquitoes. The systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024543998). The certainty of the evidence was rated, and key primary outcomes, including human health effects of conveyance disinsection, were synthesized. A total of 21 studies that described human health effects of conveyance disinsection and reported outcomes of safety, toxicity, and tolerability were included, and were of generally limited quality and high risk of bias, with low to very low certainty of estimates of effect. No high-quality studies investigating the safety, toxicity, or tolerability of disinsection were identified. Human health effects, including morbidity, including work days lost, adverse events including hospitalization, objective measures of insecticide toxicity, detectable and elevated urinary metabolites, and subjective reporting of symptoms consistent with acute insecticide poisoning, were reported by the small number of uncontrolled observational studies and public health surveillance reports included. Given the reports of significant morbidity, adverse events, and toxicity putatively attributable to aircraft disinsection, well-designed studies in exposed populations investigating the full range of human health impacts of disinsection on passengers and crew are urgently needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exposure to Chemicals and Health Effects in Occupational and Everyday Settings)
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