Search Results (354)

Mercury is an element with potential risk to fish and those who consume it. Thus, this study aimed to determine the levels of total mercury (THg), carry out a health risk assessment related to the consumption of the freshwater stingrays Potamotrygon motoro, and determine the physical and chemical properties of the water where stingrays occur. Stingrays of the species P. motoro were obtained from the Amazon River, and samples of the animals’ musculature were collected to determine THg levels. Risk assessment was conducted using pre-established formulas of estimated monthly intake (EMI), maximum monthly intake rate (IRmm), and hazard quotient (HQ). Three population scenarios were evaluated, considering both sexes and differences between rural and urban areas. There was no relationship between weight and THg concentration nor between total length and THg concentration. Higher EMI values were observed in rural children; for the IRmm, male children had the lowest consumption levels. For the hazard quotient, there was a similarity between the three age groups when comparing the male and female sexes. In addition, the representatives of the rural area always had lower values than the urban area. Freshwater stingrays, like other elasmobranchs, can be crucial animal species because they act as sentinels in studies that assess harmful chemicals like mercury. Full article

Santa Gertrudes (SG) and Rio Claro (RC), Sao Paulo, Brazil, are located in a ceramic industrial park zone, and their particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 µm (PM₁₀) concentration levels has been among the highest in recently monitored cities in Brazil. Local PM₁₀ was mostly composed of silica. A cross-sectional study was designed to evaluate the lung functions of public high school students in SG, RC, and São Pedro (SP) (control location), Brazil, in 2018. The prevalence of asthma, mean PM_10, FVC (forced vital capacity), and FEV₁ (forced expiratory volume in the first second) were compared between the locations, and regression analyses were performed. A total of 450 students were included (SG: 158, RC: 153, and SP: 139). The mean FVC% (SG: 95.0% ± 11.8%, RC: 98.8% ± 12.9%, SP: 102.4% ± 13.8%, p < 0.05), the mean FEV₁% (SG: 95.7% ± 10.4%, RC: 99.7% ± 12.0%, SP: 103.2% ± 12.0%, p < 0.05) and the mean PM₁₀ (SG: 77.75 ± 38.08 µg/m³, RC: 42.59 ± 23.46 µg/m³, SP: 29.52 ± 9.87 µg/m³, p < 0.01) differed between locations. In regression models, each increase in PM₁₀ by 10 µg/m³ was associated with a decrease in FVC% by 1.10% (95% CI 0.55%–1.65%) and a decrease in FEV₁% by 1.27% (95% CI 0.75%–1.79%). Exposure to high levels of silica-rich environmental PM₁₀ was found to be associated with lower FVC and FEV₁. Full article

Plastics, due to their varied properties, find use in different sectors such as agriculture, packaging, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and construction, to mention a few. Excessive use of plastics results in a lot of plastic waste buildup. Poorly managed plastic waste (as shown by heaps of plastic waste on dumpsites, in free spaces, along roads, and in marine systems) and the plastic in landfills, are just a fraction of the plastic waste in the environment. A complete picture should include the micro and nano-plastics (MNPs) in the hydrosphere, biosphere, lithosphere, and atmosphere, as the current extreme weather conditions (which are effects of climate change), wear and tear, and other factors promote MNP formation. MNPs pose a threat to the environment more than their pristine counterparts. This review highlights the entry and occurrence of primary and secondary MNPs in the soil, water and air, together with their aging. Furthermore, the uptake and internalization, by plants, animals, and humans are discussed, together with their toxicity effects. Finally, the future perspective and conclusion are given. The material utilized in this work was acquired from published articles and the internet using keywords such as plastic waste, degradation, microplastic, aging, internalization, and toxicity. Full article

Mycotoxins, produced by fungi as secondary metabolites, have the potential to induce both short-term and long-term toxic consequences in animals and humans. The present study aimed to determine multi-mycotoxin levels in Algerian workers using urine as the target. A method based on a QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) extraction procedure followed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was optimized and validated for the determination of eleven mycotoxins in 96 urine samples. Different sorbents were tested to be used in the dispersive solid-phase extraction (d-SPE) cleanup step of QuEChERS. The final method was fit-for-purpose and showed good analytical performance in terms of specificity, linearity, and precision. All samples contained at least two mycotoxins, and toxin-2 (T-2) was the most common, being found in 92.7% of the samples, followed by zearalenone (ZEN) in 90.6% of positive samples, and ochratoxin A (OTA) in 86.4%. T-2 levels ranged from 0.3 μg/L to 36.3 μg/L, while OTA ranged from 0.3 μg/L to 3.5 μg/L, and ZEN ranged from 7.6 μg/L to 126.8 μg/L. This was the first mycotoxin biomonitoring study carried out in the Algerian population. The findings highlight the need for accurate data for better risk assessment and for the development of better regulation to manage mycotoxin contamination in this country. Full article

Landfills pose an important public health risk, especially in historically disenfranchised communities that are disproportionately sited for landfills and in rural areas where private wells may be impacted. Landfills are major sources of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that migrate into the surrounding environment. This study characterized PFAS in surface waters adjacent to two landfills, one in Sampson County (SC) and one in Orange County (OC) in North Carolina. In addition to municipal solid waste and construction and demolition waste, the landfill in SC accepts industrial sludge from a chemical plant that produces proprietary PFAS. Over four months, 35 surface water samples were collected at upstream, landfill-adjacent, and downstream/downgradient sites. Thirty-four PFAS were analyzed using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectroscopy. Of those, six novel and six legacy PFAS were detected. Legacy PFAS were detected in surface water near both landfills, with the highest concentrations adjacent to the landfill. Novel PFAS were only detected in surface water near the SC landfill and showed the highest concentrations adjacent to the landfill, indicating offsite migration of PFAS. These findings support the need for more comprehensive and frequent monitoring of groundwater and surface water wells near landfills and stricter regulation regarding the landfilling of industrial materials. Full article

Governments face challenges in resolving complex health and social policy conflicts, such as the community water fluoridation (CWF) impasse in Calgary. Track Two diplomacy, informal dialogues facilitated by an impartial third party, is proposed to address these issues amid epistemic conflict and declining public trust in fellow citizens, science, and government. This study examined Track Two diplomacy’s application in Calgary’s CWF policy conflict. Collaborating with policymakers and community partners, the research team explored a Track Two–CWF process and conducted 21 semi-structured interviews with policymakers, scholars, practitioners, observers, and civil society representatives. Data interpretation explored contextual factors, conflict transformation potential, and design features for a Track Two process. A conflict map revealed factors contributing to impasse: the polarizing nature of a binary policy question on fluoridation; disciplinary silos; failed public engagement; societal populism; societal lack of disposition to dialogue; individual factors (adverse impact of conflict on stakeholders, adherence to extreme positions, issue fatigue, apathy, and lack of humility); together with policy-making factors (perceived lack of leadership, lack of forum to dialogue, polarization and silos). Participants suggested reframing the issue as nonbinary, involving a skilled facilitator, convening academics, and considering multiple dialogue tracks for a Track Two process. The first theory of change would focus on personal attitudes, relationships, and culture. Participants expressed cautious optimism about Track Two diplomacy’s potential. Track Two diplomacy offers a promising approach to reframe intractable public health policy conflicts by moving stakeholders from adversarial positions to jointly assessing and solving problems. Further empirical evidence is needed to test the suggested process. Full article

Prenatal exposure to potentially toxic metals (PTM) may impair fetal growth (FG). We investigated the relationship between maternal exposure to lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and manganese (Mn) and birth weight (BW) of 74 newborns. Blood was collected during the second trimester of pregnancy to determine Pb (PbB) and Cd (CdB), while hair (MnH) and toenails (MnTn) were used for Mn. Samples were analyzed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry (GFAAS). Sociodemographic and BW data were collected from questionnaires and maternity records, respectively. The medians (P25th–P75th) of PbB, CdB, MnH, and MnTn were, respectively, 0.9 (0.5–1.8) µg/dL; 0.54 (0.1–0.8) µg/L; 0.18 (0.1–0.4) µg/g; and 0.65 (0.37–1.22) µg/g. The means (standard deviation) of birth weight according to sex were 3067 (426.3) and 3442 (431) grams, respectively, for girls and boys. MnTn presented an inverse correlation with the BW/gestational age ratio for girls (rho = −0.478; p = 0.018), suggesting the effect of sex modification. Although BW correlation with CdB was not statistically significant, hierarchical linear regression (beta = −2.08; 95% CI–4.58 to 0.41) suggested a fetotoxic effect. These results confirmed the threat PTMs may represent and the need for more extensive research to elucidate their role in inadequate FG in developing countries. Full article

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

Lead (Pb) poisoning remains a great public health challenge globally known to induce a wide range of ailments in both children and adults. The current study investigated the association of chronic environmental Pb exposure and immunomodulatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in adult males and females living in Kabwe, Zambia. The standard human cytokine/chemokine Milliplex assay was used to quantify plasma cytokines from four groups categorized as low (<10 μg/dL) and high (>10 μg/dL) blood lead level (BLL) groups, namely, low BLL female (n = 47; BLL = 3.76 μg/dL), low BLL Male (n = 43; BLL = 4.13 μg/dL), high BLL female (n = 21; BLL = 23.5 μg/dL), and high BLL male (n = 18; BLL = 23.7 μg/dL), respectively. The low BLL group was associated with increased TNF-α levels, and the high BLL group was associated with reduced TNF-α levels in female subjects. No associations between BLL and the levels of IL-8 and TNF-α cytokines were observed in either females or males, respectively. A negative correlation between BLL and TNF-α was found in female subjects, suggesting that an increase in BLL accompanied by a reduction in TNF-α. The reduced levels of circulating TNF-α in female subjects suggest that chronic Pb exposure could predispose females to immune and inflammation-related disorders than their male counterparts. Further studies are recommended to ascertain the impact of chronic Pb exposure on immunomodulatory cytokines, especially in females. Full article

Glyphosate is an active ingredient in herbicides. Exposure to glyphosate-based herbicides has been associated with respiratory dysfunctions in agricultural workers. The ability of inhaled glyphosate to induce lung inflammation is not well understood. Further, the role of adhesion molecules in glyphosate-induced lung inflammation has not been studied. We evaluated lung inflammatory responses from single and repeated glyphosate exposures. Male C57BL/6 mice were intranasally exposed to glyphosate (1 μg/40 μL) for 1 day or once daily for 5 days or 10 days. Lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were collected and analyzed. Repeated exposure to glyphosate for 5 days and 10 days resulted in an increase in neutrophils in BAL fluid and higher eosinophil peroxidase levels in lungs, with leukocyte infiltration further confirmed through lung histology. Repetitive exposure to glyphosate increased IL-33 and Th2 cytokines IL-5 and IL-13. A single glyphosate treatment revealed expression for ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and vWF adhesion molecules in the perivascular region of lung sections; with repeated treatment (5 and 10 days), adhesion molecule expression was found in the perivascular, peribronchiolar, and alveolar regions of the lungs. Repetitive exposure to glyphosate induced cellular inflammation in which adhesion molecules may be important to the lung inflammatory process. Full article

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are secondary metabolites produced by plants as a self-defense against insects. After bioactivation in the liver, some PAs can cause acute or chronic toxicity in humans. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of PAs in 121 samples of monofloral and multifloral honey from three different Italian regions (Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Marche and Calabria) to meet the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) suggestion. An in-house liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was validated according to European Union Reference Laboratory (EURL) performance criteria. This method allowed the detection and quantification of 35 PAs. Of the 121 honey samples, 38 (31%), mostly from Calabria, contained PAs. The total content of the PAs ranged from 0.9 µg/kg to 33.1 µg/kg. In particular, echimidine was the most prevalent PA. A rapid human exposure assessment to PAs in honey and a risk characterization was performed using the EFSA RACE tool. The assessment highlighted a potential health concern only for toddlers who frequently consume elevated quantities of honey. This study showed a low presence of PAs in Italian honey; however, the importance of continuously monitoring these compounds is stressed, along with the suggestion that the relevant authorities establish maximum limits to guarantee support for producers and consumer safety. Full article