Search Results (57)

Evaluating the safety of botanical extracts for cosmetics has become mandatory, but it is often challenging because of their phytochemical complexity and limited toxicological data. In this study, the safety of aqueous Sophora flavescens root extract (SFRE), widely used in cosmetics, was assessed using an integrated approach combining in vitro, in silico, margin of safety (MoS), threshold of toxicological concern (TTC), and history of safe use (HSU). Chemical characterization was performed by literature review and LC–MS/MS analysis. SFRE was classified as non-irritant in in vitro skin and eye irritation tests conducted according to OECD TG439 and 492. Whole-extract and constituent-level in silico analysis and literature evaluation were conducted to assess genotoxicity and skin sensitization potential. For systemic toxicity, a 13-week oral repeat dose no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of 10 mg/kg bw/day for a decocted Sophorae radix extract was employed without compositional adjustment to calculate the acceptable systemic exposure dose of 0.10 mg/kg bw/day, which was slightly lower than the current usage of SFRE in cosmetics (up to 0.13 mg/kg/day). The TTC approach revealed that many bioactive constituents fell outside the applicability domain due to steroid moieties. HSU data from dietary supplements (32–64.67 mg/kg/day) could support the safety of the current use of SFRE in cosmetics. The findings highlight that a combined, case-by-case application of MoS, TTC, and HSU is essential for the robust safety assessment of complex botanical ingredients. Full article

Groundwater contamination by dissolved metals and metalloids in the Chiang Mai Basin is an important drinking-water concern, yet the coupled depth patterns, hydrogeochemical controls, composite contamination status, and screening-level health implications have not previously been assessed in an integrated basin-scale framework. This study evaluated 120 groundwater samples from alluvial wells classified by depth as shallow (≤30 m, n = 40), intermediate (31–60 m, n = 35), and deep (>60 m, n = 45). Samples were analyzed for nine dissolved metals and metalloids (Fe, Mn, As, Cd, Pb, Cr, Zn, Hg, and Se) together with pH, Eh, and total dissolved solids (TDS). The highest exceedance frequencies were observed for Fe (72.5% of samples, >0.3 mg/L acceptability threshold), Mn (65.0%, >0.08 mg/L), and As (45.8%, >10 μg/L). Fe and Mn increased significantly with depth, whereas As was enriched in deep wells but showed no statistically significant depth dependence. Pearson correlation and principal component analysis consistently identified a dominant redox-associated component in which Fe, Mn, and As covaried negatively with Eh, supporting redox-sensitive co-enrichment in deeper groundwater. Contamination factors calculated relative to selected global groundwater background values were >6 for all seven evaluated metals (Fe, Mn, As, Cd, Pb, Cr, and Zn), and the overall pollution load index (PLI) was 9.11, with the highest depth-specific PLI in deep wells (10.42). These indices are interpreted here as background-relative screening tools rather than stand-alone regulatory measures. A screening-level ingestion risk assessment identified arsenic as the dominant toxicological driver, with hazard quotients (HQ) of 1.97 for adults and 4.60 for children, and an estimated lifetime cancer risk (LCR) of 8.87 × 10^–4. The results support targeted monitoring of deeper wells, routine screening for As and Mn, and treatment strategies that can address the co-occurring Fe–Mn–As assemblage in alluvial groundwater. Full article

Bovine milk is a primary dietary source of nutrients and bioactive compounds. However, its safety is increasingly under threat due to contamination from mining and intensive agriculture. In the Peruvian Andes, where small-scale dairy farming coexists with historical environmental liabilities, identifying the transfer of metals into the food chain is essential for public health. This study quantifies the concentrations of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in raw milk from small-scale producers in rural districts in the province of Huancayo. Non-carcinogenic risks for populations aged 2–85 years were assessed under three consumption scenarios. Forty-five samples were analyzed using microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometry (MP-AES). The mean concentrations of Pb and Cd were 11.30 ± 18.94 µg/kg and 7.85 ± 18.11 µg/kg, respectively, which are below the maximum permissible limits (MPL). However, spatial analysis identified critical hotspots near smelters, where Pb levels reached 103 µg/kg, which is a significant exceedance of the MPL of 20 µg/kg. Toxicological modelling showed that the Hazard Index (HI) remained below the unity threshold (HI < 1) for all scenarios, ruling out immediate systemic risks. Nevertheless, the highest HI (0.78) was observed in two-year-old children in the high-consumption scenario, highlighting a localized neurodevelopmental concern. These findings emphasize the importance of georeferenced environmental monitoring and differentiated public health policies to mitigate the chronic low-level exposure to metals in vulnerable, high-altitude populations. Full article

Biogenic amines (BAs) are important qualitative indicators of quality, as they are produced by specific microbial strains and can therefore reflect the activity of specific spoilage organisms (SSOs). Their presence in food, including wine, provides valuable information on processing conditions, hygiene practices and storage management throughout the production chain. In wine, the accumulation of BAs—particularly histamine, tyramine and putrescine—is mainly associated with microbial activity during fermentation, especially malolactic fermentation, and may pose potential risks to consumer health. Despite the recognized toxicological relevance of BAs, current European Union (EU) regulations only establish limits for histamine in certain fish products, with no specific legal thresholds defined for wine. However, growing evidence on the interactions and adverse effects of BAs highlights the need to better address their occurrence in wine and to improve consumer awareness regarding safety and quality aspects. In addition to safety concerns, the implementation of good hygiene and manufacturing practices across the entire production process plays a crucial role in controlling BA levels in the final product. These factors, together with the intrinsic characteristics of wine, may influence consumer perception and choice, integrating aspects of health, production methods and product quality. Recent findings suggest a shift in perspective, where BAs are not only considered risk markers but also useful indicators for assessing wine quality and enhancing consumer safety. Full article

Silicone food contact materials (FCMs) pose potential health risks due to the migration of siloxanes. This study presents a comprehensive migration profiling of 35 siloxanes (cyclic D3–D22 and linear L2–L14) from 30 silicone FCMs, with migration tests rigorously conducted under worst-case intended-use scenarios to ensure conservative and reliable exposure estimates. Methodological innovations include an expanded analytical scope, age-stratified exposure assessment across seven age groups, and a multi-tiered risk evaluation framework. The results reveal that migration behaviors were affected by simulant polarity, siloxane solubility, and silicone thermal stability. The risk evaluation framework integrates aggregate migration limits for total cyclic (D3–D13) and total cyclic plus linear siloxanes (D3–D13, L3–L13), complemented by individual siloxane assessment via Risk Quotient (RQ) and Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC) approaches. While the total migration of cyclic siloxanes exceeded the proposed action limit of 12 mg/kg for adults in several samples and 2 mg/kg for children in most samples, granular assessment revealed divergent risks: Cyclic D4 and D5 showed negligible risk (RQ < 5). In contrast, D3 migration posed a potential concern (RQ > 5), especially for individuals aged >13 years. Notably, the estimated exposures to 14 siloxanes with low molecular weight (<1000 Da), including highly prevalent D6 and L12 with detection frequency >90%, exceeded the TTC threshold across all age groups, highlighting unaddressed risks that are not captured by aggregate action limits. This work underscores the need for substance-specific, age-specific risk evaluations and regulatory updates for silicone FCMs. Full article

Arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) are trace elements of major environmental and public health concern. Their relevance is due to their well-documented toxicological effects. In rapidly urbanizing port-industrial cities, soil contamination by these elements represents a critical challenge. This situation compromises sustainable urban development and environmental governance. This study had three main objectives: First, to evaluate the contamination status of As and Hg in urban soils using multiple geochemical indices; Second, to assess the potential human health risks associated with exposure in the urban environment of Talcahuano; Third, to identify the relative contributions of geogenic and anthropogenic sources based on spatial distribution patterns. A total of 420 soil samples were collected. These included 140 topsoil samples (TS; 0–10 cm), 140 subsoil samples (SS; 10–20 cm), and 140 deep-soil samples (DS; 150 cm). Arsenic concentrations were determined using hydride-generation atomic absorption spectrometry (HG-AAS). Mercury concentrations were measured by cold-vapour atomic absorption spectrometry (CV-AAS). Median As concentrations were 2.7 mg kg⁻¹ in TS, 3.1 mg kg⁻¹ in SS, and 2.5 mg kg⁻¹ in DS. The corresponding median Hg concentrations were 0.2 mg kg⁻¹ in TS and 1.4 mg kg⁻¹ in both SS and DS. Spatial distribution maps were generated through ordinary kriging interpolation. Geochemical baseline values were calculated using the median + 2 × MAD approach. The resulting baseline values were 7.8 mg kg⁻¹ for As and 3.6 mg kg⁻¹ for Hg. Contamination assessment was conducted using the geoaccumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), and contamination factor (Cf). Results indicate that most soils are classified as uncontaminated. Enrichment levels were minimal and contamination factors were low. Nevertheless, isolated outliers were identified. These included one significantly enriched As sample and several moderately enriched or slightly contaminated Hg samples. Human health risk assessment incorporated the Hazard Index (HI) and Total Carcinogenic Risk (TCR). Results indicate that neither non-carcinogenic nor carcinogenic risks exceed acceptable thresholds at any investigated soil depth. Spatial analysis suggests that anthropogenic activities are the dominant sources of As and Hg in the study area. Traffic emissions and industrial activities appear to be the primary contributors. Full article

Heavy metal contamination of surface waters poses serious environmental and public health concerns, particularly in industrialized river basins. This study presents an integrated assessment of heavy metal pollution and associated human health risks in the Nilüfer Stream (Bursa, Türkiye) based on a five-year monitoring dataset (2020–2024). Seasonal water samples collected from 15 stations along the main stream and its tributaries were analyzed for total concentrations of As, Al, B, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn. Pollution levels were evaluated using the Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI), Heavy Metal Evaluation Index (HEI), and Degree of Contamination (Cd), while non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks for adults and children were assessed via ingestion exposure following USEPA guidelines. Mean concentrations of Al, Fe, Mn, As, and Ni exceeded international drinking water guideline values, indicating significant contamination within the basin. All indices classified the Nilüfer Stream as severely polluted (HPI = 274.32; HEI = 49.59; Cd = 49.59), with higher values during summer and autumn due to reduced dilution. Principal component analysis revealed strong associations among Al, Fe, Mn, Ni, Cr, and Cu, suggesting a common origin likely related to cumulative anthropogenic inputs, while arsenic exhibited a distinct pattern linked to toxicological risk. Health risk assessment showed that the hazard index exceeded safe thresholds for both age groups, with children being more vulnerable. Arsenic and nickel were the main contributors to both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks, with arsenic posing an unacceptable lifetime cancer risk. Overall, the results indicate severe cumulative heavy metal pollution and associated health risks, highlighting the need for continuous monitoring, effective pollution control, and integrated river basin management. Full article

Mercury (Hg) contamination in deep-sea ecosystems is of increasing concern due to its strong bioaccumulation potential and implications for seafood safety. However, depth-resolved information on Hg speciation and tissue-specific accumulation in deep-sea fish remains limited, particularly in semi-enclosed marginal seas such as the East Sea of Korea. In this study, total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations were quantified in multiple tissues (muscle, liver, gill, bone, and skin) of deep-sea fish collected across a pronounced depth gradient (100–1300 m). Hg concentrations increased significantly with sampling depth (p < 0.05), indicating depth-driven enrichment processes. MeHg accounted for 61.8–87.4% of THg and predominated in muscle and liver, highlighting its toxicological relevance. Human health risk assessment based on Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) and Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) suggested that average exposure levels remained below international safety thresholds. Nevertheless, several deep-sea taxa (e.g., Lycodes tanakae and Malacocottus gibber) approached cautionary levels under high-consumption scenarios. These findings demonstrate that habitat depth is a key ecological driver of Hg accumulation in deep-sea fish and underscore the importance of depth-resolved, species-specific monitoring for effective seafood safety management as deep-sea fisheries expand. Full article

The global crisis concerning multidrug-resistant microorganisms necessitates the development of innovative antimicrobial strategies that avoid conventional antibiotics and overcome the toxicity and environmental persistence associated with traditional metal-based biocides. This work aims to develop safe and sustainable antibacterial filtration materials by integrating cationic hyperbranched polymer dendrimers (HBP) into electrospun nanofibers. Cationic HBPs were successfully embedded into recycled polyamide 6 nanofibers using industrial needleless electrospinning. Filtration efficiency, assessed against a 0.3 µm paraffin oil aerosol according to EN 149:2001, consistently exceeded 99.8%, meeting and surpassing the FFP3 classification threshold while maintaining low air resistance. The HBP-functionalized nanofibers exhibited pronounced contact-active antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Quantitative plate count assays confirmed viability reductions of up to 74.1% after 2 h of co-incubation. Crucially, the absence of inhibition zones in agar diffusion tests confirmed that the active polymer was stably embedded within the nanofiber matrix and did not leach. Comprehensive toxicological tests, including cell line and 3D human skin and airway tissue models, confirmed the material’s safety for both dermal and respiratory contact. This study presents a scalable, metal-free, and environmentally responsible next-generation filtration system that combines high mechanical efficiency with active antimicrobial functionality. Full article

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a major occupational concern in polyurethane foam production, where exposure may impact worker health. This study identified key VOCs and evaluated their concentrations across different sections of a polyurethane manufacturing facility. Area (n = 5) air samples were collected during routine full-load production using short-duration active sampling and analyzed by thermal desorption gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS). The results revealed marked spatial variability in VOC concentrations, with the curing section showing the highest totals. Dichloromethane (DCM) constituted the dominant VOC in high-emission zones. All measured concentrations of DCM and other regulated substances remained well below European and Polish short-term exposure limits. Quantitative health risk assessment demonstrated that lifetime cancer risk values for DCM and benzene were in the 10⁻⁶ range, far below the regulatory threshold of concern (10⁻⁴). Non-carcinogenic risk indices (HQ) were generally low; however, a markedly elevated HQ was identified for 1-hexanol, 2-ethyl- in the cutting area (HQ = 5.7), indicating a potential localized non-cancer health concern. Overall, existing protective measures appear effective, but additional targeted precautions are warranted in zones with elevated emissions. Enhanced ventilation, strengthened personal protective equipment, and routine air monitoring are recommended to minimize potential health risks. Regular updates of occupational safety standards should reflect evolving toxicological evidence to ensure sustainable protection of workers in polyurethane foam production. Full article

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) contains bioactive flavonoids and saponins, primarily liquiritin and glycyrrhizin, which exhibit pharmacological activities but also potential dose-dependent toxicity. This study aimed to establish an integrative workflow combining analytical chemistry, network pharmacology, and computational toxicology to evaluate the skin-related safety of these compounds. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed to quantify liquiritin and glycyrrhizin in licorice extract. Network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses were conducted to identify core toxicity-related targets. In silico toxicity and threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) assessments were performed using VEGA and database-driven prediction models to estimate dermal exposure risk. Liquiritin and glycyrrhizin were identified as major constituents of G. uralensis. Network analysis revealed three key targets—EGFR, STAT3, and SRC—linked to skin sensitivity and toxicological pathways, including TRP channel regulation and EGFR signaling. Molecular docking showed strong binding affinities to SRC. The threshold of toxicological concern evaluation indicated that liquiritin exposure remained below safety thresholds, while glycyrrhizin slightly exceeded but remained within acceptable limits. The proposed HPLC–network pharmacology–TTC workflow provides a novel, non-animal approach for early-stage cosmetic safety screening. Both compounds demonstrate acceptable safety margins, supporting their controlled use in dermal formulations. Full article

The increasing availability of colloidal silver dietary supplements raises important concerns regarding their safety when used for oral consumption. This study presents the physicochemical characterization of a commercial colloidal silver solution with a high concentration (1000 mg/L), stabilized with pectin in distilled water. The characterization was performed using UV-VIS, XRD, and TEM. The manufacturer did not provide information regarding nanoparticle size or recommended duration of use. The 1000 mg/L sample was also compared with a standard colloidal silver solution provided by Sigma Aldrich to validate nanoparticle size, stability, and spectral profiles. In addition, a comparative theoretical analysis was conducted on other commercially available products containing colloidal silver at concentrations of 15, 30, 55, 80, and 125 mg/L, based solely on the recommended daily intake and the oral reference dose of 0.005 mg/kg/day established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Although no in vivo or in vitro toxicity tests were performed, the results indicate a potential toxicological risk due to estimated intake levels that may exceed safety thresholds, particularly in high-concentration products with insufficient labelling or unclear usage guidelines. These findings emphasize the need for stricter regulatory measures and greater public awareness regarding the internal use of colloidal silver supplements. Full article

Emerging Alternaria mycotoxins tenuazonic acid (TeA), alternariol (AOH), alternariol monomethyl ether (AME), altenuene (ALT) and tentoxin (TEN) were detected in samples of spices and herbs. A total of 92 samples purchased in Italian markets were analyzed by using a UPLC-MS/MS method. TeA was the predominant mycotoxin with the highest percentage of positive samples (53%), followed by AME, AOH and TEN with overall means of 801.5, 2.4, 6.2 and 10.8 µg/kg, respectively. All samples were negative to ALT. The spices with higher levels of mycotoxins were flax seeds, paprika, red chili and licorice; regarding herbs, they were basil, sage and oregano. While TeA was found to be the most abundant mycotoxin equally in Italian and Lebanese samples, AOH and AME showed significantly lower levels in Italian samples, as Lebanese samples contained concentrations up to 14 times higher. Considering the mean levels of TeA in samples, the daily consumption of >8.7 g of flax seeds, >9.3 g of paprika and >5.8 g of red chili will exceed the threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) of TeA, which is 1500 ng/kg bw for a day. The high percentage of positive samples and the high levels of some mycotoxins observed demonstrate the susceptibility of spices and herbs to Alternaria mycotoxin contamination. These results provide an overview of emerging Alternaria mycotoxins in spices and herbs marketed in Italy and represent a valuable starting point to assess human exposure and support future studies aimed at establishing safe limits to protect human health. Full article

Toxicological risk assessment of chemicals without experimental toxicity data often relies on in silico predictions. However, models designed to predict inhalation toxicity associated with exposure to volatile chemicals in solution are unavailable. The aim of this research was to develop an approach to estimate toxicology-based maximum solution concentrations for novel odorants using in silico structure-based predictions. The decision trees were adapted from established open-source models for assessing mutagenicity (rule-based, ISS in vitro mutagenicity decision tree) and systemic toxicity (revised Cramer decision tree). These were implemented using Toxtree (v3.1.0), a freely available program. Thresholds of toxicologic concern (TTC) were then assigned based on the predicted hazard classification. We then used predicted vapor pressure derived from MPBPWIN™ using US EPA EPI Suite to calculate a solution concentration where inhalation exposure to a defined headspace volume would not exceed the TTC. The approach was evaluated using a published dataset of 143 chemicals with repeat exposure inhalation toxicity data, yielding health-protective predictions for 98.6% of the test set. This demonstrates that the proposed in silico approach enables the estimation of safe toxicology-based maximum solution concentrations for chemicals using open-source models and software. Full article

Strawberries are among the most consumed fruits in Europe, but intensive cultivation requires frequent pesticide use, raising food safety concerns. This study evaluated pesticide residues and dietary risk in strawberries from the Agro Aversano area (Southern Italy). A total of 83 samples collected in 2023–2024 were analyzed using a validated QuEChERS-LC–MS/MS method targeting 850 active substances. Thirty-one pesticides were detected, predominantly fungicides, followed by acaricides and insecticides. Cyflumetofen and pyrimethanil were the most frequent residues, while compounds with low toxicological thresholds, including emamectin benzoate, lambda-cyhalothrin, acetamiprid, and tetraconazole, were also identified. Dietary risk assessment was conducted with the EFSA PRIMo model (v.3.1), focusing on the NL toddler subgroup. Despite occasional exceedances of European Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), both acute and chronic exposures remained well below toxicological reference values (ADI and ARfD). Overall, the results indicate negligible health risks but highlight the relevance of cumulative exposure, underscoring the need for continuous monitoring and sustainable pest management practices to ensure strawberry safety. Full article