scholarly journals Contamination by Hazardous Elements in Low – Priced Children’s Plastic Toys Bought on the local Markets of Karachi, Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dur-e-Shahwar Gul ◽  
Anam Gul ◽  
Asad Khan Tanoli ◽  
Tehseen Ahmed ◽  
Mubashir Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
The United States ◽  
Safety Regulation ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Consumer Product Safety Commission ◽  
Local Markets ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
Regulatory Limits ◽  
Plastic Toys ◽  
Contamination Levels ◽  
Infants And Young Children

Abstract Children’s plastics toys maybe contain toxic metals to which infants and young children can be orally exposed and may pose acute or chronic adverse health effects. The objectives of this research were to evaluate the total metal concentrations (TMCs) of Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Zn, Cu, and Mn in children’s plastic Toys Bought in the local markets of Karachi, Pakistan, and compared TMCs to different regulatory limits. Total 44 children’s plastic toys sourced in the Karachi local markets had analyzed by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer for heavy metals contaminations. These toy samples had divided into two groups; Plastic toys (DCT) and Plastic toys with paints or coatings (DPCT). For plastic toys, 83% (19) of samples had TMCs that exceeded European Union (EU) toy safety regulation limits for Pb, and 65% (15) of samples that exceeded for Cd. For plastic toys with paints or coating, 43% (9) of samples had TMCs that exceeded EU migration limits for Pb and 24% (5) for Cd. More than 20 samples exceeded the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (U.S. CPSC), Canadian, and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) toy safety regulation limits. In toys samples (n = 44) very high TMCs of Pb (64%), Cd (45%), Cr(5%), and Ni (2%) were observed. Zn, Cu, and Mn TMCs were also existing but below the Regulation limits. The Contamination levels of Pb, Cd, Cr, and Ni and smaller extent of Zn, Cu, and Mn still pose health issues in children and may cause serious problems in their health.

VINYL AND LINOLEUM FLOORING: HEALTH ISSUES AS PERCEIVED BY LAY PEOPLE AND ARCHITECTS

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 159-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emina K. Petrović ◽  
Brenda Vale ◽  
Marc S. Wilson
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
General Population ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
The United States ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
Chemical Content ◽  
Level Of Knowledge ◽  
Legislative Changes ◽  
Set Up

Recently more information has emerged on possible adverse health effects associated with some building and furnishing materials, leading to or initiating legislative changes towards their reduction or elimination in many parts of the world. However, more general knowledge of the health risks associated with building and furnishing materials could make a significant contribution to improvements in indoor air quality. A study was set up to evaluate the level of knowledge in the relevant literature and the general population (from New Zealand, United Kingdom and the United States), and New Zealand architectural professionals. The results for vinyl and linoleum are presented, these being two flooring materials very similar in terms of appearance and application, but different in terms of chemical content and possible impact on health. The article indicates significant issues with the level of reported knowledge, with participants from the general population struggling to differentiate between vinyl and linoleum, and professionals reporting more prevalent use of vinyl, which they rate as less healthy.

Volatile N-Nitrosamines in Infant Pacifiers Sold in the United States as Determined by Gas Chromatography/Thermal Energy Analysis

1986 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-34
Author(s):  
Stanley M Billedeau ◽  
Harold C Thompson ◽  
Barbara J Miller ◽  
Marilyn L Wind
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Gas Chromatography ◽  
Thermal Energy ◽  
Energy Analysis ◽  
Extraction Procedure ◽  
The United States ◽  
Consumer Product Safety Commission ◽  
Enforcement Policy ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Contamination Levels

Abstract Volatile N-nitrosamines in infant latex rubber pacifiers were determined using a modification of a previously described dichloromethane extraction procedure, followed by gas chromatography/thermal energy analysis. Under an interagency agreement between the National Center for Toxicological Research and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), data were obtained on the baseline and compliance concentrations of volatile N-nitrosamines in infant pacifiers sold in the United States. Pacifiers made by 18 different manufacturers before and after the January 1, 1984 action level of 60 ppb was set by the CPSC were analyzed for volatile N-nitrosamines. N-Nitrosodibutylamine was the principal N-nitrosamine found, along with trace amounts of N-nitrosodimethylamine, N-nitrosodiethylamine, and N-nitrosopiperidine. Mean total volatile N-nitrosamine levels for baseline and compliance samples were 63.9 and 21.2 ppb, respectively. The pacifier lots sampled after January 1, 1984 showed a significant decrease in contamination levels, indicating that at least 98% of the market share is in compliance with the CPSC enforcement policy for N-nitrosamines in infant pacifiers sold in the United States.

scholarly journals Mycotoxin Occurrence, Exposure and Health Implications in Infants and Young Children in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Review

Foods ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 1585
Author(s):  
Cynthia Adaku Chilaka ◽  
Angela Mally
Keyword(s):  
Breast Milk ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Population Group ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Health Implications ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
Regulatory Limits ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Governmental Institutions ◽  
Infants And Young Children

Infants and young children (IYC) remain the most vulnerable population group to environmental hazards worldwide, especially in economically developing regions such as sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). As a result, several governmental and non-governmental institutions including health, environmental and food safety networks and researchers have been proactive toward protecting this group. Mycotoxins, toxic secondary fungal metabolites, contribute largely to the health risks of this young population. In SSA, the scenario is worsened by socioeconomic status, poor agricultural and storage practices, and low level of awareness, as well as the non-establishment and lack of enforcement of regulatory limits in the region. Studies have revealed mycotoxin occurrence in breast milk and other weaning foods. Of concern is the early exposure of infants to mycotoxins through transplacental transfer and breast milk as a consequence of maternal exposure, which may result in adverse health effects. The current paper presents an overview of mycotoxin occurrence in foods intended for IYC in SSA. It discusses the imperative evidence of mycotoxin exposure of this population group in SSA, taking into account consumption data and the occurrence of mycotoxins in food, as well as biomonitoring approaches. Additionally, it discusses the health implications associated with IYC exposure to mycotoxins in SSA.

Resorcinarene Cavitand Polymers for the Remediation of Halomethanes and 1,4-Dioxane

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luke Skala ◽  
Anna Yang ◽  
Max Justin Klemes ◽  
Leilei Xiao ◽  
William Dichtel
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Activated Carbon ◽  
High Capacity ◽  
The United States ◽  
Water Sources ◽  
Disinfection Byproducts ◽  
Porous Polymer ◽  
Organic Micropollutants ◽  
Executive Summary ◽  
Regulatory Limits

<p>Executive summary: Porous resorcinarene-containing polymers are used to remove halomethane disinfection byproducts and 1,4-dioxane from water.<br></p><p><br></p><p>Disinfection byproducts such as trihalomethanes are some of the most common micropollutants found in drinking water. Trihalomethanes are formed upon chlorination of natural organic matter (NOM) found in many drinking water sources. Municipalities that produce drinking water from surface water sources struggle to remain below regulatory limits for CHCl<sub>3</sub> and other trihalomethanes (80 mg L<sup>–1</sup> in the United States). Inspired by molecular CHCl<sub>3</sub>⊂cavitand host-guest complexes, we designed a porous polymer comprised of resorcinarene receptors. These materials show higher affinity for halomethanes than a specialty activated carbon used for trihalomethane removal. The cavitand polymers show similar removal kinetics as activated carbon and have high capacity (49 mg g<sup>–1</sup> of CHCl<sub>3</sub>). Furthermore, these materials maintain their performance in real drinking water and can be thermally regenerated under mild conditions. Cavitand polymers also outperform activated carbon in their adsorption of 1,4-dioxane, which is difficult to remove and contaminates many public water sources. These materials show promise for removing toxic organic micropollutants and further demonstrate the value of using supramolecular chemistry to design novel absorbents for water purification.<br></p>

Epidemiology of Technology Use and Mental Health in the United States

2020 ◽  
pp. 41-56
Author(s):  
Seth W. Whiting ◽  
Rani A. Hoff
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
United States ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Role Playing ◽  
The United States ◽  
Mass Scale ◽  
Online Gambling ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Mental Health Issues

Advancements in technologies and their mass-scale adoption throughout the United States create rapid changes in how people interact with the environment and each other and how they live and work. As technologies become commonplace in society through increased availability and affordability, several problems may emerge, including disparate use among groups, which creates divides in attainment of the beneficial aspects of a technology’s use and coinciding mental health issues. This chapter briefly overviews new technologies and associated emerging applications in information communication technologies, social media networks, video games and massively multiplayer online role-playing games, and online gambling, then examines the prevalence of use among the general population and its subgroups and further discusses potential links between mental health issues associated with each technology and implications of overuse.

Blood contamination of the pharmaceutical staff by irinotecan and its two major metabolites inside and outside a compounding unit

2021 ◽  
pp. 107815522110120
Author(s):  
Victoire Béchet ◽  
Hubert Benoist ◽  
Frédéric Beau ◽  
Fabienne Divanon ◽  
Stéphanie Lagadu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Cell ◽  
Red Blood Cell ◽  
Antineoplastic Drug ◽  
Blood Contamination ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
Healthcare Settings ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Drug Contamination ◽  
Contamination Levels

Background Caregivers in healthcare settings are exposed to a risk of antineoplastic drug contamination which can lead to adverse health effects. Biological monitoring is necessary to estimate the actual level of exposure of these workers. This study was conducted with the aim of assessing blood contamination levels by irinotecan and its metabolites of pharmaceutical staff operating inside and outside a compounding unit. Methods The study took place within the pharmaceutical unit of a French comprehensive cancer centre. Blood samples were collected from the pharmacy workers operating inside and outside the compounding unit, and analysed by UHPLC-MS/MS. Plasma and red blood cell irinotecan and its metabolites (SN-38; APC) were determined with a validated analytical method detection test. Results A total of 17/78 (21.8%) plasma and red blood cell-based assays were found to be contaminated among staff. Overall, the total number of positive assays was significantly higher for staff members working outside the compounding unit than for workers working inside it ( P = 0.022), with respectively 5/42 (11.9%) and 12/36 (33.3%) positive assays. For plasma dosages, the “outside” group had a significantly higher number of positive assays ( P = 0.014). For red blood cell-based assays, no significant difference was found ( P = 0.309). Conclusions This study reveals that pharmaceutical staff serving in health care settings are exposed to a risk of antineoplastic drug contamination, not only inside the compounding room but also in adjacent rooms. The results would help to raise awareness and potentially establish protective measures for caregivers working in areas close to the compounding room as well.

scholarly journals Ongoing downplaying of the carcinogenicity of chrysotile asbestos by vested interests

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xaver Baur ◽  
Arthur L. Frank
Keyword(s):  
Tobacco Industry ◽  
Scientific Journals ◽  
Chrysotile Asbestos ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
Mining Companies ◽  
Public Media ◽  
Overwhelming Evidence ◽  
Vested Interests ◽  
Liability Claims

AbstractIndustries that mine, manufacture and sell asbestos or asbestos-containing products have a long tradition of promoting the use of asbestos, while placing the burden of economic and health costs on workers and society. This has been successfully done in recent years and decades in spite of the overwhelming evidence that all asbestos types are carcinogenic and cause asbestosis. In doing so, the asbestos industry has undermined the WHO campaign to reach a worldwide ban of asbestos and to eliminate asbestos-related diseases. Even worse, in recent years they succeeded in continuing asbestos mining and consuming in the range of about 1.3 million tons annually. Nowadays, production takes place predominantly in Russia, Kazakhstan and China. Chrysotile is the only asbestos type still sold and represents 95% of asbestos traded over the last century.The asbestos industry, especially its PR agency, the International Chrysotile Association, ICA, financed by asbestos mining companies in Russia, Kazakhstan and Zimbabwe and asbestos industrialists in India and Mexico, continues to be extremely active by using slogans such as chrysotile can be used safely.Another approach of the asbestos industry and of some of its insurance agencies is to broadly defeat liability claims of asbestos victims.In doing so they systematically use inappropriate science produced by their own and/or by industry-affiliated researchers. Some of the latter were also engaged in producing defense material for other industries including the tobacco industry. Frequent examples of distributing such disinformation include questioning or denying established scientific knowledge about adverse health effects of asbestos. False evidence continues to be published in scientific journals and books.The persisting strong influence of vested asbestos-related interests in workers and public health issues including regulations and compensation necessitate ongoing alertness, corrections and appropriate reactions in scientific as well as public media and policy advisory bodies.

Grant writing: Moving from generating ideas to applying to grants that matter

2017 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 236-244
Author(s):  
David Nelson ◽  
Leslie Ruffalo
Keyword(s):  
Health Disparities ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Behavioral Science ◽  
The United States ◽  
Grant Writing ◽  
Psychosocial Issues ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Community Settings ◽  
Innovative Strategies ◽  
Fund Research

There is an extraordinary burden placed upon the healthcare system and people as a result of health disparities that exist within the United States. If there is going to be a concerted effort to develop innovative strategies to reduce health disparities, input from the community and behavioral scientists can and should be included in this approach and narrative. Grant writing provides one vehicle to express the narrative and to provide a means to fund research and programs within clinic-based and community settings. This paper describes a four-step inquiry process to guide healthcare professionals with varying degrees of clinical and scholarship interests through the grant writing process. They include: (1) Why write grants (motivations), (2) what is the area of focus? (Interests), (3) whom should be on the project? (partnerships), and (4) what needs to happen next to move the idea forward? (actions) The complexity of psychosocial issues means that behavioral science is well suited to develop both hypotheses-driven and phenomenological research to understand bio-psycho-social health issues. Grant writing does not need to be mysterious or daunting. It can provide a means to an end, not only to fund research but also as a means to an end of health disparities.

Occurrence of Ochratoxin A Contamination and Detection of Ochratoxigenic Aspergillus Species in Retail Samples of Dried Fruits and Nuts

2015 ◽  
Vol 78 (4) ◽  
pp. 836-842 ◽  
Author(s):  
JEFFREY D. PALUMBO ◽  
TERESA L. O'KEEFFE ◽  
YVONNE S. HO ◽  
CARLO J. SANTILLAN
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Ochratoxin A ◽  
The United States ◽  
Aspergillus Species ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Dried Fruits ◽  
Tree Nuts ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Contamination Levels ◽  
Potential Contaminant

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin produced by several species of Aspergillus and Penicillium and is a potential contaminant of a wide variety of food products. To determine the incidence of OTA contamination in dried fruits and tree nuts, retail packaged and bulk raisins, dates, figs, prunes, almonds, pistachios, and walnuts were collected from small and large supermarkets in seven areas of the United States between 2012 and 2014. Of the 665 samples analyzed, OTA was detected in 48 raisin samples, 4 fig samples, 4 pistachio samples, and 1 date sample. OTA contamination levels ranged from 0.28 to 15.34 ng/g in dried fruits and 1.87 to 890 ng/g in pistachios; two raisin samples and one pistachio sample exceeded the European Union regulatory limit of 10 ng/g. PCR detection of potential OTA-producing Aspergillus species revealed the presence of A. niger, A. welwitschiae, and A. carbonarius in 20, 7, and 7 of the 57 OTA-contaminated samples, respectively. However, OTA-producing A. carbonarius was isolated from only one raisin sample, and no other OTA-producing Aspergillus species were found. These results suggest that raisins are more frequently contaminated with low levels of OTA than are other dried fruits and nuts and that Aspergillus species are the likely source of that contamination.

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