scholarly journals Occurrence of Disinfection By-Products in Swimming Pools in the Area of Thessaloniki, Northern Greece. Assessment of Multi-Pathway Exposure and Risk

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (24) ◽  
pp. 7639
Author(s):  
Akrivi Sdougkou ◽  
Kyriaki Kapsalaki ◽  
Argyri Kozari ◽  
Ioanna Pantelaki ◽  
Dimitra Voutsa
Keyword(s):  
Management Strategies ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Carcinogenic Risk ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Dermal Absorption ◽  
Residual Chlorine ◽  
Swimming Pools ◽  
Northern Greece ◽  
Exposure Routes ◽  
By Products

This study investigated the occurrence of disinfection by-products (DBPs) (trihalomethanes (THMs), haloacetic acids (HAAs), halonitriles (HANs), halonitromethane (TCNM) and haloketones (HKs)) in different type of swimming pools in the area of Thessaloniki, northern Greece by employing the EPA methods 551.1 and 552.3. Moreover, general water quality parameters (pH, residual chlorine, dissolved organic carbon, UV254 absorption, total nitrogen, alkalinity and conductivity) were also measured. The concentrations of DBPs showed great variability among swimming pools as well as within the same pool between sampling campaigns. HAAs exhibited the highest concentrations followed by THMs, HANs, TCNM and HKs. Exposure doses for four age groups (3–<6 y, 6–<11 y, 11–<16 y and adults) were calculated. Route-specific exposures varied among DBPs groups. Inhalation was the dominant exposure route to THMs and TCNM (up to 92–95%). Ingestion and dermal absorption were the main exposure routes to HAAs (40–82% and 18–59%, respectively), depending on the age of swimmers. HANs contributed up to 75% to the calculated cytotoxicity of pool water. Hazard indices for different exposure routes were <1, suggesting non-carcinogenic risk. Inhalation posed the higher carcinogenic risk for THMs, whereas risk via oral and dermal routes was low. Ingestion and dermal contact posed the higher risk for HAAs. Risk management strategies that minimise DBPs exposure without compromising disinfection efficiency in swimming pools are necessary.

scholarly journals Health risk of swimming pool disinfection by-products: a regulatory perspective

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 947-957 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamás Pándics ◽  
Ádám Hofer ◽  
Gyula Dura ◽  
Márta Vargha ◽  
Tamás Szigeti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Risks ◽  
Inhalation Exposure ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Direct Calculation ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Carcinogenic Risk ◽  
National Standards ◽  
Swimming Pools ◽  
Pool Water ◽  
By Products

Abstract While disinfection of swimming pools is indispensable for microbiological safety, it may lead to the formation of disinfection by-products. Most studies agree that inhalation exposure is the predominant pathway of the associated health risks, but assumptions are based on concentrations measured in water and evaporation models. Pool water and air were sampled in 19 swimming pools. Trihalomethanes were detected in all sites; chloroform being the most abundant species. Concentrations ranged between 12.8–71.2 μg/L and 11.1–102.2 μg/m3 in pool water and air, respectively. The individual lifetime carcinogenic risk associated with chloroform in swimming pools exceeded 10−6 in all age groups for recreational swimmers and 10−5 for elite swimmers and staff, even if the pool complied with the national standards. Inhalation exposure was estimated and found to be the most relevant, however, different mass transfer models from water measurements significantly under- or overestimated the health burden compared to direct calculation from the concentration in air. The observed health risks call for defining regulatory values and monitoring requirement of indoor air quality in swimming pools.

scholarly journals An exploration of disinfection by-products formation and governing factors in chlorinated swimming pool water

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 861-892 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huma Ilyas ◽  
Ilyas Masih ◽  
Jan Peter van der Hoek
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Dichloroacetic Acid ◽  
Swimming Pool ◽  
Residual Chlorine ◽  
Swimming Pools ◽  
Who Guidelines ◽  
Global Database ◽  
Pool Water ◽  
Swimming Pool Water ◽  
By Products

Abstract This paper investigates disinfection by-products (DBPs) formation and their relationship with governing factors in chlorinated swimming pools. The study compares concentrations of DBPs with WHO guidelines for drinking water quality recommended to screen swimming pool water quality. The statistical analysis is based on a global database of 188 swimming pools accumulated from 42 peer-reviewed journal publications from 16 countries. The mean and standard deviation of dichloroacetic acid and trichloroacetic acid were estimated as 282 ± 437 and 326 ± 517 μg L−1, respectively, which most often surpassed the WHO guidelines. Similarly, more than half of the examined pools had higher values of chloral hydrate (102 ± 128 μg L−1). The concentration of total chloramines (650 ± 490 μg L−1) was well above the WHO guidelines in all reported cases. Nevertheless, the reported values remained below the guidelines for most of the studied pools in the case of total trihalomethanes (134 ± 160 μg L−1), dichloroacetonitrile (12 ± 12 μg L−1) and dibromoacetonitrile (8 ± 11 μg L−1). Total organic carbon, free residual chlorine, temperature, pH, total nitrogen and bromide ions play a pivotal role in DBPs formation processes. Therefore, proper management of these governing factors could significantly reduce DBPs formation, thereby, contributing towards a healthy swimming pool environment.

scholarly journals Occurrence of trihalomethane in relation to treatment technologies and water quality under tropical conditions

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-83
Author(s):  
A. A. G. D. Amarasooriya ◽  
S. K. Weragoda ◽  
M. Makehelwala ◽  
R. Weerasooriya
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Water Supply ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Water Quality Parameters ◽  
Residual Chlorine ◽  
Treatment Technology ◽  
Tropical Conditions ◽  
Treatment Technologies ◽  
Resident Time ◽  
By Products

Abstract Distribution of most prevalent disinfection by-products, trihalomethanes (THMs) in relation to treatment technology and common water quality parameters (turbidity, conductivity, color, pH, and residual chlorine) was examined for two water supply schemes (WSS) in Sri Lanka (locations: Greater Kandy-WSS (GKWSS) (80.56–80.66 °E, 7.28–7.38 °N) and Kandy South-WSS (KSWSS) (80.49–80.63 °E, 7.21–7.30 °N). In both treatment plants, only CHCl3 and CHCl2Br were detected in appreciable concentrations and total THMs (TTHMs) values were well below the WHO limits (80 μg/L). TTHMs variations ranged from 0 to 16 μg/L and 0 to 54 μg/L in GKWSS and KSWSS, respectively. Highest TTHM value (54 μg/L) was found in KSWSS which employs pulsation treatment technology. Correlations between CHCl3 and CHCl2Br in both water schemes are noteworthy, but THM levels relate to most of the water quality parameters ambiguously. However, a distinct relationship is observed between THM levels and degree of chlorination, resident time, pipeline corrosion, and temperature. THM formation increased towards the boundaries of most of the sub-water supply schemes (SWSS).

scholarly journals Human health impact assessment and temporal distribution of trace elements in Copșa Mică- Romania

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katalin Bodor ◽  
Zsolt Bodor ◽  
Alexandru Szép ◽  
Róbert Szép
Keyword(s):  
Trace Elements ◽  
Hazard Quotient ◽  
Temporal Distribution ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Temporal Variations ◽  
Carcinogenic Risk ◽  
Dermal Absorption ◽  
Safe Limit ◽  
Adults And Children ◽  
Mean Concentration

AbstractThe present study aims to analyze the temporal variations of PM10 and to assess the health risk indexes caused by trace elements from particulate matter (PM10) via inhalation, ingestion, and dermal absorption by adults and children in Copșa Mică (Romania) during 2009–2019. The results revealed a high multi-annual mean concentration of PM10 and trace elements. The analyzed air pollutants showed a decreasing trend during the studied years, therefore 44.11%, 43.48%, 36.07%, 16.02%, and 15.80% lower values were observed for As, Cd, Ni, PM10, and Pb, respectively, due to environmental regulations. The daily exceedance percentage of Pb and Cd was very high, representing 21.74% and 11.26%, followed by PM10 and As concentrations with 4.72% and 3.92%. The ratio between the trace element concentration measured in Copșa Mică and the country average was 2.46, 4.01, 2.44 and 10.52 times higher for As, Cd, Ni and Pb. The calculated Hazard Quotient values via inhalation were higher than the safe limit (1), which accounted 1.81, 3.89 and 4.52, for As, Cd and Ni, respectively, indicating that the trace elements might present a non-carcinogenic risk to both adults and children. Furthermore, the concentration of all studied trace elements in Copșa Mică showed cancer risk for adults via inhalation and dermal absorption as well.

scholarly journals Smoking habits among the hospital staff of a General Hospital in Northern Greece: a long way for smoke-free hospitals

2016 ◽  
Vol 65 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Vagropoulos ◽  
T. Tsilchorozidou ◽  
G. Tsinopoulos ◽  
Z. Salonikidou ◽  
M. Mouratova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Hospital ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Negative Influence ◽  
Current Smoker ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Smoking Habits ◽  
Northern Greece ◽  
Public Areas ◽  
Tobacco Education

Background and Aim. The aim of the study was to evaluate the smoking habits of all staff working in a General Hospital, and to examine whether these habits comply with the introduction of a tobacco law in July 2002, where smoking in enclosed public areas, including hospital buildings, has been forbidden in Greece. Methods. All hospital staff in Serres General Hospital was asked to complete and return a questionnaire about their smoking habits. The questionnaire was voluntary and anonymous. The survey was conducted from October 2003 to January 2004. Results. Six hundred and twenty three (74%) of the 847 members of staff responded; 310 (50%) were current smokers and 313 (50%) were non-smokers of whom 101 (32%) were ex-smokers. The prevalence of current smokers was the highest among nurses (57%) and the lowest among doctors (31%). Male smokers (42%) were outnumbered by female smokers (54%) in all age groups up to the age of 60 years (p&lt;0,01), although the reverse is the trend in Greek population (47% and 29%, respectively). The highest rate of smokers was found at the age group of 31- 40 years (60%), while these above sixty years had the smallest (29%). Seventy percent of current smokers had at least one family member who was current smoker vs 49% of non-smokers (p&lt;0,001). The vast majority of smokers (94%) continued to smoke in hospital, of whom 62% smoke more than 5 cigarettes while at work. Conclusions. The high rate of smokers among the health professionals compared to those in the general population would probably have a negative influence on the development, implementation and inspection of workplace smoking bans in Greece. Increased efforts to promote tobacco education and intervention among doctors and nurses and to establish specialist smoking cessation services throughout the National Health Service should be the standard component of antismoking policy for the law to be effective.

Chronic Urticaria: A Canadian Perspective on Patterns and Practical Management Strategies

2000 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 89-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jasdeep K. Sharma ◽  
Robert Miller ◽  
Scott Murray
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Urticaria ◽  
Complete Blood Count ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Channel Blockers ◽  
Prick Test ◽  
Allergy Test ◽  
Causative Factors ◽  
Selection Of

Background: Chronic urticaria is a common condition and is a source of great frustration to patients. It has been suggested that there may be differences among physicians in their approach to this common clinical entity. Objective and Method: A questionnaire was distributed Canada-wide to allergists, dermatologists, and a selection of practitioners with an interest in alternative medicine. The survey included questions on demographics, epidemiology, causative factors, diagnostic methods, therapeutic strategies, follow-up advice, and efficacy of therapies, with emphasis on personal experience. Results: The response rates of allergists and dermatologists were 31% and 36%, respectively. There was wide representation from all regions of Canada and from physicians from all age groups, both genders, different types of practice, and years in practice. The reported incidence per month was 13 and 4 patients for allergists and dermatologists, respectively. The prevalence was 199 and 44 patients by allergists and dermatologists, respectively. Comparison of causative factors showed differences in the experiences of the two groups. Diagnostic investigations were requested in a similar pattern with respect to timing. The specific tests ordered by the groups showing statistical difference were complete blood count (CBC), differential, C4 complement, antinuclear antibodies, and IgE antibody assay. Allergists chose the skin prick test (100%) as the most important allergy test. Dermatologists ranked skin prick (50%), radioallergosorbent test (RAST) (20%), and skin patch (30%) as the most important tests. The top six choices of pharmaceutical therapies chosen by the groups were similar, but in a slightly different order. The responders ranked their personal selection of antihistamines according to effectiveness. Hydroxyzine (Atarax®) and cetirizine (Reactine®, Allegra®) were selected as first and second most effective agents by both groups. The results also show effective experience by both groups with nonsedating and sedating antihistamines. Also, doxepin, ketotifen, and cimetidine are used frequently by both groups. The experience of dermatologists in Canada with respect to other modalities including psoralen ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy, danazol, chelation, calcium channel blockers, and acyclovir is limited and efficacy is ranked either neutral or ineffective. Allergists reported even less experience with these therapies. Conclusion: Allergists and dermatologists across Canada show interesting similarities and differences in their practical approach to the management of chronic urticaria. With the sharing of this information, these two specialties will be better equipped to effectively manage patients suffering from chronic urticaria.

scholarly journals Using osteological measurements to estimate body length in Amazonian manatees

2021 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 156-161
Author(s):  
Gisele de Castro Maciel VALDEVINO ◽  
Vera Maria Ferreira DA SILVA ◽  
Rodrigo de Souza AMARAL
Keyword(s):  
Body Length ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
The Body ◽  
Simple Linear Regression ◽  
Age Classes ◽  
Linear Measurements ◽  
Behavioral Studies ◽  
Condylobasal Length

ABSTRACT Body length is an important parameter in morphological, ecological and behavioral studies of a species and contributes to the understanding of the body condition of individuals. This parameter is essential for conservation and management strategies by informing studies evaluating growth rates, physical maturity and classification of individuals into age groups, promoting better accuracy for the biological parameters of the species. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of body length for Amazonian manatees (Trichechus inunguis) using metric characters of osteological materials. Eleven linear measurements of skull, jaw, scapulae and humeri were collected from 41 Amazonian manatee skeletons of different age classes (calf, juvenile and adult). Data were analyzed by simple linear regression. The condylobasal length was the best predictor of body length for the species (R = 0.943), however, all bones evaluated showed at least one measurement with the capacity to predict body size (R2 > 0.9). Results of this study are useful for inferring body length of Amazonian manatees using bones deposited in museums and biological collections, expanding the informative potential of these materials.

The study of interrelationship between raw water quality parameters, chlorine demand and the formation of disinfection by-products

2009 ◽  
Vol 34 (13-16) ◽  
pp. 806-811 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md. Pauzi Abdullah ◽  
Lim Fang Yee ◽  
Sadia Ata ◽  
Abass Abdullah ◽  
Basar Ishak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Water Quality Parameters ◽  
Raw Water ◽  
Chlorine Demand ◽  
Raw Water Quality ◽  
By Products

scholarly journals Optimal pH in chlorinated swimming pools – balancing formation of by-products

2013 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 465-472 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kamilla M. S. Hansen ◽  
Hans-Jørgen Albrechtsen ◽  
Henrik R. Andersen
Keyword(s):  
Body Fluid ◽  
Product Formation ◽  
Swimming Pools ◽  
Batch Experiments ◽  
Ph Values ◽  
Precursor Ratio ◽  
Decreasing Ph ◽  
Ph Range ◽  
By Products ◽  
Optimal Ph

In order to identify the optimal pH range for chlorinated swimming pools, the formation of trihalomethanes, haloacetonitriles and trichloramine was investigated in the pH-range 6.5–7.5 in batch experiments. An artificial body fluid analogue was used to simulate bather load as the precursor for by-products. The chlorine-to-precursor ratio used in the batch experiments influenced the amounts of by-products formed, but regardless of the ratio the same trends in the effect of pH were observed. Trihalomethane formation was reduced by decreasing pH, but haloacetonitrile and trichloramine formation increased. To evaluate the significance of the increase and decrease of the investigated organic by-products at the different pH values, the genotoxicity was calculated based on literature values. The calculated genotoxicity was approximately at the same level in the pH range 6.8–7.5 and increased when pH was 6.7 or lower. An optimal pH range for by-products formation in swimming pools was identified at pH 7.0–7.2. In the wider pH range (pH 6.8–7.5), the effect on by-product formation was negligible. Swimming pools should never be maintained at lower pH than 6.8 since formation of both haloacetonitriles and trichloramine increase significantly below this value.

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