scholarly journals Microplastics in the Environment: Intake through the Food Web, Human Exposure and Toxicological Effects

Toxics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 224
Author(s):  
Concetta Pironti ◽  
Maria Ricciardi ◽  
Oriana Motta ◽  
Ylenia Miele ◽  
Antonio Proto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Web ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Human Exposure ◽  
Prolonged Exposure ◽  
Aquatic Organisms ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Toxicological Effects ◽  
Toxicological Studies ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Short Time

Recently, studies on microplastics (MPs) have increased rapidly due to the growing awareness of the potential health risks related to their occurrence. The first part of this review is devoted to MP occurrence, distribution, and quantification. MPs can be transferred from the environment to humans mainly through inhalation, secondly from ingestion, and, to a lesser extent, through dermal contact. As regards food web contamination, we discuss the microplastic presence not only in the most investigated sources, such as seafood, drinking water, and salts, but also in other foods such as honey, sugar, milk, fruit, and meat (chickens, cows, and pigs). All literature data suggest not-negligible human exposure to MPs through the above-mentioned routes. Consequently, several research efforts have been devoted to assessing potential human health risks. Initially, toxicological studies were conducted with aquatic organisms and then with experimental mammal animal models and human cell cultures. In the latter case, toxicological effects were observed at high concentrations of MPs (polystyrene is the most common MP benchmark) for a short time. Further studies must be performed to assess the real consequences of MP contamination at low concentrations and prolonged exposure.

Trace elements in skin-contact clothes and migration to artificial sweat: Risk assessment of human dermal exposure

2016 ◽  
Vol 87 (6) ◽  
pp. 726-738 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joaquim Rovira ◽  
Martí Nadal ◽  
Marta Schuhmacher ◽  
José L Domingo
Keyword(s):  
Trace Elements ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Hazard Quotient ◽  
Dermal Exposure ◽  
Environmental Scanning ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Skin Contact ◽  
Artificial Sweat ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
And Migration

The concentrations of a considerable number of trace elements (Ag, Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Sn, Sr, Ti, Tl, V and Zn) were determined in various skin-contact clothes (T-shirts, blouses, socks, baby pajamas and bodies) from the Catalan (Spain) market. In addition, migration experiments with artificial acidic sweat were conducted in order to establish the migration rates of these elements. High levels of Zn (186–5749 mg/kg) were found in zinc pyrithione labeled T-shirts, while high concentrations of Sb and Cr were found in polyester and black polyamide fabrics, respectively. An environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) confirmed the presence of Ag and Ti particles and aggregates in several clothing items. The use of the ESEM complemented the results of the elemental analysis and migration experiments. Dermal exposure to trace elements was subsequently calculated, and the human health risks were assessed. Antimony showed the highest mean hazard quotient (HQ = 0.4) for male and female adults wearing polyester clothes; for one of the examined items (polyester T-shirt) the HQ was even above the safety limit (HQ > 1). Exposure to Sb from polyester textile could mean potential health risks in subpopulation groups who frequently wear these clothes, and for long time periods. The migration experiments with artificial sweat showed to be essential for establishing the exposure to trace elements through cloth with direct contact with skin.

scholarly journals Levels of PAHs in the Waters, Sediments, and Shrimps of Estero de Urias, an Estuary in Mexico, and Their Toxicological Effects

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Foday M. Jaward ◽  
Henry A. Alegria ◽  
Jose G. Galindo Reyes ◽  
Armando Hoare
Keyword(s):  
Aquatic Organisms ◽  
Toxicity Tests ◽  
Lower Growth ◽  
Fish Embryos ◽  
Toxicological Effects ◽  
Water And Sediment ◽  
Dry Seasons ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Protein Alterations ◽  
Sources Of Contamination

PAHs were measured in water, sediment, and shrimps of Estero de Urias, an estuary in Sinaloa, Mexico, during the rainy and dry seasons, and analyzed for eleven PAHs routinely detected in samples. Phenanthrene was the most dominant congener in the water, sediment, and shrimp samples comprising about 38, 24, and 25%, respectively, of the eleven PAHs detected, followed by pyrene and naphthalene in water and sediment samples, and pyrene and fluorine in the shrimp samples. Total PAH concentrations ranged from 9 to 347 ng/L in water, 27 to 418 ng/g in sediments, and 36 to 498 ng/g in shrimps. The sources of contamination are closely related to human activities such as domestic and industrial discharge, automobile exhausts, and street runoff. High concentrations were also measured during the rainy season and during the first quarter of the year. Toxicity tests were also carried out, exposing fish embryos and juvenile shrimps to some of these PAHs. Fish embryos exposed to PAHs showed exogastrulation, while juvenile shrimps showed significantly lower growth rates than controls. DNA and protein alterations were also observed. These toxicity tests indicate that PAH concentrations measured could be dangerous to some aquatic organisms, particularly during early stages of development.

scholarly journals Seasonal Source Identification And Source-Specific Health Risk Assessment of Pollutants On Road Dust In Tianjin

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jingshu Wang ◽  
Jinhui Jeanne Huang ◽  
Catherine Mulligan
Keyword(s):  
Health Risk ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Human Exposure ◽  
Hazard Index ◽  
Road Dust ◽  
Carcinogenic Risk ◽  
Exhaust Emission ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Different Seasons ◽  
Specific Health

Abstract Human exposure to metals on road dust might have potential health risks through touching, ingesting, and inhaling. There were limited studies to link seasonal emission sources to health risks from metals on road dust. In this study, metals on road dust from different functional areas were seasonally monitored. The pollutant sources in study city varied slightly with the seasons, but the major pollutant source in the particular study site were significantly affected by the seasons. By combining the source apportionment model (PMF), line sources model and health risk models (HI: Hazard index and ILCR: Incremental Lifetime Carcinogenic risk), industrial and construction activity was identified as the crucial source of both the pollutants on road dust (29% - 47%), and the HI for adults (27% - 45%) and children (41% - 50%) in different seasons. The traffic non-exhaust emission dominated in the carcinogenic risks for children in spring (45%) and summer (36%). Factors such as seasons, particle size, metal bioavailability, human exposure time, and exposure area were all taken into consideration to avoid overestimating or underestimating health risks. The carcinogenic risks for children (1.6 E-06) and adults (2.8 E-06) exposed to Cr both exceed the minimum threshold (10-6). Measured metals mainly posed hazard to human health through ingestion route. Pb and Mn, Fe and Mn were the main harmful elements that induced non-carcinogenic risks for adults and children, respectively. Effectively identifying the source-specific health risks in different seasons will help in the formulation of adaptive strategies to diminish the potential risks.

Inevitable human exposure to emissions of polybrominated diphenyl ethers: A perspective on potential health risks

2020 ◽  
Vol 266 ◽  
pp. 115240
Author(s):  
Naga Raju Maddela ◽  
Kadiyala Venkateswarlu ◽  
Dhatri Kakarla ◽  
Mallavarapu Megharaj
Keyword(s):  
Health Risks ◽  
Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers ◽  
Human Exposure ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Diphenyl Ethers

Regulation of Pesticides in Canada

1988 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 331-340 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonard Ritter ◽  
Patricia B. Curry
Keyword(s):  
Human Exposure ◽  
Expert Advice ◽  
Animal Testing ◽  
Predictive Toxicology ◽  
Department Of Agriculture ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Department Of Health ◽  
Toxicological Studies ◽  
Chemical Studies ◽  
The Relationship

Pesticides are registered in Canada under the authority of the Pest Control Products Act (PCP), administered by the Department of Agriculture. The Department of Agriculture calls upon various federal departments, including Health & Welfare Canada, to provide expert advice on hazards which may be associated with the use of the product. The Department of Health and Welfare requires and reviews a range of toxicological studies to assess potential health hazards which may be associated with exposure to the chemical. Studies required include acute, sub-acute, chronic, reproduction, teratology and metabolism. In addition, exposure studies are also required to provide estimates of anticipated human exposure during typical field use of the chemical In summary, the various steps involved in the registration of pesticides will be discussed and the relationship between the predictive toxicology as determined through animal testing and exposure estimates for estimating hazard will be shown.

scholarly journals An Overview of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in the Environment: Source, Fate, Risk and Regulations

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 3590
Author(s):  
Ziyad Abunada ◽  
Motasem Y. D. Alazaiza ◽  
Mohammed J. K. Bashir
Keyword(s):  
Health Risks ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Human Exposure ◽  
Physicochemical Characterization ◽  
Real Field ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Research Areas ◽  
Polyfluoroalkyl Substances ◽  
Exposure Routes

The current article reviews the state of art of the perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) compounds and provides an overview of PFASs occurrence in the environment, wildlife, and humans. This study reviews the issues concerning PFASs exposure and potential risks generated with a focus on PFAS occurrence and transformation in various media, discusses their physicochemical characterization and treatment technologies, before discussing the potential human exposure routes. The various toxicological impacts to human health are also discussed. The article pays particular attention to the complexity and challenging issue of regulating PFAS compounds due to the arising uncertainty and lack of epidemiological evidence encountered. The variation in PFAS regulatory values across the globe can be easily addressed due to the influence of multiple scientific, technical, and social factors. The varied toxicology and the insufficient definition of PFAS exposure rate are among the main factors contributing to this discrepancy. The lack of proven standard approaches for examining PFAS in surface water, groundwater, wastewater, or solids adds more technical complexity. Although it is agreed that PFASs pose potential health risks in various media, the link between the extent of PFAS exposure and the significance of PFAS risk remain among the evolving research areas. There is a growing need to address the correlation between the frequency and the likelihood of human exposure to PFAS and the possible health risks encountered. Although USEPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) recommends the 70 ng/L lifetime health advisory in drinking water for both perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFO) perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which is similar to the Australian regulations, the German Ministry of Health proposed a health-based guidance of maximum of 300 ng/L for the combination of PFOA and PFOS. Moreover, there are significant discrepancies among the US states where the water guideline levels for the different states ranged from 13 to 1000 ng L−1 for PFOA and/or PFOS. The current review highlighted the significance of the future research required to fill in the knowledge gap in PFAS toxicology and to better understand this through real field data and long-term monitoring programs.

Methods of experimental polyploidization and their use in apple breeding

2020 ◽  
Vol 62 ◽  
pp. 85-90
Author(s):  
L. V. Tashmatova ◽  
O. V. Matsneva ◽  
T. M. Khromova ◽  
V. V. Shakhov
Keyword(s):  
Exposure Time ◽  
Cell Walls ◽  
Prolonged Exposure ◽  
Ornamental Plants ◽  
Colchicine Treatment ◽  
Apple Trees ◽  
Open Ground ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Diploid Gametes

The article presents methods of experimental polyploidy of fruit, berry and ornamental plants. The purpose of this review is to highlight the problems and prospects of polyploidization of plants in the open ground and in vitro culture and the possibility of their application for apple trees. For the purpose of obtaining apple tetraploids as donors of diploid gametes, seed seedlings were treated with a solution of colchicine in concentrations of 0.1-0.4 % for 24 and 48 hours. Colchicine concentrations of 0.3 % and 0.4 % at 48 hours of treatment had a detrimental eff ect on their development. As a result, tetraploids and chimeras were obtained from seeds from free pollination of the varieties Orlik, Svezhest, Kandil Orlovsky, as well as from seeds obtained from crossing the varieties Svezhest×Bolotovskoe, Moskovskoe Оzherel’e×Imrus, Girlyanda×Venyaminovskoe. The optimal concentration of colchicine was 0.1 %. Methods of colchicine treatment have been studied: 1) adding to the nutrient medium, colchicine concentration: 0.01%, 0.02%, exposure time 24h-19 days; 2) applying amitotic solution to the growth point, colchicine concentration: 0.1 %, 0.2 %, exposure time 24h-7 days. To increase the penetration of colchicine through the cell walls, a 0.1 % dimexide solution was used. Studies have shown that high concentrations and prolonged exposure to colchicine reduce the viability of explants.

scholarly journals Placenta-Expanded Stromal Cell Therapy in a Rodent Model of Simulated Weightlessness

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 940
Author(s):  
Linda Rubinstein ◽  
Amber M. Paul ◽  
Charles Houseman ◽  
Metadel Abegaz ◽  
Steffy Tabares Ruiz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Risks ◽  
Stromal Cells ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Medical Intervention ◽  
Hindlimb Unloading ◽  
Simulated Weightlessness ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Long Duration ◽  
Induced Changes ◽  
Splenic Atrophy

Long duration spaceflight poses potential health risks to astronauts during flight and re-adaptation after return to Earth. There is an emerging need for NASA to provide successful and reliable therapeutics for long duration missions when capability for medical intervention will be limited. Clinically relevant, human placenta-derived therapeutic stromal cells (PLX-PAD) are a promising therapeutic alternative. We found that treatment of adult female mice with PLX-PAD near the onset of simulated weightlessness by hindlimb unloading (HU, 30 d) was well-tolerated and partially mitigated decrements caused by HU. Specifically, PLX-PAD treatment rescued HU-induced thymic atrophy, and mitigated HU-induced changes in percentages of circulating neutrophils, but did not rescue changes in the percentages of lymphocytes, monocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, T-cells and splenic atrophy. Further, PLX-PAD partially mitigated HU effects on the expression of select cytokines in the hippocampus. In contrast, PLX-PAD failed to protect bone and muscle from HU-induced effects, suggesting that the mechanisms which regulate the structure of these mechanosensitive tissues in response to disuse are discrete from those that regulate the immune- and central nervous system (CNS). These findings support the therapeutic potential of placenta-derived stromal cells for select physiological deficits during simulated spaceflight. Multiple countermeasures are likely needed for comprehensive protection from the deleterious effects of prolonged spaceflight.

scholarly journals Impact of Bacillus in fermented soybean foods on human health

2021 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Trishala Gopikrishna ◽  
Harini Keerthana Suresh Kumar ◽  
Kumar Perumal ◽  
Elavarashi Elangovan
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Bioactive Compounds ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Fermented Soybean ◽  
Food Pathogens ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Fermented Soybean Foods

Abstract Purpose Fermented soybean foods (FSF) is popularly consumed in the South-East Asian countries. Bacillus species, a predominant microorganism present in these foods, have demonstrated beneficial and deleterious impacts on human health. These microorganisms produce bioactive compounds during fermentation that have beneficial impacts in improving human health. However, the health risks associated with FSF, food pathogens, biogenic amines (BAs) production, and late-onset anaphylaxis, remain a concern. The purpose of this review is to present an in-depth analysis of positive and negative impacts as a result of consumption of FSF along with the measures to alleviate health risks for human consumption. Methods This review was composed by scrutinizing contemporary literature of peer-reviewed publications related to Bacillus and FSF. Based on the results from academic journals, this review paper was categorized into FSF, role of Bacillus species in these foods, process of fermentation, beneficial, and adverse influence of these foods along with methods to improve food safety. Special emphasis was given to the potential benefits of bioactive compounds released during fermentation of soybean by Bacillus species. Results The nutritional and functional properties of FSF are well-appreciated, due to the release of peptides and mucilage, which have shown health benefits: in managing cardiac disease, gastric disease, cancer, allergies, hepatic disease, obesity, immune disorders, and especially microbial infections due to the presence of probiotic property, which is a potential alternative to antibiotics. Efficient interventions were established to mitigate pitfalls like the techniques to reduce BAs and food pathogens and by using a defined starter culture to improve the safety and quality of these foods. Conclusion Despite some of the detrimental effects produced by these foods, potential health benefits have been observed. Therefore, soybean foods fermented by Bacillus can be a promising food by integrating effective measures for maintaining safety and quality for human consumption. Further, in vivo analysis on the activity and dietary interventions of bioactive compounds among animal models and human volunteers are yet to be achieved which is essential to commercialize them for safe consumption by humans, especially immunocompromised patients.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document