Enhanced Adsorption of Cooking Fume Pollutants By Loofah Carbon Modified By Fenton Reagents

In this study, natural loofah was used as a raw material to adsorb cooking fume pollutants after grinding into a powder (TGS), activation by phosphoric acid to generate activated loofah carbon (TGSC-0), and further modification by Fenton’s reagent (TGSC-1). SEM, GC-MS, FT-IR, and X-ray diffraction analyses, in addition to surface area and pore measurements, were used to characterize the adsorption performance of TGS, TGSC-0, and TGSC-1 toward cooking fume pollutants including oils, particulate matter, and non-methane hydrocarbon). TGSC-1 was the best adsorbent when compared against TGS and TGSC-0, and exhibited saturated adsorption capacities for oil, non-methane hydrocarbon (NMHC), PM2.5, and PM10 of 10.367 mg/g, 4.132 mg/g, 5.613 μg/g, and 16.486 μg/g, respectively. Microscopy indicated that the TGSC-1 surface was rougher than that of TGSC-0. In addition, the adsorption properties of TGSC-1 were enhanced due to abundant hydroxyl, carbonyl, and carboxyl groups on the material surfaces, while iron was also present in the amorphous form that was generated on TGSC-1 surfaces from Fenton’s reagent. As TGSC-1 mass increased, the adsorption breakthrough time and adsorption capacity for simulated cooking fumes (SCFs) gradually increased. Further, Langmuir models better fit the adsorption process based on the highest R2 values being observed for Langmuir model fitting curves of TGSC-1 adsorption of pollutants (i.e., oils, NMHC, PM2.5, and PM10) from SCF, suggesting that adsorption was primarily due to monolayer adsorption and that chemical adsorption plays a major role in this process. This study provides a theoretical basis for the application of TGSC adsorption technology in the treatment of cooking fumes.

Modified Camellia oleifera Shell Carbon with Enhanced Performance for the Adsorption of Cooking Fumes

Using Camellia oleifera shell (COS) as a raw material and phosphoric acid as the activator, activated Camellia oleifera shell carbon (COSC-0) was prepared and then modified by Fenton’s reagent (named as COSC-1). SEM, GC-MS, FTIR, and specific surface area and pore analyzers were used to study the adsorption performance of COS, COSC-0, and COSC-1 on cooking fumes. Results showed that COSC-1 was the best adsorbent compared with COS and COSC-0. The adsorption quantity and penetrating time of COSC-1 were 44.04 mg/g and 4.1 h, respectively. Most aldehydes could be adsorbed by COSC-1, which was due to the large number of carbonyl and carboxyl groups generated on the surface of COSC-1 from the action of Fenton’s reagent. The adsorption effect of COSC-1 on different types of pollutants in cooking fumes was analyzed based on the similar compatibility principle. COSC-1 showed a much higher adsorption effect on the strong polarity functional groups than on weak polar groups. The results provide a theoretical basis for the application of Camellia oleifera shell carbon adsorption technology in the treatment of cooking fumes.

Pesticide exposure and lung cancer risk: A case-control study in Nakhon Sawan, Thailand

Background: Pesticide exposure might increase risk of lung cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between the historical use of pesticides commonly found in Thailand, and lung cancer. Methods: This case-control study compared a lifetime pesticide exposure of 233 lung cancer cases, and 447 healthy neighbours matched for gender, and age (±5 years). Data on demographic, pesticide exposure and other related factors were collected using a face-to-face interview questionnaire. Associations between lung cancer and types of pesticides as well as individual pesticides were analyzed using logistic regression adjusted for gender (male, female), age (≤54, 55-64, 65-74, ≥75), cigarette smoking ( never smoked, smoked < 109,500, smoked ≥ 109,500), occupation (farmer, non-farmer), cooking fumes exposure (yes, no), and exposure to air pollution (yes, no). Results: It was found that lung cancer was positively associated with lifetime use of herbicides and insecticides. Compared to people in the nonexposed groups, those in Q3-Q4 days of using herbicides and insecticides had an elevated risk of lung cancer, with odds ratio (OR) between 2.20 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.24-3.89), and 3.99 (95% CI 1.62-7.11) (p < 0.001). For individual pesticides, those presenting a significant association with lung cancer were dieldrin (OR = 2.56; 95% CI 1.36-4.81), chlorpyrifos (OR = 3.29; 95 % CI 1.93-5.61), and carbofuran (OR = 2.10; 95% CI 1.28-3.42). It was also found, for the first time, carbofuran, glyphosate, and paraquat to be strongly associated with lung cancer. Conclusions: The results showed that lung cancer among Thai people in Nakhon Sawan province is associated with previous pesticide use. In addition to dieldrin and chlorpyrifos, we also found carbofuran, glyphosate, and paraquat to be associated with lung cancer. These issues should receive more attention since these chemicals are used widely.

Pesticide exposure and lung cancer risk: A case-control study in Nakhon Sawan, Thailand

Background: Pesticide exposure might increase risk of lung cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between the historical use of pesticides commonly found in Thailand, and lung cancer. Methods: This case-control study compared a lifetime pesticide exposure of 233 lung cancer cases, and 447 healthy neighbours matched for gender, and age (±5 years). Data on demographic, pesticide exposure and other related factors were collected using a face-to-face interview questionnaire. Associations between lung cancer and types of pesticides as well as individual pesticides were analyzed using logistic regression adjusted for gender (male, female), age (≤54, 55-64, 65-74, ≥75), cigarette smoking ( never smoked, smoked < 109,500, smoked ≥ 109,500), occupation (farmer, non-farmer), cooking fumes exposure (yes, no), and exposure to air pollution (yes, no). Results: It was found that lung cancer was positively associated with lifetime use of herbicides and insecticides. Compared to people in the nonexposed groups, those in Q3-Q4 days of using herbicides and insecticides had an elevated risk of lung cancer, with odds ratio (OR) between 2.20 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.24-3.89), and 3.99 (95% CI 1.62-7.11) (p < 0.001). For individual pesticides, those presenting a significant association with lung cancer were dieldrin (OR = 2.56; 95% CI 1.36-4.81), chlorpyrifos (OR = 3.29; 95 % CI 1.93-5.61), and carbofuran (OR = 2.10; 95% CI 1.28-3.42). It was also found, for the first time, carbofuran, glyphosate, and paraquat to be strongly associated with lung cancer. Conclusions: The results showed that lung cancer among Thai people in Nakhon Sawan province is associated with previous pesticide use. In addition to dieldrin and chlorpyrifos, we also found carbofuran, glyphosate, and paraquat to be strongly associated with lung cancer. These issues should receive more attention since these chemicals are used widely.

Pesticide exposure and lung cancer risk: A case-control study in Nakhon Sawan, Thailand

Background: Pesticide exposure might increase risk of lung cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between the historical use of pesticides commonly found in Thailand, and lung cancer. Methods: This case-control study compared a lifetime pesticide exposure of 233 lung cancer cases, and 447 healthy neighbours matched for gender, and age (±5 years). Data on demographic, pesticide exposure and other related factors were collected using a face-to-face interview questionnaire. Associations between lung cancer and types of pesticides as well as individual pesticides were analyzed using logistic regression adjusted for gender (male, female), age (≤54, 55-64, 65-74, ≥75), cigarette smoking ( never smoked, smoked < 109,500, smoked ≥ 109,500), occupation (farmer, non-farmer), cooking fumes exposure (yes, no), and exposure to air pollution (yes, no). Results: It was found that lung cancer was positively associated with lifetime use of herbicides and insecticides. Compared to people in the nonexposed groups, those in Q3-Q4 days of using herbicides and insecticides had an elevated risk of lung cancer, with odds ratio (OR) between 2.20 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.24-3.89), and 3.99 (95% CI 1.62-7.11) (p < 0.001). For individual pesticides, those presenting a significant association with lung cancer were dieldrin (OR = 2.56; 95% CI 1.36-4.81), chlorpyrifos (OR = 3.29; 95 % CI 1.93-5.61), and carbofuran (OR = 2.10; 95% CI 1.28-3.42). It was also found, for the first time, carbofuran, glyphosate, and paraquat to be strongly associated with lung cancer. Conclusions: The results showed that lung cancer among Thai people in Nakhon Sawan province is associated with previous pesticide use. In addition to dieldrin and chlorpyrifos, we also found carbofuran, glyphosate, and paraquat to be strongly associated with lung cancer. These issues should receive more attention since these chemicals are used widely.

PREVALENCE OF RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS AND PULMONARY FUNCTION STATUS OF RESTAURANT WORKERS

The cooking process may emit toxic compounds and airway irritants from both the fuel combustion and cooking fumes which is harmful to the respiratory health among the restaurant workers. A cross-sectional study of 243 restaurant workers from the selected restaurants in Sungai Long, Malaysia was conducted. The standardized British Medical Research Council questionnaire on Respiratory Symptoms (1986) was used during the interview to access the symptoms and the spirometry test was performed to evaluate the pulmonary functions of the participants. The data of socio-demography and occupational characteristics were also collected. The most complaint respiratory symptoms by the restaurant workers were breathlessness, which accounted for 33.7%, followed by wheezing (14%). The mean values of all pulmonary function tests (PFT) of the restaurant workers were within the normal range (>80%), except for the Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) (79.09%). The results of the bivariate statistical analysis, Chi-square, ANOVA and t-test, showed the determining factors of the respiratory health among the workers were workers’ age and gender in addition to the working duration and the ethnicity. The restaurant workers in Sungai Long were at risk of developing respiratory symptoms and lower pulmonary function values due to prolonged exposure to cooking fumes. Emphasis should be given to the safety and health of restaurant workers and health education should be provided to the restaurant workers and owners. Strategies to increase notification of such occurrences among these workers should be looked into by related agencies in the country.

Pesticide exposure and lung cancer risk: A case-control study in Nakhon Sawan, Thailand

Background: Pesticide exposure might increase risk of lung cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between the historical use of pesticides commonly found in Thailand, and lung cancer. Methods: This case-control study compared a lifetime pesticide exposure of 233 lung cancer cases, and 447 healthy neighbours matched for gender, and age (±5 years). Data on demographic, pesticide exposure and other related factors were collected using a face-to-face interview questionnaire. Associations between lung cancer and types of pesticides as well as individual pesticides were analyzed using logistic regression adjusted for gender (male, female), age (≤54, 55-64, 65-74, ≥75), cigarette smoking ( never smoked, smoked < 109,500, smoked ≥ 109,500), occupation (farmer, non-farmer), cooking fumes exposure (yes, no), and exposure to air pollution (yes, no). Results: It was found that lung cancer was positively associated with lifetime use of herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides. Compared to people in the lowest quartile of number of days using the herbicides and insecticides, those in a higher quartile had an elevated risk of lung cancer, with odds ratio (OR) between 3.31 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.49–7.34), and 12.58 (95% CI 5.70-27.75) (p < 0.001). For fungicides, only the most exposed group had a significant risk (OR = 4.25; 95% CI 1.23-14.72). For individual pesticides, those presenting a significant association with lung cancer were dieldrin (OR = 2.56; 95% CI 1.36-4.81), chlorpyrifos (OR = 3.29; 95 % CI 1.93-5.61), and carbofuran (OR = 2.10; 95% CI 1.28-3.42). Conclusions: The results showed that lung cancer among Thai people in Nakhon Sawan province is associated with previous pesticide use. This finding was consistent with previous studies in other parts of the world. Further study should focus on identifying more individual compounds that may cause lung cancer, as well as other types of cancer.