ORGANOPHOSPHATE EXPOSURE, ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AND EXPOSURE RISK ASSESSMENT AMONG VEGETABLE FARMERS IN SABAH, MALAYSIA

Uncontrolled use of pesticides in agriculture may result in increased health risks. Organophosphate (OP) pesticides are widely used among vegetable farmers to control pests and increase productivity. The aim is to determine the organophosphate exposure, associated risk factors, and exposure risk assessment among vegetable farmers in Sabah. A cross-sectional study design in Kundasang, Sabah, Malaysia. We took a blood sample from participants for blood cholinesterase concentration measurements of pesticide exposure using the rapid test kit model Lovibond AF267. A validated questionnaire was used to collect the associated risk factors of vegetable farmers. The Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, Risk Control (HIRARC) guidelines were used for exposure risk assessment of OP exposure. The response rate was 91.1%. About 23.3% (38 out of 163) have abnormal blood cholinesterase. The significant associated risk factors were age [aOR=1.07, 95%CI (1.02,1.13)], Body Mass Index [aOR=8.60, 95%CI (2.80,26.51)], frequency of exposure a month [aOR=5.99, 95%CI (1.29,27.76)], had not attended pesticide safety training [aOR=9.08, 95%CI (2.97,27.74)], no designated pesticide storage [aOR=6.92, 95%CI (1.70,28.25)] and low practices scores on pesticide handling [aOR=6.01, 95%CI (1.97,18.36)]. The exposure risk assessment level for vegetable farmers was at low-medium risk. Organophosphate exposure among the vegetable farmers in Kundasang was higher than in other settings. The risk factors associated with organophosphate exposure were related to inadequate compliance to the standard occupational safety and health practices in agriculture. Exposure assessment revealed the opportunity for improvement by implementing the recommended control measures. Vegetable farmers need continuous support from relevant authorities. Further research is required to understand better the health risks among vegetable smallholder farmers in Sabah.

High particulate matter burden by cigarillos: A laser spectrometric analysis of second-hand smoke of common brands with and without filter

Although the global tobacco market of cigarillos is substantial, little is known about their particulate matter (PM) emissions. For exposure risk assessment of cigarillos, the PM fractions PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 of eight cigarillo brands (four with filters) and a reference cigarette were measured. For this purpose, second-hand smoke was generated by an automatic smoke pump in a measuring chamber with a volume of 2.88 m³. The mean particle concentrations of the cigarillos ranged from 2783 μg/m³ to 6686 μg/m³ for PM10, from 2767 μg/m³ to 6585 μg/m³ for PM2.5, and from 2441 to 4680 μg/m³ for PM1. Mean concentrations of the reference cigarette for PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 were 4400 μg/m³, 4335 μg/m³, and 3289 μg/m³, respectively. Filter-tipped cigarillos showed between 5% and 38% lower PM10 and PM2.5 levels, respectively, and between 4% and 30% lower PM1 levels. Our findings show generally high PM emissions for all investigated tobacco products. Therefore, the declaration of PM amounts to government authorities should be mandatory for all tobacco products. Policymakers should ensure that corresponding information will be provided in the future.

Determination of Acrylamide Levels in Infant Formulas and Baby Biscuits Sold in Turkey

Babies are more vulnerable to both environmental and dietary contaminants compared to adults. Hence, the safety of baby foods deserves to be given top priority. In this study, the acrylamide level of 56 different baby foods (6 infant formula and 10 baby biscuit brands) which are widely consumed and have a high level of awareness in Turkey, has been determined and evaluated with LC-MS/MS. Acrylamide level was measured in the range of <LOQ–578 µg kg-1 in infant formulas and 12.3–1,270 µg kg-1 in baby biscuits. The average acrylamide level in baby foods consumed by 0-5, 6-12, and >12 months children were determined to be 45.1, 62.5, and 88.6 µg kg-1, respectively. The average acrylamide level of baby biscuits is 233 µg kg-1. The average acrylamide level corresponding to 1 portion/scale in infant formulas and biscuits was calculated as 0.30 µg/30 mL and 4.72 µg/20 g, respectively. Research results can be used in acrylamide reduction and acrylamide exposure risk assessment studies.

Health and exposure risk assessment of heavy metals in rainwater samples from selected locations in Rivers State, Nigeria

Rainwater has being getting popularity in use due to lack of portable water sources in Nigeria. The study seeks to evaluate the health and exposure risk assessment of heavy metals from the usage of rainwater from inhabitants of four oil producing area of Rivers State, Nigeria. A total of 32 rainwater samples were collected from different sampling surfaces (ambient, zinc, aluminium, asbestos and stone-coated) to analyse for arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) using inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectrophotometer. Analysed concentration (mg/L) showed varying results across different sampling surfaces converted to average concentration (mg/kg) was below WHO/FAO recommended guideline with no issue associated. Health and Exposure risk assessment were performed on analysed results from rainwater samples as non-carcinogenic risk assessment showed that HI value is less than 1.0 indicating no risk to population who consumes rainwater across different roofing surfaces in Rivers state. Carcinogenic risk assessment showed that chromium-VI were found to be the highest contributor to cancer risk across all sampling surfaces. Special treatment and regulations should be taken into consideration especially on stone-coated roof before administering to children, as they are prone to health issues due to developing immunity compared to adults.