Background:Over 70% of Africans rely on polluting sources of energy for cooking. There is a paucity of epidemiological evidence on the burden of cooking fuel-related burns (CRBs) among women and children in low- and middle-income countries. Objectives:We estimated the prevalence of CRBs and association with main fuel choice among primary cooks and children 0-5 years of age in peri-urban areas in Kenya, Cameroon, and Ghana. Methods:We conducted a multisite cross-sectional survey in Mbalmayo, Cameroon; Obuasi, Ghana; and Eldoret, Kenya. Standardized questionnaires were administered between April 2019 and February 2020 to primary cooks. Questions included sociodemographic characteristics, primary fuel choice, and experience of burns within the previous 12 months. Overall and site-specific prevalence of CRBs were calculated, and their association with primary cooking fuel type was determined. Results:Overall, 128 out of 1,240 primary cooks [10.3%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 8.7, 12.2] reported at least one CRB during the previous 12 months. Most primary cooks had been burned multiple times ( median number of burns = 3 , interquartile range: 2-5). CRB prevalence among primary cooks in Mbalmayo (23.3%, 95% CI: 19.4, 27.5) was significantly higher than in Obuasi (3.3%, 95% CI: 1.7, 5.8) and Eldoret (3.2%, 95% CI: 1.7, 5.3). Among children, the overall prevalence of CRBs was 5.1% (95% CI: 3.7, 6.9; n = 42 ) and was comparable across sites: Mbalmayo, 6.5% (95% CI: 4.0, 10.0); Eldoret, 4.7% (95% CI: 2.5, 7.9); and Obuasi, 3.9% (95% CI: 1.9, 7.1). Overall, there was no significant difference in CRB prevalence among liquefied petroleum gas primary users compared with exclusive biomass users considering primary cooks (11.8% vs. 9.2%, p = 0.17 ) and children (4.4% vs. 5.5%, p = 0.95 ). Older age [adjusted odds ratio ( aOR ) = 0.6 ; 95% CI: 0.3, 0.9; p = 0.03 ] and higher income ( aOR = 0.3 ; 95% CI: 0.2, 0.5; p < 0.01 ) significantly lowered odds of CRBs. Conclusions:CRB prevalence among primary cooks between communities was high but was not related to the main choice of fuel for cooking across the selected study sites. Older age and higher income significantly reduced the risk of CRBs among both primary cooks and their children. https://doi.org/10.1289/JHP1095.
Background:Exposure to household air pollution from the combustion of solid fuels is a leading risk factor for death and disease in low- and middle-income countries, where cleaner cooking and lighting options are often unavailable. Few studies have measured personal exposure during pregnancy, a sensitive period of development, particularly in Africa. Objective:We aimed to characterize exposure during early to midpregnancy among women in Rwanda and to assess predictors of personal exposure, including stove and fuel type, cooking behaviors, housing conditions, sociodemographic characteristics, and other potential sources of exposure. Methods:We assessed 24-h baseline personal exposure data among 798 pregnant women in the Household Air Pollution Intervention Network (HAPIN) trial in Rwanda, including 717 with fine particulate matter ( PM 2.5 ), 569 with black carbon (BC), and 716 with carbon monoxide (CO) samples. Best subsets regression identified key predictors of personal PM 2.5 , BC, and CO exposure, defined by maximizing adjusted R 2 values and minimizing prediction errors (Mallow's CP and the Bayesian information criterion). Results:The 24-h median concentrations at baseline were 88.9 μ g / m 3 [ interquartile range ( IQR ) = 85.0 ], 10.9 μ g / m 3 ( IQR = 7.6), and 1.12 ppm ( IQR = 1.9) for PM 2.5 , BC, and CO, respectively. Households using kerosene as a primary lighting source had higher PM 2.5 levels ( median = 116 μ g / m 3 , IQR = 107) than those using electricity ( 64 μ g / m 3 , IQR = 69). Women in households with modified biomass stoves with a chimney had lower median values ( 48 μ g / m 3 , IQR = 52) for PM 2.5 , compared with those in households using open fires ( 113 μ g / m 3 , IQR = 74) and other traditional stove types ( 155 μ g / m 3 , IQR = 43) that yielded the highest values. Consensus models from the best subsets' regression explained 26% of the variation in PM 2.5 , 36% in BC, and 31% in CO concentrations. Conclusions:Based on a unique and large dataset describing personal exposure among pregnant women in rural Rwanda, lighting and cooking practices described some variability in household PM 2.5 concentrations, but overall, substantial unexplained variability remained. https://doi.org/10.1289/JHP1049.
Background:Household air pollution from biomass cookstoves is a major concern in low- and middle-income countries because it may be linked with increasing rates of metabolic disorders such as diabetes. We assessed cross-sectional associations between household air pollution concentrations and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Methods:We analyzed data from 346 women 40 to < 80 years of age who cooked with biomass fuel and were enrolled in the Household Air Pollution Intervention Network (HAPIN) Trial in Guatemala, India, Peru, and Rwanda. We explored associations of 24-h average personal exposure to fine particulate matter [PM ≤ 2.5 μ m in aerodynamic diameter ( PM 2.5 )], black carbon (BC), and carbon monoxide (CO) with HbA1c through individual pollutant linear models adjusted for potential confounders. We examined the effect modification of age, body mass index (BMI), and research site on the associations. Results:We did not observe evidence of associations between HbA1c (percentage points) and 1-unit increases in log-transformed PM 2.5 [ - 0.07 ; 95% confidence interval (CI): - 0.18 , 0.05], BC (0.01; 95% CI: - 0.15 , 0.13), or CO (0.07; 95% CI: - 0.24 , 0.10). Effect modification of the BC associations with HbA1c was observed for BMI and research site. An association in the hypothesized direction was observed among women with high BMI ( ≥ 25 kg / m 2 ): 0.13 (95% CI: - 0.06 , 0.31) compared with low BMI ( < 25 kg / m 2 ): - 0.17 (95% CI: - 0.38 , 0.04; p interaction = 0.04 ). In the Guatemala research site, there was an association in the hypothesized direction with HbA1c and log-transformed BC (0.36; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.70) that was countered by an association in the opposite direction as that hypothesized for the India site ( - 0.21 ; 95% CI: - 0.45 , 0.02) and associations consistent with the null association in the Peru and Rwanda sites ( p interaction = 0.05 ). No other evidence of effect modification was observed. Conclusions:Evidence suggests a need for further research to better understand household air pollution's influence on HbA1c, with particular attention on potential effect modifiers. https://doi.org/10.1289/JHP1053.
Background:Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) are regions with intense pesticide use. Numerous studies have demonstrated the adverse health effects associated with pesticide exposure. The embryonic and fetal periods are particularly susceptible to xenobiotics, with pesticides exhibiting potentially teratogenic effects. Objectives:The objective was to review the scientific literature on outcomes associated with prenatal pesticide exposure, identifying challenges and gaps in this field. Methods:We conducted a scoping review using terms related to pesticides, LAC, and pregnancy across six databases. The final search was conducted on 5 March 2024. The inclusion criteria for the studies were as follows: a) being human observational studies involving pregnant women of any age or gestational age duration, newborns from these pregnancies, or both; b) reporting any exposure to pesticide and any adverse outcome; c) having been conducted in any country of LAC; d) having been published between 1 January 2000 and 5 March 2024; e) having the full text available in English, Spanish, or Portuguese; and f) presenting original results. Nonoriginal research papers, such as qualitative studies, reviews, critical analyses, and opinion papers, were excluded. The included studies were categorized and presented based on the outcomes they evaluated. Results:We included 80 studies conducted in 13 countries; the included studies encompassed obstetric outcomes, anthropometric parameters, congenital anomalies, neurodevelopment, respiratory infections, and childhood leukemia, as well as molecular effects. Organochlorines were the primary type of exposure investigated among the included studies. Many studies relied on indirect measures of pesticide exposure. Discussion:Adverse outcomes associated with prenatal pesticide exposure have been observed in Latin American and Caribbean populations, consistent with the global literature. Significant knowledge gaps remain, especially regarding groups of pesticides other than organochlorines. Less than half of the countries in LAC have conducted any study on the potential effects of prenatal exposure. Ongoing research into the risks of prenatal exposure is imperative. It is essential to consider the region's unique characteristics, particularly when investigating the risks associated with pesticides authorized exclusively in this region. https://doi.org/10.1289/JHP1043.
Background:Rolling blackouts (planned power outages) are common in low- and middle-income countries, including South Africa. Recently, South Africa has experienced longer and more frequent rolling blackouts owing to its reliance on an aging electricity grid, among other challenges. During rolling blackouts, parts of the electricity grid are shut down, and the loss of power in homes, businesses, and industries across vast areas leads to a breakdown of key amenities required for environmental health. Objectives:This commentary contextualizes the existing consequences and potential implications of rolling blackouts for environmental health in South Africa. Discussion:We examined key areas where rolling blackouts affect environmental health, including water and sanitation, air quality, food safety, and socioeconomic challenges. Power outages have led to contamination of freshwater bodies with raw sewage due to resultant interruptions of wastewater treatment works. The use of generators and burning of dirty fuels during blackouts have added to outdoor and household air pollution. Rolling blackouts also expose people to unsafe food. Finally, we discuss some ways forward and the benefits of using renewable energy sources. A critical evaluation of these impacts underscores the urgent need for more sustainable energy solutions that safeguard environmental health in South Africa. https://doi.org/10.1289/JHP1090.
Background:Engaging in physical exercise in urban green spaces is increasingly recognized as a crucial factor for well-being, offering a range of benefits for physical, mental, and social health in growing urban environments. Objective:This systematic review aimed to analyze the scientific literature exploring the correlation between participating in physical exercise and sports activities in urban green spaces and the well-being of participants, encompassing physical, psychological, mental, and social aspects. Methods:This systematic review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search strategy included articles published in English, Spanish, or Portuguese within the databases Medline (PubMed), Scopus, and Web of Science (WoS) up to 15 June 2023. Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, which included descriptive and observational epidemiological study designs and a population of adults 18-65 years of age. The Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) tool was used to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. Results:A total of 6,634 studies were identified, of which 31 met all the inclusion criteria. The review identified evidence suggesting that physical exercise in urban green spaces can have a positive impact on health, including improvements in diastolic blood pressure and cardiovascular health, such as heart rate, heart rate variability, cardiac and vascular function, as well as mood and self-esteem. In addition, evidence supports an association with decreased stress and a lower risk for mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, in addition to a strengthening of social cohesion and social interaction. Discussion:This systematic review suggests that physical exercise in urban green spaces is associated with positive health outcomes. The findings support a link between such activities and improvements in physical, psychological, mental, and social well-being. Despite variations in defining urban green spaces, the results highlight the importance of promoting physical activity programs in these environments to enhance the overall well-being of urban populations. https://doi.org/10.1289/JHP1040.
Background:Soybean and palm oils are widely consumed in Bangladesh. Objective:The study aimed to investigate the levels of heavy metals and estimate their health risks in nationally representative samples of branded and unbranded soybean and palm oils sold in retail stores in Bangladesh. Methods:A total of 1,521 soybean and palm oil samples were collected from eight administrative divisions. National composites of branded oil were prepared by combining at least 12 samples for each brand. In the case of unbranded oil, composites were prepared for each administrative division. A total of 44 composite samples, including 23 soybean oil samples (19 branded and 4 unbranded) and 21 palm oil samples (13 branded and 8 unbranded), were tested. Twenty-five individual samples (11 crude and 14 refined) collected from the refineries were also analyzed to trace the origin of the heavy metals. Market samples were analyzed for arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and lead (Pb) and only mercury (Hg) in both market and refinery samples using various atomic absorption spectrophotometric techniques. The possible adverse health effects of exposure to heavy metals content in edible oil were estimated using the tools of daily exposure ( D E ) and noncarcinogenic risk assessment hazard quotient (HQ). Results:The median values of As, Cd, Cr, Pb, and Hg content in soybean and palm oil respectively ranged between 6.9 and 8.8 μ g / kg ( As ) , 4.3 and 6.9 μ g / kg ( Cd ) , 12.3 and 42.3 μ g / kg ( Cr ) , 19.4 and 27.8 μ g / kg ( Pb ) , and 1.73 and 5.11 mg / kg ( Hg ) . The differences in heavy metal contents between branded and unbranded oils were not statistically significant. Except for Hg, all other metal concentrations were within national and international standard limits. The estimated D E of Hg through edible oil represented a considerable risk for noncarcinogenic health effects ( HQ > 1 ). The ranking orders of HQ for the oil samples were as follows: unbranded soybean oil (3.99) > branded soybean oil (3.50) > branded palm oil (2.61) > unbranded palm oil (1.69). Discussion:The present study evaluated the level of heavy metal contamination in soybean and palm oils and conducted risk assessments associated with their consumption in Bangladesh. It appears that the source of this contamination is the imported crude oil. Strong and effective monitoring infrastructure is needed to regulate the import of safe crude oils for refineries. https://doi.org/10.1289/JHP1072.
Background:Patients with asthma are a population at risk for depression and subsequent mental health risks. Previous studies have suggested that exposure to air pollution is associated with lower asthma control and a higher risk of depression. There is limited evidence on the effect of short-term exposure to air pollution on mental health in susceptible populations, such as patients with asthma. Objectives:The objective of the present study was to assess the association between short-term exposure ( ≤ 30 d ) to air pollution and depression in patients with asthma. Methods:This hospital-based cross-sectional study included 151 consecutively recruited 18- to 65-y-old patients with asthma from two sites in Delhi, India. The Asthma Control Test and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 were respectively used to assess asthma control and depression status. Data on particulate matter [PM ≤ 10 and 2.5 μ m in aerodynamic diameter ( PM 10 and PM 2.5 , respectively)], nitrogen dioxide ( NO 2 ), sulfur dioxide ( SO 2 ), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone ( O 3 ) were procured from Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) air quality monitors, and 1-month average exposures were computed using inverse distance weighting (IDW) based on participant residence and workplace address. Ordinal and binary logistic regressions were respectively used to assess the associations for depression status and asthma control with per-unit interquartile range (IQR) increase of air pollution exposure. Sensitivity analyses were conducted using two-pollutant models and mediation effects were evaluated using the Karlson-Holm-Breen method. Results:Among all participants, 58.3% exhibited depression, and 73.5% had uncontrolled asthma. Adjusted ordinal regression revealed significant associations of PM 10 , PM 2.5 , NO 2 , and SO 2 with increased severity of depression [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for IQR increase for PM 10 = 1.65 (95% CI: 1.27, 2.16), PM 2.5 = 1.65 (95% CI: 1.22, 2.22), NO 2 = 2.49 (95% CI: 1.31, 4.73), and SO 2 = 1.35 (95% CI: 1.09, 1.66)]. Similarly, each IQR increase in these pollutants corresponded to significantly lower odds of asthma control [aOR for IQR increase for PM 10 = 0.72 (95% CI: 0.50, 0.98), PM 2.5 = 0.68 (95% CI: 0.47, 0.99), NO 2 = 0.29 (95% CI: 0.13, 0.65), and SO 2 = 0.67 (95% CI: 0.47, 0.97)]. Asthma control significantly mediated 24.97% and 25.84% of the association of NO 2 and SO 2 exposure, respectively, with depression status. O 3 exposure was not associated with depression status or asthma control. Conclusions:Our study shows that greater short-term exposure to air pollution may be associated with increased odds of depression and uncontrolled asthma in patients with asthma. Further studies are required to replicate our results and confirm this association. https://doi.org/10.1289/JHP1003.
Background:Redox-active potent species present in fine particulate matter [PM ≤ 2.5 μ m in aerodynamic diameter ( PM 2.5 )] have been suggested as one of the major sources of oxidative stress- and health-related disorders in the urban population. Objectives:Our objective was to determine PM 2.5 oxidative potential (OP) in urban residential neighborhoods having different sources of PM 2.5 (traffic emissions, commercial, and residential activities) in three metropolitan Indian cities. Methods:We investigated the neighborhood and seasonal variation in PM 2.5 OP across three metropolitan cities (Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru) in India. Low-cost samplers were used to collect PM 2.5 outside balconies, ground floors, and first floors of residential buildings for 24 h. We used acellular assays, including dithiothreitol (DTT) and ascorbic acid (AA), to examine the particle toxicity. Bivariate and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to examine the association of OP with the analyzed PM constituents. Results:The extrinsic OP DTTv levels, were comparable between the cities, with the highest levels observed in Delhi ( mean ± standard deviation : 3.82 ± 1.56 nmol / min / m 3 ), exceeding those in Mumbai and Bengaluru by a factor of 1.03 and 1.21, respectively. For intrinsic OP, ( OP DTTm ), Bengaluru exhibited the maximum toxicity, followed by Mumbai and Delhi. Bengaluru demonstrated significant OP variation compared with both Delhi and Mumbai. OP AA showed comparable trends in both intrinsic and extrinsic variation. Further, on comparing intra-urban variability, OP DTTv was highest in all cities in the high-traffic neighborhoods, ranging from 5.13 to 4.22 nmol / min / m 3 . Bengaluru residential neighborhoods were ∼ 4 and 6 times higher in OP AAm compared with Delhi and Mumbai residential neighborhoods, respectively. Among residential neighborhoods, the coefficient of divergence (COD) showed ∼ 1.5 times higher heterogeneity in OP AAv than OP DTTv . Carbonaceous fractions and a few transition elements were strongly correlated ( p < 0.05 ) with OP assays. In Mumbai, comparable OP DTTv levels were observed in both seasons, winter and summer, suggesting that toxicity is more likely influenced by the primary-originated traffic aerosols. Water-soluble organic carbon, cobalt (Co), and vanadium (V) were the primary contributors to reactive oxygen species activity. Discussion:Our study reveals that PM toxicity outside of residential homes in traffic-dominated neighborhoods is significant compared with other neighborhoods across all metropolitan cities. This emphasizes the potential health risks associated with PM originating from traffic sources. https://doi.org/10.1289/JHP1007.
Background:The current literature on associations between organochlorine pesticides and leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is conflicted, showing positive, inverse, or no association, findings that might be related to methodological issues and population characteristics, including the baseline LTL. Alternative exploration of this relationship over the whole LTL distribution may add information to help understand the role of pesticides in telomere shortening or enlargement. Objective:We evaluated the association between environmental dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) exposure and percentiles of LTL in a sample of adults living in the urban area of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Methods:LTL, serum pesticide concentration, and the covariates were determined cross-sectionally in a sample of 471 adults from the Pró-Saúde Study, a cohort of civil servants at a university campus in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, conducted from July 2012 to October 2013. The percentiles (5th to 95th) of LTL (outcome variable) were modeled using quantile regression (QR) models with DDE as exposure and adjusted for age, sex, educational level, total body fat mass, total serum lipids, smoking, alcohol intake, and caloric share of in natura and ultra-processed foods. Results:Mean ± standard deviation ( SD ) LTL and serum DDE were 0.578 ± 0.158 telomere to single-copy gene ratio (T/S ratio) and 0.17 ± 0.34 ng / mL , respectively. Serum DDE was not detected in 44% of the samples. QR coefficients were positive and significant in the first percentiles (up to the 15th percentile) and inverse and significant at the 95th percentile. No significant association was observed between serum DDE and mean LTL ( β = - 0.001 ; p = 0.93 ). Discussion:DDE exposure predicts some quantiles of LTL distribution, with a positive relationship in the first quantiles and inverse at the highest quantile. This study added new information to help understand the role of pesticides in telomere shortening or enlargement; however, given the few studies and the conflicting results, longitudinal investigations are needed to clarify this association. https://doi.org/10.1289/JHP1033.
Background. In addition to improving soil fertility and crop production, earthworms have been found to be useful in the removal of contaminants from soil, known as vermiremediation. Previous studies on vermiremediation have focused primarily on organic wastes, with relatively less attention paid to inorganic contaminants. In addition, some basic terms used in environmental health studies have often not been properly clarified. Objectives. The present study is a review of the state of the literature on the effectiveness of using earthworms to remediate organic and inorganic (metal) soil contaminants. Earthworms’ actions in remediation of organic and inorganic contaminants are described. Some terms that are used interchangeably in environmental health are clarified. The challenges and limitations of vermiremediation are highlighted. Methods. A systematic literature search was conducted to access online academic publications indexed in Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Clarivate Analytics (Web of Science), ScienceDirect, ResearchGate and Springer Link. A total of 165 publications on the subject matter were accessed, out of which 47 were used for the review. Discussion. Empirical and theoretical information from the literature showed evidence of the significant contributions of earthworms to the removal of soil organic contaminants and metals. Earthworms indirectly facilitate the conversion of organic contaminants by promoting microbial and enzyme activities. Some organic contaminants are directly taken up through dermal and intestinal absorption and accumulated by preferential sequestration in sub-organismic and tissue fractions of earthworms. Metals are directly removed and accumulated by the mechanism of detoxification and sequestration, via metallothioneins induction. The terms ‘contaminants’ and ‘pollutants’ have different meanings and should not be used interchangeably. Although vermiremediation presents an ideal clean-up technique, it is limited in application to only mildly contaminated soil environments. Ethical concerns should not pose a serious issue because vermiremediation simply takes advantage of earthworms’ natural soil-conditioning abilities. Many vermiremediation processes, especially of organic wastes, are harmless to earthworms, improving the soil for their growth and survival. Conclusions. Vermiremediation presents a good long-term biological option to clean up mildly contaminated soil. It may be deployed as a secondary measure to rid the soil of residual contaminants after applying physicochemical remediation techniques to an overtly polluted soil environment. Competing Interests. The authors declare no competing financial interests.
Background. Soil is the final depot of most environmental contaminants, including pesticides. Soil may be contaminated by pesticides as a result of direct application or drift during spray activities. Soil contamination with pesticide residues may affect the quality of food crops, animal products, and soil micro-organisms which may in turn negatively affect human health and the environment. Objectives. The main objective of the current study was to determine the soil residues of commonly used pesticides in rain-fed crops grown by the Nuba Mountains Cotton Corporation (NMCC) in South Kordofan state of Western Sudan. Methods. Four locations (representing the four directions around the state capital Kadugli) were chosen for sample collection: Alefain (East Kadugli), Elmashaish (West Kadugli), Ed Dalling uncultivated area (North Kadugli) and Lagawa (Southwest Kadugli). Nine soil samples were randomly taken from each location representing areas under cotton, sorghum, and uncultivated land covered with natural vegetation. Soil samples were analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) equipped with electron capture detector (ECD) and GC-mass spectrometry (MS). Results. The results generally indicated that organophosphate levels were greater than organochlorine and pyrethroids with heptachlor, malathion, and dimethoate present in all samples analyzed, while the level of p,p-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) was below the detection limit. Endosulfan α and β isomers were detected in some samples. Dimethoate had the highest level (22.02 mg/kg), while β endosulfan was found at the lowest level (0.015 mg/kg). Generally, samples collected from cotton soils showed higher residue levels compared to sorghum soil with average concentrations of 307.25 mg/kg versus 58.63 mg/kg, respectively. Almashaish showed the highest residues levels followed by Alefain, Lagawa, and Ed Dalling with total residues of 57.56 mg/kg, 26.34 mg/kg, 22.63 mg/kg, and 17.07 mg/kg, respectively. Conclusions. The current study sheds light on the residue levels of some of the commonly used pesticides in the cotton rain-fed scheme in South Kordofan State, western Sudan. The study calls for regular residue monitoring in various environmental components in the area and suggests possible management measures. Competing Interests. The authors declare no competing financial interests.
Background. India is the fifth biggest producer of e-waste in the world, discarding 1.7 million tons in 2014. E-waste gets recycled mainly in the informal sector which means activities are largely unaccounted for. Hazardous chemicals and metals are released during recycling processes (lead (Pb) being the most common). Compared to other developing countries, there are few studies from India on the awareness of recyclers of health risks related to e-waste recycling. Objectives. The aim of the present study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of health-related risks and behaviors among e-waste workers/recyclers belonging to the informal sector in Delhi and to determine the concentration of Pb levels in hair samples from a subset of workers from selected recycling sites. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in three e-waste informal recycling sites of Delhi: Seelampur, Mustafabad and Mandoli using an interviewer administered questionnaire among 220 e-waste workers. Percentages were presented for each KAP indicator. Analyses were computed using the statistical software STATA 14.2. Results. It was observed that 24% of participants had knowledge of the meaning of e-waste and 36% knew the chemicals that could be released from e-waste handling. Personal protective equipment (PPE) was used by only 12% of the workers. Twenty-six percent (26%) perceived occupational injuries (cuts or burns) as mild and 20% perceived coughing immediately after work as mild. Explorative analysis showed a link between worker education level and the type of work practices employed. The median level of Pb concentration among hair samples was 8 mg/kg with inter-quartile range between 5.8 to 12.4 mg/kg. Conclusions. Knowledge and practices among e-waste workers regarding the health hazards associated with e-waste recycling were poor with little knowledge of or attention to health risks. A comprehensive remediation package covering sensitization and awareness-building strategies of the health risks associated with informal e-waste recycling should be an urgent priority. Participant Consent. Obtained Ethics Approval. Ethics approval was obtained from the Institutional Ethical Committee (IEC), Indian Institute of Public Health-Delhi. Competing Interests. The authors declare no competing financial interests
Background. Ash and slag disposal areas of Ukrainian thermal power plants accumulate large amounts of waste annually. Objectives. The aim of the present study was to analyze the composition of ash and slag wastes generated during combustion of coal at Ukrainian thermal power plants and the potential affects of disposal areas on the environment. Methods. A literature search was conducted using the Google search engine to access online academic publications indexed in Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Clarivate Analytics (Web of Science), ScienceDirect, ResearchGate and Springer Link from 2011 in English and Ukrainian. Results. After analyzing the 25 academic articles included in the present review, the results indicated that hazardous constituents (oxides of silicon, aluminium, iron, calcium and magnesium) of ash can migrate from the ash dump surface by air and water to contaminate the atmosphere, soil, groundwater and surface water in areas located within a few kilometers from the waste site. Conclusions. By-products of the fuel and energy complex of Ukraine are potentially dangerous sources of environmental pollution. They create risks to the health of the population living in the surrounding territories. Further studies should focus on the features of pollutant transfer from ash dumps, and development of appropriate mathematical models of the pollutant migration to assess pollution levels in soil, groundwater and air. Competing Interests. The authors declare no competing financial interests.
BACKGROUND:Some heavy metals can be harmful to human health in elevated doses such as zinc (Zn) and magnesium (Mg), while others such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and copper (Cu) have harmful consequences to health even in small doses. Heavy metals and additives are incorporated into crude oil to enhance performance.3,4,5 Crude oil is well known to contain heavy metals like Cu, Cd, Ni and Pb.3,6,7.OBJECTIVE:The current study aimed to assess levels of heavy metals and the impact of these metals on antioxidant levels and physiological variables in the serum of oil refinery workers in Iraq.METHODS:Heavy metals such as Pb, Cd, Hg, Zn, Cu and Mg were assessed in the serum of a sample of refinery workers (N=40) and a control group (N=20) using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Additionally, levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), δ-aminolaevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and physiological variables such as blood urea, serum creatinine, glutamate-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamate-pyruvic transaminase (GPT), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were measured to assess impact of these heavy metals.RESULTS:Mercury, Cd, and Pb were significantly elevated in the refinery worker group in comparison with the control group, while the levels of Zn, Cu, and Mg were significantly lower in the refinery worker group compared to the control group. There was a significant difference between the control group and the worker group for most of the antioxidants and functional variables. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly lower in the worker group while blood urea, serum creatinine, glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) showed a significant elevation in the workers' group. Glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) showed no significant difference between the control group and the worker group.CONCLUSIONS:Refinery workers are at increased risk of having higher serum levels of Pb, Cd, and Hg compared to controls which can lead to an increase in oxidative stress, decrease in TAC, and decrease in the essential trace elements Zn, Cu and Mg.PARTICIPANT CONSENT:Obtained.ETHICS APPROVAL:This study was approved by the ethics committee within the Nineveh Health Department, Mosul, Iraq.COMPETING INTERESTS:The authors declare no competing financial interests.
BACKGROUND:Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is known to affect human health, causing heart and cardiovascular diseases, and it has been shown that locations with long term NO2 pollution recorded a high number of fatalities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There are no ground stations monitoring emissions of NO2 over West Africa. The present study aimed to use satellite observations to examine pollutant trends over this region.OBJECTIVE:To examine the trend of NO2 over the entire West Africa sub region in relationship to contributions to environmental emissions using satellite-derived data. This enables the assessment of West Africa regional air pollution hot spots in relationship to enhancing atmospheric factors. The results from this study will also be useful guidance for setting air quality standards for air pollution controls to minimize health hazards.METHODS:The present study examined thirteen years of average monthly values of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) to determine the spatio-temporal variation of this pollutant over West Africa. Satellite data for NO2 between 2005 and 2017 were used to determine the variation in pollution levels over West Africa. Correlations between NO2 and meteorological variables (wind speed, rainfall and air temperature) were obtained to explain the influence of West African weather on the region's pollution accumulation.RESULTS:The present study observed that NO2 concentrations varied from place to place and from season to season. Nitrogen dioxide concentrations during the dry season were higher (sometimes 200% higher) than values observed in the wet season which ranged between 0.5 and 6×1015 molec/cm2. Nitrogen dioxide north-south oscillation during the course of a year is largely controlled by the inter-tropical discontinuity (ITD) zone as high concentrations of NO2 are found in the vicinity of the ITD where wind speeds and horizontal vorticity approaches zero. Correlation analysis between NO2 and some atmospheric variables indicated NO2 concentrations are well influenced by atmospheric variables showing bipolar signals depending on the season. An increasing trend of NO2 was also found over selected cities of the region. This indicated that regional air quality is gradually deteriorating.CONCLUSIONS:The implications of worsening regional air quality were examined in the light of the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic. The dominant atmospheric factor determining pollution episodes in the region is the inter-tropical discontinuity line which marks the meeting point between the two wind regimes over the region. Densely populated areas are characteristically prone to elevated pollution and have experienced high fatalities during the COVID-19 pandemic.COMPETING INTERESTS:The authors declare no competing financial interests.
Background. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is used in different industrial and commercial products. Research shows the presence of PFOA in home dusts, tap and surface water, and in biological samples. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified PFOA as a possible carcinogen for humans. The liver is thought to be a target organ of PFOA accumulation and toxicity. Objective. Some studies have found toxic effects on the liver and related mechanisms; however, more studies are needed to better understand PFOA -induced hepatotoxicity. Methods. In the present study, a human hepatocarcinoma cell line was exposed to PFOA for 24 hours and cell viability, apoptosis, the oxidative system and immune response were evaluated. Results. While apoptosis was the main cell death pathway at low concentration (86.5%), the necrotic cell fraction increased with higher concentrations (46.7%). Significant changes in the reactive oxygen species (5.3-folds) glutathione (GSH) (1.7-folds) and catalase (CAT) (1.4-folds) levels were observed, as well as changes to interleukin-6 (<= 1.8-fold) and interleukin-8 levels (35-40%). Conclusions. In light of the data, PFOA is potentially hepatotoxic through the investigated pathways. The results represent a background for future in vivo mechanistic studies.
Background. Farming is an important occupation in Thai hill tribe communities, which are often remote, and lack other economic opportunities along with basic educational, health care, and occupational health and safety services. Additionally, these communities have a unique culture and language. Objectives. The present study was conducted in northern Thailand to evaluate pesticide exposures and associated health impacts among hill tribe farmers, and to compare them to Thai farmers. Methods. Lahu hill tribe farmers in a mountain community were recruited by public health hospital staff, along with a reference group of lowland Thai farmers. Participants completed a survey on demographic factors and work practices, and blood and urine samples were collected by a trained nurse. Acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE) was quantified to assess pesticide exposure, whereas liver and kidney functions were evaluated using clinical biomarkers. Results. A large fraction (nearly 50%) of Lahu farmers were illiterate and could not speak Thai. Thai farmers worked fewer hours per week (39.4) than did Lahu farmers. Among Lahu farmers, AChE levels were significantly lower (worse) than those of Thai farmers. However, other health outcomes in these populations were similar. Formal education and language skills were not associated with pesticide exposures or health outcomes. Pesticide spraying was found to be a significant predictor of reduced AChE (OR=8.5, 95% CI 1.1–69.6). Conclusions. Pesticide exposures are a significant occupational health hazard among Thai hill tribe farmers. Training, potentially delivered by community health volunteers, is needed to communicate safe pesticide work practices to these farmers. Participant Consent. Obtained Ethics Approval. The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Mae Fah Luang University (REH-61080). Competing Interests. The authors declare no competing financial interests.
