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Abstract Acrylamide is a chemical, often present in bread, legally classified as carcinogen, mutagen and reproductive toxicant. Since bread is consumed both world-wide and in Iran, determination of acrylamide in different types of breads is of high interest. In the present study, acrylamide was monitored in 56 Sangak and 30 industrial bread samples collected from Tehran and Shiraz, using LC-MS/MS (LOQ = 1 ng/g). In addition, the noncarcinogenic risk (target hazard quotient–THQ) and carcinogenic risk (incremental lifetime cancer risk–ILCR) due to ingestion of acrylamide through bread consumption in children and adults were assessed. Acrylamide was detected in more than 90% of the samples tested. The average daily intake of acrylamide in Iran based on exclusive consumption of Sangak bread, was estimated at 145 ng/kg bw/day. Based on the THQ for bread acrylamide in adults and children, the decreasing risk order was: Shiraz semi-industrial Sangak, Shiraz traditional Sangak, Tehran traditional Sangak, Tehran industrial bread. The ILCR of bread acrylamide calculated for adults and children was higher than the permissible lifetime carcinogenic risk value established by USEPA (1.00E-5). Results show that bread is a major source of acrylamide intake by people in Iran and all consumers regardless of age could be at elevated carcinogenic risk. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Monitoring of acrylamide in different bread types using effective method is necessary. • Bread is a major source for acrylamide intake by people in Tehran and Shiraz. • The Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk of acrylamide for adults and children consuming wheat flour bread was higher than the permissible lifetime carcinogenic risk. • All consumers regardless of age are at elevated carcinogenic risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables are one of the highest concerns of consumers who need food safety. In this study, forty-eight pesticide residues from different chemical structures including organochlorine, organophosphorus, organonitrogen, dicarboximides, strobilurin, triazine, pyrethroids, and other chemical groups. In 85 fruits and vegetables were determined and confirmed by GC-MS. The pesticide was extracted with ethyl-acetate, then, the extracts cleaned using high performance gel permeation column chromatography (GPC) and solid phase column (SPE). The mean recoveries of the pesticides were between 81 and 136%. The reproducibility of the relative standard deviation values was 2.1% and 14.8%. Pesticide residues were more frequently found in vegetables (65.5%) than in fruits (26.7%). The limits of detection and quantification of pesticide residues for the method were ranged from 0.003 to 0.06 μg/g and between 0.01 to 0.1 μg/g respectively. The analyzed samples did not contain residues from the monitored pesticides that were higher than the accepted maximum residue limits (MRLs) as adapted by the FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Drivers are vulnerable to musculoskeletal and psychological disorders because of substantially harmful agents in this stressful occupation. This study aims to investigate the influence of driver's physical and psychological health on the risk of road accidents using fuzzy logic approach. Methods: Two input variables including musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and mental health, alongside accident risk levels as output variables were fuzzed using a fuzzy inference system (FIS). Triangular and trapezoid membership functions were used to graphically define outputs related to low, moderate, high and very high, in fuzzy sets. A Mamdani-type FIS was applied to represent all the rules in the IF-THEN format and the patterns of linguistic variables were designed using AND, OR and NOT operators. Results: The results showed that there is significant relationship between MSDs and psychological health with road accidents involving drivers of heavy vehicles (p<0.05). Also, surface graphs illustrated the relationship between MSDs, psychological health and accident risks. FIS as a novel approach was used for predication of accident risk levels involving drivers of heavy vehicles on the basis of health factors. Conclusions: Physical and psychological health can influence the safe operation of heavy vehicle drivers. The fuzzy inference system provided a method that is advantageous and with promising results for modeling of road accident risk levels on the basis of driver's physical and mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fast and simple modified QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, rugged and safe) extraction method based on spiked calibration curves and direct sample introduction was developed for determination of Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) in bread by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry single quadrupole selected ion monitoring (GC/MS-SQ-SIM). Sample preparation includes: extraction of BaP into acetone followed by cleanup with dispersive solid phase extraction. The use of spiked samples for constructing the calibration curve substantially reduced adverse matrix-related effects. The average recovery of BaP at 6 concentration levels was in range of 95-120%. The method was proved to be reproducible with relative standard deviation less than 14.5% for all of the concentration levels. The limit of detection and limit of quantification were 0.3 ng/g and 0.5 ng/g, respectively. Correlation coefficient of 0.997 was obtained for spiked calibration standards over the concentration range of 0.5-20 ng/g. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that a QuEChERS method is used for the analysis of BaP in breads. The developed method was used for determination of BaP in 29 traditional (Sangak) and industrial (Senan) bread samples collected from Tehran in 2014. These results showed that two Sangak samples were contaminated with BaP. Therefore, a comprehensive survey for monitoring of BaP in Sangak bread samples seems to be needed. This is the first report concerning contamination of bread samples with BaP in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fast and simple modified QuEChERS extraction method was developed for determination of Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) in 137 traditional (Sangak), semi-industrial (Sangak) and industrial bread samples using spiked calibration curves by GC/MS. Sample preparation includes extraction of BaP into acetone followed by cleanup with dispersive solid phase extraction. The limit of detection and limit of quantification were 0.3 ng/g and 0.5 ng/g, respectively. The values for recoveries and RSD were calculated as 110.5-119.85% and <11.6% respectively. Average concentration of BaP in Sangak bread samples of Shiraz and Tehran was 0.59 and 0.60 ng/g, respectively. 35.5% of samples of breads collected in Tehran were contaminated with BaP at the amount higher than maximum levels regulated in processed cereal-based foods and baby foods by European Commission (1 ng/g). Seventeen percent of samples of breads collected in Shiraz were contaminated with BaP which 13 % of total samples were >1 ng/g. BaP content in all industrial samples was lower than LOQ. Assuming the consumption of bread in Tehran and Shiraz is limited to these kinds of breads, the daily intake of BaP in Tehran and Shiraz population through bread consumption was estimated to be 170.6 and 168.7 ng/day, respectively. This is the first report concerning contamination of bread samples with BaP in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Illegal and excessive use of veterinary antibiotics as a food additive for growth promotion in livestock can lead to allergic reactions and antibiotic resistance, which is a worldwide concern. A biochip-based semi-quantitative screening method of antimicrobial residues in milk was validated based on Commission Decision 2002/657/EC and the European guideline to validate screening methods for veterinary medicines. This multi-analytical screening method enables to determine of 3 beta-lactams (cefalexin, ampicillin, and cefuroxime) simultaneously. Analysis of 20 blank and 20 spiked milk samples showed that for all 3 antibiotic residues, the positivity threshold T was above cut-off value Fm, and no false-positive results were obtained for all 3 antibiotics. All detection capabilities (CCβ) were below Maximum Residue Level (MRL) authorized by European Commission. 47 UHT cow's milk samples collected from Tehran province, IR Iran, were screened, and compliance was found in 100% of samples. This study found that the biochip method is valid to determine antibiotic residues in milk samples at the measured validation levels. The method was fast, simple, and able to simultaneous screen three families of beta-lactams from a single milk sample with almost no sample preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Exposures at hairdressers' work have been reported to lead to an increased risk of several health outcomes. The present study aimed to investigate the relations between occupational exposures and respiratory symptoms and lung function among hairdressers in Iran. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study to compare potential respiratory effects among 140 women working as hairdressers to such effects among 140 women working as office workers (administrative personnel). Both groups worked in Shiraz, Iran. Respiratory symptoms were assessed by a standard respiratory questionnaire. The questionnaire also inquired about substances used and workspace conditions, including ventilation type. Lung function levels were measured by spirometry. Results: Respiratory symptoms, including cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness were significantly more frequent in hairdressers compared to the reference group (p < 0.05). After controlling for potential confounders, hairdressers had a prevalence ratio (PR) of 2.18 (95% CI 1.26–3.77) for cough, 9.59 (95% CI 1.004–91.73) for wheezing, 2.06 (95% CI 1.25–3.39) for shortness of breath, and 3.31 (95% CI 1.84–5.97) for chest tightness compared to the reference group. Lung function parameters (including VC, FVC, and FEV1) were significantly reduced in hairdressers (p < 0.001). Absence of air conditioning predicted greater reduction in lung function (p < 0.05) in the exposed. Decrease in FVC with normal FEV1/FVC in the exposed group suggested existence of restrictive lung function. Conclusions: This study provides evidence of increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms and restrictive lung function impairment among hairdressers in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bread constitutes a popular and even daily component of human diet world-wide, Iran included. However, there are concerns that various processing methods such as frying and baking could result in the production of potentially a source of known carcinogens such as acrylamide (AA) and benzo(a)pyrene (BaP). The present study tried to perform a risk assessment on seven categories of bread consumers, based on age and gender, calculating the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR), and Margin of Exposure (MOE) related to the dietary intake of AA and BaP. AA and BaP were analyzed in 87 bread samples using LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS, respectively. The results indicated that more than 94% (mean concentration: 25.9 ng/g) and about 20% (mean concentration: 1.98 ng/g) of the samples were contaminated with AA and BaP, respectively. The THQ of AA intake through bread consumption for seven categories was in the following decreasing order: semi-industrial Sangak bread of Shiraz (SIS-Sh)> traditional Sangak bread of Shiraz (TS-Sh)> traditional Sangak bread of Tehran (TS-Th)> commercial bread of Tehran (C–Th). The non-neoplastic and neoplastic MOE for AA (˂10,000) indicates a high risk of exposure for all people in Tehran and Shiraz through the consumption of all tested bread. Due to the consumption of TS, SIS, and C bread, the BaP MOE for all people in Tehran and Shiraz was >10 000, which shows a low health risk for consumers. Our findings showed that ILCR for AA in seven classes of people who had TS-Sh and TS-Th was remarkably higher than ILCR for all categories that consumed the C–Th. BaP ILCR for the people who ingested TS-Th, TS-Sh, SIS–Th, and SIS-Sh was about 2–4 times higher than people who had C–Th. This study indicates that bread is the main source of AA and BaP intake in Iran, which might elevate the cancer risk. [Display omitted] • Acrylamide and BaP were analyzed in 87 different types of bread samples using LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS, respectively. • Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) and Margin of Exposure (MOE) related to the dietary intake of acrylamide and BaP through consumption of bread were assessed. • More than 94% and about 20% of the tested bread samples were contaminated with acrylamide and BaP, respectively. • Bread is a major source of acrylamide and BaP intake by people in Iran and all consumers regardless of age could be at elevated carcinogenic risk. • Further health risk assessments for acrylamide and BaP in different food products and also mitigation of them were recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are classified as persistent and carcinogenic organic pollutants. PAHs contamination has been reported in water. Many of relevant regulatory bodies such as EU and EPA have regulated the limit levels for PAHs in drinking water. In this study, 13 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined in tap water samples of Tehran and water for injection. Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction procedure combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used for the extraction and determination of PAHs in the samples. Under the optimized conditions, the range of extraction recoveries and relative standard deviations (RSDs) of PAHs in water using internal standard (anthracene-d10) were in the range of 71-90% and 4-16%, respectively. Limit of detection for different PAHs were between 0.03 and 0.1 ngmL-1. The concentration of PAHs in all tap water as well as water for injection samples were lower than the limit of quantification of PAHs. This is the first study addressing the occurrence of PAHs in water for injection samples in Iran using dispersive liquid-liquid micro extraction procedure combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used for the extraction and determination of 13 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in mineral water samples. In this procedure, the suitable combination of extraction solvent (500 µL chloroform) and disperser solvent (1000 µL acetone) were quickly injected into the water sample (10.00 mL) by Hamilton syringe. After centrifugation, 500 µL of the lower organic phase was dried under a gentle stream of nitrogen, re-dissolved in chloroform and injected into GC-MS. Chloroform and acetone were found to be the best extraction and disperser solvent, respectively. Validation of the method was performed using spiked calibration curves. The enrichment factor ranged from 93 to 129 and the recovery ranged from 71 to 90%. The linear ranges for all the PAHs were 0.10-2.80 ngmL-1. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) of PAHs in water by using anthracene-d10 as internal standard, were in the range of 4-11% for most of the analytes (n = 3). Limit of detection (LOD) for different PAHs were between 0.03 and 0.1 ngmL-1. The method was successfully applied for the analysis of PAHs in mineral water samples collected from Tehran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, two accurate, precise, selective and sensitive methods were developed for determining aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in infant formula milk using immunoaffinity column clean-up followed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection. The validated methods were used for determination of AFM1 in 29 samples of 6 different infant formula milk brands and the risk of AFM1 in infants aged zero to 6 months old was assessed using cancer risk, Margin of Exposure (MOE) and Hazard Index (HI). Only one sample (3.4%) was contaminated with AFM1. Although the results showed that MOE values for the mean and median exposure to AFM1 was <10,000 in infants, the additional cancer risk due to mean and median exposure to AFM1 in infant <6 months were 0.00010 and 0.00012 additional cases per year per 105 individuals, respectively, which indicates no health concern. In addition, HI values for the mean and median exposure to AFM1 for infants were quite below one which indicates no health concern. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on risk assessment of AFM1 in infant formula milk consumed by Iranian infants <6 months old, presenting a low risk for the evaluated groups. Image 1 • Developing two accurate, precise, selective and sensitive methods for determining aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in infant formula milk. • Application of the methods on real infant formula milk samples. • Additional cancer risk due to mean and median exposure to AFM1 in infant <6 months were 0.00010 and 0.00012 additional cases per year per 105 individuals, respectively. • HI values for the mean and median exposure to AFM1 for infants were quite below one which indicates no health concern. • Necessity of cumulative risk assessment of AFM1in infants from different provinces in IR Iran consuming infant formula milk along with milks from other sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]