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Poás Volcano made a magmatic eruption in April 2017. The volcanic outburst resulted in an ash and vapor column towering over three kilometers high. Since that time, there has been a continual release of gases, aerosols, and more recently, ash, posing potential issues for visitors and park rangers. In this work, the potential for exposure to acid gases and aerosols faced by park rangers, officials, and visitors to the Poás Volcano National Park was evaluated, and the concentrations found were compared with the exposure limits established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The study was conducted between October 2021 and November 2022. the concentrations of HCl(g), HNO3(ac), HF(g), and H2SO4(ac) were determined at three strategic points: the ranger station, the visitor center, and the main crater viewpoint. The maximum concentrations obtained were (7.0 ± 1.6) ppb for HCl(g), (6.2 ± 2.8) ppb for HNO3(ac), and (0.029 ± 0.044) ppm for H2SO4(ac). There were no concentration values above the detection limit (0.94 μg/m3) for HF(g). By comparing the data obtained with similar studies, it is concluded that the measured values in Poás Volcano National Park are low and only show similarities to the results found in volcanoes within the national territory. The exposure limit established by OSHA (0.02 ppm) was only surpassed by H2SO4(ac), and could be the cause of health effects experienced over the years by park rangers. To minimize these risks, the use of personal protective equipment and air quality monitoring is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new type of bio-composite material is being produced from water-recovered resources such as cellulose fibres from wastewater, calcite from the drinking water softening process, and grass and reed from waterboard sites. These raw materials may be contaminated with pathogens and chemicals such as Escherichia coli, heavy metals, and resin compounds. A novel risk assessment framework is proposed here, addressing human health risks during the production of new bio-composite materials. The developed framework consists of a combination of existing risk assessment methods and is based on three main steps: hazard identification, qualitative risk mapping, and quantitative risk assessment. The HAZOP and Event Tree Analysis methodologies were used for hazard identification and risk mapping stages. Then, human health risks were quantitatively assessed using quantitative chemical risk assessment, evaluating cancer and non-cancer risk, and quantitative microbial risk assessment. The deterministic and the stochastic approaches were performed for this purpose. The contamination of raw materials may pose human health concerns, resulting in cancer risk above the threshold. Microbial risk is also above the safety threshold. Additional analysis would be significant as future research to better assess the microbial risk in biocomposite production. The framework has been effectively used for chemical and microbial risk assessment. HIGHLIGHTS Production of new water resource recovery-based bio-composite materials.; The safety of these materials, from production and application perspectives, needs to be assessed.; Novel risk assessment framework focusing on human health risk assessment.; Hazard identification, qualitative risk mapping, and quantitative risk assessment: QCRA and QMRA.; Future research directions to improve the developed framework.;

A new type of bio-composite material is being produced from water-recovered resources such as cellulose fibres from wastewater, calcite from the drinking water softening process, and grass and reed from waterboard sites. These raw materials may be contaminated with pathogens and chemicals such as Escherichia coli, heavy metals, and resin compounds. A novel risk assessment framework is proposed here, addressing human health risks during the production of new bio-composite materials. The developed framework consists of a combination of existing risk assessment methods and is based on three main steps: hazard identification, qualitative risk mapping, and quantitative risk assessment. The HAZOP and Event Tree Analysis methodologies were used for hazard identification and risk mapping stages. Then, human health risks were quantitatively assessed using quantitative chemical risk assessment, evaluating cancer and non-cancer risk, and quantitative microbial risk assessment. The deterministic and the stochastic approaches were performed for this purpose. The contamination of raw materials may pose human health concerns, resulting in cancer risk above the threshold. Microbial risk is also above the safety threshold. Additional analysis would be significant as future research to better assess the microbial risk in biocomposite production. The framework has been effectively used for chemical and microbial risk assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Religación: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades is the property of Religacion: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Coastal areas face greater risk in terms of health and the environment. They are the most vulnerable to impacts resulting from climate change. Coastal areas with higher population density also have more environmental problems, such as natural disasters. Environmental health risks from chemicals and microbes continue threatening people living on small islands. Therefore, this study aims to: 1) conduct a chemical risk analysis of heavy metals Pb, Cr(VI), and Ni; 2) analyse the microbial risk posed by drinking water consumed daily by people on small islands. A method used to analyse the chemical risk of heavy metals was the environment health risk assessment (EHRA), whereas to analyse the microbial risk in small islands, the quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) was used. The results showed that the concentration of heavy metals in drinking water was

Coastal areas face greater risk in terms of health and the environment. They are the most vulnerable to impacts resulting from climate change. Coastal areas with higher population density also have more environmental problems, such as natural disasters. Environmental health risks from chemicals and microbes continue threatening people living on small islands. Therefore, this study aims to: 1) conduct a chemical risk analysis of heavy metals Pb, Cr(VI), and Ni; 2) analyse the microbial risk posed by drinking water consumed daily by people on small islands. A method used to analyse the chemical risk of heavy metals was the environment health risk assessment (EHRA), whereas to analyse the microbial risk in small islands, the quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) was used. The results showed that the concentration of heavy metals in drinking water was <0.0012 mg·dm-3 for Pb, <0.01 mg·dm-3 for Cr(VI), and <0.0019 mg·dm-3 for Ni. The three heavy metals showed worrying results. Assessment and obtained risk quotient were less than one (RQ < 1) in all samples. Meanwhile, the microbial analysis found Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, Enterobacter sp., and Citrobacter sp., with risk characterised from low to high. Risk management is needed to control environmental health risks posed by heavy metals and the microbiological characteristics of drinking water on the small islands of the Spermonde Archipelago. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poás Volcano made a magmatic eruption in April 2017. The volcanic outburst resulted in an ash and vapor column towering over three kilometers high. Since that time, there has been a continual release of gases, aerosols, and more recently, ash, posing potential issues for visitors and park rangers. In this work, the potential for exposure to acid gases and aerosols faced by park rangers, officials, and visitors to the Poás Volcano National Park was evaluated, and the concentrations found were compared with the exposure limits established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The study was conducted between October 2021 and November 2022. the concentrations of HCl(g), HNO3(ac), HF(g), and H2SO4(ac) were determined at three strategic points: the ranger station, the visitor center, and the main crater viewpoint. The maximum concentrations obtained were (7.0 ± 1.6) ppb for HCl(g), (6.2 ± 2.8) ppb for HNO3(ac), and (0.029 ± 0.044) ppm for H2SO4(ac). There were no concentration values above the detection limit (0.94 μg/m3) for HF(g). By comparing the data obtained with similar studies, it is concluded that the measured values in Poás Volcano National Park are low and only show similarities to the results found in volcanoes within the national territory. The exposure limit established by OSHA (0.02 ppm) was only surpassed by H2SO4(ac), and could be the cause of health effects experienced over the years by park rangers. To minimize these risks, the use of personal protective equipment and air quality monitoring is essential.

Introduction: Potassium bromate (KBrO3) is an oxidizing agent added to flour to improve bread quality. However, KBrO3 is nephrotoxic, and a class B carcinogen banned in most countries, including Ghana. Aim: This study aimed to determine the residual KBrO3 concentration in bread and to estimate the chemical and carcinogenic risk that is associated with the consumption of these breads in Ghana. Methods: A total of 285 samples of bread, consisting of 97 tea breads, 95 sugar breads, and 93 butter breads were randomly sampled from bakeries across ten regions of Ghana for this study. The bromate contents were qualitatively and quantitatively determined spectrophotometrically at 515 nm, based on the redox reaction between KBrO3 and promethazine. The change in colour from colourless to pink indicated the presence of KBrO3 in the sample. The data were analyzed with Microsoft Excel 365 Apps for Enterprise and GraphPad Prism and the map was plotted with QGIS. Results: Out of the 285 bread samples analyzed, 12.28% (35/285) tested positive for KBrO3 with concentrations ranging from 0.46 to 26.67 μg/g (mean 6.13 μg/g). This exceeded the permissible dose (0.02 μg/g) by 23–1334 times, respectively. Except Ashanti and Volta regions, all the other 8 regions had at least one bread type testing positive for KBrO3. There was no statistically significant difference in the concentration of KBrO3 between the bread types analyzed at p

Background Harmful chemicals are used in various forms from different sources in hospital settings. The standard gold method in risk control studies still determines exposure by personal or ambient measurements. In the absence of trained personnel, resources, or sufficient time, qualitative methods should be used to assess exposure. This study aims to compare quantitative and qualitative results of chemical risk exposure. Material and Methods Both qualitative (perceptions without monitoring data of the workers and experts) and quantitative perceptions (perceptions with monitoring data) were recorded. Two experts were asked to evaluate exposure intensity in pathology department workers, secretary workers, and cleaning workers. Occupational hygiene measurements were taken based on the occupational health and safety department risk assessment results, expert job analysis, and pilot study measurements. Results While most workers reported feeling highly exposed to chemical risks, the majority of experts reported medium-risk exposures and high-risk exposures. Three occupational hygiene measurements (6.6%) exceeded the permissible time-weighted average, and the other results were within the acceptable range. Conclusions There was a significant difference between the estimated exposure and the measured exposure in hospital settings. A correlation was not found between workers’ perceptions of chemical risk exposure and the chemical risk levels measured in this study. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2023;74(4):241–50.

Contamination levels of dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were monitored over 2018–2021 in 214 bovine milk samples from farms located in two regions in northern Italy (Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna). The average concentrations of the sum of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs (0.78 ± 0.55 pg TEQ/g fat) and six non-dioxin-like PCBs (6.55 ± 2.24 ng/g fat) were largely below the maximum, and action limits established at European level, confirming a decreasing trend observed both locally and across Europe in recent years. The impact of contamination levels on chronic dietary exposure of the Italian population to dioxins and PCBs was found to be highly variable based on the type of cow milk (skimmed, semi-skimmed, or whole-fat milk) and the population age group considered. Indeed, a first-tier screening of the potential exposure via determinist methods allowed for the identification of the youngest population as the group with the worst risk profile. The refinement of exposure assessment via Monte Carlo probabilistic methods suggested that, at the less pessimistic middle-bound simulation scenario, infants, toddlers, and children consuming whole cow milk may be exposed to dioxins and PCBs levels above the toxicological reference values with a probability of 76, 56, and 22%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical risk is considered one of the most frequent risks in the workplace, affecting the safety of workers continuously exposed to chemical substances. In addition, it can have an environmental impact and cause an explosion when unacceptable conditions are met. To know the effects of chemical risks and how to prevent them, this study is proposed, the main objective of which is the evaluation of chemical hazards and the proposal of an action plan to avoid this kind of risk in industrial companies. Our case study focused on the crude oil production company " PERTAMINA" using the SEIRICH software. The results indicate that most chemicals are hazardous and can cause serious harm to workers exposed to them periodically. Therefore, the proposed preventive action plan for safety improvement aims to ensure continuous development in oil and gas field production, processing, and distribution, taking into account the health and safety of workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyze the contents of the selected inorganic ions (F -, Cl -, NO3-, PO43-, SO42-, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+) and trace metals (Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Al, Pb, Co) in infusions prepared from popular herbal teas available in the Polish and Romanian markets. Ion chromatography with conductivity detection and microwave plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy were applied for this purpose. The experimental data were subjected to chemometric analysis to identify common traits and differences among them. Principal component analysis was employed to create a model using selected variables. The findings revealed that certain herbal teas exhibited elevated concentrations of potentially hazardous analytes, such as nitrate, cadmium, lead, and chromium. Based on these results, an assessment of the associated risk from these analytes was conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the occurrence of potassium bromate in bread, its overall health risks to bread consumers, and its toxicity symptoms amongst bakers in Bamenda. Thirteen bakeries were included in a cross-sectional survey to gather information about the quantities of bread produced and the symptoms of potassium-bromated toxicity experienced by bakers during baking. The concentration of potassium bromate in the most consumed bread types was determined using a spectrophotometric method. The hazard quotient and hazard ratio were computed for each bread type to determine its chemical and carcinogenic risks. Results showed that all bakers had experienced symptoms of potassium bromate toxicity, and painful eyes, cough, diarrhea, and sore throat were the most recurrent symptoms of toxicity. The concentration of potassium bromate in all bread samples (100%) ranged from 48.50 mg/kg to 10148.50 mg/kg, exceeding the maximum acceptable limits by 9–203 times the dose (50 mg/kg) recommended by Food and Drug Administration. There was no significant difference (p = 0.109) in potassium bromate concentration between bread types, and simple bread, milk bread, and French bread had the highest concentration of potassium bromate. The chronic hazard quotient ranged from 277.93 to 2459.36, and the hazard ratio ranged from 251434.30 to 32862.86, indicative of possible chemical and carcinogenic risks after prolonged regular consumption. From the hazard ratios, the chances of having cancer from an average daily consumption of either simple bread or milk bread, or French bread are approximately 290,000 in 1,000,000 or 220,000 in 1,000,000 or 190,000 in 1,000,000. Thus regulatory authorities need to monitor, control or prohibit the use of potassium bromate as a flour additive.

This paper deals with problems in the metalworking industry concerning occupational health and safety, specifically chromium, and carbon monoxide poisoning. A subjective risk assessment is carried out, the data are quantified in a risk matrix suggesting the severity of the risk and control measures are offered to prevent the health of workers from being affected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been demonstrated that the ceramic pot filters (CPFs) with impregnated colloidal silver are efficient for the removal of turbidity and pathogens for household water treatment. This investigation evaluated the efficiency of two filter models for the removal of chemical contaminants (Hg, Pb, As and phenolic compounds) during 175 days. The first model is a traditional CPF impregnated with colloidal silver and the second consists of the ceramic silver-impregnated pot plus a post-filtration column with granular activated carbon and zeolite (CPF + GAC-Z). The results of the CPF showed average efficiencies of 91.5% (Hg), 92% (Pb), 50.2% (As) and 78.7% (phenols). The CPF + GAC-Z showed similar efficiencies for the removal of heavy metals (92.5% Hg, 98.1% Pb and 52.3% As) and a considerably higher efficiency for the removal of phenols (96.4%). The As concentration of the filtered water in both systems was higher than the regulatory limit. The ceramic pot was responsible for the highest removal of chemical compounds. It can be concluded that the traditional CPF is a viable option for water supply treatment at the household level for the removal of chemical contaminants. The efficiency of this filter can be improved with the post-filtration column mainly for the removal of organic constituents. HIGHLIGHTS The ceramic pot filter (CPF) is a viable household technology for chemical contaminants.; The combined use of the ceramic pot with granular activated carbon and zeolite improves the removal of organic contaminants.; The CPFs evaluated in this study reached efficiencies higher than 90% for mercury and lead removal.; The efficiencies for arsenic and phenols were higher than 50 and 79%, respectively.;

Given the ability of chemical substances to generate possible adverse effects on people’s health, it is necessary to identify, collect and integrate all the information related to the dangers associated with these substances. Throughout the years, the definition of risk has had different interpretations, which has given rise to different alternatives for its evaluation and management. Currently, there are several equipment and tools used in chemical risk assessment. In the present study, a bibliographic review was carried out for different chemical scenarios where sixteen chemical risk assessment methodologies were analysed during the period 2003-2020 that correspond to both, qualitative and quantitative methods. In conclusion, the risk assessment methodologies have undergone changes over the years according to the needs and increasing complexity of the systems where they apply, artificial intelligence could also be a useful tool in chemical risk assessment.

The occurrence of microplastics (MPs) has been widely reported in human foodstuffs, and their potential negative effects on human health have been brought into focus. Processed foods are more susceptible to MPs as contamination can be introduced during processing and packaging. However, the risk posed by MPs in processed foods remained unclear. This work aims to critically review the available data for MPs in 11 types of possessed foods and to conduct a preliminary risk assessment of MPs in processed foods. For a comprehensive evaluation, three indicators were selected and determined, namely chemical risk, pollution load, and estimated daily intake (EDI). Our results suggest that nori has the highest chemical risk, followed by canned fish, beverages, table salt, and other food items. In the case of pollution load, nori and milk fall into the risk category of Ⅳ and Ⅲ respectively. Table salts, bottled water, and sugar exhibited lower MPs pollution load (risk category of Ⅱ), whereas the pollution loads of other foods were calculated to be category Ⅰ. Moreover, a correlation between the pollution load of sea salts and MPs pollution level in ambient seawater was found. Regarding EDI of MPs from different processed foods, MPs intakes through bottled water (14.3 ± 3.4 n kg-1 d-1) and milk (6.6 ± 2.4 n kg-1 d-1) are significantly higher than that of the other foods (< 1 n kg-1 d-1). The probabilistic estimation of MPs daily intake indicated that children (19.7 n kg-1 d-1) are at a higher health risk than adults (female: 17.6 n kg-1 d-1, male: 12.6 n kg-1 d-1). Nevertheless, the exposure dose used in toxicological studies was about 10 times higher than the MPs intake via processed foods. Therefore, we argued that MPs in processed foods only carry limited risk. Overall, this study would provide the basis for risk management of MPs in processed food products.

Muscle and liver tissues from Italian heavy pigs were analyzed to investigate whether the chronic consumption of these products by local consumers could represent a health risk in relation to the contamination by some toxic metals and metalloids (TMMs). The concentrations of Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Sn, U, and Zn were measured with an inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometer, while Hg analysis was performed by using a mercury analyzer. Fe, Zn, and Cu were the most abundant elements in both tissues, while U was detected only at ultra-trace levels. As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Hg, Pb, U, and Zn showed significantly higher concentrations in livers compared to muscles (p ≤ 0.01), with Cd and Cu being 60- and 9-fold more concentrated in the hepatic tissue. Despite this, concentrations of all TMMs were found to be very low in all the samples to the point that the resulting estimated dietary intakes did not suggest any food safety concern. Indeed, intakes were all below the toxicological health-based guidance values or resulted in low margins of exposure. Nevertheless, in the calculation of the worst-case exposure scenario, the children's estimated intake of Cd, Fe, and Zn through the sole consumption of pig liver contributed to more than 23, 38, and 39% of the tolerable weekly intakes of these elements, while the combined consumption of pig liver and pig muscle to more than 24, 46, and 76%. These findings alert about the probability of exceeding the toxicological guidance values of Cd, Fe, and Zn though the whole diet, suggesting long-term negative health effects for the younger population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contamination levels of dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were monitored over 2018–2021 in 214 bovine milk samples from farms located in two regions in northern Italy (Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna). The average concentrations of the sum of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs (0.78 ± 0.55 pg TEQ/g fat) and six non-dioxin-like PCBs (6.55 ± 2.24 ng/g fat) were largely below the maximum, and action limits established at European level, confirming a decreasing trend observed both locally and across Europe in recent years. The impact of contamination levels on chronic dietary exposure of the Italian population to dioxins and PCBs was found to be highly variable based on the type of cow milk (skimmed, semi-skimmed, or whole-fat milk) and the population age group considered. Indeed, a first-tier screening of the potential exposure via determinist methods allowed for the identification of the youngest population as the group with the worst risk profile. The refinement of exposure assessment via Monte Carlo probabilistic methods suggested that, at the less pessimistic middle-bound simulation scenario, infants, toddlers, and children consuming whole cow milk may be exposed to dioxins and PCBs levels above the toxicological reference values with a probability of 76, 56, and 22%, respectively.

Riccardo Mastrantonio,1 Maria Scatigna,1 Marco D’Abramo,2 Viviana Martinez,3 Antonio Paoletti,1 Leila Fabiani1 1Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy; 2Freelance Health and Safety Technician, Frosinone, Italy; 3Abruzzo e Molise Interregional Transplant Coordination Centre, ASL1 Abruzzo, L’Aquila, ItalyCorrespondence: Riccardo Mastrantonio Email riccardomastrantonio@yahoo.itPurpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the application of some chemical risk assessment semi-quantitative methods and also to identify potential bias or differences originated by applying different methods to the same activities.Methods: We collected the data related to the chemical agents used in three different activities of three laboratories of an Italian university; the methods we compared were: MoVaRisCh, COSHH Essentials, LaboRisCh and Datarisch.Results: The input parameters requested by each method are shown for each activity and for each used chemical. We collected the results obtained since the application of the four different tools in three tables. The use of some chemicals (especially of the activity n° three) shows a not irrelevant risk for the users.Conclusion: Our findings show that COSHH Essentials, MoVaRisCh and Datarisch tools are consistent in the identification of a risk level; the small differences are related to risk rating, to be considered in relation with the specific structure of the method applied. The differences detected in the risk rating may be overcome by applying, for each working activity we want to assess, two or more different semi-quantitative tools. This strategy can allow to reduce the exposure to chemicals of the workers.Keywords: chemical risk, work exposure, chemical exposure, construction industry

It has been demonstrated that the ceramic pot filters (CPFs) with impregnated colloidal silver are efficient for the removal of turbidity and pathogens for household water treatment. This investigation evaluated the efficiency of two filter models for the removal of chemical contaminants (Hg, Pb, As and phenolic compounds) during 175 days. The first model is a traditional CPF impregnated with colloidal silver and the second consists of the ceramic silver-impregnated pot plus a post-filtration column with granular activated carbon and zeolite (CPFþGAC-Z). The results of the CPF showed average efficiencies of 91.5% (Hg), 92% (Pb), 50.2% (As) and 78.7% (phenols). The CPF þGAC-Z showed similar efficiencies for the removal of heavy metals (92.5% Hg, 98.1% Pb and 52.3% As) and a considerably higher efficiency for the removal of phenols (96.4%). The As concentration of the filtered water in both systems was higher than the regulatory limit. The ceramic pot was responsible for the highest removal of chemical compounds. It can be concluded that the traditional CPF is a viable option for water supply treatment at the household level for the removal of chemical contaminants. The efficiency of this filter can be improved with the postfiltration column mainly for the removal of organic constituents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Medicina y Seguridad del Trabajo is the property of Escuela Nacional de Medicina del Trabajo - Instituto de Salud Carlos III and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Medical laboratory workers are frequently exposed to a wide range of chemicals. This exposure can have adverse effects on their health. Furthermore, a knowledge lack of the chemical risk increases the likelihood of exposure. The chemical risk assessment reduces the risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals and therefore, guarantees health and safety of the workers. Method: The chemical risk assessment was conducted using a modified INRS method, according to the new CLP Regulation, of 11 unit laboratories in a Moroccan medical laboratory. Observation of each workstation and analysis of safety data sheets are key tools in this study. Results: A total of 144 substances and reagents that could affect the health of the analytical technicians were identified. Among these products, 17% are concerned by the low priority risk score, with 55% concerned by the average priority risk score and 28% concerned by the high priority risk score. This study also enabled to better identify the chemical agents that have restrictive occupational exposure limit value and controls were conducted to this effect. On the basis of the results obtained, several corrective and preventive measures have been proposed and implemented. Conclusion: Risk assessment is essential to ensure the health and safety of workers and to meet regulatory requirements. It enables to identify all the risky manipulations and to adopt appropriate preventive measures. However, it is not a one-time activity but it must be continuous in order to master the changes and thus ensure the best safety of all.

Abstract Introduction Exposure to chemical compounds occurs in numerous occupational settings, among which the research and healthcare laboratories have not been adequately investigated. These settings are characterized by an extreme variability of the used compounds and by the frequent turnover of young researchers. The main objectives of the study were to explore the occupational exposure to hazardous chemical substances among research laboratory workers; to assess their awareness and perceptions regarding chemical hazards; to investigate adherence to guidelines on safe handling of chemical compounds; and to analyze the effects of several factors on these outcomes of interest. Methods The survey was conducted among research laboratories workers who were exposed to chemical substances during their activity. Subjects completed a questionnaire exploring knowledge, attitudes and behaviors related to chemical hazards involved in research activities. Results Enrolled subjects were 237, for an 81.7% response rate. More than 90 hazardous chemical substances were used in the surveyed laboratories. A correct knowledge on hazardous chemicals was significantly more likely in younger researchers, in those manipulating a higher number of hazardous chemicals, and in those with a higher number of years of training in the attended laboratory; 54.4% of the workers said they felt very exposed to chemical risk. Correct practices in the laboratories were significantly more likely in researchers who perceived to have a low exposure to chemicals, but a high exposure to biological risk, who agreed with the statement that colleagues handle chemicals following safety procedures and who perceived to have received an adequate training in the management of accidents and first aid. Conclusions Our results showed significant gaps in knowledge and scarce preparedness in the adherence to safety processes to prevent and contain risks related to use of chemical compounds in research laboratories.

ABSTRACT As dust particles in laying poultry houses can have negative effects on health and on the environment, this study aimed to measure and compare dust concentrations in egg production sheds. The experiment was carried out in three sheds: Californian shed (G1), conventional closed shed with artificial ventilation (G2) and conventional closed shed without artificial ventilation (G3), and the birds housed were in the 22nd week of housing, in Cuité, Paraíba, Brazil. The dust particles were collected by a gravimetric pump, attached to the workers’ clothes, at the height of the respiratory zone, being removed at the end of the working day. Using the evaluation methodologies (total or breathable dust) according to NIOSH (1998), weighing was performed with sample concentration calculation, then the particle size was measured by microscopy according to the methodology described by Feret (Santos, 2001), with diameter of function obtained using an optical microscope, and particles classified by size (inhalable

The most worrisome fraction within plastic pollution is that of microplastics (MP). A category of MP almost completely ignored is that of glitter. The objective of this study is to test the toxicity of nine types of glitter leachate (3 soak times: 3, 90 and 180 days) on model organisms in freshwater (Allivibrio fischeri, Raphidocelis subcapitata, Daphnia magna) and saltwater (Allivibrio fischeri, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Paracentrotus lividus). An integrated approach was applied to obtain the percentage of ecotoxicological risk. The results show that (i) photosynthesizing primary producers are the most sensitive trophic level; (ii) algae transitioned from growth inhibition to biostimulation; (iii) D. magna showed higher sensitivity after 48 h compared to 24 h; (iv) A. fischeri responded more strongly in saltwater than in freshwater. The integrated data show a greater risk associated with the marine environment, with the highest risk for glitters that are hexagonal and composed of poly-methyl-methacrylate. Our multivariate analysis shows that the toxicity of plastic leaching is a complex phenomenon that depends on the sensitivity of the species, in some cases on the soaking time and on the medium, and is not clearly linked to the polymer type, the contact area or the colors of the particles.

Muscle and liver tissues from Italian heavy pigs were analyzed to investigate whether the chronic consumption of these products by local consumers could represent a health risk in relation to the contamination by some toxic metals and metalloids (TMMs). The concentrations of Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Sn, U, and Zn were measured with an inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometer, while Hg analysis was performed by using a mercury analyzer. Fe, Zn, and Cu were the most abundant elements in both tissues, while U was detected only at ultra-trace levels. As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Hg, Pb, U, and Zn showed significantly higher concentrations in livers compared to muscles (p ≤ 0.01), with Cd and Cu being 60- and 9-fold more concentrated in the hepatic tissue. Despite this, concentrations of all TMMs were found to be very low in all the samples to the point that the resulting estimated dietary intakes did not suggest any food safety concern. Indeed, intakes were all below the toxicological health-based guidance values or resulted in low margins of exposure. Nevertheless, in the calculation of the worst-case exposure scenario, the children’s estimated intake of Cd, Fe, and Zn through the sole consumption of pig liver contributed to more than 23, 38, and 39% of the tolerable weekly intakes of these elements, while the combined consumption of pig liver and pig muscle to more than 24, 46, and 76%. These findings alert about the probability of exceeding the toxicological guidance values of Cd, Fe, and Zn though the whole diet, suggesting long-term negative health effects for the younger population.

This study has been carried out to determine the uranium concentration associated with physicochemical parameters and water quality index during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon of Bemetara district to correlate the quality of water for public health. The correlation matrix has been applied for the determination of the correlation value to find out the relationship of uranium with water quality parameters. The uranium levels in water samples range from 1.15 to 83.5 µg/L and 0.68 to 96.08 µg/L during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon, respectively. The uranium concentration of few samples exceeds the safe limit of 30 µg/L prescribed by World Health Organization 2011. A positive correlation of uranium concentration with total hardness and total dissolved solids during both monsoons has been observed. The lifetime cancer risk varied from 0.07 × 10−6 to 5.06 × 10−6 and 0.04 × 10−6 to 5.82 × 10−6 in pre-monsoon and post-monsoon period, respectively, which is lower than the maximum permissible limit (< 10−3). The corresponding values of hazard quotient of 21 samples in pre-monsoon and 16 samples in post-monsoon were found to be greater than unity, which indicates a significant risk due to chemical toxicity. The observed results clearly showed that there is no harmful effect by radiological risk, but chemical risk can affect human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Exposure to chemical compounds occurs in numerous occupational settings, among which the research and healthcare laboratories have not been adequately investigated. These settings are characterized by an extreme variability of the used compounds and by the frequent turnover of young researchers. The main objectives of the study were to explore the occupational exposure to hazardous chemical substances among research laboratory workers; to assess their awareness and perceptions regarding chemical hazards; to investigate adherence to guidelines on safe handling of chemical compounds; and to analyze the effects of several factors on these outcomes of interest. Methods: The survey was conducted among research laboratories workers who were exposed to chemical substances during their activity. Subjects completed a questionnaire exploring knowledge, attitudes and behaviors related to chemical hazards involved in research activities. Results: Enrolled subjects were 237, for an 81.7% response rate. More than 90 hazardous chemical substances were used in the surveyed laboratories. A correct knowledge on hazardous chemicals was significantly more likely in younger researchers, in those manipulating a higher number of hazardous chemicals, and in those with a higher number of years of training in the attended laboratory; 54.4% of the workers said they felt very exposed to chemical risk. Correct practices in the laboratories were significantly more likely in researchers who perceived to have a low exposure to chemicals, but a high exposure to biological risk, who agreed with the statement that colleagues handle chemicals following safety procedures and who perceived to have received an adequate training in the management of accidents and first aid. Conclusions: Our results showed significant gaps in knowledge and scarce preparedness in the adherence to safety processes to prevent and contain risks related to use of chemical compounds in research laboratories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contextualization: For the safe handling of chemical substances, weaknesses of the company under study were identified, in terms of management, use, storage and internal transportation of chemical substances. knowledge gap: This method contributes as an input to the substance management knowledge in relation to possible poisoning by absorption and inhalation by workers. Purpose: The main aim of this study was to design a procedure for the safe handling of chemical substances in a company that manufactures polyurethane-based soles and insoles, helping to prevent workplace accidents and occupational diseases on workers at the company under study, with a cross-sectional descriptive, observational and quantitative approach. Methodology: The study was carried out in a factory of soles and insoles based on polyurethane in Cali (Colombia) with 33 workers from the main production processes, who are exposed to chemical substances. A survey was applied to identify the knowledge level of employees regarding to the substance management. A questionnaire was designed, based on Colombian regulations, applying the simplified method for chemical risk assessment of the French Institute - INRS. Results and conclusions: The analysis, according to the risk determination table, produced a critical result for six out of ten evaluated substances. Ten chemicals considered dangerous were identified and four of them were classified as group A2, suspected of causing cancer, being considered as toxic and harmful substances to health and environment. The absence of a procedure for the development of critical tasks such as filling tanks, painting and injection was evident, as well as the lack of an epidemiological surveillance program to monitor personnel with greater exposure. Finally, a procedure guide for the safe handling of chemical substances and an action plan for implementation were designed. The dangerousness of some chemical substances used based on polyurethane is high, so much so that the agency of Public Health Service, the Agency for Toxic Substances and the Registry of Diseases of the USA, lists isocyanates (TDI and MDI) as highly reactive chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dechlorane Related Compounds (DRCs), including Dechlorane Plus (syn/anti -DP or syn/anti -DDC-CO) and related compounds (Dec-601 or DDC-ID, Dec-602 or DDC-DBF, Dec-603 or DDC-Ant and Chlordene Plus or DDC-PDD), are a group of polychlorinated flame retardants of concern since they were first reported in various environmental and biota matrices about one decade ago. In this work, we investigated the dietary intake of the Lebanese population to these lipophilic environmental contaminants upon the evaluation of selected foodstuff contamination. Collected food samples (n = 58) were selected to be representative of the lipid fraction of the whole diet of the Beiruti population. The samples were analysed using pressurized liquid extraction, silica multilayer column followed by gel permeation chromatography for purification and GC-EI-HRMS for separation and detection. Detection frequency of at least one compound among Dechlorane Plus (syn -DP and anti -DP), Dechlorane 602, 603 and Chlordene Plus) was 91%. The mean concentrations of ∑ 6 DRCs, by food group, ranged from 4.7 to 29.5 pg g−1 wet weight in lowerbound (LB) and from 6.7 to 76.9 pg g−1 wet weight in upperbound (UB). Based on food habits, the dietary intake of Beiruti adults was estimated to be between 3.71 (LB) and 5.61 (UB) ng day−1. Dechlorane Plus and Dechlorane 602 were the dominant compounds, contributing to 70 and 24% of the total intake (LB value), respectively. This study reports for the first time the occurrence of Dechloranes in Lebanese foods and proposes corresponding deterministic dietary exposure scenario. Image 1 • Dechlorane Related Compounds (DRCs) quantified for the first time in Lebanese food. • Concentrations of DRCs measured at the pg g−1 ww level. • Daily intake estimated between 3.71 and 5.61 ng per person daily. • DP and Dec-602, meat and poultry, as major contributors to DRCs dietary exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Socioeconomic analysis is currently used in the Europe Union as part of the regulatory process in Regulation Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals (REACH), with the aim of assessing and managing risks from dangerous chemicals. The political impact of the socio-economic analysis is potentially high in the authorisation and restriction procedures, however, current socio-economic analysis dossiers submitted under REACH are very heterogeneous in terms of methodology used and quality. Furthermore, the economic literature is not very helpful for regulatory purposes, as most published calculations of health costs associated with chemical exposures use epidemiological studies as input data, but such studies are rarely available for most substances. The quasi-totality of the data used in the REACH dossiers comes from toxicological studies. Methods This paper assesses the use of the integrated probabilistic risk assessment, based on toxicological data, for the calculation of health costs associated with endocrine disrupting effects of triclosan. The results are compared with those obtained using the population attributable fraction, based on epidemiological data. Results The results based on the integrated probabilistic risk assessment indicated that 4894 men could have reproductive deficits based on the decreased vas deferens weights observed in rats, 0 cases of changed T3 levels, and 0 cases of girls with early pubertal development. The results obtained with the Population Attributable Fraction method showed 7,199,228 cases of obesity per year, 281,923 girls per year with early pubertal development and 88,957 to 303,759 cases per year with increased total T3 hormone levels. The economic costs associated with increased BMI due to TCS exposure could be calculated. Direct health costs were estimated at €5.8 billion per year. Conclusions The two methods give very different results for the same effects. The choice of a toxicological-based or an epidemiological-based method in the socio-economic analysis will therefore significantly impact the estimated health costs and consequently the political risk management decision. Additional work should be done for understanding the reasons of these significant differences.

Background: Harmful chemicals are used in various forms from different sources in hospital settings. The standard gold method in risk control studies still determines exposure by personal or ambient measurements. In the absence of trained personnel, resources, or sufficient time, qualitative methods should be used to assess exposure. This study aims to compare quantitative and qualitative results of chemical risk exposure., Material and Methods: Both qualitative (perceptions without monitoring data of the workers and experts) and quantitative perceptions (perceptions with monitoring data) were recorded. Two experts were asked to evaluate exposure intensity in pathology department workers, secretary workers, and cleaning workers. Occupational hygiene measurements were taken based on the occupational health and safety department risk assessment results, expert job analysis, and pilot study measurements., Results: While most workers reported feeling highly exposed to chemical risks, the majority of experts reported medium-risk exposures and high-risk exposures. Three occupational hygiene measurements (6.6%) exceeded the permissible time-weighted average, and the other results were within the acceptable range., Conclusions: There was a significant difference between the estimated exposure and the measured exposure in hospital settings. A correlation was not found between workers' perceptions of chemical risk exposure and the chemical risk levels measured in this study. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2023;74(4):241-50., (This work is available in Open Access model and licensed under a CC BY-NC 3.0 PL license.)

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Abstract: The problem of solvent selection in an industrial process has been examined in a number of different approaches, often including single- and multi-criteria optimization techniques. Traditionally, it has been addressed using techno-economic analyses and mathematical modeling techniques usually aiming at optimizing certain economic objectives such as maximizing profitability, minimizing cost and solvent usage. The proposed methodology offers an insightful environmental risk management framework for determining the optimal solvent profiles that can effectively match process requirements and at the same time ensure safe process performance. Through this approach, the risk aspects of utilizing a number of available solvents and their mixtures for particular process tasks were first examined and targets for the selection based on solvents' safety characteristics, such as the permissible exposure limit, were established. This approach, when considered in conjunction with economic performance assessment, can be substantially useful, because it enables prioritization of solvent selection options based on insightfully tracking the degree of environmental risk performance in systems with complex chemical characteristics. A pinch analysis methodology enables the direct targeting of minimum solvent(s) utilization and optimal allocation of the appropriate solvents to process sinks based on their degree of environmental risk. The methodology can also provide solvent selection and design insights for enhanced usage in any industrial process system while highlighting appropriate sustainable solutions. A case study is finally presented to illustrate the applicability of the proposed methodology.Graphical abstract: Graphical representation of the solvent selection and allocation problem addressed using the risk-based pinch analysis approach (where Ri is the risk index of solvent i, Wi, Ffr, Gj are the flowrates of sources, fresh and required flowrates of the sinks, respectively). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing interest in laver as a food product and as a source of substances beneficial to health has led to global consumer demand for laver produced in a limited area of northeastern Asia. Here we review research into the benefits of laver consumption and discuss future perspectives on the improvement of laver product quality. Variation in nutritional/functional values among product types (raw and processed (dried, roasted, or seasoned) laver) makes product-specific nutritional analysis a prerequisite for accurate prediction of health benefits. The effects of drying, roasting, and seasoning on the contents of both beneficial and harmful substances highlight the importance of managing laver processing conditions. Most research into health benefits has focused on substances present at high concentrations in laver (porphyran, Vitamin B12, taurine), with assessment of the expected effects of laver consumption. Mitigation of chemical/microbiological risks and the adoption of novel technologies to exploit under-reported biochemical characteristics of lavers are suggested as key strategies for the further improvement of laver product quality. Comprehensive analysis of the literature regarding laver as a food product and as a source of biomedical compounds highlights the possibilities and challenges for application of laver products.

The assessment of risk associated with exposure to chemicals in the work environment is a task that still poses a lot of difficulties for the employers. At the same time the probability of adverse health effects faced by an employee as a result of such risks, and the related employer’s material losses should motivate employers to seek effective solutions aimed at assessing the risks and controling them to an acceptable level by the application of appropriate preventive measures. The paper presents examples of tools to assist the employer in the risk assessment associated with the presence of chemical agents in the workplace. Examples of guides, manuals, checklists and various interactive tools, developed in Poland and other European Union (EU) countries, as well as in countries outside the EU and international organizations are described. These tools have been developed to meet the current requirements of the law and allow a rough estimation of chemical risk and based on these estimates take further steps to improve working conditions and safety. Med Pr 2014;65(5):683–692

Dechlorane related compounds (DRCs), including Dechlorane Plus ( syn -DP and anti -DP), Dechlorane-601, -602, -603 and Chlordene Plus (CP), constitute a group of polychlorinated flame retardants (FRs) that are still of industrial use. In particular, DRCs have been detected in various environmental matrices and in different aquatic and terrestrial biota, thus exhibiting bioaccumulation and biomagnification potentials. The present study aimed at producing first occurrence data of a range of DRCs in Silurus spp. samples from different rivers located in France. Determination was carried out by gas chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry after a sample clean-up based on a multilayer silica column and gel permeation chromatography. The concentration of monitored ΣDRCs ranged from 1.58 to 408 pg g −1 wet weight (54–11100 pg g −1 lipid weight). The fractional abundance of syn - and anti -DP stereoisomers was similar to that reported by other studies with an average equal to 0.60. Dec-601 was not detected in any sample. Detection frequencies ranged between 34 and 100% for other DRCs. Investigated correlations between DRCs and polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) suggest a link with lipid content but independent contamination sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]