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Urban stormwater management failures lead to floodingg. Potentially toxic elements (PTE) are commonly found in floods exposing population and ecosystems. Flooding is a persistent problem in the city of Hermosillo, Sonora thus PTE concentrations were determined, including threats to receiving ecosystems and population. The PTE concentrations were determined by MP-AES and compared to national and international guidelines. The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks were evaluated for adults and children following the EPA protocols. Al, Fe and Zn showed the highest concentrations. The concentrations exceeded consulted guideline criteria. PTE groups were identified relating to their sources and origin: (1) Fe, Mn, Ti and Al, (2) Cu, Cd and Cr, (3) Pb, Ni and Zn. Non-carcinogenic health effects and cancer risk were observed in the analyzed floodwater indicating that management measures should be taken to protect the flood-affected population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical hazards in foods have become a global public health challenge with the widespread use of chemicals in food processing. Currently, the effects of chemical exposure on human health are usually assessed by relying on complex and invasive assays for physiological and tissue parameters. As “the inhabitant” in the digestive tract, the gut microbiota has been the subject of numerous studies in recent years that suggest a possible link to food hazards. Changes in the abundance and function of the gut microbiota in response to foodborne contaminants may have the ability to determine the potential risk of food hazards. Non-invasive assays for the gut microbiota, a “microbial organ” sensitive to food safety hazards, have great potential for application in the safety risk assessment of chemical hazards in foods. In addition, the gut microbiota metabolizes and transforms certain chemicals and can also influence the toxicity and bioavailability of chemicals by modulating the host’s immune system, barrier function and metabolic pathways. Therefore, understanding the interaction between the gut microbiota and food hazards is important for assessing food safety and developing effective intervention strategies. This article reviews the applications, advantages, limitations and challenges of gut microbiota research models and omics technologies in the safety risk assessment of chemical hazards in foods. It aims to provide a scientific basis for the monitoring and risk assessment of food hazards and to provide new insights into the application of gut microbiota research models and omics techniques.

Ion mobility spectroscopy is a technique to characterize compounds based on the differences in the migration of sample ions under the combined action of electric field and air flow. Ions can be separated according to their quantity of electric charge, mass, size and shape. Meanwhile, the collision cross section of the ions can also be calculated to obtain chemical compound structural information, which has shown excellent performance in separating isomers of substances. In recent years, a variety of ion mobility technologies combined with mass spectrometry technology have emerged, and been widely used in food, biology, medicine, environment and other fields. In this paper, the types and working principles of ion mobility spectroscopy are introduced, the advantages and disadvantages of various types of instruments are analyzed, and the application of ion mobility spectrometry, liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry multidimensional combination in analyzing and identifying nutritive and active ingredients and chemical hazards in food is reviewed. The application prospect and development trend of this technology are also prospected.

Copyright of Shipin Kexue/ Food Science is the property of Food Science Editorial Department 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.)

Food contact materials should not release their constituent substances into food at levels harmful to human health nor change the food composition, taste, or odor unacceptably. The historical evolution of food packaging shows that the use of plastics has increased dramatically, because of its convenience, lightweight, and cost effectiveness, but carries a significant environmental impact. Influenced by trends such as growing awareness of the environmental footprint and stricter safety requirements, conventional packaging is now progressively evolving toward new alternatives. All stakeholders in the agrifood system are involved in the journey to transform food packaging to more sustainable alternatives, while maintaining the important functionalities of suitable food packaging. The current most promising food packaging alternatives are presented in this review with their benefits, limitations, and associated potential safety hazards, with a focus on chemical hazards. Although some potential hazards are common to conventional packaging, others are specific to the new alternatives. Identification of potential chemical hazards associated with these new packaging alternatives is important to anticipate any risks posed to consumer safety. With much diversity in packaging types and rules aimed at ensuring safety drastically varying between jurisdictions, it is not always easy to determine the best way to assess the safety of food packaging. International guidance on principles for safe food packaging could help drive global harmonization and would play a crucial role in ensuring a consistent and science‐based framework for the safety and compliance of new and emerging food packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ion mobility spectroscopy is a technique to characterize compounds based on the differences in the migration of sample ions under the combined action of electric field and air flow. Ions can be separated according to their quantity of electric charge, mass, size and shape. Meanwhile, the collision cross section of the ions can also be calculated to obtain chemical compound structural information, which has shown excellent performance in separating isomers of substances. In recent years, a variety of ion mobility technologies combined with mass spectrometry technology have emerged, and been widely used in food, biology, medicine, environment and other fields. In this paper, the types and working principles of ion mobility spectroscopy are introduced, the advantages and disadvantages of various types of instruments are analyzed, and the application of ion mobility spectrometry, liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry multidimensional combination in analyzing and identifying nutritive and active ingredients and chemical hazards in food is reviewed. The application prospect and development trend of this technology are also prospected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildland firefighting represents a physically and mentally demanding endeavour fraught with various risk factors. The primary aim of this study is to delineate occupational chemical exposure within the firefighting work environment on the firefront and its implications for firefighters' health status. A systematic literature review was conducted utilising diverse keyword combinations across Scopus, Web of Science, Academic Search Complete, and ScienceDirect databases. Only English-language journal articles, real-world monitoring reports, and studies featuring samples of firefighters were considered for inclusion. Forty-one studies were analysed, with 26 focusing on firefighters' occupational exposure to chemical agents during wildland firefighting and 15 addressing the health impairments of wildland firefighting activities. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), VOCs, and particulates emerged as the most prevalent chemical agents in the exposure profiles of frontline firefighters. They were shown to be the main incidents of cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and work-related cancer. The rigorous demands of wildland firefighting have been demonstrated to significantly impact firefighter health, resulting in a notable prevalence of fatalities and illnesses. Given that an elevated number of health issues are common in this occupation, adopting advanced assessment technologies is imperative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to develop a state-of-the-art method for assessing chemical risks in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The method combined desk research findings and the authors' practical knowledge to identify major shortcomings in performing risk assessments at the workplace. Data were collected from nine SMEs across three sectors: agriculture, laboratory research, and conservation and restoration laboratories. On-site observations, focus group discussions, and textual content analysis of occupational safety and health documentation were used to gather information on chemical risks and workers' perceptions. The developed method uses numerical factors to account for the level of conformity with regulations and the duration of exposure to support an estimation of the probability of an incident. The method was designed to enhance risk assessment practices and tackle common issues encountered by SMEs, including the lack of data for estimating probability. Feedback from SMEs involved in the study indicated that the method's performance was satisfactory, with its well-organized information flow and supportive components being particularly valued. The study highlights the importance of effective risk assessment in creating a safer and healthier work environment for workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical contamination of drinking water is of great concern for public health. Chemical analyses are used for monitoring of selected chemicals, however, no information on unknown chemicals or potential toxicity of the mixture of chemicals in a water sample is obtained. Effect‐based methods in cells are new high throughput tools, to evaluate the hazard of the whole mixture of chemicals present in drinking water. These methods can be used together with chemical analysis for assessment of the chemical safety of drinking water. This article will review the principle of effect‐based methods in cells and how they compare to traditionally used chemical analysis and effect‐based methods in whole organisms. Further, this article will give examples from the literature, highlighting how cellular effect‐based methods can be used in different practical applications to improve drinking water safety; for example, for monitoring of drinking water quality and evaluation of treatment efficiency in drinking water processing. Finally, this article will review the current regulatory and water sector acceptance of these methods and discuss future expectations on the role of effect‐based methods for improved drinking water safety. This article is categorized under:Engineering Water > Water, Health, and SanitationScience of Water > Water Quality [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultured meat, which involves growing meat in a laboratory rather than breeding animals, offers potential benefits in terms of sustainability, health, and animal welfare compared to conventional meat production. However, the cultured meat production process involves several stages, each with potential hazards requiring careful monitoring and control. Microbial contamination risks exist in the initial cell collection from source animals and the surrounding environment. During cell proliferation, hazards may include chemical residues from media components such as antibiotics and growth factors, as well as microbial issues from improper bioreactor sterilization. In the differentiation stage where cells become muscle tissue, potential hazards include residues from scaffolding materials, microcarriers, and media components. Final maturation and harvesting stages risk environmental contamination from nonsterile conditions, equipment, or worker handling if proper aseptic conditions are not maintained. This review examines the key microbiological and chemical hazards that must be monitored and controlled during the manufacturing process for cultured meats. It describes some conventional and emerging novel techniques that could be applied for the detection of microbial and chemical hazards in cultured meat. The review also outlines the current evolving regulatory landscape around cultured meat and explains how thorough detection and characterization of microbiological and chemical hazards through advanced analytical techniques can provide crucial data to help develop robust, evidence‐based food safety regulations specifically tailored for the cultured meat industry. Implementing new digital food safety methods is recommended for further research on the sensitive and effective detection of microbiological and chemical hazards in cultured meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change and changing consumer demand are the main factors driving the protein transition. This shift toward more sustainable protein sources as alternatives to animal proteins is also reflected in the rapid upscaling of meat and dairy food analogues. Such changes could challenge food safety, as new food sources could result in new and unexpected food safety risks for consumers. This review analyzed the current knowledge on chemical and microbiological contamination of emerging alternative protein sources of plant origin, including soil‐based (faba bean, mung bean, lentils, black gram, cowpea, quinoa, hemp, and leaf proteins) and aquatic‐based (microalgae and duckweeds) proteins. Moreover, findings on commercial analogues from known alternative protein sources were included. Overall, the main focus of the investigations is on the European context. The review aimed to enable foresight approaches to food safety concerning the protein transition. The results indicated the occurrence of multiple chemical and microbiological hazards either in the raw materials that are the protein sources and eventually in the analogues. Moreover, current European legislation on maximum limits does not address most of the "contaminant‐food" pairs identified, and no legislative framework has been developed for analogues. Results of this study provide stakeholders with a more comprehensive understanding of the chemical and microbiological safety of alternative protein sources and derived analogues to enable a holistic and safe approach to the protein transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Foodborne diseases (FBDs) are a major worldwide public health concern. In the current context of globalization, it has become crucial to establish effective collaboration between countries to reduce the incidence of FBDs, by creating knowledge-sharing activities to address this challenge. However, despite the importance of this subject, there are limited opportunities for researchers from French-speaking countries to meet and exchange expertise in this field. Researchers from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Université de Montréal (Canada) and from the Faculty of Science, University of Abdelmalek Essaadi (Morocco) took the initiative to organize the first French-speaking edition of the conference on Good Hygiene Practices to Ensure Food Safety, that was held virtually on May 25 and 26, 2022. Attendees (n = 122) came from academic, food processing and government sectors. The conference was a great opportunity to showcase the practical application of the risk analysis paradigm, with concrete examples of food hazards, as well as the use of the latest high-throughput sequencing technologies as a tool for source attribution and molecular typing of some of the most important foodborne pathogens. In addition, the conference created a valuable forum for the exchange of knowledge between international food safety experts, particularly with respect to Canadian regulations compared with those of other countries. Interestingly, following the success of this first edition, the conference’s scientific committee has decided to continue organizing this event on a biannual basis, to provide a unique forum for French-speaking researchers to learn about the latest advances in food safety.

Introduction: daily, workers in beauty salons and parlors use different cosmetic products made of various chemicals. This study aimed to determine the knowledge, practices, and self-reported health outcomes related to chemical use and safety among workers in beauty salons and parlors. Methods: a quantitative, cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 145 participants, randomly selected using a simple random sampling design. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the Knowledge, practices, and self-reported health outcomes related to chemical safety. Pearson´s correlation was used to assess the correlation between perception, awareness, and other study determinants. Results: fifty-seven percent of participants had been working with chemicals for more than two years, and only 5% were smokers. There was a positive relationship between age and years of experience in the beauty and salon industry (r= 0.385; p < 0.001), while significant positive correlations between knowledge score with educational levels (r=0.444; p= <0.001) and formal training as a salon and beauty parlor worker (r=0.504; p= <0.001) were also found. Participants also reported symptoms such as headache (43%), nausea (23%), skin irritation (48%), eye irritation (39%), and respiratory illness-related symptoms (62%). Conclusion: there is a need for health and safety training in beauty salons and parlors, with emphasis on the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE). The findings of this study may serve as the baseline for the development of safety policies for all beauty salons and parlors in South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an increasing interest in edible insects in Europe for feed and food purposes. Quantitative information on the transfer of chemical hazards from substrates to larvae is needed to evaluate food and feed safety aspects. This evaluation is especially needed when organic substrates or residual streams such as manure will be applied as substrate, contributing to a circular food system. This study investigated the transfer of veterinary drugs from spiked substrate to black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens). Veterinary drugs that are commonly administered to chicken, fattening pigs, and cattle and regularly detected in manure were included: three different antibiotics (enrofloxacin, oxytetracycline, sulfamethoxazole), three coccidiostats (narasin, salinomycin, toltrazuril) and one antiparasitic drug (eprinomectin). The chemicals were spiked to insect substrate to reach final concentrations of 0.5 and 5 mg/kg for the antibiotics and the antiparasitic drug, and 5 and 50 mg/kg for the coccidiostats. Black soldier fly larvae were reared for 1 week on the spiked substrates, and the transfer of the veterinary drugs to the larvae and frass was quantified using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Only oxytetracycline and eprinomectin reduced the average weight and/or survival of the black soldier fly larvae. The transfer of the veterinary drugs to the larvae was on average 19.2% for oxytetracycline, 12% for enrofloxacin, 9.5% for narasin, 8.1% for eprinomectin, 3.9% for salinomycin, 4.2% for toltrazuril, and 0.2% for sulfamethoxazole, relative to concentrations in the substrate. Mass-balance calculations revealed that the larvae seem to metabolise veterinary drugs, and indeed, metabolites of enrofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole, and toltrazuril were detected in the larvae and frass. In conclusion, insect-rearing substrates should be evaluated for the presence of veterinary drug residues to ensure feed (and food) safety, as well as because of possible effects on insect growth.

Abstract Background Due to the increasing prevalence of equine non-infectious respiratory disease, the air contamination in equine housing (Stables A-C) and training facilities (indoor riding arenas A - C) was investigated. The aim of the study was to monitor gaseous pollutants, bioaerosols, and dust concentrations at three different sites (stables and riding halls), where different floor materials were used in the riding halls. Materials and methods Air quality was monitored in housing for horses and in riding halls in terms of dust concentration, the presence of gaseous chemical pollutants, and concentrations of biological aerosol. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The levels obtained were compared with acceptable limits. Results Among the gaseous pollutants identified, the highest concentration was obtained for ammonia in stables B and C (16.37 and 22.39 mg/m3, respectively). Standards for total dust were exceeded in stables B and C and in riding halls B and C. The highest numbers of bacteria and fungi were recorded in stables A and C and in riding hall B. Ulocladium sp. had the highest percentage share among the moulds identified. Conclusions The results confirm that the wrong choice of bedding in the stable and indoor riding arenas may contribute, even in short training periods, to equine non-infectious respiratory disease (equine asthma). Bioaerosol suspended in the air together with released gaseous pollutants can exacerbate this phenomenon, which even in the case of short training periods can lead to equine asthma of varying degrees of severity. For this reason, the choice of floor material in riding halls should be treated as a priority, as the wrong decision can shorten the period during which the horse can be used for recreational purposes.

Background: Due to the increasing prevalence of equine non-infectious respiratory disease, the air contamination in equine housing (Stables A-C) and training facilities (indoor riding arenas A - C) was investigated. The aim of the study was to monitor gaseous pollutants, bioaerosols, and dust concentrations at three different sites (stables and riding halls), where different floor materials were used in the riding halls. Materials and methods: Air quality was monitored in housing for horses and in riding halls in terms of dust concentration, the presence of gaseous chemical pollutants, and concentrations of biological aerosol. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The levels obtained were compared with acceptable limits. Results: Among the gaseous pollutants identified, the highest concentration was obtained for ammonia in stables B and C (16.37 and 22.39 mg/m3, respectively). Standards for total dust were exceeded in stables B and C and in riding halls B and C. The highest numbers of bacteria and fungi were recorded in stables A and C and in riding hall B. Ulocladium sp. had the highest percentage share among the moulds identified. Conclusions: The results confirm that the wrong choice of bedding in the stable and indoor riding arenas may contribute, even in short training periods, to equine non-infectious respiratory disease (equine asthma). Bioaerosol suspended in the air together with released gaseous pollutants can exacerbate this phenomenon, which even in the case of short training periods can lead to equine asthma of varying degrees of severity. For this reason, the choice of floor material in riding halls should be treated as a priority, as the wrong decision can shorten the period during which the horse can be used for recreational purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildland firefighting represents a physically and mentally demanding endeavour fraught with various risk factors. The primary aim of this study is to delineate occupational chemical exposure within the firefighting work environment on the firefront and its implications for firefighters’ health status. A systematic literature review was conducted utilising diverse keyword combinations across Scopus, Web of Science, Academic Search Complete, and ScienceDirect databases. Only English-language journal articles, real-world monitoring reports, and studies featuring samples of firefighters were considered for inclusion. Forty-one studies were analysed, with 26 focusing on firefighters’ occupational exposure to chemical agents during wildland firefighting and 15 addressing the health impairments of wildland firefighting activities. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), VOCs, and particulates emerged as the most prevalent chemical agents in the exposure profiles of frontline firefighters. They were shown to be the main incidents of cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and work-related cancer. The rigorous demands of wildland firefighting have been demonstrated to significantly impact firefighter health, resulting in a notable prevalence of fatalities and illnesses. Given that an elevated number of health issues are common in this occupation, adopting advanced assessment technologies is imperative.

In this article, we establish a new vision of the importance of teaching laboratory safety, whereas some past views of safety education fade away. Here, we present an approach to teaching this important subject as an independent course by Massive Open Online Course (MOOC). In this article, we introduce the advantages of safety education by MOOC, the construction and content of the MOOC "Safety in the Chemical Laboratory", and the practices for safety education through MOOC resources in colleges and universities in mainland China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Firefighters are exposed to occupational hazards and have a higher prevalence of health issues. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the immune, endocrine, and neural systems, and disruptions in its composition can impact health outcomes. This pilot study aimed to investigate the potential association between occupational factors, changes in gut microbiota, and the development of adverse health outcomes in firefighters. To test this hypothesis, we recruited 15 firefighters and age/sex-matched controls to investigate the relationship between occupational environment and gut microbiota. Firefighters exhibit lower intestinal bacterial alpha diversity and a higher presence of pathogenic bacteria than the control. Moreover, unique gut bacterial taxa were observed in firefighters with high post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) scores, which could contribute to immune dysregulation and higher susceptibility to pathogen colonization. These preliminary findings suggest that occupational factors, including exposure to traumatic stressors and chemicals, may influence firefighters' health by modulating their gut microbiota. The observed changes in gut microbiota composition and the potential link to occupational hazards highlight the need for further research in larger sample-size studies. Understanding the role of gut microbiota in firefighter health may have implications for preventive measures and interventions to mitigate occupational health risks and improve overall well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Painters experience occupational exposure through inhalation and skin absorption to various chemicals that are used as ingredients of paint mixtures and other related painting trades. Although several investigations indicated significant contribution of exposure via skin absorption to exhibit harmful effects on health among painters, assessment of the skin absorption hazards of the paint chemicals is limited. Here, we evaluated the skin absorption of a number of organic chemicals relevant to painting trades using mathematical models. For this purpose, we estimated the skin permeability coefficient of the chemicals using the Potts and Guy correlation equation. The estimated permeability coefficients were further utilized to estimate the maximum flux of the non-volatile chemicals across the skin. The skin permeability coefficient and maximum flux of the chemicals across the skin were compared to those of the chemicals to which the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) assigned a "skin" notation. We critically analyzed the estimated maximum fluxes and the acute toxicity data of the chemicals available in the literature that helped to identify the chemicals posing a significant skin absorption hazard. The analyses suggest that triethanolamine and m-phenylenediamine pose significant skin absorption hazards, though these chemicals have not yet been assigned a "skin" notation in the ACGIH TLV book. The ratio of dermal uptake directly from air to inhalation intake of volatile solvents used in paint mixtures was estimated for a typical occupational setting. N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone showed significant dermal uptake fraction compared to its intake via inhalation route. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Identification of potential hazards, their adverse health effects, and predisposing factors in the workplace are critical to improving safety. The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge of occupational hazards, the prevalence of perceived health problems and their predictors among textile dye workers in Abeokuta Nigeria who work in unsupervised settings. Materials and Methods. In this cross-sectional study, data were collected from 199 participants using a validated semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of knowledge while Pearson Chi-square was employed to test the association between perceived health problems, sociodemographics and work environment characteristics. Results. The mean age of the respondents was 40 (SD=12) years with an average work experience of 19 years. The majority of respondents 139 (69.8%) had lower than average scores on knowledge of 25 questions on chemical hazards. There was no correlation between knowledge score and work experience (P=0.492) or age (P=0.462) but the knowledge was significantly associated with exposure score (P=0.004), gender (P=0.002) and adherence to instructions on chemicals usage (P=0.041) after adjusting for safe practice. The most frequent health problems among the dye workers were respiratory disorders (53.8%), allergies (51.8%), and skin disorders (24.1%). Airborne gaseous pollutants from the mixing of chemicals were associated with allergies (P=0.045), circulatory (P=0.02) and skin disorders (P=0.049) while air-borne textile fiber/dye particles could predict allergies (P=0.028). Conclusions. Findings revealed that exposure, gender and adherence to instruction labels on dye/chemical containers could determine knowledge of chemical hazards while physical work environment characteristics could determine health problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bundesgesundheitsblatt - Gesundheitsforschung - Gesundheitsschutz is the property of Springer Nature 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.)

Risk perceptions are critical in determining individual's engagement in safe (or risky) actions. This study examined the effect of toolbox training on risk perception dimensions measured as knowledge, dread, and control among a group of employees in a bleach processing plant. Methods: the safety intervention consisted of a 20 min toolbox training covering aspects related to chemical substances, risk identification, health effects, incident pathway, personal protective equipment (PPE), and routine tasks performed. Day and night shift workers were included in the sample since their tasks performed varied considerably, with night shift workers being less likely to be exposed to chemical substances. Perceptions were collected from bleach manufacturing workers via a pre- and postintervention survey. Results: a slight improvement was observed in participants' knowledge, while the dread dimension showed a significant reduction in the mean score post intervention. No changes were identified in the control dimension. Night shift workers gained more knowledge than day workers. Job title and work tenure had no significant impact on any of the risk perception dimensions. Conclusions: the results indicated that toolbox training on hazardous chemicals can impact risk perception dimensions, particularly dread, providing workers with more ways to identify risk levels and addressing any discrepancies that may exist with employees' perception of risk based on their position or tenure within the organization. Organizational training policies should go beyond financial benefits or fulfill regulatory requirements and acknowledge the impact training methods may have on other elements of the safety and health management systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to address the problems of redundancy and waste of resources in the deployment of monitoring points in mesoscale chemical hazard areas, we propose a method for the deployment of monitoring points in mesoscale chemical hazard areas by combining weight and fireworks algorithms. Taking the mesoscale chemical hazard monitoring area as the research background, we take the probabilistic sensing model of telemetry sensor nodes as the research object, make a reasonable grid division of the mesoscale monitoring area, calculate the importance of each grid and perform clustering, utilize the diversity of the fireworks algorithm and the rapidity of the solution to solve the monitoring point deployment model and discuss the relevant factors affecting the deployment scheme. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can achieve the optimal coverage monitoring for monitoring areas with different importance and reduce the number of monitoring nodes and redundancy; meanwhile, the relevant factors such as the grid edge length, the number of clusters, and the average importance of monitoring areas have different degrees of influence on the complexity of the algorithm and the deployment scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are many kinds of chemical hazards in food， and their contents are generally at trace and ultra trace levels. Because the food matrix is complex， it is very important to select appropriate sample preparation techniques to obtain reliable detection results at low concentration level. According to the detection needs of different types of compounds and the characteristics and analysis purposes of different food matrices， this paper discusses the selection of sample preparation technique based on the experience in the development of sample preparation methods for food chemical hazards in the recent 10 years. A practical sample preparation method selection strategy based on "food matrix" and "target analyte" is proposed. And the progress of cutting-edge technique is reviewed. In addition， on the basis of application examples， suggestions on the development of sample preparation methods are put forward to provide references for grassroots technicians to select reliable sample preparation methods.

Protection against the safety of people is enforced for the certain occupations when they might be exposed to hazardous chemicals during handling. This research provides an importance of chemical protective clothing, along with its necessity during various industrial applications. The aim of the research is to develop more comfortable and efficient protective cloth for the chemical industry workers. Developed multilayer fabric is to protect them from harmful chemical hazards with five layers, the outer shell made of polyester as it has low absorption and carbon fabric for its higher support. It provides a good strength to the fabric and polyester has a good resistance to lab grade chemicals. The middle layer comprises spun-bonded non-woven sandwiched with carbon fiber. The inner layer is made up of cotton fabric as it gives good absorbency and comfort. In this research, 100% polyester fabric, polyester/cotton fabric and 100% knitted polyester fabric have been used as a comparison in chemical protective clothing. Scanning electronic microscope (SEM) was used to observe the morphology of coated surfaces of protective for process versatility and the highly specific surface area. In this paper, the thermal properties of developed multilayered structures were statistically investigated. The chemical protection, good air permeability, abrasion resistance, fabric stiffness and tearing strength have been performed. The results provide new insights into the development of functional garments/materials and better methods for evaluating the performance of these materials under hazardous work environments.

This study analyzed data from 6 years (2014–2019) of official controls in the Emilia-Romagna region (northern Italy) to investigate the frequencies of human pathogens and chemical hazards in foods during production and distribution. Campylobacter spp. was the most prevalent pathogen, isolated in 4.4% of the 1,078 food samples examined, followed by Salmonella spp. (2.8%), Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) (1.9%), and Listeria monocytogenes (0.9%). Salmonella serotyping showed that the isolates belonged to the serotypes most commonly isolated from humans in Emilia-Romagna. These serotypes were as follows: S. Infantis (34.8%), mostly isolated from chicken, monophasic S. Typhimurium (1,4, [5],12:i:-) (12.6%), S. Bredeney (8.9%), and S. Derby (8.6%). No Clostridium botulinum, Yersinia spp., and Shigella spp. were isolated. No positivity was detected for hepatitis A virus, while 5.1% of samples taken in the production phase of the food chain were found to be contaminated with norovirus. The chemical analyses identified environmental contaminants within legal limits (heavy metals, 0.6% positive overall; mycotoxins, 0.4% positive overall), analytes subjected to monitoring (perfluoro-alkyl substances (PFASs), 6.2% positive overall; inorganic arsenic, no positives overall) and process contaminants and additives within legal limits (acrylamide, 9.6% positive overall; permitted or nonpermitted additives, 0.9% positive overall). Only one sample showed dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) at levels higher than the legal limits. The monitoring by competent authorities (CA) of food contamination can generate useful data that can be used as a basis for estimating the exposure to different food contaminants over time and for evaluating the effects of control measures on the contamination of food.

IntroductionContamination with heavy and toxic metals along the food value chain is a public health concern in Bangladesh.MethodsIn this study, 608 fish and chicken samples from traditional and modern retail outlets in urban, peri-urban, and rural areas were collected and analyzed for chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) contamination, using atomic absorption spectrometry method. The daily intake, target hazard quotient and the target carcinogenic risk (for lead only) as a result of fish and chicken consumption was calculated based on mean results, and by Monte Carlo simulation in @Risk with 100,000 iterations (quantitative risk assessment).ResultsCr and Cd were detected in 80–86% of both chicken meat and fish samples, while Pb positivity found in chicken meat and fish was 54.9 and 23.3%, respectively. The mean concentration (±SD) of Cr, Cd, and Pb in chicken meat were 0.66 ± 0.93, 0.02 ± 0.03, and 0.09 ± 0.10 mg/kg, respectively; and in fish were 0.49 ± 0.62, 0.02 ± 0.03, and 0.06 ± 0.09 mg/kg, respectively. The estimated daily intakes of Cr, Cd, and Pb from chicken and fish were lower than the maximum tolerable daily intake in all studied areas. In addition, the target carcinogenic risk for Pb in chicken was lower than the negligible range, which indicated the risk of cancer due to exposure to Pb through chicken meat and fish consumption was very low.DiscussionThe present study concludes that consumption of chicken meat and fish in Bangladesh, currently at very low levels, is unlikely to constitute a major health risk for humans in respect to these metals. However, continuous market surveillance for heavy metals in food stuff is recommended, especially since consumers may increase their meat intake.

Main group of contaminants including toxic compounds be formed during food processing and packaging (incidental group) and fungal toxins have been listed as critical challenge for food safety and human health. Because of absorption and transferring of these compounds into the human body and accumulation of them in different organs, several chronic diseases have been observed. The levels of these toxicants have been seriously monitored using analytical techniques. In this review, formation mechanism, toxicological effect and analytical methods of biogenic amines, furfural, hydroxymethylfurfural, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, acrylamide, bisphenol A, nitrosamine and aflatoxin were discussed in different food samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Laboratories are inextricably dangerous work environments, as fatal incidents are reported in both academic and non-academic environments worldwide, where poor safety culture has been recognized as the major accident contributor. Workers can be exposed to chemical, biological, physical, or radioactive hazards, in addition to musculoskeletal stresses. In Brazil, hundreds of thousands of workers are employed in laboratories, either in private or public institutions. Although laboratory safety can be governed by local, state, or federal regulations, learning how to identify common laboratory hazards is the first step to preventing accidents in the lab environment. Methods: The study aimed to assess the degree level of safety culture in an academic population of research laboratories, located in the largest city in Brazil, and their compliance with occupational safety regulations during the COVID-19 outbreak. This study was carried out between October and November 2020. The results were obtained from the standardized questionnaire used to assess 98 researchers working in laboratories during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: The majority of respondents (95%) reported being exposed to more than two risks, simultaneously. About two-thirds (66%) of them were not fully aware of the laboratory's risk map. About half of the researchers (50%) were lacking in safety culture, and 57%and 43% were preoccupied with chemical and non-chemical hazards, respectively. Personal protective equipment (PPE) during laboratory work was used by most researchers, but 75% of researchers claim that security awareness learning should be a high priority for admission to laboratories. About 39% of researchers agreed that awareness of security must be improved in their laboratories Conclusion: The survey proves the lack of information and attitudes about chemical safety, especially among less experienced researchers, even if they use personal protective equipment when necessary.

Crustaceans such as shrimp and crab are considered as a rich source of protein, omega 3 fatty acids and trace elements. However, they are exposed to a vast array of xenobiotics during their lifetime such as heavy metals, pesticides, and dioxins. Moreover, crustaceans are also implicated in the transmission of many foodborne pathogens such as Aeromonas hydrophila, Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio parahemolyticus, and others. They are also rich in biogenic amines such as histamine and cadaverine, and they might cause severe allergic reactions in highly susceptible people. This review summarized the current scenario of potential hazards associated with the consumption of crustaceans in Egypt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Folia Pomeranae Universitatis Technologiae Stetinensis Agricultura Alimentaria Piscaria et Zootechnica is the property of West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin 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.)

The concern with food safety in the milk chain begins with the quality of the raw milk. Due to the health hazard that this food can carry when contaminated, the focus of studies has turned to microbiological and chemical contaminants that may be present in raw milk. There is an essential concern about conventional pathogens (Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., and coagulase-positive Staphylococcus spp.) and emerging pathogens (Arcobacter butzleri, Yersinia enterocolitica, Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis, Helicobacter pylori, and Cronobacter sakazakii) found in raw milk and dairy products. In addition, a growing public health issue has been raised regarding antimicrobial-resistant pathogens and commensal strains found in milk and dairy products. The antibiotic residues in milk can also damage health, such as allergies, and cause technological problems in dairy products processing. This health issue extends to other chemical contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, melamine, dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls, plasticizers, and additives in milk and dairy products. Other chemical substances formed by microorganisms are also of high importance, such as biogenic amines and mycotoxins. Therefore, this chapter aimed to revise and discuss relevant biological and chemical risks to ensure the safety and quality of raw milk and dairy products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Natural Fibers is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd 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.)

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.