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Low rainfall with improper temporal and spatial distribution is a significant problem in arid and semi-arid areas. Due to the lack of water resources and the increasing water demand, access to new water resources is necessary. Rainwater collection is one of the most prominent methods of rainwater exploitation management to deal with water shortage which is developing rapidly in many areas. Considering the diversity and breadth of rainwater collection methods, serious attention should be paid in choosing the influencing factors and the type of criteria combination method. In this article, in order to determine the places prone to the construction of rain catchment surfaces for livestock drinking, first the effective factors were determined with the studies conducted and the characteristics of the area. Seven factors were considered, including slope, land use, soil depth, distance from fault and waterway, proximity to livestock farming, and prevailing wind direction. The factors were ranked using the fuzzy logic technique. This involved dividing them into nine separate parts. A geographic information system was then used to overlap these layers. The results of this overlap were classified into five classes: poor, average, relatively good, good, and very good. The rainwater collection areas for each class were 44.01 km², 53.94 km², 30.31 km², 30.48 km², and 12.51 km², respectively. The result of using the fuzzy logic method along with the geographic information system in this study facilitated and increased accuracy in determining the areas prone to rainwater collection. Also, based on the results of this method, the south and southeast part of the region had the first priority for the construction of rain catchment surfaces. Therefore, it can be used to collect rainwater and store it for future use. The findings of this research work will help policy makers and decision makers to implement different rainwater collection structures in the study area to overcome water shortage problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The samples of greenhouse cucumbers were collected from the Central Fruit and Vegetable Market of Tabriz between June and December 2017. In the twenty-four cucumber samples (unwashed, washed, peeled), the residue of 18 organophosphates pesticides (OPPs) was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) following the modified QuEChERS method (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe). Chronic non-carcinogenic risk assessment from pesticide residues in the samples was also performed for age groups of adults (women and men) and children using the Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS). Amongst the eighteen studied pesticides, eight pesticides including dimethoate, diazinon, methyl parathion, fenitrothion, chlorpyrifos, profenofos, ethion, and azinphos-methyl were detected. Pesticide residues were detected in 100% of unwashed, washed and peeled samples in the range of 0.08 to 0.37 mg.kg-1, 0.03 to 0.17 mg.kg-1 and 0.01 to 0.08 mg.kg-1, respectively. The maximum and minimum values were found for diazinon pesticides with 0.37 mg.kg-1 and profenofos and fenitrothion with 0.01 mg.kg-1. 100 % of samples contained at least three pesticide residues (dimethoate, diazinon, and methyl parathion), while 87.5% of the samples contained more pesticides residues. The residues of dimethoate, diazinon, and methyl parathion were above Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) in 100%, 83.33%, and 66.66% of samples, respectively. The identified residues were more than the EU MRLs and the IR MRLs in 100% and 95.83% samples, respectively. The mean reduction of pesticide residues in the washed and peeled samples was in the range of 37.74 to 56.52% and 66.66 to 92.30%, respectively. According to the performed risk assessment, there is no significant non-carcinogenic health risk due to the consumption of cucumber for the age group of adults. Hence, there is a considerable non-carcinogenic health risk to children due to the consumption of unwashed (HI = 2.22) and water-washed (HI = 1.36) greenhouse cucumbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Health care workers (HCWs) in hospitals are at risk of infection with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Prevention measures are necessary to protect HCWs against COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the status of occupational risk factors and prevention measures for COVID-19 in hospitals. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Iranian hospitals. Based on the results of reviewing the literature and guidelines, two checklists on occupational risk factors and prevention measures for COVID-19 in hospitals were designed and validated. The status of occupational risk factors and prevention measures against COVID-19 in governmental, non-governmental public, private, and military hospitals were determined using designed checklists. RESULTS: Results confirmed the validity of checklists for assessing the status of COVID-19 prevention measures in hospitals. The military hospitals had the lowest mean risk factors compared to other hospitals, but there was no significant difference in occupational risk factors of infection with COVID-19 among governmental, non-governmental public, private, and military hospitals (P-value > 0.05). In the checklist of occupational risk factors of Covid-19, the type of hospital had a significant relationship with the provision and use of personal protective equipment (P-value<0.05). The mean of implementation of prevention measures among all hospitals were not statistically significant difference (P-value > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The provided checklists could be a suitable tool for monitoring of status of prevention measures for COVID-19 in hospitals. Improving ventilation systems is necessary in most of the hospitals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylene (BTEX) are prevalent pollutants in shoe industry-related workplaces. The aim of this study was to assess exposure to BTEX and their carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks in shoe-industry-related workplaces. This study was carried out at different shoe manufactures, small shoe workshop units, shoe markets, and shoe stores in Tabriz, Iran in 2021. Personal inhalation exposure to BTEX was measured using the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 1501 method. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks due to inhalation exposure to BTEX were estimated by United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) method based on Mont Carlo simulation. Results showed that the concentrations of benzene and toluene were higher than the threshold limit value (TLV) in both gluing and non-gluing units of shoe manufactures. The total carcinogenic risk (TCR) due to exposure to benzene and ethyl benzene was considerable in all shoe industry-related workplaces. Also, the hazard index (HI) as a non-carcinogenic index was higher than standard levels in all shoe industry-related workplaces. Therefore, shoe industry-related workers are at cancer and non-cancer risks due to exposure to BTEX. Prevention measures need to be implemented to reduce the concentration of BTEX in shoe industry-related workplaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The rate of seat belt use in rural societies is less than in urban societies. The present study aimed to determine the effect of demographic and traffic-related variables on seat belt use among rural non-drivers based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Method: This study was conducted among 450 non-drivers in the rural areas of Hashtroud district in Iran. For collection of data, a questionnaire containing questions about demographic characteristics and general information on traffic-related behaviors of non-drivers, and questions on seat belt use based on constructs of the TPB was used. Results: The lowest seat belt use rate was for non-drivers that sit in the rear seat of a car on rural roads (22.4 % never, 14.4 % always). Also, the rate of seat belt use among parents of participants on rural roads was lower than on city roads. Adherence to traffic rules and having training about seat belt use had significant effects on the construct of TPB, including attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, behavioral intention, and behavior of seat belt use. With increasing age, subjective norms about seat belt use have improved. The attitude toward seat belt use among females was better than males. Conclusion: The result indicated that most of rural non-drivers did not adhere to traffic rules. Adherence to the traffic rules and having training on seat belt use had a significant impact on seat belt use behavior. Training seat belt use especially by parents could be effective in improving seat belt use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asbestos was mainly used in various industries. So, everyone can exposure to asbestos in the environmental and occupational settings. However, most of the countries banned using the asbestos, but asbestos exists in the structure of old buildings and industries. In this study, the concentration of asbestos in indoor and outdoor was evaluated using the systematic review and meta-analysis approach. Also, the probabilistic cancer risk of exposure to asbestos in the air was estimated by a Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) using Crystal Ball software and the recommended method of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The research reports of databases show that all of the studies have belonged to Iran and Turkey. Meta-analysis showed that the pooled concentration of asbestos in the outdoor air of Iran and Turkey was 0.01 f/mL and 0.017 f/mL, respectively. The pooled concentration of asbestos in the outdoor air of traffic, urban and rural subgroups was 0.021 f/mL, 0.006 f/mL, and 0.017 f/mL, respectively. The pooled concentration of asbestos in the indoor air of Iran and Turkey was 1.777 f/mL and 0.403 f/mL, respectively. The pooled concentration of asbestos in the indoor air of rural and workplace subgroups was 0.538 f/mL and 1.593 f/mL, respectively. Risk assessment shows that the percentile 95% of cancer risk (CR) in Iran and Turkey due to inhalation exposure to asbestos in the indoor air was 1.01E-1and 2.01E-1, respectively. Also, the percentile 95% of CR in the rural and urban regions was 2.45E-1and 9.23E-1, respectively. According to EPA method, when CR is higher than E-4 value (1 in 10,000 f/mL) exposed population are at the considerable risk. The exposed population in Iran and Turkey were at the considerable cancer risk due to exposure asbestos. Therefore, risk management is necessary in Middle East countries especially, Iran and Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Carbon-based nanomaterials (CBNs) are the key elements in nanotechnology. The main challenge presented by CBNs is their relationship with the toxicity exposed in the biological systems, because of the incomplete information on their toxicity. This study is aimed to compare the cytotoxicity of graphite nanoparticles (GRNPs), graphene nanoparticles (GNPs), and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in A549 cells. Materials and Methods: The physicochemical properties of nanomaterials were determined by instrumental techniques. CBNs were dispersed by the nongenotoxic standard procedure. After the cells were cultured, they were exposed to different concentrations of CBNs. Cellular viability was determined by the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) method. Moreover, toxicological indicators were obtained using linear probit regression. Results: The degree of cytotoxicity of CBNs in A549 cells was related to the time and, particularly, dose. At the concentrations of lower than 300 µg/mL, GNPs had stronger toxicity than MWCNTs, but the cytotoxic effects were reversed with the increase of the concentrations. The no-observed-adverseeffect concentration (NOAEC) of GRNPs, GNPs, and MWCNTs was 1.76, 0.06, and 0.65 µg/mL, respectively. Conclusion: The results indicated that CBNs were toxic and GNPs had stronger toxicity than the others. The experimental results can be useful in increasing the knowledge about the toxicity and health risk management of CBNs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) and styrene have been reported in tire manufacturing. This research was designed to evaluate the exposure to BTEX and styrene and their health risks in tire manufacturing in Iran. The health risk estimation was done by the United States Environment Protection Agency (USEPA) method using the Monte-Carlo simulation. Results showed that the concentration of benzene in some units, such as cement making; cement spraying, and tire building was more than the standard level. The units of cement spraying and calendaring had the highest and lowest cancer and no-cancer risks, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exposure to crystalline silica has long been identified to be associated with lung diseases. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the risk of silicosis and lung cancer associated with occupational exposure to crystalline silica in Iran. Study Design: It is a systematic review study. Methods: Different databases were searched, and the Cochrane method was used for the systematic review. Thereafter, cumulative exposure to crystalline silica (mg/m³-y) was calculated in every industry. The relative risk of death from silicosis was performed using Mannetje's method. Based on the geometric mean of exposure, the lung cancer risk of exposure to crystalline silica was also calculated. Results: As evidenced by the results, worker's exposure to silica ranged from a geometric mean of 0.0212-0.2689 mg/m³ (Recommended standard by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) was 0.025 mg/m³), which is generally higher than the occupational exposure limit recommended by National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), ACGIH, and occupational exposure limits. The relative risk of silicosis was in the range of 1 to 14 per 1000 people, and the risk of lung cancer in workers ranged from 13-137 per 1000 people. Conclusion: Since workers are at considerable risk of cancer due to exposure to silica in Iran, exposure control programs need to be implemented in workplaces to decrease the concentration of silica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are used in various industries. Considering the exposure probability of these nanomaterials to humans, the purpose of the present study is to assess the effect of MWCNTs on cellular toxicity of human alveolar epithelial. The A549 cells were cultured and treated to various doses of MWCNTs at three different times. Finally, the Tetrazolium colorimetric (MTT) assay was implemented for evaluating the cellular viability. The results indicated that the cytotoxicity for MWCNTs on the human alveolar epithelial cells is related to dose and time of exposure. The inhibitory concentration of 50% (IC50) and non-observed adverse effect concentration (NOAEC) are calculated to be 103.6 as well as 0.65μg/mL, respectively. The findings of this present study could contribute to a better understanding of MWCNTs substances and might be useful as a basis for the future risk evaluation studies of exposed population in industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Magnetite as iron oxide is widely used in various industries, in the pharmaceutical industry in particular where it is used for its magnetic properties. The environmental and occupational exposure to airborne nanoparticles and microparticles of iron oxide compounds have been reported. Since authors have reported contradictory results, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of particles' size in their toxicities. Methods: The human cell line A549 was exposed with magnetite iron oxide in two size categories of micro (≥5 µm) and nano (<100 nm), with four concentrations of 10, 50, 100, and 250 µg/ml at two time periods of 24 and 72 h. The cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), changes in mitochondrial membrane potential, and incidence of apoptosis were studied. Results: Nano and micro magnetite particles demonstrated diverse toxicity effects on the A549 cell line at the 24- and 72-h exposure periods; however, the effects produced were time- and concentration-dependent. Nano magnetite particles produced greater cellular toxicities in forms of decreased viabilities at concentration exposures greater than 50 µg/ml (p < 0.05), along with increased ROS (p < 0.05), decreased cellular membrane potential (p < 0.05), and reduced rate of apoptosis (p < 0.05). Discussion: The results of this study demonstrated that magnetite iron in nano-range sizes had a greater absorbability for the A549 cell line compared to micro sizes, and at the same time, nanoparticles were more toxic than microparticles, demonstrating higher production of ROS and decreased viabilities. Considering the greater toxicity of nanoparticles of magnetite iron in this study, thorough precautionary control measures must be taken before they can be used in various industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combined exposure to multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and air contaminants such as benzo [a] pyrene (BaP) in ambient air is unavoidable. In this study, the toxicity of co-exposure to pristine-MWCNTs (P-MWCNTs) and BaP and co-exposure to functionalized-MWCNTs (F-MWCNTs) and BaP were investigated in the A549 lung cells. Combined toxicity demonstrated that co-exposure to P-MWCNTs and BaP had an additive and a synergistic effect through cell viability and ROS generation, respectively. Moreover, our findings indicated that co-exposure to F-MWCNTs and BaP had a slight antagonistic effect on both cell viability and generation of ROS. The results of this study revealed that MWCNTs can alter the toxicity of contaminants such as BaP in the co-exposure situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal fumes, gases, noise, and radiation are hazardous occupational exposures that may be encountered by welders. We have evaluated DNA damage among welders; the buccal micronucleus cytome (BMCyt) assay was used. Thirty-four exposed welders (cases) and an equal number of non-welders (controls) participated in this study. Cell types including basal, early and late differentiated cells with micronucleus (MN), dense chromatin, karyorrhectic, pyknotic, karyolitic, and binucleated cells (NBUD) were measured. Damage levels among, arc, argon, and CO 2 welders were statistically significantly higher, compared to the control group. Results showed that mean of MN and NBUDs as indicators of DNA damages among arc, argon and CO 2 welding's were significantly higher compared to control group. Also, the mean of DNA damage levels were statistically higher among the arc welders than among the argon or CO 2 welders; and levels were higher among the argon welders than the CO 2 welders. Preventative measures need to be implemented to reduce exposure to harmful agents during welding., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest The authors declare that they have no conflict of interests., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Background: The rate of seat belt use in rural societies is less than in urban societies. The present study aimed to determine the effect of demographic and traffic-related variables on seat belt use among rural non-drivers based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB)., Methods: This study was conducted among 450 non-drivers in the rural areas of Hashtroud district in Iran. For collection of data, a questionnaire containing questions about demographic characteristics and general information on traffic-related behaviors of non-drivers, and questions on seat belt use based on constructs of the TPB was used., Results: The lowest seat belt use rate was for non-drivers that sit in the rear seat of a car on rural roads (22.4 % never, 14.4 % always). Also, the rate of seat belt use among parents of participants on rural roads was lower than on city roads. Adherence to traffic rules and having training about seat belt use had significant effects on the construct of TPB, including attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, behavioral intention, and behavior of seat belt use. With increasing age, subjective norms about seat belt use have improved. The attitude toward seat belt use among females was better than males., Conclusions: The result indicated that most of rural non-drivers did not adhere to traffic rules. Adherence to the traffic rules and having training on seat belt use had a significant impact on seat belt use behavior. Training seat belt use especially by parents could be effective in improving seat belt use.

Introduction: Magnetite as iron oxide is widely used in various industries, in the pharmaceutical industry in particular where it is used for its magnetic properties. The environmental and occupational exposure to airborne nanoparticles and microparticles of iron oxide compounds have been reported. Since authors have reported contradictory results, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of particles' size in their toxicities., Methods: The human cell line A 549 was exposed with magnetite iron oxide in two size categories of micro (≥5 µm) and nano (<100 nm), with four concentrations of 10, 50, 100, and 250 µg/ml at two time periods of 24 and 72 h. The cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), changes in mitochondrial membrane potential, and incidence of apoptosis were studied., Results: Nano and micro magnetite particles demonstrated diverse toxicity effects on the A 549 cell line at the 24- and 72-h exposure periods; however, the effects produced were time- and concentration-dependent. Nano magnetite particles produced greater cellular toxicities in forms of decreased viabilities at concentration exposures greater than 50 µg/ml ( p < 0.05), along with increased ROS ( p < 0.05), decreased cellular membrane potential ( p < 0.05), and reduced rate of apoptosis ( p < 0.05)., Discussion: The results of this study demonstrated that magnetite iron in nano-range sizes had a greater absorbability for the A 549 cell line compared to micro sizes, and at the same time, nanoparticles were more toxic than microparticles, demonstrating higher production of ROS and decreased viabilities. Considering the greater toxicity of nanoparticles of magnetite iron in this study, thorough precautionary control measures must be taken before they can be used in various industries.