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Exposure to pesticides has been proposed as a potential contributor to adverse pregnancy outcomes, possibly through the induction of inflammation, oxidative stress, and disruption of endocrine functions. Nevertheless, the definitive link between prenatal pesticide exposure and the risk of Spontaneous Abortion (SAB) remains uncertain. The objective of this systematic review is to explore and analyze the existing evidence regarding the link between pesticide exposure and the risk of SAB. A comprehensive systematic literature search was carried out on PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus from their inception until February 2024 to identify relevant studies exploring the potential link between pesticide exposure and SAB. The frequency of SAB events and the total number of patients in each group were used to calculate the Relative Risk (RR) using the Mantel-Haenszel random-effects model. Heterogeneity among the studies was evaluated by visually inspecting the forest plot and performing the Chi-square test and I2 tests. We also used RevMan version 5.4 for Windows for the analysis. We also used the NIH tool to assess the quality of the included studies. The initial database search yielded 2121 results, with 1525 articles remaining after removing duplicates. After screening, 29 articles were eligible for full-text review, and 18 studies (Four case-control, eleven cohorts, three cross-sectional) were included in the meta-analysis, comprising 439,097 participants. All included studies evaluated the primary outcome, SAB. Most of the included studies were cross-sectional in design, and pesticide exposure was primarily assessed through questionnaires administered to patients. We found that most of our observational studies, precisely 12 out of the total, were deemed fair quality. Four studies were rated poor quality, while only two received a good quality rating. The analysis demonstrated a significant 41 % increase in SAB risk among pregnant women exposed to pesticides compared to pregnant women without exposure to pesticides (RR= 1.41, 95 % CI; [1.10, 1.80], P= 0.006). Our systematic review and meta-analysis revealed a significant 41 % increase in the risk of SAB among pregnant women exposed to pesticides. However, it is essential to acknowledge the limitations of the current evidence: potential publication bias and the inability to establish causality. Moving forward, future research should focus on longitudinal studies, mechanistic insights, and risk reduction strategies. In summary, our findings underscore the urgency of public health measures to protect maternal and fetal health in pesticide-exposed areas. Rigorous research and preventive strategies are crucial to mitigate adverse outcomes. • Links pesticide exposure to spontaneous abortion risk from 18 studies involving 439,097 participants. • Identified a significant increase in risk, with a 41 % higher chance of spontaneous abortion in women exposed to pesticides. • Stresses strict protective measures and improved antenatal care to reduce pesticide exposure risks and protect maternal health. • Highlights the need to identify pesticide impacts, causative agents, and dose-response relationships for preventive actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2011, over 30 tropical Atlantic nations have experienced substantial landings of holopelagic Sargassum spp. Its decomposition results in the production of hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S), which, in elevated concentrations, can pose a threat to human health. This study aims to enhance our understanding of the temporal and spatial variability in H 2 S emissions during the decomposition of Sargassum on beaches. The primary objective is to assess potential exposure risks for local populations, tourists, and cleanup workers. H 2 S levels were monitored using a SENKO sensor (SGTP-H 2 S; limit of detection 0.1–100 ppm; resolution 0.1 ppm) at four distances from Sargassum accumulation points of (0, 10, 30, and 40 m) in Puerto Morelos, Mexico, during 2022 and 2023. Elevated concentrations of H 2 S were detected beneath the Sargassum piles, with 23.5% of readings exceeding 5 ppm and occasional spikes above 100 ppm. Above the piles, 87.3% of the measurements remained below 2 ppm, and the remainder fell between 2.1 and 5.2 ppm. At 10 m from the shoreline, 90% of measurements registered below 0.1 ppm, and the remaining 10% were below 2 ppm. Readings at 30 and 40 m consistently recorded levels below 0.1 ppm. H 2 S concentrations positively correlated with Sargassum pile height, the temperature beneath the piles, and wind speed. Our findings suggest no immediate and significant exposure risk for residents or tourists. However, Sargassum cleanup workers face a higher exposure risk, potentially encountering concentrations above 5 ppm for nearly one-fourth of the working time. • 23.5% of H 2 S readings beneath Sargassum piles surpassed 5 ppm, with occasional spikes above 100 ppm. • Cleanup workers could be exposed to H 2 S concentrations above 5 ppm for nearly one-fourth of the working time. • H 2 S concentration decreased with distance, with 90% of readings below 0.1 ppm at distances >10 m from the shoreline. • H 2 S concentration positively correlates with Sargassum pile height, the temperature beneath the piles, and wind speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban heat waves pose a significant risk to the health and safety of city dwellers, with urbanization potentially amplifying the health impact of extreme heat. Accurate assessments of population heat exposure hinge on the interplay between temperature, population spatial dynamics, and the epidemiological effects of temperature on health. Yet, many past studies have over-simplified the matter by assuming static populations, leading to substantial inaccuracies in heat exposure assessments. To address these issues, this study integrates dynamic population data, fluctuating temperature, and the exposure-response relationship between temperature and health to construct an advanced heat exposure assessment framework predicated on a population dynamic model. We analyzed urban heat island characteristics, population dynamics, and heat exposure during heat wave conditions in Beijing, a major city in China. Our findings highlight significant intra-day population movement between urban and suburban areas during heat wave conditions, with spatial population flow patterns showing clear scale-dependent characteristics. These population flow dynamics intensify heat exposure levels, and the disparity between dynamic population-weighted temperature and average temperature is most pronounced at night. Our research provides a more comprehensive understanding of real urban population heat exposure levels and can furnish city administrators with more scientifically rigorous evidence. [Display omitted] • Urban heat waves pose a significant risk to the health and safety of city dwellers • Population movement between urban and suburban areas is obvious in megacities • Movement of people between places of work and residence modifies the heat exposure • A dynamic population risk assessment index for heat exposure was developed [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The characteristics of bioaerosol emissions from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have attracted extensive attention. The anaerobic-anoxic-oxic (A2O) process, which uses the activated sludge approach to wastewater treatment, is the most widely used process in WWTPs. Concentration, size distribution, population, and exposure risk from bacteria and fungi in bioaerosols of WWTPs using the A2O process were studied in this work. The results showed that the maximum concentration of airborne bacteria (1.00 × 104 Colony Forming Units per cubic meter (CFU m−3)) and fungi (1.44 ×104 CFU m−3) occurred from the facility's aerobic tank, in summer. As one of the main factors affecting bioaerosol exposure risk, particle size distribution was related to season. The study found that particles larger than 3.3 µm in diameter were detected mainly in spring and summer, while particles less than 3.3 µm were detected mainly in autumn and winter, whether bacterial aerosol or fungal aerosol. In addition, pathogenic bacteria were observed in bioaerosols from WWTPs, with 18 of the 65 species of bacteria detected found to be potentially or opportunistically pathogenic, such as Chryseobacterium , Stenotrophomonas , Alcaligenes, Micrococcus, Pantoea, Enterobacter and Escherichia-Shigella. The presence of these pathogens further increased the exposure risk from bioaerosols. The results of an inhalation risk assessment for airborne bacteria and fungi indicated that potential adverse health risks for adults mainly occurred in spring, summer, and autumn. On this basis, it was concluded that WWTP operators should set up effective bioaerosol controls as soon as possible to protect the health of workers, and of residents near the plant. Graphical abstract fx1 Highlights • Microbial concentration, size, population and risk of bioaerosol were detected. • Aerobic tank is main source of bioaerosols in wastewater treatment plant outdoor. • The highest detection concentration of bioaerosol occurred in summer. • Pathogenic bacteria accounted for 28% of the bacteria detected in bioaerosol. • WWTP bioaerosol has a certain inhalation risk for workers and nearby residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal contamination poses a significant environmental threat to wildlife on global scale, making accurate assessment of exposure risk crucial for conservation efforts, particularly for vulnerable species. Existing risk assessment models have been widely used, but their construction process lacks comprehensive considerations. In this study, we constructed an optimized health risk assessment model based on the well-established "Liu's model" and "ADI model", and applied the pollution allocation factor (AF) to accurately assess the risk of heavy metal exposure to wildlife. Our model was applied to assess exposure risk of heavy metal for the black-necked crane(Grus nigricollis), a flagship species in the alpine wetland ecosystem of Caohai Wetland. Soil, plant and black-necked crane fecal samples were collected from the Caohai Wetland and surrounding areas in Guizhou, China. We revealed varying degrees of As, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn contamination in soil and plants from different habitats, exceeding the background or plant limit values. This indicated that the black-necked crane and other waterbirds living in Caohai Wetland are suffering with the multi-elemental heavy metal contamination, especially in the gutterway and grassland. The exposure dose of As, Cd, Cr, Ni, Cu, and Zn toward black-necked cranes differed significantly in soil and plant pathways (P < 0.05). As, Cd, Cu, and Zn were mainly derived from plants consumption, while Cr and Ni originated from soil. Considering the contribution of soil and plant pathways to heavy metal exposure in black-necked cranes, the exposure doses of each elements calculated via food intake accounted for over half of the exposure calculated via feces (AF>0.5). The risk assessment model identified Cr and Pb were the highest risk elements for black-necked cranes, with exposure risk simulated through feces exceeding those through food. These findings suggested that current Liu's model may underestimate the effects of other pathways and medium. Therefore, we proposed a more comprehensive and accurate model for evaluating the exposure risk of black-necked cranes, incorporating AF to quantify the contribution of risk sources to black-necked cranes and understand their overall health risk. This model can serve as a useful tool for the conservation and habitat quality improvement of the black-necked cranes and other waterbirds. [Display omitted] • An exposure risk assessment model that considers exposure pathways and allocation factors. • Differences in exposure risk between plant and soil pathways in various habitats. • Plants and soil ingest contribute significantly to black-necked cranes' exposure. • Indirectly quantified the risk of black-necked cranes being exposed to unknown medias. • Assessment of bird exposure risk should consider other exposure options besides food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticide residues in lettuce and spinach could be a serious human health concern since the average per capita consumption per day of leafy salad vegetables is ∼60 g. Here, we determined the leftover residues (LoR) of dimethoate, 2,4-D, glyphosate, and chlorothalonil in lettuce and spinach grown in three urban backyard soils to assess their potential human health hazards. Pesticide residues were extracted by QuEChERS method and quantified through LC-MS and LC-DAD. In most cases, residue levels in the vegetable samples were above the EU-MRLs. Soil organic carbon, silt, oxides of iron and aluminium negatively correlated (P < 0.05) with LoR of the pesticides while LoR positively correlated (P < 0.05) with contents of sand and clay, and pH. The estimated short-term intake (ESTI) values (mg kg 1 day 1) for dimethoate, 2,4-D, glyphosate and chlorothalonil even at recommended doses in case of lettuce and spinach were 0.003–9.90 × 10 3 and 0.005–37.10 × 10 3 for adults and children, respectively, whereas the corresponding estimated daily intake (EDI) values were 0.007–9.58 × 10 3 and 0.03–35.90 × 10 3. Accordingly, the calculated values of non-cancer acute health hazard (aHI <100%) and hazard quotient (HQ <1) indicated that consumption of salad vegetables grown in soils spiked with pesticides at doses recommended in agriculture does not pose human health risks. On the other hand, both lettuce and spinach grown in soils at ten-fold higher concentrations of dimethoate or chlorothalonil exceeded the threshold limit of aHI (>100%) for children and HQ > 1 for both children and adults, suggesting their potential acute and chronic health hazards. The present study, for the first time, provides health awareness about the consumption of pesticide-contaminated leafy vegetables grown in urban backyard garden soils. [Display omitted] • Uptake of pesticides by leafy vegetables was determined in terms of leftover residues (LoR). • LoR were significant in lettuce and spinach grown in pesticide-spiked urban garden soils. • Residues of dimethoate and chlorothalonil were predominant in leafy salad vegetables. • Soils with organic carbon, silt, iron and aluminium oxides negatively correlated with LoR. • Mostly pesticide use in leafy vegetables at recommended doses does not pose risk in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Respiratory infectious diseases (e.g., COVID-19) have brought huge damages to human society, and the accurate prediction of their transmission trends is essential for both the health system and policymakers. Most related studies focus on epidemic trend forecasting at the macroscopic level, which ignores the microscopic social interactions among individuals. Meanwhile, current microscopic models are still not able to sufficiently decipher the individual-based spreading process and lack valid quantitative tests. To tackle these problems, we propose an exposure-risk-based model at the microscopic level, including 4 modules: individual movement, virion-laden droplet movement, individual exposure risk estimation, and prediction of transmission trends. Firstly, the front two modules reproduce the movements of individuals and the droplets of infectors' expiratory activities, respectively. Then, the outputs are fed to the third module to estimate the personal exposure risk. Finally, the number of new cases is predicted in the final module. By predicting the new COVID- 19 cases in the United States, the performances of our model and 4 other existing macroscopic or microscopic models are compared. Specifically, the mean absolute error, root mean square error, and mean absolute percentage error provided by the proposed model are respectively 2454.70, 3170.51, and 3.38% smaller than the minimum results of comparison models. The quantitative results reveal that our model can accurately predict the transmission trends from a microscopic perspective, and it can benefit the further investigation of many microscopic disease transmission factors (e.g., non-walkable areas and facility layouts). • Coupling the movements of individuals and the time-varying cough droplet dispersion process to construct model. • Our model can be quantitatively calibrated and validated through the macroscopic data, such as the number of new cases. • The impact of microscopic factors such as facility layouts and obtsacles can be quantitaitvely evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Giant African snails were collected from different zones in southern Nigeria, and analyzed for their polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) content. The purpose was to provide information on the health risk arising from exposure to PAHs through consumption of these snails. A mixture of acetone/dichloromethane/n-hexane was used for the Soxhlet extraction of PAHs from the snail samples, and the resulting extracts were assayed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The concentrations of the Ʃ17 PAH concentrations varied from 290 to 4180, 48–4150, 23–1560, 303–2970, and 2230–2880 µg kg−1 for snails purchased in Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Onitsha, and Benin City zones respectively. The benzo(a)pyrene (B a P) concentrations in 53% of these snails exceeded the permissible limit of 6.0 µg B a P kg−1 in molluscs meant for consumption by humans. The PAH4 concentrations in 42% of these snail samples exceeded the specified limit of 35 µg kg−1 for molluscs. The hazard index (HI) from consumption of snails from these zones was less than one, while the total cancer risk relating to the consumption of snails from these zones by adults and children was of the order of 10−4 and 10−6, respectively. There is a need for caution in the consumption of snails from these regions because higher intake values than those assumed in this work could pose considerable carcinogenic risks to the consumers. The source analyses indicated PAHs in these snail samples originated from oil spills, biomass combustion, traffic emissions, and gas flaring. • Concentrations of PAHs were measured in snails consumed in southern Nigeria. • High molecular weight PAHs were dominant in the snails. • Consumption of a high amount of snail could pose risks. • Sources of PAHs in the snails include wood combustion, vehicular emissions and gas flaring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioaerosols can be generated in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), they may contain pathogenic bacteria, cause disease transmission, and attract the public's attention. In this study, bioaerosols were collected from seven different stages of an A²O process WWTP. The component characteristics were analyzed by bacterial culture and high-throughput sequencing. The correlations in different processes were analyzed, and the health risks of bioaerosols produced were evaluated. The results showed that the concentration range of bacteria aerosol in the WWTP was 75 CFU/m³−706 CFU/m³. The concentration range of total suspended particles was 111.13 µg/m³−211.67 µg/m³, the primary water-soluble ions were Ca²⁺ and Cl⁻. In the air of each stage, the main bacteria were Cetobacterium , Bacteroides , Romboutsia , and the fungi were Fusarium , Alternaria , and Aspergillus. The dominant bacteria in the wastewater were Cetobacterium , Romboutsia , Stenotrophobacter , and the fungi were Fusarium , Aspergillus , and Mortierella. The total bacterial concentration and ion concentration in the aerobic section of the biochemical tank were the highest. The results of species composition and principal component analysis showed that the bacterial composition in the air at different processes was similar, while the bacteria in wastewater differed significantly. Among them, the wastewater bacteria in the aerobic section of the biochemical tank were closer to that in the air. Fungal results were similar to bacteria but not prominent. The bioaerosol exposure risk results show that the risk in each stage was acceptable (5.15 ×10⁻⁴−6.47 ×10⁻³). However, the exposure risk of bioaerosol was calculated by the total bacterial concentration. In fact, some pathogenic microorganisms such as Escherichia coli and Aspergillus flavus were detected in bioaerosols, which may cause hemorrhagic colitis, cancer and other diseases by swallowing and inhalation. Therefore, the risk might be underestimated and should be a cause of concern. [Display omitted] • Microbe population were analyzed in biochemical tank, sedimentation tank and other stages. • Biochemical tank was divided into three stages: anaerobic, anoxic and aerobic. • The bacteria and fungi in bioaerosol were related with that in sewage. • Bioaerosols was affected by technological process and environmental condition. • The presence of pathogenic bacteria increases the risk of bioaerosols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of odorous gases emitted from refuse transfer stations has always been a concern raised by the surrounding residents. The emitted volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odors were investigated in a rural solid waste transfer station (RSWTS) located in Southwest China. A total of 70 VOCs were identified and quantified. The total VOCs (TVOCs) concentrations varied from 848.38 to 31193.24 μg/m3. Inorganic odor and greenhouse gases concentrations ranged from 39.11 to 470.14 μg/m3 and 1.03–525.42 μg/m3, respectively. Oxygenated compounds contributed the most (58.25%) to the VOCs. Among the oxygenated compounds, ketones, esters, and ethers were the dominant categories, accounting for 67.5%, 12.70%, and 11.85%, respectively. The key odorants included propionaldehyde, hexanaldehyde, propionic acid, acetaldehyde, and disopropyl ether. N-nitrosodiethylamine, acrylonitrile, and 1,3-Butadiene were the three main carcinogens that pose considerable risk to human health. Allyl chloride was the most non-carcinogenic pathogen among the VOCs detected in RSWTS. With diffusion in the downwind direction, the concentration of VOCs decreased gradually, and their risks weakened accordingly. At the sampling site of RSWTS-10, located 100 m away from RSWTS, acrylonitrile and 1,3-Butadiene still presented an unacceptable carcinogenic risk to human health. This study provides new data for assessing the emission characteristics, olfactory effects, and health risks of trace VOCs, especially those released from RSWTS. • Characteristics, olfactory effect, and health risks of VOCs were analyzed in RSWTS. • Oxygenated compounds were the main components in VOCs accounting for 58.25%. • Olfactory effect was the most significant with OAV value of 381.44 in the RSWTS. • Allyl chloride was the most non-carcinogenic pathogenic VOCs. • Dominant carcinogens were N-nitrosodiethylamine, acrylonitrile and 1,3-butadiene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Paired liver and kidney samples from 100 free-range cattle in different parts of Jamaica were analyzed for essential and non-essential trace elements. We found significant enrichment of elements in the kidney (K) compared to the liver (L) with the K/L concentration ratios being 5.2 for Cd, 4.1 for Pb, 3.5 for Se and 2.1 for As, but the Cu contents of the kidney were significantly higher with the K/L ratio of 0.45. A large number of kidney and liver samples showed Cu concentrations in the ranges that were associated with deficiency effects in mammals. About 15% of the hepatic samples had Zn concentrations below 20μg/g, suggesting that there might be zinc insufficiency in some of the animals. Positive associations were found between the metals in both the kidney and liver. On average, the intake of Cd from consumption of both bovine kidney and liver from the island was estimated to be 5.2μg/day, equivalent to about 7% of the provisional tolerable daily intake (PTDI), although anyone who habitually consumed the few kidneys or livers with >40μg/g cadmium may be at some risk of exceeding the PTDI. The consumption of offal from local animals did not appear to be an important dietary source of any of the essential microelements. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Green tea has many health benefits and is the most consumed type in China. However, the heavy metals and contaminants in tea can also pose a great risk to human health. In this study, mercury (Hg) concentration in green tea collected from 11 provinces in China was examined. The leaching characteristics of Hg during brewing and the associated exposure to drinkers were also evaluated. Results indicated a low potential of Hg accumulation in green tea. The Hg content of green tea from Wanshan District, Guizhou Province—which has the largest Hg mine in China and is severely contaminated by Hg—could be limited by controlling the harvest time of tea leaves. The average Hg content of green tea from 43 tea production sites in China was only 6.3 ± 6.4 µg/kg dry weight. The brewing experiments of green tea showed that the leaching ratio of Hg was 22.61 ± 7.58% for 40 min of a single brew, and increased to 32.83 ± 12.37% after four rounds (3 min/ round) of brewing. The leaching of Hg from tea leaves was significantly affected by leaching time, temperature, and solid-liquid ratio but not by water hardness. The risk of Hg exposure from green tea intake was found to be very low, with an average hazard quotient (HQ) value of only 1.82 ± 1.85% for a single brew in 40 min and 2.64 ± 2.68% after four rounds of brewing. However, in some highly contaminated areas, with HQ values as high as 43.12 ± 2.41%, green tea intake may still pose a high risk of Hg exposure, and this risk should not be ignored. [Display omitted] • The Hg content of green tea in China ranged from 1.8 to 102.9 µg/kg. • Green tea Hg content could be control by adjusting the harvest time. • Leaching time, water temperature, and solid-liquid ratio affect the Hg leaching ratios from green tea. • Hg expose risk from green tea was low for most cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A reliable and accurate soil threshold helps prevent excessive dietary Pb intake risks to consumers of locally grown wheat and rice crops. Based on a three-year investigation of 206 wheat fields and 358 rice fields throughout China, this study aimed to improve the soil protection guidelines by investigating Pb accumulation in soil-wheat and soil-rice systems and by assessing Pb exposure risks through the soil-grain-human pathway. A site-specific bioconcentration factor (BCF, ratio of Pb concentration in plant to that in soil) was calculated and used to assess grain Pb intake risks instead of a generic BCF value to reduce data uncertainty. In addition to soil pH, cation-exchange capacity exerted a major influence on the Pb BCF variations in wheat, whereas the organic carbon dynamics affected the BCF variations in rice. Once normalized BCF against those soil variables, the distributions of BCF were log-normal in nature. Optimizing the pH and cation-exchange capacity of wheat soils would help protect 49.8% of local adults from excessive Pb dietary intake. The scenario soil thresholds linked to soil variables and grain Pb intake risks were then derived and validated by independent data from field surveys and published articles. Poor production practices in the wheat fields under study included using soils with low fertility. [Display omitted] • Normalizing the bioconcentration data reduces the soil threshold uncertainty. • Optimum soil scenario protects 49.8% of wheat production from excessive Pb uptake. • Poor rice production practices included soils with low pH and organic carbon. • Derivation of a soil threshold requires reliable Pb soil-crop relationships. • Soil threshold links to health risk assessment were independently validated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging studies have indicated that the consumption of rice could be the major methylmercury (MeHg) contributor to human mercury (Hg) exposure. Nonetheless, few studies are available on Hg in rice around the world, especially in countries with heavy rice diet. In this study, total Hg (THg) and MeHg levels in rice samples (n = 172) across Nepal were first investigated. The geometric mean THg was 7.05 ± 7.71 µg/kg with a range of 0.622 µg/kg to 158 µg/kg, and the maximum THg level was up to 791% of the Chinese National Standard Limit for THg in rice (20 µg/kg). The geometric mean MeHg was 0.820 ± 0.660 µg/kg with a range of 0.189 µg/kg to 8.59 µg/kg. Overall, the mean MeHg exposure (0.00445 ± 0.00477 µg/kg bw/day) and inorganic Hg (IHg) exposure (0.0360 ± 0.0739 µg/kg bw/day) were lower than the reference dose (RfD) of 0.1 µg/kg bw/day for MeHg and the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) of 0.571 µg/kg bw/day for IHg, respectively. Concerning different groups of vulnerable populations, the highest MeHg exposure (0.126 µg/kg bw/day) and IHg exposure (1.57 µg/kg bw/day) of preschoolers (37–50 months old) were approximately 126% of the RfD for MeHg and 275% of the PTWI for IHg. When the pregnant mothers eat the rice without awareness of the Hg content in rice, the mean and highest intelligence quotients (IQs) losses were 9554 and 118659 points, respectively, and the corresponding economic costs due to IQ loss could be 15.1 million USD and 188 million USD in Nepal. The results of rice THg and MeHg levels and corresponding exposure in populations highlighted the occurrence of rice THg and MeHg pollution issues in Nepal. More efforts should be made to protect younger groups in Nepal from high rice Hg exposure. Owing to the high rice consumption rates relative to body mass, preschoolers (37–50 months) may meet the 126% reference dose (0.1 µg/kg bw/day) for MeHg and 275% provisional tolerable weekly intake (0.571 µg/kg bw/day) for IHg exposure in Nepal. • Total Hg and methylmercury levels of rice were firstly investigated across Nepal. • The highest rice Hg exposure was obtained at preschoolers (37–50 months old). • Both rice methylmercury and inorganic Hg exposure could exceed the limits. • The corresponding intelligence quotients and economic loss were also assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Extensive and intensive use of pesticides in developing nations is a serious concern. • Residues were detected in significant number of country and yard long bean samples. • Residues of chlorpyrifos, dimethoate and quinalphos were predominant in beans. • Pesticide adulteration is one of the major shortcomings to ensure food safety. • Most insecticide-contaminated bean samples pose potential health risk in humans. Food contamination with pesticide residues is a serious concern, particularly in developing countries. The study analyzed samples of country bean (Lablab purpureus L.) and yard long bean (Vigna unguiculata L.) for residues of widely used insecticides to ensure food safety. We used a modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) extraction method followed by gas chromatography (GC)-flame thermionic detector (FTD) for quantitative estimation of pesticide residues. Mostly, the residues of chlorpyrifos, dimethoate and quinalphos were found in 11 and 14 % of country bean and yard long bean samples, respectively. About 50 % of the insecticide-contaminated bean samples contained residues above the maximum residue limit (MRL), which warrants a caution about the extensive and intensive use of pesticides in modern agriculture. The general claim of pesticide adulteration could contribute to the widespread occurrence of several insecticides in beans that threatens food safety. The assessment for chronic non-cancer health risk, based on estimated daily intake (EDI) and hazard quotient (HQ), suggests that the consumption of insecticide-contaminated beans poses potential threat to the health of adults (EDI: 2.79 × 10−4–2.96 × 10−4 and HQ: 0.56‒0.59) as well as children (EDI: 9.79 × 10−4–1.77 × 10‒3 and HQ: 1.96–3.55). Overall, our results clearly indicate that around 50 % of insecticide-contaminated bean samples, available at various local markets in Bogura district of Bangladesh, may cause health risks in humans. The present observations might help the regulatory authorities concerned in setting new guidelines for the limits of pesticide residues in commonly used bean vegetables, and in monitoring the quality of commercial formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]