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Aim: In this report, we retrieved and analyzed the data of aluminum contents in foodstuffs over a 6‐year span between 2010 and 2015 and assessed the risk of dietary aluminum exposure in residents of Tianjin metropolis. Methods: A multistage random clustering method was used to survey Tianjin residents between 2010 and 2015. Samples were mainly purchased from breakfast vendors, farmers' markets, and supermarkets in Tianjin between 2009 and 2015. A total of 1,814 persons aged at least 2 years from 1,262 households from randomly chosen communities were asked to complete the questionnaire on food consumption. Aluminum contents in the food samples were determined. Results: Totally 21.14% of food samples exceeded the recommended aluminum residue limit over the study period. The mean aluminum levels in the food samples over the 6‐year span were 111.9 7 ± 265.26 mg/kg, and the mean P95 was 597.00 mg/kg. Totally 21.14% of the food samples exceeded the recommended aluminum residue limit (100 mg/kg). The lowest mean aluminum levels in food were detected in 2010, and the highest levels were found in 2015. The highest mean aluminum levels were found in jellyfish. The highest total mean aluminum intake in food was 83.61 mg/day in those aged at least 50 years and younger than 66 years. Meanwhile, children aged at least 2 years and less than 8 years had the highest mean weekly aluminum intake (18.19 mg/kg body weight/week); they also had the highest MOS (18.19). Conclusion: The findings indicate that despite the implementation since 2014 of the new policy on the use of aluminum food additives in China, residents in Tianjin still face high levels of aluminum exposure in foodstuffs with young children particularly vulnerable. Public awareness of the new policy should be enhanced, and more vigorous supervision of the use of aluminum food additives should be undertaken. The findings indicate that despite the implementation since 2014 of the new policy on the use of aluminum food additives in China, residents in Tianjin still face high levels of aluminum exposure in foodstuffs with young children particularly vulnerable. Public awareness of the new policy should be enhanced and more vigorous supervision of the use of aluminum food additives should be undertaken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common loons (Gavia immer) are at risk of elevated dietary mercury (Hg) exposure in portions of their breeding range. To assess the level of risk among loons in Minnesota (USA), we investigated loon blood Hg concentrations in breeding lakes across Minnesota. Loon blood Hg concentrations were regressed on predicted Hg concentrations in standardized 12‐cm whole‐organism yellow perch (Perca flavescens), based on fish Hg records from Minnesota lakes, using the US Geological Survey National Descriptive Model for Mercury in Fish. A linear model, incorporating common loon sex, age, body mass, and log‐transformed standardized perch Hg concentration representative of each study lake, was associated with 83% of the variability in observed common loon blood Hg concentrations. Loon blood Hg concentration was positively related to standardized perch Hg concentrations; juvenile loons had lower blood Hg concentrations than adult females, and blood Hg concentrations of juveniles increased with body mass. Blood Hg concentrations of all adult common loons and associated standardized prey Hg for all loon capture lakes included in the study were well below proposed thresholds for adverse effects on loon behavior, physiology, survival, and reproductive success. The fish Hg modeling approach provided insights into spatial patterns of dietary Hg exposure risk to common loons across Minnesota. We also determined that loon blood selenium (Se) concentrations were positively correlated with Hg concentration. Average common loon blood Se concentrations exceeded the published provisional threshold. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:524–532. Published 2018 Wiley Periodicals Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America. [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]

The release of toxic airborne contaminants resulting from terrorist attacks on buildings can lead to disastrous consequences. To evaluate and reduce the effects of these emergencies, various methods and models have been developed in the past few years. Such work has provided effective tools for the building management system to do risk assessment of the contaminated areas. Although risk analysis methods to describe the contaminant dispersion scenarios made significant progress, these approaches did not generally consider the releasing scenario occurring in the ventilation system and the effect of human behavior during the developing process of an emergency event. Emergency strategies chosen by the decisionmaker are not always associated with the early‐warning system, such as the sensor monitoring network and the source identification system inside the building. This study aims to provide a risk assessment model considering both the variation of contaminant concentration and occupant distribution after the release of toxic agents to obtain the exposure risk for people indoors. The contaminant dispersion is simulated using computational fluid dynamics. The evacuation process for people is modeled using Pathfinder, and the exposure risk for occupants under various emergency strategies is calculated using the efficiency factor of the contaminant source. The results of the exposure risk for 40 basic cases are discussed, and the optimal ventilation mode for these specific cases is recommended. Next, the impact of the variation of human behavior, contaminant detection time needed by sensors, and source identification time needed by inverse modeling on the exposure risk for people indoor is studied. The uncertainty and reproducibility of the numerical simulations are emphatically discussed in the Supporting Information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel 6:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (6:2 Cl-PFESA) and legacy PFASs, such as perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), have been used to replace perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), a known persistent organic pollutant. Thus, it is critical to understand these PFOS alternatives regarding their sources and concentrations in the natural environment. In this study, 41 surface water samples as well as edible aquatic organisms were collected from Baiyangdian Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Hebei Province, China. Perfluorooctanoate acid (PFOA) and PFHxS were the predominant PFASs detected in the surface water, reaching concentrations of 8 397.23 ng/L and 1 478.03 ng/L, respectively, with PFHxS accounting for the greatest proportion (∼80.00%) in most water samples. PFHxS (mean: 87.53 ng/g) and PFOS (mean: 35.94 ng/g) were also the most prevalent compounds detected in aquatic organisms. Estimated daily intake (EDI) values of PFOS (16.56 ng/kg bw/d) and PFHxS (16.11 ng/kg bw/d) via aquatic food and drinking water were the highest among PFASs, indicating potential exposure risks to residents. In addition, fish product consumption was the important exposure pathway for residents to PFOA, PFHxS, PFOS, and 6:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (6:2 Cl-PFESA). This study reports on the highest PFHxS levels ever recorded in surface water, suggesting that further quantification of PFHxS in human serum and assessment of its health risks to local residents are warranted and critical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little has been studied about the potential risks and hazards arising from the use and operation of container-based sanitation (CBS) systems. Building on existing risk assessment frameworks, this case study aimed to identify exposure risks from faecal pathogens and relevant control measures in a CBS service chain. The case study employed a mixed-methods approach that included environmental sampling, key informant interviews, and direct observation. This inclusion of a behavioural dimension reflects a socio-cultural approach to risk analysis that is less evident in overtly quantitative approaches to risk assessment that are typical of the health risk field. Data from this case study was collected in Naivasha, Kenya in July 2016. The hazard intensity and role of specific transmission routes was validated by environmental sampling, which found a high level of faecal contamination on toilet surfaces and a consequent high risk of hand-to-mouth infection for users and operators. The hazard analysis identified nine critical control points where exposure risks may be either prevented or reduced via the implementation of relevant control measures. We discovered that the production of exposure risks was related to multiple, inter-related causal mechanisms and risk factors, findings we expect will guide approaches to exposure risk management in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentrations of α-, β-, and γ-hexabromocyclododecane diastereomers (HBCDs) in gas phase and particulate phase of Dalian urban air, China, were monitored from September 2016 to August 2017 with high-volume active sampler. The total concentration of ∑HBCDs (gas phase + particulate phase) ranged from 15.47 to 43.57 pg m−3, with an average of 27.07 pg m−3, and 73.39-96.76% of the total HBCDs were found in the particulate phase. No matter in gas phase or in particulate phase, α-HBCD was the predominant component in all, and there was a good negative correlation between the relative contribution of α-HBCD to ∑HBCDs and that of γ-HBCD to ∑HBCDs. The average ratios of the air concentration of α-HBCD to γ-HBCD were comparable with those found in decorative polystyrene, which indicated that HBCDs in outdoor air of Dalian probably came from indoor air and ventilation air from inside of buildings coupled with the already present contamination in background air. There were clear seasonal differences in the HBCD concentrations. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis between the concentrations of HBCDs with meteorological parameters was conducted. The exposure risk of HBCDs was evaluated, which illustrated that the estimated exposure of HBCDs via the outdoor air in Dalian was well below the reference doses (200 ng kg−1 bw day−1) derived by the US National Research Council. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in cross-border assets and liabilities of nations with globalization, implies small asset price and currency movements create large wealth changes. The national net external position is increasingly driven by valuation effects, which the current account does not capture. We analyze valuation effects for a group of seven emerging economies, namely Brazil, Colombia, India, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Peru and Turkey for the time period 2005:Q1-2015:Q4 by scrutinizing their external asset portfolio while controlling for country fundamentals. Both asset and liability categories of Direct Investment equity are found to positively impact valuation. Equity liabilities and debt assets of Portfolio Investment positively influence valuation. Debt liabilities of all kinds of investment negatively impact valuation. Countries with stronger currency tend to gain through valuation effects. An appreciated real effective exchange rate is associated with higher valuation gains. We also found non-linear effects of the composition of external debt portfolio by interacting external portfolio and country characteristics. The external portfolio selection of emerging economies (with more in Direct Investment equity liabilities and Portfolio Investment debt assets) in the period has shielded them from global volatility, and enabled valuation gains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, sixteen novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) and Dechlorane Plus (DP) were investigated in dust samples collected from different indoor environments (home, office, laboratory, classroom and dormitory) in Hangzhou, China. High detection frequencies for most of the congeners were observed, suggesting the widespread use of NBFRs and DP. The mean concentrations of ∑ 16 NBFRs were 389 ng g −1 in the home dust, 1125 ng g −1 in the office dust, 204 ng g −1 in the laboratory dust, 259 ng g −1 in the classroom dust, and 825 ng g −1 in the dormitory dust. Regarding DP, the mean concentrations of DP were 106 ng g −1 in the office dust, 59 ng g −1 in the dormitory dust, 56 ng g −1 in the classroom dust, 52 ng g −1 in the home dust, and 40 ng g −1 in the laboratory dust. The concentrations of NBFRs and DP in the indoor dust were positively related to the number of indoor electric appliances and negatively related to the air ventilation rate. The age of the interior decoration has a profound effect on the concentration of NBFRs in indoor dust. The daily exposure doses ( DED ) of NBFRs and DP were estimated to be 4595 pg (kg bw) −1 d −1 for toddlers and 1099 pg (kg bw) −1 d −1 for adults. Thus, toddlers have a higher risk for NBFRs exposure than adults. The DED of young adults in college in different indoor microenvironments decreased in the following order: dormitory (657 pg (kg bw) −1 d −1 ) > laboratory (145 pg (kg bw) −1 d −1 ) > classroom (140 pg (kg bw) −1 d −1 ). More attention should be paid to the exposure of young adults to indoor pollutants, which has not previously been the subject of great concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution, being especially severe in the fast-growing developing world, continues to post a threat to public health. Yet, few studies are capable of quantifying well how different groups of people in different places experience different levels of air pollution at the global scale. In this paper, we use worldwide Chinese as a lens to quantify the spatiotemporal variations and geographic differences in PM 2.5 exposures using unprecedented mobile phone big data and air pollution records. The results show that Chinese in South and East Asia suffer relatively serious PM 2.5 exposures, where the Chinese in China have the highest PM 2.5 exposures (52.8  μ g/m 3 /year), which is fourfold higher than the exposures in the United States (10.7  μ g/m 3 /year). Overall, the Chinese in Asian cities (35.5  μ g/m 3 /year) experienced the most serious PM 2.5 exposures when compared with the Chinese in the cities of other continents. These results, partly presented as a spatiotemporally explicit map of PM 2.5 exposures for worldwide Chinese, help researchers and governments to consider how to address the effects of air pollution on public health with respect to different population groups and geographic locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the indoor exposure of organophosphate esters (OPEs) and novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) has received widespread attention worldwide. Using published data on 6 OPEs in 23 countries (n = 1437) and 2 NBFRs in 18 countries (n = 826) in indoor dust, this study systematically reviewed the concentrations, spatial distribution, sources and exposure risk of 8 flame retardants (FRs) worldwide. Tris(chloroisopropyl)phosphate (TCIPP) is the predominant FR with a median concentration of 1050 ng g−1 ΣCl-OPEs are significantly higher than Σnon-Cl-OPEs (p < 0.05). ΣOPEs in indoor dust from industrially-developed countries are higher than those from the countries lacking industrial development. Household appliances, electronics and plastic products are the main sources of non-Cl-OPEs and NBFRs, while interior decorations and materials contribute abundant Cl-OPEs in indoor dust. The mean hazard index (HI) of TCIPP for children is greater than 1, possibly posing non-cancer risk for children in some countries. The median ILCRs for 3 carcinogenic OPEs are all less than 10−6, suggesting no cancer risk induced by these compounds for both adults and children. This review helps to understand the composition, spatial pattern and human exposure risk of OPEs and NBFRs in indoor dust worldwide. [Display omitted] • Worldwide data on OPE and NBFR concentrations in indoor dusts were collected. • TCIPP is the predominant compound of 8 flame retardants. • Higher ΣOPEs were found in developed countries than developing countries. • OPEs and NBFRs in indoor dust pose negligible risks to both adults and children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental emissions of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) impact estuarine species and the fisheries that rely on them. Migratory estuarine fishes may be captured for consumption in areas distant to known contaminant sources, but exposure risk depends on how quickly contaminants are depurated. This baseline presents the outcomes from a novel experiment simulating the migration of a popular recreational fish species (Dusky Flathead, Platycephalus fuscus) following environmental exposure to PFAAs, and assessing depuration from edible muscle tissues. Over the 33-day experiment, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) concentrations declined slowly, with modelling suggesting that concentrations fell below the relevant screening value (5.2 μg kg−1) within ∼558 h (285–1372 h; 90 % CI). Low concentrations (<1.2 μg kg−1) of perfluorohexane sulfonate also depurated rapidly. This study provides useful information for assessing potential exposure risk posed by recreationally targeted fish migrating away from contaminated areas. The experimental design employed has a real-world context that is relevant for future studies. • Depuration of perfluoroalkyl acids was assessed for a recreationally fished species. • Perfluorooctane sulfonate concentration in edible tissue declined slowly with time. • Perfluorohexane sulfonate concentration in edible tissue declined rapidly with time. • The experimental design has a real-world context that is relevant for future studies. [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]

The Berau Continental Shelf (BCS) in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, harbours various tropical marine ecosystems, including mangroves, seagrass meadows and coral reefs. These ecosystem are located partly within reach of the Berau River plume, which may affect ecosystem health through exposure to land-derived sediments, nutrients and pollutants carried by the plume. This study aims (1) to assess the exposure risk of the BCS coastal ecosystems to river plume water, measured as exposure time to three different salinity levels, (2) to identify the relationships between these salinity levels and the abundance and diversity of coral and seagrass ecosystems, and (3) to determine a suitable indicator for the impacts of salinity on coral reef and seagrass health. We analysed hydrodynamic models, classified salinity levels, and quantified the correlations between the salinity model parameters and ecological metrics for the BCS systems. An Empirical Orthogonal Functions (EOF) analysis revealed three modes of river plume dispersal patterns, which strongly reflect monsoon seasonality. The first mode, explaining 39% of the variability, was associated with the southward movement of the plume due to northerly winds, while the second and third modes (explaining 29% and 26% of the variability, respectively) were associated with the northeastward migration of the plume related to southwesterly and southerly winds. Exposure to low salinity showed higher correlations with biological indicators than mean salinity, indicating that low salinity is a more suitable indicator for coastal ecosystem health. Significant correlations ( R 2 ) were found between exposure time to low salinity (days with salinity values below 25 PSU) with coral cover, coral species richness, seagrass cover, the number of seagrass species, seagrass leaf phosphorus, nitrogen, C:N ratio and iron content. By comparing the correlation coefficients and the slopes of the regression lines, our study suggests that coral reefs are more susceptible to low salinity levels exposure than seagrass meadows. Regarding the risk of corals being exposed to low salinity, nearshore and northern barrier reefs were classified as “high risk”, the middle barrier reef as “medium to high risk” and southern barrier reefs as “medium risk”. Further offshore, the oceanic reefs were classified as “low risk”. Regarding the seagrass meadows, the nearshore region was categorized as “high risk”, the barrier reef as “medium to low risk” and oceanic reefs as “low risk”. This study contributes to assessing the potential impacts of salinity on the BCS ecosystems, and further provides a knowledge base for marine conservation planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anisakis L3 were subjected to freezing in domestic freezers and the risk posed by those larvae that might possibly survive freezing was analysed by determining their agar penetration ability, survival in gastric juice, allergenic potential and oxygen consumption rate. Anisakis L3 gradually became non-viable as the temperature fell from −1 °C to −28 °C. The faster the freezing rate, the greater the decrease in survival, but viability was not found to be affected by the proportions of Anisakis species per batch ( A. simplex s.s. 83–100%, A. pegreffii 0–17%, and their heterozygote genotypes at the ITS region of rDNA 0–10%). Surviving larvae after freezing presented a drastically reduced ability to penetrate into a layer of solid agar, as compared to controls, but still 5% of them penetrated into this medium. About 80% of surviving larvae died within 24 h under conditions simulating those of gastric fluid, whereas up to 85% of the controls were able to resist for 24 h. Allergen release during freezing and after freezing was higher than in controls, and this release was compatible with a contribution of both passive (by rupture of the cuticle) and active liberation of excretion/secretion allergens during and after freezing, suggesting that the pathogenic potential of these frozen and thawed larvae cannot be discarded. These results could be of use for more precise risk assessment and providing guidelines for consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Controlling tick bites on farmers is important to the management of tick‐borne diseases and occupational health risks in agriculture. Based on an extensive household survey conducted between June and August 2015 with 219 farmers from western Hungary where tick‐borne diseases are endemic, we analysed the pattern of farmers' self‐reported contacts with ticks and investigated the potential interactions between farmers, landscape and the risk of exposure to tick bites. We developed a lifestyle typology based on farmers' socioeconomic profiles, farming objectives and time use patterns, and a habitat typology describing different configurations of tick habitats and agricultural areas in place of farming. We found no relationship between tick exposure risk and self‐prevention. The lifestyle typology could be used to classify the risk of tick bites and the adoption of prevention measures into different levels, the difference between which could further be modified by the habitat typology. Our results suggest that (i) farmers who are frequently engaged in outdoor recreations and (ii) part‐time and inexperienced farmers who have lower rate of preventive actions are likely to experience greater exposure to tick bites either in less cultivated, semi‐natural habitats or in agricultural landscape with highly diverse land uses. Future disease prevention practices should take into consideration the interaction of lifestyle and habitat and the need to associate different farmer groups with different landscape configurations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead contamination and exposure risk assessment in roadway dusts from four different functional areas in a typical valley city in northwest China (Xi'an) were conducted in this study. A total of 130 roadway dust samples from park area (PA), traffic area (TA), educational area (EA), and residential area (RA) were collected and Pb concentrations in the samples were determined by using XRF (X-ray fluorescence). Geo-accumulation index ( I ) and enrichment factor (EF) were applied to assess Pb contamination level and the hazard indexes (HI) of Pb were calculated to evaluate the exposure risks to children and adults. The results showed that roadway dusts from all four functional areas had elevated Pb concentrations and pollution characteristics of Pb were discrepant in different functional areas. The mean concentration of Pb in roadway dusts from PA, TA, EA, and RA was 147.4, 74.8, 119.6, and 161.0 mg kg, respectively. The I and EF of Pb were mostly 1-3 and 2-20, which indicated moderate to high Pb contamination in roadway dusts. High contamination level of Pb in RA and EA should receive priority for prevention and control. Exposure risk assessment of Pb from roadway dusts was mainly in the acceptable range, but the potential risk of Pb exposure to children should be continuously concerned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorinated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (ClPAHs) receive increasing attention as hazardous pollutants in terms of the high environmental persistence and toxicities. Ambient concentrations of 24 ClPAHs and 24 PAHs were investigated at 14 sites in the Tokyo Bay area of Japan. Twelve of 18 ClPAH species were detected in air samples, in spite of small sampling volumes. Mean concentrations of total PAHs in gas and particle phases were 5400 and 1400 pg/m 3 , and mean concentrations of total ClPAHs in gas and particle phases were 40 and 14 pg/m 3 , respectively. The spatial distributions of both total ClPAH and PAH concentrations indicated heavy pollution at sites in industrial activity areas. Principal component analysis suggested that the dominant sources of gaseous and particulate ClPAHs differed substantially from each other. In particular, gaseous ClPAHs could be produced by specific sources different from those of particulate ClPAHs. However, the dominant sources of particulate ClPAHs could be the same as those of particulate PAHs, including industrial activities such as steel and gas-production plants and natural gas-fired power plants. The influences of spatial relationships among sampling sites were represented using a network analysis. The constructed network showed that ambient ClPAHs and PAHs were dominated by local rather than regional pollution, because there were weaker relationships among nearby sites. Finally, exposure risks for ClPAHs were dominated by 7-chlorobenz[ a ]anthracene, followed by 9-chlorophenanthrene and 6-chlorobenzo[ a ]pyrene, and total risk was ∼1/200 that of PAHs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diet is considered as the most important human exposure pathway for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Metabolism and accumulation patterns of PBDEs in different growth periods of chickens are helpful for evaluating human dietary exposure, but such information is scarce. In this study, female chickens were fed with food spiked with BDE-209 at 85 mg kg −1 , and the intake, accumulation, and excretion of BDE-209 and its main metabolites in various tissues were examined. Concentrations of BDE-209 in chicken tissues increased over time in a tissue-specific manner; they were the greatest in liver and generally the lowest in breast meat during the entire exposure period. The kinetic patterns were dependent on both growth-dilution effects and accumulated concentrations of BDE-209. Tissue concentrations of ∑ 8 PBDE (sum of BDE-28, 47, 99, 100, 153, 154, 183, and 209) followed the sequence of liver > blood > skin > intestine > stomach > leg meat > breast meat. Different tissue partition coefficients and perfusion rates for blood may have resulted in different PBDE concentrations in tissues. The absorption efficiency of BDE-209 in chicken tissues followed the sequence of liver (0.15 ± 0.032%) > skin (0.14 ± 0.038%) > intestine (0.071 ± 0.021%) > breast meat (0.062 ± 0.020%) > leg meat (0.059 ± 0.016%) > stomach (0.021 ± 0.0095%), likely due in part to facilitated absorption of BDE-209 by transport proteins (P-glycoproteins). On average, 9.3 ± 1.7% of BDE-209 was excreted in feces. Estimated human average dietary intake via the consumption of chicken tissues of ∑ 8 PBDE for adults and children was 319 and 1380 ng day −1 for liver, 211 and 632 ng day −1 for leg meat, and 104 and 311 ng day −1 for breast meat from the contaminated group. Liver clearly poses the highest exposure risk for human consumption, particularly if chickens are fed with contaminated feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goals of this study were (i) to verify the effect of steam extraction used in juice production and the stages of vinification on the ochratoxin A (OTA) levels found in grapes naturally contaminated, and (ii) evaluate the risk of exposure to this toxin when the daily consumption of juice and wine is followed to prevent cardiovascular disease. OTA-producing fungi were isolated from Cabernet Sauvignon, Moscato Itálico and Concord grapes harvested from the same vineyard and intended to produce red wine, white wine and juice, respectively. The highest levels of this toxin were found in the Concord grapes used for juice production. Although greater reduction in OTA levels occurred during juice production (73%) compared to winemaking (66 and 44%, for red and white, respectively), the estimated OTA exposure through juice was higher than the tolerable intake established for this toxin by JECFA. The risk associated with juice consumption, rather than wine, can be explained by (i) higher OTA levels found in Concord must than those of Cabernet and Moscato, indicating that Concord grapes appear to be more susceptible to OTA production by toxigenic fungi; and (ii) the daily recommended juice consumption is higher than those proposed to red wine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The concentrations of short-chain polychlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) in the urban air of Dalian, China, were monitored from March to October 2010 and from September to October 2016 with active high-volume sampler. The total concentration of SCCPs (particulate phase + gas phase) ranged from 15.12 to 66.44 ng m, with an average of 30.26 ng m in 2010, and 65.30 to 91.00 ng m, with an average of 78.15 ng m in 2016. Hexa-chlorinated dodecane and hexa-chlorinated undecane are the predominant components in the gas phase, while octa-chlorinated undecane and hepta-chlorinated tridecane are dominant in the particulate phase. In 2010, 82.57-97.16% of the total SCCPs were found in the gas phase, except that in winter, where 63.11% of the total SCCPs were in the particulate phase; the air concentrations of SCCPs in gas phase were summer > autumn > spring > winter, which was positively correlated with the change of the average ambient temperature, while it was the contrary in particulate phase. In autumn, the gas phase and the total air concentration of SCCPs in 2016 were 2.57 times more than that in 2010, while the congener group patterns of SCCPs were similar. Spearman's rank correlation analysis between the concentrations of SCCPs with meteorological parameters was conducted. The gas-particle distribution was examined through the relationship of the logarithm of the gas-particle partition coefficient with that of the subcooled vapor pressure and the octanol-air partitioning coefficient of SCCPs. Results indicated that the absorption mechanisms contributed more to the partitioning process. The exposure risk of SCCPs was evaluated, which illustrated that the estimated exposure of SCCPs via the outdoor environment in Dalian did not exceed the health concern threshold of the European risk assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metals posed threat to humans and environment. Spatial distribution/source identifications of heavy metals in soil, dust and water along major road of three economic zone of Enugu: Enugu/PH road (Industrial area), Agbani Road (Residential) and Ogui New Layout Road (Commercial) were evaluated. Soil and dust samples were collected at 15 cm depth and 1 m from roads, underground water at 65 m from roadside between December 2020–April 2021. Heavy metals were quantified by AAS. Heavy metals (mg/kg) in roadside soil varied from 0.00 to 0.05 (Cr), 1.50–4.00 (As), 0.08–6.93 (Ni), 4.98–7.86 (Cu), 0.00–0.03 (Hg), 213.95–274.79 (Fe), 1.25–4.16 (Pb) and 8.49–16.23 (Mn) for Enugu/PH; 0.00–0.20 (Cr), 2.75–3.13 (As), 0.25–4.94 (Ni), 3.65–11.73 (Cu), 0.00–0.00 (Hg), 159.87–233.65 (Fe), 2.08–4.54 (Pb), 6.18–17.15 (Mn) for Agbani; 0.00–0.13 (Cr), 1.48–3.70 (As), 0.03–1.50 (Ni), 3.13–5.54 (Cu), 0.00–0.00 (Hg), 138.06–189.51 (Fe), 0.58–1.38 (Pb), 9.75–21.75 (Mn) for Ogui. The level of heavy metals (mg/kg) in roadside dust ranged from 0.00 to 0.18 (Cr), 0.00–2.33 (As), 0.85–2.05 (Ni), 4.54–16.93 (Cu), 0.00–0.00 (Hg), 137.36–247.03 (Fe), 0.88–4.99 (Pb), 17.65–26.43 (Mn) for Enugu/PH; 0.00–0.00 (Cr), 0.00–2.85 (As), 0.71–4.68 (Ni), 4.94–121.85 (Cu), 0.00–0.00 (Hg), 159.23–203.70 (Fe), 0.59–14.63 (Pb), 15.05–23.44 (Mn) for Agbani; 0.00–0.14 (Cr), 0.00–2.33 (As), 1.08–4.45 (Ni), 4.25–6.95 (Cu), 0.00–0.00 (Hg), 152.84–207.66 (Fe), 1.00–3.41 (Pb), 14.13–23.18 (Mn) for Ogui. As in water Enugu/PH (0.081 mg/L), Agbani (0.079 mg/L) and Ogui (0.150 mg/L). Principal component analysis indicated that Cr, As, Ni, Cu, Hg, Pb Fe and Mn distributions were affected by traffic, industrial release and natural sources, ecological analysis showed low to moderate pollution. Risk assessment (children/adults) via each pathway were HI <1. Estimated cancer risk of 75% heavy metals via CR ing / inh / der (soil, dust water) below 1× 10−6 - 1 × 10−4, total cancer risk shows high probability of carcinogenic risk via ingestion as children > adult susceptibility on prolonged exposure to vehicular activity, hence alarming contamination status of heavy metals in Enugu and associated health risk. [Display omitted] • Heavy metal distribution in soil, dust and water along Enugu roads was evaluated. • Soil metals and dusts were significant than water, As and Ni showed cancer risk for adults and children. • Apportionment analysis implied heavy metal originated from traffic/manufacturing industry. • Contamination factor: Enugu/PH road > Agbani road > Ogui layout road as traffic density of 5782 > 4893 > 4046 vehicles. • Highest metals occur as: Ni and As (soil), Fe (soil and dust), Pb and Mn (dust) and Hg (water). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The furniture layout between two people complicates the interaction between indoor airflow, human thermal plume, and exhalation flow in the breathing microenvironment. It thus increases the uncertainty of exposure risk assessment. This study aims to investigate the effects of office furniture under two different air distribution systems on the transmission of respiratory contaminants and airborne cross-infection risk between two people using a computational fluid dynamics method. Two thermal manikins models with realistic breathing functions were simulated, sitting face to face at two separation distances between their mouths in a single-office room served by a mixing ventilation system (MV) and displacement ventilation system (DV). Tracer gas (N 2 O) was used to simulate small droplet nuclei pathogen-laden exhaled by the infected person, and the exposure risk was assessed using the intake fraction (IF) index. The results show that placing a desk in the microenvironment between two occupants increased the exposure risk by about 50% under DV conditions and 22% under MV conditions compared with the cases without a desk. The exposure risk was reduced remarkably by increasing the separating distance. The results show that the furniture layout significantly affects the airborne transmission risk and cross-infection, and this effect varies with the ventilation conditions and separation distances between the occupants. • The influence of office furniture arrangement under MV and DV systems investigated. • The effect of the desk, personal computer and barrier on exposure risk were explored. • The furniture layout significantly influenced the airborne cross-infection risk. • The effect varied with ventilation systems and separation distances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seasonal variations of shallow groundwater arsenic have been widely documented. To gain insight into the monthly variations and mechanisms behind high groundwater arsenic and arsenic exposure risk in different climate scenarios, the monthly probability of high groundwater arsenic in Hetao Basin was simulated through random forest model. The model was based on arsenic concentrations obtained from 566 groundwater sample sites, and the variables considered included soil properties, climate, topography, and landform parameters. The results revealed that spatial patterns of high groundwater arsenic showed some fluctuations among months under different future climate scenarios. The probability of high total arsenic and trivalent arsenic was found to be elevated at the start of the rainy season, only to rapidly decrease with increasing precipitation and temperature. The probability then increased again after the rainy season. The areas with an increased probability of high total arsenic and trivalent arsenic and arsenic exposure risk under SSP126 were typically found in the high-arsenic areas of 2019, while those with decreased probabilities were observed in low-arsenic areas. Under SSP585, which involves a significant increase in precipitation and temperature, the probability of high total arsenic and trivalent arsenic and arsenic exposure risk was widely reduced. However, the probability of high total arsenic and trivalent arsenic and arsenic exposure risk was mainly observed in low-arsenic areas from SSP126 to SSP585. In conclusion, the consumption of groundwater for human and livestock drinking remains a threat to human health due to high arsenic exposure under future climate scenarios., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Objective: A 6-month longitudinal surveillance study of asymptomatic healthcare providers (HCP) was carried out at a large urban academic medical center in the United States to assess whether their job occupation with higher exposure risks to SARS-CoV-2 would equate with higher risk of contracting COVID-19 at the beginning of the pandemic before COVID-19 vaccines were available., Methods: A longitudinal cohort study design was used to collect and analyze immunological and virological monitoring data and self-report survey assessments of personal protective equipment (PPE) availability, adherence to infection control guidelines, and time spent on COVID-19 wards., Results: Among 289 eligible participants, SARS-CoV-2 exposure risk was high with 48-69% participants working in COVID-19 units and more than 30% of them caring for COVID-19 patients. However, the seroconversion rate was low with only 2.1% of participants developing humoral or cellular immunity against SARS-CoV-2., Conclusion: Our study findings suggest that, for this HCP cohort working at a large urban academic medical center, a low incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection could be maintained under conditions of strict infection prevention protocols and reliable PPE availability.

Objectives. The general aim was to assess dietary exposure to selected persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and metals among Eskimo (Inuit) and Chukchi of the Chukotka Peninsula of the Russian Arctic, and to establish recommendations for exposure risk reduction. Study design. A cross-sectional evaluation of nutritional patterns of coastal and inland indigenous peoples of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug (in 2001–2003); assessment of the levels of persistent toxic substances (PTSs) in traditional foods and their comparison to Russian food safety limits; the identification of local sources of food contamination; and the recommendation and implementation of risk management measures. Methods. Community-based dietary survey of self reported food frequencies (453 persons), chemical analyses (POPs and metals) of local foods and indoor matters (397 samples), substantiation of recommendations for daily (weekly, monthly) intakes of traditional food. Results. POPs in traditional food items are generally below the Russian food safety limits except marine mammal fat, while Hg and Cd are high mainly in mammal viscera. Lead is relatively low in tissues of all animals studied. For the Chukotka coastal communities, seals constitute the principal source of the whole suite of PTSs considered. Consumption restrictions are recommended for marine and freshwater fish, some wild meats (waterfowl and seal), fats (whale and seal), liver (most animals) and kidney (reindeer, walrus and seal). Evidence is presented that contamination of foodstuffs may be significantly increased during storing/processing/cooking of food due to indoor and outdoor environmental conditions. Conclusions. Based on the analytical findings and the local PTSs sources identified, guidelines on food safety are suggested, as well as measures to reduce food contamination and domestic and local sources. Important and urgent remedial actions are recommended to minimize PTSs environmental and domestic contamination. Waste clean-up activities started in coastal Chukotka in 2007.

Brazil is the third largest exporter of fruits and vegetables in the world and, consequently, uses large amounts of pesticides. Food contamination with pesticide residues (PRs) is a serious concern, especially in developing countries. Several research reports revealed that some Brazilian farmers spray pesticides on fruits and vegetables in large quantities, generating PRs after harvest. Thus, ingestion of food contaminated with PRs can cause adverse health effects. Based on information obtained through a systematic review of essential information from 33 articles, we studied the assessment of potential health risks associated with fruit and vegetable consumption in children and adults from Brazilian states. This study identified 111 PRs belonging to different chemical groups, mainly organophosphates and organochlorines, in 26 fruit and vegetable samples consumed and exported by Brazil. Sixteen of these PRs were above the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) established by local and international legislation. We did not identify severe acute and chronic dietary risks, but the highest risk values were observed in São Paulo and Santa Catarina, associated with the consumption of tomatoes and sweet peppers due to the high concentrations of organophosphates. A high long-term health risk is associated with the consumption of oranges in São Paulo and grapes in Bahia due to chlorothalonil and procymidone. We also identified that 26 PRs are considered carcinogenic by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), and the carcinogenic risk analysis revealed no severe risk in any Brazilian state investigated due to the cumulative hazard index (HI) < 1. However, the highest HI values were in São Paulo due to acephate and carbaryl in sweet pepper and in Bahia due to dichlorvos. This information can help regulatory authorities define new guidelines for pesticide residue limits in fruits and vegetables commonly consumed and exported from Brazil and monitor the quality of commercial formulations. [Display omitted] • We identified 111 pesticide residues, mainly organophosphates and organochlorines. • Sixteen residues were above the limit allowed by legislation. • A serious non-cancerous long-term health risk has been evidenced. • Twelve carcinogenic PRs were found in thirteen Brazilian states. • A low carcinogenic risk was evidenced for children and adults in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Outdoor droplet exposure risk is generally regarded much smaller than that indoor, but such indoor-outdoor assessment and comparison are still rare. By coupling indoor and outdoor environments, we numerically simulate the ventilation and dispersion of exhaled pathogenic droplets (e.g., diameter d = 10 μm) within typical street canyon (outdoor, aspect ratio H/W = 1) and each room (indoor) of two eight-floor single-sided naturally-ventilated buildings. Inhaled fraction (IF) and suspended fraction (SF) between two face-to-face people are calculated to quantify and compare the human-to-human exposure risk in all 16 rooms (indoor) on eight floors and those at two outdoor sites. Numerical simulations are validated well by wind tunnel experiments. Results show that, the rooms in the 1st and 8th floors attain greater air change rate per hour (∼4.5–6.6 h−1) and the lower exposure risk (IF ∼2–4 ppm) than the 2nd-7th floors (air change rate per hour∼1.6–5.3 h−1, IF ∼4–11 ppm). Although inter-floor droplet dispersion exists, the room with index patient attains 2–4 order greater exposure risk than the other rooms without index patient. When the index patient stays outdoor, outdoor IF will change with locations, i.e. ∼55 ppm at leeward corner (even exceeding indoor IF ∼2–11 ppm), and ∼7 ppm at middle street. Hence, the outdoor infection risk should not be ignored especially for people at leeward street corner where small vortex exists inducing local weak ventilation. Particularly, outdoor IF is decided by short-distance spraying droplet exposure (∼1 m) and long-route airborne transmissions by the main recirculation through entire street canyon (∼50–100 m). [Display omitted] • We study exhaled droplet dispersion/exposure risk in street with 8-floor single-sided buildings. • Exposure risk in index-patient's room is 2–4 order larger than other rooms without index patient. • 1st and 8th floors attain more ACH/smaller inhaled fraction (IF ∼2–4 ppm) than 2nd-7th floors (∼4–11 ppm). • Outdoor IF varies with locations, ∼55 ppm in leeward corner (exceeding indoor ∼2–11 ppm) and ∼7 ppm at middle street. • Both short-distance exposure (∼1 m) and long-transport by street vortex (∼100 m) are key to Outdoor IF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]