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This study was conducted to monitor and evaluate the health risks of multiple organophosphorus pesticide residues in three characteristic fruits of Maragheh district, East Azerbaijan province. The Monte Carlo method was used to quantify the possible non-carcinogenic health risks associated with pesticide residues in adults and children. The residues of 17 pesticides in 36 samples were analysed using the QuEChERS extraction method coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Residues of 13 pesticides (76.47%) were detected in grape samples and 15 pesticides (88.23%) in apricot and plum samples. The maximum level found in grape samples was due to chlorpyrifos with 1.2 mg/kg, and in apricot and plum samples to diazinon with 1.6 and 1.3 mg/kg, respectively. All grape, apricot and plum samples contained at least ten pesticides with levels exceeding the Iranian and EU Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs). The processing factor for washing treatment in grape, apricot and plum samples was less than 1, ranging from 0.53 to 0.69. Chlorpyrifos with values of 0.064 and 0.256 in the grape samples and diazinon with values of 0.0443 and 0.177 in the apricot samples and values of 0.0263 and 0.105 in the plum samples contain the highest hazard quotients (HQ) for adults and children, respectively. The cumulative risk assessment due to exposure to several pesticide residues suggests that there is no significant health risk for adults (HI < 1). However, consumption of unwashed grapes may cause adverse effects in children (HI = 1.48). However, for further research, a comprehensive longitudinal study is suggested to assess the long-term effects of exposure to pesticides especially for children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This cross-sectional study investigated the use of schoolbags and the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among a sample of 307 Iranian primary school children aged 7–12 years. The average load carried by the children was 2.9 kg (representing on average 10.1% of the child's body weight). Most children chose to carry the schoolbag across two shoulders, although significant numbers also carried it on one shoulder or in the hand. Although the amount of load carried by school children was within the currently suggested load limit of 10% to 15% of the child's body weight, the prevalence of musculoskeletal problems was very high among the study population. Multiple logistic regression models indicated that the method of carrying the schoolbag was significantly associated with hand/wrist and shoulder symptoms, and that the time spent carrying a schoolbag was associated with hand/wrist and upper back symptoms. Schoolbag weight (expressed as a percentage of body weight) was only associated with hand/wrist symptoms. The results suggest that the current recommended weight limit may not be appropriate for school children in primary school, and that guidelines ought to consider factors other than relative schoolbag weight that influence the use of schoolbags among this age group. Practitioner Summary:The carrying of schoolbags by primary school children and their musculoskeletal symptoms were investigated. The results provide evidence that the current weight limit may not be appropriate for younger school children, and that such guidelines should consider a broader combination of the factors that influence the use of schoolbags. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]