Increased cancers among residents living in the neighborhood of a petrochemical complex: A 12-year retrospective cohort study

Metabolomics perspectives of the ecotoxicological risks of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: A scoping review

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) represent persistent environmental pollutants ubiquitously distributed in the environment. Their presence alongside various other contaminants gives rise to intricate interactions, culminating in profound deleterious consequences. The combination effects of different PAH mixtures on biota remains a relatively unexplored domain. Recent studies have harnessed the exceptional sensitivity of metabolomic techniques to unveil the significant ecotoxicological perils of PAH pollution confronting both human populations and ecosystems. This article furnishes a comprehensive overview of current literature focused on the metabolic repercussions stemming from exposure to complex mixtures of PAHs or PAH-pollution sources using metabolomics approaches. These insights are obtained through a wide range of models, including in vitro assessments, animal studies, investigations on human subjects, botanical specimens, and soil environments. The findings underscore that PAH mixtures induce cellular stress responses and systemic effects, leading to metabolic dysregulations in amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids, and other key metabolites (e.g., organic acids, purines), with specific variations observed based on the organism and PAH compounds involved. Additionally, the ecological consequences of PAH pollutants on plant and soil microbial responses are emphasized, revealing significant changes in stress-related metabolites and nutrient cycling in soil ecosystems. The complex interplay of various PAHs and their metabolic effects on several models, as elucidated through metabolomics, highlight the urgency of further research and the need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate the risks posed by these widespread environmental pollutants.

Multivariate analysis of carcinogenic equivalence (CEQ) to characterize carcinogenic VOC emissions in a typical petrochemical industrial park in Taiwan

Large industrial emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the petrochemical industry are a critical concern due to their potential carcinogenicity. VOC emissions vary in composition depending on the source and occur in mixtures containing compounds with varying degrees of toxicity. We proposed the use of carcinogenic equivalence (CEQ) and multivariate analysis to identify the major contributors to the carcinogenicity of VOC emissions. This method weights the carcinogenicity of each VOC by using a ratio of its cancer slope factor to that of benzene, providing a carcinogenic equivalence factor (CEF) for each VOC. We strategically selected a petrochemical industrial park in southern Taiwan that embodies the industry's comprehensive nature and serves as a representative example. The CEQs of different emission sources in three years were analyzed and assessed using principal component analysis (PCA) to characterize the major contributing sectors, vendors, sources, and species for the carcinogenicity of VOC emissions. Results showed that while the study site exhibited a 20.7 % (259.8 t) decrease in total VOC emissions in three years, the total CEQ emission only decreased by 4.5 % (15.9 t), highlighting a potential shift in the emitted VOC composition towards more carcinogenic compounds. By calculating CEQ followed by PCA, the important carcinogenic VOC emission sources and key compounds were identified. More importantly, the study compared three approaches: CEQ followed by PCA, PCA followed by CEQ, and PCA only. While the latter two methods prioritized sources based on emission quantities, potentially overlooking less abundant but highly carcinogenic compounds, the CEQ-first approach effectively identified vendors and sources with the most concerning cancer risks. This distinction underscores the importance of selecting the appropriate analysis method based on the desired focus. Our study highlighted how prioritizing CEQ within the analysis framework empowered the development of precise control measures that address the most carcinogenic VOC sources.

Arsenic exposure was associated with lung fibrotic changes in individuals living near a petrochemical complex

Individuals residing near petrochemical complexes have been found to have increasing the risk of respiratory distress and diseases. On visit 1 in 2016, all participants underwent urinary arsenic measurement and low-dose computed tomography (LDCT). The same participants had LDCT performed at visit 2 in 2018. Our study revealed that individuals with lung fibrotic changes had significantly higher levels of urinary arsenic compared to the non-lung fibrotic changes group. Moreover, we found that participants with urinary arsenic levels in the highest sextile (> 209.7 μg/g creatinine) had a significantly increased risk of lung fibrotic changes in both visit 1 (OR = 1.87; 95% CI= 1.16-3.02; P = 0.010) and visit 2 (OR = 1.74; 95% CI = 1.06-2.84; P = 0.028) compared to those in the lowest sextile (≤ 41.4 μg/g creatinine). We also observed a significantly increasing trend across urinary arsenic sextile in both visits (Ptrend = 0.015 in visit 1 and Ptrend = 0.026 in visit 2). Furthermore, participants with urinary arsenic levels in the highest sextile had a significantly increased risk of lung fibrotic positive to positive (OR = 2.18; 95% CI: 1.24, 3.82; P = 0.007) compared to the lowest sextile (reference category: lung fibrotic negative to negative). Our findings provide support for the hypothesis that arsenic exposure is significantly associated with an increased risk of lung fibrotic changes. It is advisable to reduce the levels of arsenic exposure for those residing near such petrochemical complexes.

Arsenic exposure associated with lung interstitial changes in non-smoking individuals living near a petrochemical complex: A repeated cross-sectional study

Arsenic exposure is associated with airway inflammation and decreased lung function tests. Whether arsenic exposure associated with lung interstitial changes remains unknown. We conducted this population-based study in southern Taiwan during 2016 and 2018. Our study recruited individuals aged over 20 years, residing in the vicinity of a petrochemical complex and with no history of cigarette smoking. In both the 2016 and 2018 cross-sectional studies, we conducted chest low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, as well as urinary arsenic and blood biochemistry analyses. Lung interstitial changes included lung fibrotic changes that were defined as the presence of curvilinear or linear densities, fine lines, or plate opacity in specific lobes; additionally, other interstitial changes were defined as the presence of ground-glass opacity (GGO) or bronchiectasis on the LDCT images. In both cross-sectional studies conducted in 2016 and 2018, participants with lung fibrotic changes exhibited a statistically significant increase in the mean urinary arsenic concentrations compared to those without fibrotic changes (geometric mean = 100.1 vs. 82.8 μg/g creatinine, p < 0.001 for cross-sectional study 2016, and geometric mean = 105.6 vs. 71.0 μg/g creatinine, p < 0.001 for cross-sectional study 2018). After controlling for age, gender, body mass index, platelet counts, hypertension, aspartate aminotransferase, cholesterol, HbA1c, and educational levels, we observed a significant positive association between a unit increase in log urinary arsenic concentrations and the risk of lung fibrotic changes in both cross-sectional study 2016 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.04-1.90, p = 0.028) and cross-sectional study 2018 (OR = 3.03, 95% CI = 1.38-6.63, p = 0.006). Our study did not find a significant association between arsenic exposure and bronchiectasis or GGO. It is imperative for the government to take significant measures to reduce arsenic exposure levels among individuals living near petrochemical complexes.

Geospatial pattern of topsoil pollution and multi-endpoint toxicity in the petrochemical area of Augusta-Priolo (eastern Sicily, Italy)

The present study was aimed at identifying geospatial patterns of pollutants including concentrations and toxicity as complex environmental mixtures, in topsoil samples close to petrochemical facilities in the heavily industrialized area of Augusta and Priolo in south-eastern Sicily (Italy). Elemental analysis of soil was conducted by ICP-MS for 23 metals and 16 rare earth elements (REEs). Organic analyses were primarily focused on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (16 parent homologs) and total aliphatic hydrocarbons (C10 - C40). Topsoil samples were tested for toxicity in multiple bioassay models including: 1) developmental defects and cytogenetic anomalies in sea urchin Sphaerechinus granularis early life stages; 2) growth inhibition of diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum; 3) mortality in nematode Caenorhabditis elegans; and 4) induction of mitotic abnormalities in onion Allium cepa. Samples collected at sites closest to defined petrochemical facilities were highest in select pollutants and correlated with biological effects in different toxicity endpoints. A noteworthy finding was the increased level of total REEs in sites closest to petrochemical facilities, suggesting their contributions to identifying petrochemical sources of pollutants to the environment. The combined data obtained in the different bioassays allowed exploration of geospatial patterns of effect in biota as a function of contaminant levels. In conclusion, this study provides consistent data of soil toxicity, metal and REE contamination at Augusta-Priolo sampling sites, and may provide an appropriate baseline for epidemiological studies on high incidences of congenital birth defects in the area and identification of at-risk localities.

Residence near industrial complex and cancer incidence: A registry-based cohort of 1,022,637 participants with a follow-up of 21 years, Israel

BACKGROUND

Industrial complex (IC) residence is associated with higher cancer incidence in adults and children. However, the effect on young adults and the residence duration are not well described. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the Haifa bay area (HBA) has a major IC area with petrochemical industry complex and many other industries. The objectives of the current study were to estimate the association between IC residence and cancer incidence and to evaluate the effect of the residence duration.

METHODS

This study is a registry-based cohort (N = 1,022,637) with a follow-up of 21 years. Cox regression models were used to evaluate the associations (hazards ratios (HR) and its 95% confidence intervals (CIs)) between HBA residence and incidence of all cancer sites (n = 62,049) and for site-specific cancer types including: lung cancer (n = 5398), bladder cancer (n = 3790), breast cancer (n = 11,310), prostate cancer (n = 6389) skin cancer (n = 4651), pancreatic cancer (n = 2144) and colorectal cancer (n = 8675). We evaluated the effect of the duration of exposure as categories of 7 years for those with 15 years of follow-up.

RESULTS

IC residence was associated with higher risk for all cancer sites (HR:1.09, 95% CI: 1.06-1.12), for site-specific cancer incidence including: lung cancer (HR:1.14, 95% CI: 1.04-1.23), bladder cancer (HR:1.11, 95% CI: 1.01-1.23), breast cancer (HR:1.04, 95% CI: 0.98-1.10), prostate cancer (HR:1.07, 95% CI: 0.99-1.16), skin cancer (HR:1.22, 95% CI: 1.12-1.33) and colorectal cancer (HR:1.10, 95%CI: 1.03-1.17). Similar risk was also observed among young adults (HR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.00-1.20). In the analyses for the duration of exposure, IC residence was associated with higher risk for all cancer site for the longest residence duration (15-21 years: HR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.04-1.13).

CONCLUSIONS

Harmful associations were found between IC residence and incidence of all cancer sites and site-specific cancers types. Our findings add to the limited evidence of associations between IC residence and cancer in young adults.

Association between residential exposure to petrochemical industrial complexes and pancreatic cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Increased in the global demand-expansion of the petrochemical industry is a possible environmental risk factor pancreatic cancer among residents living close to petrochemical complexes. This meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled risk of pancreatic cancer among residents living near petrochemical industrial complexes. We systematically searched and reviewed published studies in six databases based on the inclusion criteria derived from the population, exposure, comparator, and outcomes framework (population: general population; exposure: residence near petrochemical industrial complexes/living in cities with petrochemical industrial complexes; comparators: residents living farther away from petrochemical industrial complexes/living in cities without petrochemical industrial complexes; outcome: pancreatic cancer). We identified seven studies, covering 1,605,568 residents. Pooled analysis showed a significantly higher risk of pancreatic cancer among residents living near petrochemical industrial complexes (relative risk [RR] = 1.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.21-1.42) than those living farther away from petrochemical industrial complexes. Such effect was higher in female residents (RR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.18-1.53) than in male residents (RR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.12-1.41). This study suggests that exposure to petrochemical industry-related activities should be recognized as a risk factor for pancreatic cancer among residents living near petrochemical industrial complexes.

Living proximity to petrochemical industries and the risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children

Evidence regarding the negative neurodevelopmental effects of compound exposure to petrochemicals remains limited. We aimed to evaluate the association between exposure to petrochemical facilities and generated emissions during early life and the risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) development in children. We conducted a population-based birth cohort study using the 2004 to 2014 Taiwanese Birth Certificate Database and verified diagnoses of ADHD using the National Health Insurance Database. The level of petrochemical exposure in each participant's residential township was evaluated using the following 3 measurements: distance to the nearest petrochemical industrial plant (PIP), petrochemical exposure probability (accounting for monthly prevailing wind measurements), and monthly benzene concentrations estimated using kriging-based land-use regression models. We applied Cox proportional hazard models to evaluate the association. During the study period, 48,854 out of 1,863,963 children were diagnosed as having ADHD. The results revealed that residents of townships in close proximity to PIPs (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16-1.23, <3 vs. ≥10 km), highly affected by petrochemical-containing prevailing winds (HR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.08-1.16, ≥40% vs. <10%), and with high benzene concentrations (HR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.23-1.29, ≥0.75 vs. <0.55 ppb) were consistently associated with the increased risk of ADHD development in children. The findings of the sensitivity analysis remained robust, particularly for the 2004 to 2009 birth cohort and for models accounting for a longer duration of postnatal exposure. This work provided clear evidence that living near petrochemical plants increases the risk of ADHD development in children. Further studies are warranted to confirm our findings.

Arsenic exposure and non-carcinogenic health effects

Inorganic arsenic (iAs) exposure is a serious health problem that affects more than 140 million individuals worldwide, mainly, through contaminated drinking water. Acute iAs poisoning produces several symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and severe diarrhea, whereas prolonged iAs exposure increased the risk of several malignant disorders such as lung, urinary tract, and skin tumors. Another sensitive endpoint less described of chronic iAs exposure are the non-malignant health effects in hepatic, endocrine, renal, neurological, hematological, immune, and cardiovascular systems. The present review outlines epidemiology evidence and possible molecular mechanisms associated with iAs-toxicity in several non-carcinogenic disorders.

Lipidomics of children and adolescents exposed to multiple industrial pollutants

BACKGROUND

There are limited studies on the lipidomics of children and adolescents exposed to multiple industrial pollutants.

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we aimed to investigate lipid profile perturbations in 99 children and adolescents (aged 9-15) who lived in a polluted area surrounding the largest petrochemical complex in Taiwan. Previous studies have reported increased risks of acute and chronic diseases including liver dysfunctions and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in residents living in this area.

METHODS

We measured urinary concentrations of 11 metals and metalloids and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) metabolite 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) as exposure biomarkers, and urinary oxidative stress biomarkers and serum acylcarnitines as early health effect biomarkers. The association between individual exposure biomarkers and early health effect biomarkers were analyzed using linear regression, while association of combined exposure biomarkers with four oxidative stress biomarkers and acylcarnitines were analyzed using weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression. Lipid profiles were analyzed using an untargeted liquid chromatography mass spectrometry-based technique. "Meet-in-the-middle" approach was applied to identify potential lipid features that linked multiple industrial pollutants exposure with early health effects.

RESULTS

We identified 15 potential lipid features that linked elevated multiple industrial pollutants exposure with three increased oxidative stress biomarkers and eight deregulated serum acylcarnitines, including one lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs), four phosphatidylcholines (PCs), and two sphingomyelins (SMs) that were up-regulated in high exposure group compared to low exposure group, and two LPCs, four PCs, and two phosphatidylinositols (PIs) down-regulated in high exposure group compared to low exposure group.

CONCLUSION

Our findings could provide information for understanding the health effects, including early indicators and biological mechanism identification, of children and adolescents exposed to multiple industrial pollutants during critical stages of development.

Survey of psychiatric impairment among residents exposed to environmental pollution from a petrochemical complex

PURPOSE

This study first assessed the occurrence of major depressive disorder (MDD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), symptoms of poor sleep quality and high levels of distress among residents, caused by reported long-term stress from environmental pollution emitted from the biggest petroleum chemistry factory (PCF) in the world.

METHODS

A total of 328 long-term residents (Mean age = 57.5, SD = 16.5 years, ranging from 22 to 95) were recruited randomly from a total population of 26,632 in Mailiao township in Taiwan next to the PCF. Trained assistants used the Disaster-Related Psychological Screening test, the Perception of Life Threats Caused by the SCNP questionnaire and the Sleep Quality Scale to interview the participants.

RESULTS

The results support our hypotheses that most of the residents (71%) would report life threats caused by the PCF. The residents displayed higher rates of major depressive episodes (24.1%), PTSD (24.5%) and symptoms of poor sleep quality. The more they felt threat from the PCF, the stronger the connection with MDD and PTSD symptoms.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate an increased prevalence of MDD, PTSD and symptoms of poor sleep quality in those exposed to environmental pollution from the PCF, highlighting the need for prompt prevention, diagnostic and therapeutic attention.

Concentrations of arsenic and vanadium in environmental and biological samples collected in the neighborhood of petrochemical industries: A review of the scientific literature

Petrochemical facilities, including oil refineries, are emission sources of a wide range of environmental pollutants such as trace elements, volatile organic compounds, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, among others. Populations living near this kind of facilities may be potentially exposed to contaminants, which are, in turn, associated with a wide range of adverse effects. In our laboratory, we have shown that the environmental concentrations of trace elements near the petrochemical complex of Tarragona County (Spain), which is among the largest complexes in the European Union, should not be a relevant pollution source for these elements, with the exception of arsenic (As) and vanadium (V). Moreover, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified As and V as Group 1 and Group 2B, respectively. Based on it, the present paper was aimed at reviewing the available scientific information on the occurrence of As and V in the vicinity of petrochemical complexes worldwide, considering environmental matrices (air, dust, sediments, soil, and water), as well as biological samples (blood, hair, and urine). In general, levels of As and V in environmental matrices showed higher fluctuation throughout the world and was highly dependent on the samples zone while levels of both elements in urinary samples from subjects living near a petrochemical area were higher than those of population living further.

Relationship between renal function and metal exposure of residents living near the No. 6 Naphtha Cracking Complex: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Heavy metals impair renal function, causing chronic kidney disease (CKD), and the petrochemical industry is one of the major environmental metal emission sources. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between renal function and metal exposure among the Taiwanese residents living near a petrochemical industry site.

METHODS

We recruited residents near the No. 6 Naphtha Cracking Complex, and they were categorized into a high-exposure (HE) group (N = 190) in Taisi Village and a low-exposure (LE) group (N = 1184) in other villages of Dacheng Township in Changhua County of Taiwan. The urinary nickel, chromium, and vanadium levels of the study subjects were measured and the levels were standardized by urine creatinine, and the estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) were calculated to estimate renal function by one-time health data. Linear regression models were applied to illustrate the correlations between the distance to the complex and urinary metal levels and renal function; linear and logistic regression models were applied to evaluate the associations between urinary metal levels and renal function indicators.

RESULTS

The study subjects living closer to the petrochemical complex had significantly higher urinary nickel, chromium, and vanadium levels and worse renal function than study subjects living farther away. The urinary nickel and chromium levels of the study subjects were associated with their renal function indicators. When the subject's urinary nickel level increased 1-fold, the eGFR level significantly decreased by 0.820 ml/min/1.73 m².

CONCLUSION

Residents living closer to the petrochemical industry were exposed to higher metal levels and had worse renal function, and the nickel exposure of residents was potentially related to their decline in renal function.

Maternal proximity to petrochemical industrial parks and risk of premature rupture of membranes

BACKGROUND

Living near petrochemical industries has been reported to increase the risks of adverse birth outcomes, such as low birth weight and preterm delivery. However, evidence regarding the role of petrochemical exposure in pregnancy complications remains limited. This study evaluated the association between maternal proximity to petrochemical industrial parks (PIPs) during pregnancy and the occurrence of premature rupture of membranes (PROM).

METHODS

We performed a population-based 1:3 case-control study by using the 2004-2014 Taiwanese Birth Certificate Database. Birth records reported as stillbirth or bearing congenital anomalies were excluded. Cases were newborns reported to have PROM, whereas controls were randomly sampled from those without any pregnancy complications by matching birth year and urbanization index of the residential township. The proximity to PIPs was evaluated by calculating the distance to the nearest PIP of the maternal residential township during pregnancy. Furthermore, petrochemical exposure opportunity, accounting for monthly prevailing wind direction, was quantified during the entire gestational period. We applied conditional logistic regression models to evaluate the associations.

RESULTS

In total, 29371 PROM cases were reported during the study period, with a corresponding 88113 healthy controls sampled. The results revealed that living within a 3-km radius of PIPs during pregnancy would increase the risk of PROM (odds ratio [OR] = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.66-1.87). Furthermore, compared with the lowest exposed group, those with high petrochemical exposure opportunity had a significantly increased risk of PROM occurrence (OR = 1.69-1.75). The adverse effects remained robust in the subgroup analysis for both term- and preterm-PROM.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present work provide evidence that living near PIPs during pregnancy would increase the risk of PROM, and additional studies are warranted to confirm our findings.

Air pollution diffusion simulation and seasonal spatial risk analysis for industrial areas

The petrochemical industry produces many air pollutants during production, such as airborne particulate matters (PM₁₀ and PM_2.5), sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, carbon oxides, etc. Petrochemical industrial accidents are more likely to cause major air pollution hazards in a short period. Therefore this study simulated diffusion and performed air pollution spatial risk analysis for potential air pollutants generated by the petrochemical industry using meteorological observation data from 2017 to 2019. The study targets were No. 6 Naphtha Cracker Complex Petrochemical Industrial Park (6NCC) of Formosa Petrochemical Corporation and Taichung Thermal Power Plant (TTPP) in central Taiwan. We used the industrial source complex model short term (ISCST3) air simulation model developed by the US Environmental Protection Agency to simulate pollutant diffusion under different weather conditions and seasons. Air pollution spatial risk was investigated for neighboring hospitals and schools for pollutant emission and diffusion to provide feedback to petrochemical related industry's risk management. Emission areas (6NCC and TTPP) were all in the southwest since the main air pollution accumulation and diffusion is to the northeast during monsoon season (October through March). Air pollution April through September each year is more evenly distributed, with pollutant concentrations low in all directions, approximately half the concentration in winter. Simulated air pollutant concentrations often overlapped with high risk population clusters (schools and hospitals). 6NCC posed little impact on nearby schools throughout the year; whereas TTPP posed relatively low risks to nearby schools and hospitals in summer, with slightly higher risk for Shenren Elementary School in Shengang township, Changhua County in winter. Overall 6NCC posed higher risk for Mailiao and Taixi townships in Yunlin County; whereas the TTPP posed higher risk on Longjing District of Taichung City, Shengang and Xianxi townships in Changhua County, particularly during winter. The results of this study will help the petrochemical industry and public health authority to wider manage air pollution risks.

Adverse Health Impacts of Living Near an Oil Refinery in Jordan

INTRODUCTION

Air pollution can adversely affect the health of communities and manifest as a variety of symptoms.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed at assessing health symptoms among populations living near an oil refinery in Jordan.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey study was conducted utilizing convenient random sampling at Al-Hashimeya town (where the refinery is located) and Bal'ma town (about 12 km further away from refinery). A total of 486 participants were recruited for the study. The data were checked, coded, and entered to excel sheet and exported to the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Version 20 for further analysis. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify associated factors. Variables having a P ⩽ 0.25 were fitted to multivariate logistic regression so as to assess the presence and strength of associations between socio-demographic characteristics and health symptoms and outcomes. A P value < 0.05 was considered for statistical significance.

RESULTS

In the cross tabulation analysis, there were significant differences in the reported respiratory health problems and history of abortions in the family between residents in the 2 towns (P < 0.05). Only 4.7% of Al-Hashimeya residents were extremely enjoying their town compared to 32.9% among Bal'ma residents (P < 0.001). In addition, residents of Al-Hashimeya were at several folds higher risk to have phlegm and about 3 times more likely to have skin problems compared to participants from Bal'ma (P < 0.001). Furthermore, reporting asthma was substantially higher among Al-Hashimeya residents (odds ratio [OR] = 5.20; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.11-12.84), and they were more likely to perceive the neighboring oil refinery industry as the leading cause of their health problems than Bal'ma residents (OR = 86.40; 95%CI: 45.95-162.44).

CONCLUSION

Residents living close to the oil refinery industry in Jordan report adverse impacts on their health, including respiratory problems, skin diseases, and perception of poor health.

Liver fibrosis associated with potential vinyl chloride and ethylene dichloride exposure from the petrochemical industry

BACKGROUND

The understanding of the relationship between exposure to carcinogenic vinyl chloride (VCM) and ethylene dichloride (EDC) and liver fibrosis is limited.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the associations between the urinary metabolite levels of VCM and EDC and the risk of liver fibrosis in residents living near a petrochemical complex.

METHODS

Our study comprised 447 adult residents of two townships with questionnaire survey and health examination near the largest petrochemical complex in central Taiwan. The urinary levels of thiodiglycolic acid (TdGA), the metabolite of VCM and EDC, were detected in study subjects. We utilized fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) as the noninvasive liver fibrosis index. Adjusted linear model was applied to evaluate the associations between the distance from the complex and the urinary TdGA levels. Adjusted logistic regression model was applied to evaluate the associations between the urinary TdGA levels and the risk of liver fibrosis.

RESULTS

The study subjects living in the closer township had significant higher urinary TdGA levels than those living in the more distant township (269.6 ± 200.7 vs. 199.2 ± 164.7 μg/g creatinine) (p < 0.001). It showed that urinary TdGA levels were decreased 0.53-fold when the distances from the complex were increased 1-fold after adjusting for confounding factors. It demonstrated that the study subjects with the highest TdGA levels (>343.3 μg/g creatinine) had a higher risk of FIB-4>1.29 (OR = 2.09; 95% CI: 1.17, 3.78), and those with higher TdGA levels (232.7 to 343.3 μg/g creatinine) had a marginally higher risk of FIB-4>1.29 (OR = 1.65; 95% CI: 0.94, 2.90).

CONCLUSION

The residents living closer to the VCM/PVC plant in the petrochemical complex had higher urinary TdGA levels, which were associated with an increased risk of fibrosis. This confirmed that the EDC and VCM potentially emitted from the petrochemical industry may have an impact on the liver health of nearby residents.

Health risks for the population living near petrochemical industrial complexes. 1. Cancer risks: A review of the scientific literature

Petrochemical complexes and oil refineries are well known sources of a wide range of environmental pollutants. Consequently, the potential harmful health effects of living near these facilities is a topic of concern among the population living in the neighborhood. Anyhow, the number of studies carried out on this issue is rather limited and, in some cases, results are even slightly contradictory. The present Review was aimed at assessing whether living in the vicinity of petrochemical industries and oil refineries is associated with a higher incidence of cancer and cancer mortality. In this sense, up to 23 investigations were found in PubMed and Scopus databases. According to the type of cancer, leukemia and other hematological malignancies were reported as the main types of cancer for populations living in the neighborhood of petrochemical industries. This was concluded based on studies performed in Taiwan, Spain, United Kingdom, Italy and Nigeria. In contrast, no association was found in 4 different investigations conducted in Sweden, Finland and USA with the same purpose. Other scientific studies reported a high incidence of lung and bladder cancer in Taiwan, Italy and USA, as well as an excess mortality of bone, brain, liver, pleural, larynx and pancreas cancers in individuals living near petrochemical complexes from Taiwan, Spain, Italy, United Kingdom and USA. Thus, human exposure to certain carcinogenic pollutants emitted from petrochemical industries might increase the incidence of some cancers and cancer mortality. Anyway, since the limited number of investigations conducted until now, further studies are required in order to corroborate -in a more generalized way-this conclusion.

Cancer Incidence Trends in the Oil Shale Industrial Region in Estonia

Large oil shale resources are found in Eastern Estonia, where the mineral resource is mined, excavated, and used for electricity generation and shale oil extraction. During industrial activities in the last 100 years, pollutants have been emitted in large amounts, some of which are toxic and carcinogenic. The current study aims to analyse time trends in cancer incidence in the oil shale industry-affected areas and compare them with overall cancer incidence rates and trends in Estonia. We analysed Estonian Cancer Registry data on selected cancer sites that have been previously indicated to have relationships with industrial activities like oil shale extraction. We included lung cancer, kidney cancer, urinary bladder cancer, leukaemia, breast cancer, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. A statistically significantly higher lung cancer age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) was found during the study period (1992-2015) only in males in the oil shale areas as compared to males in Estonia overall: 133.6 and 95.5 per 100,000, respectively. However, there appeared to be a statistically significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the lung cancer ASIR in males in the oil shale areas (overall decrease 28.9%), whereas at the same time, there was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in non-oil shale areas (13.3%) and in Estonia overall (1.5%). Other cancer sites did not show higher ASIRs in the oil shale industrial areas compared to other areas in Estonia. Possible explanations could be improved environmental quality, socio-economic factors, and other morbidities.

Metal(loid)s urinary level among workers of gas refinery and petrochemical companies: Health risk assessment of metal(loid)s in drinking water and dust

BACKGROUND

Asalouyeh (southern Iran) contains many pollution sources like petrochemical and gas refinery companies. Few studies were conducted on the body burden of metal(loid)s in occupationally exposed workers of the companies in this area.

OBJECTIVES

The urine concentration of metal(loid)s in workers of gas refinery and petrochemical companies in Asalouyeh (who have been worked as "two weeks work-two weeks rest" schedule) was evaluated during a before-and-after observational study. The risks of metal(loid)s in drinking water and dust particles in the studied area were also assessed.

METHODS

Urinary samples (n = 179) were gathered at the first day of two weeks of work (before) and at the end of two weeks of work (after). The concentration of V, Ni, Mn, Cd, and As was measured using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The health hazards of metal(loid)s in the air dust and drinking water of workers were also evaluated.

RESULTS

The median concentration of metal(loid)s for workers of gas refinery and petrochemical companies for before and after two weeks of work was measured, respectively, as: As (11.44 and 9.31 μg/L), Ni (1.06 and 0.51 μg/L), Cd (0.36 and 0.31 μg/L), Mn (0.29 and 0.24 μg/L), and V (0.08 and 0.05 μg/L). After two weeks work, the median of all metal(loid)s in the urine of petrochemical and gas refinery workers was significantly increased. The non-cancer risk due to intake metal(loid)s from drinking water was more than the threshold value and the cancer risk from drinking water and inhaled air dust was less than the threshold.

CONCLUSION

Our results revealed the effect of gas refinery and petrochemical activities on increasing the metal(loid)s concentration of the worker's body and the necessity to protect this group. Additionally, the metal(loid)s intake from drinking water and inhaled dust posed no cancer risk to the workers.

Metabolomics of Children and Adolescents Exposed to Industrial Carcinogenic Pollutants

Studies on metabolomes of carcinogenic pollutants among children and adolescents are limited. We aim to identify metabolic perturbations in 107 children and adolescents (aged 9-15) exposed to multiple carcinogens in a polluted area surrounding the largest petrochemical complex in Taiwan. We measured urinary concentrations of eight carcinogen exposure biomarkers (heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) represented by 1-hydroxypyrene), and urinary oxidative stress biomarkers and serum acylcarnitines as biomarkers of early health effects. Serum metabolomics was analyzed using a liquid chromatography mass spectrometry-based method. Pathway analysis and "meet-in-the-middle" approach were applied to identify potential metabolites and biological mechanisms linking carcinogens exposure with early health effects. We found 10 potential metabolites possibly linking increased exposure to IARC group 1 carcinogens (As, Cd, Cr, Ni) and group 2 carcinogens (V, Hg, PAHs) with elevated oxidative stress and deregulated serum acylcarnitines, including inosine monophosphate and adenosine monophosphate (purine metabolism), malic acid and oxoglutaric acid (citrate cycle), carnitine (fatty acid metabolism), and pyroglutamic acid (glutathione metabolism). Purine metabolism was identified as the possible mechanism affected by children and adolescents' exposure to carcinogens. These findings contribute to understanding the health effects of childhood and adolescence exposure to multiple industrial carcinogens during critical periods of development.

Association between urinary thiodiglycolic acid level and hepatic function or fibrosis index in school-aged children living near a petrochemical complex

The effect of exposure to vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) on susceptibility to hepatotoxicity in children is unknown, although experimental studies have demonstrated a significantly increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in rodents exposed to VCM in early life. Epidemiological studies have revealed a high prevalence of liver fibrosis and abnormal liver function in workers exposed to high VCM levels. We aimed to assess the association among urinary thiodiglycolic acid (TDGA) level, abnormal liver function, and hepatic fibrosis in school-aged children living near a petrochemical complex. A total of 303 school-aged (6-13 years) children within 10 km nearly a petrochemical complex was recruited in central Taiwan. First-morning urine and blood samples were collected from each subject, and urinary TDGA level was analyzed through liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Liver function was determined by serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. Hepatic fibrosis was assessed using the AST to platelet ratio index (APRI) and fibrosis-4 score (FIB-4). Risk of hepatotoxicity induced by TDGA exposure was estimated using multivariate logistic regression. The median (range, subclinically abnormal %) AST and ALT levels of all subjects were 26.0 (17.0-99.0, 25.7%) and 15.0 (7.0-211.0, 5.9%) IU/L, respectively. Children in the highest urinary TDGA quartile (≥160.0 μg/g creatinine) exhibited significantly elevated median AST levels compared with those in the lowest quartiles (<35.4 μg/g creatinine, p = 0.033). After adjustment for potential confounding factors, children in the highest quartiles (Q₄) of TDGA level had significantly increased odds ratio (OR) of subclinically abnormal AST (OR = 3.86; 95% confidence interval: 1.54-9.67) compared with those in the lowest quartile. A dose-response trend (p = 0.004) was observed. Our findings support the hypothesis that elevated urinary TDGA level in children living near petrochemical complex is associated with susceptibility to hepatotoxicity.