Environmental impact assessment due to the intake of uranium contained in surface waters in a semi-arid region in Brazil

In Santa Quitéria City, part of the population uses surface water for potation. These waters do not undergo any treatment before consumption. As the region has a deposit of uranium, assessing water quality becomes important. In the present study, the uranium activity concentration (AC) in becquerels per liter was determined in water samples from six points. Univariate statistics showed differences between the soluble and the particulate fraction (soluble AC > particulate AC). The particulate fraction showed no variation in AC among the six points. On the other hand, the soluble fraction and the total fraction presented different ACs between them. The multivariate statistics allowed to separate the soluble from the particulate fraction of the points. The same tools applied to the total fraction made it possible to differentiate the sampling points, grouping them ((#1, #2); (#3, #4), and (#5, #6)). The maximum mean value of AC found was 0.177 Bq∙L-1, corresponding to 25% of the chemical toxicity limit (0.72 Bq∙L-1). The maximum mean dose rate, 2.25 µSv∙year-1, is lower than the considered negligible dose rate (> 10 µSv∙year-1). The excess lifetime cancer risk was 10-6, two orders of magnitude smaller than the threshold considered for taking action. The assessment parameters used in this work indicate that the risk due to the uranium intake by the local population is negligible.

Characterization of VOC emissions and health risk assessment in the plastic manufacturing industry

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) significantly contribute to ozone pollution formation, and many VOCs are known to be harmful to human health. Plastic has become an indispensable material in various industries and daily use scenarios, yet the VOC emissions and associated health risks in the plastic manufacturing industry have received limited attention. In this study, we conducted sampling in three typical plastic manufacturing factories to analyze the emission characteristics of VOCs, ozone formation potential (OFP), and health risks for workers. Isopropanol was detected at relatively high concentrations in all three factories, with concentrations in organized emissions reaching 322.3 μg/m3, 344.8 μg/m3, and 22.6 μg/m3, respectively. Alkanes are the most emitted category of VOCs in plastic factories. However, alkenes and oxygenated volatile organic compounds (OVOCs) exhibit higher OFP. In organized emissions of different types of VOCs in the three factories, alkenes and OVOCs contributed 22.8%, 67%, and 37.8% to the OFP, respectively, highlighting the necessity of controlling them. The hazard index (HI) for all three factories was less than 1, indicating a low non-carcinogenic toxic risk; however, there is still a possibility of non-cancerous health risks in two of the factories, and a potential lifetime cancer risk in all of the three factories. For workers with job tenures exceeding 5 years, there may be potential health risks, hence wearing masks with protective capabilities is necessary. This study provides evidence for reducing VOC emissions and improving management measures to ensure the health protection of workers in the plastic manufacturing industry.

Geochemical contamination of heavy metals and health risk assessment of coastal sediments along the North Chennai to Pondicherry, India using total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (TXRF)

The present work aimed to assess the contamination and human health risk assessment of heavy metals (HMs) in 21 sediment samples collected from the North Chennai to Pondicherry coastal area of Tamil Nadu using total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (TXRF). Enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), and geo-accumulation index (Igeo) were calculated to estimate sediment contamination. The average concentrations of HMs (mg kg-1 dry weight) were: Al (4305.12), V (25.77), Cr (15.08), Mn (83.39), Fe (4539.77), Ni (2.89), Cu (2.67), Zn (9.46), As (2.81), Hg (0.05), and Pb (0.92). Results of EF indicated no enrichment with Al, Ni, and Pb, moderate enrichment with V, and severe enrichment with As and Hg. Based on Igeo, all sediment samples showed unpolluted with HMs (except As and Hg). Based on total lifetime cancer risk (LCR), there are no significant health risks for people in the study area from carcinogenic Cr, As, and Pb.

Arsenic level in drinking water, its correlation with water quality parameters, and associated health risks

This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence and likelihood of health risks related to arsenic in drinking water of all counties of the Hamadan province in the northwest of Iran. In this work, 370 samples were collected from all of the water resources of urban and rural regions, during 5 years (2017 to 2021). Oracle Crystal Ball software was used to perform the Monte Carlo simulation and investigate the potential health risks. According to the results, the average values of arsenic in the nine counties were in the order Kabudarahang (40.1 ppb), Malayer (13.1 ppb), Nahavand (6.1 ppb), Bahar (2.05 ppb), Famenin (0.41 ppb), Asadabad (0.36 ppb), Tuyserkan (0.28 ppb), Razan (0.14 ppb), and Hamadan (< 0.1 ppb). The highest concentration of arsenic occurred in Kabudarahang with a maximum value of 185 ppb. In the spring season, the average concentration of the cations, including calcium, magnesium, sodium, lead, cadmium, and chromium, obtained 109.51 mg/l, 44.67 mg/l, 20.50 mg/l, 88.76 ppb, 0.31 ppb, and 0.02 ppb, respectively. Based on the Delphi classification, the P 90% of oral lifetime cancer risk, in Hamadan province, were within level II (low risk) to VII (extremely high risk). The risk analysis revealed there was a possible carcinogenic risk to humans from oral exposure to As-contaminated groundwater, especially in Kabudarahang county. Therefore, there is an urgent need for management and precise measures in contaminated areas to reduce and prevent the adverse health effects of arsenic.

Projected lifetime cancer risk for patients undergoing spine surgery for isthmic spondylolisthesis

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Radiographs, fluoroscopy, and computed tomography (CT) are increasingly utilized in the diagnosis and management of various spine pathologies. Such modalities utilize ionizing radiation, a known cause of carcinogenesis. While the radiation doses such studies confer has been investigated previously, it is less clear how such doses translate to projected cancer risks, which may be a more interpretable metric.

PURPOSE

(1) Calculate the lifetime cancer risk and the relative contributions of preference-sensitive selection of imaging modalities associated with the surgical management of a common spine pathology, isthmic spondylolisthesis (IS); (2) Investigate whether the use of intraoperative CT, which is being more pervasively adopted, increases the risk of cancer.

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING

Retrospective cross-sectional study carried out within a large integrated health care network.

PATIENT SAMPLE

Adult patients who underwent surgical treatment of IS via lumbar fusion from January 2016 through December 2021.

OUTCOME MEASURES

(1) Effective radiation dose and lifetime cancer risk associated with each exposure to ionizing radiation; (2) Difference in effective radiation dose (and lifetime cancer risk) among patients who received intraoperative CT compared to other intraoperative imaging techniques.

METHODS

Baseline demographics and differences in surgical techniques were characterized. Radiation exposure data were collected from the 2-year period centered on the operative date. Projected risk of cancer from this radiation was calculated utilizing each patient's effective radiation dose in combination with age and sex. Generalized linear modeling was used to adjust for covariates when determining the comparative risk of intraoperative CT as compared to alternative imaging modalities.

RESULTS

We included 151 patients in this cohort. The range in calculated cancer risk exclusively from IS management was 1.3-13 cases of cancer per 1,000 patients. During the intraoperative period, CT imaging was found to significantly increase radiation exposure as compared to alternate imaging modalities (adjusted risk difference (ARD) 12.33mSv; IQR 10.04, 14.63mSv; p<.001). For a standardized 40 to 49-year-old female, this projects to an additional 0.72 cases of cancer per 1,000. For the entire 2-year perioperative care episode, intraoperative CT as compared to other intraoperative imaging techniques was not found to increase total ionizing radiation exposure (ARD 9.49mSv; IQR -0.83, 19.81mSv; p=.072). The effect of intraoperative imaging choice was mitigated in part due to preoperative (ARD 13.1mSv, p<.001) and postoperative CTs (ARD 22.7mSv, p<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Preference-sensitive imaging decisions in the treatment of IS impart substantial cancer risk. Important drivers of radiation exposure exist in each phase of care, including intraoperative CT and/or CT scans during the perioperative period. Knowledge of these data warrant re-evaluation of current imaging protocols and suggest a need for the development of radiation-sensitive approaches to perioperative imaging.

Temporary reduction in VOCs associated with health risk during and after COVID-19 in Maharashtra, India

A novel coronavirus has affected almost all countries and impacted the economy, environment, and social life. The short-term impact on the environment and human health needs attention to correlate the Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and health assessment for pre-, during, and post lockdowns. Therefore, the current study demonstrates VOC changes and their effect on air quality during the lockdown. The findings of result, the levels of the mean for total VOC concentrations were found to be 15.45 ± 21.07, 2.48 ± 1.61, 19.25 ± 28.91 µg/m³ for all monitoring stations for pre-, during, and post lockdown periods. The highest value of TVOCs was observed at Thane, considered an industrial region (petroleum refinery), and the lowest at Bandra, which was considered a residential region, respectively. The VOC levels drastically decreased by 52%, 89%, 80%, and 97% for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and m-xylene, respectively, during the lockdown period compared to the previous year. In the present study, the T/B ratio was found lower in the lockdown period as compared to the pre-lockdown period. This can be attributed to the complete closure of non-traffic sources such as industries and factories during the lockdown. The Lifetime Cancer Risk values for all monitoring stations for benzene for pre-and-post lockdown periods were higher than the prescribed value, except during the lockdown period.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10874-022-09440-5.

Lifetime cancer risk estimated

Romania is on the first place in Europe with an annual production of honey of 30.9 thousand tons in 2018, while the European Union is on the second place in the world with a total of 283 thousand tons. The most part of the honey production from Romania is exported. The aim of this study was to estimate internal radiation doses and lifetime cancer risk from honey ingestion sampled from several locations on the Romanian territory. The activity concentration of ¹³⁷Cs and ²³⁸U is found to be below the detection limit of the method. The activity of ²²⁶Ra ranged from lower than the minimum detectable value (<1.08 Bq·kg^-1) to 7.35 ± 1.73 Bq·kg^-1. For ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K the average recorded values were 1.51 ± 0.74 and 24.08 ± 4.37 Bq·kg^-1, respectively. The annual effective dose due to the intake of ²³²Th, ²²⁶Ra, ⁴⁰K has been assessed ranging from 0.08 to 0.47 (μSv·y^-1), 0.35 to 1.65 (μSv·y^-1) and 0.04 to 0.33 (μSv·y^-1), respectively. ²⁶Ra gives the largest contribution (56-82%) to the total annual effective dose due to ingestion received by consumption of honey, in the samples where it was identified. In the other samples (where ²²⁶Ra was below the detection limit), the largest contribution to annual effective dose is due to ²³²Th (45-85%). The values obtained from the lifetime cancer risk calculation range in the domain from 2.85·10^-7 to 1.78·10^-6 for ²³²Th, 1.33·10^-6 to 6.22·10^-6 for ²²⁶Ra and 1.38·10^-7 to 1.25·10^-6 for ⁴⁰K. For ¹³⁷Cs, only one value was recorded 2.20·10^-8. The ²³²Th, ²²⁶Ra, ⁴⁰K and ¹³⁷Cs activities measured in the present work were comparable with completion of others activated values of honey samples around Europe.

Human health risk associated to particulate matter and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon levels and their relation with preponderant sources in Gran La Plata, Argentina

Levels of suspended particulate matter (PM) of both fractions PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 in ambient air were monitored in three areas of Gran La Plata: industrial, urban, and residential (2017-2019). Associated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitropolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NPAHs) to PM were also determined and possible emission sources were identified. Assessment of health risk to PM exposure and associated compounds was realized. Results showed a decrease in levels of PM₁₀ in each area along the period studied, especially in the industrial area. Decreases in PM_2.5 levels were also observed in urban and residential areas over the years, although the trend is not as marked as with PM₁₀ levels. Then, PM_2.5 levels in the industrial area have remained practically constant. The 89% of both PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 annual mean exceeds the WHO reference values. The presence of most of the 16 US EPA priority PAHs studied was found with a detection frequency greater than 60% and it was possible to identify the importance of the contributions of vehicular emissions as predominant sources of PAH emission. From the calculations of the risk of contracting cancer throughout life (LCR), in the case of adults, the US EPA limits were not complied in the industrial and urban areas and in both fractions of PM. From the evaluation of the burden of disease (EBD), the calculated relative risks of mortality were very similar for the studied districts, being the relative risk in La Plata slightly lower, about 3-5%, than those in Berisso and Ensenada.

Committed effective dose and lifetime cancer risk due to ingestion of natural radionuclides in grains grown in an area of high background radiation

The current study aimed at estimating committed effective dose and cancer risk due to the intake of K-40, Ra-226, Ra-228 and Th-228 present in grains grown in an HBRA. The highest activity concentrations found were (606.2 ± 25.13), (8.07 ± 6.37), (10.01 ± 1.45), (43.97 ± 5.54) Bq.kg^-1 for K-40, Ra-226, Ra-228 and Th-228, respectively. The committed effective dose estimated was 0.5 mSv.y^-1, and the estimated cancer risk suggested that uninterrupted and unrestricted consumption of beans grown in this HBRA is not desirable.

Atmospheric particle-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, n-alkanes, hopanes, steranes and trace metals: PM2.5 source identification, individual and cumulative multi-pathway lifetime cancer risk assessment in the urban environment

The occurrence of atmospheric fine particles (PM_2.5)-associated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), trace metals and organic molecular markers was investigated by conducting an intensive sampling campaign at the Eastern Mediterranean urban area of Nicosia (Cyprus). Sixty-two 24-hr PM_2.5 samples were collected and analyzed for fifty parent and alkylated PAHs, twenty-five long chain n-alkanes, seventeen hopanes and twelve steranes used for source apportionment. The same number and kind of samples were analyzed to determine twenty-eight trace metals. Emphasis was given to investigate the air levels of the scarcely monitored although highly carcinogenic PAHs such as dibenzopyrenes, dibenzoanthracenes, 7H-benzo[c]fluorene and 5-methyl-chrysene, not included in the USEPA's sixteen PAH priority list (USEPA-16). UNMIX receptor model was applied to apportion the sources of atmospheric emissions of the determined organic compounds and trace metals and evaluate their daily contributions to the corresponding PM_2.5 associated concentrations. For comparison purposes, principal component analysis with multiple linear regression (PCA/MLR) was also applied and its results are reported. The UNMIX receptor model, compared to PCA/MLR, offered a more precise source profile and more reliable daily mass source distributions by eliminating negative contributions. The individual and cumulative multi-pathway lifetime cancer risk (posed via inhalation, ingestion and dermal contact) by exposure to PM_2.5-associated USEPA-16 listed and non-listed PAHs and selected airborne trace metals (As, Cd, Co, Ni, and Pb) were assessed. To estimate the contribution of each emission source to the total cancer risk, multiple linear regression analysis was performed, using as independent variables the daily source mass contributions and as dependent variables the respective cancer risk units. The estimated total cumulative cancer risk comprising all toxic PAHs, besides those included in the priority list, and metals was higher than the USEPA's threshold by a factor of eight, denoting a potential risk for long-term exposure of a population in the urban environment.

Carcinogenic effects of indoor black carbon and particulate matters (PM2.5 and PM10) in rural households of India

Biomass is one of the prime domestic energy sources in the kitchens and about 60% of households are still using biomass and kerosene for cooking in India. These traditional cooking practices are incompetent as the use of biomass in traditional cookstove produces an enormous amount of carbonaceous aerosols that lead to indoor and outdoor air pollution. Emissions of various pollutants like black carbon (BC), PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 from burning of biomass cause serious health impacts like respiratory illness, lung cancer, watering of eyes, coughing, asthma and heart problems especially in women due to higher rate of inhalation of these fine particulate matters during the cooking period. Quantification of BC, PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ emissions from a different type of biomass in various types of kitchen arrangements and its associated impacts are poorly examined in India. Hence, daily concentrations of BC, PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ were monitored from different types of biomass user's households during January 2018 to December 2019 to assess indoor air quality by using aethalometer and nephelometer (pDR-1500) in three districts (Sitapur, Patna and Murshidabad) of Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP) where approximately, 96% of rural families rely on biomass cooking. The highest mass concentrations were observed in biomass user's households and cow-dung cake users due to low calorific value. About 30.13% of PM₁₀ and 35.89% of PM_2.5 data exceeded the national ambient air quality standard on a daily basis in biomass user's households. A cancer risk assessment was also conducted in terms of mass concentration of these pollutants. The lifespan danger from exposure to BC was 4.33 × 10^-7 in indoor for non-ventilated kitchens, 2.63 × 10^-7 in indoor for ventilated kitchens, 3.98 × 10^-7 in outdoor for separated kitchen, 3.22 × 10^-7 for semi-open kitchen and 1.78 × 10^-7 for open kitchen. The vulnerability assessment for cancer mortality under exposure of pollution was estimated to be highest for the age group of more than 50 years whereas lowest for the age group of 0-4 years for all kinds of kitchens in the study area.

Do arsenic levels in rice pose a health risk to the UK population?

Consumption of rice and rice products can be a significant exposure pathway to inorganic arsenic (iAs), which is a group 1 carcinogen to humans. The UK follows the current European Commission regulations so that iAs concentrations must be < 0.20 mg kg^-1 in white (polished) rice and <0.25 mg kg^-1 in brown (unpolished) rice. However, iAs concentration in rice used for infant food production or direct consumption has been set at a maximum of 0.1 mg kg^-1. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate iAs concentrations in different types of rice sold in the UK and to quantify the health risks to the UK population. Here, we evaluated 55 different types of rice purchased from a range of retail outlets. First, we analysed all rice types for total As (tAs) concentration from which 42 rice samples with tAs > 0.1 mg kg^-1 were selected for As speciation using HPLC-ICP-MS. Based on the average concentration of iAs of our samples, we calculated values for the Lifetime Cancer Risk (LCR), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Margin of Exposure (MoE). We found a statistically significant difference between organically and non-organically grown rice. We also found that brown rice contained a significantly higher concentration of iAs compared to white or wild rice. Notably, 28 rice samples exceeded the iAs maximum limit stipulated by the EU (0.1 mg kg^-1) with an average iAs concentration of 0.13 mg kg^-1; therefore consumption of these rice types could be riskier for infants than adults. Based on the MoE, it was found that infants up to 1 year must be restricted to a maximum of 20 g per day for the 28 rice types to avoid carcinogenic risks. We believe that consumers could be better informed whether the marketed product is fit for infants and young children, via appropriate product labelling containing information about iAs concentration.

Gamma radiation in the mineral hot springs of Ardabil, Iran: Assessment of Environmental Dose Rate and health risk for swimmers

The main aim of this study was to evaluate gamma radiation level in the mineral hot springs of Ardabil province in Iran. In addition, the cancer risk of gamma radiation was assessed for swimmers. Natural gamma radiation was measured using Ion Chamber Survey Meter 451B in 22 springs throughout the province. Gamma was measured at 20 cm and 100 cm above the ground level in 15 locations of each spring. Excess lifetime cancer risk was calculated to investigate the risk of exposure to gamma radiation. The highest and lowest annual absorbed dose rate of gamma were found to be 1.17(10^-3) and 1.99(10^-3) Sv/y at the height of 20 cm above the ground level and 5.26(10^-4) and 1.52(10^-3) Sv/y at the height of 100 cm above the ground level, respectively. Excess lifetime cancer risk ranged from 4.57(10^-4) to 7.76(10^-4) at the height of 20 cm and from 2.06(10^-4) to 5.94(10^-4) at the height of 100 cm which are lower than global average of 1.45(10^-3) declared by the United Nations. Although the risk level in this study is lower than the global average, protective and preventive measures should be considered by individuals and authorities in these areas to reduce the effects of gamma radiation on the health of the swimmers.

Metal and fatty acid levels of some commercially important marine species from the northeastern Mediterranean: benefits and health risk estimation

Metal and fatty acid levels of some commercially important fish and crustacean species of economic value in the northeastern Mediterranean (Mersin Bay) were investigated. In addition, to predict possible risks regarding consumer health that may arise from the consumption of these species, risk estimates were calculated for adults and children considering consumption frequencies of one, three and seven times a week. The estimated weekly intake (EWI), target hazard quotient (THQ), lifetime cancer risk (CR) and benefit/risk ratio associated with their consumption were calculated. EWI values were found to be lower than the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) values determined by the European Food Safety Authority and FAO/WHO. For most samples examined, THQ was < 1. The benefit/risk ratios for all samples were calculated to be less than threshold. For the fish species examined, CR for consumers was identified to be low, except for heavy consumption cases.

Health risk assessment of airborne Cd, Cu, Ni and Pb for electronic waste dismantling workers in Buriram Province, Thailand

This study aimed to assess the risk levels of electronic waste dismantling workers in Buriram Province from exposure to cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni) and lead (Pb) via inhalation. The study area was Dang-Yai subdistrict, Baan Mai Chaiyapot district, Buriram province, Thailand. The sampling of particulate matter of less than 10 μm (PM₁₀) was performed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day between 14th and 18^th December 2015 inclusively. The PM₁₀ was collected on a glass fiber filter using a nylon cyclone connected to a personal air pump with an air flow rate of 1.7 L/min. The samples were extracted by a microwave digester, and the metals were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The average exposure concentrations of the workers to Cd, Cu, Ni and Pb were 0.0073 ± 0.0084, 0.2083 ± 0.6362, 0.3499 ± 0.3738 and 0.1297 ± 0.1746 μg/m³, respectively. The hazard quotients (HQs) of the non-carcinogenic effect of Cd, Cu and Ni, had 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of 0.067-0.167, 0.012-0.018 and 0.333-0.913, respectively. All HQs were less than 1, which indicated that there was no concern of increased non-carcinogenic health risks. The lifetime cancer risk (70 y) of the workers estimated for a 30-y exposure period showed 95% CIs of 7.55-18.6 × 10^-5, 1.69-4.66 × 10^-5 and 3.26-9.66 × 10^-7 for Cd, Ni and Pb, respectively. Thus, the possible cancer risk levels from exposure to Cd and Ni for these workers were higher than the acceptable criterion of 10^-6, which indicated that the workers have the potential to get cancer from electronic waste dismantling, due to cadmium and nickel exposure.

PM2.5 bound phthalates in four metropolitan cities of China: Concentration, seasonal pattern and health risk via inhalation

Phthalates (PAEs) are in a group of artificial chemicals with potential adverse effects to human health and they can be frequently detected in environmental matrices due to its extensive usage. However, seasonal patterns of concentrations in atmosphere and risks posed by PAEs in airborne PM_2.5 to Chinese population have not been well characterized. During the period of November 2015 to March 2017, samples of fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) were collected in four cities of Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing and Harbin, which are major metropolitan areas of various latitudes of China. Concentrations of fourteen PAEs in airborne PM_2.5 were quantified using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Estimated daily intakes (EDIs), hazard quotients (HQs) and hazard index (HI) were calculated. Lifetime average daily doses (LADD) and incremental lifetime cancer risks (ILCR) of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) for four age groups, which divide with infant, toddler, adolescent and adult, by inhalation route were evaluated. Dimethyl phthalate (DMP), Diethyl phthalate (DEP), Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), and DEHP were the four major PAEs contaminants in these PM_2.5 samples. The sum concentrations of DMP, DEP, DBP and DEHP in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing and Harbin ranged from 32.5-76.1, 10.1-101, 8.02-107 and 13.5-622 ng/m³, with mean concentrations of 59.1, 50.8, 43.8 and 136 ng/m³, respectively. The concentration of total PAEs in PM_2.5 from higher latitudes city (Harbin) was higher than those from lower latitudes cities (Guangzhou and Shanghai). Total concentrations of PAEs were significantly higher during warmer seasons than those during colder seasons among the four cities. Although the EDIs, HQs, and HI for all age groups were less than the threshold set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the highest values of 70-years ILCR from Shanghai and Harbin were 1.2 × 10^-6 and 1.3 × 10^-6, which were slightly beyond the acceptable level of 10^-6. These findings reveal that the cancer risks of DEHP bound to PM_2.5 in these two cites should be of particular concern.

The impact of heating season factors on eight PM2.5-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations and cancer risk in Beijing

In 2015, 443 atmospheric PM_2.5 samples were collected at five sampling sites in Beijing. The concentrations of PM_2.5-bound PAH₈ (Chr, BaA, BbF, BkF, B[a]P, DBA, BghiP, and IND) were determined via high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The annual concentration of PM_2.5-bound PAH₈, lifetime cancer risk, and the increasing value due to heating season factors (heating and meteorological conditions) were analyzed. The results showed that the sum concentration of PM_2.5-bound PAH₈ during heating season was 72.6 ng/m³ and higher than the non-heating season concentration of 4.77 ng/m³. The annual concentration was 10.6 ng/m³, which increased 5.83 ng/m³ due to heating season factors. The B[a]P annual concentration was 1.67 ng/m³ and higher than the limit of 1 ng/m³, which was 15.2 times that of non-heating season. Diesel vehicles and gasoline vehicles were the primary PAH₈ sources during non-heating season, while the mixed sources of diesel vehicles, gasoline vehicles, and combustion were the dominant PAH₈ sources during heating season. The most significant health hazard pollutant was B[a]P, which accounted for 72%, 74%, and 69% of the B[a]P equivalent concentration (B[a]Peq) of PAH₈ during heating season, non-heating season, and throughout 2015, respectively. The lifetime cancer risk was 2.67 × 10^-6, which increased 1.36 × 10^-6 due to heating season factors. Therefore, heating season factors nearly doubled the annual concentration of PM_2.5-bound ∑PAH₈ and lifetime cancer risk. The results indicated that to protect human health, it is very important to control PM_2.5-bound ∑PAH₈ emissions during heating season, especially B[a]P emissions.

Pollution characteristics of ambient PM2.5-bound benzo[a]pyrene and its cancer risks in Beijing

The purpose of this study was to reveal the pollution characteristics of ambient PM_2.5-bound benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) in Beijing and to assess the lifetime cancer risk from respiratory pathway exposure. The average daily dose was evaluated by the annual concentrations of ambient PM_2.5-bound B[a]P, combined with Chinese human exposure factors and the age sensitivity factors. The 70-year lifetime cancer risks of different groups were assessed by the exposure assessment and stochastic analysis method recommended by California Environmental Protection Agency. The groups were divided by age and gender. The results showed that the ambient PM_2.5-bound B[a]P concentration during the cold season was 15.7 times greater than that during the warm season in Beijing. The annual average concentrations of PM_2.5-bound B[a]P in outdoors and indoors were 1.67 ng/m³ and 1.04 ng/m³, respectively, which exceeded the limit of Chinese National Ambient Air Quality Standard. The cancer risks of PM_2.5-bound B[a]P in males, females, and the general population were 9.085 × 10^-6, 8.050 × 10^-6, and 8.740 × 10^-6, respectively. The cancer risk constituent ratios of ambient PM_2.5-bound B[a]P in early life (≤16 years of age) for males, females, and the general population were 70.9%, 71.4%, and 71.3%, respectively. The males' cancer risk of PM_2.5-bound B[a]P in Beijing was higher than that of the females. The early life cancer risk exposure to PM_2.5-bound B[a]P should be paid more attention.

Heavy metals concentrations in some commercially key species from Sicilian coasts (Mediterranean Sea): Potential human health risk estimation

Trace elements were measured in the edible tissues of target marine species (Sardina pilchardus, Mullus barbatus, Mullus surmuletus, Merluccius merluccius and Parapenaeus longirostris) collected in some of the main ports of the Sicilian coast (southern Italy) in order to evaluate the potential human health risk associated to their consumption. Cadmium, Pb and Hg were below the tolerable limits reported by the European Union in foodstuffs (Commission Regulation (EC) 1881/2006) except for Hg in P. longirostris from one sampling site. The health risk for consumers was assessed both for adults and children calculating the estimated weekly intake (EWI), the target hazard quotient (THQ) and the lifetime cancer risk (CR) for each element. The EWI did not exceed the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) recommended by the European Food Safety Authority and THQs were < 1 in most cases. Further, the probabilistic distributions of health hazard were evaluated through Monte-Carlo simulation which confirmed a non-carcinogenic risk. With some exceptions related to As exposure, the results obtained definitively confirm the goodness of the fishery commercial resources in one of the most important seafood market of the central Mediterranean Sea and represent a positive data for the assessment of the good environmental status for descriptor 9 of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive in this area of the basin.

[Risk assessment of dioxin in the surrounding area of a waste incineration plant in Beijing]

Objective: Assess the health risks faced by local residents, based on the results of dioxin detection in the surrounding area of a waste incineration plant in Beijing. Methods: Select three representative points plant near the waste incineration plant--the people's government, Central Primary School and a community, collect 4 air and soil samples and detect their dioxin concentrations from March to December 2016, respectively, simulate people's intake through breathing, skin contact and soil intake, assess residents' lifetime cancer risk according to epidemiological studies. Results: The daily average concentration in air at three test points were 0.15, 0.17, 0.19 pg/m(3), and 12.5, 20.2, 6.1 ng/kg in soil. At three representative sites, residents' lifetime cancer risk through breathing from 9.55×10(-6), 1.08×10(-5), 1.21×10(-5) in the people's government, Central Primary School and a community, while through skin contact were 3.40×10(-7), 5.50×10(-7), 1.65×10(-7), respectively. The lifetime cancer risk through soil intake range from 2.08×10(-6) to 6.91×10(-6). The lifetime cancer risk of eating vegetables ranges from 5.50×10(-6) to 6.98×10(-6). The lifetime cancer risk of eating chicken or eggs ranges from 2.72 ×10(-9) to 6.30×10(-9). Residents' lifetime cancer risk through soil intake, eating vegetables and eating chicken or eggs ranges from 2.08×10(-6) to 6.30×10(-9). Conclusion: Under all exposures, the life time risk of cancer for residents around the waste incineration is under the upper end of the range of acceptability(10(-4)).

Cumulative radiation exposure from medical imaging and associated lifetime cancer risk in children with osteogenesis imperfecta

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the cumulative effective dose of radiation (E) and additional lifetime attributable risk (LAR) of cancer from ionizing radiation in children with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), who require frequent imaging for fractures and bone densitometry (DXA) surveillance. Also, to evaluate the pattern of long bone fractures.

METHODS

We reviewed all imaging (x-rays, DXA and computed tomography [CT]) conducted in a cohort of children with OI with a minimum observation period of 5 years. For each image, E was estimated using age-dependent local data, and LAR of cancer was extrapolated. LAR and fracture data were compared among children with mild, moderate and severe OI. LAR was allocated to cancer risk categories, and the moderate risk group (1 in 1000 to 1 in 100) was evaluated further.

RESULTS

Results from 106 children with OI (50% females, 5747 images) are presented, with a median (range) observation period of 11.7 (5.2-15.6) years. CT accounted for 0.8% of total imaging procedures but contributed to 66% of total E. The overall LAR of cancer was minimal, averaging an additional 8.8 cases per 100,000 exposed patients (0.8-403). LAR was significantly lower in children with mild OI compared to those with moderate (p = 0.006) and severe OI (p = 0.001). All patients with a moderate LAR of cancer (n = 8) had undergone CT scans and 88% had scoliosis or vertebral fractures. The cohort experienced 412 long bone fractures, with the most common site being the femur (26.5%). OI severity correlated positively with long bone fracture rates (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

When compared to baseline LAR of cancer (50%) the additional cancer risk from ionizing radiation imaging in our paediatric OI cohort was small (0.0088%). To reduce additional cancer risk, we recommend replacing spinal x-rays with vertebral fracture assessments on DXA and exercising caution with CT imaging.

Assessment of concentration and toxicological (Cancer) risk of lead, cadmium and chromium in tobacco products commonly available in Bangladesh

This study aimed to assess the concentrations of heavy metal ('lead (Pb)''cadmium (Cd)', and 'chromium (Cr)') in various brands of four types of tobacco products (zarda, gul, cigarettes, and bidi) as well as calculate toxicological risk as a lifetime cancer risk for Pb, Cd, and Cr. In smokeless tobacco products, the metal concentration ranged from 0.99 to 10.02 μg/g for Pb, 1.05-3.53 μg/g for Cd, and 1.23-7.29 μg/g for Cr, respectively. Metal concentrations in the smoke-based tobacco products ranged from 0.98 to 3.07 μg/g for Pb, 0.91-3.46 μg/g for Cd, 1.08-6.75 μg/g for Cr, respectively. When assuming a 100% transfer of these metals, the calculated lifetime cancer risk was found 'unacceptable' in 33 out of 35 tobacco samples which exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) benchmark of an 'acceptable' cancer risk range of 10E-4 to 10E-6. Our study demonstrated higher levels of Pb, Cd, and Cr in various tobacco products of Bangladesh compared to GOTHIATEK standard. This study shows the need for the development of industry standards and regulation for tobacco products to reduce the levels of heavy metals.

Human cancer risk estimation for 1,3-butadiene: An assessment of personal exposure and different microenvironments

This study estimated the lifetime cancer risk (LCR) attributable to 1,3-butadiene (BD) personal exposure and to other microenvironments, including residential home, outdoor, in-office, in-vehicle, and dining. Detailed life expectancy by country (WHO), inhalation rate and body weight by gender reported by USEPA were used for the calculation, focusing on adult population (25≤Age<65). LCR estimation of the adult population due to personal exposure exceeded the USEPA benchmark of 1×10^-6 in many cities. For outdoor BD exposure, LCR estimations in 45 out of 175 cities/sites (sharing 26%) exceeded the USEPA benchmark. Out of the top 20 cities having high LCR estimations, developing countries contributed 19 cities, including 14, 3, 1, 1 cities in China, India, Chile, and Pakistan. One city in the United States was in the list due to the nearby industrial facilities. The LCR calculations for BD levels found in residential home, in-vehicle and dining microenvironments also exceeded 1×10^-6 in some cities, while LCR caused by in-office BD levels had the smallest risk. Four cities/regions were used for investigating source distributions to total LCR results because of their sufficient BD data. Home exposure contributed significantly to total LCR value (ranging 56% to 86%), followed by in-vehicle (4% to 38%) and dining (4 to 7%). Outdoor microenvironment shared highly in Tianjin with 6%, whereas in-office contributed from 2-3% for all cities. High LCR estimations found in developing countries highlighted the greater cancer risk caused by BD in other cities without available measurement data.

Assessment of impact of urbanisation on background radiation exposure and human health risk estimation in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur has been undergoing rapid urbanisation process, mainly in infrastructure development. The opening of new township and residential in former tin mining areas, particularly in the heavy mineral- or tin-bearing alluvial soil in Kuala Lumpur, is a contentious subject in land-use regulation. Construction practices, i.e. reclamation and dredging in these areas are potential to enhance the radioactivity levels of soil and subsequently, increase the existing background gamma radiation levels. This situation is worsened with the utilisation of tin tailings as construction materials apart from unavoidable soil pollutions due to naturally occurring radioactive materials in construction materials, e.g. granitic aggregate, cement and red clay brick. This study was conducted to assess the urbanisation impacts on background gamma radiation in Kuala Lumpur. The study found that the mean value of measured dose rate was 251±6nGyh^-1 (156-392nGyh^-1) and 4 times higher than the world average value. High radioactivity levels of ²³⁸U (95±12Bqkg^-1), ²³²Th (191±23Bqkg^-1,) and ⁴⁰K (727±130Bqkg^-1) in soil were identified as the major source of high radiation exposure. Based on statistical ANOVA, t-test, and analyses of cumulative probability distribution, this study has statistically verified the dose enhancements in the background radiation. The effective dose was estimated to be 0.31±0.01mSvy^-1 per man. The recommended ICRP reference level (1-20mSvy^-1) is applicable to the involved existing exposure situation in this study. The estimated effective dose in this study is lower than the ICRP reference level and too low to cause deterministic radiation effects. Nevertheless based on estimations of lifetime radiation exposure risks, this study found that there was small probability for individual in Kuala Lumpur being diagnosed with cancer and dying of cancer.

Lifetime cancer risk assessment for inhalation exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)

The plasticizer di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is ubiquitous in the environment and considered as carcinogen; however, the carcinogenic risk of human exposure to DEHP in the air via inhalation is lacking. A probabilistic incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) model was implemented to quantitatively estimate the potential cancer risk of DEHP via human inhalation by using Monte Carlo simulation. We assessed the cancer risk in different age groups (children, adolescents, and adults) exposed to different DEHP concentrations (background low, indoor moderate, and occupational high) for different durations (2, 8, and 20 years). Results showed that the cancer risk of exposure to DEHP was below the acceptable limit (10^-6) in the ambient air but was serious in indoor and occupational environments even at short exposure duration (2 years). The cancer risk of DEHP via inhalation in children was lower than that in adolescents and adults, but the risk in children via dermal and oral exposure to indoor dust and soft PVC toys should be considered. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the exposure concentration of DEHP was the strongest factor that influenced ILCR. Our work provides the evidence of cancer risk of DEHP via inhalation and highlights the risk in indoor and occupational environments.

Determination of volatile organic compounds and associated health risk assessment in residential homes and hostels within an academic institute, New Delhi

The purpose of this study was to investigate the concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in different indoor microenvironments of residential homes and hostels in an academic institute, in New Delhi, during March-May 2011. Eleven VOCs (aromatic and halogenated) were assessed. Sampling and analytical procedure were based on National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) standard method. The lifetime cancer and non-cancer risk were calculated for targeted VOCs using US Environmental Protection Agency guidelines. The mean concentrations of ∑ VOCs (sum of monitored VOCs) and individual VOC were found to be higher indoors as compared to outdoors at both types of premises. Indoor to outdoor (I/O) ratios of the targeted VOCs exceeded 1.0, suggesting the significant presence of indoor sources. Strong correlations between I/O concentrations of VOCs in the current study suggest the presence of common sources. Factor analysis (FA) was used for source evaluation separately at two premise types. The estimated lifetime cancer risks in the current study for all occupants at both premises exceeded 10(-6) .

Site specific risk assessment of an energy-from-waste thermal treatment facility in Durham Region, Ontario, Canada. Part A: Human health risk assessment

The regions of Durham and York in Ontario, Canada have partnered to construct an energy-from-waste thermal treatment facility as part of a long term strategy for the management of their municipal solid waste. This paper presents the results of a comprehensive human health risk assessment for this facility. This assessment was based on extensive sampling of baseline environmental conditions (e.g., collection and analysis of air, soil, water, and biota samples) as well as detailed site specific modeling to predict facility-related emissions of 87 identified contaminants of potential concern. Emissions were estimated for both the approved initial operating design capacity of the facility (140,000 tonnes per year) and for the maximum design capacity (400,000 tonnes per year). For the 140,000 tonnes per year scenario, this assessment indicated that facility-related emissions are unlikely to cause adverse health risks to local residents, farmers, or other receptors (e.g., recreational users). For the 400,000 tonnes per year scenarios, slightly elevated risks were noted with respect to inhalation (hydrogen chloride) and infant consumption of breast milk (dioxins and furans), but only during predicted 'upset conditions' (i.e. facility start-up, shutdown, and loss of air pollution control) that represent unusual and/or transient occurrences. However, current provincial regulations require that additional environmental screening would be mandatory prior to expansion of the facility beyond the initial approved capacity (140,000 tonnes per year). Therefore, the potential risks due to upset conditions for the 400,000 tonnes per year scenario should be more closely investigated if future expansion is pursued.

Human health risk from arsenical pesticide contaminated soils: a long-term greenhouse study

Arsenic (As) bioaccessibility is an important factor in estimating human health risk. Bioaccessibility of As in soils is primarily dependent on As adsorption, which varies with residence time. This study evaluated the effect of soil aging on potential lifetime cancer risk associated with chronic exposure to As contaminated soils. Four soils, chosen based on their differences in As reactivity, were amended with two arsenical pesticides--sodium arsenate, and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) at two rates (675 and 1500 mg kg(-1)). Rice was used as the test crop. Soil was sampled immediately after spiking, after 6 months, 1 year, and 3 years. Bioaccessible and total soil As concentrations were used to calculate lifetime excess cancer risk (ECR), which decreased significantly with soil-pesticide equilibration time. Immokalee soil, with the least As adsorption capacity, showed the highest decrease in ECR after 6 months resulting in values lower than the USEPA's cancer risk range of 1 × 10(-4) to 1 × 10(-6). For all other soils, the ECR was much higher than the target range even after 3 years. In the absence of significant changes in As bioaccessibility with time, the total soil As concentration more directly influenced the changes in ECR values with soil aging.

Probabilistic risk assessment of exposure to leucomalachite green residues from fish products

To assess the potential risk of human exposure to carcinogenic leucomalachite green (LMG) due to fish consumption, the probabilistic risk assessment was conducted for adolescent, adult and senior adult consumers in Taiwan. The residues of LMG with the mean concentration of 13.378±20.56 μg kg(-1) (BFDA, 2009) in fish was converted into dose, considering fish intake reported for three consumer groups by NAHSIT (1993-1996) and body weight of an average individual of the group. The lifetime average and high 95th percentile dietary intakes of LMG from fish consumption for Taiwanese consumers were estimated at up to 0.0135 and 0.0451 μg kg-bw(-1) day(-1), respectively. Human equivalent dose (HED) of 2.875 mg kg-bw(-1) day(-1) obtained from a lower-bound benchmark dose (BMDL10) in mice by interspecies extrapolation was linearly extrapolated to oral cancer slope factor (CSF) of 0.035 (mgkg-bw(-1)day(-1))(-1) for humans. Although, the assumptions and methods are different, the results of lifetime cancer risk varying from 3×10(-7) to 1.6×10(-6) were comparable to those of margin of exposures (MOEs) varying from 410,000 to 4,800,000. In conclusions, Taiwanese fish consumers with the 95th percentile LADD of LMG have greater risk of liver cancer and need to an action of risk management in Taiwan.

Cancer risk assessments of Hong Kong soils contaminated by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

The aim of this study was to evaluate soils from 12 different land use types on human cancer risks, with the main focus being on human cancer risks related to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Fifty-five locations were selected to represent 12 different types of land use (electronic waste dismantling workshop (EW (DW)); open burning site (OBS); car dismantling workshop (CDW) etc.). The total concentrations of 16 PAHs in terms of total burden and their bioaccessibility were analysed using GC/MS. The PAHs concentrations were subsequently used to establish cancer risks in humans via three exposure pathways, namely, accident ingestion of soil, dermal contact soil and inhalation of soil particles. When the 95th centile values of total PAH concentrations were used to derive ingestion and dermal cancer risk probabilities on humans, the CDW land use type indicated a moderate potential for cancerous development (244 × 10(-6) and 209 × 10(-6), respectively). Bioaccessible PAHs content in soil samples from CDW (3.60 × 10(-6)) were also classified as low cancer risk. CDW soil possessed a higher carcinogenic risk based on PAH concentrations. Bioremediation is recommended to treat the contaminated soil.