Pub Date : 2023-09-01DOI: 10.1016/j.heha.2023.100072
Sarah M. Essert , Nicole Zacharias , Tabea Precht , Debbie Pankratz , Karolin Funken , Nico T. Mutters , Thomas Kistemann , Christiane Schreiber
Due to climate change precipitation patterns are changing in terms of frequency and quantity in Germany. As a result, prolonged dry weather can lead to extremely low flow rates in river systems with large portions of treated wastewater. However, storm events and heavy rainfall events are increasing too, which may lead to higher frequencies of combined sewer overflows. Increased microbial pollution (e.g. coliform bacteria, clostridia, faecal streptococci) of waterbodies after heavy precipitation events was demonstrated in several studies. Pathogenic multi-resistant bacteria enter waterbodies via sewer systems. The persistence potential of such pathogens in aquatic environments is mainly still unknown. This study investigated the growth behaviour of Gram-negative extended spectrum beta-Lactamase-producing Klebsiella oxytoca and Escherichia coli and Gram-positive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in river water. The concentrations of these antibiotic-resistant bacteria were monitored in batch experiments using river water differently impacted by wastewater. Staphylococcus aureus persisted for at least 3 days at incubation temperatures of 8 and 18 °C. The persistence of K. oxytoca and E. coli was shown for at least 37 days at both temperatures. In the river water at 8 °C, bacteria concentrations decreased slower, suggesting diminished persistence of ARB (antibiotic-resistant bacteria) with increasing temperatures. Initial concentrations of ARB and other pathogens in river water corresponded to the impact of wastewater. However, significant effects on the persistence itself by wastewater impact could not be shown for the bacteria species tested. Further studies should pursue our approaches concerning the persistence of pathogenic ARB in freshwater to assess the health risk for humans and animals.
{"title":"Persistence of MRSA and ESBL-producing E. coli and K. oxytoca in river water","authors":"Sarah M. Essert , Nicole Zacharias , Tabea Precht , Debbie Pankratz , Karolin Funken , Nico T. Mutters , Thomas Kistemann , Christiane Schreiber","doi":"10.1016/j.heha.2023.100072","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.heha.2023.100072","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Due to climate change precipitation patterns are changing in terms of frequency and quantity in Germany. As a result, prolonged dry weather can lead to extremely low flow rates in river systems with large portions of treated wastewater. However, storm events and heavy rainfall events are increasing too, which may lead to higher frequencies of combined sewer overflows. Increased microbial pollution (e.g. coliform bacteria, clostridia, faecal streptococci) of waterbodies after heavy precipitation events was demonstrated in several studies. Pathogenic multi-resistant bacteria enter waterbodies via sewer systems. The persistence potential of such pathogens in aquatic environments is mainly still unknown. This study investigated the growth behaviour of Gram-negative extended spectrum beta-Lactamase-producing <em>Klebsiella oxytoca</em> and <em>Escherichia coli</em> and Gram-positive methicillin-resistant <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> in river water. The concentrations of these antibiotic-resistant bacteria were monitored in batch experiments using river water differently impacted by wastewater. <em>Staphylococcus aureu</em>s persisted for at least 3 days at incubation temperatures of 8 and 18 °C. The persistence of <em>K</em>. <em>oxytoca</em> and <em>E</em>. <em>coli</em> was shown for at least 37 days at both temperatures. In the river water at 8 °C, bacteria concentrations decreased slower, suggesting diminished persistence of ARB (antibiotic-resistant bacteria) with increasing temperatures. Initial concentrations of ARB and other pathogens in river water corresponded to the impact of wastewater. However, significant effects on the persistence itself by wastewater impact could not be shown for the bacteria species tested. Further studies should pursue our approaches concerning the persistence of pathogenic ARB in freshwater to assess the health risk for humans and animals.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":73269,"journal":{"name":"Hygiene and environmental health advances","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100072"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46580793","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-09-01DOI: 10.1016/j.heha.2023.100066
Yun-Ting Zhang , Huihui Bao , Lei Zhang , Sheng Wen , Weihong Tan , Mohammed Zeeshan , Ming-Kun Sun , Chu Chu , Zhao-Huan Gui , Li-Zi Lin , Ru-Qing Liu , Xiao-Wen Zeng , Yunjiang Yu , Guang-Hui Dong
Background
Health risk assessment based on epidemiological data for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are evidenced. Whereas information about health-based guidance values (HBGVs) and health risk for Chinese population related to PFOS and PFOA is scarce.
Objectives
To provide candidate HBGVs for PFOS and PFOA based on Chinese epidemiological data and assess the health risk related to excessive exposure.
Methods
We reviewed scientific literature and collected available original data from epidemiological studies conducted in China. Critical endpoints and data were selected and used in benchmark dose (BMD) analysis to obtain lower confidence limits of BMD (BMDLs) of PFOS and PFOA. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models were applied to calculate the point of departure (PODs) for PFOS and PFOA, which led to the determination of the HBGVs for the said chemicals. Margin of exposure (MOE) method was used to evaluate the health risk of population based on exposure data among Chinese and HBGVs.
Results
Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total cholesterol (TC) and birth weight (BW) were selected as critical endpoints. Epidemiological data from 4,224 adults, 2,153 paired mother-newborn, 2,518 newborns, 439 pregnant women and 733 children in China were included in this study. BMDLs and PODs for PFOS are varied while BMDLs for PFOA were similar. PODs for PFOS (1.56 ng/kg/day) and PFOA (1.52 ng/kg/day) based on BW using National Birth Cohort Study were selected as HBGVs. Most MOEs for PFOS and PFOA among Chinese population were larger than 1 and smaller than 100, indicating moderate concern. Around 16% MOEs for PFOS were smaller than 1, implying high concern.
Conclusion
The HBGVs for PFOS and PFOA were 1.56 ng/kg/day and 1.52 ng/kg/day, respectively. Health risk of Chinese population related to PFOS and PFOA exposure should be concerned and more studies should be conducted to evaluate the risk of the chemicals.
{"title":"Health risk assessment of perfluorooctane sulfonate and perfluorooctanoic acid exposure in China based on epidemiological data","authors":"Yun-Ting Zhang , Huihui Bao , Lei Zhang , Sheng Wen , Weihong Tan , Mohammed Zeeshan , Ming-Kun Sun , Chu Chu , Zhao-Huan Gui , Li-Zi Lin , Ru-Qing Liu , Xiao-Wen Zeng , Yunjiang Yu , Guang-Hui Dong","doi":"10.1016/j.heha.2023.100066","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.heha.2023.100066","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Health risk assessment based on epidemiological data for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are evidenced. Whereas information about health-based guidance values (HBGVs) and health risk for Chinese population related to PFOS and PFOA is scarce.</p></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><p>To provide candidate HBGVs for PFOS and PFOA based on Chinese epidemiological data and assess the health risk related to excessive exposure.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>We reviewed scientific literature and collected available original data from epidemiological studies conducted in China. Critical endpoints and data were selected and used in benchmark dose (BMD) analysis to obtain lower confidence limits of BMD (BMDLs) of PFOS and PFOA. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models were applied to calculate the point of departure (PODs) for PFOS and PFOA, which led to the determination of the HBGVs for the said chemicals. Margin of exposure (MOE) method was used to evaluate the health risk of population based on exposure data among Chinese and HBGVs.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total cholesterol (TC) and birth weight (BW) were selected as critical endpoints. Epidemiological data from 4,224 adults, 2,153 paired mother-newborn, 2,518 newborns, 439 pregnant women and 733 children in China were included in this study. BMDLs and PODs for PFOS are varied while BMDLs for PFOA were similar. PODs for PFOS (1.56 ng/kg/day) and PFOA (1.52 ng/kg/day) based on BW using National Birth Cohort Study were selected as HBGVs. Most MOEs for PFOS and PFOA among Chinese population were larger than 1 and smaller than 100, indicating moderate concern. Around 16% MOEs for PFOS were smaller than 1, implying high concern.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The HBGVs for PFOS and PFOA were 1.56 ng/kg/day and 1.52 ng/kg/day, respectively. Health risk of Chinese population related to PFOS and PFOA exposure should be concerned and more studies should be conducted to evaluate the risk of the chemicals.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":73269,"journal":{"name":"Hygiene and environmental health advances","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100066"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46997304","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-09-01DOI: 10.1016/j.heha.2023.100076
Omer A. Shaikh , Mirza T. Baig , Sara Tahir , Ad-Duhaa E. Parekh , Abdulqadir J. Nashwan
An unexpected rise in dengue cases has overwhelmed hospitals in Pakistan. Floods and intense monsoon rain have affected almost 33 million people since June 2022. Heavy monsoon rains may be a result of rising water temperatures. Dengue poses a severe risk to public health globally and to countries affected by floods, particularly Pakistan and the whole Indian subcontinent. Pakistan's expanding urban and agricultural economies place it at a higher risk for contracting vector-borne diseases.
{"title":"Dengue outbreak following unprecedented flooding in Pakistan","authors":"Omer A. Shaikh , Mirza T. Baig , Sara Tahir , Ad-Duhaa E. Parekh , Abdulqadir J. Nashwan","doi":"10.1016/j.heha.2023.100076","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.heha.2023.100076","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>An unexpected rise in dengue cases has overwhelmed hospitals in Pakistan. Floods and intense monsoon rain have affected almost 33 million people since June 2022. Heavy monsoon rains may be a result of rising water temperatures. Dengue poses a severe risk to public health globally and to countries affected by floods, particularly Pakistan and the whole Indian subcontinent. Pakistan's expanding urban and agricultural economies place it at a higher risk for contracting vector-borne diseases.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":73269,"journal":{"name":"Hygiene and environmental health advances","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100076"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42253844","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-09-01DOI: 10.1016/j.heha.2023.100063
Jovine Bachwenkizi , Hussein Mohamed , Priscilla Funsan , Dennis Rweyemamu , William Nelson , Magdalena Shao , Heribert Kaijage , Namakau Muyumbana , Said Salehe , Luco P. Mwelange , Saumu Shabani , Baldwina T. Olirk , Simon Mamuya , Jane Mlimbila
Background
Intimate partner violence (IPV) against women is a serious problem in many developing countries. Longer distance traveled to access water services may affect women's ability to meet domestic obligations and results in violence. However, the associations between times spent by women to access water services and intimate partner violence against women in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) remain unknown.
Methods
We used population-based data collected from demographic and health surveys (DHS) in 26 SSA, to examine the associations between round-trip time to water sources and IPV. We estimated round-trip time to water sources based on the self-reported experience of women through their time spent collecting water during the period of 2008 and 2020 as presented in the DHS surveys. Primary outcomes were all self-reported and were derived from the DHS questionnaires about IPV, especially physical violence. We categorized IPV into two groups (Severe and less severe IPV). Respondents who reported being kicked, strangled, threatened with a knife/gun or other weapons by their husbands, or hurt were pooled together and labelled as having experienced severe IPV. Those who claimed to have been pushed, had their arms twisted, or had their hair pulled were grouped and classified as less severe forms of violence. Multivariable logistic regression was performed by fitting crude models and adjusted models. We also conducted a sensitivity analysis, stratification, and country-specific analysis to examine the contributions of these factors to the associations between round-trip time to water sources and IPV. The estimated results are presented as an odds ratio (OR) and their 95% confidence interval (CI).
Results
A total of 14,714 (11.2%) women faced severe IPV and 38,222 (28.9%) faced less severe IPV. Results showed that a 30 min increase in round-trip fetching time was associated with an increase in severe IPV and the crude OR was 1.06 (95% CI: 1.05, 1.07) for all 26 countries. After adjusting for covariates, the association of round-trip time to water sources and severe IPV remained positive and significant with an OR of 1.03 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.05). Furthermore, there were positive and significant associations between round-trip time and less severe IPV before and after adjusting for covariates. There were positive associations between round-trip time to basic access to water sources and severe IPV with an OR of 1.08 (95% CI: 1.05, 1.10). For potential effect modifiers, our results revealed disparities in IPV estimates stratified by husbands who consumed alcohol, level of education of husbands, and age of respective women. There were differences in the estimates between countries, the largest increment in severe IPV was observed in Comoros, Sierra Leone, and Namibia.
Conclusions
This cross-sectional study provides persuasive evidence for the association between round-trip tim
{"title":"Access to water sources and intimate partner violence against women in 26 Sub-Saharan African countries","authors":"Jovine Bachwenkizi , Hussein Mohamed , Priscilla Funsan , Dennis Rweyemamu , William Nelson , Magdalena Shao , Heribert Kaijage , Namakau Muyumbana , Said Salehe , Luco P. Mwelange , Saumu Shabani , Baldwina T. Olirk , Simon Mamuya , Jane Mlimbila","doi":"10.1016/j.heha.2023.100063","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.heha.2023.100063","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Intimate partner violence (IPV) against women is a serious problem in many developing countries. Longer distance traveled to access water services may affect women's ability to meet domestic obligations and results in violence. However, the associations between times spent by women to access water services and intimate partner violence against women in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) remain unknown.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>We used population-based data collected from demographic and health surveys (DHS) in 26 SSA, to examine the associations between round-trip time to water sources and IPV. We estimated round-trip time to water sources based on the self-reported experience of women through their time spent collecting water during the period of 2008 and 2020 as presented in the DHS surveys. Primary outcomes were all self-reported and were derived from the DHS questionnaires about IPV, especially physical violence. We categorized IPV into two groups (Severe and less severe IPV). Respondents who reported being kicked, strangled, threatened with a knife/gun or other weapons by their husbands, or hurt were pooled together and labelled as having experienced severe IPV. Those who claimed to have been pushed, had their arms twisted, or had their hair pulled were grouped and classified as less severe forms of violence. Multivariable logistic regression was performed by fitting crude models and adjusted models. We also conducted a sensitivity analysis, stratification, and country-specific analysis to examine the contributions of these factors to the associations between round-trip time to water sources and IPV. The estimated results are presented as an odds ratio (OR) and their 95% confidence interval (CI).</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>A total of 14,714 (11.2%) women faced severe IPV and 38,222 (28.9%) faced less severe IPV. Results showed that a 30 min increase in round-trip fetching time was associated with an increase in severe IPV and the crude OR was 1.06 (95% CI: 1.05, 1.07) for all 26 countries. After adjusting for covariates, the association of round-trip time to water sources and severe IPV remained positive and significant with an OR of 1.03 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.05). Furthermore, there were positive and significant associations between round-trip time and less severe IPV before and after adjusting for covariates. There were positive associations between round-trip time to basic access to water sources and severe IPV with an OR of 1.08 (95% CI: 1.05, 1.10). For potential effect modifiers, our results revealed disparities in IPV estimates stratified by husbands who consumed alcohol, level of education of husbands, and age of respective women. There were differences in the estimates between countries, the largest increment in severe IPV was observed in Comoros, Sierra Leone, and Namibia.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>This cross-sectional study provides persuasive evidence for the association between round-trip tim","PeriodicalId":73269,"journal":{"name":"Hygiene and environmental health advances","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100063"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43057408","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-09-01DOI: 10.1016/j.heha.2023.100075
Manoj P. Singh , Saroj Bhattacharyya , Khorshed Chinu , Rabeya Akter , Christopher E. Marjo
Background
There is an urgent need to assess sources of toxic metals in highly urbanized environments, to identify high risk areas for testing to enable planning to minimize exposure to residents. Notable toxic metals identified in this study were Antimony (Sb) and mercury (Hg), listed as priority pollutants by USEPA that can cause a variety of diseases in humans, and cobalt (Co), compounds of which have been shown to be carcinogenic in animal studies.
Objectives
Objectives of this study were to measure the level and spatial distribution of toxic metals in roadside soil and road dust across a large area of Delhi. Toxic metals with notably high levels were identified and assessed for potential environmental exposure, non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks to the population in the study area.
Research methods
A sampling scheme was designed to collect soil from a wide range of roadside environments across the urban region of Delhi. The soil and dust fractions were separated and selected toxic metals extracted and analyzed on Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectroscopy (ICP–MS) adopting USEPA methodology.
Results
Mean concentrations of Sb (2.62 and 3.59 in μgg−1) were 13 and 18 times higher than background level (0.2 μgg−1) in fine fractions of roadside soil and road dust, respectively in all areas sampled. The Hg and Co were moderately and minimally enriched in a fine fraction of soil and dust, respectively. The fine fraction of soil and dust showed a significant decrease in the Cu/Sb ratio compared to the coarse fraction suggesting an anthropogenic addition of Sb from vehicular brake pads. This study is the first of its type to calculate the cancer risk assessment of Sb from inhalation exposure.
Conclusion
Measurements of Sb, Hg and Co in roadside soil and dust are mapped to highlight regions where testing of the population would be advisable. In addition, toxic levels of Sb may enter the human body via a dermal route and cause various diseases including diabetes mellitus and gestational diabetes mellitus. Finally, our results suggest an immediate change to antimony free brake pads for all vehicles is recommended.
{"title":"Airborne soil and dust are potential sources of antimony to residents across Delhi: Exposure likely to occur via dermal route","authors":"Manoj P. Singh , Saroj Bhattacharyya , Khorshed Chinu , Rabeya Akter , Christopher E. Marjo","doi":"10.1016/j.heha.2023.100075","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.heha.2023.100075","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>There is an urgent need to assess sources of toxic metals in highly urbanized environments, to identify high risk areas for testing to enable planning to minimize exposure to residents. Notable toxic metals identified in this study were Antimony (Sb) and mercury (Hg), listed as priority pollutants by USEPA that can cause a variety of diseases in humans, and cobalt (Co), compounds of which have been shown to be carcinogenic in animal studies.</p></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><p>Objectives of this study were to measure the level and spatial distribution of toxic metals in roadside soil and road dust across a large area of Delhi. Toxic metals with notably high levels were identified and assessed for potential environmental exposure, non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks to the population in the study area.</p></div><div><h3>Research methods</h3><p>A sampling scheme was designed to collect soil from a wide range of roadside environments across the urban region of Delhi. The soil and dust fractions were separated and selected toxic metals extracted and analyzed on Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectroscopy (ICP–MS) adopting USEPA methodology.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Mean concentrations of Sb (2.62 and 3.59 in μgg<sup>−1</sup>) were 13 and 18 times higher than background level (0.2 μgg<sup>−1</sup>) in fine fractions of roadside soil and road dust, respectively in all areas sampled. The Hg and Co were moderately and minimally enriched in a fine fraction of soil and dust, respectively. The fine fraction of soil and dust showed a significant decrease in the Cu/Sb ratio compared to the coarse fraction suggesting an anthropogenic addition of Sb from vehicular brake pads. This study is the first of its type to calculate the cancer risk assessment of Sb from inhalation exposure.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Measurements of Sb, Hg and Co in roadside soil and dust are mapped to highlight regions where testing of the population would be advisable. In addition, toxic levels of Sb may enter the human body via a dermal route and cause various diseases including diabetes mellitus and gestational diabetes mellitus. Finally, our results suggest an immediate change to antimony free brake pads for all vehicles is recommended.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":73269,"journal":{"name":"Hygiene and environmental health advances","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100075"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45358422","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-09-01DOI: 10.1016/j.heha.2023.100064
Zhenhua Xie
{"title":"Speech at the awarding ceremony of NST Sustainability Award","authors":"Zhenhua Xie","doi":"10.1016/j.heha.2023.100064","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.heha.2023.100064","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":73269,"journal":{"name":"Hygiene and environmental health advances","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100064"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46660587","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-09-01DOI: 10.1016/j.heha.2023.100061
Hongwan Li , Sripriya Nannu Shankar , Chiran T. Witanachchi , John A. Lednicky , Julia C. Loeb , Md. Mahbubul Alam , Z. Hugh Fan , Michael Lauzardo , Karim Mohamed , Arantzazu Eiguren-Fernandez , Chang-Yu Wu
This study aimed to provide environmental surveillance data for evaluating the risk of acquiring SARS-CoV-2 in public areas with high foot traffic in a university. Air and surface samples were collected at a university that had the second highest number of COVID-19 cases among public higher education institutions in the U.S. during Fall 2020. A total of 60 samples were collected in 16 sampling events performed during Fall 2020 and Spring 2021. Nearly 9800 students traversed the sites during the study period. SARS-CoV-2 was not detected in any air or surface samples. The university followed CDC guidance, including COVID-19 testing, case investigations, and contact tracing. Students, faculty, and staff were asked to maintain physical distancing and wear face coverings. Although COVID-19 cases were relatively high at the university, the possibility of acquiring SARS-CoV-2 infections at the sites tested was low.
{"title":"Lack of SARS-CoV-2 in environmental samples collected from September 2020-February 2021 in a university that followed CDC reopening guidance","authors":"Hongwan Li , Sripriya Nannu Shankar , Chiran T. Witanachchi , John A. Lednicky , Julia C. Loeb , Md. Mahbubul Alam , Z. Hugh Fan , Michael Lauzardo , Karim Mohamed , Arantzazu Eiguren-Fernandez , Chang-Yu Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.heha.2023.100061","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.heha.2023.100061","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study aimed to provide environmental surveillance data for evaluating the risk of acquiring SARS-CoV-2 in public areas with high foot traffic in a university. Air and surface samples were collected at a university that had the second highest number of COVID-19 cases among public higher education institutions in the U.S. during Fall 2020. A total of 60 samples were collected in 16 sampling events performed during Fall 2020 and Spring 2021. Nearly 9800 students traversed the sites during the study period. SARS-CoV-2 was not detected in any air or surface samples. The university followed CDC guidance, including COVID-19 testing, case investigations, and contact tracing. Students, faculty, and staff were asked to maintain physical distancing and wear face coverings. Although COVID-19 cases were relatively high at the university, the possibility of acquiring SARS-CoV-2 infections at the sites tested was low.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":73269,"journal":{"name":"Hygiene and environmental health advances","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100061"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10198740/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10065218","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The low proportion of households with piped drinking water in Greenlandic settlements – and elsewhere in the Arctic, leads to improvised methods of household water storage and water saving practices that could present a risk for public health.
This interview-based study investigated the perceptions of safety and acceptability of the water supply in rural Greenlandic households. The bacterial quality of the water distributed by the public supply before and after storage in the homes, of alternative water sourced from nature by the users themselves, and of shared handwash basins used in un-piped homes, was analyzed.
The treated water distributed by the rural Greenlandic water supply was acceptable to most users, although half of them expressed concerns about its quality, and distrusted the state of the infrastructure delivering piped water. For drinking, most respondents preferred untreated water from nature, but a majority used mainly piped water for practical reasons of access. The microbial quality of the public water supply met legislative requirements in most cases, but was found to deteriorate during both distribution to some taps, and storage in the homes, which constitutes a challenge to the reliable provision of safe water to users. Water from alternative sources showed slightly higher heterotrophic plate counts (HPC) than piped water, but no Escherichia coli. As for washbasins, they were found to have high levels of contamination in all three bacterial parameters investigated (HPC, coliforms and E. coli), indicating a possible transmission route for pathogens.
In conclusion, while the quality of treated water was overall good at distribution, the water saving and storage practices developed to compensate for the lack of piping may threaten public health. Alternative water sources are culturally important and trusted by users, although the possible impact of changes in climate and land use on the reliability of their quality is unknown.
{"title":"Water quality in rural Greenland - acceptability and safety","authors":"Judith Y.A. Maréchal , Lisbeth Truelstrup Hansen , Pernille Erland Jensen","doi":"10.1016/j.heha.2023.100065","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heha.2023.100065","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The low proportion of households with piped drinking water in Greenlandic settlements – and elsewhere in the Arctic, leads to improvised methods of household water storage and water saving practices that could present a risk for public health.</p><p>This interview-based study investigated the perceptions of safety and acceptability of the water supply in rural Greenlandic households. The bacterial quality of the water distributed by the public supply before and after storage in the homes, of alternative water sourced from nature by the users themselves, and of shared handwash basins used in un-piped homes, was analyzed.</p><p>The treated water distributed by the rural Greenlandic water supply was acceptable to most users, although half of them expressed concerns about its quality, and distrusted the state of the infrastructure delivering piped water. For drinking, most respondents preferred untreated water from nature, but a majority used mainly piped water for practical reasons of access. The microbial quality of the public water supply met legislative requirements in most cases, but was found to deteriorate during both distribution to some taps, and storage in the homes, which constitutes a challenge to the reliable provision of safe water to users. Water from alternative sources showed slightly higher heterotrophic plate counts (HPC) than piped water, but no <em>Escherichia coli</em>. As for washbasins, they were found to have high levels of contamination in all three bacterial parameters investigated (HPC, coliforms and <em>E. coli</em>), indicating a possible transmission route for pathogens.</p><p>In conclusion, while the quality of treated water was overall good at distribution, the water saving and storage practices developed to compensate for the lack of piping may threaten public health. Alternative water sources are culturally important and trusted by users, although the possible impact of changes in climate and land use on the reliability of their quality is unknown.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":73269,"journal":{"name":"Hygiene and environmental health advances","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100065"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49857789","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-09-01DOI: 10.1016/j.heha.2023.100062
Ying-Ying Meng , Yu Yu , Susan H. Babey , Jason Su
Background
Type 2 diabetes has raised great public health concerns due to its association with the increased risk of several adverse health outcomes. We aimed to investigate the association of criteria air pollutants and traffic density with the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and antidiabetic medication use in California.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted using 2005 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) data, linked with criteria air pollutant exposure measures, including government-monitored ozone (O3), particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), residential traffic density, and land use regression modeled NOX, NO, and NO2 estimates for Los Angeles County only based on the respondents’ geocoded residential addresses. Weighted logistic regression models were used to examine the influences of 36-month average exposures to each air pollutant and traffic density on diabetes prevalence and medication use.
Results
Among 31,483 CHIS 2005 state-wide respondents, 6.7% of adults reported having been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. We observed type 2 diabetes prevalence was positively associated with exposures to O3, PM10, and PM2.5, and with NO, NO2, and NOx only in Los Angeles County. For each 10ppb increase in O3 or 10ug/m3 increase in PM10 or PM2.5, the odds of taking any medication increased by 40%, 56%, and 50%; taking pills increased by 33%, 31%, and 41%; taking insulin increased by 43%, 53%, and 46%; and taking both insulin and pills increased by 70%, 60%, and 88%, respectively. When traffic density within 750 feet of a respondent's home increased by one interquartile, 7% increase in odds of using any medication and taking pills was also observed.
Conclusion
This study adds to evidence indicating greater air pollution exposure is associated with increased diabetes prevalence. It also provides new evidence demonstrating a strong association between pollutant exposure and antidiabetic medication use in adult Californians.
{"title":"Long-term air pollution exposures on type 2 diabetes prevalence and medication use","authors":"Ying-Ying Meng , Yu Yu , Susan H. Babey , Jason Su","doi":"10.1016/j.heha.2023.100062","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.heha.2023.100062","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Type 2 diabetes has raised great public health concerns due to its association with the increased risk of several adverse health outcomes. We aimed to investigate the association of criteria air pollutants and traffic density with the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and antidiabetic medication use in California.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>A cross-sectional study was conducted using 2005 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) data, linked with criteria air pollutant exposure measures, including government-monitored ozone (O<sub>3</sub>), particulate matter (PM<sub>10</sub>, PM<sub>2.5</sub>) and nitrogen dioxide (NO<sub>2</sub>), residential traffic density, and land use regression modeled NO<sub>X</sub>, NO, and NO<sub>2</sub> estimates for Los Angeles County only based on the respondents’ geocoded residential addresses. Weighted logistic regression models were used to examine the influences of 36-month average exposures to each air pollutant and traffic density on diabetes prevalence and medication use.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Among 31,483 CHIS 2005 state-wide respondents, 6.7% of adults reported having been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. We observed type 2 diabetes prevalence was positively associated with exposures to O<sub>3</sub>, PM<sub>10,</sub> and PM<sub>2.5,</sub> and with NO, NO<sub>2,</sub> and NOx only in Los Angeles County. For each 10ppb increase in O<sub>3</sub> or 10ug/m<sup>3</sup> increase in PM<sub>10</sub> or PM<sub>2.5,</sub> the odds of taking any medication increased by 40%, 56%, and 50%; taking pills increased by 33%, 31%, and 41%; taking insulin increased by 43%, 53%, and 46%; and taking both insulin and pills increased by 70%, 60%, and 88%, respectively. When traffic density within 750 feet of a respondent's home increased by one interquartile, 7% increase in odds of using any medication and taking pills was also observed.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>This study adds to evidence indicating greater air pollution exposure is associated with increased diabetes prevalence. It also provides new evidence demonstrating a strong association between pollutant exposure and antidiabetic medication use in adult Californians.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":73269,"journal":{"name":"Hygiene and environmental health advances","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100062"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41755139","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Heavy metals (HMs) are metallic substances. They enter biotic and abiotic systems through natural and human activities. These HMs have an impact on the atmosphere, soil, and groundwater, and they also affect all living things, especially humans, when they enter the food chain. Therefore, monitoring and removing HMs from the environment and humans are crucial for maintaining HMs-based toxicity. The detection of HMs from environmental and human samples has been performed by techniques such as atomic adsorption spectrometry (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). With the advancement of AI-based technology, HMs are now detected and removed from the environment and human systems. This review discusses the impact of HMs on the environment and human health, their detection and removal techniques, and the integration of recent advancements in AI-based technology for the detection and removal of HMs from environmental and human samples.
{"title":"Artificial intelligence in heavy metals detection: Methodological and ethical challenges","authors":"Nidhi Yadav , Brij Mohan Maurya , Dewan Chettri , Pooja , Chirag Pulwani , Mahesh Jajula , Savleen Singh kanda , Harysh Winster Suresh babu , Ajay Elangovan , Parthasarathy Velusamy , Mahalaxmi Iyer , Balachandar Vellingiri","doi":"10.1016/j.heha.2023.100071","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.heha.2023.100071","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Heavy metals (HMs) are metallic substances. They enter biotic and abiotic systems through natural and human activities. These HMs have an impact on the atmosphere, soil, and groundwater, and they also affect all living things, especially humans, when they enter the food chain. Therefore, monitoring and removing HMs from the environment and humans are crucial for maintaining HMs-based toxicity. The detection of HMs from environmental and human samples has been performed by techniques such as atomic adsorption spectrometry (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). With the advancement of AI-based technology, HMs are now detected and removed from the environment and human systems. This review discusses the impact of HMs on the environment and human health, their detection and removal techniques, and the integration of recent advancements in AI-based technology for the detection and removal of HMs from environmental and human samples.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":73269,"journal":{"name":"Hygiene and environmental health advances","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100071"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44500946","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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