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November 29, 2023

Prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Indian nonsmokers: a systematic review & meta-analysis

Tejas M. Suri, Tamoghna Ghosh, Saurabh Mittal, Vijay Hadda, Karan Madan, Anant Mohan

Abstract

Introduction Nonsmokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are neglected despite constituting half of all cases in studies from the developed world. Herein, we systematically reviewed the prevalence of COPD among nonsmokers in India. Content We searched Embase, Scopus, and PubMed databases for studies examining the prevalence of COPD among nonsmokers in India. We used the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist to assess included studies’ quality. Meta-analysis was performed using random-effects model. Summary Seven studies comprising 6,903 subjects were included. The quality of the studies ranged from 5/9 to 8/9. The prevalence of COPD varied between 1.6 and 26.6 %. Studies differed considerably in demographics and biomass exposure profiles of subjects. Among the four studies that enrolled both middle-aged and elderly Indian nonsmokers not screened based on biomass fuel exposure, the pooled prevalence of COPD was 3 % (95 % CI, 2–3 %; I 2 =50.52 %, p=0.11). The pooled prevalence of COPD among biomass fuel-exposed individuals was 10 % (95 % CI, 2–18 %; I 2 =98.8 %, p<0.001). Outlook Limited evidence suggests a sizable burden of COPD among nonsmokers and biomass fuel-exposed individuals in India. More epidemiological studies of COPD in nonsmokers are needed from low and middle-income countries.

Open Access November 23, 2023

Biological effects of electromagnetic fields on insects: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Alain Thill, Marie-Claire Cammaerts, Alfonso Balmori

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Abstract

Worldwide, insects are declining at an alarming rate. Among other causes, the use of pesticides and modern agricultural practices play a major role in this. Cumulative effects of multiple low-dose toxins and the distribution of toxicants in nature have only started to be investigated in a methodical way. Existing research indicates another factor of anthropogenic origin that could have subtle harmful effects: the increasingly frequent use of electromagnetic fields (EMF) from man-made technologies. This systematic review summarizes the results of studies investigating the toxicity of electromagnetic fields in insects. The main objective of this review is to weigh the evidence regarding detrimental effects on insects from the increasing technological infrastructure, with a particular focus on power lines and the cellular network. The next generation of mobile communication technologies, 5G, is being deployed – without having been tested in respect of potential toxic effects. With humanity’s quest for pervasiveness of technology, even modest effects of electromagnetic fields on organisms could eventually reach a saturation level that can no longer be ignored. An overview of reported effects and biological mechanisms of exposure to electromagnetic fields, which addresses new findings in cell biology, is included. Biological effects of non-thermal EMF on insects are clearly proven in the laboratory, but only partly in the field, thus the wider ecological implications are still unknown. There is a need for more field studies, but extrapolating from the laboratory, as is common practice in ecotoxicology, already warrants increasing the threat level of environmental EMF impact on insects.

November 20, 2023

Mercury and cadmium-induced inflammatory cytokines activation and its effect on the risk of preeclampsia: a review

Alya N. Fadhila, Besari A. Pramono, Muflihatul Muniroh

Abstract

During the last decade, there has been an increase in exposure to heavy metals that can affect human health and the environment, especially mercury (Hg) and cadmium (Cd). These exposures can pollute the rivers or oceans, then contaminating marine organisms. Humans as the last consumer of this food chain cycle can be a place for the bioaccumulation of Hg and Cd, especially for people living in coastal areas, including pregnant women. Exposure to heavy metals Hg and Cd can have a high risk of triggering blood vessel disorders, penetrating the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the placental barrier, one of which can increase the risk of preeclampsia. Several immunological biomarkers such as some cytokines associated with Hg and Cd exposure are also involved in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia, which are the placental implantation process and endothelial dysfunction in pregnant women. Therefore, countries that have a high incidence of preeclampsia should be aware of the environmental factors, especially heavy metal pollution such as Hg and Cd.

October 23, 2023

Underground power lines as a confounding factor in observational studies concerning magnetic fields and childhood leukemia

Jose A. Martínez, Manuel Pancorbo

October 9, 2023

Prevalence and concentration of aflatoxin M1 and ochratoxin A in cheese: a global systematic review and meta-analysis and probabilistic risk assessment

Trias Mahmudiono, Yeganeh Mazaheri, Parisa Sadighara, Zeynab Akbarlou, Somayeh Hoseinvandtabar, Yadolah Fakhri

Abstract

Exposure to mycotoxins such as aflatoxins can endanger human health, especially infants and children. In this study, an attempt was made to retrieved studies related to the concentration of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and ochratoxin A (OTA). Search was performed in international databases such as Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for the period 1 January 2010 to 20 February 2023. Then, the pooled concentration in the defined subgroups was calculated using meta-analysis and the health risk assessment was conducted by margin of exposure (MOEs). Thirty-one scientific papers with 34 data reports (Sample size=2,277) were included in our study. The lowest and highest prevalence of AFM1 in cheese was related to El Salvador (12.18 %) and Serbia (100.00 %). The pooled prevalence of AFM1 was 49.85 %, 95 %CI (37.93–61.78 %). The lowest and highest prevalence of OTA in cheese was related to Türkiye (6.67 %) and Italy (44.21 %). The pooled prevalence of OTA was 35.64 %, 95 %CI (17.16–56.44 %). Health risk of AFM1 revealed that except Pakistan and Iran, MOE in the other countries was lower than 10,000 for adults and also except Pakistan, MOE for other countries was lower than 10,000 for children. Health risk of OTA revealed that except Greece, MOE in the other countries was higher than 10,000 for adults and also except Germany and Greece, MOE for other countries was higher than 10,000 for children. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct control plans to reduce the concentration of mycotoxins in cheese, especially AFM1.

October 2, 2023

The effect of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon biomarkers on cardiovascular diseases

Nie Qigang, Arghavan Afra, Andrés Alexis Ramírez-Coronel, Abduladheem Turki Jalil, Mohammad Javad Mohammadi, M. Abdulfadhil Gatea, Efriza, Parisa Asban, Seyede Kosar mousavi, Parnia Kanani, Fatemeh Mombeni Kazemi, Maryam Hormati, Fatemeh Kiani

Abstract

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) are part of particulate matter (PM), which is produced from incomplete combustion of organic matter. Biomarkers mean biological indicators, molecules that indicate a normal or abnormal process in the body and may be a sign of a condition or disease. Studies show that PAHs increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases through processes such as oxidative stress, inflammation and atherosclerosis. The present study focused on the evaluation of health effects PAHs biomarkers on cardiovascular diseases (CVD). In this narrative study, data were collected from databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of science and Google Scholar in the period 1975–2023. After screening, duplicate and irrelevant articles were removed. Finally, 68 articles related to the effect of PAHs on CVD were included in the study. In addition to the articles found through the search in databases, another 18 articles from the references of the selected articles were included. According to the finding in during the biotransformation of PAH, a number of metabolites are made, such as phenols, diols, quinones, and epoxides. Phenolic isomers have the highest percentage and biomarkers used for their detection include 2-OHNAP used to trace naphthalene from heating processed food, 3-OHPHEN used to trace phenanthrene from diesel, 2-OHFLU used to trace fluorene and 1-OHPYR used to trace pyrene from cigarette and hookah smoke. According to the result, increasing blood pressure and heart rate and causing atherosclerosis are the main complications due to exposure to PAH metabolite on cardiovascular system. The most important agents that causes this affects including increased homocysteine, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), serum biomarkers of C-reactive protein, and triglycerides. Result this study showed that cardiovascular diseases risk is increased by exposure to PAH biomarkers from smoking, car emissions, occupational exposure, and incinerators. Therefore, strict controls should be implemented for sources of PAH production and exposure.

September 4, 2023

Exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances and risk of stroke in adults: a meta-analysis

Min Cheol Chang, Seung Min Chung, Sang Gyu Kwak

Abstract

Introduction Evidence of the adverse metabolic health effects of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is increasing. However, the impact of PFAS on cardiovascular diseases remains controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to analyze the impact of PFAS on the stroke risk. Content Databases were searched for studies published up to November 1, 2022, which report the association between stroke and exposure to at least one of four main PFAS (perfluorooctanoic acid [PFOA], perfluorooctanesulfonic acid [PFOS], perfluorononanoic acid [PFNA], and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid [PFHxS]). Data extraction and quality assessment were performed according to the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Summary and outlook Four studies were included in this systematic review. Multivariate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for incident stroke per 1-log unit increment in each serum PFAS were combined in the meta-analysis. The risk of development of stroke was not significantly associated with PFOA, PFOS, or PFNA exposure (PFOA: pooled odds ratio [OR]=1.001, 95 % confidence interval [CI]=0.975–1.028, p=0.934; PFOS: pooled OR=0.994, 95 % CI=0.972–1.017, p=0.601; PFNA: pooled OR=1.016, 95 % CI=0.920–1.123, p=0.752), whereas a moderately lower risk was associated with PFHxS exposure without statistical significance (pooled OR=0.953, 95 % CI=0.908–1.001, p=0.054). PFOA, PFOS, and PFNA exposure showed a neutral association, while PFHxS showed a possible inverse association with the risk of stroke. Therefore, this finding should be interpreted with caution. Further prospective observational studies with PFAS mixture analyses are warranted.

September 1, 2023

Impacts and potential mechanisms of fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) on male testosterone biosynthesis disruption

Shaokai Zheng, Nannan Zhao, Xiaojun Lin, Lianglin Qiu

Abstract

Exposure to PM 2.5 is the most significant air pollutant for health risk. The testosterone level in male is vulnerable to environmental toxicants. In the past, researchers focused more attention on the impacts of PM 2.5 on respiratory system, cardiovascular system, and nervous system, and few researchers focused attention on the reproductive system. Recent studies have reported that PM 2.5 involved in male testosterone biosynthesis disruption, which is closely associated with male reproductive health. However, the underlying mechanisms by which PM 2.5 causes testosterone biosynthesis disruption are still not clear. To better understand its potential mechanisms, we based on the existing scientific publications to critically and comprehensively reviewed the role and potential mechanisms of PM 2.5 that are participated in testosterone biosynthesis in male. In this review, we summarized the potential mechanisms of PM 2.5 triggering the change of testosterone level in male, which involve in oxidative stress, inflammatory response, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy and mitophagy, microRNAs (miRNAs), endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification. It will provide new suggestions and ideas for prevention and treatment of testosterone biosynthesis disruption caused by PM 2.5 for future research.

Open Access August 23, 2023

The European Union assessments of radiofrequency radiation health risks – another hard nut to crack (Review)

Rainer Nyberg, Julie McCredden, Lennart Hardell

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Abstract

In 2017 an article was published on the unwillingness of the WHO to acknowledge the health effects associated with the use of wireless phones. It was thus stated that the WHO is ‘A Hard Nut to Crack’. Since then, there has been no progress, and history seems to be repeating in that the European Union (EU) is following in the blind man’s footsteps created by the WHO. Despite increasing evidence of serious negative effects from radiofrequency radiation on human health and the environment, the EU has not acknowledged that there are any risks. Since September 2017, seven appeals by scientists and medical doctors have been sent to the EU requesting a halt to the roll-out of the fifth generation of wireless communication (5G). The millimeter waves (MMW) and complex waveforms of 5G contribute massively harmful additions to existing planetary electromagnetic pollution. Fundamental rights and EU primary law make it mandatory for the EU to protect the population, especially children, from all kinds of harmful health effects of wireless technology. However, several experts associated with the WHO and the EU have conflicts of interest due to their ties to industry. The subsequent prioritizing of economic interests is resulting in human and planetary health being compromised. Experts must make an unbiased evaluation with no conflicts of interest. The seven appeals to the EU have included requests for immediate protective action, which have been ignored. On the issue of wireless radiation and the health of citizens, the EU seems to be another hard nut to crack.

August 14, 2023

Research progresses on the effects of heavy metals on the circadian clock system

Qian Xue, Rui Wang, Ruijian Zhu-ge, Li Guo

Abstract

Environmental pollution with heavy metals is widespread, thus increasing attention has been paid to their toxic effects. Recent studies have suggested that heavy metals may influence the expression of circadian clock genes. Almost all organs and tissues exhibit circadian rhythms. The normal circadian rhythm of an organism is maintained by the central and peripheral circadian clock. Thus, circadian rhythm disorders perturb normal physiological processes. Here, we review the effects of heavy metals, including manganese, copper, cadmium, and lead, on four core circadian clock genes, i.e., ARNTL , CLOCK , PER , and CRY genes.

August 4, 2023

Diagnosing and managing heat exhaustion: insights from a systematic review of cases in the desert climate of Mecca

Saber Yezli, Yara Yassin, Sujoud Ghallab, Mashan Abdullah, Bisher Abuyassin, Ramesh Vishwakarma, Abderrezak Bouchama

Abstract

Heat exhaustion (HE) is a common, yet obscure, heat-related illness that affects millions of people yearly and its burden is projected to rise due to climate change. A comprehensive literature synthesis is lacking despite previous studies on various HE aspects. This systematic review aims to fill this gap by identifying and synthesizing available evidence on the risk factors, symptoms, biomarkers, treatment options, and outcomes for HE. The review focused on HE during the Muslim (Hajj) pilgrimage where the condition is endemic. We conducted a structured search of MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Web of Science Core Collection, SCOPUS, and CINAHL databases. We summarized the data from eligible studies and synthesized them in narrative form using pooled descriptive statistics. Ten studies were included between 1980 and 2019, reporting over 1,194 HE cases. HE cases presented with elevated core temperature (up to 40°C) and mainly affected older males from the Middle East and North Africa region, with overweight individuals at a higher risk. Clinical symptoms included hyperventilation, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, nausea, and vomiting, but not central nervous system disturbances. HE was associated with cardiac stress, and with water, electrolyte, and acid-base alterations. Cooling and hydration therapy were the primary management strategies, leading to a low mortality rate (pooled case fatality rate=0.11 % [95 % CI: 0.01, 0.3]). Most cases recovered within a few hours without complications. HE is associated with cardiac stress and changes in homeostasis, leading to distinct clinical symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment of HE are crucial in reducing the risk of complications and mortality. The review provides insights into the pathophysiology and outcomes of HE, adding to the scarce literature on the subject. Prospero registration number: CRD42022325759.

August 3, 2023

Impacts and mechanisms of PM_2.5 on bone

Yuqing Tian, Yunpeng Hu, Xiaoli Hou, Faming Tian

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease, which is characterized by a decreased bone mass and deterioration of bone microstructure, resulting in increased bone fragility and a higher risk of fracture. The main pathological process of osteoporosis is the dynamic imbalance between bone absorption and bone formation, which can be caused by various factors such as air pollution. Particulate matter (PM) 2.5 refers to the fine particles in the atmosphere, which are small in volume and large in specific surface area. These particles are prone to carrying toxic substances and have negative effects on several extrapulmonary organs, including bones. In this review, we present relevant data from studies, which show that PM 2.5 is associated with abnormal bone turnover and osteoporosis. PM 2.5 may cause or aggravate bone loss by stimulating an inflammatory response, inducing oxidative damage, reducing estrogen efficiency by competitive binding to estrogen receptors, or endocrine disorder mediated by binding with aromatic hydrocarbon receptors, and affecting the synthesis of vitamin D to reduce calcium absorption. The cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in these processes are also summarized in this review.

August 3, 2023

Association of the ACE2-Angiotensin1-7–Mas axis with lung damage caused by cigarette smoke exposure: a systematic review

Maryam Maleki, Alireza Aliboroni, Amin Kheiri, Mohammad Reza Kaffashian, Maryam Kheiry

Abstract

Through the Mas receptor, angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] has been shown to have a key role in the development of lung inflammation. This systematic review (SR) sought to identify the relationship between lung damage brought on by exposure to cigarette smoke (CS) and the ACE2-Ang-(1-7)–Mas pathway. In this investigation, relevant keywords were used to search PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus (Elsevier), and Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) Web of Science up to December 2022. Nine studies were chosen because they satisfied the inclusion/exclusion criteria. The majority of research concluded that exposure to CS increased the risk of lung damage. Smoking cigarettes is the main cause of COPD because it causes massive amounts of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species to enter the lungs, which stimulate the production of inflammatory cytokines like IL-1 β, IL-6, and TNF-α, as well as the invasion of inflammatory cells like neutrophils and macrophages. These findings support the renin-angiotensin system’s (RAS) involvement in the pathophysiology of smoking-induced damage. Additionally, via stimulating pro-inflammatory mediators, aberrant RAS activity has been linked to lung damage. Lung inflammation’s etiology has been shown to be significantly influenced by the protective known RAS arm ACE2-Ang-(1-7)–Mas. In conclusion, these are important for informing policymakers to pass legislation limiting the use of smoking and other tobacco to prevent their harmful effects.

August 3, 2023

Ancient medicine and famous iranian physicians

Mehdi Shafiei_Bafti, Farzane Safa

August 2, 2023

Para-occupational exposure to chemical substances: a systematic review

Soleiman Ramezanifar, Afsane Azimian, Elahe khadiv, Seyed Husein Naziri, Noradin Gharari, Mehdi Fazlzadeh

Abstract

Today, many health problems related to work have overshadowed workers and their families. In the meantime, chemicals are among the risk factors that have created many problems due to para-occupational exposure. In para-occupational exposures, family members are exposed to work pollutants transferred to the home environment. This study was conducted to investigate para-occupational exposure to chemicals. To conduct this systematic review, databases such as “Web of Science”, “Google Scholar”, “Scopus”, and “SID” were used. Relevant articles in these databases were extracted by searching keywords such as “take-home exposure”, “para-occupational exposure”, and “chemicals” from 2000 to 2022. To extract the required data, all parts of the articles were reviewed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020). Among the 44 identified articles, 23 were selected as final articles, of which 10 were related to agriculture workers and their families, and 13 were related to other occupations. These studies mainly investigated para-occupational exposure to pesticides (14 studies) and metals (four studies). Also, contaminated work clothes, the washing place of contaminated clothes, and storage of working clothes, equipment, and chemicals were proposed as the main routes of contamination transmission. As a result of these para-occupational exposures, problems like neuro-behavioral disorders in children, end-stage renal disease, black gingival borders, and autism spectrum disorder were created or aggravated. Limiting the transmission routes and taking measures such as training and providing facilities like devoting places for washing and storing clothes in the workplaces can decrease this type of exposure.

July 12, 2023

Polychlorinated biphenyls and thyroid function: a scoping review

Pouria Mohammadparast-Tabas, Morteza Arab-Zozani, Kobra Naseri, Majid Darroudi, Hamed Aramjoo, Hanie Ahmadian, Mostafa Ashrafipour, Tahereh Farkhondeh, Saeed Samarghandian

Abstract

Objective Numerous evidence indicates the association between polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), an endocrine disrupter, with thyroid hormone disruption, contradictory findings also exist. Herein, we tried to address this question by performing a scoping review. Content The search was performed on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases from 2010 onwards. Animal studies on PCBs’ effect on thyroid function were searched. The SYRCLE’s RoB scale assessed the risk of bias. I2 and Q tests are used for investigating heterogeneity. A random-effects model with the pooled standard means difference (SMD) and 95 % confidence interval (CI) was performed for the TSH, TT4, TT3, and FT4 outcomes using Comprehensive Meta-Analyses (CMA) Software version 3. Also, we conducted subgroup analyses based on the different types of PCB. The initial search identified 1,279 publications from the main databases 26 of them fulfilled our eligibility criteria for the study, and then five studies among selected studies had sufficient data for analysis. Meta-analysis of data revealed that Aroclor 1260 (SDM: −0.47, 95 % CI: −0.92, −0.01, p=0.044) and PCB 126 (SDM: 0.17, 95 % CI: −0.40, 0.75, p=0.559) significantly increased TSH concentration in the exposed groups vs. the control groups. Related to the effects of PCBs on the TT4, our findings indicated a significant reduction the TT4 concentration of animals exposed to Aroclor 1260 (SDM: −5.62, 95 % CI: −8.30, −2.94, p=0.0001), PCB 118 (SDM: −6.24, 95 % CI: −7.76, −4.72, p=0.0001), PCB 126 (SDM: −1.81, 95 % CI: −2.90, −0.71, p=0.001), and PCB 153 (SDM: −1.32, 95 % CI: −2.29, −0.35, p=0.007) vs. the controls. Our meta-analysis indicated a significant increase in TT3 concentration following exposure to PCB 118 and PCB 153 (SDM: −0.89, 95 % CI: −1.36, −0.42, p=0.0001, and SDM: −1.45, 95 % CI: −2.15, −0.75, p=0.0001, respectively). Aroclor 1254 and PCB 126 significantly decreased TT3 concentration (SDM: 1.25, 95 % CI: 0.29, 2.21, p=0.01 and SDM: 3.33, 95 % CI: 2.49, 4.18, p=0.0001, respectively). PCB 126 significantly decreased FT4 in the exposed groups vs. the control groups (SDM: −7.80, 95 % CI: −11.51, −5.35, p=0.0001). Summary Our findings showed an association between PCBs exposure and hypothyroidism in rodents, fish, and chicken embryos. Outlook Regarding to the most evidence of hypothyroidism effects of PCBs in animal species, it is necessary to consider large cohort studies to address the association between PCBs exposure and thyroid function impairment in humans.

June 6, 2023

Residues of carcinogenic pesticides in food: a systematic review

Parisa Sadighara, Trias Mahmudiono, Nilufar Marufi, Najmeh Yazdanfar, Yadolah Fakhri, Ali Khalili Rikabadi, Amin Mousavi Khaneghah

Abstract

Most agricultural products are exposed to pesticides. Organochlorine (OCPs) insecticides have been banned for years due to their persistence in the environment and lipophilic properties. On the other hand, some carcinogenic organophosphates are used in high amounts. Therefore, this systematic review was performed with the keywords; pesticide, carcinogenic, carcinogen, residue, contamination, pollution, and food to determine the type of food and pesticide. 663 manuscripts were found by searching in databases. After initial screening and quality assessment of full text, 26 manuscripts were selected. In this study, by reviewing selected manuscripts, about 13 pesticides were associated with carcinogenic effects. These pesticides were Chlorothalonil, Glyphosate, Tetrachlorvinphos, Parathion, Malathion, Diazinon, heptachlor, Hexachlorobenzene, aldrin, dieldrin, DDT, chlordane, Lindane. Most of these pesticides were organochlorine. The organochlorine pesticides are primarily detected in foods of animal origin. In some studies, the amount of carcinogenic organochlorine was higher than the permissible levels. From the carcinogenic herbicide, Glyphosate. An important finding of this systematic review is that carcinogenic organochlorines are still a threat to cancer incidence.

June 1, 2023

The concentration of Lithium in water resources: A systematic review, meta-analysis and health risk assessment

Trias Mahmudiono, Yadolah Fakhri, Hasti Daraei, Fereshteh Mehri, Mahtab Einolghozati, Sara Mohamadi, Amin Mousavi Khaneghah

Abstract

The presence of trace elements such as lithium (Li) in water resources in the long term can endanger consumers’ health. Several studies have been conducted on Li concentration in water sources; hence, this study attempted to retrieve studies using a systematic search. The search was conducted in Web of Sciences, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus databases from 1 January 2010 to 15 January 2023. Li concentration was meta-analyzed based on the type of water resources and countries subgroups in the random effects model (REM) statistical analysis. In addition, health risk assessment in different age groups was calculated using the target hazard quotient (THQ). This study included 76 papers with 157 data reports in our meta-analysis. The overall pooled concentration of Li was 5.374 (95 % CI: 5.261–5.487 μg/L). The pooled concentration of Li in groundwater (40.407 μg/L) was 14.53 times surface water (2.785 μg/L). The highest water Li content was attributed to Mexico (2,209.05 μg/L), Bolivia (1,444.05 μg/L), Iraq (1,350 μg/L), and Argentina (516.39 μg/L). At the same time, the lowest water Li content was associated with Morocco (1.20 μg/L), Spain (0.46 μg/L), and India (0.13 μg/L). THQ due to Li in water resources in consumers of Iraq, Mexico, South Africa, Afghanistan, Bolivia, Portugal, Malawi, South Korea, Nepal, South Korea, Argentina, and the USA was higher than 1 value. Therefore, continuous monitoring of Li concentration in water sources and reducing Li concentration, especially in groundwater water, using new water treatment processes in these countries are recommended.

May 18, 2023

Effects of man-made electromagnetic fields on heart rate variability parameters of general public: a systematic review and meta-analysis of experimental studies

Mahsa Mansourian, Hamidreza Marateb, Rasool Nouri, Marjan Mansourian

Abstract

Objectives The effects of man-made electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on the cardiovascular system have been investigated in many studies. In this regard, the cardiac autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity due to EMFs exposure, assessed by heart rate variability (HRV), was targeted in some studies. The studies investigating the relationship between EMFs and HRV have yielded conflicting results. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the data’s consistency and identify the association between EMFs and HRV measures. Content Published literature from four electronic databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane, were retrieved and screened. Initially, 1601 articles were retrieved. After the screening, 15 original studies were eligible to be included in the meta-analysis. The studies evaluated the association between EMFs and SDNN (standard deviation of NN intervals), SDANN (Standard deviation of the average NN intervals for each 5 min segment of a 24 h HRV recording), and PNN50 (percentage of successive RR intervals that differ by more than 50 ms). Summary There was a decrease in SDNN (ES=−0.227 [−0.389, −0.065], p=0.006), SDANN (ES=−0.526 [−1.001, −0.05], p=0.03) and PNN50 (ES=−0.287 [−0.549, −0.024]). However, there was no significant difference in LF (ES=0.061 (−0.267, 0.39), p=0.714) and HF (ES=−0.134 (0.581, 0.312), p=0.556). In addition, a significant difference was not observed in LF/HF (ES=0.079 (−0.191, 0.348), p=0.566). Outlook Our meta-analysis suggests that exposure to the environmental artificial EMFs could significantly correlate with SDNN, SDANN, and PNN50 indices. Therefore, lifestyle modification is essential in using the devices that emit EMs, such as cell phones, to decrease some signs and symptoms due to EMFs’ effect on HRV.

May 15, 2023

The nexus between economic growth, health expenditure, environmental quality: a comparative study for E7 countries

Tuncer Govdeli

Abstract

The motivation of this study is to analyze the relationship between economic growth, health expenditures, environmental pollution, gross fixed capital formation and labor force by using annual data of E7 countries for the period 2000 to 2018. The co-integration coefficient of the variables was analyzed using the PMG technique, and the causality relationship between the variables was analyzed using the Emirmahmutoglu F, Kose N. Testing for granger causality in heterogeneous mixed panels. Econ Modell 2011;28:870–6 technique. In the empirical findings, the elasticity coefficient of health expenditures, environmental pollution, gross fixed capital formation and labor force variables is positive and significant. On the other hand, in the results of the causality relationship, it was concluded that economic growth and health expenditures are causal. It is concluded that economic growth is causal to CO 2 emissions. In addition, CO 2 emissions are the cause of health expenditures. As a result of the empirical findings obtained, the implementation of policies that will reduce environmental pollution in the perspective of sustainable growth will also affect health expenditures.

May 11, 2023

Screen time and childhood attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a meta-analysis

Hezuo Liu, Xiaorong Chen, Minhui Huang, Xiaomin Yu, Ye Gan, Ji Wang, Qiujin Chen, Zhipeng Nie, Haijing Ge

Abstract

Objectives The association between screen time and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been controversial. This study sheds light on the contentious correlation between screen time and ADHD. Content Until August 2022, electronic searches of the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were carried out. The combined effect value odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI) were calculated for the meta-analysis using Stata 12.0. There were 81,234 children in the nine studies that made up this meta-analysis which included 28,997 children with ADHD and 52,237 healthy controls. When compared with the screen time <2  h/d, the OR (95 % CI) value of screen time and ADHD in the screen time ≥2 h/d group was 1.51 (1.20–1.90). Summary and outlook Based on the current meta-analysis results, our study found a positive correlation between screen time and the risk of ADHD. Excessive screen exposure may significantly contribute to the development of ADHD in children. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce screen time per day in children to prevent the occurrence of ADHD.

May 11, 2023

The association between polycystic ovary syndrome and environmental pollutants based on animal and human study; a systematic review

Kiandokht Ghanati, Mahdi Jahanbakhsh, Attaollah Shakoori, Saeed Aghebat-Bekheir, Ali Khalili-Rikabadi, Parisa Sadighara

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders. This abnormality is identified with hyperandrogenism, polycystic ovary and ovulation disorder. Environmental factors are one of the etiologies of this disease. In this systematic review, a search was performed with the keywords of polycystic ovary syndrome, PCOS, pesticides, organochlorine, heavy metals, PCBs, PAHs, bisphenol A, BPA, phthalates, mycotoxin, Tributyltin, TBT, environmental contaminants, regardless of publication time. 567 studies were obtained and after assessing 26 articles were finally selected. 61 % of the studies were attributed to bisphenol A. The positive correlation was seen between bisphenol A, tributyltin, air pollutants and organic contaminates with this disease. The association between this syndrome and bisphenol A in adolescents was also confirmed. Zinc has led to a reduction in the incidence of disease in almost all research literature. This issue can be considered in the prevention of the disease.

May 8, 2023

A scoping review of waterborne and water-related disease in the Florida environment from 1999 to 2022

McKinley Chapman, Amber N. Barnes

Abstract

Florida’s environments are suitable reservoirs for many disease-causing agents. Pathogens and toxins in Florida waterways have the potential to infect mosquito vectors, animals, and human hosts. Through a scoping review of the scientific literature published between 1999 and 2022, we examined the presence of water-related pathogens, toxins, and toxin-producers in the Florida environment and the potential risk factors for human exposure. Nineteen databases were searched using keywords relating to the waterborne, water-based toxins, and water-related vector-borne diseases which are reportable to the Florida Department of Health. Of the 10,439 results, 84 titles were included in the final qualitative analysis. The resulting titles included environmental samples of water, mosquitoes, algae, sand, soil/sediment, air, food, biofilm, and other media. Many of the waterborne, water-related vector-borne, and water-based toxins and toxin-producers of public health and veterinary importance from our search were found to be present in Florida environments. Interactions with Florida waterways can expose humans and animals to disease and toxins due to nearby human and/or animal activity, proximal animal or human waste, failing or inadequate water and/or sanitation, weather patterns, environmental events, and seasonality, contaminated food items, preference of agent for environmental media, high-risk populations, urban development and population movement, and unregulated and unsafe environmental activities. A One Health approach will be imperative to maintaining healthy waterways and shared environments throughout the state to protect the health of humans, animals, and our ecosystems.

May 4, 2023

A systematic review on the association between exposure to air particulate matter during pregnancy and the development of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus

Daniela Alvarado-Jiménez, Gabriele Donzelli, María Morales-Suárez-Varela

Abstract

Particulate matter (PM) is considered an intrauterine toxin that can cross the blood-placental barrier and circulate in fetal blood, affecting fetal development, and implicating placental and intrauterine inflammation, and oxidative damage. However, the relationship between PM exposure and adverse pregnancy outcomes is still unclear and our aim was to systematically review toxicological evidence on the link between PM exposure during pregnancy and the development of gestational diabetes mellitus or hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia. PubMed and Science Direct were searched until January 2022. Of the 204 studies identified, 168 were excluded. The remaining articles were assessed in full-text, and after evaluation, 27 were included in the review. Most of the studies showed an association between PM exposure and gestational hypertension, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pre-eclampsia, and gestational diabetes mellitus. These results should be interpreted with caution due to the heterogeneity of baseline concentrations, which ranged from 3.3 μg/m 3 to 85.9 μg/m 3 and from 21.8 μg/m 3 to 92.2 μg/m 3 , respectively for PM2.5 and PM10. Moreover, critical exposure periods were not consistent among studies, with five out of ten observational studies reporting the second trimester as the critical period for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and ten out of twelve observational studies reporting the first or second trimester as the critical period for gestational diabetes mellitus. Overall, the findings support an association between PM exposure during pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes, highlighting the need for further research to identify the critical exposure periods and underlying mechanisms.

May 1, 2023

Potentially toxic elements in the environment – a review of sources, sinks, pathways and mitigation measures

Rolf Nieder, Dinesh K. Benbi

Abstract

Pollution of ecosystems with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) has become a global problem with serious consequences for public health. The PTEs are hazardous to humans owing to their longevity, toxicity, and ability to accumulate in the biotic environment. As most PTEs cannot be degraded microbially or chemically, they can persist in soils for a long time. Besides posing a threat to landsphere, they may be transported to surrounding environmental spheres through movement of water, atmospheric circulation, and biological transmission. This can severely affect the ecological equilibrium. Accumulation of PTEs in soils pose serious health hazards to higher organisms leading to various diseases and disorders and significant relationships exist between the occurrence of PTEs and the toxic effects in humans. In natural soils, PTEs accumulate due to weathering of rocks and ores. Furthermore, locally or regionally significant accumulation of PTEs in soils may occur from industrial goods, pesticides and paints, municipal and industrial waste, fertilizer application, mining activities and atmospheric deposition. In response to the growing need to address PTE contamination, remediation methods have been developed employing mechanical, physico-chemical or biological based technologies. In this review, we discuss sources, sinks, pathways and mitigation measures related to natural and anthropogenic PTEs. We focus on As, Cd, Cr, Hg and Pb which are highly toxic and perform no physiological functions in biota. Further, these are the most widely studied PTEs.

May 1, 2023

Assessment of medical waste generation rate in Viet Nam

Thai Ha Le, Phuong Hien Do, Phuong Hang Nguyen, Vu Khanh Huyen Do, Thi Ha Nguyen

Abstract

This study was conducted to estimate medical wastes generation rates in Viet Nam. Within 3 years (from 2017 to 2019), total medical wastes generated daily of 1,737 health-care facilities at different levels from 19/63 provinces in Viet Nam were surveyed. The calculation was based on the median daily generation (in kg) of 6 medical waste groups and total actual patient beds in 9 health-care facility categories. Six medical waste groups were sharps, non-sharps, high-risk infectious, pathological, non-infectious hazardous, recyclable and non-recyclable wastes. Surveyed health-care facilities were categorized in central general hospitals, central specialist hospitals, provincial general hospitals, provincial specialist hospitals, district health centers, regional clinics, commune health stations, private hospitals and private clinics. The results showed that waste generation rates varied from 0.0009 to 1.619 kg/bed/day depends on type of medical wastes or health-care facilities. For no-patient-bed facilities (commune health stations and private clinics), medical waste generation rates of these two were calculated in kg/day and varied from 0.1 to 1.75 kg/day.

April 19, 2023

Relationship between exposure to heavy metals on the increased health risk and carcinogenicity of urinary tract (kidney and bladder)

Eman M. Khalaf, Masoume Taherian, Sami G. Almalki, Parisa Asban, A. K. Kareem, Firas Rahi Alhachami, Abbas F. Almulla, Rosario Mireya Romero-Parra, Zanko Hassan Jawhar, Fatemeh Kiani, Iman Noroozi Manesh, Mohammad Javad Mohammadi

Abstract

In today’s society, with the continuous development of manufacturing industries and factories related to chemicals, the amount of heavy metals in the inhaled air of humans, water and even food consumption has increased dramatically. The aim of this study was investigation of relationship between exposure to heavy metals on the increased carcinogenicity risk of kidney and bladder. Databases used to for searched were the Springer, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Science Direct (Scopus) and PubMed. At the end after sieve we selected 20 papers. Identify all relevant studies published 2000–2021. The results of this study showed that exposure to heavy metals due to the bio accumulative properties of these metals can cause kidney and bladder abnormalities and provide the basis through various mechanisms for malignant tumors in these organs. Based on result this study, since a limited number of heavy metals including copper, iron, zinc and nickel in very small amounts as micronutrients play a very important role in the function of enzymes and the body cells biological reactions, but exposure to some of them like arsenic, lead, vanadium and mercury will cause irreversible effects on people’s health and cause various diseases including cancers of the liver, pancreas, prostate, breast, kidney and bladder. The kidneys, ureter and bladder are the most important organs in the urinary tract on human. According to the result of this study, the duty of this urinary system is to remove toxins, chemicals and heavy metals from the blood, balance electrolytes, excrete excess fluid, produce urine and transfer it to the bladder. This mechanism causes the kidneys and bladder to be highly associated with these toxins and heavy metals, which can lead to various diseases in these two important organs. According to the finding the reducing exposure to heavy metals in various ways can prevent many diseases related to this system and reduce the incidence of kidney and bladder cancers.

April 13, 2023

Benzo (a) pyrene in infant foods: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and health risk assessment

Parisa Sadighara, Amir Hossein Abedini, Amir Hossein Mahvi, Ali Esrafili, Ali Akbar Mohammadi, Arian Tarahomi, Mahmood Yousefi

Abstract

Exposure of infants to chemicals during their development will have major effects on their health. One of the major exposures of infants to chemicals is through their food. The main structure of infant food is milk, which is high in fat. There is a possibility of accumulation of environmental pollution, including benzo ( a ) pyrene (BaP). In this systematic review, the amount of BaP in infant milk was surveyed for this purpose. The chosen keywords were: benzo ( a ) pyrene, BaP, Infant formula, dried milk, powdered milk, and baby food. A total of 46 manuscripts were found in the scientific database. After initial screening and quality assessment, 12 articles were selected for extraction of data. By meta-analysis, the total estimate of BaP in baby food was calculated to be 0.078 ± 0.006 μg/kg. Estimation of daily intake (EDI) and Hazard Quotient (HQ) for noncarcinogenic risk and Margin of exposure (MOE) for carcinogenic risk were also calculated for three age groups 0–6 months, 6–12 months, and 1–3 years. HQ was lower than 1 and MOE was more than 10,000 for three age groups. Therefore, there is no potential carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk for infant health.

Open Access April 7, 2023

Cellular and molecular effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields

Henry Lai, B. Blake Levitt

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Abstract

The way that living cells respond to non-ionizing electromagnetic fields (EMF), including static/extremely-low frequency and radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, fits the pattern of ‘cellular stress response’ – a mechanism manifest at the cellular level intended to preserve the entire organism. It is a set pattern of cellular and molecular responses to environmental stressors, such as heat, ionizing radiation, oxidation, etc. It is triggered by cellular macromolecular damage (in proteins, lipids, and DNA) with the goal of repairing and returning cell functions to homeostasis. The pattern is independent of the type of stressor encountered. It involves cell cycle arrest, induction of specific molecular mechanisms for repair, damage removal, cell proliferation, and cell death if damage is too great. This response could be triggered by EMF-induced alternation in oxidative processes in cells. The concept that biological response to EMF is a ‘cellular stress response’ explains many observed effects of EMF, such as nonlinear dose- and time-dependency, increased and decreased risks of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, enhanced nerve regeneration, and bone healing. These responses could be either detrimental or beneficial to health, depending on the duration and intensity of the exposure, as well as specific aspects of the living organism being exposed. A corollary to electromagnetic hypersensitivity syndrome (EHS) could be an inappropriate response of the hippocampus/limbic system to EMF, involving glucocorticoids on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

March 28, 2023

Status and frontier analysis of indoor PM_2.5-related health effects: a bibliometric analysis

Xinying Zhao, Hailin Xu, Yan Li, Yufan Liu, Caixia Guo, Yanbo Li

Abstract

Epidemiological data indicate atmospheric particulate matter, especially fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ), has many negative effects on human health. Of note, people spend about 90% of their time indoors. More importantly, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) statistics, indoor air pollution causes nearly 1.6 million deaths each year, and it is considered as one of the major health risk factors. In order to obtain a deeper understanding of the harmful effects of indoor PM 2.5 on human health, we used bibliometric software to summarize articles in this field. In conclusion, since 2000, the annual publication volume has increased year by year. America topped the list for the number of articles, and Professor Petros Koutrakis and Harvard University were the author and institution with the most published in this research area, respectively. Over the past decade, scholars gradually paid attention to molecular mechanisms, therefore, the toxicity can be better explored. Particularly, apart from timely intervention and treatment for adverse consequences, it is necessary to effectively reduce indoor PM 2.5 through technologies. In addition, the trend and keywords analysis are favorable ways to find out future research hotspots. Hopefully, various countries and regions strengthen academic cooperation and integration of multi-disciplinary.

March 22, 2023

Relationship between parental exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields and primarily hematopoietic neoplasms (lymphoma, leukemia) and tumors in the central nervous system in children: a systematic review

María Morales-Suárez-Varela, Agustin Llopis-Morales, Chiara Doccioli, Gabriele Donzelli

Abstract

Low-frequency electromagnetic fields have grown exponentially in recent years due to technological development and modernization. The World Health Organization (WHO)/International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B), and recent studies have investigated the association between exposure to electromagnetic fields in parents and possible health effects in children, especially the development of tumours of the central nervous system (CNS). The objective of this systematic review was to collate all evidence on the relationship between parental occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields and the development of CNS cancer in children and to evaluate this association. This review was prepared according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched from January 1990 to April 2021. The search was conducted using the following search string: “occupational” AND “child” AND “electromagnetic” AND “cancer”. Seventeen articles met our inclusion criteria: 13 case-control studies, two cohort studies, and 2 meta-analyses. Most of the studies showed several methodological weaknesses that limited their results. Due to a lack of consistency regarding the outcome as well as the heterogeneity in the reviewed studies, the body of evidence for the effects of parental exposure to electromagnetic fields is not clear. Methodological heterogeneity in the way that studies were conducted could be responsible for the lack of consistency in the findings. Overall, the body of evidence allows no conclusion on the relationship between parental exposure to electromagnetic fields and the occurrence of CNS tumours in children.

March 20, 2023

Blood and hair copper levels in childhood autism spectrum disorder: a meta-analysis based on case-control studies

Hezuo Liu, Minhui Huang, Xiaomin Yu

Abstract

Objectives The association between copper levels and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been a controversial topic. This study investigated relationship between copper levels and ASD. Content The following databases are searched until April 2022: PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science. Combined effect size standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated with Stata 12.0. In this meta-analysis, 29 case-control studies were included, which included 2,504 children with ASD and 2,419 healthy controls. The copper levels in hair (SMD: −1.16, 95% CI: −1.73 to −0.58) was significantly lower in ASD children than healthy controls. The copper levels in blood (SMD: 0.10, 95% CI: −0.12 to 0.32) not significantly compare ASD with controls. Summary and outlook Copper may be associated with the development of ASD in children.

March 20, 2023

Health effects of air pollutant mixtures (volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, sulfur and nitrogen oxides) – a review of the literature

Emese Fazakas, Iulia A. Neamtiu, Eugen S. Gurzau

Abstract

The health risks associated with individual air pollutant exposures have been studied and documented, but in real-life, the population is exposed to a multitude of different substances, designated as mixtures. A body of literature on air pollutants indicated that the next step in air pollution research is investigating pollutant mixtures and their potential impacts on health, as a risk assessment of individual air pollutants may actually underestimate the overall risks. This review aims to synthesize the health effects related to air pollutant mixtures containing selected pollutants such as: volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, sulfur and nitrogen oxides. For this review, the PubMed database was used to search for articles published within the last decade, and we included studies assessing the associations between air pollutant mixtures and health effects. The literature search was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A number of 110 studies were included in the review from which data on pollutant mixtures, health effects, methods used, and primary results were extracted. Our review emphasized that there are a relatively small number of studies addressing the health effects of air pollutants as mixtures and there is a gap in knowledge regarding the health effects associated with these mixtures. Studying the health effects of air pollutant mixtures is challenging due to the complexity of components that mixtures may contain, and the possible interactions these different components may have.

March 14, 2023

Associated health risk assessment due to exposure to BTEX compounds in fuel station workers

Iskandar Muda, Mohammad Javad Mohammadi, Arefeh Sepahvad, Ali Farhadi, Rasha Fadhel Obaid, Masoume Taherian, Najeh Alali, Shakhawat Chowdhury, Majid Farhadi

Abstract

Objectives The purpose of this review study was to assess the risk of exposure to BTEX compounds in gas station workers and operators. Content The main components of BTEX compounds are Benzene, Toluene, Ethyl benzene and Xylene. Petroleum, coal large quantities in crude oil and its products are the most important sources of BTEX compounds. These compounds have both high solubility (found in surface and underground waters) and evaporate quickly. Gas stations are one of the most important sources of emission of these compounds in communities. Workers who work in these places have a lot of exposure to these compounds. Exposure to these dangerous compounds can cause many problems for workers. This study was a narrative review article. According to different databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Springer, Cochran and Science Direct, 451 articles were retrieved. 55 full-text articles entered into the analysis process. Finally, 32 articles were selected in this study. The search was restricted to English-language papers published between 1 February 1995 and 13 August 2022. The results of our study showed that the carcinogenic risk (ILCR) for gas station workers in Bangkok (1.82 ∗ 10 −4 − 2.50 ∗ 10 −4 ), Shiraz (6.49∗10 −7 − 1.27 ∗ 10 −5 ), Brazil (1.82 ∗ 10 −4 ), Ardabil (390∗10 −6 ± 1884 ∗ 10 −6 ) and Johannesburg (3.78 ∗ 10 −4 ) was high. The non-cancer risk for oil industry workers of Dilijan (Iran) who were exposed to toluene was also reported in the range of 10−6∗176. The health of gas station workers is affected by exposure to BTEX and gasoline vapor emissions. According to the result this study, BTEX compounds cause genotoxic changes, chromosomal and genetic abnormalities. Summary and Outlook Genotoxicity at high levels in gas station workers can cause cancerous and non-cancerous risks. Improving the production process of diesel fuel and gasoline in refineries, using periodical examinations of workers and operators at gas and fuel stations, using Euro 4 and 5 fuels, and replacing worn out cars can play an important role in reducing the emission of BTEX compounds and thus reducing health risks and carcinogenic.

February 22, 2023

Associations between fine particulate matter and colorectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Pengfei Fu, Ruijin Li, Stephen Cho Wing Sze, Ken Kin Lam Yung

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second deadliest cancer worldwide. The impact of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) on many diseases is a global concern, yet its association with CRC is unclear. This study aimed to assess the effect of PM 2.5 exposure on CRC. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases for population-based articles published before September 2022, providing risk estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Among 85,743 articles, we identified 10 eligible studies across multiple countries and regions in North America and Asia. We calculated the overall risk, incidence and mortality and performed subgroup analyses according to countries and regions. The results revealed an association between PM 2.5 and increased risk of CRC (total risk, 1.19 [95% CI 1.12–1.28]; incidence, OR=1.18 [95% CI 1.09–1.28]; mortality, OR=1.21 [95% CI 1.09–1.35]). The elevated risks of CRC associated with PM 2.5 were different across countries and regions, at 1.34 [95% CI 1.20–1.49], 1.00 [95% CI 1.00–1.00], 1.08 [95% CI 1.06–1.10], 1.18 [95% CI 1.07–1.29], 1.01 [95% CI 0.79–1.30], in the United States, China, Taiwan, Thailand, and Hong Kong, respectively. Incidence and mortality risks were higher in North America than those in Asia. In particular, the incidence and mortality were highest in the United States (1.61 [95% CI 1.38–1.89] and 1.29 [95% CI 1.17–1.42], respectively) than those in other countries. This study is the first comprehensive meta-analysis to find a strong association between PM 2.5 exposure and increased CRC risk.

February 22, 2023

Monkeypox and drug repurposing: seven potential antivirals to combat the viral disease

Ryan Varghese, Pal Patel, Dileep Kumar, Rohit Sharma

Abstract

The growing concern about the monkeypox (Mpox) virus infection has garnered a lot of public attention. However, the treatment options available to combat the same is limited to tecovirimat. Additionally, in a possible incidence of resistance, hypersensitivity, or adverse drug reaction, it is imperative to devise and reinforce the second-line therapy. Thus, in this editorial, the authors suggest seven antiviral drugs that could potentially be repurposed to combat the viral illness.

February 21, 2023

Hospital wastewater treatment methods and its impact on human health and environments

Andrés Alexis Ramírez-Coronel, Mohammad Javad Mohammadi, Hasan Sh. Majdi, Rahman S. Zabibah, Masoume Taherian, Diki Bima Prasetio, Gamal A. Gabr, Parisa Asban, Amin Kiani, Sahar Sarkohaki

Abstract

The scientific development and economic advances have led to the identification of many pathogenic agents in hospital effluents. Hospital wastewaters are qualitatively similar to municipal wastewaters, with the difference that these wastewaters contain toxic and infectious substances and compounds that can be dangerous for the health of the environment, employees of these centers, and the entire community. Therefore, in the last few years, it has been emphasized that all hospitals and medical and health centers should have a treatment facility for their produced wastewater so that the health of the society and people is not threatened. An issue that is not paid attention to has become one of the environmental problems and concerns of the world today. The present study focused on the investigate hospital wastewater treatment methods and its impact on human health and the environment. In this narrative study, the first literature search was performed with four hundred and twenty-three articles were retrieved based on PubMed, Elsevier, Web of science, Spring, and Google Scholar databases. The results of this study showed that wastewater from hospitals and medical centers can play a significant impress in polluting soil and aquatic environments and spreading infectious diseases. According to the mentioned contents, collection and treatment of hospital wastewater is essential. In addition, if hospital wastewater enters the wastewater collection network without knowing its characteristics or with incomplete treatment and finally enters the municipal wastewater treatment plant. It causes many problems, including disturbing the balance of the biological system of the treatment plant. Purification and disposal of hospital wastewater is considered a vital action based on environmental standards. The results of this study also showed that the treatment methods of this type of hospital wastewater can play a significant role in reducing the spread of diseases caused by hospital wastewater treatment, including infectious diseases. The results of this study can be very useful for politicians, the managers of the Ministry of Energy and Health and the Environmental Organization in choosing the appropriate methods and process to reduce hospital wastewater and increase the efficiency of hospital wastewater treatment plants.

Open Access February 9, 2023

E-waste in Vietnam: a narrative review of environmental contaminants and potential health risks

Kritika Poudel, Rahel Mesfin Ketema, Hien Thi Thu Ngo, Atsuko Ikeda, Machiko Minatoya

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Abstract

Informal electronic waste (e-waste) dismantling activities contribute to releasing hazardous compounds in the environment and potential exposure to humans and their health. These hazardous compounds include persistent organic pollutants (POPs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals. This review searched papers addressing hazardous compounds emitted from e-waste recycling activities and their health effects in Vietnam. Based on the keywords searched in three electronic databases (PubMed, Psych Info, and Google scholar), we found 21 relevant studies in Vietnam. The review identifies extensive e-waste dismantling activities in Vietnam in the northern region. To measure the environmental exposure to hazardous compounds, samples such as e-waste recycling workshop dust, soil, air, and sediments were assessed, while human exposure levels were measured using participants’ hair, serum, or breast milk samples. Studies that compared levels of exposure in e-waste recycling sites and reference sites indicated higher levels of PBDEs, PCBs, and heavy metals were observed in both environmental and human samples from participants in e-waste recycling sites. Among environmental samples, hazardous chemicals were the most detected in dust from e-waste recycling sites. Considering both environmental and human samples, the highest exposure difference observed with PBDE ranged from 2-48-fold higher in e-waste processing sites than in the reference sites. PCBs showed nearly 3-fold higher levels in e-waste processing sites than in reference sites. In the e-waste processing sites, age-specific higher PCB levels were observed in older recycler’s serum samples. Among the heavy metals, Pb was highly detected in drinking water, indoor soil and human blood samples. While high detection of Ni in cooked rice, Mn in soil and diet, Zn in dust and As in urine were apparent. Exposure assessment from human biomonitoring showed participants, including children and mothers from the e-waste processing areas, had higher carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks than the reference sites. This review paper highlights the importance of further comprehensive studies on risk assessments of environmentally hazardous substances and their association with health outcomes at e-waste processing sites.

February 8, 2023

Knowledge mapping and research trends of the social determinants of health (SDoH): a scientometric analysis

Xiaoyi Luo, Shaobin Wang, Haixia Pu, Chunfeng Long, Zhoupeng Ren, Yingsi Lai

Abstract

Social determinants of health (SDoH) play an essential role in the risk of developing diseases or medical disorders. Conducting a comprehensive retrospective analysis is necessary to better understand the development status, research hotspots, and development trends of SDoH research. The bibliometric analysis method is applied based on CiteSpace and VOS viewer to quantitatively analyze and visually review the articles published in the field of SDoH from Web of Science core databases from 2000 to 2021. We quantitatively analyzed the author, institution, and other basic information to probe the development of SDoH and then visually investigated the high-frequency keywords, burst keywords, and keyword clusters to understand better the evolution of hotspots and development directions of SDoH during the study period. Health inequality is the main keyword of the SDoH field, and disease burden is expected to maintain a hotspot in recent years. Further, research methodologies could be improved to explain how upstream SDoH influences human lived experience. Additionally, the SDoH field needs to utilize the horizons of the multidisciplinary approach to consider and discuss sustainable development issues to offer implications for health improvement policy and interventions.

Open Access February 6, 2023

How does formal and informal industry contribute to lead exposure? A narrative review from Vietnam, Uruguay, and Malaysia

Kritika Poudel, Atsuko Ikeda, Hisanori Fukunaga, Marie-Noel Brune Drisse, Lesley Jayne Onyon, Julia Gorman, Amalia Laborde, Reiko Kishi

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Abstract

Introduction Lead industries are one of the major sources of environmental pollution and can affect human through different activities, including industrial processes, metal plating, mining, battery recycling, etc. Although different studies have documented the various sources of lead exposure, studies highlighting different types of industries as sources of environmental contamination are limited. Therefore, this narrative review aims to focus mainly on lead industries as significant sources of environmental and human contamination. Content Based on the keywords searched in bibliographic databases we found 44 relevant articles that provided information on lead present in soil, water, and blood or all components among participants living near high-risk areas. We presented three case scenarios to highlight how lead industries have affected the health of citizens in Vietnam, Uruguay, and Malaysia. Summary and Outlook Factories conducting mining, e-waste processing, used lead-acid battery recycling, electronic repair, and toxic waste sites were the primary industries for lead exposure. Our study has shown lead exposure due to industrial activities in Vietnam, Uruguay, Malaysia and calls for attention to the gaps in strategic and epidemiologic efforts to understand sources of environmental exposure to lead fully. Developing strategies and guidelines to regulate industrial activities, finding alternatives to reduce lead toxicity and exposure, and empowering the public through various community awareness programs can play a crucial role in controlling exposure to lead.

February 2, 2023

Environmental perspectives of monkeypox virus: correspondence

Amnuay Kleebayoon, Viroj Wiwanitkit

Open Access January 16, 2023

Mechanisms of cholera transmission via environment in India and Bangladesh: state of the science review

Debbie Shackleton, Fayyaz A. Memon, Gordon Nichols, Revati Phalkey, Albert S. Chen

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Abstract

Objectives Cholera has a long history in India and Bangladesh, the region where six out of the past seven global pandemics have been seeded. The changing climate and growing population have led to global cholera cases remaining high despite a consistent improvement in the access to clean water and sanitation. We aim to provide a holistic overview of variables influencing environmental cholera transmission within the context of India and Bangladesh, with a focus on the mechanisms by which they act. Content We identified 56 relevant texts (Bangladesh n = 40, India n = 7, Other n = 5). The results of the review found that cholera transmission is associated with several socio-economic and environmental factors, each associated variable is suggested to have at least one mediating mechanism. Increases in ambient temperature and coastal sea surface temperature support cholera transmission via increases in plankton and a preference of Vibrio cholerae for warmer waters. Increased rainfall can potentially support or reduce transmission via several mechanisms. Summary and outlook Common issues in the literature are co-variance of seasonal factors, limited access to high quality cholera data, high research bias towards research in Dhaka and Matlab (Bangladesh). A specific and detailed understanding of the relationship between SST and cholera incidence remains unclear.

January 2, 2023

A systematic review on environmental perspectives of monkeypox virus

Sara Hemati, Fazel Mohammadi-Moghadam

Abstract

Monkeypox (MPX) is one of the common infections between humans and animals that caused by a virus belonging to the Orthopoxvirus genus. The Monkeypox virus (MPXV) outbreak is a global crisis triggered by environmental factors (virus, wastewater, surface, air) and amplified by the decisions of government officials and communities. The aim of this systematic review is to describe the environmental perspectives of MPXV with emphasis on risk assessment to prevent and control a new pandemic. Five online databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct and Google Scholar were searched from 1990 to October 2022. Among 120 records, after the screening, four studies were included in the systematic review. The systematic review revealed that the possibility of MPXV transmission through wastewater, air, and the contaminated surfaces is a significant concern and its detection and destroying will play a major role in controlling the spread of the virus. Poxviruses have a high environmental stability, but are sensitive to all common chemical disinfectants. In conclusion, this study revealed that the environmental surveillance can be used as a complementary tool for detecting pathogens circulation in communities. This implies that the monitoring of environmental perspectives of MPXV can provide new awareness into virus transmission routes as well as the role of stakeholders and public health policies in MPXV risk management.

January 2, 2023

Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and adverse reproductive outcomes in women: current status and future perspectives

Ata Rafiee, Mohammad Hoseini, Sadaf Akbari, E. Melinda Mahabee-Gittens

Abstract

Objectives Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous, toxic environmental chemicals that can cause adverse reproductive health effects. The objectives of this mini-review are to highlight the adverse reproductive outcomes due to PAH exposure with the main focus on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and premature ovarian failure (POF) and to provide perspectives on future research needs. Content We reviewed studies that have reported the adverse reproductive outcomes associated with PAHs exposures in women through a comprehensive search of bibliographic databases and gray literature sources. In addition, potentially modifiable sources of exposure to PAHs and associated reproductive outcomes were also investigated. Summary A total of 232 papers were retrieved through a comprehensive search of bibliographic databases, out of which three studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Results showed that exposure to PAHs is associated with adverse reproductive outcomes defined as PCOS, POF, and reproductive hormone imbalance. Sources of PAH exposure associated with adverse reproductive outcomes include active and passive tobacco smoking, specific cooking methods, and pesticides. Outlook Future studies are warranted to examine the mechanisms by which PAHs result in adverse reproductive endpoints in women. Further, environmental exposures that are potentially modifiable such as exposure to tobacco smoke, may contribute to PAH exposure, and these exposures should be targeted in future policies and interventions.

December 29, 2022

Toxic effects due to exposure heavy metals and increased health risk assessment (leukemia)

Methaq hadi Lafta, Arghavan Afra, Indrajit Patra, Abduladheem Turki Jalil, Mohammad Javad Mohammadi, Aiman Mohammed Baqir Al-Dhalimy, Shukhrat Ziyadullaev, Fatemeh Kiani, Hafez Ajam Ekrami, Parisa Asban

Abstract

Heavy metals (HM) are among the elements that are rare in nature and threaten human health, animals, and the environment. Fix sources including (power plants, industries, homes) and mobile sources include (cars and motorcycles) are the main sources production and emission of HM. It is important to understand the main information about sources of emission, chemical processes (reactions, oxidation, and leaching), and how they precipitate. The aim of this study was to evaluation an increased risk of leukemia due to exposure to HM. In this article narrative, the first literature search was performed with 580 articles according to different databases: Elsevier, PubMed, Web of science, Spring, and Google Scholar databases. 70 articles were included in the analysis process. Finally, 8 full-text articles were selected in this research. The search was restricted to English-language papers published between 2000 and 2021. In final stage literature, there is a notable health effect (carcinogenic) because of exposure to heavy metals. According to the results of this research natural procedures and human activities (industrial processes, car exhaust, and cigarette smoke) are the most important of ways that heavy metals can enter the natural cycle. Air, food, soil, water, and groundwater are the main sources of heavy metals that can cause severe disorders in the human body. After entering the body through ingestion heavy metals produce stable bio-toxic compounds. These compounds by disrupting biological processes, interrupt the body’s functions and cause various cancers in the human body. The results of this study can help to politicians for make comprehensive decisions to solve the problem and increase public awareness of the use of protective equipment.

December 29, 2022

The impact of air pollution and climate change on eye health: a global review

Saif Aldeen Alryalat, Ahmad A. Toubasi, Jennifer L. Patnaik, Malik Y. Kahook

Abstract

Climate change has important implications on human health, affecting almost every system in the body. Multiple studies have raised the possibility of climate change impacting eye health. In this review, we aimed to summarize current literature on the impact of air pollution and climate change on eye health. We performed a search in four different databases, including Medline, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Sciences databases. The search strategy combined terms regarding eye health and environmental/climate changes. The outcome of interest included all eye conditions. The search yielded 2,051 unique articles. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 61 articles were included in this systematic review with data covering 2,620,030 participants. Most studies originated from China, India, South Korea, and USA. Climate change adversely affected different eye conditions, with ocular surface diseases (e.g., conjunctivitis and dry eye) being most affected. Moreover, higher particulate matter (PM) was the most widely assessed pollutant and was adversely associated with the majority of eye conditions, increasing the burden on patients and healthcare providers. We found a low frequency of publications related to the delivery of eye care and its impact on climate change in countries with high air pollution and climate change burden.

Open Access December 27, 2022

Health effects of alkaline, oxygenated, and demineralized water compared to mineral water among healthy population: a systematic review

Diana Sunardi, Dian Novita Chandra, Bernie Endyarni Medise, Nurul Ratna Mutu Manikam, Dewi Friska, Wiji Lestari, Putri Novia Choiri Insani

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Abstract

Objectives There are many water types available on the market. They are widely known in public with health claims. The questions are, are those claims are scientifically proven or those are just testimonies from the consumers or overclaimed by the producers. This study aims to systematically review evidences on the health effects of alkaline, oxygenated, and demineralized water in comparison with mineral water among healthy population. Contents Data were obtained from databases PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, EBSCO, dan Science Direct since January 2000 until July 2022. There were 10 eligible articles, consisted of two articles on alkaline, four articles on oxygenated, and four articles on demineralized water, that furtherly being analyzed. Summary Compared to consumption of mineral water, consumption of alkaline and oxygenated water did not show any significant difference on gut microbiota, urine pH, blood parameter, or fitness parameter. While, consumption of demineralized water in the long term resulted in lower quality of certain nutrient intake. Outlook Recent evidences do not prove any additional health effects of alkaline, oxygenated, or demineralized water compared to mineral water. In contrast, demineralized water consumption in the long run was proven to lead to adverse effect.

December 26, 2022

A review on arsenic pollution, toxicity, health risks, and management strategies using nanoremediation approaches

Meesala Krishna Murthy, Pratima Khandayataray, Chandra Sekhar Mohanty, Rojalin Pattanayak

Abstract

Objectives Over 50 countries are affected by arsenic contamination. The problem is becoming worse as the number of affected people increases and new sites are reported globally. Content Various human activities have increased arsenic pollution, notably in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. Contamination of our water and soil by arsenic poses a threat to our environment and natural resources. Arsenic poisoning harms several physiological systems and may cause cancer and death. Excessive exposure may cause toxic build-up in human and animal tissues. Arsenic-exposed people had different skin lesion shapes and were vulnerable to extra arsenic-induced illness risks. So far, research shows that varying susceptibility plays a role in arsenic-induced diseases. Several studies have revealed that arsenic is a toxin that reduces metabolic activities. Diverse remediation approaches are being developed to control arsenic in surrounding environments. Summary and Outlook A sustainable clean-up technique (nanoremediation) is required to restore natural equilibrium. More research is therefore required to better understand the biogeochemical processes involved in removing arsenic from soils and waters.

December 22, 2022

Effects of sulfur dioxide inhalation on human health: a review

Eman M. Khalaf, Mohammad Javad Mohammadi, Sulistiyani Sulistiyani, Andrés Alexis Ramírez-Coronel, Fatemeh Kiani, Abduladheem Turki Jalil, Abbas F. Almulla, Parisa Asban, Majid Farhadi, Mehrsa Derikondi

Abstract

Sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) is one of the most important gaseous air pollutants and the chemical index of sulfur oxides (SO x ). SO 2 is one of the six criteria pollutants in the air quality index (AQI). SO 2 can be emitted by natural and anthropogenic sources. Although efforts have been made to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions worldwide, this pollutant and its adverse effects remain a major concern, especially in developing countries. The aim of this study was the investigated the effects of sulfur dioxide inhalation on human health. This narrative review was done based on the literature published from 2000 to 2022 through PubMed, Springer, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases. In this study, was done screened first based on the abstract and Final assessment done based on the full text of the article. Finally, 38 articles were selected for inclusion in the study. The results of this study showed that sulfur dioxide has adverse health effects on the human respiratory, cardiovascular, and nervous systems and causes type 2 diabetes and non-accidental deaths. Although some evidence suggests that sulfur dioxide in given concentrations has no adverse health effect, its synergistic effects in combination with other air pollutants may be significant. Among the most important practical results of this study can be mentioned to increase the health awareness of the general public, help the politicians of the health sector in making decisions in the health field, creating awareness among polluting producing units and industries and efforts to reduce the emission of Sulfur dioxide.

December 15, 2022

Evaluation of chemicals leached from PET and recycled PET containers into beverages

Katie G. Steimel, Ruth Hwang, Dan Dinh, Melinda T. Donnell, Sharlee More, Ernest Fung

Abstract

The use of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) containers, a recent shift in the beverage industry, poses new potential human health concerns including contamination from the original container; use of additives, detergents, and catalysts during recycling; and improper recycling practices. The purpose of this analysis was to evaluate available data regarding: (1) chemicals leached from PET and rPET in bottle form; (2) concentration of these chemicals; and (3) trends between rPET percent and concentration of chemicals leached. This analysis identified 211 scientific articles related to recycled plastic and leachables. Three articles met the inclusion criteria: (1) plastic was in bottle form; (2) plastic was made of PET or rPET; and (3) the study analyzed both PET and rPET using the same methods. This evaluation demonstrated that only nine compounds – benzene, styrene, acetaldehyde, 2-methyl-1,3-dioxolane, furan, bisphenol A (BPA), 2-buta-none, acetone, and limonene – have been studied. Notably, the leachable concentration of benzene, styrene, and BPA increased as the percent of recycled content increased from 0 to 100%. However, 2-methyl-1,3-dioxolane and furan implied a reverse trend, where the leachable concentration decreased as the percent of recycled content increased from 0 to 100%. The concentrations of 2-butanone, acetone, and limonene did not follow any suggested trend. Evidently, recycling PET can lead to changes in the leachables profile. This analysis further identified key areas of research, including testing a variety of liquid types, that need to be addressed to adequately conduct a human health risk assessment.

December 8, 2022

The association between bisphenol a exposure and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children: a meta-analysis of observational studies

Hezuo Liu, Ji Wang

Abstract

Introduction The association between Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been a controversial topic. Objective: To evaluate the connection between BPA exposure and ADHD. Content We search Scopus, Web of Science, and Medline databases until August 2022. The meta-analysis was performed by using the software Stata 12.0 to calculate the combined effect value Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI). A total of 8 studies were included in this meta-analysis, including 5,710 children. Using the random effect model, it was found that compared with the lowest level of BPA exposure, the OR (95%CI) value of urine BPA exposure and ADHD in the highest level of BPA exposure was 1.76 (1.13–2.74). Summary and Outlook Based on the current meta-analysis results, BPA exposure may be a significant contributing factor to the development of ADHD in children.

November 29, 2022

The effects of fine particulate matter on the blood-testis barrier and its potential mechanisms

Shaokai Zheng, Lianlian Jiang, Lianglin Qiu

Abstract

With the rapid expansion of industrial scale, an increasing number of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) has bringing health concerns. Although exposure to PM 2.5 has been clearly associated with male reproductive toxicity, the exact mechanisms are still unclear. Recent studies demonstrated that exposure to PM 2.5 can disturb spermatogenesis through destroying the blood-testis barrier (BTB), consisting of different junction types, containing tight junctions (TJs), gap junctions (GJs), ectoplasmic specialization (ES) and desmosomes. The BTB is one of the tightest blood-tissue barriers among mammals, which isolating germ cells from hazardous substances and immune cell infiltration during spermatogenesis. Therefore, once the BTB is destroyed, hazardous substances and immune cells will enter seminiferous tubule and cause adversely reproductive effects. In addition, PM 2.5 also has shown to cause cells and tissues injury via inducing autophagy, inflammation, sex hormones disorder, and oxidative stress. However, the exact mechanisms of the disruption of the BTB, induced by PM 2.5 , are still unclear. It is suggested that more research is required to identify the potential mechanisms. In this review, we aim to understand the adverse effects on the BTB after exposure to PM 2.5 and explore its potential mechanisms, which provides novel insight into accounting for PM 2.5 -induced BTB injury.

November 14, 2022

Ochratoxin A in coffee and coffee-based products: a global systematic review, meta-analysis, and probabilistic risk assessment

Yadolah Fakhri, Vahideh Mahdavi, Vahid Ranaei, Zahra Pilevar, Mansour Sarafraz, Trias Mahmudiono, Amin Mousavi Khaneghah

Abstract

Contamination of food with mycotoxins can pose harmful effects on the health of consumers in the long term. Coffee contamination with mycotoxins has become a global concern. This study attempted to meta-analyze the concentration and prevalence of ochratoxin A (OTA) in coffee products and estimate consumers’ health risks. The search was conducted among international databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science, for 1 January 2010 to 1 May 2022. The concentration and prevalence of OTA in coffee products were meta-analyzed according to country subgroups. Health risk assessment was conducted based on Margin of Exposures (MOEs) using the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) technique. The three countries that had the highest Pooled concentration of OTA in coffee were observed in Chile (100.00%), Kuwait (100.00%), and France (100.00%). The overall prevalence of OTA in coffee products was 58.01%, 95% CI (48.37–67.39). The three countries that had the highest concentration of OTA were Philippines (39.55 μg/kg) > Turkey (39.32 μg/kg) > and Panama (21.33 μg/kg). The mean of MOEs in the adult consumers in Panama (9,526) and the Philippines (8,873) was lower than 10,000, while the mean of MOEs in other countries was higher than 10,000. Therefore, monitoring and control plans should be carried out in different countries.

Open Access November 14, 2022

Green space in health research: an overview of common indicators of greenness

Dwan Vilcins, Peter D. Sly, Peter Scarth, Suzanne Mavoa

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Abstract

Human environments influence human health in both positive and negative ways. Green space is considered an environmental exposure that confers benefits to human health and has attracted a high level of interest from researchers, policy makers, and increasingly clinicians. Green space has been associated with a range of health benefits, such as improvements in physical, mental, and social wellbeing. There are different sources, metrics and indicators of green space used in research, all of which measure different aspects of the environment. It is important that readers of green space research understand the terminology used in this field, and what the green space indicators used in the studies represent in the real world. This paper provides an overview of the major definitions of green space and the indicators used to assess exposure for health practitioners, public health researchers, and health policy experts who may be interested in understanding this field more clearly, either in the provision of public health-promoting services or to undertake research.

November 11, 2022

The use of micronucleus assay in oral mucosa cells as a suitable biomarker in children exposed to environmental mutagens: theoretical concepts, guidelines and future directions

Ingra Tais Malacarne, Maria Esther Suarez Alpire, Andrea Cristina de Moraes Malinverni, Daniel Araki Ribeiro

Abstract

In the last decades, the micronucleus assay has been recognized as a suitable biomarker for monitoring populations exposed to many different occupational factors, lifestyle, environmental conditions, radiation exposure, and deleterious effects of pesticides. The objective of this work is to direct the design of future field studies in the assessment of the risk of children exposed to environmental mutagens, radiation, and pesticides. This review sought available information on the analysis of micronuclei in oral cells in children. A literature search for papers investigating DNA damage, genetic damage, oral cells, buccal cells, genotoxicity, mutagenicity and micronucleus was begun in 2000 and is scheduled to be concluded in May, 2022. Briefly, a search of PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar for a variety of articles was performed. The results showed that there are still few studies that addressed micronuclei of oral cells in children exposed to the most diverse environmental conditions. Only environmental pollution was associated with damage to the genome of oral cells in children. Therefore, researchers need to be calibrated in cell analysis, standardization of field study protocols and the development of new research in the evaluation of children using the micronucleus test as a tool in child biomonitoring.

November 10, 2022

Improving the purification of aqueous solutions by controlling the production of reactive oxygen species in non-thermal plasma; a systematic review

Hiwa Hossaini, Meghdad Pirsaheb, Hooshyar Hossini, Ali Ashraf Derakhshan, Fateme Asadi

Abstract

Treatment with non-thermal plasma is a reliable technology to oxidize chemical impurities that exist in polluted water, wastewater, and leachate, those degradation-resistant and cannot be removed by conventional treatment methods. In this study, the effective factors affecting in the formation ofreactive oxygen species in non-thermal plasma treatment process, as a new advanced oxidation process method explianed. In this manner, all associated manuscripts existed in the main databases including Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, and Open Access Journal Directory from 1990 until 2022 were explored. The utilized keywords were involved non-thermal plasma, Cold plasma, Measurement, • OH, O 3 and UV. Overall, 8,813 articles were gathered and based on the relevance titles and abstracts, 18 paper were selected for further reviewing. In several studies, plasma techniques have been used to treat water, wastewater and leachate, but few studies have evaluated the factors influencing the production of ROS species by non-thermal plasma. The non-thermal plasma destroys pollutants by reactive free radicals spices (hydroxyl, hydrogen atoms, etc.) a combination effect of strong electric fields, energetically charged particles, and ultrasound. Some factors such as water vapor, hydraulic retention time, inter-electrode spacing, discharge power density, and aeration of the effluent as well as use of catalyst have direct effect on the reactive oxygen species formation. If these factors controlled within the best ranges, it will promote the oxidizing radical production and system performance. Also, high-energy electrons and oxidizing species produced in the cold plasma system can well degrade most of pollution in water and wastewater.

Open Access November 3, 2022

Lead in traditional and complementary medicine: a systematic review

Angus McRae, Dwan Vilcins, Hong Huynh Thi Cam Le, Julia Gorman, Marie Noel Brune Drisse, Lesley Onyon, Peter D. Sly, Mohammad Zahirul Islam

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Abstract

Lead in the environment remains a matter of grave concern for public health. Lead has been associated with some traditional medicines and has been linked to cases of lead poisoning. A comprehensive compilation of these reports has not previously been conducted. The objective of this review is to explore how common is lead exposure after traditional medicine use, and which countries, systems and/or products are of most concern when it comes to lead contamination. A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Ovid and EMBASE for studies published between 2005 and 2020. A grey literature search was conducted. Search terms related to lead and traditional medicine were developed for each database, and there were no limitations on language. Studies were included if they examined elevated lead in humans resulting from the use of traditional medicines reported in case reports, case-series, or observational studies. Of the papers discussing lead exposure, 85 case reports were identified and synthesized for the current review. Several themes were identified in the included studies. Traditional medicine has been used in the many parts of the world, however use is more common in South and Southeast Asian countries. The level of detectable lead in products varied widely by region and product types. Consumers of traditional medicines sought products for a wide variety of symptoms and ailments. The symptoms of lead poisoning from traditional medicine use reflected the typical symptom profile of lead poisoning, highlighting the need for awareness of traditional medicine products as a source of lead exposure. Traditional medicine usage remains an important part of health care in many regions, however there is a risk of lead exposure from several products. Health care practitioners in all regions of the world should be aware of the risk and explore the potential for traditional medicine use for patients presenting with elevated blood lead levels. Countries with a strong traditional medicine culture should explore policies for reducing lead exposure from traditional medicine products. JG, LO and MNBD are staff members of the World Health Organization. The authors alone are responsible for the views expressed in this publication and they do not necessarily represent the decisions, policy, or views of the World Health Organization.

October 28, 2022

Cardiovascular disease, mortality and exposure to particulate matter (PM): a systematic review and meta-analysis

Mohammad Javad Mohammadi, Behzad Fouladi Dehaghi, Sara Mansourimoghadam, Asaad Sharhani, Payam Amini, Saeed Ghanbari

Abstract

One of the main factors that causes health effects in humans such as hospital admissions for cardiovascular disease (HACVD), respiratory disease (RD), lung function, cardiovascular mortality (MCVD), lung cancer, and increased mortality is air pollution especially particulate matter (PM). This a systematic review and meta-analysis aims to investigate the effects of particulate matter on the occurrence of cardiovascular disease and mortality. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature was done from 2011 to 2021 based on various databases. Based on the result of this study, subgroup analysis based on temperature conditions showed a different estimation in cold cities (6.24, UR (4.36–8.12)), moderate cities (4.86, UR (3.57–6.15)) and warm cities (8.96, UR (7.06–10.86)). Test of group differences showed a significant difference (Q=12.22, p-value<0.001). There was publication bias among the studies (the Egger’s test; (Z=14.18, p<0.001)). According result study pooled estimation of AP% for MCVD from the random-effect meta-analysis based on DerSimonian-Laird model, overall is 5.04, UR (3.65–6.43) (Figure 4). Subgroup analysis based on temperature conditions showed the estimation in cold cities (5.47, UR (3.97–6.97)) and moderate cities (4.65, UR (0.54–8.77)). Test of group differences showed a non-significant difference (Q=0.13, p-value=0.71). There was no publication bias among the studies (the Egger’s test; (Z=0.82, p=0.376)). Exposed to air pollutants and particulate matter can be increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and cardiovascular mortality.

Open Access October 28, 2022

Factors affecting mental health of seafarers on board merchant ships: a systematic review

Giulio Nittari, Filippo Gibelli, Paolo Bailo, Ascanio Sirignano, Giovanna Ricci

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Abstract

Objectives Merchant ships represent a peculiar working environment with several challenges and risks. The specific situation on board of ships may affect the mental health of seafarers more remarkably than ashore workers. Content A systematic review of the literature has been carried out to identify the main causes of mood disorders among seafarers and the impact that these disorders have on their health. This review has analyzed the scientific literature published between January 2006 and December 2021 using the search engines PubMed, Web of Science (WoS) and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). Summary Social isolation, distance from families, fatigue, stress and long work shifts represent the main causes of mood disorders among seafarers. Outlook Strategies aimed at improving conditions of cohabitation on board, and a greater consideration of these problems are key for improving the mental health of workers at sea.

Open Access October 26, 2022

The lack of international and national health policies to protect persons with self-declared electromagnetic hypersensitivity

Dariusz Leszczynski

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Abstract

Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS), known also as an idiopathic environmental intolerance attributed to electromagnetic fields (IEI-EMF) or a microwave sickness, is not considered by the World Health Organization (WHO) as being caused by the exposures to electromagnetic fields (EMF). EHS is not recognized as a disease anywhere in the world. Some studies have roughly estimated that 1–10% of the population might experience some form of EHS. However, because of the lack of diagnostic criteria for EHS, these estimates might be either under- or over-estimates. Because the vast majority of human population is exposed to EMF, the possibility of developing EHS from the EMF is a substantial public health issue that should be dealt with globally, even if the individual risk of developing EHS might be small. The WHO recognizes that the symptoms experienced by the EHS persons might be severe and might significantly hamper everyday life. However, after a broad analysis of international and national documents, there seems to be currently no effort to develop health policies for the dealing with EHS, no matter what causes it. National governments, follow the opinions of the WHO and the EMF safety standards setting organizations, the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers – International Committee on Electromagnetic Safety (IEEE-ICES), are not developing any practical health policy advisories for self-declared EHS sufferers. However, symptoms experienced by the self-declared EHS persons affect their well-being and, according to the Constitution of the WHO, are a health problem. Hence, independently of what causes EHS symptoms, this admitted well-being-impairment should be dealt with globally by developing an uniform health policy. Furthermore, WHO, ICNIRP and IEEE-ICES should be advocating and supporting research that would generate a reliable scientific evidence on what are the possible cause(s) of EHS. Without such research there is not possible to develop diagnostic methods as well as any possible mitigation approaches. There is an urgent need for the WHO to advocate for the national governments to urgently develop a comprehensive and common EHS health policy.

October 17, 2022

Effects of forest walking on physical and mental health in elderly populations: a systematic review

Giovanni Piva, Lorenzo Caruso, Alberto Cruz Gómez, Marta Calzolari, Emilio Paolo Visintin, Pietromaria Davoli, Fabio Manfredini, Alda Storari, Paola Spinozzi, Nicola Lamberti

Abstract

There is a growing awareness that spending time in nature is associated with improvement of well-being; nevertheless, the prescription of forest bathing is still limited. The aim of this systematic review was to explore the physiological and psychological benefits of different forest therapies on healthy and pathological elderly populations (>60 years) to identify the most-effective type, duration, and frequency of these interventions. A search for literature was carried out in December 2021 using PubMed, EMBASE, ResearchGate, Google Scholar and Web of Science. Grey literature was searched as well. After removal of the duplicates, within the 214 articles identified, ten met the inclusion criteria. The methodological quality of the selected studies was rated. Forest walking, alone and in combination with other activities is the most effective intervention. The selected studies reported a positive impact on physical components, including reduction in blood pressure and heart rate and improvements in cardiopulmonary and neurochemical parameters. Favorable modifications have also been noted in the psychological field, with improvements in depression, stress levels and in quality of life perception. In conclusion, forest walking may play an important role in promoting physical and mental health in healthy and pathological elderly populations. However, the lack of high-quality studies limits the strength of the results, calling for more trials.

October 10, 2022

The injustice of risk avoidance: the limitations of fish consumption restrictions as institutional controls for superfund sites

Lyrica S. Stelle, Sam C. Byrne

Abstract

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) is a landmark environmental policy. It broadly empowers the federal government to manage hazardous waste sites to ensure the protection of human and environmental health. In many ways, CERCLA is the result of the environmental justice movement, and public concern about hazardous sites. Because the goal of CERCLA is explicitly managing risk from hazardous sites, it is central to the regulatory structure for management of environmental injustice in the United States of America. However, CERCLA does not fully consider the full scope of environmental justice, and may fail to fully ensure environmental justice for communities impacted directly by proximity to hazardous sites. Specifically, the use of institutional controls such as fish consumption advisories as long terms risk management strategies may prolong and compound environmental injustice as a matter of policy.

October 3, 2022

Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic human health risk assessments of heavy metals contamination in drinking water supplies in Iran: a systematic review

Nilufar Marufi, Gea Oliveri Conti, Parvin Ahmadinejad, Margherita Ferrante, Ali Akbar Mohammadi

Abstract

The contamination of water due to heavy metals (HMs) is a big concern for humankind; particularly in developing countries. This research is a systematic review, conducted by searching google scholar, Web of Science, Science Direct, PubMed, Springer, and Scopus databases for related published papers from 2010 to July 2021, resulting in including 40 articles. Among the analyzed HMs in the presented review, the average content of Cr, Pb, Ba, Al, As, Zn, and Cd exceeded the permissible limits suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO) and 1,053 Iranian standards. Also, the rank order of Hazard Quotient (HQ) of HMs was defined as Cd>As>Cr>Pb>Li for children which means Cd has the highest non-carcinogenic risk and Li has the least. This verifies to the current order As>Cr>Pb>Fe=Zn=Cu>Cd for adults. The corresponded values of HQ and Hazard Index (HI) in most cities and villages were investigated and the results indicated a lower than 1 value, which means consumers are not at non-carcinogenic risk (HQ). Carcinogenic risk (CR) of As in the adult and children consumers in most of the samples (58.82% of samples for both groups) were investigated too, and it was more than>1.00E-04 value, which determines that consumers are at significant CR.

October 3, 2022

Source, toxicity and carcinogenic health risk assessment of heavy metals

Hendrik Setia Budi, Maria Jade Catalan Opulencia, Arghavan Afra, Walid Kamal Abdelbasset, Dilmurod Abdullaev, Ali Majdi, Masoume Taherian, Hafez Ajam Ekrami, Mohammad Javad Mohammadi

Abstract

Heavy metals are chemical elements with unique properties that are toxic even in low concentrations and affect human health with different functions. Agricultural and industrial activities, improper disposal of household solid waste and residues related to industrial producers, discharge of household wastewater and agricultural fertilizers are the most important ways in which toxic heavy metals enter the environment, which harms human health and life. A narrative review of the literature was done from 2000 to 2022 based on searched databases included Google Scholar, PubMed, Springer, Web of Science, and Science Direct (Scopus). All relevant studies published 2000 until 2022 gathered. According to the databases, 820 articles were retrieved. 186 and 50 articles were found and selected based on records identified through database searching and additional records identified through other sources. In the next stage, 97 studies were screened after review and 64 full-text articles entered into the analysis process. Finally, 45 articles were selected in this study. Adverse effects of heavy metals on various conditions in the body depend on a number of factors, including dose, route of exposure and chemical species, as well as age, sex, genetics, nutritional status, and duration of exposure to the heavy metal. The existence of significant relationships between long-term and short-term exposure to toxic heavy metals and their adverse effects, including carcinogenicity, has been extensively studied and proven through numerous experiments. However, the mechanisms associated with this complication have not been properly identified, so in future research, there is a great need for comprehensive studies on the carcinogenicity of heavy metals.

October 3, 2022

A short overview of radioactivity measurement studies in Uzbekistan

Shakhboz Khasanov, Akmal Safarov, Ulugbek Tukhtaev, Temurbek Mavlonov

Abstract

Natural radioactivity is a public health issue that affects people all around the world. Environmental radioactivity accounts for approximately 87% of the radiation dose received by human beings. The primary external source of irradiation to the human body is gamma radiation emitted by naturally occurring radioisotopes such as 40 K and radionuclides from the 232 Th and 238 U families, as well as their decay products, which exist at trace amounts in all ground formations. The establishment of baseline data for environmental radiological studies is of great importance for the assessment of environmental radiological levels in Uzbekistan and related studies on human health risks. The current study aimed to describe the research state of the art on natural radioactivity in Uzbekistan with emphasis on results obtained during the last 20 years. NaI (Tl) and High Purity Germanium HPGe detectors were employed in most conducted studies. The results showed that data for natural radionuclide activity were below international standards in all but a few areas. The research results of this paper can play a good guidance and reference role in the planning of such research in the future.

September 29, 2022

The effect of microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) in dust storm on human health

Saade Abdalkareem Jasim, Mohammad Javad Mohammadi, Indrajit Patra, Abduladheem Turki Jalil, Masoume Taherian, Ugiloy Yakubovna Abdullaeva, Sandhir Sharma, Hafez Ajam Ekrami, Kiana Mousavion, Marzie Alborzi

Abstract

Dust storms expose people suspended particles, microorganisms and potential allergens that have been absorbed by dust particles during airborne transport. The purpose of this study was investigation effect of microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) in dust storm on human health. Databases used to for searched were the PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Springer and Science Direct (Scopus). 58 papers based on abstract and article text filtered. In the end after sieve we selected 10 papers. Identify all relevant studies published 1978-2022. The literature showed that green spaces created by city officials in different areas include a set of trees and shrubs in accordance with the effect of microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) in dust storm on human health. Based on the result the many studies are conducted every year on the characteristics and different sources of dust, one of the most important of which is the ability of these storms to carry pathogenic microorganisms. the purpose of this study is the effect of bacteria and fungi in dust storms on human health. The findings of this study showed that the evaluation of various studies showed that with the occurrence of dust storms that originate from different sources, in addition to transporting suspended solids, pathogenic bacteria and fungi are also transmitted by dust storms from near and far places and cause various diseases of these include respiratory and pulmonary problems, upper respiratory tract infections, and cardiovascular disease.

September 26, 2022

Can acute high-altitude sickness be predicted in advance?

Yan Guo, Xiao Liu, Qiang Zhang, Zhongshan Shi, Menglan Zhang, Jie Chen

Abstract

In high-altitude environments, the oxygen and air density are decreased, and the temperature and humidity are low. When individuals enter high-altitude areas, they are prone to suffering from acute mountain sickness (AMS) because they cannot tolerate hypoxia. Headache, fatigue, dizziness, and gastrointestinal reactions are the main symptoms of AMS. When these symptoms cannot be effectively alleviated, they can progress to life-threatening high-altitude pulmonary edema or high-altitude cerebral edema. If the risk of AMS can be effectively assessed before people enter high-altitude areas, then the high-risk population can be promptly discouraged from entering the area, or drug intervention can be established in advance to prevent AMS occurrence and avoid serious outcomes. This article reviews recent studies related to the early-warning biological indicators of AMS to provide a new perspective on the prevention of AMS.

September 26, 2022

Phthalate exposure and lung disease: the epidemiological evidences, plausible mechanism and advocacy of interventions

Yun Yu, Jian Qing Wang

Abstract

Phthalates are a kind of synthetic plasticizers, which extensively used as plastic productions to improve their plasticity and flexibility. However, exposure to phthalates has been proved an increased risk of respiratory disease, because by they affect the development and functions of the lung and immune system. Here, we attempt to review respiratory health of phthalate exposure. Firstly, we describe the relationship between phthalates and lung function and airway inflammation. Then, the role of phthalates in asthma, lung cancer, rhinitis, and respiratory tract infections and the possible mechanisms of action are discussed. Finally, possible effective measures to reduce exposure to phthalates are proposed, and health care workers are called upon to provide educational resources and advocate for informed public health policies. Overall, the evidence for association between phthalate exposure and respiratory disease is weak and inconsistent. Therefore, thorough implementation in large populations is needed to produce more consistent and robust results and to enhance the overall understanding of the potential respiratory health risks of phthalate in long-term exposure.

Open Access September 22, 2022

The European Union prioritises economics over health in the rollout of radiofrequency technologies

Nils Rainer Nyberg, Julie E. McCredden, Steven G. Weller, Lennart Hardell

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Abstract

The fifth generation of radiofrequency communication, 5G, is currently being rolled out worldwide. Since September 2017, the EU 5G Appeal has been sent six times to the EU, requesting a moratorium on the rollout of 5G. This article reviews the 5G Appeal and the EU’s subsequent replies, including the extensive cover letter sent to the EU in September 2021, requesting stricter guidelines for exposures to radiofrequency radiation (RFR). The Appeal notes the EU’s internal conflict between its approach to a wireless technology-led future, and the need to protect the health and safety of its citizens. It critiques the reliance of the EU on the current guidelines given by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), that consider only heating and no other health relevant biological effects from RFR. To counteract the ICNIRP position, the 2021 cover letter briefly presented recent research from the EU’s own expert groups, from a large collection of European and other international studies, and from previous reviews of the effects of RFR on humans and the environment. The 5G Appeal asserts that the majority of scientific evidence points to biological effects, many with the potential for harm, occurring below the ICNIRP public limits. Evidence to establish this position is drawn from studies showing changes to neurotransmitters and receptors, damage to cells, proteins, DNA, sperm, the immune system, and human health, including cancer. The 2021 Appeal goes on to warn that 5G signals are likely to additionally alter the behaviour of oxygen and water molecules at the quantum level, unfold proteins, damage skin, and cause harm to insects, birds, frogs, plants and animals. Altogether, this evidence establishes a high priority for the European Union towards (i) replacing the current flawed guidelines with protective thresholds, and (ii) placing a moratorium on 5G deployment so as to (iii) allow industry-independent scientists the time needed to propose new health-protective guidelines. This 2021 Appeal’s relevance becomes even more pressing in the context of the EU plans to roll out the sixth generation of wireless technologies, 6G, further adding to the known risks of RFR technology for humans and the environment. This all leads to an important question: Do EU decision makers have the right to ignore EU´s own directives by prioritising economic gain over human and environmental health?

September 20, 2022

Association of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) with lead and cadmium concentrations in biological samples of children and women: systematic review and meta-analysis

Raouf Rahmani, Samaneh Nakhaee, Kiomars Sharafi, Zaynab Rezaei, Borhan Mansouri, Alireza Amirabadizadeh

Abstract

Objectives Previous literature has shown that heavy metals (HMs) in cigarette smoke have been overestimated, and second-hand smoke (SHS) has recently raised public concern. This study aimed to review the effects of passive tobacco exposure on lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) concentrations of children and women in different biological samples. Content In this systematic review, two independent researchers assessed different databases/search engines including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar using Mesh terms and Text Words. Studies between January 2000 and May 2022 were included. After quality assessment, studies with sufficient data were included in the meta-analysis. A fixed or random model was used to pool the results in a meta-analysis. Heterogeneity between the studies was assessed by using I -square and Q tests. Forest plots demonstrating the point and pooled estimates were provided. Summary A total of 976 studies were obtained from different databases and finally 17 studies meet our criteria and were included in our systematic review. Out of 17 studies, six studies had sufficient data for analysis and were included in the meta-analysis. The results of the meta-analysis showed a significant difference in blood lead concentrations (BLC) between the children with SHS exposure and the control group (Hedges’ g: 2.44, 95% CI: 1.01–3.86, p<0.05). Also, there were significant differences in hair levels of Cd (Hedges’ g: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.04, 1.28, p<0.05) and Pb (Hedges’ g: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.05, 1.83, p<0.05) between children with SHS exposure compared to the control group. Outlook The results of the present meta-analysis showed that passive smokers had higher Pb and Cd concentrations than those who were not exposed to cigarette smoke.

September 14, 2022

Evolution of tobacco control in India: a narrative review of the legislative and regulatory approach

Muskan Bhatia, Nikita Sharma, Suzauddin Saifi, Swati Parashar, Nisha Nisha, Roomani Srivastava, Meena Jain

Abstract

Tobacco is the only consumer product that kills half its users yearly. The challenges posed by tobacco control are limitless especially in a country like India where in addition to smoked forms, other smokeless forms of tobacco are also highly prevalent. Apart from being a health hazard tobacco is also a great environmental hazard. Policies for controlling tobacco use also include policy to prevent people from second hand smoke, which is aimed at improvement of air quality. According to the National Non-Communicable Disease Monitoring Survey, 2017–18, daily tobacco use was 32.8% in adults (18–69 years) and 3.1% in adolescents (15–17 years). Overall reduction in tobacco users by 8.1 Million was seen from GATS-1 to GATS-2, and prevalence amongst youth decreased from 18.4 to 12.4%. GYTS-4 (2019) revealed that 8.5% of students, 9.6% of boys and 7.4% of girls-currently used any tobacco products. This makes tobacco control a priority in India. Tobacco control consists of different approaches such as educational, healthcare, legislative, regulatory and fiscal. In the present article we traverse nearly five decades and decode the evolution of legislative, regulatory and fiscal approaches to Tobacco Control in India. A critical evaluation of all these approaches is described in the format of the MPOWER strategy for Tobacco Control which stands for Monitoring Tobacco use, Preventing people from Second Hand Smoke, Offering help to quit, Waring regarding ill effects of tobacco, Enforcing bans and Raising taxes on tobacco products.

August 11, 2022

Comments on “Personal protective equipment (PPE) and plastic pollution during COVID-19: strategies for a sustainable environment”, by Fatima Ali Mazahir and Ali Mazahir Al Qamari

Fathollah Gholami-Borujeni

May 5, 2022

Does electronic waste induce DNA damage in mammalian cells?

Daniel A. Ribeiro

Publicly Available October 26, 2016

Corrigendum to: Reliable disease biomarkers characterizing and identifying electrohypersensitivity and multiple chemical sensitivity as two etiopathogenic aspects of a unique pathological disorder

Dominique Belpomme, Christine Campagnac, Philippe Irigaray

Article number: 20158888

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About this journal

Objective
Reviews on Environmental Health is an international peer-reviewed journal that aims to fill the need for publication of review articles on hot topics in the field of environmental health. It is intended to be an inspiring forum for scientists, environmentalists, physicians, engineers, and students who are concerned with aspects of human health, including quality of life, that are determined by physiological and psychosociological interactions between humans and physical, chemical, biological, and social factors in the environment.
Reviews on Environmental Health is an important niche not served by any other journal, namely, a place to publish thoughtful reviews on a variety of topics related to both health and the environment. One challenge is to link the research on environmental causes of disease to the clinical practice of medicine. Reviews on Environmental Health is a source of integrated information on environmental health topics that will be of value to the broad scientific community, whether students, junior and senior professionals, or clinicians.

Topics

Environmental toxicology
Neurotoxicology
Immunology
Oncology
Dermatology
Epidemiology
Molecular biology
Pharmacogenetics
Child health
Medicine, occupational health and risk assessment
Water, air, and soil quality control
Methods for biomonitoring and remediation

Article formats
Reviews, Letters to the Editor, Editorials

Ahead of Print / Just Accepted

Issue of Reviews on Environmental Health

Prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Indian nonsmokers: a systematic review & meta-analysis

Abstract

Biological effects of electromagnetic fields on insects: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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Mercury and cadmium-induced inflammatory cytokines activation and its effect on the risk of preeclampsia: a review

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Underground power lines as a confounding factor in observational studies concerning magnetic fields and childhood leukemia

Prevalence and concentration of aflatoxin M1 and ochratoxin A in cheese: a global systematic review and meta-analysis and probabilistic risk assessment

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The effect of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon biomarkers on cardiovascular diseases

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Exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances and risk of stroke in adults: a meta-analysis

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Impacts and potential mechanisms of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) on male testosterone biosynthesis disruption

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The European Union assessments of radiofrequency radiation health risks – another hard nut to crack (Review)

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Research progresses on the effects of heavy metals on the circadian clock system

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Diagnosing and managing heat exhaustion: insights from a systematic review of cases in the desert climate of Mecca

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Impacts and mechanisms of PM2.5 on bone

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Association of the ACE2-Angiotensin1-7–Mas axis with lung damage caused by cigarette smoke exposure: a systematic review

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Ancient medicine and famous iranian physicians

Para-occupational exposure to chemical substances: a systematic review

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Polychlorinated biphenyls and thyroid function: a scoping review

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Residues of carcinogenic pesticides in food: a systematic review

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The concentration of Lithium in water resources: A systematic review, meta-analysis and health risk assessment

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Effects of man-made electromagnetic fields on heart rate variability parameters of general public: a systematic review and meta-analysis of experimental studies

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The nexus between economic growth, health expenditure, environmental quality: a comparative study for E7 countries

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Screen time and childhood attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a meta-analysis

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The association between polycystic ovary syndrome and environmental pollutants based on animal and human study; a systematic review

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A scoping review of waterborne and water-related disease in the Florida environment from 1999 to 2022

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A systematic review on the association between exposure to air particulate matter during pregnancy and the development of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus

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Potentially toxic elements in the environment – a review of sources, sinks, pathways and mitigation measures

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Assessment of medical waste generation rate in Viet Nam

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Relationship between exposure to heavy metals on the increased health risk and carcinogenicity of urinary tract (kidney and bladder)

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Benzo (a) pyrene in infant foods: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and health risk assessment

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Cellular and molecular effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields

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Status and frontier analysis of indoor PM2.5-related health effects: a bibliometric analysis

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Relationship between parental exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields and primarily hematopoietic neoplasms (lymphoma, leukemia) and tumors in the central nervous system in children: a systematic review

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Blood and hair copper levels in childhood autism spectrum disorder: a meta-analysis based on case-control studies

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Health effects of air pollutant mixtures (volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, sulfur and nitrogen oxides) – a review of the literature

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Associated health risk assessment due to exposure to BTEX compounds in fuel station workers

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Associations between fine particulate matter and colorectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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Monkeypox and drug repurposing: seven potential antivirals to combat the viral disease

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Hospital wastewater treatment methods and its impact on human health and environments

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E-waste in Vietnam: a narrative review of environmental contaminants and potential health risks

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Knowledge mapping and research trends of the social determinants of health (SDoH): a scientometric analysis

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How does formal and informal industry contribute to lead exposure? A narrative review from Vietnam, Uruguay, and Malaysia

Abstract

Impacts and potential mechanisms of fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) on male testosterone biosynthesis disruption

Impacts and mechanisms of PM_2.5 on bone

Status and frontier analysis of indoor PM_2.5-related health effects: a bibliometric analysis