Deep self-supervised machine learning algorithms with a novel feature elimination and selection approaches for blood test-based multi-dimensional health risks classification.

BACKGROUND: Blood test is extensively performed for screening, diagnoses and surveillance purposes. Although it is possible to automatically evaluate the raw blood test data with the advanced deep self-supervised machine learning approaches, it has not been profoundly investigated and implemented yet. RESULTS: This paper proposes deep machine learning algorithms with multi-dimensional adaptive feature elimination, self-feature weighting and novel feature selection approaches. To classify the health risks based on the processed data with the deep layers, four machine learning algorithms having various properties from being utterly model free to gradient driven are modified. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that the proposed deep machine learning algorithms can remove the unnecessary features, assign self-importance weights, selects their most informative ones and classify the health risks automatically from the worst-case low to worst-case high values.

Cadmium exposure in infants and children: toxicity, health effects, dietary risk assessment and mitigation strategies.

As a non-essential metal, cadmium (Cd) poses a significant threat to food safety and public health. This risk is particularly pronounced for infants and young children due to their high food consumption relative to body weight and immature physiological systems. This review examines the health risks associated with Cd exposure, particularly during the prenatal period through adolescence. It evaluates the prevalence of Cd-rich foods in children's diets and their intake levels across various countries. The review demonstrates that Cd exposure is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, immune dysfunction, and cardiovascular diseases. It also highlights geographic differences in exposure, with some Asian countries, such as Thailand and China, exhibiting higher overall levels of Cd intake among children compared to other regions. This review presents several recommendations to mitigate Cd intake during early childhood, including reducing the Cd content in food, inhibiting Cd absorption, and promoting its excretion from the body. To minimize the risk of dietary Cd intake in children, it is recommended that stringent regulations of Cd limits in children's food be implemented, alongside a coordinated multi-stakeholder effort. This review provides important insights into effective public health policy development, laying the foundation for achieving broader public health goals.

How may we effectively motivate people to reduce the consumption of meat? Results of a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

PURPOSE: Excessive meat consumption (MC) is associated with multiple health risks. Additionally, it can undermine environmental sustainability and affect the potential improvement of animal welfare. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of literacy interventions (LIs) in reducing MC. METHODS: Studies assessing the efficacy of LIs addressing health risks, environmental sustainability and/or animal welfare in reducing MC were searched. We used random-effects meta-analysis to estimate the overall efficacy and conducted subgroup analyses to identify the most effective information contents. Additionally, meta-regression analyses investigated participants' age, LI duration, and follow-up length influence on LIs' efficacy. RESULTS: Fourteen studies involving more than ten thousand subjects were meta-analyzed. The pooled estimate showed that LIs had a small (Hedges's g = 0.15; 95%CI: 0.06-0.25) but statistically significant effect in reducing MC. Subgroup analysis showed that the highest efficacy was achieved when subjects were alarmed about health risks (g = 0.29; 95% CI: -0.02, 0.60), compared to informing about the risks for the environment (g = 0.18; 95% CI: -0.15, 0.51) and for animal welfare (g = 0.02; 95%CI: -0.08, 0.11). The meta-regression analysis indicated that LIs had greater efficacy in younger individuals and when the intervention duration was longer. Conversely, it was suggested that efficacy improves as the length of follow-up increases. CONCLUSIONS: Informing about health risks related to MC temporarily decreased its intake, while informing about the impact on environmental sustainability or animal welfare was ineffective. Furthermore, long-lasting LIs achieve long-term dietary change toward MC.

Strict regulations on energy drinks to protect Minors' health in Europe - It is never too late to set things right at home.

The consumption of energy drinks poses significant risks to minors' health, and strict regulations are urgently needed to protect them. The high caffeine, high sugar, and high caloric content of energy drinks have drawn concern from health professionals. The consumption of energy drinks has been linked to unhealthy dietary behaviors, obesity, and mental health problems in adolescents. The psychoactive and stimulant effects of energy drinks are particularly worrisome, and the marketing of these drinks on social media platforms is also a cause for alarm. In light of these concerns, we strongly recommend policy measures, such as restrictions on the sale of energy drinks to minors, to prevent their health risks. The evidence clearly suggests that energy drinks pose significant risks to minors' health and well-being, and regulatory standards must be implemented without further delay.

Relative efficacy of cigarillo warning statements in text and pictorial formats: An experimental study among a sample of US young adults.

INTRODUCTION: Health warning labels (HWLs) communicate the health risks of cigar use and can decrease use when on cigar packages. This study assessed the relative efficacy of six FDA-proposed individual warning statements in text and pictorial format. METHODS: A sample of young adults (ages 18-29) were randomized to a text or pictorial warning condition on generic cigarillo packages. The warning statements were about lung cancer and heart disease; cancers of the mouth and throat; secondhand smoke; not a safe alternative; nicotine/addiction; and harm to baby. Negative emotional reactions, cognitive elaboration, and perceived message effectiveness (PME) were assessed for each warning using linear mixed models. RESULTS: Of the 661 participants, 47.3% reported ever cigarillo smoking, 32.7% current smoking, and 20% were susceptible. In the pictorial format, cancers of the mouth and throat elicited lower levels of anxiety compared to secondhand smoke, not a safe alternative, nicotine/addiction, and harm to baby (ps<0.001). Pictorial HWLs with human imagery induced high anxiety, sadness, fear, and guilt reactions (p<0.001) and higher PME (p=0.011) compared to pictorial HWLs with diseased body parts. Compared to the text HWL cancers of the mouth and throat, the text HWL harm to baby elicited higher anxiety (p=0.003), sadness (p=0.002) and PME (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Pictorial HWLs depicting people or human imagery, rather than images of diseased organs or body parts, to represent health effects elicited the most negative emotional reactions, such as anxiety and guilt, and higher PME. Including such images and texts highlighting effects on vulnerable populations like babies can better communicate cigarillo health risks, aiming to curb cigarillo use among young people. IMPLICATIONS: The study suggests that pictorial health warning labels (HWLs) with human imagery significantly enhance the communication of cigarillo smoking risks compared to images of diseased organs. These HWLs evoke stronger emotional responses, particularly anxiety and guilt, and higher perceived message effectiveness by depicting a recognizable person. Furthermore, text-only warnings describing the smoking effect on vulnerable populations such as babies might have a higher impact on young adults. This evidence supports a strategic shift in FDA policies to include such impactful images and texts, which could potentially lead to a significant reduction in cigarillo use among young people. Our findings underscore the urgent need for continued research and implementation of these enhanced warning labels to improve public health outcomes.

Smelly shark, smelly ray: what is infecting you?

AIMS: Although elasmobranchs are consumed worldwide, bacteriological assessments for this group are still sorely lacking. In this context, this study assessed bacteria of sharks and rays from one of the most important landing ports along the Rio de Janeiro coast. METHODS AND RESULTS: Bacteria were isolated from the cloacal swabs of the sampled elasmobranchs. They were cultured, and Vibrio, Aeromonas, and Enterobacterales were isolated and identified. The isolated bacteria were then biochemically identified and antimicrobial susceptibility assays were performed. Antigenic characterizations were performed for Salmonella spp. and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assays were performed to identify Escherichia coli pathotypes. Several bacteria of interest in the One Health context were detected. The most prevalent Enterobacterales were Morganella morganii and Citrobacter freundii, while Vibrio harveyi and Vibrio fluvialis were the most prevalent among Vibrio spp. and Aeromonas allosacharophila and Aeromonas veronii bv. veronii were the most frequent among Aeromonas spp. Several bacteria also displayed antimicrobial resistance, indicative of Public Health concerns. A total of 10% of Vibrio strains were resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and 40% displayed intermediate resistance to cefoxitin. Salmonella enterica strains displayed intermediate resistance to ciprofloxacin, nalidixic acid and streptomycin. All V. cholerae strains were identified as non-O1/non-O139. The detected E. coli strains did not exhibit pathogenicity genes. This is the first study to perform serology assessments for S. enterica subsp. enterica isolated from elasmobranchs, identifying the zoonotic Typhimurium serovar. Salmonella serology evaluations are, therefore, paramount to identify the importance of elasmobranchs in the epidemiological salmonellosis chain. CONCLUSIONS: The detection of several pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant bacteria may pose significant Public Health risks in Brazil, due to high elasmobranch consumption rates, indicating the urgent need for further bacteriological assessments in this group.

Air concentrations of trace elements in a municipality under the influence of Tarragona petrochemical complex: Human health risks.

One of the largest petrochemical complexes of southern Europe is located in Tarragona County (Catalonia, Spain). Despite environmental monitoring is routinely conducted in the area, the long-term occurrence of airborne trace elements has been poorly investigated. In the present study, the concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and vanadium (V) were analysed in air samples collected in El Morell, a town potentially impacted by the petrochemical. Air samples were simultaneously collected in the town of Cambrils, as a background site. Meteorological data and retro trajectories analysis were used to evaluate the impact of the petrochemical industry on the levels of trace elements in air. Subsequently, human health risks due to inhalation exposure to the trace elements were also assessed. Except for V, air concentrations were significantly higher near the oil refinery than the background levels. Human health risks were also estimated to be higher in the vicinity of the petrochemical complex. In turn, air inhalation of Pb and V was higher than their dietary intakes. The present data should be considered only as preliminary, since the sampling was taken during only three weeks, which is an insufficient period to extract reliable conclusions. Further long-term studies should be focused on assessing the influence of temporary variables, such as meteorological conditions and fugitive or sporadic emissions.

Impact of COVID-19 on temporal trends and health risks of urinary metal concentrations among residents of Guangzhou, China.

Long-term biomonitoring of urinary metal ions is an essential tool for the epidemiological assessment of chronic exposure levels, enabling us to track changes in metal exposure over time and better understand its health implications. In this study, we evaluated the temporal trends of urinary metal ions among 1962 residents of Guangzhou, China, from 2018 to 2022. The total metal ion concentrations in the urine of the population did not change significantly between 2018 and 2019. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, urinary total metal ion concentrations began to decline dramatically, reaching their lowest level in 2021. A rebound in concentrations was observed in 2022, which returned to the initial levels observed in 2018. Urine chromium and cadmium concentrations peaked in 2020, while urinary lead levels were the highest in 2021, and urinary nickel concentrations were the highest in 2022. Males consistently displayed higher urinary concentrations of lead and arsenic throughout each year of the study. Furthermore, minors consistently had higher urinary nickel levels than adults, whereas adults consistently had higher urinary cadmium concentrations than minors. Cluster analyses were conducted annually on urinary metal ions to examine the differences in their distribution and to evaluate changes in metal exposure patterns over time. The Monte Carlo simulations indicate that the whole population exhibits a high non-carcinogenic risk from arsenic exposure and significant carcinogenic risks associated with exposure to nickel, arsenic, chromium, and cadmium. The next two years were predicted by a gray prediction model, and the results are tested using mean absolute percentage error which demonstrating high accuracy.

Geochemical fractionation of iron in paper industry and municipal landfill soils: Ecological and health risks insights.

Industrial processes and municipal wastes largely contribute to the fluctuations in iron (Fe) content in soils. Fe, when present in unfavorable amount, causes harmful effects on human, flora, and fauna. The present study is an attempt to evaluate the composition of Fe in surface soils from paper mill and municipal landfill sites and assess their potential ecological and human health risks. Geochemical fractionation was conducted to explore the chemical bonding of Fe across different fractions, i.e., water-soluble (F1) to residual (F6). Different contamination factors and pollution indices were evaluated to comprehend Fe contamination extent across the study area. Results indicated the preference for less mobile forms in the paper mill and landfill, with 26.66% and 43.46% of Fe associated with the Fe-Mn oxide bound fraction (F4), and 57.22% and 24.78% in the residual fraction (F6). Maximum mobility factor (MF) of 30.65% was observed in the paper mill, and 80.37% in the landfill. The enrichment factor (EF) varied within the range of 20 < EF < 40, signifying a high level of enrichment in the soil. The individual contamination factor (ICF) ranged from 0 to >6, highlighting low to high contamination. Adults were found to be more vulnerable towards Fe associated health risks compared to children. The Hazard Quotient (HQ) index showed the highest risk potential pathways as dermal contact > ingestion > inhalation. The study offers insights into potential Fe contamination risks in comparable environments, underscoring the crucial role of thorough soil assessments in shaping land use and waste management policies.

Chemical characteristics and health risk evaluation of natural waters in the Du River Source National Nature Reserve: A case study in Zhushan County, Hubei Province, China.

To study the distribution of trace elements in natural water of the Du River Source National Nature Reserve and to assess the water quality and health risks, Zhushan County in Hubei Province was selected as the study area. Element content in 361 natural water samples collected from Zhushan County were measured by ICP-MS, ICP-OES, and HG-AFS. The main anions and cations present in water samples from Zhushan County are Ca2+ and HCO3-. The water chemistry is predominantly influenced by the weathering of carbonate rocks. The water samples with high content of selenium (Se) (0∼82.9 µg/L, mean 4.6 µg/L) in natural water in Zhushan County are mainly distributed in the northern part of Zhushan. The strontium (Sr) content of 49.6% of the water samples (0.001-2.177 mg/L, mean 0.234 mg/L) reached the criteria of natural mineral water for drinking in China (Sr ≥ 0.2 mg/L), which is distributed throughout the county. The high content of metasilicic acid (H2SiO3) (0.026-35.910 mg/L, mean 12.598 mg/L) and zinc (Zn) (0∼407.218 µg/L, mean 12.406 µg/L) are concentrated in northern Zhushan County. 99.7% water samples were freshwater and 98.9% meet the criteria of "good" water quality. All of the natural water samples have low health risk and low heavy metal pollution. 6.1% water samples meet the criteria of Se-type mineral water, while 45.4% meet the criteria of Sr-type mineral water, and 4.4% water samples meet the criteria of "low sodium, high Se, and high Sr" mineral water. Zhushan County has the potential for Se-type mineral water and Sr-type mineral water development. The findings of this study hold immense significance for the public health implications of drinking water in Du River Source, thereby offering valuable insights for effective water resources management.

Levels and health risk assessment of twenty-one current-use pesticides in urban and riverside waters of the Brazilian Amazon Basin.

In Brazil, the favorable weather conditions and abundant land contribute to the thriving agricultural production. Brazilian crops extensively employ pesticides due to their high efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and permissive regulatory framework. However, pesticide use also endangers water resources, animal organisms, and human health. Due to the lack of data on pesticide use in the Amazonas forest-based Brazil, the present study aimed to assess the levels of twenty-one current-use pesticides (CUPs) from five different classes in river waters collected from urban and riverside areas in this region. Moreover, the non-carcinogenic risks associated with water consumption were also characterized. Thirteen CUPs were detected in concentrations above the limit of detection (LOD) in at least one of the water samples, and most pesticides were detected in riverside areas. In contrast, only 18% of the analyzed samples were considered "clean," with only one compound detected. Fenitrothion showed the highest concentration, with a mean value of 4.86 ng/mL (0.30-14.3 ng/mL). Up to 33% of the samples showed levels of fipronil above the LOD, an issue of environmental and human health concern, mainly because of the adverse effects observed in honeybees. Despite this, the human health risk assessment showed a target hazard quotient below one (HQ < 1) in adults for all substances, suggesting that pesticide exposure through water consumption should not mean risk for the riverside populations. Taking into account the large extension of Brazil, as well as its different agricultural practices throughout the country, it would be of great importance to conduct extensive research in other areas. It would help to gain knowledge in this field and to promote eco-friendly alternatives to mitigate pesticide use and, consequently, to reduce their potential adverse effects on human health and the ecosystems.

Do the residual metals in multiple environmental media surrounding mines pose ecological and health risks? A case of an abandoned mining area in central south China.

Despite effective mining environmental regulations, residual metal pollution persists, leading to significant ecological harm and posing substantial risks to human well-being. This study employed multiple-criteria methods to investigate the ecological and health risks caused by metals in multiple environmental media (e.g., arable soil, indoor dust, PM10, homegrown vegetables, and rice) around abandoned mine areas (MA) in central south China. The study also aimed to identify predominant risk factors and the main exposure pathway. The findings revealed that metal levels and risks in the environmental media surrounding the MA were significantly higher than those in the control areas (away from abandoned mines, CA). This indicates that the accumulation of metals in the environmental media surrounding the MA was attributed to the previous mining activities. Variations in metal content were observed among different environmental media in MA, with Cd from mining source being the primary pollutant in arable soil, indoor dust, PM10, and vegetables, while As from agricultural source was the main pollutant in rice. Additionally, the consumption of Cd-contaminated vegetables and As-contaminated rice emerged as the primary routes of health hazards for the local population, leading to significant non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks. Consequently, it is imperative for the government and mining companies to promptly establish risk control and remedial strategies for mitigating residual metal levels in multiple environmental media surrounding the MA.

Geochemical evaluation, ecological and human health risk assessment of potentially toxic elements in urban soil, Southern India.

Roadside soil contamination is mostly caused by human-caused pollutant deposition. PTEs are among the many substances that are harmful for both humans and the environment. PTE concentrations in roadside soil in Chennai, southern India, have been determined in this study. To evaluate the seriousness of the threats, more environmental and geochemical indices have been applied. 83 soil samples have been obtained from the study regions and focusing on important roads. Elemental analysis has been analyzed with ED-XRF and sieve-filtered samples focused on PTEs such as arsenic, barium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, potassium, nickel, lead, thorium, titanium, zinc, and uranium. Significant metallic variations have been found in soil samples around roads by the investigation. The elements this study examined section ascending in the following sequence: Fe > Ti > Zn > Cr > Pb > Cu > Ni > Th > As > U > K. In the research area, the CD classification denotes high contamination, whereas the CF indices show mild to significant pollution. PLI indicates moderate to high pollution, whereas EF suggests excessive enrichment. Igeo demonstrates a range from uncontaminated to highly contaminated. PERI showed high levels in the northern study region, whereas GUFI shows several hot spots indicating moderate to severe pollution. The Hazard Index (HI) values for all metals were less than one, demonstrating the absence of non-carcinogenic risks for both adults and children. Multivariate data show natural and anthropogenic PTEs in roadside soil. In addition, a soil quality monitoring system is needed to mitigate continual contamination risks.

The changing health effects of air pollution exposure for respiratory diseases: a multicity study during 2017-2022.

BACKGROUND: Multifaceted SARS-CoV-2 interventions have modified exposure to air pollution and dynamics of respiratory diseases. Identifying the most vulnerable individuals requires effort to build a complete picture of the dynamic health effects of air pollution exposure, accounting for disparities across population subgroups. METHODS: We use generalized additive model to assess the likely changes in the hospitalisation and mortality rate as a result of exposure to PM2.5 and O3 over the course of COVID-19 pandemic. We further disaggregate the population into detailed age categories and illustrate a shifting age profile of high-risk population groups. Additionally, we apply multivariable logistic regression to integrate demographic, socioeconomic and climatic characteristics with the pollution-related excess risk. RESULTS: Overall, a total of 1,051,893 hospital admissions and 34,954 mortality for respiratory disease are recorded. The findings demonstrate a transition in the association between air pollutants and hospitalisation rates over time. For every 10 µg/m3 increase of PM2.5, the rate of hospital admission increased by 0.2% (95% CI: 0.1-0.7%) and 1.4% (1.0-1.7%) in the pre-pandemic and dynamic zero-COVID stage, respectively. Conversely, O3-related hospitalization rate would be increased by 0.7% (0.5-0.9%) in the pre-pandemic stage but lowered to 1.7% (1.5-1.9%) in the dynamic zero-COVID stage. Further assessment indicates a shift of high-risk people from children and young adolescents to the old, primarily the elevated hospitalization rates among the old people in Lianyungang (RR: 1.53, 95%CI: 1.46, 1.60) and Nantong (RR: 1.65, 95%CI: 1.57, 1.72) relative to those for children and young adolescents. Over the course of our study period, people with underlying diseases would have 26.5% (22.8-30.3%) and 12.7% (10.8-14.6%) higher odds of having longer hospitalisation and over 6 times higher odds of deaths after hospitalisation. CONCLUSIONS: Our estimates provide the first comprehensive evidence on the dynamic pollution-health associations throughout the pandemic. The results suggest that age and underlying diseases collectively determines the disparities of pollution-related health effect across population subgroups, underscoring the urgency to identifying the most vulnerable individuals to air pollution.

Mineral wealth paradox: health challenges and environmental risks in African resource-rich areas.

BACKGROUND: Africa is blessed with vast arable land and enriched with valuable natural resources encompassing both renewable (like water, forests, and fisheries) and non-renewable (such as minerals, coal, gas, and oil). Under the right conditions, a natural resource boom should serve as an important driver for growth, development, and the transition from cottage industry to factory output. However, despite its wealth, Africa is often associated with the notion of a resource curse. Negative outcomes are often linked with mineral wealth. This paper investigates the causes of adverse health outcomes in resource-rich regions. The study provides empirical support for the natural resource curse with particular emphasis on the environmental health risks in Africa. We explore the multifaceted connections among mineral deposits, environmental risks, conflict events and population dynamics, shedding light on the complexities of resource-rich areas. RESULTS: We amalgamate georeferenced data pertaining to 22 specific mineral deposits with information on the prevalence of reliance on compromised infrastructures at a spatial resolution of 0.5 ∘ × 0 . 5 ∘ for all of Africa between 2000 and 2017. Through comprehensive econometric analysis of environmental health risk factors, including reliance on contaminated water sources, open defecation, unimproved sanitation, particulate matter concentration, and carbon concentration, we uncover the intricate pathways through which mineral deposits impact public health. Our findings revealed the significant role of in-migration in mediating environmental health risks. Moreover, we found that the activities of extractive companies amplify certain environmental risks including reliance on unimproved sanitation and practices and particulate matter concentration. Conflict events emerge as a key mediator across all environmental health risks, underlining the far-reaching consequences of instability and violence on both local communities and the environment. CONCLUSION: The study contributes to the discourse on sustainable development by unraveling the nuanced associations between mineral wealth and health challenges. By drawing attention to the intricate web of factors at play, we provide a foundation for targeted interventions that address the unique environmental and health challenges faced by mineral-rich communities.

Revealing the dual impact of VOCs on recycled rubber workers: Health risk and odor perception.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) pose potential hazards to human health and contribute significantly to odor pollution. This study examined VOC emissions from a representative recycled rubber industry, evaluating the occupational health risks for frontline workers in various workshops. Variables such as gender and workshop-specific concentration variations were considered using Monte Carlo simulation methods. Employees in the five production workshops and office areas face noncarcinogenic health risks with hazard indices (HIs) greater than 1, with the rubber compounding phase presenting the highest risk. Acetaldehyde is identified as the primary noncarcinogenic health risk substance, with hazard quotient (HQ) values exceeding 1 in all workshops. Carcinogenic health risks vary by area, with the highest risks found in compounding and refining workshops. Formaldehyde poses the greatest risk in rubber grinding workshops and offices, with cumulative weights exceeding unacceptable levels of M80.58 % and W77.56 % in grinding and M94.98 % and W92.24 % in the office. Male workers face 4-7 % greater noncarcinogenic VOC health risks than females and 5-14 % greater carcinogenic risks from individual VOCs, increasing their susceptibility to health risks caused by VOCs. Additionally, our analysis of odor identification and intensity classification revealed that 53 VOCs are capable of causing odor pollution, with several substances reaching odor levels of 2 or higher. The predominant perceived odors, as reflected in the odor wheel, include categories such as "solvent/aromatic" and "sweet/fruit," with aldehydes being the primary odor-causing substances. In summary, emissions of VOCs from rubber industrial processes not only pose substantial health risks to workers but also contribute significantly to odor pollution. Consequently, enterprises must prioritize optimizing workplace conditions to ensure the occupational health and well-being of their employees.

Pedestrian flow-environmental pollutants interactions and health risks to residents in high-occupancy public areas of apartment buildings.

The current interaction of pedestrian flow and environmental pollutants in high-occupancy public areas of apartment and the risks of residents being exposed to environmental pollutants are issues that are often overlooked but urgently need to be addressed. In this study, we provide a comprehensive of pedestrian flow-environmental pollutants interactions and health risks to residents in first-floor public areas of apartment with high-occupancy. The main findings indicate that under closed management conditions, there is a significant increase in TVOC and noise levels during the peak periods of nighttime pedestrian flow. In the correlation analysis, the significant impact of time granularity selection in clarifying the correlation between pedestrian flow and environmental pollutants has been highlighted, with larger time granularities generally showing stronger correlations, while finer time granularities may help identify specific risks in areas directly connected to the external environment. There is a significant correlation exists between pedestrian flow and environmental pollutants (TVOC, ozone, and noise), with higher concentrations of these pollutants observed during peak pedestrian flow periods, thereby increasing the risk of residents being exposed to adverse environmental conditions. To mitigate the risks associated with TVOC pollution and noise exposure, it is crucial to maintain proper ventilation, avoid conducting cleaning or maintenance activities during peak hours, and implement noise-reducing measures, such as distancing noise sources from residential areas or installing soundproofing barriers. Additionally, the study identifies total volatile organic compounds originating from property maintenance activities and clarifies their dispersion patterns, emphasizing the importance of developing robust, standardized maintenance protocols for indoor environmental quality assurance. This research can improve the environmental sustainability of apartment buildings and provide a theoretical basis for the development of environmental health strategies for high-occupancy public areas of apartment buildings.

Deciphering the driving factors and probabilistic health risks of potentially toxic elements in arid surface water: Insights from the Tarim River Basin.

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in surface water in arid areas pose a serious threat to environmental safety and human health within a basin. It is important to determine the factors controlling PTEs and to assess the likelihood that they will pose a risk to human health in order to support the development of environmental protection and risk management strategies. In this study, a structural equation model and Bayesian method were combined to discuss the distribution and probabilistic health risks of PTEs in surface water in arid area, and the Tarim River Basin was taken as a case study. The results show that the average concentrations of As, Co, Cu, and Ni in the surface water in the Tarim River Basin ranged from 0.04 to 2.92 µg/L, which do not exceed the international standard values. However, the maximum value of As (19.20 µg/L) exceeded both the recommended drinking water standards and the Chinese irrigation water standards. Spatially, the high As concentrations were distributed in the upper reaches of the Kashgar River, and the high Co, Cu and Ni concentrations were distributed in reservoirs and lakes on the main stream of the Tarim River. The concentrations of the PTEs in the surface water in the basin were not only affected by random anthropogenic factors such as traffic discharge, agricultural activities and mining industry, but were also directly and indirectly influenced by climatic factors. The results of the probabilistic health risk assessment showed that the 95th percentile the total hazard index for infants exceeded the allowable value of 1, and the total carcinogenic risk of PTEs exposure in four age groups was at the notable level. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the controlling factors and health risks associated with PTEs in surface water in the Tarim River Basin, and the findings are expected to provide a scientific basis for regional water environment management and safety control.

Temporal variations in absorption and translocation of heavy metal(loid)s in pak choi (Brassica rapa L.) under open-field and greenhouse cultivation.

Elucidating the absorption and translocation of heavy metal(loid)s by common vegetables across different growth environments and stages is crucial for conducting accurate environmental risk assessments and for associated control. This study investigated temporal variations in the absorption and translocation capacities of pak choi (Brassica rapa L.) for As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn in polluted soils during the plant growth cycle under greenhouse and open-field cultivation modes. Results showed high root metal(loid) bioconcentration factors and root-to-shoot translocation factors for Cd (0.25 and 1.44, respectively) and Zn (0.26 and 1.01), but low values for As (0.06 and 0.88) and Pb (0.06 and 0.87). The Cd concentration in the aerial edible parts peaked during the early slow growth period, whereas other heavy metal(loid)s peaked during the later stable maturity period. Root bioconcentration and root-to-shoot translocation factors did not significantly differ between cultivation modes. However, greenhouse cultivation exhibited lower average Cd and Zn concentrations in the edible parts and cumulative uptake amounts of most metal(loid)s than open-field cultivation during the typical harvest period spanning days 60 and 90. Short-term transitioning from open-field to greenhouse cultivation may reduce health risks associated with heavy metal(loid) intake via pak choi consumption. These findings facilitate sustainable agricultural practices and food safety management.

Microbiological water quality and derived health risks from exposure to ornamental water fountains in the city of Hannover.

Ornamental fountains are attractive urban infrastructures helping cities to cope with global warming, as water sprays have great cooling effects due to evaporative properties; however, exposure to microbiologically impaired water from ornamental fountains during recreational activities may result in adverse health outcomes for the exposed population. This study assesses the microbial water quality of four ornamental water fountains (Blätterbrunnen, Körtingbrunnen, Klaus-Bahlsen-Brunnen, and Marstallbrunnen) and performs a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) for children using Escherichia coli, Enterococci, and Salmonella to quantify the probability of gastrointestinal illnesses and Pseudomonas aeruginosa to quantify the risk of dermal infections. Samples were collected fortnightly in two campaigns in 2020 and 2021 and processed to determine bacterial concentrations. Data on exposure time were obtained during field observations on the selected fountains; a total of 499 people were observed of which 30% were children. Mean bacterial concentrations ranged from 1.6 × 101 to 6.1 × 102 most probable number (MPN)/100 mL for E. coli, 1.2 × 101 -1.2 × 103  MPN/100 mL for Enterococci, 8.6 × 103 -3.1 × 105  CFU/100 mL for Salmonella, and 2.5 × 103 -3.2 × 104  MPN/100 mL for P. aeruginosa. The results of the QMRA study showed that the USEPA illness rate of 36 NEEAR-gastrointestinal illnesses/1000 was exceeded for Enterococci at the Körtingbrunnen, Klaus-Bahlsen-Brunnen, and Marstallbrunnen fountains and for Salmonella and P. aeruginosa at the Körtingbrunnen fountain, suggesting that exposure to microbiologically contaminated water from ornamental fountains may pose a health risk to children. The scenario analysis shows the importance of keeping low bacterial concentrations in ornamental fountains so that the risk of illness/infection to children does not exceed the USEPA illness rate benchmark.