The Influence of Environmental Exposure to Heavy Metals on the Occurrence of Selected Elements in the Maxillary Bone.

The elemental composition of the body's calcified tissues may reflect the environmental exposure of the population to heavy metals. The aim of the study was to assess whether the elemental composition of the maxillary bone from individuals belonging to a given population reflects the environmental exposure of this population to lead and cadmium. The research material consisted of cortical bone from the anterolateral walls of the maxilla collected from 126 patients during Caldwell-Luc maxillary sinus surgery on residents of two cities differing in terms of the lead and cadmium pollution of the natural environment. The content levels of lead, cadmium, iron, manganese, chromium, copper, and iron were determined by using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The content levels of lead and cadmium in the samples of the maxillary bones of residents of Bielsko-Biala were 3.26 ± 2.42 µg/g and 0.74 ± 0.38 µg/g, respectively, whereas in the samples from the residents of Katowice, they were 7.66 ± 2.79 µg/g and 1.12 ± 0.08 µg/g, respectively. It was found that the lead and cadmium levels in the maxillary bone corresponded to the environmental exposure to these heavy metals in the place of residence, which was proven here via the example of the residents of two cities with different concentrations of these heavy metals in the air over long time periods. Additionally, higher content levels of essential metals such as manganese, chromium, copper, and iron are characteristic of the maxillary bone samples of residents of the area that is more polluted with heavy metals.

Smoking tobacco, use of marijuana and other psychoactive substances by students of Silesian universities.

INTRODUCTION: These days, it is observed worldwide that the number of smokers drops, however, use of e-cigarettes and other psychoactive substances becomes more popular. This survey was conducted in the years 2019 to 2020 using a group of 193 people, 124 females and 69 males, at two Silesian universities. AIM: The purpose of this survey was to estimate patterns concerning use of tobacco and psychoactive substances by students. The survey was conducted by a survey including 27 questions. RESULTS: Most of the surveyed persons (78%) were non-smokers. Among active smokers, 30% of them started smoking at the age of 12 to 15, 45% of them at 16 to 18, and 77% smoked first before 18th birthday. Among smoking subjects, 90% smokes up to 5 cigarettes a day. Most subjects replied that "curiosity" was a cause to start smoking. Students often declared so-called "occasional smoking". Smoking in public bothered most (67%) subjects. Half of subjects declared that they never smoked marijuana. Mostly, students smoking tobacco decided to use marijuana as well. About 6% of subjects used other drugs, aside from marijuana. 3% of subjects tried amphetamine, LSD or ecstasy at least once in life. COCLUSIONS: Tobacco smoking frequency in students of Silesian universities was 22%, that is a level similar to other regions of Poland. Due to variation on the market of psychoactive substances, particularly among young people, continuous surveillance is recommended.

Evaluation of biological activity of quantum dots in a microsystem.

The presented work aimed at systematic investigation of biological activity of CdSex S1- x /ZnS and CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs), whose surface was modified with different ligands. For these studies, we used a microfluidic system combined with fluorescence microscopy techniques, which enabled analysis of cells' morphology, viability, and QDs uptake. PDMS and glass-based microfluidic system enabled the precise control of the cell environment, allowed to examine five replications of each tested QDs concentrations (statistically significant number), monitor multiple cellular events, and avoid manual preparation of QDs dilutions. We investigated the influence of the core composition and the type of surface modifiers on QDs toxicity. We also determined whether the examined nanoparticles penetrate into the cells. For all tested nanoparticles, the decrease of cells' viability was observed when increasing nanoparticles concentration. The decrease of live cells' number in microchambers and the accumulation of the nanoparticles around cultured cells were observed. The effect of hydrocarbon chain length of surface modifiers and QDs core composition on the cell viability was confirmed in our tests.

Mercury Levels in Selected Medicines and Dietary Supplements in Poland.

Current trends are promoting youth, beauty, health, and fitness. Individuals often seek out remedies, such as medicines or dietary supplements (DS), to achieve these goals. However, highly processed foods, chronic stress, and environmental pollution contribute to the development of civilization diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mercury (Hg) content in medicines and DS that are available in Poland. A total of 139 preparations were tested (75 drugs, 64 DS). The medicines contained preparations belonging to antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal; analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory; heart and blood vessel disease preventatives; respiratory tract infections treatment; diuretics; aiding digestion; supplements; antidiarrhoeals; anti-allergics; anti-rheumatics; antibiotics; and others. The tested dietary supplements had an effect on the following: improve the condition of skin, hair, and nails; vitamins; minerals; probiotics; weight loss; special for women; and others. The Hg content of the samples was determined using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The Hg content of all the preparations varied widely (0.1-57.4 µg/kg), with a median Hg concentration of 1.2 µg/kg. The median Hg concentration for medicines was 0.8 µg/kg, prescription medicines having higher Hg concentrations (0.9 µg/kg) than over-the-counter (OTC) drugs (0.5 µg/kg). For DS, the Hg content was found to be higher than for drugs, at 2.0 µg/kg. The herbal preparations showed the highest Hg content among the individual DS groups (3.4 µg/kg). The Hg concentrations in the tested drug and DS samples did not exceed acceptable standards. However, if multiple pharmaceutical preparations are taken simultaneously over a long period of time, and there is existing environmental exposure, there is a possibility of Hg concentration accumulation and adverse health effects.

Analysis of the Mercury Content in Fish for Human Consumption in Poland.

Mercury (Hg) is a metal with toxic effects on the environment, including living organisms. Organic Hg derivatives readily penetrate biological membranes and pose a particular health risk. Food of aquatic origin is the main source of human exposure to methylmercury (MeHg). In Poland, the consumption of fishery and aquaculture products has been gradually increasing. The aim of this study was to determine the content of Hg in fish intended for human consumption and purchased in Poland. The total Hg content of the edible parts of different species of marine and freshwater fish was analysed. The range of Hg content in all fish was 0.004-0.827 mg/kg, with an arithmetic mean of 0.084 mg/kg. The concentration of Hg in marine fish (0.100 mg/kg) was higher than in freshwater fish (0.063 mg/kg). The highest concentration of Hg was found in tuna. The Estimated Hazard Quotient (EHQ) calculated for the tuna samples analysed was >1. This may represent a potential health risk for consumers. The consumption of the other fish analysed was considered safe on the basis of the EHQ. The Hg content of the analysed fish samples did not exceed the current limits for food.

Mercury Exposure from the Consumption of Dietary Supplements Containing Vegetable, Cod Liver, and Shark Liver Oils.

Vegetable and fish oils constitute a significant part of all dietary supplements. Due to increasing environmental pollution, the raw materials used for their production may be contaminated with toxic substances, including metals. The aim of the present study was to determine the mercury (Hg) content in vegetable oils, shark liver oils, and cod liver oils. The tests conducted were to help determine the level of mercury contamination of the tested preparations and the related potential threat to human health. The amount of Hg in the tested dietary supplements was compared, and the amount of the metal consumed at various times of use was determined. A total of 36 preparations of dietary supplements available on the Polish market were used for the study. The method of atomic absorption spectrometry using the amalgamation technique was used for the determinations (AMA 254, Altec, Czech Republic). Among the sample of all of the tested preparations, the Hg concentration ranged from 0.023 to 0.427 µg/kg, with an average of 0.165 µg/kg. Differences in Hg content in the various tested preparations (shark liver oil, cod liver oil, and vegetable oils) were statistically significant. The average concentration of Hg in the vegetable oils (0.218 µg/kg) was more than twice that of the cod liver oils (0.106 µg/kg) and shark liver oils (0.065 µg/kg). In none of the tested preparations did the amount of Hg exceed the acceptable standard for dietary supplements (0.10 mg/kg). The analysis showed that the Hg content in vegetable oils, shark liver oils, and fish oils from the Polish market is at a low level, guaranteeing the safety of their use, and as such, they do not pose a threat to health.

Analysis of Mercury Content in Various Types of Tea (Camellia sinensis) and Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis).

Due to the content of active ingredients, teas can be used prophylactically, but most of all they are consumed for taste reasons. As with food or water, these products can be contaminated with heavy metals, including mercury. Mercury (Hg) is a toxic element, it causes many side effects in the human body depending on the form of Hg, which can include respiratory failure, kidney damage, neurological disorders. At the cellular level, Hg and its compounds lead to a disturbance of metabolism and cell death. The aim of the study was to evaluate the mercury concentration of tea (Camellia sinensis) and Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis). Eighty-six samples were collected and analyzed, including the following kinds: black, green, white, Pu-erh, and Yerba Mate. The samples came from Poland. The Hg concentration was determined with an AMA 254 atomic absorption spectrometer. The study showed that the Hg content in each tea sample averaged 2.47 µg/kg. The Hg concentration in the tested types of tea differed significantly statistically (p = 0.000). It was the largest in Yerba Mate, followed by green, Pu-erh, and white tea, and was the smallest in black tea. Statistically significant differences in the Hg content (p = 0.004) were also dependent on the form of the product; in leaf tea samples, the concentration of Hg (2.54 µg/kg) was higher than in tea bags (1.16 µg/kg). The Hg concentration determined in the tested samples does not exceed the permitted EU standard. Consuming these teas poses no health risk in terms of the amount of Hg.

Analysis of Mercury Concentration in Honey from the Point of View of Human Body Exposure.

Honey is a highly valued product due to its nutritional value, pro-health and healing properties. Pollutants from the environment penetrate into nectar, honeydew, pollen and next into bee products and can cause human exposure after ingestion. Mercury (Hg) is a toxic metal to living organisms. This is why it was important to determine the level of Hg in consumed honey.The aim of this manuscript is to analyse mercury concentration in honeys collected on the territory of Poland. A total of 108 samples of honey purchased in regional apiaries and hypermarkets were tested. The concentration of Hg was analysed in various types of honey (multifloral, honeydew, linden, goldenrod, acacia, buckwheat, rapeseed, sunflower, heather, dandelion, phacelia). The values of the Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Estimated Weekly Intake (EWI) and % Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake (% PTWI) were calculated. This allowed estimating the amount of Hg taken during consumption of the tested honeys.The concentration of Hg ranged from 0.01 to 1.71 µg/kg and was 0.43 µg/kg on average. A higher concentration of Hg, which was statistically significant, was recorded in honeydew honey, then in compound honeys. Honeys produced from one raw material had the lowest concentration of Hg. There were no significant differences in the concentration of Hg depending on the origin of honey. The calculations have shown that consumption of a portion (19 g) of the tested honey per week is safe for both adults and children according to the applicable standards.

(137)Cs and (40)K isotopes in forest and wasteland soils in a selected region of eastern Poland 20 years after the Chernobyl accident.

The vertical (137)Cs profile of forest and wasteland soils was analyzed in the south of the Podlasie Lowland area (Eastern Poland) about 20 years after the Chernobyl accident. In addition, the concentration of (40)K in soils of the investigated area was measured. Below the litter layer (mean thickness 3 cm), the soil samples were collected up to a depth of 12 cm and then divided into three layers: 0-3, 3-7, 7-12 cm. The behavior of (137)Cs and (40)K isotopes in soils was analyzed depending on the depth from which the soil samples were collected, as well as on the content of organic carbon, pH of soil and its granulometric composition. It was established that the density of (137)Cs in the litter layer equals 2.17 kBq m(-2); it is the highest in layer 0-3 cm where it equals 3.44 kBq m(-2), and it decreases with the depth to the value of 0.76 kBq m(-2) in layer 7-12 cm. No similar pattern was observed in wasteland soils. The concentrations of (40)K in forest and wasteland soils did not change significantly with depth.

[The important mean of passive smoking for lead and chromium content in deciduous teeth]. / Znaczenie biernego palenia dla wystepowania olowiu i chromu w zebach mlecznych.

In this work the changes of lead (Pb) and chromium (Cr) content in deciduous children teeth exposed on environmental tobacco smoking were presented. As the control group were given deciduous children teeth nonexposed on tobacco smoking in home. The content of lead in deciduous teeth was higher in non-exposed population (13.81 microg/g) than in passive-smoking population (12.28 microg/g) p < or = 0.005. The passive smoking has effect to less chromium content in deciduous teeth. The quotient of lead and chromium contents was higher in passive-smoking boys and girls and different kind of deciduous teeth.

[Trace elements concentration in pharyngeal tonsils from exposed and unexposed to ETS children in refer to sex and places of living]. / Wplyw biernego palenia na zawartosc pierwiastków fizjologicznych w migdalkach gardlowych w nawiazaniu do plci i miejsca zamieszkania.

The aim of this study was investigation influence sex and place living (industrial region or village) to concentration of: Ca, K, Mg and Na in pharyngeal tonsils (n = 84) from children exposed and unexposed to tobacco smoke and analysis kind of interactions between trace elements. Determination of these elements contents were performed by ICP-AES. It was found higher concentrations of Ca and Na in pharyngeal tonsils from boys (389 microg//g) and girls (356 microg/g) unexposed to tobacco smoke to comparison to expose to ETS boys (304 microg/g) and girls (298 microg/g). Higher concentrations of Ca and Na was found in this samples from children unexposed on ETS, living in industrial area to comparison to unexposed to ETS children living in village region. Higher concentration of K and Mg was found in exposed to ETS girls and boys in comparison to unexposed to ETS children, and higher level of these metals were found in exposed to tobacco smoke children living in industrial region and village.

[The influence of tobacco smoking on the occurrence of copper in hydroxiapatites of gallstones]. / Wplyw nalogu palenia tytoniu na wystepowanie miedzi w hydroksyapatytach kamieni zólciowych.

The studies were carried out on the changes in copper content in concretions of gallstones which were taken from 146 women (49 smoking and 97 no smoking) and 24 men (11 smoking and 13 no smoking), respectively. The elemental composition of gallstones was determined with ICP-AES method (Inductively Coupled Plasma - Atomic Emission Spectroscopy). Studies on copper occurrence in concretions of gallstones showed the presence of its higher concentrations in case of smoking women (9.59 microg/g) and men (8.99 microg/g) in comparison with no smoking women (7.02 microg/g) and men (7.66 microg/ g). It was shown differences in pattern of changes of copper concentration in gallstones in case of smoking and no smoking women and men.

A fatal case of poisoning of a 19-year-old after taking 3-MMC.

The significant increase in the number of new psychoactive substances on the drug market has recently been a serious problem. The manuscript presents a fatal case of suicide poisoning with 3-MMC (3-methylmethcathinone). The biological material collected during the autopsy of a 19-year-old woman, transferred to the toxicological Laboratory in Katowice ToxLab, was subjected to a chemical and toxicological analysis. The toxicological analysis of blood, vitreous humor and gastric contents revealed 3-methylmetcatinone at a concentration of 800 ng/ml, 153 ng/ml and 5,5 mg, respectively. The presence of 3-MMC has also been confirmed in physical evidence secured on site. 3-methylmethcathinone is a dangerous psychoactive substance that caused the death of the 19-year-old.

The occurrence of copper in deciduous teeth of girls and boys living in Upper Silesian Industry Region (Southern Poland).

This work presents the results of a research concerning the copper content in different types of deciduous teeth (incisor, canine, molar) of boys and girls living in the Upper Silesian Industry Region (Southern Poland). The average copper concentration in deciduous teeth was 9.92 microg/g and was significantly higher in the deciduous teeth of boys (12.24 microg/g) in comparison to the deciduous teeth of girls (8.60 microg/g). The concentration of copper was statistically variable depending on the type of tooth (incisor, canine, molar). The results of the correlation analysis and cluster analysis indicate mainly the participation of lead, iron, manganese and chromium ions in the formation of copper content in hard tissue of deciduous teeth.

The Content of Mercury in Herbal Dietary Supplements.

The dietary supplement market in Poland has been growing rapidly, and the number of registered products and their consumption increases steadily. Among the most popular and the easiest to get are herbal supplements, available in any supermarket. The aim of this paper was to investigate the mercury content in the herbal supplements. The dietary supplements that have been examined (24) are available on the Polish market and contain one or more herbal ingredients. Supplements were pulverized in porcelain mortar and identified by AMA 254 atomic absorption spectrometer. The range of variations for all tested supplements was within 0.02-4293.07 µg/kg. The arithmetic mean of the total result was 193.77 µg/kg. A higher mercury content then this mean was found in preparations-bamboo shoots and alga Chlorella pyrenoidosa. The studies have shown that mercury is present in every examined herbal supplement, and its content exceeds in two preparations (with bamboo and alga) the permissible limit of 0.10 mg/kg. There were statistically significant differences in the occurrence of mercury depending on the herbal ingredient in the supplement. The lowest content was found in the preparation with Tanacetum parthenium and the highest with bamboo shoots. The mercury content in the tested herbal supplements was statistically significant in the form of a supplement-a tablet and a capsule. Daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly consumption of mercury with examined supplements was calculated-the results did not exceed the PTWI-provisional tolerable weekly intake of mercury. To increase consumer safety, it is imperative to conduct further research on dietary supplements and implement a stricter quality control of the dietary supplements.

The Assessment of Toxic Metals in Plants Used in Cosmetics and Cosmetology.

Heavy metals polluting the natural environment are absorbed by plants. The use of herbs as components of cosmetics may pose a health risk for humans. The aim of the study was to determine the concentrations of Pb, Cd and Hg in selected species of herbs (horsetail Equisetum arvense, nettle Urtica dioica, St. John's wort Hypericum perforatum, wormwood Artemisia absinthium, yarrow Achillea millefolium, cottonwood Solidago virgaurea) self-collected from the natural environment in two different locations, and purchased in stores on the territory of Poland. The concentration of the metals studied was: 4.67-23.8 mg/kg Pb, 0.01-1.51 mg/kg Cd, 0.005-0.028 mg/kg Hg. Different concentrations of metals, depending on species and origin of plants, were found. The mean concentration of all studied metals was the lowest in St. John's wort, and the highest in nettle. In herbs purchased in Polish stores, the concentration of Pb was higher than in plants self-collected in the natural environment.

[Aluminum in hydroxyapatites of gallstones from smoking and non smoking women]. / Glin w hydroksyapatytach zlogów pecherzyka zólciowego kobiet palacych i niepalacych.

The investigation on the aluminum changes in gallstones from 149 women, including 49 smokers and 79 non-smokers women was carried out. All patients were inhabitants of Southern Poland. Aluminum concentration was determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma - Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) with the measurement precision of 1-3% and the detectability of 0.01 microg/g. Arithmetical mean was statistically significantly higher for non-smoking women (33.39 microgAI/g) in comparison to smoking women (20.30 microgAI/g). The changes of given elements were different for smoking women in comparison to non-smoking women.

[Analysis of participation of mercury in gallstones from smoking and non smoking people]. / Analiza udzialu rteci w skladzie mineralnym kamieni zólciowych osób palacych i niepalacych tyton.

Mercury concentration in gallstones of 146 women (49 smoking, 97 non-smoking) and 24 men (11 smoking, 13 non-smoking) was determined employing Inductively Coupled Plasma - Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES). The possibility of mercury accumulation in concretions in the gallbladder was confirmed by the study. The changes of given elements were different in comparison for smoking and non smoking women and men. The research of mercury occurrence in gallstones shows the presence of higher concentration at smoking both women (0.16 microgHg/g) and men (0.22 microgHg/g) in comparison to non smoking women (0.12 microgHg/g) and men (0.06 microgHg/g).

Age-Dependent Changes in Pb Concentration in Human Teeth.

The result of exposure to Pb is its accumulation in mineralized tissues. In human body, they constitute a reservoir of approx. 90 % of the Pb reserve. The conducted research aimed at determining the accumulation of Pb in calcified tissues of permanent teeth. The concentration of Pb in 390 samples of teeth taken from a selected group of Polish people was determined using the AAS method. Average concentration of Pb in teeth amounted to 14.3 ± 8.18 µg/g, range of changes: 2.21-54.8 µgPb/g. Accumulation of Pb in human body was determined based on changes in Pb concentration in teeth of subjects aged 13-84 years. It was found that in calcified tissues of teeth, the increase in concentration of Pb that occurs with age is a statistically significant process (p = 0.02, the ANOVA Kruskal-Wallis test). It was determined that the annual increase in concentration of Pb in tissues of teeth is approx. 0.1 µg/g. Moreover, a different course of changes in Pb concentration in tissues of teeth in people born in different years was observed. The level of Pb concentration in teeth of the oldest subjects (>60 years) decreased for those born in the 1930s compared to those in the 1950s. Teeth from younger persons (<60 years) were characterized by an increasing level of Pb concentration. The analysis of changes of Pb indicates that for low exposure, a relatively greater accumulation of Pb concentration in calcified tissues of teeth can occur.

Is there a dependence between children's body weight and the concentration of metals in deciduous teeth?

Malnutrition, manifested by both overweight and underweight, can lead to serious health consequences. The subject of the study was to determine the concentration of elements such as chromium (Cr), calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) in children's deciduous teeth in relation to their body weight. The calculated body mass index (BMI) values and an application of the growth chart showed that 59% of children among the studied sample had normal weight. In 41% of children, weight disorders were observed including underweight - 28% and overweight - 12%. Median concentration of metals in deciduous teeth was: 3.79µgMn/g, 52.2µgFe/g, 4.73µgCu/g, 10.7µgCr/g, 36.1%Ca/g. There were no statistically significant differences in the concentration of the studied metals in the teeth of children with normal and abnormal body weight. However, the dependence between the metals in teeth varied with the children's weight. This may suggest changes in the mineral composition of tissues that are associated with metabolic disorders.