Arsenic in rice and rice products in Northwestern Mexico and health risk assessment.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the health risk of arsenic exposure by consumption of rice and its products marketed in northwestern Mexico. Sixty-six national and imported rice products were purchased in markets in northwestern Mexico, an endemic arsenic region. Total and inorganic arsenic in rice samples were analysed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy and the risk assessment was evaluated according to the hazard quotient (HQ) and carcinogenic risk (CR). Total and inorganic arsenic in rice samples ranged from 0.06 to 0.29 mg/kg and from 0.03 to 0.13 mg/kg, respectively, and 40% of the analysed samples exceeded FAO/WHO arsenic recommended levels. The inorganic/total arsenic ratio ranged from 15% to 65%. The HQ and CR values for total and inorganic arsenic did not exceed safety levels. Therefore, rice supply in the northwestern of Mexico appears to be safe for human consumption.

Distribution and health risk assessment of Cd and Pb in two marine fishes (Haemulopsis axillaris and Diapterus peruvianus) from the Eastern Pacific.

The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in muscle and liver tissue of Haemulopsis axillaris and Diapterus peruvianus from the Eastern Pacific in Mexico and to assess the health risk to consumers. Fish were collected as bycatch on the continental shelf between the coasts of Sinaloa and Guerrero (Eastern Pacific). Cd and Pb were quantified in muscle and liver tissue using graphite-furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry (GF-AAS).Concentration of Cd was greater in muscle tissue than in liver tissue; with Pb, however, the opposite pattern was found. The highest concentration of Cd (0.177 µg g-1) was found in muscle tissue of H. axillaris from Sinaloa. For Pb, the highest level (0.692 µg g-1) was found in the liver tissue of H. axillaris also from Sinaloa. Levels of Cd and Pb in muscle tissue were both below Mexican Guidelines (0.5, 1.0 µg g-1 wet weight for Cd and Pb respectively) and International Guidelines. The hazard index (HI) for both metals in the edible portion of studied considering metal levels in the edible portion and the rate of fish consumption by the Mexican population (in adults and children) was less than 1 (HI < 1), values which do not represent a health risk to consumers.

Quantitative microbial risk assessment of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in well water from a native community of Mexico.

Cryptosporidium and Giardia are gastrointestinal disease-causing organisms transmitted by the fecal-oral route, zoonotic and prevalent in all socioeconomic segments with greater emphasis in rural communities. The goal of this study was to assess the risk of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis of Potam dwellers consuming drinking water from communal well water. To achieve the goal, quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) was carried out as follows: (a) identification of Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts in well water samples by information collection rule method, (b) assessment of exposure to healthy Potam residents, (c) dose-response modelling, and (d) risk characterization using an exponential model. All well water samples tested were positive for Cryptosporidium and Giardia. The QMRA results indicate a mean of annual risks of 99:100 (0.99) for cryptosporidiosis and 1:1 (1.0) for giardiasis. The outcome of the present study may drive decision-makers to establish an educational and treatment program to reduce the incidence of parasite-borne intestinal infection in the Potam community, and to conduct risk analysis programs in other similar rural communities in Mexico.

Development and Psychometric Assessment of the Measure of Globalization Influence on Health Risk (MGIHR) Among Mexican Women with Breast Cancer.

Lacking in the literature are data addressing the extent to which changes in reproductive and lifestyle factors predispose women in developing nations to higher breast cancer rates, and the degree to which these are due to globalization influences. This article describes the development and psychometric assessment of an instrument intended to measure global, predominantly U.S., influences on breast cancer risk profile among women residing in Mexico. Using investigator consensus and a focus group methodology, the Measure of Globalization Influence on Health Risk (MGIHR) was developed and completed by 341 women. Psychometric analysis support the use of an 11-item Consumerism and Modernity scale and 7-item Reproductive Control and Gender Role scale. The MGIHR is a valid and reliable instrument for understanding changing lifestyle and reproductive factors for breast cancer risk and may provide a more complete understanding of breast cancer development and needed interventions.

Occurrence and quantitative microbial risk assessment of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in soil and air samples.

BACKGROUND: Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts can be transmitted by the fecal-oral route and may cause gastrointestinal parasitic zoonoses. These zoonoses are common in rural zones due to the parasites being harbored in fecally contaminated soil. This study assessed the risk of illness (giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis) from inhaling and/or ingesting soil and/or airborne dust in Potam, Mexico. METHODS: To assess the risk of infection, Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) was employed, with the following steps: (1) hazard identification, (2) hazard exposure, (3) dose-response, and (4) risk characterization. RESULTS: Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts were observed in 52% and 57%, respectively, of total soil samples (n=21), and in 60% and 80%, respectively, of air samples (n=12). The calculated annual risks were higher than 9.9 × 10(-1) for both parasites in both types of sample. CONCLUSIONS: Soil and air inhalation and/or ingestion are important vehicles for these parasites. To our knowledge, the results obtained in the present study represent the first QMRAs for cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis due to soil and air inhalation/ingestion in Mexico. In addition, this is the first evidence of the microbial air quality around these parasites in rural zones.