Validation of a low-cost lead hazard screening kit for the home environment.

The main sources of lead exposure for children occur in the home environment, yet no low-cost analytical methods exist to screen homes for lead hazards. Previously, an inexpensive (~$20), quantitative lead screening kit was developed in which residents collect soil, paint, and dust samples that are returned to a laboratory for lead analysis using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF). This screening kit was initially validated in 2020; it was determined that in situ and ex situ XRF lead measurements on the same samples exhibited strong sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. As a follow-up to the initial validation, an implementation study and further statistical analyses were conducted. Correlation analysis using the results from nearly 400 screening kits identified an overall lack of correlation between sample types, reinforcing the utility of all eight sample locations. Principal component analysis searched for underlying correlations in sample types and provided evidence that both interior and exterior paint are major sources of lead hazards for Indiana homes. The implementation study compared the results of the government-standard lead inspection and risk assessment (LIRA) and the lead screening kit in 107 Indiana homes. In the United States, the LIRA is a thorough inspection of paint, dust, and soil that is usually state mandated in response to a child's elevated blood level and is used to identify where remediation efforts should be focused. The lead screening kit and LIRA agreed on the presence of lead in 79 of the 107 homes tested (74%). Discrepancies in agreement are likely the result of differences in the sample location and number of samples collected by each method. Overall, these results suggest that the lead screening kit is an acceptable resource that could be used to expand the services health departments provide for lead prevention. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1504-1513. © 2024 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

Concentrations and risk assessment of metals and microplastics from antifouling paint particles in the coastal sediment of a marina in Simon's Town, South Africa.

Maintenance of maritime vessels includes the removal of paint from hulls that are sources of metals, antifouling paint particles (APPs) and microplastics (MPs) that end up in the coastal environment. Simon's Town is a small urban town in False Bay, Cape Town, South Africa, where maritime activities take place (there is a naval harbour, marina and shipyard). The aim of this study was to measure metals, APPs and MPs in Simon's Town, to assess the impact of maritime activities and a storm water pipe in a sheltered marina. Sediment samples were collected from six sites during winter 2018. Sediment and extracted APPs were analysed for metal concentrations (Al, As, B, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Sb, Sn, Sr, V and Zn) and MPs characterised based on type (shape and polymer), colour and size. Highest average metal concentrations in sediment for all sites were Fe (32228 ± SEM 4024), Al (12271 ± 1062) and Cu (1129 ± 407). Metals in paint particles were highest for Fe (80873 ± 19341), Cu (66762 ± 13082) and Zn (44910 ± 1400 µg/g). Metal and MP fragment concentrations were highest at the slipway of the shipyard, decreasing with increased distance from the slipway. MP filaments were highest close to the storm water outfall pipe. Our results suggest that shipyards are potential sources of metals and MP fragments (mainly APPs), with storm water pipes potential sources of MP filaments. Various indices applied to assess the potential impacts of metals and MPs suggest that these contaminants have the potential to adversely impact the intertidal ecosystem investigated.

Promising Practices for Alternatives Assessment: Lessons from a Case Study of Copper-Free Antifouling Coatings.

Alternatives assessment (AA) is intended to identify safer and more sustainable approaches for managing chemicals used in industrial applications and consumer products and to avoid the adoption of regrettable substitutions. In the United States, the state of Washington prescribes a science-based approach for conducting an AA that meets regulatory requirements. This paper provides an overview of the approach, based on the Interstate Chemicals Clearinghouse (IC2) AA Guide, and illustrates its application to the examination of suitable alternatives to Cu-based antifouling coatings commonly used for recreational boats in the Pacific Northwest. Legislation has been passed in Washington State that will ban the use of certain Cu-based products in both freshwater and marine environments. The AA approach was used to identify and evaluate several alternatives to Cu-based antifouling boat paint products. Five promising practices that AA practitioners should consider when using the IC2 AA Guide in similar assessments of alternatives to industrial practices and consumer products include actively engaging stakeholders, enhancing the decision framework using a selection guide approach, scoping alternatives broadly, optimizing ingredient transparency, and identifying data gaps that could interfere with substitution efforts. The role AA plays in driving consumer product and similar technology innovations and its implications for the future are discussed. Environ Assess Manag 2019;00:1-13. © 2019 SETAC.

Assessment of the organotin pollution in the coastal sediments of the Western Arabian Gulf, Saudi Arabia.

Organotin compounds (OTCs) are persistent pollutants and are considered as chemicals of environmental concern. They enter the marine environment from the antifouling paints containing organotin compounds on the hulls of ships and boats. We report the results of a study conducted in 2015 on the level of butyltins (TBT, DBT, and MBT) and phenyltins (TPhT, DPhT, and MPhT) in the sediments collected from three fishing harbors (Jubail, Khobar, and Qatif) and a reference site (Half Moon Bay). The concentrations of OTCs in the sediments vary widely among the different sampling locations. Overall, the phenyltins contribute more than the butyltins and the order of the abundance is: MPhT > DPhT > MBT > DBT > TPhT. In most stations, the concentrations of MBT are higher than DBT. The sediments from Khobar and Qatif are moderately polluted, whereas those from the Jubail are ranked as highly polluted. The concentrations of TBT at all study sites are less than the detection limit, and hence, the environmental and ecotoxicological risks are low.

Assessment of soil metal concentrations in residential and community vegetable gardens in Melbourne, Australia.

Gardening and urban food production is an increasingly popular activity, which can improve physical and mental health and provide low cost nutritious food. However, the legacy of contamination from industrial and diffuse sources may have rendered surface soils in some urban gardens to have metals value in excess of recommended guidelines for agricultural production. The objective of this study was to establish the presence and spatial extent of soil metal contamination in Melbourne's residential and inner city community gardens. A secondary objective was to assess whether soil lead (Pb) concentrations in residential vegetable gardens were associated with the age of the home or the presence or absence of paint. The results indicate that most samples in residential and community gardens were generally below the Australian residential guidelines for all tested metals except Pb. Mean soil Pb concentrations exceeded the Australian HIL-A residential guideline of 300 mg/kg in 8% of 13 community garden beds and 21% of the 136 residential vegetable gardens assessed. Mean and median soil Pb concentrations for residential vegetable gardens was 204 mg/kg and 104 mg/kg (range <4-3341 mg/kg), respectively. Mean and median soil Pb concentration for community vegetable garden beds was 102 mg/kg and 38 mg/kg (range = 17-578 mg/kg), respectively. Soil Pb concentrations were higher in homes with painted exteriors (p = 0.004); generally increased with age of the home (p = 0.000); and were higher beneath the household dripline than in vegetable garden beds (p = 0.040). In certain circumstances, the data indicates that elevated soil Pb concentrations could present a potential health hazard in a portion of inner-city residential vegetable gardens in Melbourne.

Reduction dye in paint and construction chemicals wastewater by improved coagulation-flocculation process.

A coagulation-flocculation process was applied to wastewater of paint and construction chemicals producing factory in Turkey. Ferric chloride was used as coagulant and several natural based materials, namely limestone, pumice, sepiolite, bentonite and mussel shell were used as flocculant aids. The effects of dosage of flocculant aids on the pH, color and electrical conductivity of wastewater were studied. The experimental results showed that the treatment with all substances was very effective. The pHs of treated wastewater were obtained in the range of 5-7 without needing pH adjustment process. Fifteen Pt-Co color values were obtained on average, which is similar to pure water clarity. The amount of solute in the wastewater was evaluated by the electrical conductivity values. According to the results, under the optimum treatment conditions, chemical oxygen demands were determined. As a result of the work, the cost of chemicals for the wastewater treatment processes has been reduced by about 90%.

Assessment of Occupational Exposure to Bisphenol A in Five Different Production Companies in Finland.

The aim of the study was to assess occupational exposure to bisphenol A in Finland. Five companies took part in the research project: two paint factories (liquid and powder paints), a composite product factory, a thermal paper factory, and a tractor factory. Exposure was assessed by measuring total bisphenol A excretion (free and conjugated) from urine samples, and its concentrations in the air. The results revealed the specific work tasks in two of five companies in which significant occupational exposure to bisphenol A may occur. In the manufacturing of liquid paint hardener, urine samples collected after the working day showed bisphenol A levels of up to 100-170 µg l-1. Workers in thermal paper manufacturing were also exposed to bisphenol A, especially those working in the manufacture of coating material and operating coating machines. Median concentrations of the post-shift urine samples of coating machine workers were in the range of 130-250 µg l-1. The highest bisphenol A concentrations were in the range of 1000-1500 µg l-1. Recommendations for more effective personal protection resulted in decreased exposure, particularly among coating machine operators. In the rest of the companies, urinary bisphenol A levels were typically in the range of those of the general population. Bisphenol A concentrations in air samples were typically low (<40 µg m-3), except in some short-term duties related to the handling of solid bisphenol A (maximum 17.6 mg m-3). Low air levels, even in the companies with high urinary levels, suggest exposure via dermal contact. According to the results, exposure to bisphenol A may occur particularly in work tasks that involve the use of pure bisphenol A. In these tasks, special attention should be paid to the prevention of skin exposure. Inhalation exposure may become relevant in dusty work tasks. Since skin exposure is of potential concern in these tasks, biomonitoring is recommended as the method for assessing occupational exposure to bisphenol A.

Assessment of airborne nanoparticles present in industry of aluminum surface treatments.

Conventional industrial processes are emission sources of unintended nanoparticles which are potentially harmful for the environment and human health. The aim of this study is to assess airborne nanoparticle release from aluminum surface treatment processes in various workplaces. Two direct reading instruments, a scanning mobility particle sizer to measure size distribution and a nanoparticle surface area monitoring to measure the surface area of particles deposited in the human lung, were employed to perform area monitoring. The lacquering paint was the process which released the highest concentration of particles from 10-487 nm (7.06 × 106 particles/cm3). The lacquering baths process emitted particles of the largest average size (76.9 nm) and the largest surface area deposited in the human lung (167.4 µm2/cm3). Conversely, the anodizing bath process generated particles of the smallest average size (44.3 nm) and the lowest human lung-deposited surface area (1.2 µm2/cm3). The total number of particles and the surface area can only be fairly correlated for environments in which the surface area presented higher values. The transmission electron microscopy analysis confirmed the presence of aluminum oxide particles of different dimensions near the LB and AB areas and polymeric-based particles near the LP areas. The findings of this study indicated that lacquering and anodizing surface treatments are indeed responsible for the emission of airborne nanoparticles. It also highlights the importance of control strategies as a means of protecting workers' health and environment.

Health risk assessment of the intake of butyltin and phenyltin compounds from fish and seafood in Taiwanese population.

Organotin compounds have been applied as stabilizers for PVCs, fungicides, and pesticides, those can enter water systems through antifouling paints on ships as well as from diverse industrial and agricultural processes. This study aims to monitor the background levels of six organotins in 200 fishery products. In the current study, the high organotin levels are over tolerable average residue levels in Taiwan. Phenyltins (PTs) levels in fish and seafood are higher than butyltins (BTs). Risk assessment showed that 95% upper confidence limits of the hazard index (HI) of organotins were almost all over 1, indicating that there are probability of health impacts for organotin consumption in Taiwanese consumers. Those who consume higher amounts of seafood and fishery may be at a higher risk of health issues, but the data indicate that organotin levels have become controlled in recent years as compared with health risk data published in 2006.

Human health risk assessment of lead, manganese and copper from scrapped car paint dust from automobile workshops in Nigeria.

The economic downturn in Nigeria and Structural Adjustment Programme led to the flooding of Nigerian market with imported used automobiles. Most of these vehicles needed refurbishing and reworking. The present study is a human health risk assessment of metal exposure resulting from reworking of imported used vehicles in Nigeria. Scrap paint dusts from 56 Japanese made cars were collected from 8 different mechanic villages (workshops A-H] in Southeastern Nigeria. Scrap paints were homogenized, mixed, divided into fine particles and digested by standard method. The filtrates were assayed of lead, manganese and copper with atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Workshop B has the highest concentration of Pb (4.26 ± 0.93). Manganese in workshops A and F were (3.31 ± 0.85) and (3.04 ± 0.47) respectively and were higher than the levels from workshops C, B, D, G and H. Copper in workshop D (7.11 ± 0.21) was significantly greater than the other workshops. The highest hazard quotient (HQ) through ingestion, inhalation and dermal exposures in adults were 9.44E-05 (workshop B), 4.20E-01 (workshop B) and 1.08E-05 (workshop D) respectively. The highest values for HQ through ingestion, inhalation and dermal in children were 8.82E-04, 7.61E-01 and 2.86E-05 all in workshop B respectively. For children, the highest carcinogenic risk levels were 7.05E-08, 6.09E-05 and 2.29E-10 for ingestion, inhalation and dermal exposures respectively. In adults, the carcinogenic risk levels were 7.55E-09, 3.39E-05 and 8.67E-10 for ingestion, inhalation and dermal exposures respectively. Chronic exposure to scrap car paint dusts may be of significant public health importance in Nigeria as this may add to the body burden of some heavy metals.

Risk assessment of selected priority pollutants coming from boating activities.

In this work, we evaluated the risk posed to aquatic organisms in the coastal waters of Albania and Apulia (Italy) by two priority pollutants (PPs), Irgarol 1051 and Diuron, used as biocides in antifouling paints on boat hulls. With this aim, we carried out an extensive 3-year monitoring in ports and marinas along the coasts of both countries, which showed a widespread occurrence of both PPs, with Irgarol 1051 concentrations usually being lower than the Diuron ones. The measured concentrations were compared with regulatory Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) (Directive 2008/105/EC) and used to perform a probabilistic Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA), for a thorough evaluation of the potential adverse effects upon marine ecosystem. Irgarol 1051 amounts above the Annual Average Concentration (AA-EQS, 2.5 ng/L) were often detected in Apulia and, less frequently, in Albania. Moreover, in Apulia, sometimes the Maximum Allowable Concentrations (MAC-EQS, 16 ng/L) was exceeded. In Apulia, where levels exceeded MAC/AA-EQS, ERA found not negligible probabilities of exceeding the toxicity level (6-18 %). A less critical situation was observed for Diuron whose levels were always below the MAC-EQS (1800 ng/L) in both countries and, in Albania, also below the AA-EQS (200 ng/L). On the other hand, in Apulia, this limit was exceeded in some locations. Correspondingly, ERA determined a not negligible risk in these sites (probability of exceedance 4-7 %).

Assessment of DNA damage in car spray painters exposed to organic solvents by the high-throughput comet assay.

Occupational exposure as a painter is associated with DNA damage and development of cancer. Comet assay has been widely adopted as a sensitive and quantitative tool for DNA damage assessment at the individual cell level in populations exposed to genotoxics. The aim of this study was to assess the application of the high-throughput comet assay, to determine the DNA damage in car spray painters. The study population included 52 car spray painters and 52 unexposed subjects. A significant increase in the %TDNA median (p < 0.001) was observed in the exposed group in comparison to the unexposed group. Neither age (%TDNA: p = 0.913) nor time of exposure (%TDNA: p = 0.398) were significantly correlated with DNA damage. The car spray painters who consumed alcohol did not show a significant increase in DNA damage compared to nonalcohol consumers (p > 0.05). The results showed an increase in DNA breaks in car spray painters exposed to organic solvents and paints; furthermore, they demonstrated the application of high-throughput comet assay in an occupational exposure study to genotoxic agents.

Micro-scale spatially offset Raman spectroscopy for non-invasive subsurface analysis of turbid materials.

This article reviews a very recent field of noninvasive analysis of turbid media using micro-scale Spatially Offset Raman Spectroscopy - micro-SORS. The technique combines conventional SORS with microscopy concepts and represents a new imaging modality in Raman microscopy. Micro-SORS facilitates analytical capability for investigating non-destructively the chemical composition of subsurface, micrometer-scale-thick diffusely scattering layers at depths more than an order of magnitude larger than those accessible with the depth resolving power of conventional confocal Raman microscopy. Potential application areas include nondestructive subsurface analysis of painted layers in cultural heritage, characterization of stratified polymer systems, analysis of layered biological samples or forensic analysis. The article discusses the basic principles of the technique, its variants and outlines emerging applications in this rapidly evolving field.

Use of a Field Portable X-Ray Fluorescence Analyzer for Environmental Exposure Assessment of a Neighborhood in Cairo, Egypt Adjacent to the Site of a Former Secondary Lead Smelter.

The objectives of this study are to demonstrate for the first time the use of a field portable X-Ray Fluorescence Analyzer (XRF) in a multi-media environmental survey and to use the survey results to determine if residual lead from a once-active secondary lead smelter in Cairo, Egypt, still posed a health risk to the residents when comparing results with US EPA standards. Results were analyzed to determine if relationships among the variables indicated that there were residual impacts of the former smelter. Samples collected inside and near a total of 194 dwellings were analyzed. The mean floor dust lead loading was 7.48 µg lead/ft(2). Almost 10% of the dwellings had at least one floor dust wipe sample that exceeded the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA) interior settled dust lead level of 40 µg lead/ft(2). The median paint lead level was 0.04 mg lead/cm(2). 17% of the dwellings had at least one interior paint sample that exceeded the USEPA standard of 1.0 mg lead/cm(2). Mean soil lead concentration in the study area was 458 ppm and 91 ppm outside the study area. Four of nine composite soil samples exceeded the US EPA limit for bare soil in play areas. Lead concentrations in samples collected in locations outside the study area did not exceed the limit. The highest concentration was in the plot closest to the smelter and may represent residual impact from the former smelter. Statistically significant relationships were not detected between interior floor dust lead loading and either interior paint lead loading or exterior dust lead concentration. Thus, no significant exposure from the former smelter was indicated by these analyses. This may have resulted from the time elapsed since the closing of the smelter and/or the relatively low paint lead levels. Further study is needed in other areas of Egypt near former and active lead smelters. Elevated levels of mercury and arsenic detected in soil samples do not appear to be related to the smelter but warrant further study.

Feasibility study for the assessment of the exposed dose with TENORM added in consumer products.

Consumer products including naturally occurring radioactive material have been distributed widely in human life. The potential hazard of the excessively added technically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive material (TENORM) in consumer products should be assessed. The aim of this study is to evaluate the organ equivalent dose and the annual effective dose with the usage of the TENORM added in paints. The activities of gammas emitted from natural radionuclides in the five types of paints were measured with the high-purity germanium detector, and the annual effective dose was assessed with the computational human phantom and the Monte Carlo method. The results show that uranium and thorium series were mainly measured over the five paints. Based on the exposure scenario of the paints in the room, the highest effective dose was evaluated as <1 mSv y(-1) of the public dose limit.

Assessment of in-depth degradation of artificially aged triterpenoid paint varnishes using nonlinear microscopy techniques.

The present work investigates the applicability of nonlinear imaging microscopy for the precise assessment of degradation of the outer protective layers of painted artworks as a function of depth due to aging. Two fresh and artificially aged triterpenoid varnishes, dammar and mastic, were tested. Nonlinear imaging techniques have been employed as a new diagnostic tool for determination of the exact thickness of the affected region due to artificial aging of the natural varnishes. The measured thicknesses differ from the calculated mean penetration depths of the samples. These nondestructive, high resolution modalities are valuable analytical tools for aging studies and they have the potential to provide unique in-depth information. Single photon laser induced fluorescence measurements and Raman spectroscopy were used for the integrated investigation and analysis of aging effects in varnishes.

Laboratory assessment of the antifouling potential of a soluble-matrix paint laced with the natural compound polygodial.

Polygodial is a potent and selective inhibitor of ascidian metamorphosis that shows promise for controlling fouling by ascidians in bivalve aquaculture. The current study examined the potency of, and associated effects of seawater exposure on, a rosin-based soluble-matrix paint laced with 0.08-160 ng polygodial g(-1) wet paint matrix. Paint-coated surfaces were soaked in seawater for 0, 2, 4 or 12 weeks prior to screening for antifouling activity using a bioassay based on the nuisance ascidian Ciona savignyi Herdman. Mortality was greater (mean 50% lethal concentration: 5 ± 2 ng g(-1); mean 75% lethal concentration: 17 ± 4 ng g(-1)) and metamorphosis was inhibited (mean 50% anti-metamorphic concentration: 2 ± 0.4 ng g(-1); mean 75% anti-metamorphic concentration: 15 ± 10 ng g(-1)) in C. savignyi larvae exposed to polygodial-laced soluble-matrix paints, relative to control paints without polygodial. Soaking in seawater prior to testing reduced the efficacy of the formulation up to nearly 12-fold, but even after soaking for 12 weeks paints laced with polygodial at 160 ng g(-1) wet paint matrix prevented ⩾90% of the larvae of C. savignyi from completing metamorphosis. The outcome of this experiment provides a positive first step in evaluating the suitability of polygodial-laced soluble-matrix paints for use in aquaculture.

Development of a low-cost airborne ultrasound sensor for the detection of brick joints behind a wall painting.

Non-destructive methods are of great interest for the analysis of cultural heritage. Among the different possible techniques, this paper presents a low cost prototype based on the emission and reception of airborne ultrasound without direct contact with the test specimen. We successfully performed a method test for the detection of brick joints under a XV th century Renaissance fresco of the Metropolitan Cathedral of the city of Valencia (Spain). Both laboratory and in situ results are in agreement. Using this prototype system, an early moisture detection system has been installed in the dome that supports the fresco. The result is encouraging and opens interesting prospects for future research.

Window replacement and residential lead paint hazard control 12 years later.

Window replacement is a key method of reducing childhood lead exposure, but the long-term effectiveness has not been previously evaluated. Windows have the highest levels of interior lead paint and dust compared to other building components. Our objective was to conduct a follow-up study of residential window replacement and lead hazard control 12 years after homes were enrolled in an evaluation of the HUD Lead Hazard Control Grant Program, sampling settled lead dust in housing in four cities (n=189 homes). Previous work evaluated lead hazard controls up to 6 years after intervention using dust lead measurements and two years after intervention using both dust and blood lead data. But the earlier work could not examine the effect of window replacement over the longer time period examined here: 12 years. The individual homes were assigned to one of three categories, based on how many windows had been replaced: all replacement, some replacement, or non-replacement. Windows that were not replaced were repaired. We controlled for covariates such as site, housing condition, presence of lead paint, and season using longitudinal regression modeling. Adjusted floor and sill dust lead geometric mean dust lead loadings declined at least 85% from pre-intervention to 12 years after the intervention for homes with all replacement windows, some windows replaced and no windows replaced. Twelve years after intervention, homes with all replacement windows had 41% lower interior floor dust lead, compared to non-replacement homes (1.4 versus 2.4 µg/ft2, p<0.001), and window sill dust lead was 51% lower (25 versus 52 µg/ft2, p=0.006) while controlling for covariates. Homes with some windows replaced had interior floor and window sill dust lead loadings that were 28% (1.7 versus 2.4 µg/ft2, p=0.19) and 37% (33 versus 52 µg/ft2, p=0.07) lower, respectively, compared to non-replacement homes. The net economic benefit of window replacement compared to window repair (non-replacement) is $1700-$2000 per housing unit. Homes in which all windows were replaced had significantly lower lead dust. New windows are also likely to reduce energy use and improve home value. Lead-safe window replacement is an important element of lead hazard control, weatherization, renovation and housing investment strategies and should be implemented broadly to protect children.

A simple protocol for Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization- time of flight-mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) analysis of lipids and proteins in single microsamples of paintings.

A simple protocol, based on Bligh-Dyer (BD) extraction followed by MALDI-TOF-MS analysis, for fast identification of paint binders in single microsamples is proposed. For the first time it is demonstrated that the BD method is effective for the simultaneous extraction of lipids and proteins from complex, and atypical matrices, such as pigmented paint layers. The protocol makes use of an alternative denaturing anionic detergent (RapiGest™) in order to improve efficiency of protein digestion and purification step. Detection of various lipid classes, such as triacylglycerols (TAGs) and phospholipids (PLs), and their oxidation by-products was accomplished, whereas proteins could be identified by peptide mass fingerprinting. The effect of pigments on ageing of lipids and proteins was also investigated. Finally, the proposed protocol was successfully applied to the study of a late-15th century Italian panel painting allowing the identification of various proteinaceous and lipid sections in organic binders, such as egg yolk, egg white, animal glue, casein, and drying oil.