A contemporary review of electronic waste through the lens of inhalation toxicology.

Inhalation is a significant route of exposure to toxic chemicals for electronic waste (e-waste) workers, especially for those whose activities take place in the informal sector. However, there remains a dearth of research on the health effects produced by the hazardous dismantling of e-waste and associated outcomes and biological mechanisms that occur as a result of inhalation exposure. This contemporary review highlights a number of the toxicological and epidemiological studies published on this topic to bring to light the many knowledge gaps that require further research, including in vitro and ex vivo investigations to address the health outcomes and underlying mechanisms of inhaled e-waste-associated pulmonary disease.

In vivo exposure to electronic waste (e-waste) leachate and hydraulic fracturing fluid adversely impacts the male reproductive system.

Human health effects can arise from unregulated manual disassembly of electronic waste (e-waste) and/or hydraulic fracturing fluid spills. There is limited literature on the effects of e-waste and hydraulic fracturing wastewater exposure on the male reproductive system. Thus, this proof-of-concept study begins to address the question of how wastewater from two potentially hazardous environmental processes could affect sperm quality. Therefore, three groups of eight-week-old adult mice were exposed (5 d/wk for 6 wks) via a mealworm (Tenebrio molitor and Zophabas morio) feeding route to either: (1) e-waste leachate (50% dilution) from the Alaba Market (Lagos, Nigeria); (2) West Virginia hydraulic fracturing flowback (HFF) fluid (50% dilution); or, (3) deionized water (control). At 24-hours (hr), 3 weeks (wk), or 9-wk following the 6-wk exposure period, cohorts of mice were necropsied and adverse effects/persistence on the male reproductive system were examined. Ingestion of e-waste leachate or HFF fluid decreased number and concentration of sperm and increased both chromatin damage and numbers of morphological abnormalities in the sperm when compared to control mice. Levels of serum testosterone were reduced post-exposure (3- and 9-wk) in mice exposed to e-waste leachate and HFF when compared to time-matched controls, indicating the long-term persistence of adverse effects, well after the end of exposure. These data suggest that men living around or working in vicinity of either e-waste or hydraulic fracturing could face harmful effects to their reproductive health. From both a human health and economic standpoint, development of prevention and intervention strategies that are culturally relevant and economically sensitive are critically needed to reduce exposure to e-waste and HFF-associated toxic contaminants.

Skyrocketing pollution: assessing the environmental fate of July 4th fireworks in New York City.

BACKGROUND: Pyrotechnic displays often lead to significant increases in poor air quality. The widespread environmental fate-involving air, water, and spatial-temporal analyses-of fireworks-produced pollutants has seldom been investigated. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the environmental fate of pollutants from the largest fireworks event in the U.S.: Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks show in New York City (NYC). METHODS: Real-time PM2.5 and gravimetric PM2.5 and PM10 were collected at locations along the East River of NYC. Airborne particles were assayed for trace elements (X-ray fluorescence) and organic and elemental carbon (OC/EC). River water samples were evaluated by ICP-MS for heavy-metal water contamination. Spatial-temporal analyses were created using PM2.5 concentrations reported by both EPA and PurpleAir monitoring networks for NYC and 5 other major metropolitan areas. RESULTS: The fireworks event resulted in large increases in PM2.5 mass concentrations at the river-adjacent sampling locations. While background control PM2.5 was 10-15 µg/m3, peak real-time PM2.5 levels exceeded 3000 µg/m3 at one site and 1000 µg/m3 at two other locations. The integrated gravimetric PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations during the fireworks event ranged from 162 to 240 µg/m3 and 252 to 589 µg/m3, respectively. Zn, Pb, Sb, and Cu more than doubled in river water samples taken after the event, while S, K, Ba, Cu, Mg, Fe, Sr, Ti, and Zn increased in airborne PM2.5 from the fireworks. Data from hyperlocal monitoring networks for NYC and other metropolitan areas yielded similar, but generally smaller, increases in PM2.5 levels. IMPACT: Fireworks shows have been associated with environmental contamination. This comprehensive analysis considers the fate of pollutants from the largest annual U.S. pyrotechnic show through air, water, and hyperlocal temporal characterization.

Downregulation of Stem-Loop Binding Protein by Nicotine via α7-Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor and Its Role in Nicotine-Induced Cell Transformation.

The use of electronic-cigarettes (e-cigs) has increased substantially in recent years, particularly among the younger generations. Liquid nicotine is the main component of e-cigs. Previous studies have shown that mice exposed to e-cig aerosols developed lung adenocarcinoma and bladder hyperplasia. These findings implicated a potential role for e-cig aerosols and nicotine in cancer development, although the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Here we report that exposure to liquid nicotine or nicotine aerosol generated from e-cig induces downregulation of Stem-loop binding protein (SLBP) and polyadenylation of canonical histone mRNAs in human bronchial epithelial cells and in mice lungs. Canonical histone mRNAs typically do not end in a poly(A) tail and the acquisition of such a tail via depletion of SLBP has been shown to causes chromosome instability. We show that nicotine-induced SLBP depletion is reversed by an inhibitor of α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7-nAChR) or siRNA specific for α7-nAChR, indicating a nAChR-dependent reduction of SLBP by nicotine. Moreover, PI3K/AKT pathway is activated by nicotine exposure and CK2 and probably CDK1, 2 kinases well known for their function for SLBP phosphorylation and degradation, are shown to be involved, α7-nAChR-dependently, in nicotine-induced SLBP depletion. Importantly, nicotine-induced anchorage-independent cell growth is attenuated by inhibition of α7-nAChR and is rescued by overexpression of SLBP. We propose that the SLBP depletion and polyadenylation of canonical histone mRNAs via activation of α7-nAChR and a series of downstream signal transduction pathways are critical for nicotine-induced cell transformation and potential carcinogenesis.

Particulate Matter and Associated Metals: A Link with Neurotoxicity and Mental Health.

Particulate air pollution (PM) is a mixture of heterogenous components from natural and anthropogenic sources and contributes to a variety of serious illnesses, including neurological and behavioral effects, as well as millions of premature deaths. Ultrafine (PM0.1) and fine-size ambient particles (PM2.5) can enter the circulatory system and cross the blood-brain barrier or enter through the optic nerve, and then upregulate inflammatory markers and increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the brain. Toxic and neurotoxic metals such as manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and barium (Ba) can adsorb to the PM surface and potentially contribute to the neurotoxic effects associated with PM exposure. Epidemiological studies have shown a negative relationship between exposure to PM-associated Mn and neurodevelopment amongst children, as well as impaired dexterity in the elderly. Inhaled PM-associated Cu has also been shown to impair motor performance and alter basal ganglia in schoolchildren. This paper provides a brief review of the epidemiological and toxicological studies published over the last five years concerning inhaled PM, PM-relevant metals, neurobiology, and mental health outcomes. Given the growing interest in mental health and the fact that 91% of the world's population is considered to be exposed to unhealthy air, more research on PM and PM-associated metals and neurological health is needed for future policy decisions and strategic interventions to prevent public harm.

PM2.5 Concentration and Composition in Subway Systems in the Northeastern United States.

OBJECTIVES: The goals of this study were to assess the air quality in subway systems in the northeastern United States and estimate the health risks for transit workers and commuters. METHODS: We report real-time and gravimetric PM2.5 concentrations and particle composition from area samples collected in the subways of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Boston, Massachusetts; New York City, New York/New Jersey (NYC/NJ); and Washington, District of Columbia. A total of 71 stations across 12 transit lines were monitored during morning and evening rush hours. RESULTS: We observed variable and high PM2.5 concentrations for on-train and on-platform measurements during morning (from 0600 hours to 1000 hours) and evening (from 1500 hours to 1900 hours) rush hour across cities. Mean real-time PM2.5 concentrations in underground stations were 779±249, 548±207, 341±147, 327±136, and 112±46.7 µg/m3 for the PATH-NYC/NJ; MTA-NYC; Washington, DC; Boston; and Philadelphia transit systems, respectively. In contrast, the mean real-time ambient PM2.5 concentration taken above ground outside the subway stations of PATH-NYC/NJ; MTA-NYC; Washington, DC; Boston; and Philadelphia were 20.8±9.3, 24.1±9.3, 12.01±7.8, 10.0±2.7, and 12.6±12.6 µg/m3, respectively. Stations serviced by the PATH-NYC/NJ system had the highest mean gravimetric PM2.5 concentration, 1,020 µg/m3, ever reported for a subway system, including two 1-h gravimetric PM2.5 values of approximately 1,700 µg/m3 during rush hour at one PATH-NYC/NJ subway station. Iron and total carbon accounted for approximately 80% of the PM2.5 mass in a targeted subset of systems and stations. DISCUSSION: Our results document that there is an elevation in the PM2.5 concentrations across subway systems in the major urban centers of Northeastern United States during rush hours. Concentrations in some subway stations suggest that transit workers and commuters may be at increased risk according to U.S. federal environmental and occupational guidelines, depending on duration of exposure. This concern is highest for the PM2.5 concentrations encountered in the PATH-NYC/NJ transit system. Further research is urgently needed to identify the sources of PM2.5 and factors that contribute to high levels in individual stations and lines and to assess their potential health impacts on workers and/or commuters. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP7202.

Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor: A Rare Presentation and an Effective Treatment with Crizotinib.

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a rare entity of neoplastic origin. It usually occurs in children and adolescents and most commonly involves pulmonary and gastrointestinal sites. Here, the authors present two cases; one is the nine months old boy with a subcutaneous IMT in the left temporal region that was treated successfully with surgical resection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a subcutaneous IMT in this particular region. The second is an eight years old girl with an IMT of the right hemi-pelvis. The mass had complete surgical excision with clear margins and no residual disease. She was kept on regular follow-up with ultrasound abdomen. However, her disease relapsed with the appearance of lesions in right iliac fossa, right ovary, and liver. Biopsy of the relapsed abdominal mass confirmed ALK-positive IMT. She was treated with ALK inhibitor Crizotinib. She was monitored with regular blood complete picture, hepatic and renal function test, and ultrasound abdomen. Her lesions started regressing within one month, and she achieved complete remission after 6 months of treatment.

Exposure assessment of emissions from mobile food carts on New York City streets.

Food carts are common along streets in cities throughout the world. In North America, food cart vendors generally use propane, charcoal, or both propane and charcoal (P and C) for food preparation. Although cooking emissions are known to be a major source of indoor air pollution, there is limited knowledge on outdoor cooking's impact on the ambient environment and, in particular, the relative contribution of the different cooking fuels. This field study investigated the air pollution the public is exposed to in the micro-environment around 19 food carts classified into 3 groups: propane, charcoal, and P and C carts. Concentrations near the food carts were measured using both real-time and filter-based methods. Mean real-time concentrations of PM2.5, BC2.5, and particle counts were highest near the charcoal food carts: 196 µg/m3, 5.49 µg/m3, and 69,000 particles/cm3, respectively, with peak exposures of 1520 µg/m3, 67.9 µg/m3, and 235,000 particles/cm3, respectively. In order of pollution emission impacts: charcoal > P and C > propane carts. Thus, significant differences in air pollution emissions occurred in the vicinity of mobile food carts, depending on the fuel used in food preparation. Local air pollution polices should consider these emission factors in regulating food cart vendor operations.

A Hybrid VOx Incorporated Hexacyanoferrate Nanostructured Hydrogel as a Multienzyme Mimetic via Cascade Reactions.

Inspired by the cascade reactions occurring in micro-organelles of living systems, we have developed a hybrid hydrogel, a nanozyme that mimics three key enzymes including peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. The organic/inorganic nanostructured hydrogel constituting VOx incorporated hexacyanoferrate Berlin green analogue complex (VOxBG) is prepared by a simple one-step hydrothermal process, and its composition, structure, and properties are thoroughly investigated. Polyvinylpyrrolidone, a low-cost and biocompatible polymer, was utilized as a scaffold to increase the surface area and dispersion of the highly active catalytic centers of the nanozyme. Compared to the widely used horseradish peroxidase in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, our VOxBG analogue hydrogel displays an excellent affinity toward the chromogenic substrate that is used in these peroxidase-based assays. This higher affinity makes it a competent nanozyme for detection and oxidation of biomolecules, including glucose, in a cascade-like system which can be further used for hydrogel photolithography. The VOxBG analogue hydrogel also holds a good ability for the rapid and efficient oxidative degradation of environmentally unfriendly recalcitrant substrates under light irradiation. Detailed mechanistic studies of this multifaceted material suggest that different complex catalytic processes and routes are involved in these photo-Fenton and Fenton reactions that are responsible for the generation as well as consumption of reactive oxygen species, which are effectively activated by a multienzyme mimetic of the VOxBG analogue hydrogel.