Natural Attenuation Potential of Vinyl Chloride and Butyl Acrylate Released in the East Palestine, Ohio Train Derailment Accident.

The East Palestine, Ohio train derailment released toxic vinyl chloride (VC) and butyl acrylate (BA), which entered the watershed. Streambed sediment, surface water, and private well water samples were collected 128 and 276 days postaccident to assess the natural attenuation potential of VC and BA by quantifying biodegradation biomarker genes and conducting microcosm treatability studies. qPCR detected the aerobic VC degradation biomarkers etnC in ∼40% and etnE in ∼27% of sediments collected in both sampling campaigns in abundances reaching 105 gene copies g-1. The 16S rRNA genes of organohalide-respiring Dehalococcoides and Dehalogenimonas were, respectively, detected in 50 and 64% of sediment samples collected 128 days postaccident and in 63 and 88% of sediment samples collected 276 days postaccident, in abundances reaching 107 cells g-1. Elevated detection frequencies of VC degradation biomarker genes were measured immediately downstream of the accident site (i.e., Sulphur Run). Aerobic VC degradation occurred in all sediment microcosms and coincided with increases of etnC/etnE genes and Mycobacterium, a genus comprising aerobic VC degraders. The conversion of VC to ethene and an increased abundance of VC reductive dechlorination biomarker genes were observed in microcosms established with sediments collected from Sulphur Run. All anoxic microcosms rapidly degraded BA to innocuous products with intermediate formation of n-butanol and acrylate. The results indicate that microbiomes in the East Palestine watershed have natural attenuation capacity for VC and BA. Recommendations are made to improve first-response actions in future contaminant release accidents of this magnitude.

Carcinogenic industrial air pollution and postmenopausal breast cancer risk in the National Institutes of Health AARP Diet and Health Study.

BACKGROUND: Chemicals emitted from industrial facilities include known or suspected mammary carcinogens and endocrine disruptors, but epidemiologic studies are limited. We evaluated associations between air emissions of multiple carcinogenic chemicals and postmenopausal breast cancer risk in a large prospective U.S. METHODS: We used the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Toxics Release Inventory to estimate historical airborne emissions (1987-1995) of 19 known and probable carcinogens for participants enrolled (1995-1996) in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study. Among 170,402 women, 15,124 breast cancers were diagnosed through 2018. We constructed inverse distance- and wind-weighted average emissions metrics within 1, 2, 5, and 10 km of the enrollment address for each chemical. We estimated multivariable adjusted HRs and 95 % CIs for categories (quartiles, tertiles, medians) of each chemical in association with breast cancer overall and separately by type (invasive, ductal carcinoma in situ) and estrogen receptor (ER) status. RESULTS: We observed an association between benzene emissions and breast cancer risk that was strongest at 1 km (HRQ4 vs. non-exposed = 2.06, 95 %CI: 1.34-3.17; p-trend = 0.001). The magnitude of the association weakened with increasing distance (2 km HRQ4 vs. non-exposed = 1.17, 95 %CI=0.92-1.49; p-trend = 0.19; 5 km HRQ4 vs. non-exposed = 1.05, 95 %CI=0.94-1.16; p-trend = 0.37; 10 km HRQ4 vs. non-exposed = 0.95, 95 %CI=0.89-1.02; p-trend = 0.19) and appeared to be most relevant for invasive rather than intraductal disease. Overall risk was also elevated for vinyl chloride at 5 km (HR≥median vs. non-exposed = 1.20, 95 %CI=1.01-1.43; p-trend = 0.04), but not 2 km or 10 km. We observed suggestive associations for asbestos, trichloroethylene, and styrene in different subgroup analyses, but risk patterns were not clear across distances. Associations with other chemicals were generally null, with limited evidence of heterogeneity by disease type or ER status. CONCLUSIONS: An increased risk of breast cancer associated with relatively high levels of industrial benzene emissions warrants additional study, particularly among participants with diverse sociodemographic characteristics that live in areas with higher density of industrial facilities.

One-Stage Pathway from Hollongdione to C17-Alkyne and Vinyl Chloride Following Mannich Bases and Carboxylic Acid.

Hollongdione is the first recorded example of the occurrence of a dammarane hexanor-triterpene in nature possessing antiviral and cytotoxic activity. Its simple one-stage transformation into compounds with terminal alkyne and vinyl chloride fragments via the interaction with phosphorus halides is reported. The copper(I)-catalyzed Mannich reaction of 3-oxo-22,23,24,25,26,27-hexanor-dammar-20(21)-in 3 led to a series of aminomethylated products, while 17-carboxylic acid was obtained by ozone oxidation of 3-oxo-22,23,24,25,26,27-hexanor-dammar-20-chloro-20(21)-en 4; the following direct amidation of the latter has been developed. The structures of all new molecules were established by spectroscopic studies that included 2D NMR correlation methods; the molecular structures of compounds 2-5 were determined by X-ray analysis.

Update on occupational dermatitis: reviewing toxic substances from OSHA standards.

Occupational dermatitis (OD) is an inflammatory skin disease stemming from exposure to specific substances within a work setting. As the second most prevalent occupational health concern in 2020, affecting 1.8 per 10,000 workers, OD poses a significant challenge to workforce well-being and imposes a substantial economic burden through lost wages, decreased productivity, and increased healthcare spending. Dermatologists emerge as pivotal figures in recognizing risk factors and delivering essential care to individuals with OD. This review focuses on chemical hazards and toxic substances regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration across general industry, maritime, and construction sectors. It explores the background of each hazard, pathophysiology to dermatitis, and human cases reported between 2017 and 2023 for formaldehyde, chromium, vinyl chloride, and cadmium.

Evaluation of mortality among Marines, Navy personnel, and civilian workers exposed to contaminated drinking water at USMC base Camp Lejeune: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Drinking water at U.S. Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune, North Carolina was contaminated with trichloroethylene and other industrial solvents from 1953 to 1985. METHODS: A cohort mortality study was conducted of Marines/Navy personnel who, between 1975 and 1985, began service and were stationed at Camp Lejeune (N = 159,128) or MCB Camp Pendleton, California (N = 168,406), and civilian workers employed at Camp Lejeune (N = 7,332) or Camp Pendleton (N = 6,677) between October 1972 and December 1985. Camp Pendleton's drinking water was not contaminated with industrial solvents. Mortality follow-up was between 1979 and 2018. Proportional hazards regression was used to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) comparing mortality rates between Camp Lejeune and Camp Pendleton cohorts. The ratio of upper and lower 95% confidence interval (CI) limits, or CIR, was used to evaluate the precision of aHRs. The study focused on underlying causes of death with aHRs ≥ 1.20 and CIRs ≤ 3. RESULTS: Deaths among Camp Lejeune and Camp Pendleton Marines/Navy personnel totaled 19,250 and 21,134, respectively. Deaths among Camp Lejeune and Camp Pendleton civilian workers totaled 3,055 and 3,280, respectively. Compared to Camp Pendleton Marines/Navy personnel, Camp Lejeune had aHRs ≥ 1.20 with CIRs ≤ 3 for cancers of the kidney (aHR = 1.21, 95% CI: 0.95, 1.54), esophagus (aHR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.54) and female breast (aHR = 1.20, 95% CI: 0.73, 1.98). Causes of death with aHRs ≥ 1.20 and CIR > 3, included Parkinson disease, myelodysplastic syndrome and cancers of the testes, cervix and ovary. Compared to Camp Pendleton civilian workers, Camp Lejeune had aHRs ≥ 1.20 with CIRs ≤ 3 for chronic kidney disease (aHR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.13, 3.11) and Parkinson disease (aHR = 1.21, 95% CI: 0.72, 2.04). Female breast cancer had an aHR of 1.19 (95% CI: 0.76, 1.88), and aHRs ≥ 1.20 with CIRs > 3 were observed for kidney and pharyngeal cancers, melanoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, and chronic myeloid leukemia. Quantitative bias analyses indicated that confounding due to smoking and alcohol consumption would not appreciably impact the findings. CONCLUSION: Marines/Navy personnel and civilian workers likely exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune had increased hazard ratios for several causes of death compared to Camp Pendleton.

Eco-friendly optical sensor for precise detection of gold ions in diverse matrices through the integration of ß-2-hydroxybenzyl-3-methoxy-2-hydroxyazastyrene in a PVC membrane.

An environmentally conscious methodology is investigated for the precise and discerning identification of trace concentrations of gold ions in diverse matrices. A novel optical sensor membrane is proposed for the determination of Au3+ ions, utilizing the immobilization of ß-2-hydroxybenzyl-3-methoxy-2-hydroxyazastyrene (HMHS) entrapped in polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The sensor incorporates sodium tetraphenylborate (Na-TPB) as the ionic additive and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) as a plasticizer. Under optimal conditions, the suggested sensor exhibits a linear calibration response to Au3+ ions within a concentration range of 5.0 to 165 ng mL-1. Detection and quantification limits are specified as 1.5 and 4.8 ng mL-1, respectively, with a rapid response time of 5.0 min. Upon presentation, this optical sensor not only affirms high reproducibility, stability, and an extended operational lifespan but also showcases exceptional selectivity for Au3+ ions. Notably, no discernible interference is observed when assessing the potential influence of other cations and anions on Au3+ ion detection. The adaptability of this optical sensor is validated through its successful application in determining Au3+ ion concentrations across various sample types, including water, environmental, cosmetics, and soil matrices.

Environmental-friendly extraction of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate from poly(vinyl chloride) using liquefied dimethyl ether.

Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) is one of the most widely used plastics. However, a major challenge in recycling PVC is that there is no economical method to separate and remove its toxic phthalate plasticizers. This research made a breakthrough by extracting PVC with liquefied dimethyl ether (DME) and successfully separating the plasticizer components. Nearly all (97.1 %) of the di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate plasticizer was extracted within 30 min by passing liquefied DME (285 g) through PVC at 25 °C. The compatibility of PVC with organic solvents, including liquefied DME, was derived theoretically from their Hansen solubility parameters (HSP), and actual dissolution experiments were conducted to determine the optimal PVC solvents. A liquefied DME mixture was used to dissolve PVC, and the extract was diluted with ethanol to precipitate the dissolved PVC. We demonstrated that liquefied DME is a promising method for producing high quality recycled products and that the process retains the fundamental properties of plasticizers and PVC without inducing degradation or depolymerization. Because of its low boiling point, DME can be easily separated from the solute after extraction, allowing for efficient reuse of the solvent, extracted plasticizer, and PVC. DME does not require heat and produces little harmful wastewater, which significantly reduces the energy consumption of the plasticizer additive separation process.

Characterization of Quaternary-Ammonium-Based Ionogel Membranes for Application in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells.

In recent years, the quest to advance fuel cell technologies has intensified, driven by the imperative to reduce reliance on hydrocarbon-derived fuels and mitigate pollutant emissions. Proton exchange membranes are a critical material of fuel cell technologies. The potential of ionic liquid-based polymer inclusion membranes or ionogels for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) has recently appeared. Thermal stability, SEM-EDX characterization, NMR and IR characterization, thermogravimetric analysis, ion exchange capacity, and water uptake are key properties of these membranes which need to be investigated. In this work, ionogel based on quaternary ammonium salts, such as [N8,8,8,1+][Cl-], [N8,8,8,1+][Br-], and [N8-10,8-10,8-10,1+][Cl-] in various compositions with poly(vinyl chloride) are extensively studied and characterized based on those key properties. The best properties were obtained when a quaternary ammonium cation was combined with a bromide anion. Finally, ionogels are tested in microbial fuel cells. Microbial fuel cells based on the ionogel reach a maximum of 147 mW/m2, which represents 55% of the reference membrane (Nafion 212). These results indicate that we still have the possibility of improvement through the appropriate selection of the cation and anion of the ionic liquid. Overall, the promise of ionogel membranes as a viable alternative in fuel cell applications has been demonstrated.

Achieving Enhanced Dielectric and Energy Storage Performance in Poly(vinyl chloride-glycidyl methacrylate) through Tuning Interchain Interactions.

Glassy polymer dielectrics exhibit significant advantages in energy storage density and discharge efficiency; however, their potential application in thin-film capacitors is limited by the complexity of the production process, rising costs, and processing challenges arising from the brittleness of the material. In this study, a small amount of the polar monomer glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) was copolymerized with vinyl chloride (VC) using a highly integrated and precisely controlled process. This effectively facilitated the bulk synthesis of P(VC-GMA) copolymers, aimed at enhancing the dielectric properties and energy storage capabilities of the copolymer. Moreover, the incorporation of GMA into PVC induces significant alterations in the structural sequence of the copolymer, resulting in an enhancement of interchain interactions that ultimately contribute to an increase in the modulus and improved breakdown strength. With a GMA content of 2.4 mol %, P(VC-GMA) exhibits a significant enhancement in discharge energy density, surpassing that of a pure PVC copolymer, while maintaining high discharge efficiency and stability. The finding of this study paves the way for future advancements in high-energy-storage polymer dielectrics, thereby expanding the scope of advanced dielectric materials.

[Liver impairment status toward workers exposed to vinyl chloride under different techniques].

OBJECTIVE: To analyse potential differences towards liver impairment status on vinyl chloride monomer(VCM) exposed population from technique under acetylene hydrochlorination to the one of ethylene oxychlorination respectively and to explore the possible reasons, which will pave the way for occupational health promotion in terms of hazard reduction. METHODS: a cross-sectional study was initiated between June and September in 2022 towards 2 groups of VCM exposed population from the facility of acetylene hydrochlorination(n=78) and the one of ethylene oxychlorination(n=69) in a PVC petrochemical complex enterprise(abbreviation of H) in Tianjin City. The demographic information concerning age, gender, messages on occupational history, field investigation were inquired through questionnaire interview. Then, venous blood(4 mL/person) and urine(10-50 mL/person) were collected during the physical exam phase and indices of 8-hydroxy-2 deoxyguanosine(8-OHdG) in blood and thiodiglycolic acid(TDGA) in urine were detected through ELISA and solid phase extraction-ion chromatography respectively. RESULTS: The 2 groups of population were matched well in terms of average age distribution and gender composition ratio, with significant differences on population composition ratio were found on variables of working years, alcohol consumption and daily sleeping duration(P<0.01 or P<0.05). It was found that the average content of TDGA in acetylene hydrochlorination group was(0.81±0.05)mg/L while the content in ethylene oxychlorination group reached to(0.83±0.06)mg/L, noteworthy differences were only found among 6 posts in the acetylene hydrochlorination group and 5 others in the ethylene oxychlorination group after classification for specific posts, however, the average concentration of 8-OHdG in acetylene hydrochlorination group(122(78.3, 168.8) µg/m~3) was different from the one in ethylene oxychlorination group(101.7(79.6, 149.7) µg/m~3)(Z=6.82, P<0.05). Moreover, a series of positive correlations in moderate intensity between 8-OHdG concentration and TDGA content were observed among posts of polymerization cleaners(r=0.53), aggregation operators(r=0.47), maintenance repairers(r=0.45), sampling operators(r=0.41) in acetylene hydrochlorination group(P<0.05) and posts of cracking reactants(r=0.64), DCS operators(r=0.51), oxychlorination operators(r=0.50) and chemical loaders(r=0.44) in ethylene oxychlorination group(P<0.05). Liver function indices such as content on ALT(χ~2=15.41, P<0.01), AST(χ~2=9.95, P<0.01) and ALP(χ~2=3.79, P<0.01) were different in the 2 groups population with statistical significance, then proportions on population composition ratio that exceeded normal ranges of indices on ALT, AST, AST/ALT ratio, ALP and Alb/Glb ratio were higher in acetylene hydrochlorination group than ones in ethylene oxychlorination group with great significance(P<0.05), so as to the abnormalities in liver B altrosonography test between groups(χ~2=17.33, P<0.01). Binary logistic regression model indicated that 8-OHdG concentration in blood that exceed 90 µg/m~3, TDGA content in urine that exceed 0.60 mg/L, working years that were over 10a, alcohol consumption, sleeping duration less than 6 h per day and male workers were potential risky factors for liver impairment(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The degree on liver impairment status was higher in acetylene hydrochlorination group than ones in in ethylene oxychlorination group under the same PVC factory, which might be associated with the oxidative stress injury induced from the combination of higher VCM concentration at workplaces, longer cumulative exposure time, longer working years, alcohol consumption habits and sleep shortage caused by shift work patterns.

Multiscale Carbon Fibre-Carbon Nanotube Composites of Poly(Vinyl Chloride)-An Evaluation of Their Properties and Structure.

To date, there has been limited information in the literature on the application of carbon fibre-carbon nanotube systems for the modification of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) matrixes by micro- and nanometric fillers and an evaluation of the properties of the unique materials produced. This paper presents the results of newly designed unique multiscale composites. The advantages of the simultaneous use of carbon fibres (CFs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in PVC modification are discussed. To increase the dispersibility of the nanofiller, CFs together with nanotubes were subjected to a sonication process. The resulting material was introduced into PVC blends, which were processed by extrusion. The ratio of components in the hybrid filler with CF_CNT was 20:1, and its proportion in the PVC matrix was 1, 5, and 10 wt.%, respectively. Comparatively, PVC composites modified only with carbon fibres were obtained. The structure, thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties and swelling resistance of the composites were studied. The study showed a favourable homogeneous dispersion of nanotubes in the PVC matrix. This enabled effective modification of the structure at the nanometric level and the formation of an interpenetrating network of well-dispersed hybrid filler, as evidenced by a decrease in volume resistivity and improvement in swelling resistance, as well as an increase in glass transition temperature in the case of PVC/CF_CNT composites.

Synergistic optical sensing: Selective colorimetric analysis of copper in environmental and biological samples.

A groundbreaking optical sensing membrane has been engineered for the accurate assessment of copper ions. The pliable poly(vinyl chloride) membrane is formulated through the integration of sodium tetraphenylborate (Na-TPB), 4-(2-hydroxy-4-nitro azobenzene)-2-methyl-quinoline (HNAMQ), and tri-n-octyl phosphine oxide (TOPO), in conjunction with o-nitrophenyl octyl ether (o-NPOE). The sensor membrane undergoes a thorough investigation of its composition to optimize performance, revealing that HNAMQ serves a dual role as both an ionophore and a chromoionophore. Simultaneously, TOPO contributes to enhancing the complexation of HNAMQ with copper ions. Demonstrating a linear range for Cu2+ ions spanning from 5.0 × 10-9 to 7.5 × 10-6 M, the proposed sensor membrane showcases detection and quantification limits of 1.5 × 10-9 and 5.0 × 10-9 M, respectively. Rigorous assessments of potential interferences from other cations and anions revealed no observable disruptions in the detection of Cu2+. With no discernible HNAMQ leaching, the membrane demonstrates rapid response times and excellent durability. The sensor exhibits remarkable selectivity for Cu2+ ions and can be regenerated through exposure to 0.05 M EDTA. Successful application of the sensor in determining the presence of Cu2+ in biological (blood, liver and meat), soil, food (coffee, black tea, sour cherry juice, black currant, and milk powder) and environmental water samples underscores its efficacy.

Exposure to outdoor ambient air toxics and risk of breast cancer: The multiethnic cohort.

BACKGROUND: A growing literature has reported associations between traffic-related air pollution and breast cancer, however there are fewer investigations into specific ambient agents and any putative risk of breast cancer development, particularly studies occurring in populations residing in higher pollution areas such as Los Angeles. OBJECTIVES: To estimate breast cancer risks related to ambient air toxics exposure at residential addresses. METHODS: We examined the relationships between ambient air toxics and breast cancer risk in the Multiethnic Cohort among 48,665 California female participants followed for cancer from 2003 through 2013. We obtained exposure data on chemicals acting as endocrine disruptors or mammary gland carcinogens from the National-Scale Air Toxics Assessment. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate breast cancer risk per one interquartile range (IQR) increase in air toxics exposure lagged by 5-years. Stratified analyses were conducted by race, ethnicity, and hormone receptor types. RESULTS: Among all women, increased risks of invasive breast cancer were observed with toxicants related to industries [1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.22, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 3.18-5.60), ethylene dichloride (HR = 2.81, 95% CI 2.20-3.59), and vinyl chloride (HR = 2.27, 95% CI 1.81, 2.85); these 3 agents were correlated (r2 = 0.45-0.77)]. Agents related to gasoline production or combustion were related to increased breast cancer risk [benzene (HR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.24, 1.41), ethylbenzene (HR = 1.20, 95% CI 1.13-1.28), toluene (HR = 1.29, 95% CI 1.20-1.38), naphthalene (HR = 1.11, 95% CI 1.02-2.22), acrolein (HR = 2.26, 95% CI 1.92, 2.65)]. Higher hazard ratios were observed in African Americans and Whites compared to other racial and ethnic groups (p-heterogeneity <0.05 for traffic-related air toxics, acrolein, and vinyl acetate). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that specific toxic air pollutants may be associated with increase breast cancer risk.

Synthesis and Properties of a Novel Levulinic Acid-Based Environmental Auxiliary Plasticizer for Poly(vinyl chloride).

Herein, a bio-based plasticizer ketalized tung oil butyl levulinate (KTBL) was developed using methyl eleostearate, a derivative of tung oil, and butyl levulinate. KTBL can be used as an auxiliary plasticizer to partially replace traditional plasticizer. The plasticizer has a ketone structure, an ester base, and a long linear chain. It was mixed with dioctyl phthalate (DOP), and the effect of the plasticizer KTBL as an auxiliary plasticizer on the plasticization of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) was studied. Their compatibility and plasticizing effect were evaluated using dynamic-mechanical thermal analysis (DMA), mechanical property analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results demonstrate that when the KTBL to DOP ratio is 1:1, the blended sample with KTBL exhibits superior mechanical performance compared to pure DOP, resulting in an increased elongation at break from 377.47% to 410.92%. Moreover, with the increase in KTBL content, the durability is also significantly improved. These findings suggest that KTBL can serve as an effective auxiliary plasticizer for PVC, thereby reducing the reliance on DOP.

Flexible, durable, and anti-fouling maghemite copper oxide nanocomposite-based membrane with ultra-high flux and efficiency for oil-in-water emulsions separation.

In this study, we developed a novel nanocomposite-based membrane using maghemite copper oxide (MC) to enhance the separation efficiency of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) membranes for oil-in-water emulsions. The MC nanocomposite was synthesized using a co-precipitation method and incorporated into a PVC matrix by casting. The resulting nanocomposite-based membrane demonstrated a high degree of crystallinity and well-dispersed nanostructure, as confirmed by TEM, SEM, XRD, and FT-IR analyses. The performance of the membrane was evaluated in terms of water flux, solute rejection, and anti-fouling properties. The pinnacle of performance was unequivocally reached with a solution dosage of 50 mL, a solution concentration of 100 mg L-1, and a pump pressure of 2 bar, ensuring that every facet of the membrane's potential was fully harnessed. The new fabricated membrane exhibited superior efficiency for oil-water separation, with a rejection rate of 98% and an ultra-high flux of 0.102 L/m2 h compared to pure PVC membranes with about 90% rejection rate and an ultra-high flux of 0.085 L/m2 h. Furthermore, meticulous contact angle measurements revealed that the PMC nanocomposite membrane exhibited markedly lower contact angles (65° with water, 50° with ethanol, and 25° with hexane) compared to PVC membranes. This substantial reduction, transitioning from 85 to 65° with water, 65 to 50° with ethanol, and 45 to 25° with hexane for pure PVC membranes, underscores the profound enhancement in hydrophilicity attributed to the heightened nanoparticle content. Importantly, the rejection efficiency remained stable over five cycles, indicating excellent anti-fouling and cycling stability. The results highlight the potential of the maghemite copper oxide nanocomposite-based PVC membrane as a promising material for effective oil-in-water emulsion separation. This development opens up new possibilities for more flexible, durable, and anti-fouling membranes, making them ideal candidates for potential applications in separation technology. The presented findings provide valuable information for the advancement of membrane technology and its utilization in various industries, addressing the pressing challenge of oil-induced water pollution and promoting environmental sustainability.

Integrated Advanced Molecular Tools Predict In Situ cVOC Degradation Rates: Field Demonstration.

Chlorinated volatile organic compound (cVOC) degradation rate constants are crucial information for site management. Conventional approaches generate rate estimates from the monitoring and modeling of cVOC concentrations. This requires time series data collected along the flow path of the plume. The estimates of rate constants are often plagued by confounding issues, making predictions cumbersome and unreliable. Laboratory data suggest that targeted quantitative analysis of Dehalococcoides mccartyi (Dhc) biomarker genes (qPCR) and proteins (qProt) can be directly correlated with reductive dechlorination activity. To assess the potential of qPCR and qProt measurements to predict rates, we collected data from cVOC-contaminated aquifers. At the benchmark study site, the rate constant for degradation of cis-dichloroethene (cDCE) extracted from monitoring data was 11.0 ± 3.4 yr-1, and the rate constant predicted from the abundance of TceA peptides was 6.9 yr-1. The rate constant for degradation of vinyl chloride (VC) from monitoring data was 8.4 ± 5.7 yr-1, and the rate constant predicted from the abundance of TceA peptides was 5.2 yr-1. At the other study sites, the rate constants for cDCE degradation predicted from qPCR and qProt measurements agreed within a factor of 4. Under the right circumstances, qPCR and qProt measurements can be useful to rapidly predict rates of cDCE and VC biodegradation, providing a major advance in effective site management.

Eu3+-Modified Covalent Organic Frameworks for the Detection of a Vinyl Chloride Monomer Exposure Biomarker.

The vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), a common raw material in the plastics industry, is one of the environmental pollutants to which humans are mostly exposed. Thiodiglycolic acid (TDGA) in human urine is a specific biomarker of its exposure. TDGA plays an important role in understanding the relationships between exposure to the VCM and the identification of subgroups that are at increased risk for disease diagnosis. Therefore, its detection is of great significance. Here, we designed and established a ratiometric fluorescent sensor for TDGA by using Eu3+ as a bridge connecting the covalent organic framework (COF) and the energy donor molecule 2,6-dipicolinic acid (DPA) and named it DPA/Eu@PY-DHPB-COF-COOH. The sensor not only possesses the advantages of a ratiometric fluorescent sensor that can provide built-in self-calibration to correct a variety of target-independent factors but also presents high selectivity and high sensitivity. Currently, there are only a few reports on the detection of TDGA, and to the extent of our knowledge, this report is the first work on the detection of TDGA based on a COF system; so, it has an important reference value and lays a solid foundation for designing advanced sensors of TDGA.

Flexible Poly(vinyl chloride) with Durable Antibiofouling Property via Blending Star-Shaped Amphiphilic Poly(ε-caprolactone)-block-poly(methacryloxyethyl sulfobetaine).

Flexible poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) plastics have been widely used in medical devices, but the preparation of antibiofouling flexible PVC materials that can maintain their antibiofouling performance when suffering deformation is still a challenge. In this work, we synthesized a series of amphiphilic star-shaped three-arm block copolymers SPCL-b-PSB, consisting of hydrophobic inner blocks poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and hydrophilic outer blocks poly(methacryloxyethyl sulfobetaine) (PSB). Then, flexible PVC films were prepared by blending SPCL-b-PSB with PVC and plasticizer. Benefiting from the specific star-shaped topological structure of SPCL-b-PSB, hydrophilic PSB blocks of the copolymer could efficiently migrate to the surface of the film via annealing treatment, which give the film surface excellent hydrophilicity, while the latch-like entanglements between hydrophobic PCL blocks and PVC give the hydrophilic surface excellent stability. Antibiofouling properties of the blended films were investigated. The optimized blended film could reduce ∼94% of bovine serum albumin adsorption, ∼ 87% of lysozyme adsorption, and ∼89% of platelet adhesion and resist bacterial adhesion effectively. What is more, the blended films could maintain their antibiofouling performance when suffering stretching, rubbing, or bending. More than 86% of bovine serum albumin adsorption could be reduced, even when the film was stretched by 50%. This work provides a new strategy for the preparation of durable antibiofouling flexible plastics.

The East Palestine Disaster: The Potential Toxic Effects of Vinyl Chloride Exposure on Cardiovascular Health.

This editorial explores the potential link between vinyl chloride (VC) and cardiovascular diseases, specifically in the context of a recent train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. The primary finding of this article suggests a likely increased risk of cardiovascular factors associated with vinyl chloride exposure. This underscores the importance of proactive risk management and enhanced population monitoring. Together, these findings highlight the need for timely interventions to address cardiovascular health concerns in exposed populations.

Public Health Risks, Dermatological Manifestations, and Environmental Justice Associated With Vinyl Chloride Exposure: Narrative Review.

BACKGROUND: Environmental vinyl chloride (VC) exposure may result in serious acute and chronic dermatological conditions. Because existing literature largely focuses on exposures in occupational settings, a gap persists in our understanding of the medical consequences of large-scale chemical spills. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine the potential dermatological manifestations of VC exposure in the context of industrial spills and other environmental disasters and to highlight the public health and justice implications of such releases. METHODS: In this narrative review, relevant evidence-based, peer-reviewed scientific sources, gray literature, and media reports were identified via searches of search PubMed and Google using predetermined keyword search terms related to VC, VC spills and releases, train derailment, cutaneous disease, public health, and vulnerable and marginalized populations. RESULTS: Contact dermatitis and frostbite may arise acutely, highlighting the importance of swift decontamination. Long-term manifestations from chronic VC exposure due to persistence in environmental reservoirs include Raynaud disease, sclerodermatous skin changes, acro-osteolysis, and cutaneous malignancies. The clinical severity of cutaneous manifestations is influenced by individual susceptibility as well as duration, intensity, and route of exposure. Additionally, chemical releases of VC more frequently impact Communities of Color and those of lower socioeconomic status, resulting in greater rates of exposure-related disease. CONCLUSIONS: With environmental release events of hazardous chemicals becoming increasingly common and because the skin has increased contact with environmental toxins relative to other organs, an urgent need exists for a greater understanding of the overall short- and long-term health impacts of large-scale, toxic exposures, underscoring the need for ongoing clinical vigilance. Dermatologists and public health officials should also aim to better understand the ways in which the disproportionate impacts of hazardous chemical exposures on lower-income and minority populations may exacerbate existing health disparities. Herein, we describe the health implications of toxic releases with particular consideration paid to marginalized and vulnerable populations. In addition to legal and regulatory frameworks, we advocate for improved public health measures, to not only mitigate the risk of environmental catastrophes in the future, but also ensure timely and effective responses to them.