Model prediction of radioactivity levels in the environment and food around the world's first AP 1000 nuclear power unit.

Objectives: Model prediction of radioactivity levels around nuclear facilities is a useful tool for assessing human health risks and environmental impacts. We aim to develop a model for forecasting radioactivity levels in the environment and food around the world's first AP 1000 nuclear power unit. Methods: In this work, we report a pilot study using time-series radioactivity monitoring data to establish Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) models for predicting radioactivity levels. The models were screened by Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC), and the model accuracy was evaluated by mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). Results: The optimal models, ARIMA (0, 0, 0) × (0, 1, 1)4, and ARIMA (4, 0, 1) were used to predict activity concentrations of 90Sr in food and cumulative ambient dose (CAD), respectively. From the first quarter (Q1) to the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2023, the predicted values of 90Sr in food and CAD were 0.067-0.77 Bq/kg, and 0.055-0.133 mSv, respectively. The model prediction results were in good agreement with the observation values, with MAPEs of 21.4 and 22.4%, respectively. From Q1 to Q4 of 2024, the predicted values of 90Sr in food and CAD were 0.067-0.77 Bq/kg and 0.067-0.129 mSv, respectively, which were comparable to values reported elsewhere. Conclusion: The ARIMA models developed in this study showed good short-term predictability, and can be used for dynamic analysis and prediction of radioactivity levels in environment and food around Sanmen Nuclear Power Plant.

Emerging Contaminants: An Emerging Risk Factor for Diabetes Mellitus.

Emerging contaminants have been increasingly recognized as critical determinants in global public health outcomes. However, the intricate relationship between these contaminants and glucose metabolism remains to be fully elucidated. The paucity of comprehensive clinical data, coupled with the need for in-depth mechanistic investigations, underscores the urgency to decipher the precise molecular and cellular pathways through which these contaminants potentially mediate the initiation and progression of diabetes mellitus. A profound understanding of the epidemiological impact of these emerging contaminants, as well as the elucidation of the underlying mechanistic pathways, is indispensable for the formulation of evidence-based policy and preventive interventions. This review systematically aggregates contemporary findings from epidemiological investigations and delves into the mechanistic correlates that tether exposure to emerging contaminants, including endocrine disruptors, perfluorinated compounds, microplastics, and antibiotics, to glycemic dysregulation. A nuanced exploration is undertaken focusing on potential dietary sources and the consequential role of the gut microbiome in their toxic effects. This review endeavors to provide a foundational reference for future investigations into the complex interplay between emerging contaminants and diabetes mellitus.

Thyroglobulin as a Sensitive Biomarker of Iodine Status in Mildly and Moderately Iodine-Deficient Pregnant Women.

Pregnant women are more susceptible to iodine deficiency. However, there are limitations in existing indicators for the evaluation of iodine nutrition in pregnant women. The study aimed to explore whether thyroglobulin (Tg) can be used as a more sensitive biomarker for pregnant women with mild and moderate iodine deficiency. A repeated-measure study was conducted among 1332 pregnant women in Zhejiang Province, China. Serum and urine specimens were collected at a mean of 10, 17, and 32 weeks of pregnancy, respectively; thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), Tg, and urinary iodine concentrations were measured. Linear mixed effects models were used to determine the associations between interaction of iodine concentrations and increasing gestation week and TSH and Tg, where participants were divided by urinary iodine concentration (UIC). The median Tg concentration was 11.56, 11.45, and 12.43 µg/L in the first, second, and third trimesters, respectively. After controlling the covariates, the interaction effects between the iodine status and gestation week were significant for both TSH and Tg (p = 0.038 and p = 0.007, respectively). TSH increased with the week of gestation in both iodine concentration groups. Tg increased with advancing pregnancy in the iodine-deficient group whereas it did not in the iodine-sufficient group. There was no significant variation in TSH at each trimester, and Tg was higher in the iodine-deficient group than in the iodine-sufficient group. Tg may be a more sensitive iodine status biomarker than TSH for pregnant women with mild-to-moderate iodine insufficiency.

Acute and continuous exposure of airborne fine particulate matter (PM2.5): diverse outer blood-retinal barrier damages and disease susceptibilities.

BACKGROUND: The association between air pollution and retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has been demonstrated, but the pathogenic correlation is unknown. Damage to the outer blood-retinal barrier (oBRB), which consists of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and choriocapillaris, is crucial in the development of fundus diseases. OBJECTIVES: To describe the effects of airborne fine particulate matter (PM2.5) on the oBRB and disease susceptibilities. METHODS: A PM2.5-exposed mice model was established through the administration of eye drops containing PM2.5. Optical coherence tomography angiography, transmission electron microscope, RPE immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting were applied to study the oBRB changes. A co-culture model of ARPE-19 cells with stretching vascular endothelial cells was established to identify the role of choroidal vasodilatation in PM2.5-associated RPE damage. RESULTS: Acute exposure to PM2.5 resulted in choroidal vasodilatation, RPE tight junctions impairment, and ultimately an increased risk of retinal edema in mice. These manifestations are very similar to the pachychoroid disease represented by central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). After continuous PM2.5 exposure, the damage to the RPE was gradually repaired, but AMD-related early retinal degenerative changes appeared under continuous choroidal inflammation. CONCLUSION: This study reveals oBRB pathological changes under different exposure durations, providing a valuable reference for the prevention of PM2.5-related fundus diseases and public health policy formulation.

Relationship of individual and mixed urinary metals exposure with liver function in the China National Human Biomonitoring (CNHBM) of Zhejiang Province.

BACKGROUND: Heavy metals have been reported to affect liver function. However, there is currently little and inconsistent knowledge about the effects of combined and individual urinary metals on specific parameters of liver function in the general population. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate their associations. METHODS: This study involved 807 general population from the China National Human Biomonitoring of Zhejiang Province 2017-2018. Concentrations of urinary metals, including Chromium (Cr), Cobalt (Co), Nickle (Ni), Arsenic (As), Selenium (Se), Molybdenum (Mo), Cadmium (Cd), Thallium (Tl) and Lead (Pb) were measured. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), direct bilirubin (DBIL), total bilirubin (TBIL) as liver function biomarkers. Multivariable linear regression and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression were employed to explore the associations of urinary metals with liver function biomarkers. Subgroup analysis stratified by gender and age, excluding smokers and drinkers for sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: Both statistical models indicated that urinary metals were positively associated with ALT and AST, while negatively with TP, ALB, DBIL and TBIL. In the WQS analysis, each quartile increase in the ln-transformed levels of metal mixtures was associated with 4.11 IU/L (95% CI: 1.07, 7.15) higher ALT and 3.00 IU/L (95% CI: 1.75, 4.25) higher AST, as well as, with 0.67 g/L (95% CI: 1.24, -0.11) lower TP, 0.74 g/L (95% CI: 1.09, -0.39) lower ALB, 0.38 µmol/L (95% CI: 0.67, -0.09) lower DBIL, and 1.56 µmol/L (95% CI: 2.22, -0.90) lower TBIL. The association between urinary metals and ALT was primarily driven by Cd (55.8%), Cr contributed the most to the association with AST (20.2%) and TBIL (45.2%), while the association with TP was primarily driven by Ni (38.2%), the association with ALB was primarily driven by As (32.8%), and the association with DBIL was primarily driven by Pb (30.9%). The associations between urinary metals and liver function might differ by sex and age. CONCLUSION: Urinary metals were significantly associated with liver function parameters. Further studies are required to clarify the relationship between heavy metals and liver function.

Association of urinary bisphenols with thyroid function in the general population: a cross-sectional study of an industrial park in China.

Bisphenols (BPs) are potential thyroid disruptors that are widely used in many consumer products, leading to their widespread exposure in the general population. Current cross-sectional and case-control studies have found associations between exposure to BPs and serum thyroid function, but the results were contradictory. The objectives of this study are to describe demographic characteristics, BP exposure levels, and thyroid function measurements in potentially exposed and control districts and to investigate the association of urinary BPs with thyroid function. Data were collected from a general population aged 3-79 years (N = 281) recruited by the Zhejiang Human Biomonitoring Program (ZJHBP). The concentrations of 10 kinds of BPs in urine and serum free triiodothyronine (FT3), total triiodothyronine (TT3), free thyroxine (FT4), total thyroxine (TT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroglobulin (Tg), thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb), thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb), and thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb) in serum were measured. Multiple linear regression and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression were used to estimate the relationship between single and mixed exposure of BPs and thyroid function. Bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol S (BPS), and bisphenol P (BPP) were detected, respectively, in 82.73%, 94.24%, and 55.40% of the population in the exposed area and 81.69%, 61.27%, and 43.66% of the population in the control area. Among adult females, serum TT3 was negatively associated with urinary BPA (ß = -0.033, 95% CI = -0.071, -0.008, P = 0.021). Among minor females, FT4 and Tg levels were negatively associated with the urinary BPA (ß = -0.026, 95% CI = -0.051, -0.002, P = 0.032 for FT4; ß = -0.129, 95% CI = -0.248, -0.009, P = 0.035 for Tg), and TPOAb was positively associated with urinary BPA (ß = 0.104, 95% CI = 0.006, 0.203, P = 0.039). In WQS models, BPs mixture was positively associated with FT3 (ßWQS = 0.022, 95% CI = 0.002, 0.042) and TT3 (ßWQS = 0.033, 95% CI = 0.004, 0.062), and negatively associated with FT4 (ßWQS = -0.024, 95% CI = -0.044, 0.004). We found widespread exposure to BPA, BPS, and BPP in the general population of Zhejiang province and found an association between BPA and thyroid hormones. This association is gender- and age-dependent and needs to be confirmed in further studies.

Long-term PM2.5 exposure disrupts corneal epithelial homeostasis by impairing limbal stem/progenitor cells in humans and rat models.

BACKGROUND: Limbal stem/progenitor cells (LSPCs) play a crucial role in maintaining corneal health by regulating epithelial homeostasis. Although PM2.5 is associated with the occurrence of several corneal diseases, its effects on LSPCs are not clearly understood. METHODS: In this study, we explored the correlation between PM2.5 exposure and human limbal epithelial thickness measured by Fourier-domain Optical Coherence Tomography in the ophthalmologic clinic. Long- and short-term PM2.5 exposed-rat models were established to investigate the changes in LSPCs and the associated mechanisms. RESULTS: We found that people living in regions with higher PM2.5 concentrations had thinner limbal epithelium, indicating the loss of LSPCs. In rat models, long-term PM2.5 exposure impairs LSPCs renewal and differentiation, manifesting as corneal epithelial defects and thinner epithelium in the cornea and limbus. However, LSPCs were activated in short-term PM2.5-exposed rat models. RNA sequencing implied that the circadian rhythm in LSPCs was perturbed during PM2.5 exposure. The mRNA level of circadian genes including Per1, Per2, Per3, and Rev-erbα was upregulated in both short- and long-term models, suggesting circadian rhythm was involved in the activation and dysregulation of LSPCs at different stages. PM2.5 also disturbed the limbal microenvironment as evidenced by changes in corneal subbasal nerve fiber density, vascular density and permeability, and immune cell infiltration, which further resulted in the circadian mismatches and dysfunction of LSPCs. CONCLUSION: This study systematically demonstrates that PM2.5 impairs LSPCs and their microenvironment. Moreover, we show that circadian misalignment of LSPCs may be a new mechanism by which PM2.5 induces corneal diseases. Therapeutic options that target circadian rhythm may be viable options for improving LSPC functions and alleviating various PM2.5-associated corneal diseases.

Toward an efficient determination of tissue-free water tritium in food.

Introduction: Tritium in the environment constitutes a radiological concern because it can become part of the hydrogen pool in environmental and biological reservoirs and thereby expose people to radiation. Methods: Tissue-free water tritium (TFWT) analysis in food is an important subject of environmental radiation monitoring which plays an important role in the estimation of health risks from environmental tritium exposure. At present, tritium content in food is generally determined by liquid scintillation counter (LSC). To improve the analytical efficiency in tritium determination, we developed a novel method to treat TFWT in food using microporous membranes. Results: The microporous membrane treatment method developed in this study has the following characteristics: It has a wide range of application and can process TFWT samples with conductivity below 5 µS/cm. Sample loss for the microporous membrane treatment is approximately 5%. The average treatment time is only 5 min, significantly shortened compared with the currently used atmospheric distillation treatment method (1.5 h). The results of the comparison and spike experiment show that the samples prepared by microporous membrane treatment provides equally satisfactory tritium measurement results as classic distillation method. Discussion: The developed microporous membrane method is simple to operate, efficient, and environmentally friendly, and effectively improves the analysis efficiency of TFWT in food.

Associations of Occupational Stress and Coping Styles with Well-Being Among Couriers - Three Cities, Zhejiang Province, China, 2021.

What is already known about this topic?: Prior research has primarily concentrated on occupational health concerns, including injuries and heatstroke, among couriers. Nevertheless, there has been a scarcity of emphasis on mental health aspects, with existing studies predominantly addressing the risk factors associated with occupational stress. What is added by this report?: The present study demonstrated a significant association between occupational stress and well-being among couriers, with positive coping strategies acting as a mediating factor. Furthermore, the results indicate that implementing a positive coping style may mitigate the impact of occupational stress on well-being. What are the implications for public health practice?: Future public policy initiatives should focus on promoting the well-being of couriers by fostering improvements in the workplace environment, reevaluating the organization of work, and delivering support to couriers in managing occupational stress.

Are Microplastics Toxic? A Review from Eco-Toxicity to Effects on the Gut Microbiota.

Emerging studies have presented an initial picture of the toxic effects of exposure to environmental micro- and nanoplastics. They have indicated that micro- and nanoplastics may induce toxicity by leading to oxidative stress, energy metabolism disorders, gene damage, and so forth in environmental organisms, marine invertebrates and vertebrates, and laboratory mouse models. In recent years, micro- and nanoplastics have been discovered in human fecal samples, placentas, lung tissue, and even blood; thus, micro- and nanoplastics pose an alarming and ever-increasing threat to global public health. However, current research on the health effects of micro- and nanoplastics and the possible adverse outcomes in humans has only presented the tip of the iceberg. More robust clinical data and basic experiments are still warranted to elucidate the specific relationships and mechanisms. In this paper, we review studies on micro- and nanoplastic toxicity from the perspectives of eco-toxicity, the adverse effects on invertebrates and vertebrates, and the impact of micro- and nanoplastics on the gut microbiota and its metabolites. In addition, we evaluate the toxicological role of micro- and nanoplastic exposure and its potential implications in respect to human health. We also summarize studies regarding preventive strategies. Overall, this review provides insights on micro- and nanoplastic toxicity and its underlying mechanisms, opening up scientific avenues for future in-depth studies.

Levels, sources, variations, and human health risk assessment of 90Sr and 137Cs in water and food around Sanmen Nuclear Power Plant (China) from 2011 to 2020.

Objectives: Radioactivity monitoring around nuclear facilities is crucial to provide important baseline data for effective detection of radioactive leakage to the environment. We aim to establish a baseline study for monitoring radioactive levels of 90Sr and 137Cs around Sammen Nuclear Power Plant (SNPP) and to assess their associated health impact on surrounding residents. Methods: In this study, we collected water and food samples around the SNPP from 2011 to 2020 and determined for 90Sr and 137Cs activity concentrations. We statistically analyzed the temporal trends of 90Sr and 137Cs and evaluated their radiation exposure to the local residents. Results: During this period, the activity concentrations of 90Sr and 137Cs varied within 1.2-9.9 mBq/L and 0.10-7.6 mBq/L in water, and 0.037-1.3 Bq/kg and 0.011-0.45 Bq/kg in food, respectively, with no significant seasonal variation trend. Conclusions: All reported activity concentrations of 90Sr and 137Cs were significantly lower than the recommended value of WHO and Chinese national standards. There is no indication of notable radioactive release into the study area due to the operation of SNPP during 2018-2020. The annual effective doses (AEDs) from the ingestion of 90Sr and 137Cs in water and food were well below the international permissible limits, indicating the radiation exposure around SNPP during 2011-2020 was kept at a safe level.

Characteristics of pneumoconiosis in Zhejiang Province, China from 2006 to 2020: a descriptive study.

BACKGROUND: Pneumoconiosis is the most prevalent occupational disease and displays different patterns in each province of China. Clarifying specific incidence patterns and temporal trends in Zhejiang Province can help provide valuable information on the prevention of pneumoconiosis. METHODS: Annual reports of pneumoconiosis for Zhejiang Province from 2006 to 2020 were extracted from the National Occupational Disease and Occupational Health Information Monitoring System. The information of cases included regions, diagnosis ages, genders, exposure durations, pneumoconiosis categories and stages, the first year of exposure, enterprise industries, scales and ownerships. RESULTS: Totally 6037 new cases of pneumoconiosis were reported between 2006 and 2020, which increased at first and then gradually declined since 2013. Among all pneumoconiosis cases, silicosis accounted for the majority (72.17%). Most of the cases occurred in small-scale and domestic-funded enterprises, which accounted for 71.75% and 96.97%, respectively. When analyzing the industry distribution, the cases were mainly concentrated in mining (37.12%), manufacturing (31.11%) and 'public administration and social organization' (23.94%) industry. The average diagnosis age among the pneumoconiosis cases was 55.44 years, and the median exposure duration was 11.00 years. Significantly older diagnosis age and longer exposure duration were found in females, coal workers' pneumoconiosis cases, cases with higher stages, cases with the first year of dust exposure earlier and cases from large-scale companies. In regional distribution, the top three cities reporting the most pneumoconiosis cases in Zhejiang Province were Taizhou, Quzhou and Hangzhou. CONCLUSION: The current situation of pneumoconiosis in Zhejiang Province was still serious, and government should further strengthen the surveillance of occupational diseases and supervision of enterprises. Moreover, publicity and education regarding pneumoconiosis should be carried out to raise awareness of dust exposure risk and associated health consequences.

Assessment of radiation exposure and public health before and after the operation of Sanmen nuclear power plant.

Introduction: Sanmen nuclear power plant (SNPP) operates the first advanced passive (AP1000) nuclear power unit in China. Methods: To assess the radiological impacts of SNPP operation on the surrounding environment and the public health, annual effective dose (AED) and excess risk (ER) were estimated based on continuous radioactivity monitoring in drinking water and ambient dose before and after its operation during 2014-2021. In addition, the residents' cancer incidence was further analyzed through authorized health data collection. Results: The results showed that the gross α and gross ß radioactivity in all types of drinking water were ranged from 0.008 to 0.017 Bq/L and 0.032 to 0.112 Bq/L, respectively. The cumulative ambient dose in Sanmen county ranged from 0.254 to 0.460 mSv/y, with an average of 0.354 ± 0.075 mSv/y. There is no statistical difference in drinking water radioactivity and ambient dose before and after the operation of SNPP according to Mann-Whitney U test. The Mann-Kendall test also indicates there is neither increasing nor decreasing trend during the period from 2014 to 2021. The age-dependent annual effective doses due to the ingestion of drinking water or exposure to the outdoor ambient environment are lower than the recommended threshold of 0.1 mSv/y. The incidence of cancer (include leukemia and thyroid cancer) in the population around SNPP is slightly higher than that in other areas, while it is still in a stable state characterized by annual percentage changes. Discussion: The current comprehensive results show that the operation of SNPP has so far no evident radiological impact on the surrounding environment and public health, but continued monitoring is still needed in the future.

Quantifying the associations of the air pollutant SO2 on outpatient visits for conjunctivitis in Hangzhou, China.

The aim of this study is to further investigate the single and cumulative associations of SO2 on outpatient visits for conjunctivitis. Data from outpatient visits, air pollutants, and meteorology was collected by the Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of the Zhejiang University School of Medicine, the Environmental Protection Department of Zhejiang Province, and the Meteorological Administration of Zhejiang Province from July 1, 2014, to November 30, 2019. A Poisson generalized linear regression model (PGLM), combined with a distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM), was employed to analyze the association between SO2 and outpatient visits for conjunctivitis using PM2.5 and NO2 as covariates. Of the 539,649 outpatients for conjunctivitis recruited for analysis, 58.1% were female. Obvious single associations of SO2 were observed in outpatient visits for conjunctivitis, which is consistent with our previous results using a time-stratified case crossover design. A delay in the associations of SO2 on outpatient visits for conjunctivitis was further confirmed, with the longest lag being 12 days. The strongest lag effect was found at lag 0-11 with RR95th vs 25th = 1.30 (1.24, 1.37), and RR90h vs 25th = 1.23 (1.18, 1.28). Furthermore, the results showed that old people may be more sensitive to the associations of SO2 than adults and the younger ones. Our study provides the first evidence that outpatient visits for conjunctivitis are positively associated with both single and cumulative air pollutant SO2 exposure, suggesting that people especially elders had better to decrease outdoor activities when the SO2 concentration is above safe level.

Insights into the health status of the general population living near an electroplating industry zone: metal elevations and renal impairment.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2016 in Zhejiang Province, China, to evaluate the body burdens of metals and metalloids associated with renal dysfunction in populations living near electroplating industries. We recruited 236 subjects and performed physical examinations, determined the blood and urinary levels of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), antimony (Sb), and selenium (Se) by an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS), and measured three renal impairment biomarkers, namely nacetyl-ß-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), retinol-binding protein (RBP), and ß2-microglobulin (BMG). The proportion of abnormal nasal symptoms in the exposure group (10.1%) was much higher than in the control group (0; p < 0.05). The blood and urinary levels of As, Cd, and Se in the exposure group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05). The blood levels of Mn and Pb, as well as the urinary levels of Cr and Ni, were significantly higher in the exposure group than in the control group (p < 0.05). The exposure group demonstrated higher levels of NAG, RBP, and BMG than the control group (0.51 vs. 0.14 mg/g creatinine, 12.79 vs. 9.26 IU/g creatinine, and 1.39 vs. 0.78 mg/g creatinine, respectively; p < 0.05). Urinary BMG was positively correlated with urinary Cd levels (r = 0.223, p < 0.05), while urinary RBP was correlated with blood Cd levels (r = 0.151, p < 0.05) and urinary Cd, Cr, Ni, and Se levels (r = 0.220, 0.303, 0.162, and 0.306, respectively; p < 0.05). In conclusion, our study indicated that a population living in the vicinity of electroplating industries had high body burdens of certain metals and metalloids associated with non-negligible renal dysfunction.

Effects of iodine supplementation during pregnancy on maternal and offspring health: a review / 预防医学

@#Iodine is an essential nutrient required for thyroid hormone synthesis and human growth and development. Iodine requirements increase substantially during pregnancy, and insufficient iodine intake may affect the health of pregnant women, and fetal growth and development. Iodized salt-based iodine supplementation is effective to improve maternal iodine levels, reduce risk of thyroid dysfunctions, and plays a vital role in improvements of offspring growth and development and prevention of intellectual disability. However, excessive iodine supplementation during pregnancy may affect maternal thyroid functions and the nerve development of offspring. Precise and personalized iodine supplementation schemes are therefore required tailored to local iodine deficiency degree and pregnant women's individual iodine status. This review summarizes the advances in the impact of iodine supplementation during pregnancy on maternal and offspring health, so as to provide insights into the guidance of iodine supplementation during pregnancy.

Occupational health risk assessment methods in China: A scoping review.

Background: Over the decades, many assessment methods have been developed around the world and used for occupational health risk assessment (OHRA). This scoping review integrated the literature on methodological studies of OHRA in China and aimed to identifies the research hot-spots and methodological research perspectives on OHRA in China. Methods: A scoping review of literature was undertaken to explore the research progress on OHRA methods in China. Focusing on OHRA methods, the authors systematically searched Chinese and English databases and relevant guideline websites from the date of establishment to June 30, 2022. Databases included Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, the China National Knowledge Internet, WanFang Database. Some other websites were also searched to obtain gray literature. The extracted information included the author, year, region of first author, the target industry, risk assessment model, study type, the main results and conclusions. Results: Finally, 145 of 9,081 studies were included in this review. There were 108 applied studies, 30 comparative studies and 7 optimization studies on OHRA in China. The OHRA methods studied included: (1) qualitative methods such as Romanian model, Australian model, International Council on Mining and Metals model, and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Essentials; (2) quantitative methods such as the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency inhalation risk assessment model, Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic, and Monte Carlo simulation; (3) semi-quantitative methods such as Singapore model, Fuzzy mathematical risk assessment model, Likelihood Exposure Consequence method and Occupational Hazard Risk Index assessment method; (4) comprehensive method (Chinese OHRA standard GBZ/T 298-2017). Each of the OHRA methods had its own strengths and limitations. In order to improve the applicability of OHRA methods, some of them have been optimized by researchers. Conclusions: There is a wide range of OHRA methods studied in China, including applied, comparative, and optimization studies. Their applicability needs to be further tested through further application in different industries. Furthermore, quantitative comparative studies, optimization studies, and modeling studies are also needed.

Epidemiological characteristics of occupational chemical poisonings in Zhejiang, China from 2006 to 2020: A descriptive analysis.

Objective: As the second most common occupational disease in China, occupational poisoning is one of the major public health problems that seriously affect workers' health. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological and occupational characteristics of acute and chronic occupational poisoning cases in Zhejiang Province, so as to provide a scientific basis for proposing intervention measures and preventive strategies of occupational poisoning. Methods: The data on occupational poisoning cases in Zhejiang Province from 2006 to 2020 was derived from the National Occupational Disease Network Direct Report System. A descriptive statistical analysis was employed on this data utilizing R software. Results: From 2006 to 2020, 1,008 occupational poisoning cases were reported in Zhejiang Province, with a downward trend since 2007. Of these cases, 81.94% were chronic poisoning and 18.06% were acute poisoning. Ningbo reported the most occupational poisoning cases among the 11 cities in Zhejiang Province, accounting for 20.34% of the total cases. Besides, the occupational poisoning cases in Wenzhou, Jiaxing, and Shaoxing also accounted for 18.15%, 18.06%, and 17.76% of the total number of cases, respectively. Occupational poisoning in male were 693 cases and in female 315 cases. Most of the occupational poisoning cases studied involved people aged between 40 and 49 years (38.19%). The length of work in chronic occupational poisoning cases was significantly higher than that of acute occupational poisoning cases (P < 0.05). Benzene and lead and its compounds (excluding tetraethyl lead) were the major toxicants causing occupational poisoning. More than 60% of occupational poisoning cases were reported in private enterprises. Meanwhile, over 90% of the cases were distributed in medium enterprises and small enterprises. The type of industry with the most occupational poisoning cases was the manufacturing industry. Conclusion: Although the cases of occupational poisoning in Zhejiang Province have declined, more comprehensive and effective prevention and control measures are still needed. More attention ought to be paid to the management of key points according to the epidemiological and occupational characteristics of occupational poisoning cases.

Breastfed infants' exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances: A cross-sectional study of a municipal waste incinerator in China.

A municipal waste incinerator (MWI) in Zhejiang, China, operating since 2008 was completely reconstructed from 2016 to 2019. In 2013, we conducted a cross-sectional study of breastfeeding mothers living near the MWI. We evaluated the concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in the mothers' breast milk and their infants' estimated daily intake (EDI). To investigate the temporal variations of these pollutants, we conducted a cross-sectional study of 29 mothers in 2019. We assessed the levels of 18 PCB congeners, 17 PCDD/F congeners, and 21 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) congeners in breast milk and estimated the EDI. The mean total concentrations of PCDD/Fs (ΣPCDD/Fs) and PCBs (ΣPCBs) were 81.2 and 4.90 ng/g lipid, respectively, while the toxic equivalent quantity (TEQ) levels of ΣPCDD/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs (ΣDL-PCBs) were 2.7 and 1.4 pg WHO-TEQ/g lipid, respectively. Compared to our 2013 measurements, the mass concentrations of ΣPCDD/Fs and ΣPCBs decreased by 13% and 35%, respectively (3.361 vs. 2.915 pg/g wet weight [ww] and 269.1 vs. 175.0 pg/g ww, respectively). The TEQ-ΣPCDD/F levels decreased by 67% (0.241 vs. 0.080 pg/g ww), but the TEQ-ΣDL-PCB levels increased by 11% (0.046 vs. 0.051 pg WHO-TEQ/g ww). The median concentration of PFASs was 0.250 ng/mL, ranging from 0.151 to 0.833 ng/mL. The infants' mean EDI of total PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs was 17.7 pg TEQ/kg body weight [bw], representing a 20% decline compared to 2013. The average EDI levels of PFOS, PFOA, and PFNA were 5.8, 17.9, and 1.7 ng/kg bw, respectively. A comprehensive comparison of the results with studies from around the world showed that the potential health risks posed by legacy PCDD/F and PCB pollutants were not as grave for mothers and infants living near this MWI, but the emerging PFAS pollutants represented a new cause for concern. MAIN FINDINGS: The potential health risks posed by legacy PCDD/F and PCB pollutants were not particularly serious for mothers and infants living near the MWI, but the emerging PFAS pollutants raised new concerns.

Epidemiological characteristics and survival analysis on patients with occupational pneumoconiosis in Zhejiang Province from 1987 to 2019.

Objective: To evaluate risk factors affecting survival in patients diagnosed with pneumoconiosis and propose strategies to improve the quality of life in these patients. Methods: The basic patient information was obtained from the pneumoconiosis report card. Disease types, regions, and industry distribution of pneumoconiosis were analyzed. The Kaplan-Meier survival curves and the Cox proportional risk regression model was used for survival analysis. Results: A total of 13,812 patients were diagnosed with pneumoconiosis in Zhejiang province from 1987 to 2019. The overall survival rate at the end of life table analysis was 83%. Kaplan-Meier analyses showed that there were significant differences between survival curves depending on the stage of first diagnosis, age at first diagnosis, type of pneumoconiosis, industry, and duration of dust exposure (P < 0.05). The results of Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed that pneumoconiosis stage of first diagnosis, age at first diagnosis, industry, and duration of dust exposure were risk factors affecting patient survival (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The patients with high stage of pneumoconiosis at first diagnosis, older age, and long duration of dust exposure should be followed up and monitored as key population, and the industries with high incidence of pneumoconiosis such as mining and construction should be supervised as key industries.