ENVIRONMENTAL

							ENVIRONMENTAL

~dEnvironmental
~tNanoscale determination of ecotoxicological hallmark in animal hair
~w2011-03-21
After Stockholm Convention Bio-monitoring studies for estimation
population health surveillance and exposure risk assessment of
different chemical contaminants, such as chlorinated compounds or
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) had become an important task.
Earlier the toxicological evaluation of humans was done using
invasive methods such as surgery or pricking. Today many scientists
tried to elaborate non-invasive analytical methods without disparage
the final results. Last year studies have shown that a relative
higher pollution with organochlorine and polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbon compounds in surrounding regions of Dej, Transylvania.
The pollution with chlorinated compounds as chlorinated solvents was
attributed to the industrial activities from this region. The levels
in soil and river water of these compounds were ~20 - 60 μg·kg-1 and
~15 - 45 μg·L-1, respectively where as for PAHs soil and river water
levels were; for two ring species was between ~26 - 35 μg·kg-1 and
~21 - 30 μg·L-1, respectively; for three ring species was 15 - 35
μg·kg-1 and ~10 - 24 μg·L-1 respectively; and in case of four ring
species was between 10 - 20 μg·kg-1 and ~ 3 - 15 μg·L-1
respectively. These results carried on concern regarding the
bioaccumulation of these pollutants by humans through food web chain.
In order to establish the uptake level of these compounds by humans,
home grown animal's such as pig and cow hair were analysed through
SIM-GC-MS mode and ECD-FID-GC. The presence of chlorinated solvents
detected in pig and cows hair. Difference between accumulation levels
of PAH metabolites were also observed between cow and pig hair
samples.
Authors: Kovacs, Melinda Haydee; Ristoiu, Dumitru;Ristoiu, Tania
Full Source: Proceedings of SPIE 2010, 7821, 782121-782121-6
(English)

~dEnvironmental
~tAccumulation and elimination characteristics of heavy metal cadmium
in Bullacta exarata from intertidal zone of Tianjin, China
~w2011-03-21
Cadmium accumulation and elimination have important influence on
bioremediation, pollutant eco-toxicity and environmental risk
assessment. The characteristics of cadmium accumulation and
elimination in Bullacta exarata's body and liver, which were from the
intertidal zone of Tianjin, were studied. The entire experiment
included two parts, accumulation and elimination. The samples were
frozen, dried, grinded, blended and weighed, followed by measuring
using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). The accumulation period
was 14 days. The mass fractions of cadmium in body and liver were
from high to low, and the maximum was at 7 days. The accumulation in
liver was greater than that in the body, and, the depuration period
was 12 days while the stable point was at 9 days. The accumulation of
cadmium in Bullacta exarata related not only with their life
behaviour but also with their habitats. In the natural environment,
the human input of cadmium should be strictly controlled,
particularly the discharge of the cadmium industrial waste water.
Authors: Chen, Nan; Liu, Xianbin; Tian, Shengyan; Liu, Zhanguang;
Sun, Lianna; Li, Guofeng
Full Source: Nongye Huanjing Kexue Xuebao 2010, 29(9), 1687-1692
(Chinese)

MEDICAL
~dMedical
~tAnalysis of the CYP1A1 mRNA Dose-Response in Human Keratinocytes
Indicates that Relative Potencies of Dioxins, Furans, and PCBs Are
Species and Congener Specific
~w2011-03-21
Toxic equivalency factors (TEFs) primarily based on rodent data do
not accurately predict in vitro human responsiveness to certain
dioxin-like chemicals (DLCs). To investigate this in cells responsive
to dioxins and relevant to chloracne, normal human epidermal
keratinocytes were treated with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin
(TCDD) and several DLCs, each with a TEF value of 0.1, representing 3
classes of congeners. The authors estimated half maximal effective
concentration(EC50)-based donor-specific relative potency (REP)
values for cytochrome P 450 1A1 (CYP1A1) mRNA induction for TCDD,
1,2,3,6,7,8-hexachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (HxCDD), 2,3,7,8-
tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF),1,2,3,6,7,8-hexachlorodibenzofuran
(HxCDF), and 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 126). They also
detected EC50-based population-level REP values (n=4) for CYP1A1 mRNA
induction for TCDD, HxCDF, and PCB 126. Moreover an alternative
factor, the relative threshold factor (RTF) based on the low end
(threshold) of the dose-response curve, was calculated. The results
demonstrated that HxCDF had a population-based REP value of 0.98,
9.8-fold higher than its assigned TEF value of 0.1. Conversely, PCB
126 had an REP value of 0.0027 and an RTF of 0.0022, 37-fold and 45-
fold less than its assigned TEF of 0.1, respectively. The REP values
for HxCDD and TCDF were 0.24 and 0.10, respectively, similar to their
assigned value of 0.1. Therefore, although the DLCs tested in the
current study all possessed the same assigned TEF value of 0.1,
congener-specific differences in REPs and RTFs were observed for
human keratinocytes. These congener-specific discrepancies are likely
because of differences in interspecies factors that have yet to be
defined.
Authors: Sutter, Carrie H.; Bodreddigari, Sridevi; Sutter, Thomas R.;
Carlson, Erik A.; Silkworth, Jay B.
Full Source: Toxicological Sciences 2010, 118(2), 704-715 (English)

~dMedical
~tPCB-47, PBDE-47, and 6-OH-PBDE-47 Differentially Modulate Human
GABAA and α4β2 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors
~w2011-03-22
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and the structurally related
polybrominated diPhenyl ethers (PBDEs) are abundant persistent
organic pollutants that exert several comparable neurotoxic effects.
Also hydroxylated metabolites of PCBs and PBDEs have an increased
neurotoxic potency. The authors demonstrated that PCBs can act as
(partial) agonist on GABAA neurotransmitter receptors, with PCB-47
being the most potent congener. However, it is unknown whether PBDE-
47 and its metabolite 6-OH-PBDE-47 exert similar effects and if these
effects are limited to GABAA receptors only. Therefore in this study
authors investigated the effects of PCB-47, PBDE-47, and 6-OH-PBDE-47
on the inhibitory GABAA and excitatory α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine
(nACh) receptor expressed in Xenopus oocytes using the two-electrode
voltage-clamp technique. Since human exposure is generally not
limited to individual compounds, experiments with binary mixtures
were also performed. PCB-47 and 6-OH-PBDE-47 act as full and partial
agonist on the GABAA receptor. However, both congeners act as
antagonist on the nACh receptor. PBDE-47 did not affect either type
of receptor. Binary mixtures of PCB-47 and 6-OH-PBDE-47 induced an
additive activation as well as potentiation of GABAA receptors
whereas this mixture resulted in an additive inhibition of nACh
receptors. Binary mixtures of PBDE-47 and 6-OH-PBDE-47 yielded
similar effects as 6-OH-PBDE-47 alone. The results demonstrated that
GABAA and nACh receptors are affected differently by PCB-47 and 6-OH
PBDE-47, with inhibitory GABAA-mediated signalling potentiated and
excitatory α4β2 nACh-mediated signalling inhibited. The authors
concluded that considering these opposite actions and the additive
interaction of the congeners, these effects are likely to be
augmented in vivo.
Authors: Hendriks, Hester S.; Fernandes, Elsa C. Antunes; Bergman,
Aake; van den Berg, Martin; Westerink, Remco H.S.
Full Source: Toxicological Sciences 2010, 118(2), 635-642(English)

~dMedical
~tThe use of In Vitro Toxicity Data and Physiologically Based Kinetic
Modelling to Predict Dose-Response Curves for In Vivo Developmental
Toxicity of Glycol Ethers in Rat and Man
~w2011-03-22
Regulatory assessment of systemic toxicity is almost solely carried
out using animal models. The European Commission's REACH legislation
stimulates the use of animal-free approaches to obtain information on
the toxicity of chemicals. In vitro toxicity tests provide in vitro
concentration-response curves for specific target cells, whereas in
vivo dose-response curves are regularly used for human risk
assessment. This study showed an approach to predict in vivo dose-
response curves for developmental toxicity by combining in vitro
toxicity data and in silico kinetic modelling. A physiologically
based kinetic (PBK) model was developed, describing the kinetics of 4
glycol ethers and their embryotoxic alkoxyacetic acid metabolites in
rat and man. In vitro toxicity data of these metabolites derived in
the embryonic stem cell test were used as input in the PBK model to
extrapolate in vitro concentration-response curves to predicted in
vivo dose-response curves for developmental toxicity of the parent
glycol ethers in rat and man. The predicted dose-response curves for
rat were found to be in order with the embryotoxic dose levels
measured in reported in vivo rat studies and therefore, predicted
dose-response curves for rat could be used to set a point of
departure for deriving safe exposure limits in human risk assessment.
In vitro toxicity data and human PBK model data combination allowed
the prediction of dose-response curves for human developmental
toxicity. The authors concluded that the approach could therefore
provide a means to reduce the need for animal testing in human risk
assessment practices.
Authors: Louisse, Jochem; de Jong, Esther; van de Sandt, Johannes J.
M.; Blaauboer, Bas J.; Woutersen, Ruud A.; Piersma, Aldert H.;
Rietjens, Ivonne M. C. M.; Verwei, Miriam
Full Source: Toxicological Sciences 2010, 118(2), 470-484 (English)

~dMedical
~tMetal ions in human cancer development
~w2011-03-22
The use of metals is key to human civilisation, and has been in the
environment during the entire evolution of man. None-the-less,
several very toxic species are included in the metallic elements and
compounds either widely used by man and/or found in the human
environment which includes arsenic and arsenic compounds, beryllium
and beryllium compounds, cadmium and cadmium compounds, chromium (VI)
compounds, and nickel compounds. These five metallic agents
considered human carcinogens and all of which are proven carcinogens
in laboratory animals as well. There is significant human exposure to
these carcinogenic inorganic, either occupationally, through the
environment, or both. In the workplace, inhalation is typical while
inhalation or ingestion occurs from environmental sources. These
metallic carcinogens frequently cause tumours at the portal of entry.
Also, agent-specific tumours like urinary bladder tumours after
arsenic exposure, is due to bio-kinetics or mechanisms that are
specific to arsenic could occur. Even in their simplest elemental
form, metals are not inert, and have biological activity. However,
these inorganic carcinogens, when in the atomic form, cannot be
broken down into less toxic subunits, and is why they are so
important as environmental human carcinogens.
Authors: Tokar, Erik J; Benbrahim-Tallaa, Lamia; Waalkes, Michael P.
Full Source: Metal Ions in Life Sciences 2011, 8(Metal Ions in
Toxicology), 375-401 (English)

~dMedical
~tMetal ions affecting the pulmonary and cardiovascular systems
~w2011-03-22
Metals, such as copper and manganese, are essential to life and play
irreplaceable roles in, functioning of important enzyme systems
however, other metals are xenobiotics, which they have no useful role
in human physiology and, even worse, as in the case of lead, may be
toxic even at trace levels of exposure. Even with the essential
metals there is a potential to turn harmful at very high levels of
exposure. Toxic metal exposure may lead to serious risks to human
health. Due to extensive use of toxic metals and their compounds in
industry and consumer products, these agents have been widely
disseminated in the environment. Metals are not biodegradable,
therefore they can persist in the environment and produce a variety
of adverse effects such as exposure to metals can lead to damage in a
variety of organ systems and, in some cases, metals also have the
potential to be carcinogenic. Even though the importance of metals as
environmental health hazards is now widely appreciated, the specific
mechanisms by which metals produce their adverse effects have not yet
been fully elucidated. The unifying factor in determining toxicity
and carcinogenicity for most metals is the generation of reactive
oxygen and nitrogen species. Metal-mediated formation of free
radicals causes various modifications to nucleic acids, enhanced
lipid peroxidation, and altered calcium and sulfhydryl homeostasis.
While copper, chromium, and cobalt undergo redox-cycling reactions,
for metals cadmium and nickel the primary route for their toxicity is
depletion of glutathione and bonding to sulfhydryl groups of
proteins. The authors concluded that the toxic effects of different
metallic compounds may be manifested in the pulmonary and
cardiovascular systems. The knowledge of health effects due to metal
exposure is necessary for practising physicians, and should be
assessed by inquiring about present and past occupational history and
environmental exposure.
Authors: Corradi, Massimo; Mutti, Antonio
Full Source: Metal Ions in Life Sciences 2011,8(Metal Ions in
Toxicology), 81-105 (English)

OCCUPATIONAL

~dOccupational
~tAnalysis of serum lipid peroxidation of coke oven workers
~w2011-03-28
This study investigated the serum levels of malondialdehyde and
hydrogen peroxide and activities of superoxide dismutase and
glutathione peroxidase in workers exposed to coke oven emission. The
authors detected the serum levels of malondialdehyde and hydrogen
peroxide and activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione
peroxidase of 152 coke oven workers and 125 controls with the test
kits. The serum levels of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide in
the exposure group were higher than those in the control group. The
serum activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase
in the exposure group were lower than those in the control group.
Exposed group was stratified according to job categories. The serum
levels of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide in the oven top
workers were higher than those of the oven side workers. While the
serum activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase
in the oven top workers were lower than those of the oven side
workers. All the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05).
Coke oven emission could result in lipid peroxidation damage of the
exposed workers. The authors concluded that serum malondialdehyde,
hydrogen peroxide, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase
might be used as the indicators in health surveillance of the
occupational hazard of the coke oven workers.
Authors: Zhu, Han-song; Zhao, Yong; Wang, Li-Xia; Feng, Fei-Fei;
Wang, Shi-Bin; Li, Zhi-Tao; Wu, Yi-Ming
Full Source: Gongye Weisheng Yu Zhiyebing 2010, 36(2), 65-69 (Ch)

~dOccupational
~tOccupational and environmental mercury exposure among small-scale
gold miners in the Talensi-Nabdam District of Ghana's Upper East
region
~w2011-03-28
Mercury (Hg) use in small-scale gold (Au) mining is ubiquitous across
Ghana, but little is known about the extent to which such activities
have contaminated community residents and miners. Occupational
exposure to elemental Hg (detected by urine sampling) and dietary
exposure to methylmercury (detected by hair sampling) were assessed
among 120 participants from a mining community in the Talensi-Nabdam
District, Upper East Region of Ghana in summer 2009. More than one-
fifth of the participants had moderately high urinary Hg
concentrations (>10 íg/L); 5% had urine Hg concentrations, which
exceeded the World Health Organisation guideline value (50 íg/L).
When participants were stratified according to occupation, those
active in the mining industry had the highest Hg concentrations.
Individuals who burned amalgam had urine Hg concentrations (median:
43.8 íg/L; mean (standard deviation: 171.1 ( 296.5 íg/L; n ) 5)
significantly higher than median concentrations measured in
mechanical operators (11.6 íg/L, n ) 4), concession managers/owners
(5.6 íg/L, n ) 11), excavators who blast and chisel ore (4.9 íg/L, n
) 33), individuals who sift and grind crushed ore (2.2 íg/L, n ) 47),
support workers (0.5 íg/L, n ) 14), and those with no role in the
mining sector (2.5 íg/L, n ) 6). There was a significant positive
Spearman correlation between fish consumption and hair Hg
concentrations (r ) 0.30), but not with urine Hg (r ) 0.18); further
studies are needed to document which types of fish are consumed as
well as portion sizes. The authors concluded that as 200,000 people
in Ghana are involved in the small-scale Au mining industry and since
the numbers are expected to grow in Ghana and many other regions of
the world, elucidating Hg exposure pathways in such communities is
important to help shape policies and behaviour which may minimise
health risks.
Authors: Paruchuri, Yasaswi; Siuniak, Amanda; Johnson, Nicole; Levin,
Elena; Mitchell, Katherine; Goodrich, Jaclyn M.; Renne, Elisha P.;
Basu, Niladri
Full Source: Science of the Total Environment 2010, 408(24), 6079-
6085 (Eng)

~dOccupational
~tUrinary Paranitrophenol, a Metabolite of Methyl Parathion, in Thai
Farmer and Child Populations
~w2011-03-28
Human exposure to methyl parathion can be assessed by measuring the
concentration of its metabolite paranitrophenol (PNP) in urine. The
authors conducted a biological monitoring study in Chiang Mai,
Thailand, which measured PNP and dialkylphosphate metabolites (i.e.,
dimethylphosphate [DMP] and dimethylthiophosphate [DMTP]) of methyl
parathion in urine samples collected from 136 farmers (age 20 to 65
years) and 306 school children (age 10 to 15 years) in 2006.
Participants came from 2 topographically different areas: One was
colder and mountainous, whereas the other was alluvial with climate
fluctuations depending on the monsoon season. Both children and
farmers were recruited from each area. Despite methyl parathion's
prohibited use in agriculture in 2004, the authors detected PNP in
>90% of all samples analysed. A nonparametric correlation test (PNP
vs. DMP and DMTP)was applied to determine whether the PNP found in
most of the samples tested resulted from exposures to methyl
parathion. DMP (Spearman's rho ) 0.601 [p ) 0.001] for farmers and
Spearman's rho ) 0.263 [p < 0.001] for children) and DMTP (Spearman's
rho ) 0.296 [p ) 0.003] for farmers and Spearman's rho) 0.304 [p <
0.001] for children) were positively correlated with PNP, suggesting
a common source for the 3 analytes, presumably methyl parathion or
related environmental degradates. Although a modest correlation was
detected between the metabolites, these findings suggest that despite
the prohibition, at least a portion (approximately 25% to 60%) of the
PNP detected among farmers and children in Thailand may be attributed
to exposure from continued methyl parathion use.
Authors: Panuwet, Parinya; Prapamontol, Tippawan; Chantara, Somporn;
Thavornyuthikarn, Prasak; Bravo, Roberto; Restrepo, Paula; Walker,
Robert D.; Williams, Bryan L.; Needham, Larry L.; Barr, Dana B.
Full Source: Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology
2009, 57(3), 623-629 (Eng)

~dOccupational
~tDetermination of pseudocholinesterase serum activity among Agrinion
pesticide applicators pre- and post-exposed to organophosphates
(fenthion and dimethoate)
~w2011-03-28
Organophosphate (OP) pesticides are used in agriculture in order to
raise crop production. This study investigated the biological effects
of two OPs, fenthion, and dimethoate, among 270 farm workers in the
area of Agrinion (Western Greece) by measuring the serum
butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity during the years 2004-2006. The
BChE activity was photometrically analysed before and after exposing
to OP. The results demonstrated that the median BChE activity was
reduced in the spraying period in comparison with the non-spraying
period (7604 versus 9557 units L-1). In addition, a significant
difference was detected in median pseudocholinesterase (PChE)
activity between the two OPs (fenthion applicators -26.87%,
dimethoate applicators -15.95%). The authors also found that the
duration of OP spraying influenced the mean BChE activity, which was
-9.83% after 1 day, -23.81% after 2-3 days, and -25.26% after 4-7
days of spraying and there was also reduced levels of the mean value
of PChE activity observed in occupational applicators in exposure
periods (5446 units L-1), and in non-exposure periods (6950 units L-
1), as well. The extent of using protective equipment influenced the
mean levels of BChE activity: -23.9% without any protection, -15%
with partial protection, and -7.4% in those applicators with full
protective equipment. The authors concluded that the mean value of
serum BChE activity was reduced after exposure to two Ops and this
reduction depends on the particular OP, the duration of the exposure,
and use or not of personal protective equipment by pesticide
applicators.
Authors: Vrioni, Georgia; Souki, Helen; Katramadou, Myrto; Kasiotis,
Konstantinos M.; Carageorgiou, Haris
Full Source: Toxicological and Environmental Chemistry 2011, 93(1),
177-187 (Eng)

~dOccupational
~tExposure to textile chemicals leads to microcytic anaemia and
hypersensitivity in textile workers
~w2011-03-28
This study investigated the toxic effects of dyeing chemicals on
various haematological parameters of textile workers. A total of 62
workers involved in dyeing processes were compared with 95 control
subjects. The findings revealed significant decrease in Hb content,
hematocrit, haematological indexes and neutrophil whereas leukocytes,
eosinophils and lymphocytes counts were observed to increase in the
exposed workers. The authors concluded that the haematological
parameters are as useful as physiological indexes for hazards caused
by toxic chemicals used in the textile industry.
Authors: Liaqat, Iram; Arshad, Mohammad; Arshad, Raheela; Arshad,
Najma
Full Source: Pakistan Journal of Zoology 2009, 41(5), 381-387 (Eng)

PUBLIC HEALTH

~dPublic Health
~tAnalysis of acrylonitrile, 1,3-butadiene, and related compounds in
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers for kitchen utensils and
children's toys by headspace gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
~w2011-03-28
In this study, a headspace gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
method was developed for the simultaneous detection of the residual
levels of acrylonitrile (AN), 1,3-butadiene (1,3-BD), and their
related compounds containing propionitrile (PN) and 4-vinyl-1-
cyclohexene (4-VC) in acrylonitrile- butadiene-styrene (ABS)
copolymers for kitchen utensils and children's toys. A sample was cut
into small pieces, then N,N-dimethylacetamide and an internal
standard were added in a sealed headspace vial. The vial was
incubated for 1 h at 90° and the headspace gas was analysed by GC-MS.
The recovery rates of the analytes were 93.3-101.8% and the
coefficients of variation were 0.3-6.5%. In ABS copolymers, the
levels were 0.3-50.4 íg/g for AN, ND-4.5 íg/g for PN, 0.06-1.58 íg/g
for 1,3-BD, and 1.1-295 íg/g for 4-VC. The highest level was found
for 4-VC, which is a dimer of 1,3-BD, and the next highest was for
AN, which is one of the monomers of the ABS copolymer. Furthermore,
the method was also applied to acrylonitrile-styrene (AS) copolymers
and polystyrenes (PS) for kitchen utensils, and nitrile-butadiene
rubber (NBR) gloves. In AS copolymers, AN and PN were detected at
16.8-54.5 and 0.8-6.9 íg/g, respectively. On the other hand, the
levels in PS and NBR samples were all low.
Authors: Ohno, Hiroyuki; Kawamura, Yoko
Full Source: Journal of AOAC International 2010, 93(6), 1965-1971
(Eng)

~dPublic Health
~tEffects of road traffic scenarios on human exposure to air
pollution
~w2011-03-28
Human exposure to air pollution has been identified as a major
problem due to its known impact on human health. Particulate matter
is a pollutant which rises special concern due to the adverse health
effects on sensitive groups of the population, such as asthmatic
children. This study is part of the SaudAr research project, which
assessed the air quality effects on the health of a population group
risk (asthmatic school children) living in an urban area (Viseu). The
study investigated the influence of road traffic emissions on air
quality and consequently, on human exposure. For this purpose, the
CFD model VADIS integrating an exposure module has been applied over
the town of Viseu, for the periods of one week in winter and one week
in summer, to four different situations: the reference year (2006)
and three future scenarios for the year 2030, BAU, Green and Gray
scenario. The differences among the scenarios include changes on the
existing land use, the vehicle fleet composition, the mobility, the
vehicle technologies and the fuel types. Field campaigns were
performed in order to obtain information about vehicle fleet in the
town of Viseu and mobility patterns. The quantification of road
traffic emissions and the hourly traffic emissions patterns for all
scenarios was carried out by the application of the TREM model. The
results revealed an increase in PM10 emissions, concentrations and
exposure in all future scenarios, particularly in winter with an
increase around 80% in the BAU and Gray scenarios and only 34% in the
Green scenario.
Authors: Borrego, C.; Costa, A. M.; Tavares, R.; Lopes, M.; Valente,
J.; Amorim, J. H.; Miranda, A. I.; Ribeiro, I.; Sa, E.
Full Source: WIT Transactions on Ecology and the Environment 2009,
123(Air Pollution XVII), 89-100 (Eng)

~dPublic Health
~tAirborne particulate matter and mechanisms of production of free
radicals in the human body
~w2011-03-28
Fine- and coarse-grained airborne particulate matter (PM) has been
linked to increases in respiratory diseases and lung cancer. Due to
their aerodynamic diameter (10 ím), these particles are carried into
the alveoli, where they remain for a long time and may cause
inflammatory response and lung epithelial injury. PM contains a
variety of compounds, such as heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs), nitro-PAHs, quinones and stable free radicals
absorbed in a carbonaceous polymeric matrix. The results showed that
PM produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) especially the production of
superoxide anion (O2 ¥-2) and the damaging hydroxyl radical (OH¥),
generated by particulate matter (PM) in aqueous solutions, which at
physical conditions may cause oxidative damage to membrane lipids,
enzymes and mitochondrial and nuclear DNA.
Authors: Fiotakis, K.; Vlahogianni, T.; Valavanidis, A.
Full Source: Chemika Chronika, Genike Ekdose 2009, 71(10), 14-19
(Greek)

~dPublic Health
~tPollutant Concentrations within Households in Lao PDR and
Association with Housing Characteristics and Occupants' Activities
~w2011-03-28
In this study, the authors report the results of a 5-month (December
2005 to April 2006) indoor air quality assessment measuring PM10, CO,
and NO2 concentrations inside 167 residential dwellings in the Lao
Peoples Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) as a function of household
characteristics and occupant activities. Extremely high PM10 and NO2
concentrations (12 h mean PM10 concentrations ) 1275 ( 98 and 1183 (
99 íg/m3 in Vientiane and Bolikhamxay provinces, respectively; 12 h
mean NO2 concentrations) 1210 ( 94 and 561 ( 45 íg/m3 in Vientiane
and Bolikhamxay, respectively) were measured in the dwellings.
Correlations, univariate and multivariate analysis of variation, and
linear regression results suggested a substantial contribution from
cooking and smoking. PM10 concentrations were significantly higher in
houses without a chimney versus houses in which cooking occurred on a
chimney-equipped stove; however, no significant pollutant
concentration differences were observed as a function of cooking
location. PM10 and NO2 concentrations were higher in houses in which
smoking occurred, suggesting a relationship between increased indoor
pollutant concentrations and smoking (0.05 < p < 0.10). Soil floor
dust resuspension was another significant PM10 source inside houses
(634 íg/m3, p <0.05).
Authors: Morawska, L.; Mengersen, K.; Wang, H.; Tayphasavanh, F.;
Darasavong, K.; Holmes, N. S.
Full Source: Environmental Science & Technology [online computer
file] 2011, 45(3), 882-889 (Eng)

~dPublic Health
~tIs exposure to silica associated with lung cancer in the absence of
silicosis? A meta-analytical approach to an important public health
question
~w2011-03-28
This report investigated whether exposure to silica is associated
with lung cancer risks in individuals without silicosis. The authors
searched the PubMed referece data base from 1966 through 1/2007 for
reports of lung cancer in silica-exposed persons without and with
silicosis. To explore heterogeneity between studies, a multi-stage
strategy was employed. First, fixed-effect summaries (FES) and
corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) for various combinations
of studies were calculated, weighting individual results by their
precision. The homogeneity of the contributing results was examined
using ø2 statistics. Where there was evidence of substantial
heterogeneity, the CI around the FES was increased to take account of
the between-study variability. Random-effect summaries and their CI
for identical combinations of studies were also computed. Meta
regression was used to explore interactions with covariates. To draw
comparisons, parallel analyses were performed for non-silicotics and
for silicotics. The results showed the persistence of a significant
link between silicosis and lung cancer since the characterisation in
1997 of silica as a human carcinogen [the estimates of lung cancer
relative risks (RR) exceeded unity in each of 38 eligible studies of
silicotics published until 1/2007, averaging 2.1 in analyses based on
both fixed and random effect models (95% CI ) (2.0-2.3) and (1.9-
2.3), respectively)] does not resolve our study question, namely
whether exposure to silica levels below those required to induce
silicosis are carcinogenic. Importantly, the author’s detailed
examination of 11 studies of lung cancer in silica-exposed
individuals without silicosis included only three with data allowing
adjustment for smoking habits. They yielded a pooled RR est. of 1.0
[95% CI ) (0.8-1.3)]. The other eight studies, with no adjustment for
smoking habits, suggested a marginally elevated risk of lung cancer
[RR ) 1.2; 95% CI (1.1-1.4)], but with significant heterogeneity
between studies. The authors concluded that further research should
concentrate on silica exposures both above and below those that
induce silicosis, so that the shape of the exposure-response
relationship may be identified, with adjustments for likely
confounding factors including silicosis. Time-dependent information
on silicosis and on silica dust is required as well as the
application of methods like G-estimation to answer the important
public health question: Is silicosis a necessary condition for the
elevation of silica-associated lung cancer risks.
Authors: Erren, Thomas C.; Glende, Christine B.; Morfeld, Peter;
Piekarski, Claus
Full Source: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental
Health 2009, 82(8), 997-1004 (Eng)

SAFETY

~dSafety
~tSecurity booth with particle collector for the detection of warfare
and explosives
~w2011-03-25
A security booth collects particles from a person being investigated
and standing in the booth based on air flow technology and the
interplay of fan nozzles and round spray nozzles. In this study a
funnel made of aluminium sheet metal conveyed the collected particles
into a collector supported by the round spray nozzles installed at
the bottom of the security booth. The air flow was controlled by a
Siemens logic circuit which includes relays and pressure reducers
such that the particles are transferred into the funnel. The security
booth allowed the analysis of all body parts of the person and the
clothes simultaneously. Signal lights were to indicate whether or not
a person being investigated carries explosives or military warfare or
toxic gases.
Authors: Gerling, Andrea; Gerling, Hans-Dieter
Full Source: DE Application 202,009,003,163, 5 Mar 2009; 7pp.
(German)

~dSafety
~tApparatuses for personal air filter
~w2011-03-25
One type of personal air filtering system includes nasal plugs to be
inserted into the nostrils and a main body worn between the nose and
mouth. In another type it has a housing that prevents exhaled air
from entering the air filter disposed in the housing. More recent
type, this personal air filtering system has separate vents for
inhalation and exhalation.
Author: Macy, Brad, Jr.
Full Source: PCT International Application 2009/609,014, 30 Oct 2009;
44pp. (English)

~dSafety
~tNano-safety science for assuring the safety of nanomaterials
~w2011-03-25
Nanotechnology developments have fostered the widespread use of a
diverse array of nanomaterials such as nanosilicas and carbon
nanotubes. Because of its unique physiochemical properties, such as
conductivity, strength, durability, and chemical reactivity
nanomaterials are already being used in electronics, sunscreens,
cosmetics, and medicines. The advent of nanomaterials has also
provided extraordinary opportunities for biomedical applications,
however, public concern about their potential risks to human health
has been raised due to the increasing use of nanomaterials. In
particular, recent reports have indicated that carbon nanotubes
induce severe inflammation and mesothelioma-like lesions in mice.
Therefore the authors attempted to elucidate the pharmacodynamics and
safety of nanomaterials in order to develop novel, safe nanomaterials
and to establish scientifically based regulations. They concluded
that this study helps to improve the quality of human life by
establishing standards for the safe use of nanomaterials.
Authors: Yoshioka, Yasuo; Yoshikawa, Tomoaki; Tsutsumi, Yasuo
Full Source: Nippon Eiseigaku Zasshi 2010, 65(4), 487-492 (Japan)