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Cohn EF, Clayton BLL, Madhavan M, Lee KA, Yacoub S, Fedorov Y, Scavuzzo MA, Paul Friedman K, Shafer TJ, Tesar PJ. Pervasive environmental chemicals impair oligodendrocyte development. Nat Neurosci 2024; 27:836-845. [PMID: 38528201 PMCID: PMC11088982 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-024-01599-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to environmental chemicals can impair neurodevelopment, and oligodendrocytes may be particularly vulnerable, as their development extends from gestation into adulthood. However, few environmental chemicals have been assessed for potential risks to oligodendrocytes. Here, using a high-throughput developmental screen in cultured cells, we identified environmental chemicals in two classes that disrupt oligodendrocyte development through distinct mechanisms. Quaternary compounds, ubiquitous in disinfecting agents and personal care products, were potently and selectively cytotoxic to developing oligodendrocytes, whereas organophosphate flame retardants, commonly found in household items such as furniture and electronics, prematurely arrested oligodendrocyte maturation. Chemicals from each class impaired oligodendrocyte development postnatally in mice and in a human 3D organoid model of prenatal cortical development. Analysis of epidemiological data showed that adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes were associated with childhood exposure to the top organophosphate flame retardant identified by our screen. This work identifies toxicological vulnerabilities for oligodendrocyte development and highlights the need for deeper scrutiny of these compounds' impacts on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin F Cohn
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Benjamin L L Clayton
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Mayur Madhavan
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Kristin A Lee
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Sara Yacoub
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Yuriy Fedorov
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Marissa A Scavuzzo
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Katie Paul Friedman
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Timothy J Shafer
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Paul J Tesar
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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2
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Min G, Shin J, Kim D, Choe Y, Woo J, Choi KY, Lee J, Cho M, Lee J, Ra JS, Yang W. Potential health risks to disinfection workers from exposure to active substances in COVID-19 biocidal products. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28249. [PMID: 38596037 PMCID: PMC11002044 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The importance of disinfection has recently been emphasized due to the increasing risk of the spread of infections such as coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). In addition, disinfection for preventing the spread of COVID-19 is highly recommended. The increased use of biocidal products raises concerns regarding the potential health risks from exposure among disinfection workers. This study aimed to assess these exposure and health risks using questionnaires targeting disinfection workers who were exposed to the active substances in biocidal products used for disinfection during the COVID-19 pandemic. A follow-up survey was conducted among 271 disinfection workers for 10 working days within two weeks, and exposure factors with reference to disinfection were evaluated through interview-administered questionnaires. An exposure algorithm was used to evaluate the exposure of disinfection workers during disinfection. The hazard index (HI) was calculated by dividing the inhalation concentration obtained using the exposure algorithm and the dermal dose according to occupational exposure limits (OEL). A sensitivity analysis was conducted to identify the exposure factors with the greatest impact on the inhalation and dermal exposure algorithms. A logistic regression analysis was performed to verify the relationship with health effects and sociodemographic and exposure characteristics. The average number of disinfections performed during 10 working days was 17.5 ± 12.3 times. The type of disinfection work was divided into 2806 cases of COVID-19 prevention and disinfection and 1956 cases of regular pesticide application to prevent and remove any pests. The HI was ≥1, indicating a potential health risk, with the use of ethanol (6.50E+00), quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs; 1.49E+01), and benzalkonium chloride (BKC; 1.73E+00). Dermal exposure was more hazardous than inhalation exposure for 6 of the 11 active substances in biocidal products. The weight fraction and exposure time were the factors that most significantly influenced the inhalation and dermal exposure algorithms in the sensitivity analysis. Higher exposure concentrations were more likely to affect health (AOR: 3.239, 95% CI: 1.155-9.082). This study provides valuable information regarding the exposure and risk of disinfection workers to 11 biocidal active substances included in common disinfectants. Our results suggest that the use of ethanol, BKC, and QACs has potential health risks to disinfection workers, with a higher possibility of negative health impacts with increasing exposure concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gihong Min
- Department of Health and Safety, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongbuk, South Korea
| | - Jihun Shin
- Department of Health and Safety, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongbuk, South Korea
| | - Dongjun Kim
- Department of Health and Safety, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongbuk, South Korea
| | - Youngtae Choe
- Department of Health and Safety, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongbuk, South Korea
| | - Jaemin Woo
- Department of Health and Safety, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongbuk, South Korea
| | - Kil Yong Choi
- Department of Environmental Energy Engineering, Anyang University, Anyang, South Korea
| | - Jangwoo Lee
- Convergence Research Center for Big-data, Cheminet Ltd, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Mansu Cho
- Department of Health and Safety, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongbuk, South Korea
| | - Jongdae Lee
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Soonchunhyang University, Chungnam, South Korea
| | - Jin-Sung Ra
- Eco-testing & Risk Assessment Center, Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, Ansan, South Korea
| | - Wonho Yang
- Department of Health and Safety, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongbuk, South Korea
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3
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Han M, Liang J, Jin B, Wang Z, Wu W, Arp HPH. Machine learning coupled with causal inference to identify COVID-19 related chemicals that pose a high concern to drinking water. iScience 2024; 27:109012. [PMID: 38352231 PMCID: PMC10863329 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Various synthetic substances were utilized in large quantities during the recent coronavirus pandemic, COVID-19. Some of these chemicals could potentially enter drinking water sources. Persistent, mobile, and toxic (PMT) substances have been recognized as a threat to drinking water resources. It has not yet been assessed how many COVID-19 related substances could be considered PMT substances. One reason is the lack of high-quality experimental data for the identification of PMT substances. To solve this problem, we applied a machine learning model to identify the PMT substances among COVID-19 related chemicals. The optimal model achieved an accuracy of 90.6% based on external test data. The model interpretation and causal inference indicated that our approach understood causation between PMT properties and molecular descriptors. Notably, the screening results showed that over 60% of the COVID-19 chemicals considered are candidate PMT substances, which should be prioritized to prevent undue pollution of water resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Han
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science, Guangzhou 510640, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 10069, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Jun Liang
- School of Software, South China Normal University, Foshan 528225, China
| | - Biao Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science, Guangzhou 510640, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 10069, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Ziwei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science, Guangzhou 510640, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 10069, China
| | - Wanlu Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science, Guangzhou 510640, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 10069, China
| | - Hans Peter H. Arp
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), P.O. Box 3930 Ullevaal Stadion, N-0806 Oslo, Norway
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
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4
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Nițescu V, Lescaie A, Boghițoiu D, Ulmeanu C. Benzalkonium Chloride Poisoning in Pediatric Patients: Report of Case with a Severe Clinical Course and Literature Review. TOXICS 2024; 12:139. [PMID: 38393234 PMCID: PMC10893421 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12020139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
The use of disinfectants, particularly those containing quaternary ammonium compounds (QUACs), has dramatically escalated globally since the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. We report a case that highlights the risks associated with ingesting low-concentration QUAC solutions and emphasize the importance of effective management in resolving severe lesions without sequelae. A 17-month-old boy experienced severe respiratory failure after ingesting a disinfectant containing benzalkonium chloride (BAC). The child was initially treated at a local emergency department and was subsequently transferred to a pediatric poison center. Upon evaluation, the child was found to have grade III-A corrosive esophageal lesions and chemical pneumonitis. Several complications, including massive pneumothorax and candidemia, occurred during the clinical course of the disease. However, with timely medical intervention and appropriate supportive care, the patient completely recovered without any long-term sequelae. The properties of BAC and the comprehensive management approach may have been responsible for the patient's full recovery, despite the potentially life-threatening effects of ingesting disinfectants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viorela Nițescu
- “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (A.L.); (D.B.); (C.U.)
- “Grigore Alexandrescu” Clinical Emergency Hospital for Children, 017443 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andreea Lescaie
- “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (A.L.); (D.B.); (C.U.)
- “Grigore Alexandrescu” Clinical Emergency Hospital for Children, 017443 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dora Boghițoiu
- “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (A.L.); (D.B.); (C.U.)
- “Grigore Alexandrescu” Clinical Emergency Hospital for Children, 017443 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Coriolan Ulmeanu
- “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (A.L.); (D.B.); (C.U.)
- “Grigore Alexandrescu” Clinical Emergency Hospital for Children, 017443 Bucharest, Romania
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5
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Li ZM, Lee C, Kannan K. An exposure assessment of 27 quaternary ammonium compounds in pet dogs and cats from New York State, USA. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 184:108446. [PMID: 38252984 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Benzylalkyldimethylammonium (BACs), dialkyldimethylammonium (DDACs), and alkyltrimethylammonium compounds (ATMACs) are quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) used widely as biocides, disinfectants, and sanitizers. Owing to their toxicity, human exposure to this class of chemicals is a concern. Pet animals are sentinels of human exposure to several indoor environmental chemicals. For the first time, we measured 7 BACs, 6 DDACs, 6 ATMACs, and 8 metabolites of BACs in urine and feces of pet dogs and cats from New York State, USA. We found widespread occurrence of QACs in feces, with median concentration of ∑All (sum concentration of all 27 QAC analytes) at 9680 and 1260 ng/g dry weight (dw) in dog and cat feces, respectively. BACs were the most abundant compounds among the four types of QACs, accounting for 64 % and 57 % of ∑All in dog and cat feces, respectively, followed by DDACs (33 % and 34 %, respectively), ATMACs (4 % and 9 %, respectively), and BAC metabolites (0.2 % and 0.3 %, respectively). However, in urine, only ω-carboxylic acid metabolites of BACs were found at median concentrations at 2.08 and 0.28 ng/mL in dogs and cats, respectively. Samples collected from animal shelters contained elevated levels of QACs than those from homes of pet owners. A significant positive correlation was found among the four types of QACs analyzed, which suggested usage of these chemicals in combination as mixtures. Based on the concentrations measured in feces, and through a reverse dosimetry approach, the median cumulative daily intakes (CDIs) of QACs were estimated to be 49.4 and 4.75 µg/kg body weight (BW)/day for dogs and cats, respectively. This study provides first evidence that pet dogs and cats are exposed to QACs at significant levels that warrant further attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Min Li
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12237, United States
| | - Conner Lee
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12237, United States
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12237, United States; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, NY 12237, United States.
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Lee BM, Bearth A, Tighe RM, Kim M, Tan S, Kwon S. Biocidal products: Opportunities in risk assessment, management, and communication. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2024; 44:493-507. [PMID: 37244748 DOI: 10.1111/risa.14160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
In the coronavirus disease 2019 era, biocidal products are increasingly used for controlling harmful organisms, including microorganisms. However, assuring safety against adverse health effects is a critical issue from a public health standpoint. This study aimed to provide an overview of key aspects of risk assessment, management, and communication that ensure the safety of biocidal active ingredients and products. The inherent characteristics of biocidal products make them effective against pests and pathogens; however, they also possess potential toxicities. Therefore, public awareness regarding both the beneficial and potential adverse effects of biocidal products needs to be increased. Biocidal active ingredients and products are regulated under specific laws: the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act for the United States; the European Union (EU) Biocidal Products Regulation for the EU; and the Consumer Chemical Products and Biocide Safety Management Act for the Republic of Korea. Risk management also needs to consider the evidence of enhanced sensitivity to toxicities in individuals with chronic diseases, given the increased prevalence of these conditions in the population. This is particularly important for post-marketing safety assessments of biocidal products. Risk communication conveys information, including potential risks and risk-reduction measures, aimed at managing or controlling health or environmental risks. Taken together, the collaborative effort of stakeholders in risk assessment, management, and communication strategies is critical to ensuring the safety of biocidal products sold in the market as these strategies are constantly evolving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byung-Mu Lee
- Division of Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-Do, Republic of Korea
| | - Angela Bearth
- Consumer Behavior, Institute for Environmental Decisions (IED), ETH, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Robert M Tighe
- Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Manho Kim
- Korea Consumer Agency, Maengdong-myeon, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Simon Tan
- Global Product Stewardship, Research & Development, Singapore Innovation Center, Procter & Gamble (P&G) International Operations, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Seok Kwon
- Global Product Stewardship, Research & Development, Singapore Innovation Center, Procter & Gamble (P&G) International Operations, Singapore, Singapore
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7
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Wang J, Wang S, Zhang Z, Wang X, Xia K, Li L, Liu Q. Understanding the importance of atmospheric transformation in assessing the hazards of liquid crystal monomers. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2024; 26:94-104. [PMID: 38050819 DOI: 10.1039/d3em00424d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystal monomers (LCMs), a group of synthetic chemicals released from liquid crystal devices such as televisions and smartphones, have recently been recognized as emerging contaminants due to their widespread occurrence in the environment and potential negative impacts on human health. Airborne LCMs can undergo atmospheric oxidation reactions to form various transformation products. Despite the certainty of atmospheric transformation chemistry, the knowledge about the hazard properties of transformation products remains largely unknown. Here, we perform an in silico model-based evaluation of the persistence, bioaccumulation potential, mobility, and toxicity of two representative LCMs, namely, 1-ethyl-4-(4-(4-propylcyclohexyl)phenyl)benzene and 4''-ethyl-2'-fluoro-4-propyl-1,1':4',1''-terphenyl, and their transformation products. We found that, among the investigated transformation products, 38% have overall persistence greater than the minimum of 331 days among the persistent organic pollutants regulated by the Stockholm Convention, 62% meet the bioaccumulation threshold of 1000 L kg-1 used by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, 44% are classified "mobile" according to the criterion used by the German Environmental Agency, and 58% have the potential to induce unacceptable toxic effects in aquatic organisms. Furthermore, we identified several transformation products with increased persistence, bioaccumulation potential, and mobility compared to their parent compounds. These findings not only offer insights for prioritizing LCM transformation products for future risk assessment, but also underscore the significance of considering atmospheric transformation in the evaluation of environmental risks posed by emerging contaminants, including LCMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinlong Wang
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Polar Environment and Global Change, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Shenghong Wang
- School of Public Health, University of Nevada Reno, Reno, NV 89557-274, USA.
| | - Zhizhen Zhang
- School of Public Health, University of Nevada Reno, Reno, NV 89557-274, USA.
| | - Xinkai Wang
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Polar Environment and Global Change, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Kaihui Xia
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Polar Environment and Global Change, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Li Li
- School of Public Health, University of Nevada Reno, Reno, NV 89557-274, USA.
| | - Qifan Liu
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Polar Environment and Global Change, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
- State Key Laboratory of Fire Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.
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Hiep NT, Nguyen MK, Nhut HT, Hung NTQ, Manh NC, Lin C, Chang SW, Um MJ, Nguyen DD. A review on sterilization methods of environmental decontamination to prevent the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 virus): A new challenge towards eco-friendly solutions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166021. [PMID: 37543323 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic is currently wreaking havoc on the planet. SARS-CoV-2, the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus, is the current term for this outbreak. Reports about this novel coronavirus have been presented since the pandemic's breakout, and they have demonstrated that it transmits rapidly from person to person, primarily by droplets in the air. Findings have illustrated that SARS-CoV-2 can survive on surfaces from hours to days. Therefore, it is essential to find practical solutions to reduce the virus's impact on human health and the environment. This work evaluated common sterilization methods that can decontaminate the environment and items. The goal is that healthcare facilities, disease prevention organizations, and local communities can overcome the new challenge of finding eco-friendly solutions. Further, a foundation of information encompassing various sterilization procedures and highlighting their limits to choose the most appropriate method to stop disease-causing viruses in the new context has been presented. The findings of this crucial investigation contribute to gaining insight into the comprehensive sterilization approaches against the coronavirus for human health protection and sustainable environmental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Trung Hiep
- Research Institute for Sustainable Development, Ho Chi Minh University of Natural Resources and Environment, 236B Le Van Sy, Ward 1, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam
| | - Minh-Ky Nguyen
- Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Nong Lam University, Linh Trung Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam; Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan
| | - Huynh Tan Nhut
- Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Nong Lam University, Linh Trung Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam
| | - Nguyen Tri Quang Hung
- Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Nong Lam University, Linh Trung Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam.
| | - Nguyen Cong Manh
- Department of Aquatic and Atmospheric Environment Research, Research Institute of Biotechnology and Environment, Nong Lam University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam
| | - Chitsan Lin
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan
| | - S Woong Chang
- Department of Civil & Energy System Engineering, Kyonggi University, Suwon 16227, South Korea
| | - Myoung Jin Um
- Department of Civil & Energy System Engineering, Kyonggi University, Suwon 16227, South Korea
| | - D Duc Nguyen
- Department of Civil & Energy System Engineering, Kyonggi University, Suwon 16227, South Korea; Faculty of Environmental and Food Engineering, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, 300A Nguyen Tat Thanh, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City 755414, Viet Nam.
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9
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Güdek Seferoglu E, Çevik Güner Ü. Risk factor for children in the pandemic: the use of cleaning products at home. GMS HYGIENE AND INFECTION CONTROL 2023; 18:Doc25. [PMID: 38025890 PMCID: PMC10665710 DOI: 10.3205/dgkh000451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Background Intensified cleaning protocols to maintain a safe environment during the pandemic caused an increase in the use of disinfectants. The use of cleaning products in safer conditions by mothers is one of the important practices that will reduce the risk of household accidents. Objective The aim of research was determine the practices of mothers about the safe use of cleaning and disinfectant products in the COVID-19. Methods Data were collected by online survey among 255 mothers of the children 0-6 age from April and July 2021. Percentage, mean and chi-square tests were used to evaluate the data. Results It was reported that the amount of cleaning product usage (69%) increased significantly, 26.3% of the mothers store the products in a locked cabinet and 29.4% use the product in the recommended amount. It was detected 28.7% of the mothers use disinfectants close to children. It was detected that 37.6% of the families were exposed to cleaning and disinfectant products. There was not significant difference between exposure situations and maternal age, education, employment status. Conclusions It can be suggested that health workers should organize screening and training programs for the community about safe cleaning and disinfection practices.
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Mai Y, Wang Z, Zhou Y, Wang G, Chen J, Lin Y, Ji P, Zhang W, Jing Q, Chen L, Chen Z, Lin H, Jiang L, Yuan C, Xu P, Huang M. From disinfectants to antibiotics: Enhanced biosafety of quaternary ammonium compounds by chemical modification. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 460:132454. [PMID: 37703742 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
The excessive use of quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) following the COVID-19 pandemic has raised substantial concerns regarding their biosafety. Overuse of QACs has been associated with chronic biological adverse effects, including genotoxicity or carcinogenicity. In particular, inadvertent intravascular administration or oral ingestion of QACs can lead to fatal acute toxicity. To enhance the biosafety and antimicrobial efficacy of QACs, this study reports a new series of QACs, termed as PACs, with the alkyl chain of benzalkonium substituted by a phthalocyanine moiety. Firstly, the rigid phthalocyanine moiety enhances the selectivity of QACs to bacteria over human cells and reduces alkyl chain's entropic penalty of binding to bacterial membranes. Furthermore, phthalocyanine neutralizes hemolysis and cytotoxicity of QACs by binding with albumin in plasma. Our experimental results demonstrate that PACs inherit the optical properties of phthalocyanine and validate the broad-spectrum antibacterial activity of PACs in vitro. Moreover, the intravascular administration of the most potent PAC, PAC1a, significantly reduced bacterial burden and ameliorated inflammation level in a bacteria-induced septic mouse model. This study presents a new strategy to improve the antimicrobial efficacy and biosafety of QACs, thus expanding their range of applications to the treatment of systemic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhan Mai
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350116, PR China
| | - Zhiyou Wang
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350116, PR China
| | - Yang Zhou
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350116, PR China
| | - Guodong Wang
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350116, PR China
| | - Jingyi Chen
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350116, PR China
| | - Yuxin Lin
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350116, PR China
| | - Panpan Ji
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, PR China
| | - Wei Zhang
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, PR China
| | - Qian Jing
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350116, PR China
| | - Liyun Chen
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350116, PR China
| | - Zheng Chen
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350116, PR China
| | - Haili Lin
- Department of Pharmacy, The Peoples Hospital of Fujian Province, Fuzhou, Fujian 350004, PR China
| | - Longguang Jiang
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350116, PR China
| | - Cai Yuan
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, PR China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Enzyme Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, PR China
| | - Peng Xu
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, PR China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Enzyme Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, PR China.
| | - Mingdong Huang
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350116, PR China.
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Gessi A, Formaglio P, Semeraro B, Summa D, Tamisari E, Tamburini E. Electrolyzed Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) Aqueous Solution as Low-Impact and Eco-Friendly Agent for Floor Cleaning and Sanitation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6712. [PMID: 37754572 PMCID: PMC10530460 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20186712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Recently, the use of disinfectants has been becoming a diffused and sometimes indiscriminate practice of paramount importance to limit the spreading of infections. The control of microbial contamination has now been concentrated on the use of traditional agents (i.e., hypochlorite, ozone). However, their prolonged use can cause potential treats, for both human health and environment. Currently, low-impact but effective biocides that are prepared in a way that avoids waste, with a very low toxicity, and safe and easy to handle and store are strongly needed. In this study, produced electrochemically activated hypochlorous (HOCl) acid solutions are investigated and proposed, integrated in a scrubbing machine for floor cleaning treatment. Such an innovative machine has been used for floor cleaning and sanitation in order to evaluate the microbial charge and organic dirt removal capacity of HOCl in comparison with a machine charged with traditional Ecolabel standard detergent. The potential damage on floor materials has also been investigated by means of Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). A comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analysis has been carried out for evaluating the sustainability of the use of the HOCl-based and detergent-based machine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Gessi
- ENEA Research Center, SSPT-MET-DISPREV, Via Martiri di Montesole, 40129 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Paolo Formaglio
- GATEGREEN Srl, Via Armari 9, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (P.F.); (B.S.)
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agrarian Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Bruno Semeraro
- GATEGREEN Srl, Via Armari 9, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (P.F.); (B.S.)
| | - Daniela Summa
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agrarian Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Elena Tamisari
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Elena Tamburini
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
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12
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Fava D, Pepino C, Tosto V, Gastaldi R, Pepe A, Paoloni D, Strati MF, Angelelli A, Calandrino A, Tedesco C, Camia T, Allegri AEM, Patti G, Casalini E, Bassi M, Calevo MG, Napoli F, Maghnie M. Precocious Puberty Diagnoses Spike, COVID-19 Pandemic, and Body Mass Index: Findings From a 4-year Study. J Endocr Soc 2023; 7:bvad094. [PMID: 37873499 PMCID: PMC10590639 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvad094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Context Since the COVID-19 outbreak, the number of girls with suspected precocious puberty has increased. Objective To compare the incidence of idiopathic central precocious puberty (ICPP) during COVID-19 with that of the previous 4 years. Methods Anthropometric, biochemical, and radiological parameters were collected between January 2016 and June 2021 from 133 girls who met the Rapidly Progressive ICPP criteria (RP-ICPP). Results We found a higher incidence of RP-ICPP between March 2020 and June 2021 (group 2) compared with January 2016 through March 2020 (group 1) (53.5% vs 41.1%); 2021 showed the highest annual incidence (P < .05). Group 1 and group 2 differed in age at diagnosis (7.96 ± 0.71 vs 7.61 ± 0.94; P < .05), mean Tanner stage (2.86 ± 0.51 vs 2.64 ± 0; P < .05), and in the time between the appearance of thelarche and diagnosis (0.93 ± 0.75 vs 0.71 ± 0.62 years, P < .05). There was an increase in the number of girls aged <8 years in group 2 and a significantly higher number of girls aged >8 years was found in group 1 (42 in group 1 vs 20 in group 2, P < 0.05). Overall body mass index SD score showed higher values in group 2 (1.01 ± 1.23 vs 0.69 ± 1.15; P = .18), which spent an average of 1.94 ± 1.81 hours per day using electronic devices; 88.5% of this group stopped any physical activity. Conclusions A spike in new diagnoses of idiopathic (1.79-fold higher) and RP-CPP coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic. The incidence of RP-ICPP was 1.3-fold higher during COVID-19 with a trend toward an increase in body mass index SD score. The expanding use of digital devices and the reduction of daily physical activity represent possible risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Fava
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Carlotta Pepino
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Valentina Tosto
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06100 Perugia, Italy
| | - Roberto Gastaldi
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessia Pepe
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Dalila Paoloni
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Marina Francesca Strati
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessia Angelelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Calandrino
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Caterina Tedesco
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Tiziana Camia
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Anna Elsa Maria Allegri
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Giuseppa Patti
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Emilio Casalini
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Marta Bassi
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Calevo
- Scientific Direction, Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Flavia Napoli
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Mohamad Maghnie
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
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13
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Frantz AL. Chronic quaternary ammonium compound exposure during the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact on human health. TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES 2023; 15:199-206. [PMCID: PMC10252167 DOI: 10.1007/s13530-023-00173-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Objective This review examines a relevant, and underacknowledged, emerging global public health concern—the widespread exposure to quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. QACs are a widely used class of cationic surfactants with broad spectrum antimicrobial activity that serve as the active ingredients in antimicrobial products. While these compounds have been used for decades, the production and consumer use of QAC-containing products have steeply risen during the COVID-19 pandemic to control and prevent the spread of the SARS-Cov-2 virus. As a result, human exposure to QACs has also drastically increased. Methods This critical review was conducted by searching the key terms “quaternary ammonium compounds,” “disinfectants,” “COVID-19,” “SARS-Cov-2,” “human health,” and “human exposure” in the major search engines, including Google Scholar, PubMed and Science Direct. Results QACs are generally considered safe and effective, yet the magnitude of QAC exposure and the subsequent health effects have not been adequately investigated. Recent studies have revealed the potential for bioaccumulation of QACs in blood and tissue. Inhalation and dermal absorption of QACs are identified as the most significant exposure routes for adults, while children and infants may be significantly more vulnerable to QAC exposure and potential adverse health effects. Conclusions QACs are an important tool to protect individual and public health, but understanding the impact of widespread QAC exposure is vital to guide best practices for QAC use and minimize the associated health risks. These pandemic era results warrant further investigation and raise additional questions about the short-term and long-term health effects of chronic QAC exposure. Clinical trial registration Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubrey L. Frantz
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of North Texas at Dallas, 7400 University Hills Blvd, Dallas, TX 75241 USA
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14
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Belova L, Poma G, Roggeman M, Jeong Y, Kim DH, Berghmans P, Peters J, Salamova A, van Nuijs ALN, Covaci A. Identification and characterization of quaternary ammonium compounds in Flemish indoor dust by ion-mobility high-resolution mass spectrometry. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 177:108021. [PMID: 37307605 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are a class of surfactants commonly used in disinfecting and cleaning products. Their use has substantially increased during the COVID-19 pandemic leading to increasing human exposure. QACs have been associated with hypersensitivity reactions and an increased risk of asthma. This study introduces the first identification, characterization and semi-quantification of QACs in European indoor dust using ion-mobility high-resolution mass spectrometry (IM-HRMS), including the acquisition of collision cross section values (DTCCSN2) for targeted and suspect QACs. A total of 46 indoor dust samples collected in Belgium were analyzed using target and suspect screening. Targeted QACs (n = 21) were detected with detection frequencies ranging between 4.2 and 100 %, while 15 QACs showed detection frequencies > 90 %. Semi-quantified concentrations of individual QACs showed a maximum of 32.23 µg/g with a median ∑QAC concentration of 13.05 µg/g and allowed the calculation of Estimated Daily Intakes for adults and toddlers. Most abundant QACs matched the patterns reported in indoor dust collected in the United States. Suspect screening allowed the identification of 17 additional QACs. A dialkyl dimethyl ammonium compound with mixed chain lengths (C16:C18) was characterized as a major QAC homologue with a maximum semi-quantified concentration of 24.90 µg/g. The high detection frequencies and structural variabilities observed call for more European studies on potential human exposure to these compounds. For all targeted QACs, drift tube IM-HRMS derived collision cross section values (DTCCSN2) are reported. Reference DTCCSN2 values allowed the characterization of CCS-m/z trendlines for each of the targeted QAC classes. Experimental CCS-m/z ratios of suspect QACs were compared with the CCS-m/z trendlines. The alignment between the two datasets served as an additional confirmation of the assigned suspect QACs. The use of the 4bit multiplexing acquisition mode with consecutive high-resolution demultiplexing confirmed the presence of isomers for two of the suspect QACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Belova
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Giulia Poma
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Yunsun Jeong
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Division for Environmental Health, Korea Environment Institute (KEI), Sicheong-daero 370, Sejong 30147, Republic of Korea
| | - Da-Hye Kim
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Patrick Berghmans
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Jan Peters
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Amina Salamova
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | | | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
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15
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Arnold W, Blum A, Branyan J, Bruton TA, Carignan CC, Cortopassi G, Datta S, DeWitt J, Doherty AC, Halden RU, Harari H, Hartmann EM, Hrubec TC, Iyer S, Kwiatkowski CF, LaPier J, Li D, Li L, Muñiz Ortiz JG, Salamova A, Schettler T, Seguin RP, Soehl A, Sutton R, Xu L, Zheng G. Quaternary Ammonium Compounds: A Chemical Class of Emerging Concern. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:7645-7665. [PMID: 37157132 PMCID: PMC10210541 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c08244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), a large class of chemicals that includes high production volume substances, have been used for decades as antimicrobials, preservatives, and antistatic agents and for other functions in cleaning, disinfecting, personal care products, and durable consumer goods. QAC use has accelerated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the banning of 19 antimicrobials from several personal care products by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2016. Studies conducted before and after the onset of the pandemic indicate increased human exposure to QACs. Environmental releases of these chemicals have also increased. Emerging information on adverse environmental and human health impacts of QACs is motivating a reconsideration of the risks and benefits across the life cycle of their production, use, and disposal. This work presents a critical review of the literature and scientific perspective developed by a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional team of authors from academia, governmental, and nonprofit organizations. The review evaluates currently available information on the ecological and human health profile of QACs and identifies multiple areas of potential concern. Adverse ecological effects include acute and chronic toxicity to susceptible aquatic organisms, with concentrations of some QACs approaching levels of concern. Suspected or known adverse health outcomes include dermal and respiratory effects, developmental and reproductive toxicity, disruption of metabolic function such as lipid homeostasis, and impairment of mitochondrial function. QACs' role in antimicrobial resistance has also been demonstrated. In the US regulatory system, how a QAC is managed depends on how it is used, for example in pesticides or personal care products. This can result in the same QACs receiving different degrees of scrutiny depending on the use and the agency regulating it. Further, the US Environmental Protection Agency's current method of grouping QACs based on structure, first proposed in 1988, is insufficient to address the wide range of QAC chemistries, potential toxicities, and exposure scenarios. Consequently, exposures to common mixtures of QACs and from multiple sources remain largely unassessed. Some restrictions on the use of QACs have been implemented in the US and elsewhere, primarily focused on personal care products. Assessing the risks posed by QACs is hampered by their vast structural diversity and a lack of quantitative data on exposure and toxicity for the majority of these compounds. This review identifies important data gaps and provides research and policy recommendations for preserving the utility of QAC chemistries while also seeking to limit adverse environmental and human health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- William
A. Arnold
- University
of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Arlene Blum
- Green
Science Policy Institute, Berkeley, California 94709, United States
- University
of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Jennifer Branyan
- California
Department of Toxic Substances Control, Sacramento, California 95814, United States
| | - Thomas A. Bruton
- California
Department of Toxic Substances Control, Sacramento, California 95814, United States
| | | | - Gino Cortopassi
- University
of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Sandipan Datta
- University
of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Jamie DeWitt
- East
Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina 27834, United States
| | - Anne-Cooper Doherty
- California
Department of Toxic Substances Control, Sacramento, California 95814, United States
| | - Rolf U. Halden
- Arizona
State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
| | - Homero Harari
- Icahn
School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | | | - Terry C. Hrubec
- Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, Virginia 24060, United States
| | - Shoba Iyer
- California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, Oakland, California 94612, United States
| | - Carol F. Kwiatkowski
- Green
Science Policy Institute, Berkeley, California 94709, United States
- North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695 United States
| | - Jonas LaPier
- Green
Science Policy Institute, Berkeley, California 94709, United States
| | - Dingsheng Li
- University
of Nevada, Reno, Nevada 89557, United States
| | - Li Li
- University
of Nevada, Reno, Nevada 89557, United States
| | | | - Amina Salamova
- Indiana University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Ted Schettler
- Science and Environmental Health Network, Bolinas, California 94924, United States
| | - Ryan P. Seguin
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Anna Soehl
- Green
Science Policy Institute, Berkeley, California 94709, United States
| | - Rebecca Sutton
- San Francisco Estuary Institute, Richmond, California 94804, United States
| | - Libin Xu
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Guomao Zheng
- Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
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16
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Hu Z, Yang L, Liu Z, Han J, Zhao Y, Jin Y, Sheng Y, Zhu L, Hu B. Excessive disinfection aggravated the environmental prevalence of antimicrobial resistance during COVID-19 pandemic. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 882:163598. [PMID: 37094669 PMCID: PMC10122561 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
During COVID-19 pandemic, chemicals from excessive consumption of pharmaceuticals and disinfectants i.e., antibiotics, quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), and trihalomethanes (THMs), flowed into the urban environment, imposing unprecedented selective pressure to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). To decipher the obscure character pandemic-related chemicals portrayed in altering environmental AMR, 40 environmental samples covering water and soil matrix from surroundings of Wuhan designated hospitals were collected on March 2020 and June 2020. Chemical concentrations and antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) profiles were revealed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and metagenomics. Selective pressure from pandemic-related chemicals ascended by 1.4-5.8 times in March 2020 and then declined to normal level of pre-pandemic period in June 2020. Correspondingly, the relative abundance of ARGs under increasing selective pressure was 20.1 times that under normal selective pressure. Moreover, effect from QACs and THMs in aggravating the prevalence of AMR was elaborated by null model, variation partition and co-occurrence network analyses. Pandemic-related chemicals, of which QACs and THMs respectively displayed close interaction with efflux pump genes and mobile genetic elements, contributed >50 % in shaping ARG profile. QACs bolstered the cross resistance effectuated by qacEΔ1 and cmeB to 3.0 times higher while THMs boosted horizon ARG transfer by 7.9 times for initiating microbial response to oxidative stress. Under ascending selective pressure, qepA encoding quinolone efflux pump and oxa-20 encoding β-lactamases were identified as priority ARGs with potential human health risk. Collectively, this research validated the synergistic effect of QACs and THMs in exacerbating environmental AMR, appealing for the rational usage of disinfectants and the attention for environmental microbes in one-health perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Hu
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Lihua Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zishu Liu
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jian Han
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yuxiang Zhao
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yihao Jin
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yaqi Sheng
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Lizhong Zhu
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Baolan Hu
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory for Water Pollution Control and Environmental Safety, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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17
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LIU B, ZHAO Z, ZHAN Z, DAI Y, DING G, XIE J, XU X, KONG H. [Simultaneous determination of seven quaternary ammonium compounds in frozen food by ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry combined with modified QuEChERS method]. Se Pu 2023; 41:233-240. [PMID: 36861206 PMCID: PMC9982703 DOI: 10.3724/sp.j.1123.2022.05008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are a class of cationic surfactants that can be used as the main active ingredient of disinfectants. The increased use of QACs is concerning as exposure from inhalation or ingestion to these compounds that has been associated with adverse effects on the reproductive and respiratory systems. Humans are exposed to QACs primarily by food consumption and inhalation of air. QAC residues pose significant threats to public health. Given the importance of assessing potential residue levels for QACs in food, therefore, a method was developed for the simultaneous detection of six common QACs and one emerging QAC (Ephemora) in frozen food by ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) coupled with the modified QuEChERS method. The main factors governing the response, recovery, and sensitivity of the method, including extraction solvents, types and dosages of adsorbents, apparatus conditions, and mobile phases, were optimized in the course of sample pretreatment and instrument analysis. QAC residues in frozen food were extracted using 20 mL methanol-water (90∶10, containing 0.5% formic acid) for 20 min by the vortex shock method. The mixture was ultrasonicated for 10 min and centrifuged at 10000 r/min for 10 min. A 1-mL aliquot of the supernatant was transferred to a new tube and purified using 100 mg of PSA adsorbents. After mixing and centrifugation at 10000 r/min for 5 min, the purified solution was analyzed. Target analytes were separated on an ACQUITY UPLC BEH C8 chromatographic column (50 mm×2.1 mm, 1.7 μm) at a column temperature of 40 ℃ and a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. The injection volume was 1 μL. Gradient elution was performed using methanol and 5 mmol/L ammonium acetate solution as the mobile phases. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) was conducted in the positive electrospray ionization (ESI+) mode. The matrix-matched external standard method was used to quantify seven QACs. The optimized chromatography-based method completely separated the seven analytes. Good linear relationships were obtained for the seven QACs in the range of 0.1-100.0 ng/mL. The correlation coefficient (r2) ranged from 0.9971 to 0.9983. The limits of detection and limits of quantification ranged from 0.5 to 1.0 μg/kg and 1.5 to 3.0 μg/kg, respectively. Accuracy and precision were determined by spiking salmon and chicken samples with 3.0, 10.0, and 100.0 μg/kg of analytes, in compliance with the current legislation, with six replicates per determination. The average recoveries of the seven QACs ranged from 65.4% to 101%. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) were between 0.64% and 16.8%. Matrix effects of the analytes were between -27.5% and 33.4% in salmon and chicken samples after purifying using PSA. The developed method was applied to the determination of seven QACs in rural samples. QACs were detected in only one sample; the level did not exceed European Food Safety Authority specified residue limit standards. The detection method has high sensitivity, good selectivity and stability, and the results are accurate and reliable. It is suitable for the simultaneous rapid determination of seven QAC residues in frozen food. The results provide valuable information for future risk assessment studies targeting this class of compounds.
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18
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Cohn EF, Clayton BL, Madhavan M, Yacoub S, Federov Y, Paul-Friedman K, Shafer TJ, Tesar PJ. Pervasive environmental chemicals impair oligodendrocyte development. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.10.528042. [PMID: 36798415 PMCID: PMC9934656 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.10.528042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to environmental chemicals can impair neurodevelopment1-4. Oligodendrocytes that wrap around axons to boost neurotransmission may be particularly vulnerable to chemical toxicity as they develop throughout fetal development and into adulthood5,6. However, few environmental chemicals have been assessed for potential risks to oligodendrocyte development. Here, we utilized a high-throughput developmental screen and human cortical brain organoids, which revealed environmental chemicals in two classes that disrupt oligodendrocyte development through distinct mechanisms. Quaternary compounds, ubiquitous in disinfecting agents, hair conditioners, and fabric softeners, were potently and selectively cytotoxic to developing oligodendrocytes through activation of the integrated stress response. Organophosphate flame retardants, commonly found in household items such as furniture and electronics, were non-cytotoxic but prematurely arrested oligodendrocyte maturation. Chemicals from each class impaired human oligodendrocyte development in a 3D organoid model of prenatal cortical development. In analysis of epidemiological data from the CDC's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes were associated with childhood exposure to the top organophosphate flame retardant identified by our oligodendrocyte toxicity platform. Collectively, our work identifies toxicological vulnerabilities specific to oligodendrocyte development and highlights common household chemicals with high exposure risk to children that warrant deeper scrutiny for their impact on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin F. Cohn
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA
| | - Benjamin L.L. Clayton
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA
| | - Mayur Madhavan
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA
| | - Sara Yacoub
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA
| | - Yuriy Federov
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA
| | - Katie Paul-Friedman
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA
| | - Timothy J. Shafer
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA
| | - Paul J. Tesar
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA
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19
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Li Y, Lu Y, Wang Y, Liu L, Zhou H, Lin B, Peng Z, Yuan Y. Investigation on the effectiveness of ventilation dilution on mitigating COVID-19 patients' secondary airway damage due to exposure to disinfectants. BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT 2023; 228:109787. [PMID: 36407877 PMCID: PMC9652096 DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2022.109787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Chlorine-containing disinfectants are widely used in hospitals to prevent hospital-acquired severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. Meanwhile, ventilation is a simple but effective means to maintain clean air. It is essential to explore the exposure level and health effects of coronavirus disease 2019 patients' inhalation exposure to by-products of chloride-containing disinfectants under frequent surface disinfection and understand the role of ventilation in mitigating subsequent airway damage. We determined ventilation dilution performance and indoor air quality of two intensive care unit wards of the largest temporary hospital constructed in China, Leishenshan Hospital. The chloride inhalation exposure levels, and health risks indicated by interleukin-6 and D-dimer test results of 32 patients were analysed. The mean ± standard deviation values of the outdoor air change rate in the two intensive care unit wards were 8.8 ± 1.5 h-1 (Intensive care unit 1) and 4.1 ± 1.4 h-1 (Intensive care unit 2). The median carbon dioxide and fine particulate matter concentrations were 480 ppm and 19 μg/m3 for intensive care unit 1, and 567 ppm and 21 μg/m3 for intensive care unit 2, all of which were around the average levels of those in permanent hospitals (579 ppm and 21 μg/m3). Of these patients, the median (lower quartile, upper quartile) chloride exposure time and calculated dose were 26.66 (2.89, 57.21) h and 0.357 (0.008, 1.317) mg, respectively. A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between interleukin-6 and D-dimer concentrations. To conclude, ventilation helped maintain ward air cleanliness and health risks were not observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Li
- Department of Building Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Laboratory of Eco-Planning & Green Building, Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yiran Lu
- Department of Building Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Laboratory of Eco-Planning & Green Building, Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Infection Management, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
- Hubei Engineering Center for Infectious Disease Prevention, Control and Treatment, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Building Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Laboratory of Eco-Planning & Green Building, Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Hubei Engineering Center for Infectious Disease Prevention, Control and Treatment, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Hao Zhou
- Laboratory of Eco-Planning & Green Building, Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Institute for Urban Governance and Sustainable Development, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Borong Lin
- Department of Building Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Laboratory of Eco-Planning & Green Building, Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Zhiyong Peng
- Hubei Engineering Center for Infectious Disease Prevention, Control and Treatment, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Yufeng Yuan
- Hubei Engineering Center for Infectious Disease Prevention, Control and Treatment, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
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20
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Peng S, Li G, Lin Y, Guo X, Xu H, Qiu W, Zhu H, Zheng J, Sun W, Hu X, Zhang G, Li B, Pathak JL, Bi X, Dai J. Stability of SARS-CoV-2 in cold-chain transportation environments and the efficacy of disinfection measures. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1170505. [PMID: 37153150 PMCID: PMC10154586 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1170505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Low temperature is conducive to the survival of COVID-19. Some studies suggest that cold-chain environment may prolong the survival of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and increase the risk of transmission. However, the effect of cold-chain environmental factors and packaging materials on SARS-CoV-2 stability remains unclear. Methods This study aimed to reveal cold-chain environmental factors that preserve the stability of SARS-CoV-2 and further explore effective disinfection measures for SARS-CoV-2 in the cold-chain environment. The decay rate of SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus in the cold-chain environment, on various types of packaging material surfaces, i.e., polyethylene plastic, stainless steel, Teflon and cardboard, and in frozen seawater was investigated. The influence of visible light (wavelength 450 nm-780 nm) and airflow on the stability of SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus at -18°C was subsequently assessed. Results Experimental data show that SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus decayed more rapidly on porous cardboard surfaces than on nonporous surfaces, including polyethylene (PE) plastic, stainless steel, and Teflon. Compared with that at 25°C, the decay rate of SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus was significantly lower at low temperatures. Seawater preserved viral stability both at -18°C and with repeated freeze-thaw cycles compared with that in deionized water. Visible light from light-emitting diode (LED) illumination and airflow at -18°C reduced SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus stability. Conclusion Our studies indicate that temperature and seawater in the cold chain are risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 transmission, and LED visible light irradiation and increased airflow may be used as disinfection measures for SARS-CoV-2 in the cold-chain environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyi Peng
- GMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory for Cell Fate Regulation and Diseases, The State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guojie Li
- GMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory for Cell Fate Regulation and Diseases, The State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuyin Lin
- GMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory for Cell Fate Regulation and Diseases, The State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People’s Hospital, Qingyuan, China
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolan Guo
- GMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory for Cell Fate Regulation and Diseases, The State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People’s Hospital, Qingyuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao Xu
- GMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory for Cell Fate Regulation and Diseases, The State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenxi Qiu
- GMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory for Cell Fate Regulation and Diseases, The State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huijuan Zhu
- GMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory for Cell Fate Regulation and Diseases, The State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaying Zheng
- GMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory for Cell Fate Regulation and Diseases, The State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaodong Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guohua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bing Li
- GMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory for Cell Fate Regulation and Diseases, The State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People’s Hospital, Qingyuan, China
| | - Janak L. Pathak
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Oral Restoration and Reconstruction, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jianwei Dai, ; Xinhui Bi, ; Janak L. Pathak,
| | - Xinhui Bi
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jianwei Dai, ; Xinhui Bi, ; Janak L. Pathak,
| | - Jianwei Dai
- GMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory for Cell Fate Regulation and Diseases, The State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People’s Hospital, Qingyuan, China
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jianwei Dai, ; Xinhui Bi, ; Janak L. Pathak,
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21
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Li ZM, Lakuleswaran M, Kannan K. LC-MS/MS methods for the determination of 30 quaternary ammonium compounds including benzalkonium and paraquat in human serum and urine. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2023; 1214:123562. [PMID: 36495685 PMCID: PMC9839631 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2022.123562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
Benzalkyldimethylammonium (or benzalkonium; BACs), alkyltrimethylammonium (ATMACs), and dialkyldimethylammonium compounds (DDACs) have been widely used for over six decades as disinfectants, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here we describe methods for the determination of 7 BACs, 6 ATMACs, 6 DDACs, 8 BAC metabolites, and the structurally similar quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) herbicides diquat, paraquat, and difenzoquat in human serum and urine using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The methods were optimized using isotopically labelled internal standards and solid-phase extraction with weak cation-exchange cartridges. We separated diquat and paraquat chromatographically using a mixed-mode LC column, and BACs, ATMACs, DDACs, difenzoquat, and BAC metabolites using reversed-phase (C8 and C18) LC columns. Method limits of detection (MLODs) and quantification (MLOQs) were 0.002-0.42 and 0.006-1.40 ng/mL, respectively. Recoveries of all analytes fortified at 1, 5, and 20 ng/mL concentrations in serum and urine matrices were 61-129%, with standard deviations of 0-20%. Repeated analysis of similarly fortified serum and urine samples yielded intra-day and inter-day variations of 0.22-17.4% and 0.35-17.3%, respectively. Matrix effects for analytes spiked into serum and urine matrices ranged from -27% to 15.4%. Analysis of real urine and serum samples revealed the presence of several QACs in human serum. Although no parent BACs were found in urine, we detected, for the first time, several ω-hydroxy and ω-carboxylic acid metabolites of BACs at average concentrations in the range of 0.05-0.35 ng/mL. The developed method is suitable for application in large-scale biomonitoring of human exposure to QACs and their metabolites in human serum and urine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Min Li
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States; Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States
| | - Mathusa Lakuleswaran
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States; Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States; Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States.
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22
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Li Q, Xue X, Qi S, Zhao L, Zhang W, Fan M, Wu L, Wang M. Disinfectant dodecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (DDBAC) disrupts gut microbiota, phospholipids, and calcium signaling in honeybees (Apis mellifera) at an environmentally relevant level. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 170:107639. [PMID: 36402032 PMCID: PMC9664769 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
One of the impacts of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been a profound increase in the application amounts of disinfectants. Dodecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (DDBAC) is a widely used disinfectant, yet its hazards to non-target species remain largely unknown. We are unaware of any studies assessing DDBAC's impacts on honeybee, a pollinator species that is a useful indicator of environmental pollution essential for many forms of agricultural production. Here, we assessed the potentially negative effects of DDBAC on honeybees. After conducting a formal toxicity evaluation of DDBAC on honeybee mortality, we detected an accumulation of DDBAC in the honeybee midgut. We subsequently studied the midgut tissues of honeybees exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of DDBAC: histopathological examination revealed damage to midgut tissue upon DDBAC exposure, microbiome analysis showed a decreased abundance of beneficial midgut microbiota, lipidomics analysis revealed a significant reduction in cell membrane phospholipids with known functions in signal transduction, and a transcriptome analysis detected altered expression of genes involved in calcium signaling pathways (that variously function in calcium absorption, muscle contraction, and neurotransmission). Thus, our study establishes that DDBAC impacts honeybee midgut functions at multiple levels. Our study represents an early warning about the hazards of DDBAC and appeals for the proper stewardship of DDBAC to ensure the protection of our ecological environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiangqiang Li
- Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing 100093, China
| | - Xiaofeng Xue
- Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing 100093, China
| | - Suzhen Qi
- Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing 100093, China
| | - Liuwei Zhao
- Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing 100093, China
| | - Wenwen Zhang
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Anhui Science and Technology University, Bengbu 233100, China
| | - Man Fan
- Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing 100093, China
| | - Liming Wu
- Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing 100093, China.
| | - Miao Wang
- Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing 100093, China.
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23
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Pack EC, Lee HG, Jeong HJ, Lee J, Jang DY, Kim HS, Lee SH, Lim KM, Choi D. Tiered human health risk assessment of antibacterial quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) in dishwashing detergents. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2022; 137:105306. [PMID: 36504169 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2022.105306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are widely used in consumer products because of their unique antibacterial properties, and dishwashing detergents are a major source of exposure through oral, inhalation, and dermal routes. The three classes of QACs, including benzalkonium chloride (BAC), n-alkyldimethylethylbenzylammonium chloride (ADEBAC), and di-n-alkyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC), in spray and non-spray types of dishwashing detergents were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. A tiered risk assessment approach was also considered. In the Tier 1 assessment, the mean and worst-case exposure were estimated to screen for rough exposure and risk levels. In the Tier 2 assessment, mean and upper-tail exposure levels were calculated based on the exposure parameters of Korean consumers using Monte Carlo simulation. QACs had a low frequency of detection of up to 20% in dishwashing detergents, and the contents of detected QACs varied depending on the individual samples. Based on the results of the Tier 1 assessment, BACs and DDACs posed potential health risks via inhalation and dermal routes. Tier 2 assessment suggested that the current level of oral and dermal exposure of Korean consumers to QACs in dishwashing detergents is unlikely to pose a health risk, even for upper-tail exposure groups. However, the present results suggest that spray-type DDACs may pose a health risk in the upper-tail inhalation exposure group, and further investigation is required to clarify this risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Chul Pack
- Health Science Research Center, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Geon Lee
- Transdisciplinary Major in Learning Health Systems, Department of Health and Safety Convergence Science, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Jin Jeong
- Transdisciplinary Major in Learning Health Systems, Department of Health and Safety Convergence Science, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungmin Lee
- Transdisciplinary Major in Learning Health Systems, Department of Health and Safety Convergence Science, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Yong Jang
- Health Science Research Center, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung Soo Kim
- Health Science Research Center, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Ha Lee
- Health Science Research Center, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Min Lim
- College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Dalwoong Choi
- Health Science Research Center, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Transdisciplinary Major in Learning Health Systems, Department of Health and Safety Convergence Science, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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24
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Benedusi M, Tamburini E, Sicurella M, Summa D, Ferrara F, Marconi P, Cervellati F, Costa S, Valacchi G. The Lesson Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic: Can an Active Chemical Be Effective, Safe, Harmless-for-Humans and Low-Cost at a Time? Evidence on Aerosolized Hypochlorous Acid. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13163. [PMID: 36293740 PMCID: PMC9602504 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has underlined the importance of disinfectants as tools to prevent and fight against coronavirus spreading. An ideal disinfectant and sanitizer must be nontoxic to surface contact, noncorrosive, effective, and relatively inexpensive as it is hypochlorous acid (HOCl). The present work intended to evaluate, on different surfaces, the bactericidal and virucidal effectiveness of nebulized HOCl and test its safety usage in 2D and 3D skin and lung models. Our data showed that HOCl at the dose of 300 ppm did not affect cellular and tissue viability, not their morphology. The HOCl bactericidal properties varies with the surface analyzed: 69% for semi-porous, 96-99.9% for flat and porous. This discrepancy was not noticed for the virucidal properties. Overall, this study showed that nebulized HOCl can prevent virus and bacteria growth without affecting lung and skin tissues, making this compound a perfect candidate to sanitize indoor environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mascia Benedusi
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elena Tamburini
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mariaconcetta Sicurella
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Daniela Summa
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesca Ferrara
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Peggy Marconi
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Franco Cervellati
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Stefania Costa
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Valacchi
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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25
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Gu W, Zhao Y, Yang L, Du M, Li Q, Ren Z, Li X. A new perspective to improve the treatment of Lianhuaqingwen on COVID-19 and prevent the environmental health risk of medication. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:74208-74224. [PMID: 35635661 PMCID: PMC9148946 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-21125-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Lianhuaqingwen (LH), one traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been used to treat the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but its ecotoxicity with potential human health security has not been well investigated. To overcome such adverse effects and improve its medication efficacy, an intelligent multi-method integrated dietary scheme, screening, and performance evaluation approach was developed. Thirteen LH compounds were selected, and the main protease (Mpro) was used as the potential drug target. Resulted information showed that the more compounds of LH added, the higher medication efficacy obtained using multi-method integrated screening system, expert consultation method, and molecular dynamics simulation. Pharmacodynamic mechanism analysis showed that low total energy and polar surface area of LH active compound (i.e., β-sitosterol) will contribute to the best therapeutic effect on COVID-19 using quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) and sensitivity models. Additionally, when mild COVID-19 patients take LH with the optimum dietary scheme (i.e., β-lactoglobulin, α-lactalbumin, vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, carotene, and vitamin E), the medication efficacy were significantly improved (23.58%). Pharmacokinetics and toxicokinetics results showed that LH had certain human health risks and ecotoxicity. This study revealed the multi-compound interaction mechanism of LH treatment on COVID-19, and provided theoretical guidance for improving therapeutic effect, evaluating TCM safety, and preventing human health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Gu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Systems Optimization, North China Electric Power University, Beijing, 102206 China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Systems Optimization, North China Electric Power University, Beijing, 102206 China
| | - Luze Yang
- College of New Energy and Environment, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012 China
| | - Meijin Du
- MOE Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Systems Optimization, North China Electric Power University, Beijing, 102206 China
| | - Qing Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Systems Optimization, North China Electric Power University, Beijing, 102206 China
| | - Zhixing Ren
- College of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, No. 26 Hexing Road, Harbin, China
| | - Xixi Li
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, St. John’s, NL A1B 3X5 Canada
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26
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Ghosh S, Mukherjee R, Mahajan VS, Boucau J, Pillai S, Haldar J. Permanent, Antimicrobial Coating to Rapidly Kill and Prevent Transmission of Bacteria, Fungi, Influenza, and SARS-CoV-2. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:42483-42493. [PMID: 36073910 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c11915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microbial adhesion and contamination on shared surfaces can lead to life-threatening infections with serious impacts on public health, economy, and clinical practices. The traditional use of chemical disinfectants for sanitization of surfaces, however, comes with its share of health risks, such as hazardous effects on the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract, carcinogenicity, as well as environmental toxicity. To address this, we have developed a nonleaching quaternary small molecule (QSM)-based sprayable coating which can be fabricated on a wide range of surfaces such as nylon, polyethylene, surgical mask, paper, acrylate, and rubber in a one-step, photocuring technique. This contact-active coating killed pathogenic bacteria and fungi including drug-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans within 15-30 min of contact. QSM coatings withstood multiple washes, highlighting their durability. Interestingly, the coated surfaces exhibited rapid killing of pathogens, leading to the prevention of their transmission upon contact. The coating showed membrane disruption of bacterial cells in fluorescence and electron microscopic investigations. Along with bacteria and fungi, QSM-coated surfaces also showed the complete killing of high loads of influenza (H1N1) and SARS-CoV-2 viruses within 30 min of exposure. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a coating for multipurpose materials applied in high-touch public places, hospital equipment, and clinical consumables, rapidly killing drug-resistant bacteria, fungi, influenza virus, and SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sreyan Ghosh
- Antimicrobial Research Laboratory, New Chemistry Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560064, India
| | - Riya Mukherjee
- Antimicrobial Research Laboratory, New Chemistry Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560064, India
| | - Vinay S Mahajan
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Julie Boucau
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Shiv Pillai
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Jayanta Haldar
- Antimicrobial Research Laboratory, New Chemistry Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560064, India
- School of Advanced Materials, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560064, India
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Zheng G, Schreder E, Sathyanarayana S, Salamova A. The first detection of quaternary ammonium compounds in breast milk: Implications for early-life exposure. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2022; 32:682-688. [PMID: 35437305 PMCID: PMC9015285 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-022-00439-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), commonly used in cleaning, disinfecting, and personal care products, have recently gained worldwide attention due to the massive use of disinfectants during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, despite extensive use of these chemicals, no studies have focused on the analysis of QACs in human milk, a major route of exposure for infants. OBJECTIVE Our objectives were to identify and measure QACs in breast milk and evaluate early-life exposure to this group of compounds for nursing infants. METHODS Eighteen QACs, including 6 benzylalkyldimethyl ammonium compounds (BACs, with alkyl chain lengths of C8-C18), 6 dialkyldimethyl ammonium compounds (DDACs, C8-C18), and 6 alkyltrimethyl ammonium compounds (ATMACs, C8-C18), were measured in breast milk samples collected from U.S. mothers. Daily lactational intake was estimated based on the determined concentrations for 0-12 month old nursing infants. RESULTS Thirteen of the 18 QACs were detected in breast milk and 7 of them were found in more than half of the samples. The total QAC concentrations (ΣQAC) ranged from 0.33 to 7.4 ng/mL (median 1.5 ng/mL). The most abundant QAC was C14-BAC with a median concentration of 0.45 ng/mL. The highest median ΣQAC estimated daily intake (EDI) was determined for <1-month old infants based on the average (using the median concentration) and high (using the 95th percentile concentration) exposure scenarios (230 and 750 ng/kg body weight/day, respectively). SIGNIFICANCE Our findings provide the first evidence of the detection of several QACs in breast milk and identify breastfeeding as an exposure pathway to QACs for nursing infants. IMPACT STATEMENT Our findings provide the first evidence of QAC occurrence in breast milk and identify breastfeeding as one of the exposure pathways to QACs for nursing infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guomao Zheng
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | | | - Sheela Sathyanarayana
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington/Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 91807, USA
| | - Amina Salamova
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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Urrutia-Pereira M, Chong-Neto HJ, Annesi Maesano I, Ansotegui IJ, Caraballo L, Cecchi L, Galán C, López JF, Aguttes MM, Peden D, Pomés A, Zakzuk J, Rosário Filho NA, D'Amato G. Environmental contributions to the interactions of COVID-19 and asthma: A secondary publication and update. World Allergy Organ J 2022; 15:100686. [PMID: 35966894 PMCID: PMC9359502 DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2022.100686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
An outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) started in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China and quickly spread around the world. Current evidence is contradictory on the association of asthma with COVID-19 and associated severe outcomes. Type 2 inflammation may reduce the risk for severe COVID-19. Whether asthma diagnosis may be a risk factor for severe COVID-19, especially for those with severe disease or non-allergic phenotypes, deserves further attention and clarification. In addition, COVID-19 does not appear to provoke asthma exacerbations, and asthma therapeutics should be continued for patients with exposure to COVID-19. Changes in the intensity of pollinization, an earlier start and extension of the pollinating season, and the increase in production and allergenicity of pollen are known direct effects that air pollution has on physical, chemical, and biological properties of the pollen grains. They are influenced and triggered by meteorological variables that could partially explain the effect on COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 is capable of persisting in the environment and can be transported by bioaerosols which can further influence its transmission rate and seasonality. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the behavior of adults and children globally. A general trend during the pandemic has been human isolation indoors due to school lockdowns and loss of job or implementation of virtual work at home. A consequence of this behavior change would presumably be changes in indoor allergen exposures and reduction of inhaled outdoor allergens. Therefore, lockdowns during the pandemic might have improved some specific allergies, while worsening others, depending on the housing conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Herberto Jose Chong-Neto
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Isabella Annesi Maesano
- French NIH (INSERM), and EPAR Department, IPLESP, INSERM and Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | | | - Luis Caraballo
- Institute for Immunological Research, University of Cartagena, Cartagena, Colombia
| | - Lorenzo Cecchi
- Centre of Bioclimatology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,SOS Allergy and Clinical Immunology, USL Toscana Centro, Prato, Italy
| | - Carmen Galán
- Department of Botany, Ecology and Plant Physiology, International Campus of Excellence on Agrifood (ceiA3), University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Juan Felipe López
- Institute for Immunological Research, University of Cartagena, Cartagena, Colombia
| | | | - David Peden
- UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Anna Pomés
- Basic Research, Indoor Biotechnologies, Inc, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Josefina Zakzuk
- Institute for Immunological Research, University of Cartagena, Cartagena, Colombia
| | | | - Gennaro D'Amato
- Division of Respiratory and Allergic Diseases, High Specialty Hospital A. Cardarelli, School of Specialization in Respiratory Diseases, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
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Sobolik JS, Sajewski ET, Jaykus LA, Cooper DK, Lopman BA, Kraay AN, Ryan PB, Guest JL, Webb-Girard A, Leon JS. Decontamination of SARS-CoV-2 from cold-chain food packaging provides no marginal benefit in risk reduction to food workers. Food Control 2022; 136:108845. [PMID: 35075333 PMCID: PMC8770992 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2022.108845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Countries continue to debate the need for decontamination of cold-chain food packaging to reduce possible severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) fomite transmission among frontline workers. While laboratory-based studies demonstrate persistence of SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces, the likelihood of fomite-mediated transmission under real-life conditions is uncertain. Using a quantitative microbial risk assessment model of a frozen food packaging facility, we simulated 1) SARS-CoV-2 fomite-mediated infection risks following worker exposure to contaminated plastic packaging; and 2) reductions in these risks from masking, handwashing, and vaccination. In a frozen food facility without interventions, SARS-CoV-2 infection risk to a susceptible worker from contact with contaminated packaging was 1.5 × 10-3 per 1h-period (5th - 95th percentile: 9.2 × 10-6, 1.2 × 10-2). Standard food industry infection control interventions, handwashing and masking, reduced risk (99.4%) to 8.5 × 10-6 risk per 1h-period (5th - 95th percentile: 2.8 × 10-8, 6.6 × 10-5). Vaccination of the susceptible worker (two doses Pfizer/Moderna, vaccine effectiveness: 86-99%) with handwashing and masking reduced risk to 5.2 × 10-7 risk per 1h-period (5th - 95th percentile: 1.8 × 10-9, 5.4 × 10-6). Simulating increased transmissibility of current and future variants (Delta, Omicron), (2-, 10-fold viral shedding) among a fully vaccinated workforce, handwashing and masking continued to mitigate risk (1.4 × 10-6 - 8.8 × 10-6 risk per 1h-period). Additional decontamination of frozen food plastic packaging reduced infection risks to 1.2 × 10-8 risk per 1h-period (5th - 95th percentile: 1.9 × 10-11, 9.5 × 10-8). Given that standard infection control interventions reduced risks well below 1 × 10-4 (World Health Organization water quality risk thresholds), additional packaging decontamination suggest no marginal benefit in risk reduction. Consequences of this decontamination may include increased chemical exposures to workers, food quality and hazard risks to consumers, and unnecessary added costs to governments and the global food industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia S. Sobolik
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA,Corresponding author. 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | | | - Lee-Ann Jaykus
- Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - D. Kane Cooper
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Ben A. Lopman
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Alicia N.M. Kraay
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - P. Barry Ryan
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Jodie L. Guest
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Amy Webb-Girard
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Juan S. Leon
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
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30
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Wang M, Hu B, Zhou W, Huang K, Fu J, Zhang A, Jiang G. Enhanced hand-to-mouth exposure from hand sanitizers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a case study of triclosan. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2022; 67:995-998. [PMID: 36546255 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2022.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Meilin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Boyuan Hu
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Kai Huang
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Jianjie Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Aiqian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Citizens’ Perception and Concerns on Chemical Exposures and Human Biomonitoring—Results from a Harmonized Qualitative Study in Seven European Countries. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116414. [PMID: 35681998 PMCID: PMC9180191 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to different chemicals is an inevitable part of our everyday lives. Within HBM4EU, focus group discussions were conducted to gather data on citizens’ perceptions of chemical exposure and human biomonitoring. These discussions were hosted in Cyprus, Denmark, Hungary, Israel, Latvia, the Netherlands, and North Macedonia following a protocol developed in the first round of discussions. Results indicate the very high concern of European citizens regarding food safety and the environment. Focus group participants were well aware of potential uptake of chemicals through food consumption (e.g., preservatives, flavor enhancers, coloring agents, pesticides, fertilizers, metals), drinking water, or from polluted air and water. One of the positive aspects identified here, is the high interest of citizens in awareness and education on personal measures to control exposure. The promotion of personal behavioral changes requires active involvement of society (e.g., commuting habits, energy choices, waste disposal, dietary habits). Activities should focus on raising awareness of the general public, implementation of policy measures, and mainstreaming of related topics into the education system. Raising awareness of the general public may promote engagement of citizens, which in turn may empower them to put pressure on politicians to take effective actions. There is also a need for further research which might focus on the impact of country-specific situations and of the COVID-19 pandemic on the exposure of citizens to chemicals.
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32
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Nason SL, Lin E, Eitzer B, Koelmel J, Peccia J. Changes in Sewage Sludge Chemical Signatures During a COVID-19 Community Lockdown, Part 1: Traffic, Drugs, Mental Health, and Disinfectants. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:1179-1192. [PMID: 34668219 DOI: 10.26434/chemrxiv.13562525.v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The early months of the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated shutdowns disrupted many aspects of daily life and thus caused changes in the use and disposal of many types of chemicals. While records of sales, prescriptions, drug overdoses, and so forth provide data about specific chemical uses during this time, wastewater and sewage sludge analysis can provide a more comprehensive overview of chemical changes within a region. We analyzed primary sludge from a wastewater-treatment plant in Connecticut, USA, collected March 19 to June 30, 2020. This time period encompassed the first wave of the pandemic, the initial statewide stay at home order, and the first phase of reopening. We used liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry and targeted and suspect screening strategies to identify 78 chemicals of interest, which included pharmaceuticals, illicit drugs, disinfectants, ultraviolet (UV) filters, and others. We analyzed trends over time for the identified chemicals using linear trend analyses and multivariate comparisons (p < 0.05). We found trends related directly to the pandemic (e.g., hydroxychloroquine, a drug publicized for its potential to treat COVID-19, had elevated concentrations in the week following the implementation of the US Emergency Use Authorization), as well as evidence for seasonal changes in chemical use (e.g., increases for three UV-filter compounds). Though wastewater surveillance during the pandemic has largely focused on measuring severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 RNA concentrations, chemical analysis can also show trends that are important for revealing the public and environmental health effects of the pandemic. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1179-1192. © 2021 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara L Nason
- Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Elizabeth Lin
- Department of Environmental Health, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Brian Eitzer
- Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jeremy Koelmel
- Department of Environmental Health, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jordan Peccia
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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33
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Nason SL, Lin E, Eitzer B, Koelmel J, Peccia J. Changes in Sewage Sludge Chemical Signatures During a COVID-19 Community Lockdown, Part 1: Traffic, Drugs, Mental Health, and Disinfectants. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:1179-1192. [PMID: 34668219 PMCID: PMC8653241 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The early months of the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated shutdowns disrupted many aspects of daily life and thus caused changes in the use and disposal of many types of chemicals. While records of sales, prescriptions, drug overdoses, and so forth provide data about specific chemical uses during this time, wastewater and sewage sludge analysis can provide a more comprehensive overview of chemical changes within a region. We analyzed primary sludge from a wastewater-treatment plant in Connecticut, USA, collected March 19 to June 30, 2020. This time period encompassed the first wave of the pandemic, the initial statewide stay at home order, and the first phase of reopening. We used liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry and targeted and suspect screening strategies to identify 78 chemicals of interest, which included pharmaceuticals, illicit drugs, disinfectants, ultraviolet (UV) filters, and others. We analyzed trends over time for the identified chemicals using linear trend analyses and multivariate comparisons (p < 0.05). We found trends related directly to the pandemic (e.g., hydroxychloroquine, a drug publicized for its potential to treat COVID-19, had elevated concentrations in the week following the implementation of the US Emergency Use Authorization), as well as evidence for seasonal changes in chemical use (e.g., increases for three UV-filter compounds). Though wastewater surveillance during the pandemic has largely focused on measuring severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 RNA concentrations, chemical analysis can also show trends that are important for revealing the public and environmental health effects of the pandemic. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1179-1192. © 2021 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara L. Nason
- Connecticut Agricultural Experiment StationNew HavenConnecticutUSA
| | - Elizabeth Lin
- Department of Environmental HealthYale School of Public HealthNew HavenConnecticutUSA
| | - Brian Eitzer
- Connecticut Agricultural Experiment StationNew HavenConnecticutUSA
| | - Jeremy Koelmel
- Department of Environmental HealthYale School of Public HealthNew HavenConnecticutUSA
| | - Jordan Peccia
- Department of Chemical and Environmental EngineeringYale UniversityNew HavenConnecticutUSA
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34
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Giordano F, Petrolini VM, Spagnolo D, Fidente RM, Lanciotti L, Baldassarri L, Moretti FL, Brambilla E, Lonati D, Schicchi A, Locatelli CA, Draisci R. Significant variations of dangerous exposures during COVID-19 pandemic in Italy: a possible association with the containment measures implemented to reduce the virus transmission. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:441. [PMID: 35246098 PMCID: PMC8896978 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-12860-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In response to the COVID-19 health emergency, mass media widely spread guidelines to stop the virus transmission, leading to an excessive and unaware use of detergents and disinfectants. In Italy and in other countries this tendency caused a significant increase of exposures to these products in 2020. Evaluating data collected by the Italian Pavia Poison Centre (PPC), this study intends to examine the relationship between the COVID-19 lockdown and the variations of exposures to specific product categories possibly associated to the containment measures implemented. Simultaneously, this work shows the effectiveness of the European Product Categorisation System (EuPCS) in surveillance activities of dangerous chemicals. METHODS Exposure cases managed by the PPC during March-May 2020 (lockdown) and during the same months of 2017-2018-2019 were compared. Differences in categorical variables were tested with the Chi-square test. The level of significance was set at Alpha = .05. The study included all EuPCS groups but specifically focused on cleaners, detergents, biocides and cosmetics. RESULTS During the lockdown, calls from private citizens showed a highly significant increase (+ 11.5%, p < .001) and occupational exposures decreased (- 11.7%, p = .011). Among Cleaners, exposures to Bleaches slightly increased while Drain cleaning products went through a significant reduction (- 13.9%, p = .035). A highly significant increase of exposures to Disinfectants was observed (+ 7.7%, p = .007), particularly to those for surfaces (+ 6.8%, p = .039). Regarding Cosmetics, both handwashing soaps and gel products significantly increased (respectively: + 25.0, p = .016 and + 9.7%, p = .028). Among children 1-5 years, the statistical significance is reached with exposures to Dishwashing detergents (+ 13.1%, p = .032), handwashing soaps (+ 28.6%, p = .014) and handwashing gel products (+ 16.8%, p = .010). Contrarily, Liquid Laundry Detergent Capsules decreased in a highly significant manner (- 25%; p = .001). The general severity of exposures showed a highly significant decrease (Moderate: - 10.1%, p = .0002). CONCLUSIONS This study investigated the relationship between the COVID-19 lockdown and the variations of exposures to some product categories related to the containment measures. The results obtained support any action to be taken by Competent Authorities to implement measures for a safer use of cleaners/disinfectants. This paper shows the benefit in applying the EuPCS to categorize products according to their intended use, though an extension of this system to products not covered by CLP Regulation may be a further advantage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felice Giordano
- National Center for Chemicals, Cosmetics and Consumer Protection, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00100, Rome, Italy.
| | - Valeria Margherita Petrolini
- Toxicology Unit, Poison Centre and National Toxicology Information Centre, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, IRCCS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Domenico Spagnolo
- National Center for Chemicals, Cosmetics and Consumer Protection, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00100, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosanna Maria Fidente
- National Center for Chemicals, Cosmetics and Consumer Protection, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00100, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Lanciotti
- National Center for Chemicals, Cosmetics and Consumer Protection, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00100, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucilla Baldassarri
- National Center for Chemicals, Cosmetics and Consumer Protection, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00100, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Luca Moretti
- National Center for Chemicals, Cosmetics and Consumer Protection, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00100, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Brambilla
- Toxicology Unit, Poison Centre and National Toxicology Information Centre, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, IRCCS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Davide Lonati
- Toxicology Unit, Poison Centre and National Toxicology Information Centre, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, IRCCS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Azzurra Schicchi
- Toxicology Unit, Poison Centre and National Toxicology Information Centre, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, IRCCS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Carlo Alessandro Locatelli
- Toxicology Unit, Poison Centre and National Toxicology Information Centre, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, IRCCS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Rosa Draisci
- National Center for Chemicals, Cosmetics and Consumer Protection, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00100, Rome, Italy
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35
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Sancakli O, Tuncel T, Eren Akarcan S, Kanık A, Özyurt G, Ozdogru EE. Anxiety Levels and Changes in Health and Hygiene Behaviors in Mothers of Children with Asthma in Early COVID-19 Lockdown in Turkey. PEDIATRIC ALLERGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND PULMONOLOGY 2022; 35:27-35. [PMID: 35290751 DOI: 10.1089/ped.2021.0113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Objective: The restrictions imposed by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have caused significant changes in people's lives. This study aimed to investigate anxiety levels and changes in health and hygiene behaviors in mothers of children with asthma in early COVID-19 lockdown in Turkey. Materials and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional survey conducted on children with asthma, 6 to 11 years of age, between June 1 and 30, 2020, in Turkey. A sociodemographic data form, health and hygiene behavior form, childhood asthma control test, and state-trait anxiety inventory were administered to the mothers of the children. Results: The asthma group included 123 children (Female: 39.0%) and median age, interquartile range (IQR) [minimum-maximum]: 8.0 (6) [6-12] years; the control group included 88 children (Female: 47.7%) median age, IQR [minimum-maximum]: 8.0 (7) [5-12] years. Increased hygiene behaviors and high compliance with social isolation measures were recorded in the early lockdown, with no difference between the groups. Before the pandemic, the most frequently used cleaning products were general-purpose cleaners. During the early lockdown, however, the most frequently used product was disinfectants and was similar in both groups. In both groups, the rate of using nutritional supplements increased during the pandemic period, but the rate was higher in children with asthma both before and during the early lockdown (P < 0.001). The anxiety levels of the mothers in asthma and control groups were similar. Conclusion: This study is the first in Turkey demonstrating that, in mothers of children with asthma, lifestyle changes related to health and hygiene and anxiety levels are similar to those of other children and their mothers during the early lockdown period of COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozlem Sancakli
- Department of Pediatric Allergy Immunology, Başkent University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Tuba Tuncel
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Izmir University of Health Sciences Izmir Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Izmir Katip Celebi University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Sanem Eren Akarcan
- Department of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Izmir University of Health Sciences Izmir Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ali Kanık
- Department of Pediatrics, Izmir University of Health Sciences Izmir Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Izmir Katip Celebi University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gonca Özyurt
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Izmir Katip Celebi University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Emine Ece Ozdogru
- Department of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Izmir University of Health Sciences Izmir Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
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Wang Z, Gao J, Wang S, Zhao Y, Dai H, Li D, Cui Y, Li Z. Triclocarban shifted the microbial communities and promoted the spread of antibiotic resistance genes in nitrifying granular sludge system. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 347:126429. [PMID: 34838974 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.126429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Triclocarban (TCC) is in great market demand especially after the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, becoming an emerging pollutant. However, the impacts of TCC on the performance of nitrifying granular sludge system and the occurrence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) were still unknown. This work explored the impacts of different concentrations of TCC on nitrifying granular sludge. Results showed that TCC suppressed the activities of ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms and decreased the abundance of Nitrospira. Adsorption was the main way for the removal of TCC and the biodegradation efficiency of TCC increased to 28.00% under 19.70 mg/L TCC addition. TCC enriched the ARGs and promoted the risks of their transferring in microorganisms. Pseudomonas might not only have strong resistance to TCC, but also propagate ARGs. The removal process of TCC and bacterial communities were important factors to promote the spread of ARGs. Thus, the existence of TCC presented a great environmental risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqi Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Jingfeng Gao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China.
| | - Shijie Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Yifan Zhao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Huihui Dai
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Dingchang Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Yingchao Cui
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Ziqiao Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
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Yeh K, Li L, Wania F, Abbatt JPD. Thirdhand smoke from tobacco, e-cigarettes, cannabis, methamphetamine and cocaine: Partitioning, reactive fate, and human exposure in indoor environments. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 160:107063. [PMID: 34954646 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.107063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A source of chemical exposure to humans, thirdhand smoke (THS) refers to the contamination that persists indoors following the cessation of a smoking event. The composition of thirdhand smoke depends on the type of substance from which it originates. Although past studies have investigated the effects of tobacco THS on indoor air quality and human health, few have focused on the chemical composition and health impacts of other sources and components of THS. Here we review the state of knowledge of the composition and partitioning behavior of various types of indoor THS, with a focus on THS from tobacco, e-cigarettes, cannabis, and illicit substances (methamphetamine and cocaine). The discussion is supplemented by estimates of human exposure to THS components made with a chemical fate and exposure model. The modeling results show that while very volatile THS compounds (i.e., aromatics) are likely to be taken up by inhalation, highly water-soluble compounds tended to be dermally absorbed. Conversely, minimally volatile THS compounds with low solubility are predicted to be ingested through hand-to-mouth and object-to-mouth contact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Yeh
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3H6, Canada.
| | - Li Li
- School of Public Health, University of Nevada Reno, Reno, NV 89557, United States
| | - Frank Wania
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario M1C 1A4, Canada
| | - Jonathan P D Abbatt
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3H6, Canada
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Respiratory Safety Evaluation in Mice and Inhibition of Adenoviral Amplification in Human Bronchial Endothelial Cells Using a Novel Type of Chlorine Dioxide Gas Reactor. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10010038. [PMID: 35051080 PMCID: PMC8778764 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10010038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a growing demand for effective and safe disinfectants. A novel use of chlorine dioxide (ClO2) gas, which can satisfy such demand, has been reported. However, its efficacy and safety remain unclear. For the safe use of this gas, the stable release of specific concentrations is a must. A new type of ClO2 generator called Dr.CLOTM has recently been introduced. This study aimed to investigate: (1) the effects of Dr.CLOTM on inhibiting adenoviral amplification on human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells; and (2) the acute inhalation safety of using Dr.CLOTM in animal models. After infecting HBE cells with a recombinant adenovirus, the inhibitory power of Dr.CLOTM on the virus was expressed as IFU/mL in comparison with the control group. The safety of ClO2 gas was indirectly predicted using mice by measuring single-dose inhalation toxicity in specially designed chambers. Dr.CLOTM was found to evaporate in a very constant concentration range at 0–0.011 ppm/m3 for 42 days. In addition, 36–100% of adenoviral amplification was suppressed by Dr.CLOTM, depending on the conditions. The LC50 of ClO2 gas to mice was approximately 68 ppm for males and 141 ppm for females. Histopathological evaluation showed that the lungs of female mice were more resistant to the toxicity from higher ClO2 gas concentrations than those of male mice. Taken together, these results indicate that Dr.CLOTM can be used to provide a safe indoor environment due to its technology that maintains the stable concentration and release of ClO2 gas, which could suppress viral amplification and may prevent viral infections.
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Alygizakis N, Galani A, Rousis NI, Aalizadeh R, Dimopoulos MA, Thomaidis NS. Change in the chemical content of untreated wastewater of Athens, Greece under COVID-19 pandemic. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 799:149230. [PMID: 34364275 PMCID: PMC8321698 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic spread rapidly worldwide with unanticipated effects on mental health, lifestyle, stability of economies and societies. Although many research groups have already reported SARS-CoV-2 surveillance in untreated wastewater, only few studies evaluated the implications of the pandemic on the use of chemicals by influent wastewater analysis. Wide-scope target and suspect screening were used to monitor the effects of the pandemic on the Greek population through wastewater-based epidemiology. Composite 24 h influent wastewater samples were collected from the wastewater treatment plant of Athens during the first lockdown and analyzed by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. A wide range of compounds was investigated (11,286), including antipsychotic drugs, illicit drugs, tobacco compounds, food additives, pesticides, biocides, surfactants and industrial chemicals. Mass loads of chemical markers were estimated and compared with the data obtained under non-COVID-19 conditions (campaign 2019). The findings revealed increases in surfactants (+196%), biocides (+152%), cationic quaternary ammonium surfactants (used as surfactants and biocides) (+331%), whereas the most important decreases were estimated for tobacco (-33%) and industrial chemicals (-52%). The introduction of social-restriction measures by the government affected all aspects of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikiforos Alygizakis
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece.
| | - Aikaterini Galani
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos I Rousis
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Reza Aalizadeh
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Meletios-Athanasios Dimopoulos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15528 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos S Thomaidis
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece.
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40
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Li L, Sangion A, Wania F, Armitage JM, Toose L, Hughes L, Arnot JA. Development and Evaluation of a Holistic and Mechanistic Modeling Framework for Chemical Emissions, Fate, Exposure, and Risk. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2021; 129:127006. [PMID: 34882502 PMCID: PMC8658982 DOI: 10.1289/ehp9372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Large numbers of chemicals require evaluation to determine if their production and use pose potential risks to ecological and human health. For most chemicals, the inadequacy and uncertainty of chemical-specific data severely limit the application of exposure- and risk-based methods for screening-level assessments, priority setting, and effective management. OBJECTIVE We developed and evaluated a holistic, mechanistic modeling framework for ecological and human health assessments to support the safe and sustainable production, use, and disposal of organic chemicals. METHODS We consolidated various models for simulating the PROduction-To-EXposure (PROTEX) continuum with empirical data sets and models for predicting chemical property and use function information to enable high-throughput (HT) exposure and risk estimation. The new PROTEX-HT framework calculates exposure and risk by integrating mechanistic computational modules describing chemical behavior and fate in the socioeconomic system (i.e., life cycle emissions), natural and indoor environments, various ecological receptors, and humans. PROTEX-HT requires only molecular structure and chemical tonnage (i.e., annual production or consumption volume) as input information. We evaluated the PROTEX-HT framework using 95 organic chemicals commercialized in the United States and demonstrated its application in various exposure and risk assessment contexts. RESULTS Seventy-nine percent and 97% of the PROTEX-HT human exposure predictions were within one and two orders of magnitude, respectively, of independent human exposure estimates inferred from biomonitoring data. PROTEX-HT supported screening and ranking chemicals based on various exposure and risk metrics, setting chemical-specific maximum allowable tonnage based on user-defined toxicological thresholds, and identifying the most relevant emission sources, environmental media, and exposure routes of concern in the PROTEX continuum. The case study shows that high chemical tonnage did not necessarily result in high exposure or health risks. CONCLUSION Requiring only two chemical-specific pieces of information, PROTEX-HT enables efficient screening-level evaluations of existing and premanufacture chemicals in various exposure- and risk-based contexts. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP9372.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, Nevada, USA
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alessandro Sangion
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- ARC Arnot Research and Consulting, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Frank Wania
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Liisa Toose
- ARC Arnot Research and Consulting, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lauren Hughes
- ARC Arnot Research and Consulting, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jon A. Arnot
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- ARC Arnot Research and Consulting, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Kim DY, Shinde SK, Lone S, Palem RR, Ghodake GS. COVID-19 Pandemic: Public Health Risk Assessment and Risk Mitigation Strategies. J Pers Med 2021; 11:1243. [PMID: 34945715 PMCID: PMC8707584 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11121243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A newly emerged respiratory viral disease called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is also known as pandemic coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This pandemic has resulted an unprecedented global health crisis and devastating impact on several sectors of human lives and economies. Fortunately, the average case fatality ratio for SARS-CoV-2 is below 2%, much lower than that estimated for MERS (34%) and SARS (11%). However, COVID-19 has a much higher transmissibility rate, as evident from the constant increase in the count of infections worldwide. This article explores the reasons behind how COVID-19 was able to cause a global pandemic crisis. The current outbreak scenario and causes of rapid global spread are examined using recent developments in the literature, epidemiological features relevant to public health awareness, and critical perspective of risk assessment and mitigation strategies. Effective pandemic risk mitigation measures have been established and amended against COVID-19 diseases, but there is still much scope for upgrading execution and coordination among authorities in terms of organizational leadership's commitment and diverse range of safety measures, including administrative control measures, engineering control measures, and personal protective equipment (PPE). The significance of containment interventions against the COVID-19 pandemic is now well established; however, there is a need for its effective execution across the globe, and for the improvement of the performance of risk mitigation practices and suppression of future pandemic crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dae-Young Kim
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, 32 Dongguk-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si 10326, Gyeonggi-do, Korea; (D.-Y.K.); (S.K.S.)
| | - Surendra Krushna Shinde
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, 32 Dongguk-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si 10326, Gyeonggi-do, Korea; (D.-Y.K.); (S.K.S.)
| | - Saifullah Lone
- Interdisciplinary Division for Renewable Energy and Advanced Materials (iDREAM), National Institute of Technology (NIT), Srinagar 190006, India;
| | - Ramasubba Reddy Palem
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Dongguk University-Seoul, 32 Dongguk-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si 10326, Gyeonggi-do, Korea;
| | - Gajanan Sampatrao Ghodake
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, 32 Dongguk-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si 10326, Gyeonggi-do, Korea; (D.-Y.K.); (S.K.S.)
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Arowolo O, Pobezinsky L, Suvorov A. Chemical Exposures Affect Innate Immune Response to SARS-CoV-2. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12474. [PMID: 34830356 PMCID: PMC8617908 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe outcomes of COVID-19 are associated with pathological response of the immune system to the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Emerging evidence suggests that an interaction may exist between COVID-19 pathogenesis and a broad range of xenobiotics, resulting in significant increases in death rates in highly exposed populations. Therefore, a better understanding of the molecular basis of the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 infection and chemical exposures may open opportunities for better preventive and therapeutic interventions. We attempted to gain mechanistic knowledge on the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 infection and chemical exposures using an in silico approach, where we identified genes and molecular pathways affected by both chemical exposures and SARS-CoV-2 in human immune cells (T-cells, B-cells, NK-cells, dendritic, and monocyte cells). Our findings demonstrate for the first time that overlapping molecular mechanisms affected by a broad range of chemical exposures and COVID-19 are linked to IFN type I/II signaling pathways and the process of antigen presentation. Based on our data, we also predict that exposures to various chemical compounds will predominantly impact the population of monocytes during the response against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olatunbosun Arowolo
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, 686 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003, USA;
| | - Leonid Pobezinsky
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, University of Massachusetts, 661 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003, USA;
| | - Alexander Suvorov
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, 686 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003, USA;
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Lai PY, Liu H, Ng RJH, Wint Hnin Thet B, Chu HS, Teo JWR, Ong Q, Liu Y, Png CE. Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 inactivation using UV-C LEDs in public environments via ray-tracing simulation. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22612. [PMID: 34799671 PMCID: PMC8605003 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02156-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper proposes an investigating SARS-CoV-2 inactivation on surfaces with UV-C LED irradiation using our in-house-developed ray-tracing simulator. The results are benchmarked with experiments and Zemax OpticStudio commercial software simulation to demonstrate our simulator's easy accessibility and high reliability. The tool can input the radiant profile of the flexible LED source and accurately yield the irradiance distribution emitted from an LED-based system in 3D environments. The UV-C operating space can be divided into the safe, buffer, and germicidal zones for setting up a UV-C LED system. Based on the published measurement data, the level of SARS-CoV-2 inactivation has been defined as a function of UV-C irradiation. A realistic case of public space, i.e., a food court in Singapore, has been numerically investigated to demonstrate the relative impact of environmental UV-C attenuation on the SARS-CoV-2 inactivation. We optimise a specific UV-C LED germicidal system and its corresponding exposure time according to the simulation results. These ray-tracing-based simulations provide a useful guideline for safe deployment and efficient design for germicidal UV-C LED technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Yen Lai
- A*STAR Institute of High Performance Computing, Electronics and Photonics, 1 Fusionopolis Way, #16-16, Connexis, 138632, Singapore.
| | - Huizhe Liu
- A*STAR Institute of High Performance Computing, Electronics and Photonics, 1 Fusionopolis Way, #16-16, Connexis, 138632, Singapore
| | - Ray Jia Hong Ng
- A*STAR Institute of High Performance Computing, Electronics and Photonics, 1 Fusionopolis Way, #16-16, Connexis, 138632, Singapore
| | - Bianca Wint Hnin Thet
- A*STAR Institute of High Performance Computing, Electronics and Photonics, 1 Fusionopolis Way, #16-16, Connexis, 138632, Singapore
| | - Hong-Son Chu
- A*STAR Institute of High Performance Computing, Electronics and Photonics, 1 Fusionopolis Way, #16-16, Connexis, 138632, Singapore
| | - Jin Wah Ronnie Teo
- A*STAR Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology, 2 Fusionopolis Way, #08-04, Innovis, 138634, Singapore
| | - Qunxiang Ong
- A*STAR Singapore Bioimaging Consortium, 11 Biopolis Way, #02-02, Helios, 138667, Singapore
| | - Yuanjie Liu
- A*STAR National Metrology Centre, 2 Fusionopolis Way, #08-05, Innovis, 138634, Singapore
| | - Ching Eng Png
- A*STAR Institute of High Performance Computing, Electronics and Photonics, 1 Fusionopolis Way, #16-16, Connexis, 138632, Singapore
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Li D, Li L. Human Chemical Exposure from Background Emissions in the United States and the Implication for Quantifying Risks from Marginal Emission Increase. TOXICS 2021; 9:308. [PMID: 34822699 PMCID: PMC8621763 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9110308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The linear dose-response relationship has long been assumed in assessments of health risk from an incremental chemical emission relative to background emissions. In this study, we systematically examine the relevancy of such an assumption with real-world data. We used the reported emission data, as background emissions, from the 2017 U.S. National Emission Inventory for 95 organic chemicals to estimate the central tendencies of exposures of the general U.S. population. Previously published nonlinear dose-response relationships for chemicals were used to estimate health risk from exposure. We also explored and identified four intervals of exposure in which the nonlinear dose-response relationship may be linearly approximated with fixed slopes. Predicted rates of exposure to these 95 chemicals are all within the lowest of the four intervals and associated with low health risk. The health risk may be overestimated if a slope on the dose-response relationship extrapolated from toxicological assays based on high response rates is used for a marginal increase in emission not substantially higher than background emissions. To improve the confidence of human health risk estimates for chemicals, future efforts should focus on deriving a more accurate dose-response relationship at lower response rates and interface it with exposure assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Li Li
- Correspondence: (D.L.); (L.L.)
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Zheng G, Webster TF, Salamova A. Quaternary Ammonium Compounds: Bioaccumulation Potentials in Humans and Levels in Blood before and during the Covid-19 Pandemic. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:14689-14698. [PMID: 34662096 PMCID: PMC8547165 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c01654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are commonly used in a variety of consumer, pharmaceutical, and medical products. In this study, bioaccumulation potentials of 18 QACs with alkyl chain lengths of C8-C18 were determined in the in vitro-in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE) model using the results of human hepatic metabolism and serum protein binding experiments. The slowest in vivo clearance rates were estimated for C12-QACs, suggesting that these compounds may preferentially build up in blood. The bioaccumulation of QACs was further confirmed by the analysis of human blood (sera) samples (n = 222). Fifteen out of the 18 targeted QACs were detected in blood with the ΣQAC concentrations reaching up to 68.6 ng/mL. The blood samples were collected during two distinct time periods: before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic (2019; n = 111) and during the pandemic (2020, n = 111). The ΣQAC concentrations were significantly higher in samples collected during the pandemic (median 6.04 ng/mL) than in those collected before (median 3.41 ng/mL). This is the first comprehensive study on the bioaccumulation and biomonitoring of the three major QAC groups and our results provide valuable information for future epidemiological, toxicological, and risk assessment studies targeting these chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guomao Zheng
- O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, Bloomington 47405, United States
| | - Thomas F. Webster
- School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, United States
| | - Amina Salamova
- O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, Bloomington 47405, United States
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Sakarya FK, Haznedaroglu BZ, Tezel U. Biological removal of benzalkonium chlorides from wastewater by immobilized cells of Pseudomonas sp. BIOMIG1 in an up-flow packed bed reactor. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 418:126210. [PMID: 34102365 PMCID: PMC9757925 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are active ingredients of many disinfectants used against SARS-CoV-2 to control the transmission of the virus through human-contact surfaces. As a result, QAC consumption has increased more than twice during the pandemic. Consequently, the concentration of QACs in wastewater and receiving environments may increase. Due to their antimicrobial activity, high levels of QACs in wastewater may cause malfunctioning of biological treatment systems resulting in inadequate treatment of wastewater. In this study, a biocatalyst was produced by entrapping Pseudomonas sp. BIOMIG1 capable of degrading QACs in calcium alginate. Bioactive 3-mm alginate beads degraded benzalkonium chlorides (BACs), a group of QACs, with a rate of 0.47 µM-BACs/h in shake flasks. A bench-scale continuous up-flow reactor packed with BIOMIG1-beads was operated over one and a half months with either synthetic wastewater or secondary effluent containing 2-20 µM BACs at an empty bed contact time (EBCT) ranging between 0.6 and 4.7 h. Almost complete BAC removal was achieved from synthetic and real wastewater at and above 1.2 h EBCT without aeration and effluent recirculation. The microbial community in beads dominantly composed of BIOMIG1 with trace number of Achromobacter spp. after the operation of the reactor with the real wastewater, suggesting that BIOMIG1 over-competed native wastewater bacteria during the operation. This reactor system offers a low cost and robust treatment of QACs in wastewater. It can be integrated to conventional treatment systems for efficient removal of QACs from the wastewater, especially during the pandemic period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahri Koray Sakarya
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Bogazici University, Bebek, 34342 Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Ulas Tezel
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Bogazici University, Bebek, 34342 Istanbul, Turkey.
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Sobolik JS, Sajewski ET, Jaykus LA, Cooper DK, Lopman BA, Kraay ANM, Ryan PB, Guest JL, Webb-Girard A, Leon JS. Low risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission via fomite, even in cold-chain. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2021:2021.08.23.21262477. [PMID: 34462753 PMCID: PMC8404890 DOI: 10.1101/2021.08.23.21262477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Countries continue to debate the need for decontamination of cold-chain food packaging to reduce possible SARS-CoV-2 fomite transmission among workers. While laboratory-based studies demonstrate persistence of SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces, the likelihood of fomite-mediated transmission under real-life conditions is uncertain. METHODS Using a quantitative risk assessment model, we simulated in a frozen food packaging facility 1) SARS-CoV-2 fomite-mediated infection risks following worker exposure to contaminated plastic packaging; and 2) reductions in these risks attributed to masking, handwashing, and vaccination. FINDINGS In a representative facility with no specific interventions, SARS-CoV-2 infection risk to a susceptible worker from contact with contaminated packaging was 2·8 × 10 -3 per 1h-period (95%CI: 6·9 × 10 -6 , 2·4 × 10 -2 ). Implementation of standard infection control measures, handwashing and masks (9·4 × 10 -6 risk per 1h-period, 95%CI: 2·3 × 10 -8 , 8·1 × 10 -5 ), substantially reduced risk (99·7%). Vaccination of the susceptible worker (two doses Pfizer/Moderna, vaccine effectiveness: 86-99%) combined with handwashing and masking reduced risk to less than 1·0 × 10 -6 . Simulating increased infectiousness/transmissibility of new variants (2-, 10-fold viral shedding) among a fully vaccinated workforce, handwashing and masks continued to mitigate risk (2·0 × 10 -6 -1·1 × 10 -5 risk per 1h-period). Decontamination of packaging in addition to these interventions reduced infection risks to below the 1·0 × 10 -6 risk threshold. INTERPRETATION Fomite-mediated SARS-CoV-2 infection risks were very low under cold-chain conditions. Handwashing and masking provide significant protection to workers, especially when paired with vaccination. FUNDING U.S. Department of Agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia S. Sobolik
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA, 30322
| | | | - Lee-Ann Jaykus
- Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA, 27695
| | - D. Kane Cooper
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA, 30322
| | - Ben A. Lopman
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA, 30322
| | - Alicia NM. Kraay
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA, 30322
| | - P. Barry Ryan
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA, 30322
| | - Jodie L. Guest
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA, 30322
| | - Amy Webb-Girard
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA, 30322
| | - Juan S. Leon
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA, 30322
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Dewey HM, Jones JM, Keating MR, Budhathoki-Uprety J. Increased Use of Disinfectants During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Potential Impacts on Health and Safety. ACS CHEMICAL HEALTH & SAFETY 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.chas.1c00026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M. Dewey
- Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Jaron M. Jones
- Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Mike R. Keating
- Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Januka Budhathoki-Uprety
- Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
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Evaluating the Environmental Impacts of Personal Protective Equipment Use by the General Population during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study of Lombardy (Northern Italy). ENVIRONMENTS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/environments8040033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The diffusion of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) impacted the whole world, changing the life habits of billions of people. These changes caused an abundant increase in personal protective equipment (PPE, e.g., masks and gloves) use by the general population, which can become a concerning issue of plastic pollution. This study aims to evaluate the negative effects of the abundant PPE use following the COVID-19 diffusion using the test site of the Lombardy region, an area highly affected by the pandemic. Population data were retrieved from national databases, and the COVID-19 national guidelines were considered to estimate the total use of PPEs during 2020. Then, the quantity of waste derived from their use was evaluated based on the weight of PPEs. As well, possible scenarios for 2021 were proposed based on 2020 estimations. The results suggested different negative effects of the diffusion of PPEs both on waste management and on the environment: The abundant increase in PPEs-derived waste caused an increase in terms of costs for management, and the potential direct spreading in the environment of these materials (especially masks) poses a serious threat for an increase in microplastics in water bodies. Following this evaluation, a careful choice regarding COVID-19 measures of containment should be performed especially by the general population, avoiding contagion diffusion and reducing the possible environmental impact derived from disposable PPE use.
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Analysis of the Possibility of Disinfecting Surfaces Using Portable Foggers in the Era of the SARS-CoV-2 Epidemic. ENERGIES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/en14072019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has resulted in the need for increased surface disinfection. For this purpose, biocides, UV-C radiation, or ozonation can be used. The most commonly used are biocides that can be deposited on the surface with the use of various devices, including foggers. The disinfection efficiency is related to the size of the aerosol droplets formed and their distribution. This paper specifies the distribution of droplet diameters and mean droplet diameters obtained during the use of a commercial fogger. It was shown that the droplet diameters formed were mainly in the range of up to 30–40 μm. A ceramic filter allowed for a larger number of smaller droplets and a limitation in the number of droplets with larger diameters. The results are important in the context of fighting the virus in hard-to-reach places where battery devices can be used.
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