Perspectives on trace chemical safety and chemophobia: risk communication and risk management

A geo-gender-based analysis of human health: The presence of cut flower farms can attenuate pesticide exposure in African communities, with women being the most vulnerable

Background

The rapid expansion of the cut flower industry in Africa has led to pervasive use and potential exposure of pesticides, raising concerns for local communities. Whether the risks associated with pesticide applications are localised or have broader implications remains unclear.

Methods

We measured biomarkers of real and perceived pesticide exposure in two Kenyan communities: Naivasha, where the cut flower industry is present, and Mogotio, where the cut flower industry is absent. We measured real exposure by the percentage of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition and perceived exposure by assessing hair cortisol levels, a biomarker of stress. Additionally, we conducted a demographic survey to evaluate the health and socioeconomic status of participants, as well as their perceptions of pesticide risks associated with the cut flower industry.

Results

Perceived pesticide exposure was more common in Naivasha (n = 36, 56%) compared to Mogotio (n = 0, 0%), according to community surveys. However, Mogotio residents had significantly higher mean hair cortisol levels (mean (x̄) = 790 ng/g, standard deviation (SD) = 233) and percentage of AChE inhibition (x̄ = 28.5%, SD = 7.3) compared to Naivasha residents, who had lower mean hair cortisol levels (x̄ = 548 ng/g, SD = 187) and percentage of AChE inhibition (x̄ = 14.5%, SD = 10.1). Location (proximity to cut flower farms) and gender were significant factors influencing pesticide exposure, with individuals living outside the cut flower industrial complexes being at higher risk. Women in both communities were the most vulnerable demographic, showing significantly higher mean hair cortisol levels (x̄ = 646 ng/g, SD = 267.4) and percentage of AChE inhibition (x̄ = 22.5%, SD = 12.4) compared to men hair cortisol levels (x̄ = 558.2 ng/g, SD = 208.2) and percentage of AChE inhibition (x̄ = 10.4%, SD = 13.1).

Conclusions

A heightened awareness of the potential risks of pesticide exposure was widespread within cut flower industrial complexes. This may have led to a reduction in exposure of both workers and non-workers living within or close to these complexes. In contrast, communities living outside these complexes showed higher levels of exposure, possibly due to limited chemical awareness and a lack of precautionary measures. Despite this contrast between communities, women remained the most vulnerable members, likely due to their socioeconomic roles in African society. Monitoring women's pesticide exposure is crucial for providing an early warning system for community exposure.

Hydrogen sulfide and its potential as a possible therapeutic agent in male reproduction

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenously produced signaling molecule that belongs to the group of gasotransmitters along with nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO). H2S plays a pivotal role in male reproductive processes. It is produced in various tissues and cells of the male reproductive system, including testicular tissue, Leydig and Sertoli cells, epididymis, seminal plasma, prostate, penile tissues, and sperm cells. This review aims to summarize the knowledge about the presence and effects of H2S in male reproductive tissues and outline possible therapeutic strategies in pathological conditions related to male fertility, e. g. spermatogenetic disorders and erectile dysfunction (ED). For instance, H2S supports spermatogenesis by maintaining the integrity of the blood-testicular barrier (BTB), stimulating testosterone production, and providing cytoprotective effects. In spermatozoa, H2S modulates sperm motility, promotes sperm maturation, capacitation, and acrosome reaction, and has significant cytoprotective effects. Given its vasorelaxant effects, it supports the erection of penile tissue. These findings suggest the importance and therapeutic potential of H2S in male reproduction, paving the way for further research and potential clinical applications.

Comparative study of two indoor microbial volatile pollutants, 2-Methyl-1-butanol and 3-Methyl-1-butanol, on growth and antioxidant system of rice (Oryza sativa) seedlings

2-Methyl-1-butanol (2MB) and 3-Methyl-1-butanol (3MB) are microbial volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and found in indoor air. Here, we applied rice as a bioindicator to investigate the effects of these indoor microbial volatile pollutants. A remarkable decrease in germination percentage, shoot and root elongation, as well as lateral root numbers were observed in 3MB. Furthermore, ROS production increased by 2MB and 3MB, suggesting that pentanol isomers could induce cytotoxicity in rice seedlings. The enhancement of peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activity provided evidence that pentanol isomers activated the enzymatic antioxidant scavenging systems, with a more significant effect observed in 3MB. Furthermore, 3MB induced higher activity levels of glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and the GSH/GSSG ratio in rice compared to the levels induced by 2MB. Additionally, qRT-PCR analysis showed more up-regulation in the expression of glutaredoxins (GRXs), peroxiredoxins (PRXs), thioredoxins (TRXs), and glutathione S-transferases (GSTUs) genes in 3MB. Taking the impacts of pentanol isomers together, the present study suggests that 3MB exhibits more cytotoxic than 2MB, as such has critical effects on germination and the early seedling stage of rice. Our results provide molecular insights into how isomeric indoor microbial volatile pollutants affect plant growth through airborne signals.

ORAİBİ H. Health Risk Assessment of Some Heavy Metals in Lipsticks Sold in Local Markets in Iraq

Heavy metals found in cosmetics are a safety threat to the health of consumers. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the levels of heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and arsenic (As) in lipstick makeup. The level of heavy metals in lipstick was discovered by using an analytical technique with high selectivity and sensitivity, namely atomic absorption spectrometry. Twenty lipsticks were selected from the same brands, yet differing in price. Ten original (expensive) and ten knockoff (cheap) lipsticks were chosen from shops in Diyala, Iraq. The detection-limit (LOD) was in between 0.01 and 0.1, the quantification-limit (LOQ) was within 0.03 and 0.33, the recovery values (Rec.%) ranged from 100.17% to 101.1%, the RE values were 0.81%, and the RSD values were 1.33%. The results also revealed that the levels of metals are in the order of Pb > Cd > Zn > Cu > As > Cr. However, the levels of heavy metals that were estimated in this study were less than the permissible limit set by the executive authorities, so there seems to be no concern associated with these heavy metals. However, the daily and frequent use of lipstick by women exposes them to low levels of toxic metals as these metals accumulate over time and pose adverse effects on the health of the users. The results of the hazard quotient (HQ) and health risk index (HI) indicate there was no harmful effect on human health related to heavy metals present in lipstick. Whereas the results of the biological activity of the samples indicated that there was no bacterial growth in expensive samples, cheap samples were contaminated with some types of organisms; this indicates poor quality.

Effect of fungal indoor air pollutant 1-octen-3-ol on levels of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide as well as dehydrogenases activities in drosophila melanogaster males

Fungal pollution of indoor environments contributes to several allergic symptoms and represents a public health problem. It is well-established that 1-octen-3-ol, also known as mushroom alcohol, is a fungal volatile organic compound (VOC) commonly found in damp indoor spaces and responsible for the typical musty odor. Previously it was reported that exposure to 1-octen-3-ol induced inflammations and disrupted mitochondrial morphology and bioenergetic rate in Drosophila melanogaster. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of 1-octen-3-ol on dehydrogenase activity, apoptotic biomarkers, levels of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as antioxidant enzymes activities. D. melanogaster flies were exposed to an atmosphere containing 1-octen-3-ol (2.5 or ∞l/L) for 24 hr. Data demonstrated that 1-octen-3-ol decreased dehydrogenases activity and NO levels but increased ROS levels accompanied by stimulation of glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities without altering caspase 3/7 activation. These findings indicate that adverse mitochondrial activity effects following exposure of D. melanogaster to 1-octen-3-ol, a fungal VOC, may be attributed to oxidant stress. The underlying mechanisms involved in adverse consequences of indoor fungal exposure appear to be related to necrotic but not apoptotic mechanisms. The adverse consequences were sex-dependent with males displaying higher sensitivity to 1-octen-3-ol. Based upon on the fact that the fly genome shares nearly 75% of disease-related genes to human exposure to this fungus may explain the adverse human responses to mold especially for males.

Re-imagining Priorities for Chemistry: A Central Science for "Freedom from Fear and Want"

Human security, defined as "freedom from want and fear and freedom to live in dignity", provides an overarching concept to address threats to human security dimensions such as health, food, economics, the environment and sustainable development, while placing the individual at the centre of attention. Chemistry is central to addressing these challenges, but surprisingly its role and contributions to human security have hitherto not been explicitly set out. This article situates chemistry in the human security framework, highlighting areas where chemistry knowledge, methods and products are vital. It underscores three complementary facets: 1) chemistry contributes to many dimensions of human security, but needs to do much more in the light of oncoming global challenges; 2) the human security framing illuminates areas where chemistry itself needs to adapt to contribute better, by intensification of current approaches and/or by building or strengthening chemistry tools, skills and competencies; and 3) repositioning as central to human security affords chemistry a powerful opportunity to refresh itself as a science for the benefit of society-and it will need to engage more directly and dynamically at the interface of science, society and policy in order to do so.

Risk assessment of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) detected in sanitary pads

Disposable sanitary pads are a necessity for women's health, but safety concerns regarding the use of these products have created anxiety. The aim of this study was to conduct a risk assessment of 74 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which were expected to be contained within sanitary pads. Of the 74 VOCs, 50 were found in sanitary pads retailed in Korea at concentrations ranging from 0.025 to 3548.09 µg/pad. In order to undertake a risk assessment of the VOCs, the toxicological database of these compounds in the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), National Toxicology Program (NTP) and World Health Organization (WHO) was searched. Ethanol was found to exhibit the highest reference dose (RfD) while 1,2-dibromo-3-chloro-propane displayed the lowest RfD. Consequently, a worst-case exposure scenario was applied in this study. It was assumed that there was the use of 7.5 sanitary napkins/day for 7 days/month. In the case of panty liners or overnight sanitary napkins, the utilization of 90 panty liners/month or 21 overnight sanitary napkins/month was assumed, respectively. In addition, 43 kg, the body weight of 12 to 13-year-old young women, and 100% VOCs skin absorption were employed for risk assessment. The systemic exposure dose (SED) values were calculated ranging from 1.74 (1,1,2-trichloroethane) ng/kg/day to 144.4 (ethanol, absolute) µg/kg/day. Uncertainty factors (UFs) were applied ranging from 10 to 100,000 in accordance with the robustness of animal or human experiments. The margin of exposure (MOE) of 34 VOCs was more than 1 (acceptable MOE > 1). Applicable carcinogenic references reported that the cancer risk of five VOCs was below 10^-6. Based on our findings, evidence indicates that the non-cancer and cancer risks associated with VOCs detected in sanitary pads currently used in South Korea do not pose an adverse health risk in women.

Risk assessment of lithium-ion battery explosion: chemical leakages

Use of lithium-ion batteries has raised safety issues owing to chemical leakages, overcharging, external heating, or explosions. A risk assessment was conducted for hydrofluoric acid (HF) and lithium hydroxide (LiOH) which potential might leak from lithium-ion batteries. The inhalation no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) for HF was 0.75 mg/kg/d. When a lithium-ion battery explodes in a limited space, HF emissions amount to 10-100 ppm. Assuming the worst-case scenario, the conversion rate was calculated to be 81.8 mg/m³, and the average daily dose (ADD) was 19.5 mg/kg/d. Consequently, the margin of exposure (MOE = NOAEL/ADD) was 0.034, a value which constitutes an unsafe inhalation exposure for HF. Conversely, skin toxicity NOAEL for LiOH was 41.35 mg/kg/d^-. This LiOH value reflects the amount of lithium in the lithium-ion battery, which is generated upon contact between water and the electrolyte. The quantity of lithium in a mobile phone is approximately 295 mg, and systemic exposure dose (SED) was 4.92 mg/kg/d. Accordingly, the MOE (NOAEL/SED) value was 8.41, and skin exposure of LiOH was deemed as safe for humans. However, it is important that Energy Storage System batteries still require safety measures and technologies for next-generation batteries, to prevent any potential explosions of lithium-ion batteries.