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Olufemi AC, Mji A, Mukhola MS. Potential Health Risks of Lead Exposure from Early Life through Later Life: Implications for Public Health Education. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph192316006. [PMID: 36498077 PMCID: PMC9741093 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192316006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) exposure has been a serious environmental and public health problem throughout the world over the years. The major sources of lead in the past were paint and gasoline before they were phased out due to its toxicity. Meanwhile, people continue to be exposed to lead from time to time through many other sources such as water, food, soil and air. Lead exposure from these sources could have detrimental effects on human health, especially in children. UNICEF reported that approximately 800 million children have blood lead levels (BLLs) at or above 5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL) globally. This paper reports on the potential risks of lead exposure from early life through later life. The articles used in this study were searched from databases such as Springer, Science Direct, Hindawi, MDPI, Google Scholar, PubMed and other academic databases. The levels of lead exposure in low income and middle-income countries (LMICs) and high-income countries (HICs) were reported, with the former being more affected. The intake of certain nutrients could play an essential role in reducing (e.g., calcium and iron) or increasing (e.g., high fat foods) lead absorption in children. Elevated blood lead levels may disturb the cells' biological metabolism by replacing beneficial ions in the body such as calcium, magnesium, iron and sodium. Once these ions are replaced by lead, they can lead to brain disorders, resulting in reduced IQ, learning difficulties, reduced attention span and some behavioral problems. Exposure to lead at an early age may lead to the development of more critical problems later in life. This is because exposure to this metal can be harmful even at low exposure levels and may have a lasting and irreversible effect on humans. Precautionary measures should be put in place to prevent future exposure. These will go a long way in safeguarding the health of everyone, most especially the young ones.
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Morakinyo OM, Mukhola MS, Mokgobu MI. Health Risk Analysis of Elemental Components of an Industrially Emitted Respirable Particulate Matter in an Urban Area. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:ijerph18073653. [PMID: 33915712 PMCID: PMC8036924 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Particulate matter of aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5) is a recognised carcinogen and a priority air pollutant owing to its respirable and toxic chemical components. There is a dearth of information in South Africa on cancer and non-cancer risks of exposure to heavy metal (HM) content of PM2.5. This study determined the seasonal concentration of HM in PM2.5 and the cancer and non-cancer risks of exposure to HM in PM2.5. Ambient PM2.5 was monitored and samples were collected during the winter and summer months in an industrialized area in South Africa. Concentration levels of nine HMs—As, Cu, Cd, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn—were determined in the PM2.5 samples using inductive coupled optical emission spectrophotometry. The non-cancer and cancer risks of each metal through the inhalation, ingestion and dermal routes were estimated using the Hazard Quotient and Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR), respectively, among infants, children, and adults. Mean concentration of each HM-bound PM2.5 was higher in winter than in summer. The probability of the HM to induce non-cancer effects was higher during winter than in summer. The mean ELCR for HMs in PM2.5 (5.24 × 10−2) was higher than the acceptable limit of 10−6 to 10−4. The carcinogenic risk from As, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb were higher than the acceptable limit for all age groups. The risk levels for the carcinogenic HMs followed the order: Cr > As > Cd > Ni > Pb. The findings indicated that the concentrations of HM in PM2.5 demonstrated a season-dependent pattern and could trigger cancer and non-cancer health risks. The formulation of a regulatory standard for HM in South Africa and its enforcement will help in reducing human exposure to HM-bound PM2.5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oyewale Mayowa Morakinyo
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; (M.S.M.); (M.I.M.)
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200284, Nigeria
- Correspondence:
| | - Murembiwa Stanley Mukhola
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; (M.S.M.); (M.I.M.)
| | - Matlou Ingrid Mokgobu
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; (M.S.M.); (M.I.M.)
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Morakinyo OM, Mukhola MS, Mokgobu MI. Concentration levels and carcinogenic and mutagenic risks of PM 2.5-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in an urban-industrial area in South Africa. Environ Geochem Health 2020; 42:2163-2178. [PMID: 31848784 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-019-00493-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Concerns over the health effects of exposure to particulate matter of aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) led the South African Government to establish the national standard for PM2.5 in the year 2012. However, there is currently no exposure limit for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and PM2.5-bound PAHs. The understanding of the concentration levels and potential health risks of exposure to PM2.5-bound PAHs is important in ensuring a suitable risk assessment and risk management plans. This study, therefore, determined the concentration levels and carcinogenic and mutagenic health risks of PM2.5-bound PAHs. A hundred and forty-four PM2.5 samples were collected over 4 months during the winter and summer seasons of 2016 in an industrial area. The concentrations of 16 PAHs were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and their carcinogenic and mutagenic risks were determined using the Human Health Risk Assessment model. The mean winter (38.20 ± 8.4 μg/m3) and summer (22.3 ± 4.1 μg/m3) concentrations of PM2.5 levels were lower than the stipulated 40 μg/m3 daily limit. The daily inhalation and ingestion exposure to PAHs for all age groups were higher than the daily exposure through the dermal contact. Children and adults are more likely to inhale and ingest PAHs in PM2.5 than infants. The excess cancer risk and excess mutagenic risk values were below the priority risk level (10-4). There is a potential risk of 1-8 per million persons developing cancer from exposure to benzo[a]anthracene, benzo[a]pyrene, indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene, and dibenz[a,h]anthracene over a lifetime of 70 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oyewale Mayowa Morakinyo
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa.
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
| | - Murembiwa Stanley Mukhola
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
| | - Matlou Ingrid Mokgobu
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
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Mokoena MM, Mukhola MS. Current Effects of Cyanobacteria Toxin in Water Sources and Containers in the Hartbeespoort Dam Area, South Africa. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2019; 16:ijerph16224468. [PMID: 31766304 PMCID: PMC6888198 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16224468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The study investigated the effects of cyanobacteria toxins such as microcystins in water sources and water stored in containers during its blooming and decaying seasons. Samples from water sources and containers near the Hartbeespoort Dam in South Africa were analysed using a microcystin ELIZA test kit. Microcystins were present in water sources used by the community, with an average of 4.3 μg/L in communal tap water and 4.8 μg/L in the water stored in tanks. The concentration of microcystins was lower in groundwater in the decaying season (0.38 μg/L) than in the blooming season (1.4 μg/L). Although microcystins were present in the storage containers, the average levels in all water samples were below the acceptable limit of 1 μg/L. The present study confirmed the presence of microcystins in the water storage containers. Therefore, it is suggested that water used for drinking from community water sources should be treated before storage to eliminate microcystins.
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Morakinyo OM, Mokgobu MI, Mukhola MS, Godobedzha T. Biological Composition of Respirable Particulate Matter in an Industrial Vicinity in South Africa. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2019; 16:ijerph16040629. [PMID: 30795513 PMCID: PMC6406656 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16040629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
There is a growing concern that exposure to particulate matter of aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5) with biological composition (bioaerosols) may play a key role in the prevalence of adverse health outcomes in humans. This study determined the bacterial and fungal concentrations in PM2.5 and their inhalation health risks in an industrial vicinity in South Africa. Samples of PM2.5 collected on a 47-mm glass fiber filter during winter and summer months were analysed for bacterial and fungal content using standard methods. The health risks from inhalation of bioaerosols were done by estimating the age-specific dose rate. The concentration of bacteria (168⁻378 CFU/m³) was higher than fungi (58⁻155 CFU/m³). Bacterial and fungal concentrations in PM2.5 were lower in winter than in the summer season. Bacteria identified in summer were similar to those identified in winter: Staphylococcus sp., Bacillus sp., Micrococcus sp., Flavobacterium sp., Klebsiella sp. and Pseudomonas sp. Moreover, the fungal floras identified include Cladosporium spp., Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., Fusarium spp. and Alternaria spp. Children inhaled a higher dose of bacterial and fungal aerosols than adults. Bacteria and fungi are part of the bioaerosol components of PM2.5. Bioaerosol exposure may present additional health risks for children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oyewale Mayowa Morakinyo
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa.
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200284, Nigeria.
| | - Matlou Ingrid Mokgobu
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa.
| | - Murembiwa Stanley Mukhola
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa.
| | - Tshifhiwa Godobedzha
- Air Quality Management, Environment and Agriculture Management Department, City of Tshwane Municipality Private Bag 440, Pretoria 0001, South Africa.
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Morakinyo OM, Mokgobu MI, Mukhola MS, Engelbrecht JC. Health risk assessment of exposure to ambient concentrations of benzene, toluene and xylene in Pretoria West, South Africa. African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/20421338.2017.1352123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Oyewale Mayowa Morakinyo
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa
| | - Matlou Ingrid Mokgobu
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa
| | - Murembiwa Stanley Mukhola
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa
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Mudau LS, Mukhola MS, Hunter PR. Cholera and household water treatment why communities do not treat water after a cholera outbreak: a case study in Limpopo Province. S Afr J Infect Dis 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/23120053.2016.1157951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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Morakinyo OM, Adebowale AS, Mokgobu MI, Mukhola MS. Health risk of inhalation exposure to sub-10 µm particulate matter and gaseous pollutants in an urban-industrial area in South Africa: an ecological study. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e013941. [PMID: 28289048 PMCID: PMC5353259 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-013941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Revised: 12/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the health risks associated with exposure to particulate matter (PM10), sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO) and ozone (O3). DESIGN The study is an ecological study that used the year 2014 hourly ambient pollution data. SETTING The study was conducted in an industrial area located in Pretoria West, South Africa. The area accommodates a coal-fired power station, metallurgical industries such as a coke plant and a manganese smelter. DATA AND METHOD Estimate of possible health risks from exposure to airborne PM10, SO2, NO2, CO and O3 was performed using the US Environmental Protection Agency human health risk assessment framework. A scenario-assessment approach where normal (average exposure) and worst-case (continuous exposure) scenarios were developed for intermediate (24-hour) and chronic (annual) exposure periods for different exposure groups (infants, children, adults). The normal acute (1-hour) exposure to these pollutants was also determined. OUTCOME MEASURES Presence or absence of adverse health effects from exposure to airborne pollutants. RESULTS Average annual ambient concentration of PM10, NO2 and SO2 recorded was 48.3±43.4, 11.50±11.6 and 18.68±25.4 µg/m3, respectively, whereas the South African National Ambient Air Quality recommended 40, 40 and 50 µg/m3 for PM10, NO2 and SO2, respectively. Exposure to an hour's concentration of NO2, SO2, CO and O3, an 8-hour concentration of CO and O3, and a 24-hour concentration of PM10, NO2 and SO2 will not likely produce adverse effects to sensitive exposed groups. However, infants and children, rather than adults, are more likely to be affected. Moreover, for chronic annual exposure, PM10, NO2 and SO2 posed a health risk to sensitive individuals, with the severity of risk varying across exposed groups. CONCLUSIONS Long-term chronic exposure to airborne PM10, NO2 and SO2 pollutants may result in health risks among the study population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oyewale Mayowa Morakinyo
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Ayo Stephen Adebowale
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Matlou Ingrid Mokgobu
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Murembiwa Stanley Mukhola
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa
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Morakinyo OM, Mokgobu MI, Mukhola MS, Hunter RP. Health Outcomes of Exposure to Biological and Chemical Components of Inhalable and Respirable Particulate Matter. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2016; 13:ijerph13060592. [PMID: 27314370 PMCID: PMC4924049 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13060592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Revised: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Particulate matter (PM) is a key indicator of air pollution and a significant risk factor for adverse health outcomes in humans. PM is not a self-contained pollutant but a mixture of different compounds including chemical and biological fractions. While several reviews have focused on the chemical components of PM and associated health effects, there is a dearth of review studies that holistically examine the role of biological and chemical components of inhalable and respirable PM in disease causation. A literature search using various search engines and (or) keywords was done. Articles selected for review were chosen following predefined criteria, to extract and analyze data. The results show that the biological and chemical components of inhalable and respirable PM play a significant role in the burden of health effects attributed to PM. These health outcomes include low birth weight, emergency room visit, hospital admission, respiratory and pulmonary diseases, cardiovascular disease, cancer, non-communicable diseases, and premature death, among others. This review justifies the importance of each or synergistic effects of the biological and chemical constituents of PM on health. It also provides information that informs policy on the establishment of exposure limits for PM composition metrics rather than the existing exposure limits of the total mass of PM. This will allow for more effective management strategies for improving outdoor air quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oyewale Mayowa Morakinyo
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa.
| | - Matlou Ingrid Mokgobu
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa.
| | - Murembiwa Stanley Mukhola
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa.
| | - Raymond Paul Hunter
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa.
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Mukhola MS, Mokgobu MI, Aucamp AJ. The role of environmental health officers in primary health care. S Afr Med J 1998; 88:1-778. [PMID: 20593616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023] Open
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