There is a lack of specific regulations in Saudi Arabia governing the use of potentially hazardous compounds, such as parabens, in skincare products (SCPs). This study analyzed 111 feminine SCPs used in Saudi Arabia for the presence of selected parabens [namely methylparaben (MeP), ethylparaben (EtP), and propylparaben (PrP)] to assess their health risks. These parabens were highly prevalent in the examined SCPs; MeP was the most common, followed by PrP. However, we noted that ≈14% of the products were paraben-free. Nine products contained MeP, EtP, and PrP in concentrations exceeding the European Union Regulation 1223/2009 limits. The estimated daily paraben intake via dermal exposure was calculated. The combined maximum estimated daily intake (EDI) for MeP and EtP was remarkably lower than the acceptable daily intake (ADI) limit set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA); however, PrP levels in 23% of the products exceeded the recommended ADI limit. Although the average hazard index (HI) was below the safety threshold, 26 products had a HI > 1, indicating a potential health risk primarily due to PrP. The margin of exposure (MOE) values calculated for these parabens did not reach the safety benchmark set by the EFSA. In conclusion, MeP and EtP in the tested SCPs pose a relatively low health risk; however, the PrP content of many of these products raises concerns, especially considering the cumulative exposure to multiple parabens. This study underscores the need to monitor and regulate the use of parabens in SCPs to ensure consumer safety.
This study investigated the presence of organophosphate pesticides (OPPs) in fifty herbal mixture samples obtained from major towns in Bayelsa, Nigeria, to evaluate their safety. OPPs were quantified using a gas chromatograph (GC) coupled with a mass-selective detector after solvent extraction. The results showed that all fifty herbal mixtures contained detectable levels of OPPs, with detection frequencies for individual OPP congeners ranging from 52% for pyraclofos to 90% for diazinon, the most frequently detected congener. At least three OPPs were detected in each sample. Total OPP concentrations varied from 3.80 to 48.0 ng·L-1, 4.50 to 51.6 ng·g-1, and 2.96 to 18.1 ng·g-1 in liquid, powder, and capsule herbal mixtures, respectively. These concentrations were below the maximum residue limits (MRLs) set by the European Pharmacopeia. Computed hazard index (HI) values were generally < 1, indicating no significant non-carcinogenic risk associated with the ingestion of these herbal mixtures. The contribution of individual OPP congeners to the HI followed the order: O-ethyl O-4-nitrophenyl phenylphosphonothioate (EPN) > diazinon > pirimiphos-methyl > quinalphos > chlorpyrifos > chlorpyrifos-methyl. This study underscores the need for continuous monitoring and the application of rigorous scientific standards to herbal mixtures to ensure consumer safety.
In the context of global warming, biomass energy is gaining popularity due to its perceived carbon neutrality. However, the pollutants emitted during biomass combustion and the associated human health concerns are often overlooked. The increased frequency of heatwaves and wildfires contributes significantly to carbon dioxide and particulate matter (PM) emissions, posing substantial risks to public health. Furthermore, the greening of high-latitude regions as a result of global warming has increased the availability of biomass for local use. However, incomplete combustion of this biomass can lead to indoor air pollution and heightened health risks. Additionally, more frequent cold waves increase the demand for space heating, leading to increased household biomass burning, which raises exposure risks, especially in low- and middle-income countries. It is, therefore, essential to focus on human exposure risks associated with biomass burning, particularly from pathways not typically emphasized in the context of global warming.
This perspective presents first-hand research insights into the pervasive environmental distribution of neonicotinoid insecticides (NEOs) and their consequent human exposure. Our findings reveal widespread NEO detection across human biological matrices, indicating potential health risks and highlighting critical gaps in current risk assessment paradigms. We identify an urgent need for longitudinal epidemiological studies, particularly focusing on vulnerable populations, to comprehensively assess NEO-related health outcomes. These scientific insights should inform evidence-based policy reforms and risk management strategies to effectively protect both public health and environmental integrity.
Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are common environmental pollutants. OCPs are detected in human tissues. Many studies have found that OCPs are associated with thyroid diseases, but the specific effects of OCPs on thyroid disease are not clear. We measured and analyzed the concentration of OCPs in the serum of individuals with thyroid disorders. The main components of OCPs in the serum of individuals with thyroid disorders were p,p’-DDE, β-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), and hexachlorobenzene (HCB). However, the concentration levels of endosulfan I and o,p’-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) showed a tendency to be higher in young adults. In addition, the appearance of thyroid cancer lymph node metastasis also showed a trend of younger age. The serum concentrations of endosulfan I and o,p’-DDT were higher in patients without signs of lymph node metastasis cancer than in individuals diagnosed with thyroid cancer without cancer spread to the lymph nodes. The scratch healing assay showed that endosulfan I and o,p’-DDT-treated experimental group had faster scratch wound healing, which indicated that endosulfan I and o,p’-DDT could promote the enhancement of the migration ability of the thyroid cancer cells, and similar results were obtained by the Transwell migration assay. This study suggests that endosulfan I and o,p’-DDT can promote lymph node metastasis of thyroid cancer.
In recent years, air pollution exposure assessment models have experienced significant advancements, particularly in integrating advanced technologies. However, the intrinsic deficiency of the geostatistical model in existing studies restricted further development of the air pollution exposure model. In this perspective, we summarized several emerging technologies that can overcome the limitations and estimate air pollution exposures with high spatial and temporal resolutions. As these technologies evolve, they are expected to play an increasingly significant role in improving public health and managing environmental challenges.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widespread in the atmosphere and pose significant health risks. While China’s Clean Air Actions have effectively reduced atmospheric PAH concentrations, the effects of these measures on health risks associated with PAH exposure remain unclear. This study analyzed the temporal trends in the health risks of 15 PAHs in Harbin, China, from June 2014 to May 2019, focusing on benzo[a]pyrene toxicity equivalents (BaPeq) and cancer risks (CR). Over five years, the concentrations of total, particle, and gas-phase ΣBaPeq decreased, with halving times of 3.80 ± 1.34, 3.80 ± 1.34, and 2.71 ± 2.67 years, respectively. Unlike the steady decline in total PAH concentrations, BaPeq showed an increase followed by a peak in the third year before decreasing. CR values for inhalation and dermal exposure also declined but remained above the safety threshold of 1 × 10-6 for all age groups, indicating potential cancer risks. Multiple linear regression showed only 38% of BaPeq reduction was due to emissions control, compared to 65% for total PAHs, as highly toxic PAHs were less affected. These findings emphasize the need for targeted actions on highly toxic PAHs in the future.
As a typical class of novel organic pollutants, tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) analogs have been widely detected in various environmental matrices. Several toxicological studies have highlighted that the accumulation of pollutants is the basis for assessing their ecological effects and potential risks. However, the bioaccumulation and trophic transfer of TBBPA analogs in marine food webs are not fully understood. This study selected the most important coral reef islands in the South China Sea as the study area to investigate the bioaccumulation patterns and trophic transfer characteristics of TBBPA analogs within the tropical marine food web. TBBPA, tetrabromobisphenol S (TBBPS), TBBPA bis(2-hydroxyethyl ether) (TBBPA-BHEE), and TBBPA bis(glycidyl ether) (TBBPA-BGE) are prevalent in water, sediment, and organisms around the Xisha Islands. The concentrations of these compounds varied significantly among species (P < 0.05), with notably higher concentrations of ∑TBBPA analogs observed in invertebrates than in fish. Moreover, the Log BAFs of TBBPA, TBBPS, and TBBPA-BHEE were all lower than 3.30, whereas TBBPA-BGE exhibited high bioaccumulation potential in some species. The concentrations of TBBPA, TBBPS, TBBPA-BHEE, and TBBPA-BGE in organisms were significantly negatively correlated with trophic level (P < 0.05), indicating pronounced trophic dilution effects throughout the food web. In addition, hydrophobicity and metabolism were found to be important factors affecting the bioaccumulation of TBBPA analogs. The results revealed that dietary exposure to seafood poses no significant health risks to the local population.
Rapid industrial growth and urban expansion have exacerbated the pollution of coastal beach sediments with heavy metals (HMs), particularly in developing countries such as Bangladesh, where the persistence and toxicity of these pollutants pose significant environmental and human health risks. Thus, this study investigated the contamination of HMs (Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Cd, Pb) to evaluate their associated risks at Kolatoli Beach, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Additionally, sediment texture analysis was performed to assess grain size distribution, which influences the mobility of these metals. The ecological risk (ER) was assessed through multiple indices, including the geo-accumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), ecological risk, and potential ecological risk index (PERI). Moreover, human health risk assessment (HHRA) was conducted for children and adults to determine non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks (CRs) through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal exposure. The sediment was predominantly sandy (93.72%), with lower clay (0%-2.51%) and silt (3.77%-6.28%) contents. The mean HM concentration in the sediment samples followed the descending order of Fe > Mn > Cu > Zn > Pb > Cd. The Igeo, CF, and PLI values indicated anthropogenic Cu and Pb accumulation in beach sediments, while Zn, Mn, and Fe remained at background levels. The PERI values ranged from 29.24 to 42.37, categorizing all samples under the ‘low ER’ classification (PERI < 150), though Pb and Cu had higher ER values. The overall hazard index (HI) values were below 1 for both age groups, indicating no significant non-carcinogenic risk (NCR). Total carcinogenic risk (TCR) values (5.99 × 10-6 for children, 3.99 × 10-6 for adults) remained within safe limits, though children posed higher CR. The statistical analyses revealed that HM contaminations were influenced by multiple factors. Overall, the study showed low to moderate HM contamination in the beach sediments, with tolerable ecological and human health risks.