Wyniki wyszukiwania - Biblioteka Nauki

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Assessment of the health risk associated with exposure to heavy metals present in particulate matter deposition in the Małopolska Province

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Wieczorek J. , Baran A. , Pawlik E. , Mądro I. , Gąsienica A. , Wojtaszek I. , Antonkiewicz J.

Geology, Geophysics and Environment

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2021

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tom Vol. 47, no. 2

95--107

EN

The aim of the study was to investigate the content of trace elements in deposited particulate matter and to estimate the health risk to Kraków inhabitants, caused by the exposure to heavy metals in particulate matter deposition. The qualitative and quantitative assessments of selected heavy metals in deposited particulate matter have been carried out in the city of Kraków (Małopolska, southern Poland, 5 measuring points) for seven months, between February and September 2017. A comparative study was conducted at the same time in Małopolska (5 measuring points). The deposited particulate matter was collected gravitationally, using measurement plates covered with aluminum foil and paraffin jelly. The largest deposition of particulate matter was found in May and June. The highest amount of deposited particulate matter and metals present in it was determined in Kraków. The Hazard Quotient (HQ) evaluation for non-carcinogenic effect showed low risk for each metal. In the case of lead in particulate matter, the carcinogenic risk value did not reach 10−6 hence this risk is acceptable. The total carcinogenic risk for all routes of exposure to cadmium was higher, indicating the risk of cancer in children and adults, with children more exposed. However, the carcinogenic risk for cadmium was also acceptable. The study showed that the problem of poor air quality concerns not only the city of Kraków, but also the entire Małopolska region. Elevated metal concentrations in particulate matter indicate the need for monitoring it in the air.

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Analysis of Field Data for Risk Assessment of Vapor Intrusion at a Trichloroethylene-Contaminated Site – A Case Study in Taiwan

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Fen C.-S. , Zhuang Y.-L. , Lee Y.-C. , Lin Y. L. , Huang Y. , Lee S.-A.

Journal of Ecological Engineering

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2023

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tom Vol. 24, nr 12

112--123

EN

The potential risks of vapor intrusion (VI) can arise from low bulk soil contaminant concentration existing in shallow soils beneath a building foundation. To assess VI risks for such a contamination scenario, a comprehensive study was conducted on a factory building located at a trichloroethylene (TCE)-contaminated site. This study involved the integration of various types of field data, including groundwater, bulk soil, soil gas and indoor air data, along with the utilization of the Vapor Intrusion Screening Level (VISL) calculator. Previously observed high TCE concentrations in soil gas are attributed to accumulation of TCE vapor within the unsaturated soil beneath the building floor, since ground surface is extensively paved at this site. These soil gas data do not directly correlate with the magnitudes of bulk soil and/or groundwater TCE concentration with the linear adsorption model. Soil gas TCE concentration exceeding 107 μg/m3 (or bulk soil concentration exceeding 18.9 mg/kg) observed in shallow soils (at a depth of less than 1 m ) may pose health risk to the workers inside the building due to VI, as we have detected TCE vapor concentrations exceeding indoor air screening level several times in the past. This bulk soil TCE concentration, however, falls below soil pollution control standards for TCE, i.e., 60 mg/kg, in Taiwan. As a result, soil remediation is not considered at this site. Soil gas TCE concentrations have reduced to less than 106 μg/m3 after two years of groundwater remediation work at this site. However, we have observed significantly higher soil gas TCE levels at a depth of 0.5 m compared to other depths. This discrepancy raises suspicions that an amount of TCE may still be trapped within the shallow soils that are not reached by groundwater table.

3

Assessment of the Health Risk Related to Air Pollution in Selected Polish Health Resorts

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Sówka I. , Kobus D. , Skotak K. , Zathey M. , Merenda B. , Paciorek M.

Journal of Ecological Engineering

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2019

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tom Vol. 20, nr 10

132--145

EN

The article discusses the tools used for air quality management in the health resorts in Poland including legal instruments, documents and activities at the regional and local level with an example of formal and legal activities, such as the so-called anti-smog resolution to limit the emission of air pollutants from the municipal and housing sectors and thus minimize the risk related to air pollution. The issue of pollution emission resulting from the spatial conditions, including spatial planning, was also indicated. The analysis of the results pertaining to the PM10 measurements from 2017–2018 available for the resorts in Lower Silesia with reference to selected resorts in other regions of Poland and the health risk assessment according to the concentration-response functions for the PM-based on longand short-term relative risk estimates derived from epidemiological studies were conducted. The exposure assessment was based on the available mathematical modelling results for the PM10 and PM2.5 concentration distributions, which was performed using the CALPUFF model for 2017. In the case of average risk indicators, the obtained values indicated that the values (for all the stays and areas of all zones (total A, B and C) peaked for the Cieplice Śląskie-Zdrój health resort (over 1.1% per annum) and were lowest for Czerniawa and Świeradów-Zdrój (about 0.7%). The highest relative risk indicators in 2017 were observed for cardiovascular diseases for the first two stays in January / February (for the Cieplice Śląskie-Zdrój health resort – over 5%) and for both December stays (over 2.5%). In other health resorts, the risk indicators were significantly lower. The lowest health risk indicators were observed in July, regardless of the location of the health resort and the analysed health effect (rarely exceeding 0.3%). The scale of risk in this case was much higher compared to the short-term risk.

4

Heavy metal concentration and potential health risk assessment for the European eel (Anguilla anguilla, Linnaeus 1758) from the Gediz Delta (Eastern Aegean, Türkiye)

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Taş E. Ç. , Başaran A. , Sunlu U. , Salman A.

Oceanological and Hydrobiological Studies

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2024

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tom Vol. 53, No. 2

144--152

EN

The present paper is the first document on heavy metal levels in the European eel (Anguilla anguilla) collected from the Gediz Delta in the Eastern Aegean (Türkiye). In this study, concentrations of Cd, Cu, Zn and Pb were determined in the liver, gills, and muscle tissues of A. anguilla eels. Sixty dead eels were obtained between June 2015 and January 2016, and their total size and weight were measured. Heavy metal accumulation levels in edible muscle tissue of the eels were compared with national and international standards, and Estimated Weekly Intake (EWI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), and Total Target Hazard Quotient (Σ THQ) were calculated. It was determined that metal concentration levels in A. anguilla follow the sequence of Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd. Zn has the highest concentration in all sampling periods and in all tissue types. It was found that Σ THQ was below 1 and amounted to 0.41. This result shows that there is no carcinogenic risk associated with the consumption of A. anguilla in adults.

5

Contamination and health risk assessment of potentially toxic elements in soils of different kinds of land use in Lithuania

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Valskys V. , Ignatavičius G. , Wołkowicz S. , Satkūnas J. , Hassan H. R.

Geological Quarterly

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2023

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tom Vol. 67, No. 3

art. no. 29

EN

Using the case of five different kinds of land use from different territories of Lithuania, this study assesses the level of contamination and human health risk assessment of arsenic (As), and heavy metals (HMs) such as cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and chromium (Cr) in the surface soil of the study areas. Geo-accumulation index (Igeo) analysis indicated that heavy Cd contamination occurred in agricultural territory (AT), while for As, no contamination to mild contamination occurred in all territories. For living territory (LT), green territory (GT) and technical territory (TT), Igeo readings for Cu showed no pollution to moderate pollution, while there was no pollution for natural territory (NT) and AT. For AT, there is no contamination from Zn or Cr. By contrast, Igeo values for Zn and Cu represent minimal to no pollution in the remaining territories. As in LT and Cd in AT, two of the HMs discovered, were deemed to be of medium risk, whereas other components fell into the permitted range. Among three different routes to exposure, it was discovered that the ingestion pathway was the main health risk. The Hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) values for As, Cd, Cu, Zn, and Cr were lower than the suggested limit (HI = 1), indicating minimal non-carcinogenic risk to inhabitants in the study regions. The carcinogenic risk values for As (1.12E-04 children), Cd (2.20E-04 children), and Cr (2.35E-04 children) in AT pose a risk to children's health when ingested. The GT's carcinogenic readings for Cr (1.02 E+00 adult), put adults at risk of developing cancer, whereas As (1.89E-04) and Cr (2.28E-04) in LT put children at risk of cancer and for TT, both adults and children were at risk due to Cr's higher carcinogenic values (1.93E-04 for adults and 5.21E-04 for children).

6

Environmental Health Hazards of the Demolition of the 'Siechnice' Smelter Slag Heap

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Łukasik P. , Wróbel M. , Stojanowska A. , Zeynalli F. , Rybak J.

Ecological Engineering & Environmental Technology

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2021

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tom Vol. 22, iss. 4

74--85

EN

The activities of smelters are often responsible for emitting pollution, especially PTEs, which are known to have a negative impact on the environment. Hence, the areas with active or past smelter activities are now of great concern. Following this idea, the analysis of the soil samples from the area nearby post-metallurgic waste dump, which is a remnant of the smelter where ferrochrome was produced, was performed. The samples were analyzed in terms of metal concentrations (Zn, Cu, Pb, Fe, Cr) and only the concentrations of Pb did not exceed the limit value for soil. Calculations of the exposure doses for each of these metals were also presented, considering different routes of exposure. Additionally, Hazard Quotient (HQ), Hazard Index (HI), and excessive risk of cancer development (ECR) were calculated, which helped to estimate the health risk.

7

Evaluating Groundwater Potability and Health Risks from Nitrates in the Semi-Arid Region of Algeria

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Houari I. M. , Bouselsal B. , Lakhdari A. S.

Ecological Engineering & Environmental Technology

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2024

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tom Vol. 25, iss. 6

220--233

EN

In the semi-arid region of Ain Ouassera, Algeria, groundwater from the lower cretaceous aquifer (LC) serves as an essential resource for drinking and various other requirements. This study focuses on evaluating the suitability of water for domestic use and examining the non-carcinogenic health risks associated with consuming water containing high levels of nitrates. To explore these dimensions, the research utilizes the water quality index (WQI) method and the health risk assessment (HRA) model as formulated by the USEPA. The findings categorized the groundwater quality predominantly as “poor” for consumption purposes, with nitrate concentrations ranging from 14 to 112 mg/L, where 40% of the samples exceeded the World Health Organization’s (WHO) permissible limit (> 50 mg/L). Furthermore, the health risk analysis indicated that 76.67% of the samples for children and 70% for adults surpass the safety thresholds (QH > 1), signifying a significant risk to the local population. The study also uncovered that the hydrochemical characteristics of the groundwater reflect a mixed composition (CaMgCl) and that mineralization is mainly attributed to the dissolution of carbonates, sulfates, and halite, alongside inverse ion exchange processes and anthropogenic influences. These findings underscore the urgent need for improved groundwater management measures and risk mitigation strategies in the Ain Ouassera region.

8

Health Risk Assessment of Swimming Pool Users from the Effects of Legionella Spp. Contamination of Water

88%

Zimoch I. , Paciej J.

Journal of Ecological Engineering

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2020

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tom Vol. 21, nr 2

178--189

EN

One of the main problems in the scope of public health is poor identification of the waterborne diseases and their etiology. One of the aims of the new directive concerning the quality of water intended for human consumption is to implement the principles of hazard assessment in water supply systems (WSS) in the member states, on the basis of water quality monitoring and analyses of the system functioning conditions. The implementation of risk management procedures in WSSs is to ensure an increase in the water supply safety and, in turn, protect the consumer’s health against the harmful effects of any potable water contamination. At present, the secondary legislation to the Polish acts implementing the Directive of the Council of Europe is the Regulation of the Minister of Health on the quality of water intended for human consumption, which also sets forth the scope of monitoring the quality of hot water for Legionella spp., which can be an etiological factor of legionellosis. Another act regulating the water quality in terms of Legionella spp. is the Regulation of the Minister of Health on water quality in swimming pools. These acts, referring to the parameter of Legionella spp., are complementary. This paper presents the results of evaluating the change in the sanitary status of hot water quality in terms of contamination with Legionella spp. bacteria in the selected swimming pool facilities in southern Poland (Silesian Voivodship). On the basis of the available water quality test from state inspections (Chief Sanitary Inspectorate), an analysis of the microbiological quality of hot water in swimming pools was conducted. The analyses included a spatial distribution of those facilities, which results from the regionalisation subject to the territorially competent public health authority exercising supervision over the water quality in the Silesian Voivodship. The methods were presented for determination of the health risk of swimming pool users as a result of contamination of swimming pool water with Legionella spp. in relation to the availability of a given recreation facility. The final result of these studies is the use of GIS (Geographic Information System) tools in spatial risk interpretation.

9

Metal pollution status and health risk assessment of beach sediments along the Mersin coast, Turkey

88%

Özbay Ö. , Akçay I.

Oceanological and Hydrobiological Studies

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2023

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tom Vol. 52, No. 4

461--470

EN

In the present study, the ecological risk assessment of metal contamination in beach sediments along the Mersin coast was determined using the metal contents of beach sediments in Mersin, Kızkalesi, Susanoğlu and Taşucu region obtained between 2006 and 2009. Furthermore, the potential health risk assessment for ingestion and dermal contact pathways of adults and children was determined. Ecological risk assessment of heavy metals showed that there is no pollution in the beach sediments for the metals Cu, Pb and Zn for the all studied coasts. However, the high ecological risk indices calculated in this study strongly suggested an apparent Cd, Cr and Ni pollution in the studied beach sediments due to natural and anthropogenic contamination. Study findings indicated the HI values were greater than 1 for the metal Cr. The TCR values were higher than 1.00E-04 for the metals Cr and Ni calculated for adults, and for the metal Cu, Cr and Ni calculated for children, respectively. All these findings showed that there is a high carcinogenic risk for adults and children resident in the Mersin province from carcinogenic Cr and Ni whilst the studied coasts have additional health risks to children from carcinogenic Cu.

10

Integrated approach to quality indices and health risk assessment of water in the Bahr Yusuf Canal, Fayoum, Egypt

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Hassouna M. E. M. , Goher M. E. , El-Sayed S. M. , Hassan R. A. A. A.

Oceanological and Hydrobiological Studies

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2019

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tom Vol. 48, No. 4

337--354

EN

The Bahr Yusuf Canal is the life artery of the Fayoum Province, which provides the province with two thirds of the freshwater quota from the Nile River. The present work was carried out to assess the suitability of water in the Bahr Yusuf Canal for various purposes and to assess the potential health risk associated with metal content. The results showed that the water quality of Bahr Yusuf was classified as poor and very poor for recreational use according to the Oregon WQI. On the other hand, the Aquatic Toxicity Index indicated the suitability of water for all fish species. The Canadian WQI and the Weighted Arithmetic WQI classified the canal water as good (WQI = 92), fair (WQI = 73) & marginal (WQI = 64) and excellent, poor to good & good to excellent for irrigation, drinking and aquatic life, respectively. Despite the significant contamination of water with heavy metals (as indicated by the Heavy Pollution Index, ranging from 104.44 to 206.32, from 16.81 to 38.48 and from 219.07 to 472.24 μg l−1), the Hazard Quotient (HQ) and the Hazard Index (HI) data indicate that water of Bahr Yusuf does not pose a human health risk through ingestion or dermal contact. In general, the study showed that water in the Bahr Yusuf Canal is characterized by different levels of pollution, which requires rapid and critical intervention by responsible authorities to prevent the discharge of different types of waste and further deterioration of the water quality during the lifetime of the channel and its subsequent rehabilitation.

11

GIS and Index-Based Methods for Assessing the Human Health Risk and Characterizing the Groundwater Quality of a Coastal Aquifer

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Foufou A. , Haied N. , Azlaoui M. , Khadri S. , Boussaid A. , Kechiched R.

Ecological Engineering & Environmental Technology

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2023

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tom Vol. 24, iss. 8

36--53

EN

The massive dune aquifer of Bouteldja is one of the most exploited aquifers in Algeria; as a result, its piezometric level has declined. Such pressure on the dune aquifer, in addition to its moderate-to-severe vulnerability to pollution, may lead to deterioration of groundwater quality. This study is intended to assess the quality of aquifer groundwater for drinking, irrigation and industrial purposes, and also to evaluate health risks. To this end, we analyzed data of 16 physicochemical parameters collected from 25 groundwater samples. Using the Durov diagram, principal component analysis (PCA), and Pearson’s correlation matrix, we found that most major ions show similar origins related to ion exchange and the proximity of the sea. Our results showed that, overall, the groundwater intended for drinking purposes was of good or excellent quality over most the aquifer, where the majority of wells are located. However, the groundwater is mostly unsuitable for irrigation purposes according to the Kelly index (KI), percentage of sodium (Na %), magnesium hazard (MH), and irrigation water quality index (IWQI). Further, calculations of corrosivity ratios (CRs) indicated that the groundwater is unsuitable for industrial uses. Finally, a health risk assessment of iron heavy metal related to the hazard index (HI) for both ingestion and dermal exposure in children and adults showed negligible-to-low risk from iron exposure.

12

Consideration on the health risk reduction related to attainment of the new particulate matter standards in Poland: A top-down policy risk assessment approach

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Kobza J. , Pastuszka J. S. , Gulis G.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2015

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tom 29

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nr 1

1-14

EN

Policies can influence health of a population in various ways. Numerous epidemiological studies supported by toxicological investigations demonstrate a positive association between ambient concentrations of airborne particulate matter and increased adverse cardio-respiratory events, including morbidity and mortality. The aim of this paper was to present the concept of the top-down health policy risk assessment approach model developed to estimate the expected health risk reduction associated with policy aiming at attaining the new particulate matter ≤ 10 μm in diameter (PM 10) standards in Poland. The top-down approach guides the analysis of causal chains from the policy to health outcomes. In this case study we tried to estimate the predicted health effects of the policy change over the past 20 years. Since Polish annual standard for PM 10 changed from 50 μg/m³ in 1990 to 40 μg/m³ in 2010, we calculated the relative risk associated with decreasing PM 10 in diameter to 10 μg/m³ in the annual level of PM 10 for 6 adverse health effects. The relative risk slightly decreased for almost all adverse health effects, which means that the relative decrease in the incidence of health effects from the baseline incidence should range from about 0.5–0.6% for heart disease admissions to > 1% for respiratory admissions. The obtained results indicate that implementation of the new ambient air standards could influence improvement of the health status of Polish population. A top-down policy health risk assessment model can be one of the main tools in this process, providing harmonized guidance how to seek evidence-based information, which could serve policy-makers.

13

Chemical incidents resulted in hazardous substances releases in the context of human health hazards

75%

Pałaszewska-Tkacz A. , Czerczak S. , Konieczko K.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2017

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tom 30

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nr 1

95-110

EN

Objectives The research purpose was to analyze data concerning chemical incidents in Poland collected in 1999–2009 in terms of health hazards. Material and Methods The data was obtained, using multimodal information technology (IT) system, from chemical incidents reports prepared by rescuers at the scene. The final analysis covered sudden events associated with uncontrolled release of hazardous chemical substances or mixtures, which may potentially lead to human exposure. Releases of unidentified substances where emergency services took action to protect human health or environment were also included. Results The number of analyzed chemical incidents in 1999–2009 was 2930 with more than 200 different substances released. The substances were classified into 13 groups of substances and mixtures posing analogous risks. Most common releases were connected with non-flammable corrosive liquids, including: hydrochloric acid (199 cases), sulfuric(VI) acid (131 cases), sodium and potassium hydroxides (69 cases), ammonia solution (52 cases) and butyric acid (32 cases). The next group were gases hazardous only due to physico-chemical properties, including: extremely flammable propane-butane (249 cases) and methane (79 cases). There was no statistically significant trend associated with the total number of incidents. Only with the number of incidents with flammable corrosive, toxic and/or harmful liquids, the regression analysis revealed a statistically significant downward trend. The number of victims reported was 1997, including 1092 children and 18 fatalities. Conclusions The number of people injured, number of incidents and the high 9th place of Poland in terms of the number of Seveso establishments, and 4 times higher number of hazardous industrial establishments not covered by the Seveso Directive justify the need for systematic analysis of hazards and their proper identification. It is advisable enhance health risk assessment, both qualitative and quantitative, by slight modification of the data collection system so as to enable the determination of released chemical concentration and exposed populations. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2017;30(1):95–110

14

Completing a worksite health risk assessment correlates with continuing employment, lower health care costs and utilization

75%

Merrill R. M. , Aldana S. G.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2022

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tom 35

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nr 4

449-457

EN

ObjectivesCompanies that understand the collective health risks of their employees, as well as worker productivity as it relates to health risks can provide more effective and necessary interventions. Health Risk Assessments (HRAs) are an important source of information for understanding overall health risks of a company’s employees. However, HRA data tend to represent only a subset of employees, thereby providing employers an incomplete picture of employee health risks. The current study identifies the representativeness of those completing a worksite HRA by selected demographics, health care costs, and health risks in a large US company.Material and MethodsA retrospective analysis of employees in a large US company during 2017–2019, with statistically significant results reported, adjusted for sex, age, and year.ResultsThe percentage of employees completing the HRA increased from 23.9% in 2017 to 28.4% in 2018 to 32.3% in 2019. These employees were more likely women, middle aged, have lower health care costs, remain employed from year to year, and have better health behaviors and biometric scores. If all employees looked like employees completing the HRA, total medical costs would be 17% lower. If all employees looked like employees completing the HRA who had a health perception rating (1–10 [excellent]) of 7–8 (57.4%) or 9–10 (25.2%) vs. 1–6, total medical costs would be 21.9% and 25.6% lower, respectively.ConclusionsA minority of employees completed the worksite HRA. Basing overall employee health risks on the HRA underestimates health risks and can result in a poorly representative health intervention program.

15

Clustering and Classification based real time analysis of health monitoring and risk assessment in Wireless Body Sensor Networks

75%

Alameen A. , Gupta A.

Bio-Algorithms and Med-Systems

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2019

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tom Vol. 15, no. 4

art. no. 20190016

EN

Wireless body sensor networks (WBSNs) play a vital role in monitoring the health conditions of patients and are a low-cost solution for dealing with several healthcare applications. However, processing a large amount of data and making feasible decisions in emergency cases are the major challenges attributed to WBSNs. Thus, this paper addresses these challenges by designing a deep learning approach for health risk assessment by proposing fractional cat based salp swarm algorithm (FCSSA). At first, the WBSN nodes are utilized for sensing data from patient health records to acquire certain parameters for making the assessment. Based on the obtained parameters, WBSN nodes transmit the data to the target node. Here, the hybrid harmony search algorithm and particle swarm optimization (hybrid HSA-PSO) is used for determining the optimal cluster head. Then, the results produced by the hybrid HSA-PSO are given to the target node, in which the deep belief network (DBN) is used for classifying the health records for the health risk assessment. Here, the DBN is trained using the proposed FCSSA, which is developed by integrating fractional cat swarm optimization (FCSO) and salp swarm algorithm (SSA) for initiating the classification. The proposed FCSSA-based DBN shows better performance using metrics, namely accuracy, energy, and throughput with values 94.604, 0.145, and 0.058, respectively.

16

Potential Human Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Road Dusts Collected From Three Urban Roads of Enugu State, Nigeria

75%

Nnamani A. R. , Nduka J. K. , Ukamaka A. A.

World News of Natural Sciences

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2024

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tom 54

83-101

EN

Dust samples from roads classified based on traffic volumes (low, medium and high traffic) were collected from three different urban roads in Enugu South LGA, Enugu State, Nigeria followed by assessment of human health risks of each heavy metals. The concentrations of heavy metals in road dust were determined using computerized Agilent FS240AA Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The heavy metal concentrations were dominated by Fe and Mn with mean concentration of 247.03 mg/kg and 26.43 mg/kg respectively. Other dominant elements were Cu and K with mean concentrations of 121.85 mg/kg and 73.39 mg/kg, respectively. The results revealed that the highest heavy metals in road are highest in industrial road site and commercial road while the dust from residential area has the lowest heavy metal concentration. Contrary to most metals detected, mercury (Hg) shows no detection. The health risk assessment through ingestion, dermal and inhalation contact was conducted according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (USEPA) model for children and adults. The assessment of health risk indicated that there were mainly three exposure pathways for people: ingestion, dermal contact and inhalation. The main exposure pathway of heavy metals to both children and adults is ingestion. The values of HQ and HI are lower than the safe level (HI< 1), indicating no health risk exists in present condition. The cancer risk (CR) for children and adults from exposure to Pb, As, Ni, and Cr was found to be negligible (≤ 1 × 10−6). Meanwhile, the HI value for children is higher than that for adults, indicating that children have higher potential health risk than adults in the studied areas in Enugu state.

17

Assessment of inhalational exposure of residents of Wroclaw, Krakow and Warszawa to benzo[a]pyrene

75%

Pachurka Ł. , Gruszecka-Kosowska A. , Kobus D. , Sówka I.

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2018

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tom Vol. 25, nr 1

39--49

EN

Burning of fossil fuels and biomass, transport and industry are the main sources of PAH (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) in the atmosphere. Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is also a compound identified in cigarette smoke. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has qualified benzo[a]pyrene for compounds with proven carcinogenic effects on humans. The target value for benzo[a]pyrene, taking into account health protection purposes, is defined in the Regulation of the Minister of the Environment on the levels of certain substances in the air and it is annual average concentration 1 ng/m3. The aim of the study was to carry out a cancer risk assessment for residents of Wroclaw, Krakow and Warszawa related to inhalation exposure to benzo[a]pyrene in ambient air. The methodology employed by the American Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) was used in the study. The lifetime exposure of adults and children was assumed. The results of measurements carried out at the air monitoring stations under the State Environmental Monitoring by the Regional Inspectorates for Environmental Protection (RIEP) in Wroclaw, Krakow and Warszawa in the years 2014–2016 were used. The average concentration of BaP in the years 2014–2016 was 3.84, 6.31 and 2.19 ng/m3 for Wroclaw, Krakow and Warszawa respectively. The calculations show that the highest risk of cancer was obtained for the inhabitants of Krakow: 1.54 ∙ 10-5 children, 7.52 ∙ 10-6 women, 6.30 ∙ 10-6 men. The estimated cancer risk was higher for Krakow residents than for Wroclaw (1.01 ∙ 10-5 children, 4.94 ∙ 10-6 women, 3.82 ∙ 10-6 men) and Warszawa, where these indicators were the lowest (children: 5.34 ∙ 10-6, women: 2.61 ∙ 10-6, men: 2.19 ∙ 10-6). Children are the group most exposed to the risk of cancer associated with BaP in the air among the examined subpopulations.

PL

Źródłami WWA (wielopierścieniowe węglowodory aromatyczne) do atmosfery są m.in. transport, przemysł oraz spalanie paliw kopalnych. Benzo[a]piren jest także związkiem identyfikowanym w dymie papierosowym. Międzynarodowa Agencja Badań nad Rakiem (IARC) zakwalifikowała benzo[a]piren do związków o udowodnionym działaniu rakotwórczym na człowieka. Dopuszczalne stężenie benzo[a]piren ze względu na ochronę zdrowia określono w Rozporządzeniu Ministra Środowiska w sprawie poziomów niektórych substancji w powietrzu i wynosi ono 1 ng/m3. Celem pracy było przeprowadzenie oceny ryzyka nowotworowego dla mieszkańców Wrocławia, Krakowa i Warszawy związanego z narażeniem inhalacyjnym na benzo[a]piren w powietrzu atmosferycznym. W pracy zastosowano metodykę Amerykańskiej Agencji Ochrony Środowiska (US EPA). W badaniach założono narażenie całożyciowe osoby dorosłej oraz dziecka. W pracy wykorzystano wyniki pomiarów przeprowadzanych w ramach Państwowego Monitoringu Środowiska przez Wojewódzkie Inspektoraty Ochrony Środowiska (WIOŚ) we Wrocławiu, Krakowie oraz w Warszawie w latach 2014–2016. Średnia wartość stężenia B[a]P w latach 2014–2016 wyniosła dla Wrocławia, Krakowa i Warszawy odpowiednio: 3,84, 6,31 i 2,19 ng/m3. Z przeprowadzonych obliczeń wynika, iż najwyższą wartość ryzyka nowotworowego otrzymano dla mieszkańców Krakowa: dzieci: 1,54 ∙ 10-5, kobiety: 7,52 ∙ 10-6, mężczyżni: 6,30 ∙ 10-6. Wyznaczone wartości ryzyka nowotworowego były wyższe dla mieszkańców Krakowa niż Wrocławia (dzieci: 1,01 ∙ 10-5, kobiety: 4,94 ∙ 10-6, mężczyżni: 3,82 ∙ 10-6) i Warszawy, gdzie wyznaczone wartości ryzyka były niższe (dzieci: 5,34 ∙ 10-6, kobiety: 2,61 ∙ 10-6, mężczyżni: 2,19 ∙ 10-6). Wśród badanych populacji najbardziej narażone na ryzyko nowotworowe związane z obecnością B[a]P w powietrzu są dzieci.

18

Contamination of the Šar Mountains Aquatorium – Kosovo with Depleted Uranium

75%

Stanojević N. Z. , Đokić J. V. , Lazarević Đ. R. , Nikezić D. P. , Osmokrović P. V.

Rocznik Ochrona Środowiska

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2023

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tom Tom 25

1--8

EN

The main objective of this study was to estimate the environmental and health risk of the Šar Mountains (Kosovo) for depleted uranium contamination. The risk assessment of the contamination is needed since, in the spring of 1999, conflict with bombarding took place in the territory of the Western Balkans, during which depleted uranium ammunition was used. In Serbia and Montenegro, such tests were performed; based on them, some territories were decontaminated. Šar Mountains is particularly important as it is one of the few water-rich areas in Kosovo. Therefore, soil and water samples were taken from characteristic places in the Šar Mountains aquatorium. Tests of the samples were performed under well-controlled conditions. The measurement uncertainty was less than 5%. Based on the obtained results, it was concluded that there was no contamination of the Šar Mountains with depleted uranium. This conclusion can be extended to the broader area around the Šar Mountains, as it is a safe area surrounded by high mountains

19

Monitoring surface contamination for thirty antineoplastic drugs: a new proposal for surface exposure levels (SELs)

75%

Dugheri S. , Mucci N. , Bucaletti E. , Squillaci D. , Cappelli G. , Trevisani L. , Bonari A. , Cecchi M. , Mini E. , Ghiori A. , Tognoni D. , Berti N. , Alderighi F. , Li Vigni N. , Orlandi I. , Arcangeli G.

Medycyna Pracy

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2022

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tom 73

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nr 5

383-396

EN

Background Chemotherapy drugs are widely used to treat cancer, but their active compounds represent a danger for workers who could be exposed to them. However, they aren’t yet included in directive CE No. 1272/2008 and the European Biosafety Network has only recommended a limit value of 100 pg/cm2 for surface contamination. Thus, it is crucial to assess surface contaminations in healthcare environments. Currently, the technique of choice is surface wipe test combined with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry to achieve high sensibility. Material and Methods A campaign involving Careggi University Hospital (Florence, Italy) was performed from January 2020 to December 2021, collecting 1449 wipe samples between administration units, preparation unit, and personnel gloves. From the obtained data, the 90th percentile was calculated for 30 antiblastic drugs and proposed as surface exposure levels (SELs); while from data concerning personnel glove contamination, weekly contamination was estimated. Results In the 2-year period only 417 wipe samples were found positive (28.8%), the majority of which regard samples coming from administration unit bathrooms. The proposed SELs are almost all <100 pg/cm2, except for few drugs which produce higher contamination on bathroom surfaces. Also, the estimation of pharmacy personnel’s glove contamination highlighted very low results (ng/week). Conclusions Deeply established protocols and procedures for safe handling of ADs allow for obtaining excellent cleaning results and thus a safer work environment, however, the risk of cytostatic contaminations cannot be avoided in healthcare workplaces, and thus a harmonization of classification and labeling of chemotherapy drugs throughout the European Union should be done.

20

What is at risk? – an environmental health risk assessment related with pharmaceutical substances in drinking water

63%

Czernych R. , Wrotkowska M. , Muszyńska A. , Wolska L. , Zagożdżon P.

Challenges of Modern Technology

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2016

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tom Vol. 7, no. 2

14--20

EN

Constantly increasing rate of drugs’ consumption can be related with environmental abundance of drug substances and their degradation products. Unused and used drugs are often discharged into municipal wastewaters or landfills. Wastewater treatment plants are not able to remove the entire load of drugs. Especially those which occur occasionally or at very low concentrations. Therefore, a variety of pharmaceuticals occur in surface and drinking water sources. A chronic low-level exposure to drugs occurring in a water environment can cause: antibiotic resistance, allergic reactions (eg. Penicillin), cause carcinogenesis (oxytetracycline, furazolidone), nephropathy (gentamicin) and have a negative impact on the natural human intestinal microflora. Therefore, it is not an easy task to assess a common human health effects related with chronic exposure to low doses of active pharmaceutical substances. Nonetheless, such knowledge seems essential in order to undertake preventive actions that would substantially decrease the level of health risk.