Risk Assessment of Human Exposure to 2-Methylnaphthalene, Phenanthrene and Didodecylphthalate via Consumption of Shrimps (Macrobrachium vollenhovenii) from Qua Iboe River Estuary, South-South Nigeria

Ibeno, one of the major oil producing communities in South-South Nigeria is a coastal commercial fishery hub that houses Axon-Mobil operational base and pharmaceutical/plastic industries. Shrimp species (Macrobrachium vollenhovenii) is a major aquatic food frequently consumed by inhabitants of the coastal area and those living hinterland, thus, being a major route of human exposure to 2-methylnaphthalene, phenanthrene and didodecyl phthalate in the area. The purpose of the study was to evaluate factors that determine bioaccumulation and assess the potential cancer and non-cancer risk posed by these contaminants through human (adult and children) exposure via shrimp’s consumption using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. The associated sediment showed higher mean concentrations of 2-methylnaphthalene, phenanthrene and didodecylphthalate at the two sites relative to those in fresh shrimp samples and factors such as size, lipid content, physicochemical property and environmental condition influenced the uptake of these contaminants. Besides water loss, the traditional drying process enhanced the levels of phenanthrene and didodecylphthalate in dry shrimps most likely due to combustion process and relatively low volatility, respectively and lowered the level of 2-methylnapthalene linked to its relatively high volatility. The potential of cancer and non-cancer development in human were highest via dry large shrimp consumption and followed the sequence: dry small shrimp > fresh large shrimp > fresh small shrimp and were within the USEPA reference standards. Although children were more vulnerable, the exposed individuals may not exhibit notable health-associated adverse effects in the near future. Thus, adequate advocacy is needed to sensitize those living in the catchments who often prefer dry shrimp in their meals on the adverse health implications of these contaminants for their survival and the need to maintain the health of the ecosystem.

Biomarkers of Human Exposure to Carcinogens: An Overview

Environmental, occupational, or dietary exposure to certain chemicals has been shown to be associated with carcinogenesis in humans. In the 18th century, for example, Percival Pott (1775) noted a high incidence of scrotal cancer in chimney sweeps, which he attributed to their exposure to soot and a concomitant lack of bathing. Subsequent epidemiological studies have identified a number of additional carcinogenic agents, including aromatic amine-based dyes (Case et al., 1954), cigarette smoke (Wynder and Graham, 1950), asbestos (Doll, 1955), vinyl chloride (Creech and

Evaluating human exposure to antibiotic resistance genes

Antibiotic resistance is an escalating global concern,leading to millions of annual fatalities.Antibiotic resistance genes(ARGs)present in bacteria equip them to withstand the effects of antibiotics.Intra-and interspecific ARGs transmission through horizontal gene transfer further exacerbates resistance dissemination.The presence of ARGs in the environment heightens the probability of human exposure via direct inhalation,ingestion,or contact with polluted air,food,or water,posing substantial biosafety and health hazards.Consequently,ARGs represent a critical focal point in public health and environmental safety and are classified as emerging contaminants.This perspective underscores the necessity to assess ARG exposure within the One Health framework and to accord greater attention to the mitigation strategies and tactics associated with ARGs.

A review of sources, pathways, and toxic effects of human exposure to benzophenone ultraviolet light filters

Benzophenone ultraviolet light filters(BPs)are high-production-volume chemicals extensively used in personal care products,leading to widespread human exposure.Given their estrogenic properties,the potential health risks associated with exposure to BPs have become a public health concern.This review aims to summarize sources and pathways of exposure to BPs and associated health risks.Dermal exposure,primarily through the use of sunscreens,constitutes a major pathway for BP exposure.At a recommended application rate,dermal exposure of BP-3 via the application of sunscreens may reach or exceed the suggested reference dose.Other exposure pathways to BPs,such as drinking water,seafood,and packaged foods,contribute minimal to the overall dose.Inhalation is a minor pathway of exposure;however,its contribution cannot be ignored.Human exposure to BPs is an order of magnitude higher in North America than in Asia and Europe.Studies conducted on laboratory animals and cells have consistently demonstrated the toxic effects of BP exposure.BPs are estrogenic and elicit reproductive and developmental toxicities.Furthermore,neurotoxicity,hepatotoxicity,nephrotoxicity,and carcinogenicity have been reported from chronic BP exposure.In addition to animal and cell studies,epidemiological investigations have identified associations between BPs and couples'fecundity and other reproductive disorders,as well as adverse birth outcomes.Further studies are urgently needed to understand the risks posed by BPs on human health.

Convenient Self-Heating Instant Food Causes Significant Increasing Human Exposure to Organophosphate Esters

The self-heating lunch box(SHLB)is a kind of popular instant food in China,yet little is known about the associated chemical release risk during its heating process.In this study,we investigated organophosphate esters(OPEs)in original unheated food(UF),SHLB-heated processed food(HF)and potential OPE release from SHLB packaging materials.Significantly higher concentrations of OPEs were observed in HF(267±246 ng/g dry weight(dw))than in UF(163±211 ng/g dw)(p<0.001),suggesting an introduction of additional OPEs during heating processes.Tris(2-chloroethyl)phosphate,triethyl phosphate,and tris(2-chloroisopropyl)phosphate exhibited the highest absolute increased amounts,with 137,48.8,and 149%growth in HF than in UF,respectively.Migration testing revealed that packaging materials were rich in OPEs and can release considerable OPEs into food simulates(range,14.7-90.8 ng/g;mean,47.9±21.8).Influencing factors(temperature,contact time,oily food)on OPE migration from packaging materials to food were assessed.Higher temperature and longer contact time increased OPE contents in food simulates.Moreover,the presence of abundant OPEs in UF and significant correlations among different OPEs(p<0.05)suggested contamination happened during food processing and storage.With one SHLB meal a day,a 12-fold increase of OPE intake was observed for humans compared to those following a traditional dietary habit.In the high-exposure(95th percentile)scenario,hazard quotients of nine OPEs ranged from 0.00005 to 0.05.Our results suggested that the SHLB exposure pathway of OPEs should be particularly paid attention to in specific subpopulations that prefer this dietary habit.

Occurrence of Human Exposure to Benzothiazoles and Benzotriazoles in Indoor Dust in Suizhou and Beijing,China

Benzothiazoles(BTHs)and benzotriazoles(BTRs)are an important group of industrial chemicals.Due to large scale and long-term applications,they have been released to various environmental media,including indoor dust,and subsequently elicited a variety of toxic effects.In this study,the concentrations and composition profiles of BTHs and BTRs in indoor dust from Suizhou and Beijing,China,were investigated.The median concentrations ofΣ_(6)BTHs in indoor dust samples from Suizhou and Beijing were 133 and 439 ng/g dw,respectively,whereas theΣ5BTRs concentrations from Suizhou and Beijing were 28.4 and 40.1 ng/g dw,respectively(dw=dry weight).BTH,2-OH-BTH,1-H-BTR,and 5-Me-1-H-BTR were the predominant compounds in the dust.Human exposure to such chemicals was further evaluated.The intake for the population in Suizhou(0.163–0.939 ng/kg bw/day)and Beijing(0.0347–0.200 ng/kg bw/day)was minor(bw=body weight).The obtained results in this study will be able to add insight into human exposure to BTHs and BTRs.This study will help to identify the behavior and fate of BTHs and BTRs in the environment,and thus to scientifically assess their risk of exposure.

STUDY ON HUMAN EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT TO INDOOR/OUTDOOR AIR POLLUTANTS

The environmental air quality is one of the important problems of people′s concern. The study on human exposure to air pollutants provides an important basis for the nuprorement of human health effects. The questionnaire about time activity patterns includes questions about time spent in the houses, personal activities, indoor combustion sources, information about hobbies, (e.g. smoking), home repairing and decorating materials, and personal product use and so on. The questionnaire was conducted with 662 respondents over 16 years of age in Tianjin, China from fall 1995 to summer 1996. The results of the investigation show that 84% of people′s activities happen indoors, and 58% in family. The field researches of air pollutants monitoring of the most important air pollutants either indoors or outdoors, including carbon monoxide (CO), formaldehyde (HCHO), inhaled particulate (IR), and Benzpyrene(Bap), were carried out in winter and summer from 1995 to 1996. The results of the study on human exposure to four selected air pollutants show that indoor sources and their air pollution cause relatively high exposure in the total air pollution exposures. For example, only the exposure indoors at home is 71.0%,60.3%, 69.4% and 74.0% respectively for CO, HCHO, IR and Bap in the total air pollution exposure.

Regulating wildlife conservation and food safety to prevent human exposure to novel virus

Epidemiological investigation suggested that the current outbreak of COVID-19 virus was associated with a seafood market,and COVID-19 has been identified a probable bat origin.Similar to SARS event in 2003,such a zoonotic disease showed an animal-to-person and even more serious person-to-person spread,and posed a significant threat to the global health and socio-economic development.We analyzed the association of both outbreaks with wildlife diet in China and proposed suggestions for regulating wildlife conservation and food safety to prevent human exposure to the novel virus,including increasing social awareness of hazards in eating wild animals,strengthening legislation on eating and trading of wild animals,improving the standards for food safety,and establishing market supervision mechanism.Regulatory intervention is not only critical for China but also for other countries where wildlife hunting is prevalent to prevent from novel virus exposures.

Occurrence,seasonal variation and human exposure to pharmaceuticals and personal care products in surface water,groundwater and drinking water in Lagos State,Nigeria

The occurrence of 28 pharmaceuticals and personal care products(PPCPs)was investigated in 17 surface water samples(rivers,canals,and lagoons),12 groundwater samples(wells and boreholes,which can also be consumed for drinking)and 8 drinking water samples(bottles and sachets)during dry and rainy seasons in Lagos state,Nigeria.The most prevalent compound detected in all samples was amoxicillin(an antibiotic)at median concentrations of 1614,238 and 358 ng/L in surface water,ground water and drinking water,respectively.This is of concern due to potential impact on development of antibioticresistant microbial strains.Other frequently-detected compounds include acetaminophen,nicotine,ibuprofen,and codeine with detection frequencies of more than 70%.Investigation of seasonal variability revealed that glyburide,caffeine,naproxen and diclofenac concentrations were significantly(P<0.05)higher during the dry season(winter),while Nicotine and Codeine levels were higher during the rainy season(summer).The factors influencing such seasonal variability include:dilution by extensive rainfall,agricultural activity(for nicotine)and usage patterns of pharmaceuticals among the local community.Measured concentrations in drinking water samples were used to assess inadvertent human exposure to PPCPs in Nigerian adults.Results revealed average daily exposures of 81,14 and 3 ngƩPPCPs/kg BW/day via drinking borehole,sachet water and bottled water,respectively.While there exists no health-based limit value(HBLV)for chronic exposure to mixtures of PPCPs,our results raise concern and warrant further investigation of the potential health implications of such unintended PPCPs exposure.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers and“novel”brominated flame retardants in floor and elevated surface house dust from Iraq:Implications for human exposure assessment

Concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers(PBDEs)and selected novel brominated flame retardants(NBFRs)were measured in indoor dust from the living areas of 18 homes in Basrah,Iraq.This is the first report of contamination of the Iraqi environment with these chemicals.To evaluate the implications for human exposure,samples were collected from both the floor and from elevated surfaces like tables,shelves and chairs.When normalised for the organic carbon content of the dust sample,concentrations in elevated surface dust of BDE-99,BDE-209,pentabromoethylbenzene(PBEB),bis(2-ethylhexyl)3,4,5,6-tetrabromophthalate(BEH-TEBP),and decabromodiphenylethane(DBDPE)exceeded significantly(p<0.05)those in floor dust from the same rooms.This suggests that previous studies that base estimates of adult exposure via dust ingestion on floor dust,may underestimate exposure.Such underestimation is less likely for toddlers who are far more likely to ingest floor dust.Concentrations of PBDEs and NBFRs in indoor dust from Basrah,Iraq are at the lower end of levels reported elsewhere.The PBDE contamination pattern in our samples suggests that use in Iraq of the Deca-BDE formulation,exceeds substantially that of Penta-BDE,but that use of the Octa-BDE formulation has been higher in Iraq than in some other regions.Reassuringly,our estimates of exposure to our target BFRs via dust ingestion for the Iraqi population fall well below the relevant health-based limit values.

Organophosphate esters in indoor and outdoor dust from Iraq:Implications for human exposure

Concentrations of 6 organophosphate esters(OPEs)were determined in 60 indoor(ID)and outdoor(OD)dust samples collected from 20 homes from Basrah,Iraq.From each home,two ID samples were collected,one from elevated surfaces(ESD)and one from the floor(FD)of the living room;while the OD samples were collected from the front yard of the same house.Total S6OPEs concentrations in dust samples ranged between 681 and 17900 ng/g with median concentrations of 5950,3590 and 1550 ng/g in ESD,FD and OD samples,respectively.Chlorinated OPEs were the most abundant compounds,contributing mean percentages of 88%,85%and 78%toΣ_(6)OPEs in ESD,FD and OD,respectively,with tris(1-chloro-2-propyl)phosphate(TCIPP)dominant.Concentrations of our target OPEs in ESD significantly exceeded those in FD(p<0.05)for tris(2-chloroethyl)phosphate(TCEP)and tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl)phosphate(TDCIPP).Ratios of median concentrations of OPEs in ID:OD ranged from 1.5 for tri-n-butyl phosphate(TNBP)to 8.0 for TCEP,indicating the significance of indoor sources.Concentrations of chlorinated OPEs in ID were moderately correlated(R=0.522-0.591,P<0.05)with those in OD samples,suggesting interchange of OPEs between the two environments.Concentrations of OPEs in OD from houses with a contiguous front yard car porch exceeded those in OD from houses without a car porch and were significantly higher(P<0.05)for TCEP,TCIPP and 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate(EHDPP).Emissions from parked cars and the associated home are likely sources of OPEs in the OD area.Based on the concentrations reported here,the estimated daily intake(EDI)for the Iraqi population through house dust ingestion are all well below the relevant reference dose(RfD)values.

Medical Radiation Exposure and Human Carcinogenesis-Genetic and Epigenetic Mechanisms

Ionizing radiation （IR） is a potential carcinogen. Evidence for the carcinogenic effect of IR radiation has been shown after long-term animal investigations and observations on survivors of the atom bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. However, IR has been widely used in a controlled manner in the medical imaging for diagnosis and monitoring of various diseases and also in cancer therapy. The collective radiation dose from medical imagings has increased six times in the last two decades, and grow continuously day to day. A large number of evidence has revealed the increased cancer risk in the people who had frequently exposed to x-rays, especially in childhood. It has also been shown that secondary malignancy may develop within the five years in cancer survivors who have received radiotherapv, because of IR-mediated damage to healthy cells. In this article, we review the current knowledge about the role of medical x-ray exposure in cancer development in humans, and recently recognized epigenetic mechanisms in IR-induced carcinogenesis.

Exposure of aboriginal people to methylmercury due to gold mining in the Amazon, Brazil

This paper outlines the results of our study aiming at evaluating the actual extent of human exposure to Hg mainly in Tapajos River Basin in central Amazonia, which is considered to be the oldest and most productive gold mining area in the Amazon. Human hair and blood as well as fish samples were collected from gold mining areas and various fishing villages located at different distances from main gold mining areas, and analyzed for total mercury(T Hg) and methylmercury (MeHg) with new methods recently being developed in our laboratory. The results to date showed the inhabitants of fishing villages particularly in the upstream Tapajos areas were constantly exposed to MeHg at abnormally high levels, with little confounding exposure to inorganic Hg. A highly significant correlation between Hg in hair and blood was observed in fishing villages, and the ratios of hair Hg to blood Hg were very close to 250g, generally established for MeHg. While, the levels of MeHg in hair and blood of gold miners and goldshop workers were low, indicating that they were mainly exposed to Hg in inorganic form. From these data, together with the levels of MeHg in fish, Hg contamination mechanisms are discussed.

Human biomonitoring of novel brominated flame retardants:A review on invasive and non-invasive biomarkers

Novel brominated flame retardants(NBFRs)are a group of chemicals applied mainly as alternatives to the phased-out polybrominated diphenyl ethers(PBDEs).However,toxicological studies show that NBFRs may pose health risks similar to PBDEs.The present study reviews available information on the biomonitoring of NBFRs and their metabolites in humans through invasive and non-invasive biomarkers,as well as the toxicological effects of these chemicals both in vivo and in vitro.In general,higher concentrations of NBFRs were reported in tissues of occupationally exposed adults from NBFR production facilities,e-waste recycling facilities and inhabitants living close to these areas,compared to the general population.It is worth noting that NBFR human biomonitoring data are limited to few countries located in North America,Europe and Asia,while data from developing countries are scarce.Evidence from in vivo and in vitro toxicity studies show that several NBFRs can cause adverse health effects through various modes of action,mainly:hormone disruption,genotoxicity,endocrine disruption,and behavioural changes.Although few studies have investigated the biotransformation of NBFRs in humans,evidence suggests that the toxicity of some NBFRs may be augmented through their metabolites,as in the case of 2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoic acid(TBBA),which may exhibit higher toxicity than its parent compound 2-ethylhexyl-2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate(EH-TBB).More research is required to assess toxicity thresholds,toxic endpoints,and tolerable intakes for various NBFRs,and their metabolites in human.Comprehensive epidemiological studies are highly recommended to further understand the risk arising from human exposure to different NBFRs,particularly in occupational settings.

Polybrominated biphenyl exposure and thyroid function tests in electronic waste dismantling and general population of Chinese adults

This study aimed to determine the concentration of 35 PBB(polybrominated biphenyls)congeners in the human serum of residents from an electronic waste(e-waste)dismantling area compared to a control area in China.Additionally,four thyroid hormones,namely FT3,FT4,TSH,and TRH,were also analyzed.The findings revealed that the total PBB concentrations(sum of the 35 PBB congeners)ranged from 47.1 to 1360 ng/g lipid in the e-waste area and 105–1980 ng/g lipid in the control area.BB-1 and BB-10 were the dominant congeners in both study areas,followed by BB-209.Compared to the e-waste dismantling area,the control area samples had a significantly higher concentration of less-brominated(Br1–3)PBBs,including the concentrations of less-brominated congeners such as BB-1,BB-4,BB-9,and BB-10,which were significantly higher than those in the e-waste dismantling area.Conversely,more-brominated hexabromobiphenyl congeners BB-153,BB-154 and BB-155 were found in samples from the e-waste dismantling area at significantly higher concentrations than in the control area.E-waste dismantling areas have released historically produced commercial PBB products,but equally not negligible is the exposure of the general population to newly produced PBB congeners.PBB concentrations in the e-waste dismantling area samples decreased with increasing age,while they increased with increasing age in the control area samples.Furthermore,stepwise multiple regression analysis showed a significant association between BB-103 concentrations and thyroid hormone levels.In addition,BB-103 has the potential to interfere with the binding of T3 and thyroid hormone receptors(TR).Given these findings,the research on human exposure of PBB and the relationships between the PBB and thyroid hormones should be studied further.

Unexpected Exposure Risks to Emerging Aromatic Amine Antioxidants and p‑Phenylenediamine Quinones to Residents:Evidence from External and Internal Exposure as Well as Hepatotoxicity Evaluation

Aromatic amine antioxidants(AAs),extensively used in rubber products,and their ozone-photolyzed product pphenylenediamine quinones(PPD-Qs)were found to be pervasive in various environments and with potential ecological and health risks.The relationship between external and internal exposure to these contaminants and their exposure risks to the general population remain poorly explored.Herein,dust−handwipe−urine samples(n=97 pairs)from families in Tianjin,China was collected for analyzing 20 AAs and 6 PPD-Qs(including self-synthesized emerging PPD-Qs).The median concentration ofΣ_(20)AAs(1310 ng/g,354 ng/m^(2),and 18.5 ng/mL,respectively)andΣ_(6)PPD-Qs(1645 ng/g,3913 ng/m^(2)and 3.76 ng/mL,respectively)in dust,handwipe,and urine samples indicated a non-negligible contamination of AAs and PPD-Qs in indoor environment.Notably,emerging DPPD-Q and DNPD-Q(oxidation products of DPPD and DNPD,respectively)were prominent,accounting for>90%of PPD-Qs.The correlation analysis and estimated daily intake(EDI)assessments indicated that neither dust ingestion nor dermal exposure may be the primary source of internal exposure to AAs and PPD-Qs in the general population,and other exposure pathways(e.g.,diet and inhalation)may exist.In vitro HepG2 cell experiments demonstrated that both PPD-Qs and PPDs may have potential exposure risk of hepatotoxicity.

Male-mediated developmental toxicity

Male-mediated developmental toxicity has been of concern for many years. The public became aware of male-mediated developmental toxicity in the early 1990s when it was reported that men working at Sellafield might be causing leukemia in their children. Human and animal studies have contributed to our current understanding of male-mediated effects. Animal studies in the 1980s and 1990s suggested that genetic damage after radiation and chemical exposure might be transmitted to offspring. With the increasing understanding that there is histone retention and modification, protamine incorporation into the chromatin and DNA methylation in mature sperm and that spermatozoal RNA transcripts can play important roles in the epigenetic state of sperm, heritable studies began to be viewed differently. Recent reports using molecular approaches have demonstrated that DNA damage can be transmitted to babies from smoking fathers, and expanded simple tandem repeats minisatellite mutations were found in the germline of fathers who were exposed to radiation from the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster. In epidemiological studies, it is possible to clarify whether damage is transmitted to the sons after exposure of the fathers. Paternally transmitted damage to the offspring is now recognized as a complex issue with genetic as well as epigenetic components.

Characterizing occurrence of emerging organic contaminants in Dinaric karst catchment of Jadro andZrnovnica springs,Croatia

The occurrence of emerging organic contaminants(EOCs)was investigated in vulnerable Dinaric karst catchment of Jadro andZrnovnica springs in Croatia,under varying flow conditions and across three different water resource types(groundwater,springs,and surface water).The maximal EOCs concentration in both springs were observed following autumn recharge events,while during peak discharge no detection above the limits of detection(LOD)was recorded due to dilution process.Contrarily to springs,groundwater from deep borehole exhibited highest total EOCs concentration under low flow conditions,underscoring the considerable karst aquifer vulnerability and its oligotrophic nature.The peak EOCs concentration in karstic Cetina River coincided with the river's lowest discharge.The highest mass flux of 1013 g/day was determined for very mobile pharmaceutical metformin detected in Cetina.The presence of potentially persistent to very persistent compounds,like DEET and 1H-benzotriazole,which exhibited highest detection frequencies across all sampling sites,was observed in association with varying hydrological conditions.Hypotheses regarding the occurrence of identified EOCs include surface contamination infiltrating directly through ponors and highly karstified areas,potential persistence in the epikarst and aquifer matrix,and site-specific contamination sources for compounds such as 1H-benzotriazole,gabapentin,and ketoprofen found in groundwater.To evaluate the risk of inadvertent human exposure to EOCs across various age groups,we utilized measured spring concentrations and calculated drinking water equivalent levels(DWEL),which ranged from 1.4 mg/L for cotinine to 503 mg/L for sucralose,both detected in Jadro spring.Although EOCs concentrations in ng/L are unlikely to pose a significant risk to healthy population,long-term exposure to EOCs mixture remains unknown.Given scarcity of research on EOCs in karst environments on both global and national levels,our study enhances comprehension of their occurrence and behaviour across different karst water resources that hold crucial importance for drinking water supply in regions like Dinarides.

The alarming link between neonicotinoid insecticides and kidney injury

Neonicotinoid insecticides(NEOs)have been extensively approved for application in agricultural production both in China and globally.Previous studies indicated that human exposure to NEOs would have adverse health effects.However,studies on occurrences of NEOs in kidney injury patients and their association with nephrotoxicity are limited.This study investigates the potential correlation between exposure to NEOs and kidney injury within a subset(n=224)of the population residing in South China.Levels of 8 NEOs and 5 metabolites were quantified in blood samples obtained from both the 110 healthy and 114 kidney injury cohorts in South China.We found that target analytes were frequently detected in samples from the healthy and kidney injury cohorts(61%-100%).Dinotefuran is the predominant NEO in the healthy(42.3%)and kidney injury cohort(49.6%).Significantly positive(p<0.05)associations between blood NEO concentrations and kidney injury were found,indicating that these pollutants may increase the odds of human kidney injury prevalence.Through multilinear regression analysis,it was observed that the concentrations of various NEOs exhibited a significant association(p<0.05)with hematological parameters linked to nephrotoxicity.Our study represents the pioneering investigation examining the relationships between NEOs and kidney injury,thereby offering novel insights into the nephrotoxicity associated with these pollutants.This discovery carries significant implications for public health policies and environmental conservation practices.

Distribution of rare earth elements in agricultural soil and human body(scalp hair and urine) near smelting and mining areas of Hezhang, China

Rare earth elements （REEs） in recent decade are widely used and lead to the accumulation of REE in the environment and human body. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of REEs in soil and human body （scalp hair and urine） of peo-ple living in agricultural soil near smelting and mining areas in Hezhang County, China. The results showed that mean concentrations of determined REEs in agricultural soil from smelting areas were higher than background. However, concentration was slightly higher in soil in mining area. In addition, REEs concentrations of hair and urine in smelting areas were higher than those in mining areas.ΣREEs for soil in mining and smelting areas were 177.79 and 277.06 mg/kg, respectively.ΣREEs for hair in mining and smelting were 1.13 and 1.55 mg/kg, respectively, andΣREEs for urine in mining and smelting were 0.58 and 0.59 μg/L, respectively. Results showed that La, Ce and Nd were enriched in soil, hair and urine. Eu in smelting area showed a positive anomaly. In smelting and mining areas, females were more likely than male to expose to REEs. The relationship between REEs concentration and age group showed that hair’s high concentrations of REE existed in 18–40 years age for people from smelting areas and females from mining areas. While high concentrations distributed in the age of 41–65 for males from mining area. However, urine did not present similar distribution for different age group. Compared with hair and urine, soil showed the same distribution of REEs. And according to the Ce/Ce＊ value vs. LaN/YbN ratio showed that hair and soil tended to increase, with the stability of Ce/Ce＊ value. Thus the distri-bution of REEs in soil was closely related with the accumulation in human body. This is a preliminary study which may be suggested to the other research, and this study data may be useful for adding up the data pool on REEs levels in China.