Physico-chemical,bacteriological and health hazard effect analysis of the water in Taladanda Canal,Paradip area,Odisha,India

The physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters of the water in Taladanda canal and associated water-borne diseases,from which the dwellers have suffered,were studied,by using statistical method.Overuse and the addition of the wastes with sources from urbane industrial sectors,as well as the decrease in water level have caused the canal water quality declined drastically and subsequently led to extensive eutrophication and bacterial contamination.According to the water sample analytical results,the water is lightly acidic with the pH value of 4.5~6.7.The measured indexes,such as total dissolved solid(TDS),electrical conductivity(EC),total suspended solid(TSS),Mn,Zn,Al,Fe,Cu,Cr,and Hg etc,mostly have very high concentrations which are higher than permissible limit,indicating that the canal water is completely unsuitable for human consumption.Furthermore,the biological analysis shows that the total coliform(TC)is in the range of 45.9~30.2 in per 100 mL water in April,30.5~25.3/100 mL in July and 52.9~35.4/100 mL in December,respectively.Similarly,fecal coliform(FC)ranges from 12.8 to 10.1,10.5~7.5 and 13.1~6.4 per 100 mL water in the months of April,July and December respectively.As a result,people who use the water have suffered from different water-borne diseases.On the basis of disease data derived from hospital observations in a period of three years,there had been 4284 people affected by different waterborne diseases from 2016 to 2018.

SHORT COMMUNICATION Realistic Assessment of Health Hazards of Chemicals

INTRODUCTION The general public is exposed to a variety of chemicals, including food additives,contaminants, and pesticides. To protect the public from any health hazards associ ated with these chemicals, toxicities are assessed by national regulatory agencies andat an international level by the World Health Organization (WHO) in conjunctionwith the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). A briefdescription of the work in this field conducted jointly by WHO and FAO has been

Pollution Health Hazard

BEIJING＇S winter of 2011 has been a bad time for Guo Changyan. As a frail girl, who often falls ill, the capital＇s serious air pollution is playing havoc on her health. ＂I have been coughing since the beginning of the hazy weather, but have to work outside every day even though I know long-term exposure to the pollution will exacerbate my cough,＂ Guo, an employee of a non-profit organization in Beijing, told ChinAfrica.

Viral outbreaks and communicable health hazards due to devastating floods in Pakistan

Pakistan is a developing country that has a population of 190 million people and faces a huge burden of viral diseases. Every year during monsoon season heavy rain fall and lack of disaster management skills potentially increase the transmission of waterborne diseases, vector borne diseases and viral outbreaks. Due to severe flooding, thousands of people lose their lives and millions are displaced each year. In most of the cases the children who lose their family members are forced into illegal professions of begging, child labor and prostitution which make them prone to sexually transmitted infections. Up to date, no scientific study has been conducted nationwide to illustrate epidemiological patterns of waterborne diseases, vector borne diseases and viral epidemics during flash flood. Mosquito sprays would not be a sufficient approach for dengue eradication; mass awareness, larvicide and biological control by Guppy fishes are also effective strategies to overcome dengue problem. International health bodies and non-governmental organizations must take note of this alerting situation and take adequate steps such as financial/medical aid in order to defeat the after-effects of flood.

Neutron Induced Fission Track Estimation of Uranium Concentration and Its Associated Health Hazards in Drinking Water of the Faisalabad Industrial City

Drinking water plays a major role regarding quality of human life because polluted water is the main cause of many types of diseases. Besides other pollutants, high concentration of uranium above a certain level in drinking water is also hazardous. As water and food are the main sources of uranium intake, it is absolutely imperative that their level of concentrations is monitored regularly for safety of the general public. In this regard, trace amount of uranium in drinking water samples collected from different locations of Faisalabadcity has been carried out using Neutron Induced Fission Track Technique. The water samples along with the standard of known uranium concentration were poured and dried over Lexan track detectors and then irradiated with thermal neutrons in Reactor. After etching, the tracks produced in the detectors as a result of 235U (n, f) reaction were counted under an optical microscope. The uranium concentration was determined by counting and comparing the observed fission track density in the samples and the standard. The observed uranium concentration in the studied water samples varied from (1.04 ± 0.30) μg·L-1 to (21.08 ± 2. 95) μg·L-1 with an average value of (7.39 ± 1.30) μg·L-1 and is found to be within safe limits as far as uranium related health hazards are concerned.

Ambient nanoparticles/nanominerals and hazardous elements from coal combustion activity:Implications on energy challenges and health hazards

Coal is the most abundant fossil fuel in the world. Because of the growth of coal mining, coal-fired power plants and coal-burning industries, the increase of the emission of particulates(coarse, fine or ultrafine)is of great concern. There is a relationship between increasing human morbidity and mortality and progressive environmental air pollution caused by these types of particles. Thus, the knowledge of the physico-chemical composition and ambient concentrations of coal-derived nanoparticles will improve pollution control strategy. Given the current importance of this area of research, the advanced characterization of this coal combustion-derived nanoparticles/nanominerals as well as hazardous elements is likely to be one of the hottest research fields in coming days. In this review, we try to compile the existing knowledge on coal-derived nanoparticles/nanominerals and discuss the advanced level of characterization techniques for future research. This review also provides some of aspects of health risks associated with exposure to ambient nanoparticles. In addition, the presence of some of the hazardous elements in coal and coal combustion activities is also reviewed.

Pattern and Dimensions of Urban Health Hazards in the Third World:A Nigerian Example

The rapid expansion of urban systems,particularly in the third world also means a considerable challenge for the health of city residents.Owing to this expansion and a variant of social,economic and environmental forces,the city becomes a‘basket’of health hazards to which people and neighbourhoods are exposed to,albeit,differently.These hazards are various relating to housing,occupation,transport

Occupational Health and Safety Hazards Experienced by Healthcare Workers at Two Hospitals in Suyani, Bono Region, Ghana

INTRODUCTION Occupational safety and health (OSH) is generally the anticipation, recognition, evaluation, and control of hazards arising in or from the workplace. The study sought to assess and evaluate occupational health and safety hazards experienced among health workers in the Bono region of Ghana. METHODOLOGY The study was descriptive cross-sectional quantitative study. Data was from two hundred (200) health workers and was analyzed using the binary logistic regression analysis. RESULTS The findings from the study show that risk factors associated with biological hazards were clinical staff [OR = 2.487 (1.146 - 5.397), p = 0.021], poor maintenance of hospital items [OR = 0.446 (0.240 - 0.831), p = 0.011], assault (verbal) abuse [OR = 2.581 (1.317 - 5.059), p = 0.006] and extreme pressure from work [OR = 2.975 (1.519 - 5.829), p = 0.001]. Non-biological hazards were associated with being single [OR = 0.499 (0.263 - 0.947), p = 0.034], being verbally assaulted [OR = 3.581 (1.865 - 6.876), p CONCLUSION Risk factors related with biological hazards include poor maintenance of hospital items and extreme pressure from work whereas non-biological hazards were associated with being single, being verbally assaulted. Clinical healthcare providers are more vulnerable to occupational health and safety hazards. The study recommends the provision of strategic policies to promote and protect the workers’ health based on the development of the epidemiological profile of health, needs to be readjusted and strengthened.

Submicron particle-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the Polish teaching rooms： Concentrations, origin and health hazard

The goal of the work was to investigate the concentrations of the 16 US EPA priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons（PAH） bound to submicrometer particles（particulate matter, PM1） suspended in the air of university teaching rooms and in the atmospheric air outside. Two teaching rooms were selected in two Polish cities, Gliwice, southern Poland,and Warsaw, central Poland, differing with regard to the ambient concentrations and major sources of PM and PAH. The variabilities of indoor and outdoor 24-hr concentrations of PM1-bound PAH, the ratio（I/O） of the indoor to outdoor 24-hr concentrations of PM1-bound PAH, probable sources of PAH and the level of the hazard from the mixture of the 16 PAH（ΣPAH） to humans at both sites were analyzed. In both Warsaw and Gliwice, the mean concentrations of PM1-bound ΣPAH were slightly higher in the atmospheric air than in the rooms. The indoor and outdoor concentrations of individual PAH in Gliwice were correlated,in Warsaw – they were not. Most probably, the lack of the correlations in Warsaw was due to the existence of an unidentified indoor source of gaseous PAH enriching PM1 in phenanthrene, fluorene, and pyrene. Although the ambient concentrations of PM1-bound PAH were low compared to the ones observed earlier at both sites, they were much higher than in other urbanized European areas. However, because of low mass share of heavy PAH in ΣPAH, the various indicators of the health hazard from the 16 PAH mixture were low compared to other regions.

Occupational exposure to flour dust among bakery workers:prevalence,potential hazards and promising interventions

Occupational exposure to flour dust within bakery environments presents significant health hazards to bakery personnel.Flour dust,generated as a byproduct during baking,becomes airborne during the baking process,thus constituting a respiratory threat.Adverse health consequences include respiratory diseases,skin irritation,allergic reactions,and potential long-term health impacts.Data indicates that a broad segment of bakery workers encounters exposure to flour dust,with specific subgroups,such as bakers and dough mixers,being particularly susceptible.Contributing factors to this exposure encompass insufficient ventilation and a lack of awareness.It is vital to assess exposure levels through air quality monitoring and health surveillance.Efficient interventions encompass engineering solutions(e.g.,ventilation systems,dust extraction),administrative measures(including training and the use of personal protective equipment),and the implementation of occupational health and safety programs.Collaborative efforts with healthcare professionals and regulatory authorities are paramount for achieving success.Case studies underscore the effectiveness of such interventions,resulting in improved worker health,thus underscoring the advantages of protective measures.Challenges in this endeavor include industry resistance to change,financial considerations,and issues related to compliance.Future recommendations entail further research,policy enhancements,and the involvement of industry stakeholders and labor unions in advocating for worker safety.

Examination of Common Occupational Hazards among Healthcare Workers in a University Healthcare Center in Southeastern Nigeria

Background: Healthcare workers are challenged by an imposing group of occupational hazards. These hazards include exposure to biological and non-biological hazards like ionizing radiation, stress, injury, infectious agents, and chemicals. The aim of this study was to assess common occupational hazards among health workers at the Department of Health Services (DHS), Federal University of Technology, Owerri. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study design was employed for the study, and a self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The SPSS Version 22.0 software was used for the analysis of the descriptive statistics obtained from the study. This study included both clinical and non-clinical health workers. A purposive sampling technique was used in recruiting a total of 94 respondents who participated in the study from September 2020 to April 2021. Results: A total of 94 respondents who participated in the study and among the participants, 33.3% (31) of the respondents were aged 31 - 40 years, and the majority of the health workers, 43.6% (41) had stayed between 1 - 5 years. Also, 92.6% (87) of the health workers have heard of occupational hazards. The study showed that 84.0% (79) of health workers had good knowledge of common occupational hazards. Biological hazards among health workers are 47.9% (45) cuts and wounds, 29.8% (28) direct contact with contaminated specimens/hazardous materials, and 26.6% (26) sharp related injuries, while for non-biological hazards, 44.7% (42) have slipped, tripped or fallen, and 35.1% (33) have been stressed. Common safety measures include 86.2% (81) washing their hands regularly;78.7% (74) using hand gloves;and 85.1% (80) agreeing they use face masks. Conclusion: Despite good knowledge of occupational hazards, participants at DHS were faced with certain hazards. It is recommended that the university, government, and policymakers revise and implement actions to provide health workers at DHS with equipment to encourage safety in work activity.

Entomophagy and Public Health: A Review of Microbiological Hazards

The world population’s constant increase and the continuous need to ensure food safety and security are among the major challenges to be faced in the next 30 years. In addition, human diet is evolving with a decreased inclusion of proteins from animal sources. In this context, consumption of insects by humans (entomophagy) could be an alternative solution to the intake of protein derived from conventional livestock, due to the lower environmental impact of insect rearing compared to traditional farming. Furthermore, various insect species have promising nutritional profiles regarding both macro and micronutrients. Nowadays, it is recognized that about 2 billion people consume insects at a worldwide scale, with more than 2000 different species to have been reported. Since the beginning of the 2000s, mass rearing of insects for human consumption has been developing all over the world. Nevertheless edible insects are foodstuffs of animal origin and are usually consumed in their entirety, including the digestive tract, meaning that they may contain biological agents with hazardous potential (e.g. bacteria, parasites, viruses, prions, yeasts, molds, mycotoxins, histamine, and antibiotic resistance genes) and they must undergo a thorough analysis. Therefore, establishing the synthesis of the current knowledge on entomophagy and the related biological hazards is the main purpose of this review.

儿童软糖中合成着色剂的含量测定及健康风险评估

目的 检测市售8种儿童软糖中所添加的5种合成着色剂(柠檬黄、日落黄、诱惑红、胭脂红、亮蓝)的含量,并对其进行健康风险评估。方法 采用GB 5009.35—2016《食品安全国家标准食品中合成着色剂的测定》中的高效液相色谱法(high performance liquid chromatography,HPLC)进行检测,样品采用水浴温热溶解、聚酰胺吸附提取、HPLC检测,以甲醇/乙酸铵为流动相,紫外检测波长为254 nm,根据保留时间定性,基于外标峰面积法定量。运用靶标危害系数(target hazard quotient,THQ)法对儿童软糖中所添加的合成着色剂进行健康风险评估。结果 5种合成着色剂的含量在0.384~7.875 mg/kg之间,标准曲线均具有较好的线性关系(r~2>0.99),各着色剂的检出限(limits of detection,LODs)为0.0203~0.1600 mg/kg,定量限(limits of quantification,LOQs)为0.0614~0.4836 mg/kg,加标回收率大于95%,5种合成着色剂的THQ及总THQ值(total target hazard quotient,TTHQ)均小于1,对儿童健康无明显风险。结论 通过儿童软糖摄取的合成着色剂的健康风险很小,与儿童软糖的小包装、食用量少有关,还需要配合家长对儿童糖果摄入的合理管理。本研究为儿童软糖的购买和食用提供了科学建议。

环境微塑料呼吸道暴露及其健康效应研究进展

基于文献报道,首先着眼于大气中微塑料的污染现状及其进入人类呼吸系统的证据,重点介绍大气微塑料的丰度、成分、形状和大小等分布特征;其次归纳总结微塑料呼吸道暴露对机体健康的潜在影响;最后对今后研究中需重视并完善微塑料或更小尺寸纳塑料的潜在危害、进一步加强大气微塑料的呼吸道暴露特征分析、健康风险评估、毒性机理研究等问题进行分析与展望.

广西17家胶合板生产企业的主要职业卫生问题调查分析

目的:探讨广西17家胶合板生产企业存在的主要职业危害因素、职业防护设施效果以及对工人健康的影响,为减少职业性危害、保护工人身心健康提供科学依据。方法:以17家胶合板生产企业为观察对象,通过职业病危害因素检测和职业卫生调查,对主要职业卫生问题进行综合分析评价。结果:17家胶合板生产企业木粉尘、甲醛、噪声、高温的超标率分别为5.6%、28.1%、24.9%、29.1%。17家噪声超标,5家木粉尘和甲醛超标,仅2家高温超标。生产防护设施的防尘、防毒符合率为98.3%,防暑设施符合率为88.2%,噪声防护设施符合率为76.5%。个人防护用品佩戴与使用符合率为52.9%,安装洗眼喷淋装置符合率为58.8%。17家企业总体检率为42.6%(705/1654),体检异常检出率为14.6%,其中听力、胸部X线片、肺功能异常检出率分别为7.4%、2.1%、1.7%。结论:广西17家胶合板生产企业的主要职业卫生问题是木粉尘、甲醛、噪声、高温,尤以噪声较为突出。针对木粉尘、甲醛的防控效果较好,对于高温、噪声的防控措施需要进一步加强。

环境低水平镉暴露与母婴健康危害流行病学研究进展

镉是一种广泛存在于环境中的重金属污染物,由于其慢性暴露的效应,可能会对人体健康造成严重危害,特别是对妇女和儿童。本文综述了近年来有关环境低水平镉暴露与妇女儿童健康危害的流行病学研究进展。其中,重点探讨了镉对女性生殖系统、胎儿生长发育、儿童智力和行为等方面的影响,并总结了人群镉暴露的来源、途径及防控措施。本文旨在为镉污染的环境治理和健康风险评估提供参考。

煤矿工人职业健康研究进展的知识图谱分析

为研究煤矿工人职业健康的发展趋势,促进煤炭企业实施职业健康防护工作,基于知识图谱分析方法,采用CiteSpace软件分析中国知网(CNKI)和Web of Science(WoS)核心数据库中收录的近20年煤矿工人职业健康文献的关键词聚类及突现。研究结果表明:煤矿工人职业健康研究可分为职业健康危害因素、职业病及职业相关疾病三维度。职业相关疾病主要体现在行为和身心疾病、心脑血管疾病与代谢性疾病及慢性非特异性呼吸系统疾病3个层面;与职业病相比,职业相关疾病多呈现为“多因一果”特征,确诊难度更大;基于高频词突现特征,尘肺、听力损失、心理压力、高血压等是煤矿工人健康的主要威胁,此类健康问题与职业暴露有关,风险评价与管控是应对危害的重要措施;新兴研究热点为职业相关疾病的成因与防范,及职业健康与脑科学、智能化等领域的交叉研究。

2021—2022年南阳市地方病相关健康危害因素监测结果分析

目的:通过了解南阳市地方病相关健康危害因素信息及分布情况,为相关管理部门科学决策提供依据。方法:2021—2022年,在南阳市所辖12个县(区)中,选取4228个行政村作为调查对象。由南阳市疾病预防控制中心对既往无水碘值或新改水的行政村开展饮用水水碘含量调查,对非饮水型氟中毒病区的行政村开展水氟含量调查。结果:南阳市的水碘含量中位数为4.31μg/L,水碘含量<40μg/L的行政村有4219个(99.79%);水氟含量均值为0.35 mg/L,水氟含量合格率为99.01%。结论:监测中未发现高水碘地区,大部分地区为碘缺乏地区。因此,应采取持续加强健康教育宣传,科学补充加碘食盐等防治措施。相关管理部门应将此次监测中新发现的水氟含量超标工程和行政村纳入地方病日常监测对象,并积极与水利部门建立长效联防联控机制,严把工程质量关,从而促进南阳市碘缺乏病和饮水型地方性氟中毒防治工作的顺利开展。

2021―2022年铜仁市重点公共场所健康危害因素监测结果分析

为了解铜仁市重点公共场所卫生状况,为卫生监督管理工作提供依据,对2021—2022年铜仁市7类重点公共场所物理因素、室内空气、公共用品用具样品的监测结果进行分析,按照《公共场所卫生指标及限值要求》进行结果评价。结果显示,2021—2022年铜仁市重点公共场所健康危害因素总体合格率为77.41%,不同场所的总体合格率为47.84%~84.76%。根据检测结果提出建议:有关部门应进一步分析不合格指标的情况并提出整改措施,加强监督管理并做好公共场所卫生健康知识的宣传工作。