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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Toxicology and Public Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2023) | Viewed by 15674

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Dr. Pietro Zuccarello

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Guest Editor

Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy
Interests: forensic toxicology; method validation; post mortem redistribution; drug-related death
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Chiara Copat

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Guest Editor

Environmental and Food Hygiene Laboratory (LIAA), Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
Interests: food hygiene; food safety; risk assessment; environmental health; environmental epidemiology

Dr. Tommaso Filippini

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CREAGEN-Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
Interests: epidemiological methods; environmental and nutritional epidemiology with particular focus on childhood leukemia, neurodegenerative and chronic diseases
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Collegaues,

Food and environment are the most common routes of short, medium and long-term exposure to contaminants that could play a role in the onset and development of diseases, with negative effects on human health. Consumer perceptions of unsafe food tend to focus on acute bacterial or viral outbreaks. However, in the past few decades, chemical contamination has further questioned food safety. The community has a duty to investigate the risks of exposure to emerging contaminants in order to fully understand their role in the onset and incidence of diseases and to ensure public health. The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH) proposes this Special Issue in order to highlight the latest researches on this field. Researchers from different disciplines are invited to submit scientific articles, systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Multifactorial studies are welcome that can simultaneously evaluate multiple risk factors.

Dr. Pietro Zuccarello
Dr. Chiara Copat
Dr. Tommaso Filippini
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

food safety
emerging pollutants
risk assessment
persistent organic pollutants
plastic contaminants
metal nanoparticles
pharmaceuticals
flame retardants
endocrine disruptor
pesticides
bio-toxins

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 2523 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids from Monofloral and Multifloral Italian Honey

by Paola Roncada, Gloria Isani, Mariantonietta Peloso, Thomas Dalmonte, Stefania Bonan and Elisabetta Caprai

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(7), 5410; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20075410 - 05 Apr 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1705

Abstract

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are secondary metabolites produced by plants as a self-defense against insects. After bioactivation in the liver, some PAs can cause acute or chronic toxicity in humans. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of PAs in 121 samples of monofloral and multifloral honey from three different Italian regions (Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Marche and Calabria) to meet the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) suggestion. An in-house liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was validated according to European Union Reference Laboratory (EURL) performance criteria. This method allowed the detection and quantification of 35 PAs. Of the 121 honey samples, 38 (31%), mostly from Calabria, contained PAs. The total content of the PAs ranged from 0.9 µg/kg to 33.1 µg/kg. In particular, echimidine was the most prevalent PA. A rapid human exposure assessment to PAs in honey and a risk characterization was performed using the EFSA RACE tool. The assessment highlighted a potential health concern only for toddlers who frequently consume elevated quantities of honey. This study showed a low presence of PAs in Italian honey; however, the importance of continuously monitoring these compounds is stressed, along with the suggestion that the relevant authorities establish maximum limits to guarantee support for producers and consumer safety. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Risks and Dietary Intake of Emerging Pollutants)

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13 pages, 1055 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Heavy Metals and the Occurrence of Ulcerative Dermal Necrosis (UDN) in Sea Trout from the RIVER REGA, Poland—Consumer Health Assessment

by Monika Rajkowska-Myśliwiec, Mikołaj Protasowicki, Adam Tański and Sandra Watrak

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(4), 2296; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19042296 - 17 Feb 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1473

Abstract

Various factors, including heavy metals, can make fish more susceptible to disease. This study investigated, inter alia, the relationship between Pb, Cd, and Hg contamination of the organs and muscles of sea trout from the river Rega (Poland) and the occurrence of UDN (ulcerative skin necrosis) symptoms. Moreover, the dietary risk of Pb, Cd, and Hg uptake from the muscles of healthy sea trout was assessed based on estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), benchmark dose lower confidence limits (BMDL₀₁ and BMDL₁₀), and tolerable weekly intake (TWI). The metal concentrations varied, depending on the fish organs and the fish condition. A significantly higher amount of Pb was found in the gonads, gills, and muscles, Cd in the kidneys, and Hg in the muscles of sea trout with UDN symptoms. The lowest concentrations of Pb and Cd were detected in the muscles, and of Hg in the gonads. Dietary exposure to Pb, Cd, and Hg accounted for: 0.4% of BMDL₀₁ and 1.0% of BMDL₁₀, 0.56% of TWI, and 16.5% of TWI, respectively. THQs for each metal and the HI value for combined metals were below 1. The weakening of fish due to UDN-like disease probably increased the accumulation of Pb in the gonads, gills, and muscles, and of Cd in the kidneys, of the sea trout. As regards the maximum levels (MRLs), the muscles of healthy sea trout are safe for consumption. The risk assessment suggests no concern for the health of consumers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Risks and Dietary Intake of Emerging Pollutants)

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11 pages, 558 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Probabilistic Risk Assessment of Dietary Exposure to Chloramphenicol in Guangzhou, China

by Yanyan Wang, Weiwei Zhang, Florence Mhungu, Yuhua Zhang, Yufei Liu, Yan Li, Xiaoyan Luo, Xinhong Pan, Jie Huang, Xianwu Zhong, Shaofang Song, Hailin Li, Yungang Liu and Kuncai Chen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(16), 8805; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18168805 - 20 Aug 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2195

Abstract

Chloramphenicol has been used in veterinary medicine, where its residues can remain in food of animal origin, thus potentially causing adverse health effects. This facilitated the ban for its use in food-producing animals globally, but its residues have remained ubiquitous. In this study, food commodities possibly contaminated with chloramphenicol, including livestock meat, poultry, edible viscera, fish, shrimp and crab, molluscs, milk, and eggs, were collected from domestic retail shops in all the 11 districts of Guangzhou and tested for its residue. Probabilistic risk assessment model calculations for its dietary exposure, and the margin of exposure (displayed as mean values and 5th percentile to 95th percentile ranges) were performed by using @RISK software based on a Monte Carlo simulation with 10,000 iterations. The results indicated the detection of chloramphenicol in 248 out of 1454 samples (17.1%), which averaged to a level of 29.1 μg/kg. The highest average value was observed in molluscs (148.2 μg/kg, with the top value as 8196 μg/kg); meanwhile, based on the dietary structure of a typical Cantonese, pond fish, pork, and poultry meat contributed most (about 80%) to the residents’ dietary exposure to chloramphenicol. The margin of exposure for dietary chloramphenicol exposure in Guangzhou residents was 2489, which was apparently below 5000 (the borderline for judging a health risk), particularly low in preschool children (2094, suggesting an increased risk). In conclusion, the study suggests that chloramphenicol exposure in Guangzhou residents is considerable, and its relevant health hazard, especially for preschool children, is worthy of further investigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Risks and Dietary Intake of Emerging Pollutants)

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15 pages, 1033 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Characterization and Quantification of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles (TiO₂-NPs) in Seafood by Single-Particle ICP-MS: Assessment of Dietary Exposure

by Alfina Grasso, Margherita Ferrante, Pietro Zuccarello, Tommaso Filippini, Giovanni Arena, Maria Fiore, Antonio Cristaldi, Gea Oliveri Conti and Chiara Copat

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(24), 9547; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17249547 - 20 Dec 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2778

Abstract

The significant increase in the production and variety of nanoparticles (NPs) has led to their release into the environment, especially into the marine environment. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂-NPs) are used in different industrial sectors, from the food industry to several consumer and household products. Since the aquatic environment is highly sensitive to contamination by TiO₂-NPs, this work aimed to give a preliminary assessment of the contamination of packaged seafood, where the food additive TiO₂ (E171) is not to be intentionally added. This allowed providing a chemical characterization and quantification of TiO₂-NPs in processed canned fish products belonging to different trophic positions of the pelagic compartment and in canned clam. The new emerging technique called single-particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (spICP-MS) was applied, which allows the determination of nanoparticle number-based concentration, as well as the dissolved titanium. This study highlights how processed food, where the pigment E171 was not intentionally added, contains TiO₂ in its nanoparticle form, as well as dissolved titanium. Processed clam represented the seafood with the highest content of TiO₂-NPs. In pelagic fish species, we found progressively higher levels and smaller sizes of TiO₂-NPs from smaller to larger fish. Our results highlight the importance of planning the characterization and quantification of TiO₂-NPs in food both processed and not, as well as where the pigment E171 is intentionally added and not, as it is not the only source of TiO₂-NPs. This result represents a solid step toward being able to estimate the real level of dietary exposure to TiO₂-NPs for the general population and the related health risks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Risks and Dietary Intake of Emerging Pollutants)

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Review

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16 pages, 846 KiB

Open AccessReview

Mercury Contamination in Fish and Its Effects on the Health of Pregnant Women and Their Fetuses, and Guidance for Fish Consumption—A Narrative Review

by Bojian Chen and Shiyuan Dong

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(23), 15929; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192315929 - 29 Nov 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3559

Abstract

As a principal source of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (3FAs), which provide vital health benefits, fish consumption also comes with the additional benefit of being rich in diverse nutrients (e.g., vitamins and selenium, high in proteins and low in saturated fats, etc.). The consumption of fish and other seafood products has been significantly promoted universally, given that fish is an important part of a healthy diet. However, many documents indicate that fish may also be a potential source of exposure to chemical pollutants, especially mercury (Hg) (one of the top ten chemicals or groups of chemicals of concern worldwide), and this is a grave concern for many consumers, especially pregnant women, as this could affect their fetuses. In this review, the definition of Hg and its forms and mode of entrance into fish are introduced in detail and, moreover, the bio-accumulation of Hg in fish and its toxicity and action mechanisms on fish and humans, especially considering the health of pregnant women and their fetuses after the daily intake of fish, are also reviewed. Finally, some feasible and constructive suggestions and guidelines are recommended for the specific group of pregnant women for the consumption of balanced and appropriate fish diets in a rational manner. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Risks and Dietary Intake of Emerging Pollutants)

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22 pages, 2485 KiB

Open AccessReview

Understanding the Impact of Perfluorinated Compounds on Cardiovascular Diseases and Their Risk Factors: A Meta-Analysis Study

by Siti Suhana Abdullah Soheimi, Amirah Abdul Rahman, Normala Abd Latip, Effendi Ibrahim and Siti Hamimah Sheikh Abdul Kadir

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(16), 8345; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18168345 - 06 Aug 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2949

Abstract

Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are non-biodegradable synthetic chemical compounds that are widely used in manufacturing many household products. Many studies have reported the association between PFCs exposure with the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, those reports are still debatable, due to their findings. Thus, this review paper aimed to analyse the association of PFCs compound with CVDs and their risk factors in humans by systematic review and meta-analysis. Google Scholar, PubMed and ScienceDirect were searched for PFCs studies on CVDs and their risk from 2009 until present. The association of PFCs exposure with the prevalence of CVDs and their risk factors were assessed by calculating the quality criteria, odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). CVDs risk factors were divided into serum lipid profile (main risk factor) and other known risk factors. The meta-analysis was then used to derive a combined OR test for heterogeneity in findings between studies. Twenty-nine articles were included. Our meta-analysis indicated that PFCs exposure could be associated with CVDs (Test for overall effect:

z

= 2.2, p = 0.02; Test for heterogeneity: I² = 91.6%, CI = 0.92–1.58, p < 0.0001) and their risk factors (Test for overall effect:

z

= 4.03, p < 0.0001; Test for heterogeneity: I² = 85.8%, CI = 1.00–1.14, p < 0.0001). In serum lipids, total cholesterol levels are frequently reported associated with the exposure of PFCs. Among PFCs, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) exposure increased the risk of CVDs than other types of PFCs. Although the risk of PFOA and PFOS were positively associated with CVDs and their risk factors, more observational studies shall be carried out to identify the long-term effects of these contaminants in premature CVDs development in patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Risks and Dietary Intake of Emerging Pollutants)

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