scholarly journals Formaldehyde Exposure and Its Potential Health Risk in Some Beauty Salons in Kumasi Metropolis

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Noah Kyame Asare-Donkor ◽  
James Kusi Appiah ◽  
Vincent Torve ◽  
Ray Bright Voegborlo ◽  
Anthony Apeke Adimado

Cosmetologists may be potentially exposed to high levels of formaldehyde as a result of their exposure to formaldehyde released from the various cosmetic products used in the beauty salons. In order to assess the exposure of cosmetologists to formaldehyde, the indoor air in sixty beauty salons across the ten submetros in Kumasi were sampled to determine the formaldehyde levels and the associated noncarcinogenic human health risks. Sampling was done using System Service Innovation Incorporation air sampler model 1000i, and the MBTH spectrophotometric method was used for analysis. The mean levels of formaldehyde concentrations ranged from 88.67 to 170.67 µg/m3. Out of the sixty salons sampled, 36 salons had formaldehyde levels above the WHO permissible limit of 100 µg/m3 for an eight-hour working period and also exceeded the 55 and 9 µg/m3 for chronic and acute reference exposure limit, respectively, set by the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. The results of this study revealed that the number of customers that visit the salon in a week, number of salon services offered, and age of salon had a positive significant correlation with the level of formaldehyde determined in each salon. The health risk study also revealed that about 50% of the salons had hazard quotient (HQ) above the safety limit (HQ = 1) and may, therefore, pose health risks to cosmetologists in these salons. Results from the analysis of the questionnaire revealed that hairdressers in salons that provide the entire range of salon services captured in the study are at higher risk to the effects of formaldehyde.

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 1902 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kui Cai ◽  
Zefeng Song

To investigate the bioconcentration and potential health risks of metal(loid)s in a particular agro-ecological area, 230 pairs of soil and corresponding crop grain samples were collected from typical corn and wheat plants. The geo-accumulation index (Igeo), bioconcentration factors (BCF), health risk assessment (the target hazard quotient), and Receptor Prediction Model (PCS-SMLR) analysis were adopted to study the spatial distribution, assess the health risks, and predict the relationship between metal(loid)s and soil properties. It was found that the mean concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb, Hg, and Cd in the study area’s agricultural soils exceeded the background soil concentrations, especially for Cd (0.2 mg/kg), Meanwhile, the corresponding Cd concentration in wheat samples was higher than the food quality limit. The results of the Igeo showed that the samples with a value higher than 0 for Cd and Hg accounted for 47.83% and 33.48%, respectively. The results of BCF of Cu, Zn, Cd, and As were higher in wheat than in corn, except for Ni. The target hazard quotient (TTHQ) of health risk of wheat, corn, and soil were higher for children (2.48) than adults (1.78), showing a potential health risk for individuals who mostly consume wheat. In addition, the PCS-SMLR analysis of the BCF prediction model for Cu, Zn, As, and soil properties showed differences in terms of the influences from wheat and corn. These results provide valuable information that not only can help local residents improve the staple food structure, but also can get provide a reference metal(loid)s concentration level for agricultural soils in the study area and restore a sustainable agro-ecological environment.


Author(s):  
MA Mahmud ◽  
M Hassan ◽  
R Hassan ◽  
R Mandal ◽  
MK Rahman

Heavy metal like Cadmium (Cd) is a common pollutant present in the soils of urban and industrial areas. Vegetables are preferably grown in these soils than other crops. Of the vegetables, Chinese cabbage (Brassica campestris var. pekinensis) is gaining its popularity among farmers for its high market value. Therefore, an experiment was conducted where cabbage was grown on Cd treated soil. Bioaccumulation of Cd in Chinese cabbage was determined and Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) model was used to assess potential health risk of human. Results showed that with increasing concentration of added Cd (0.00 to 4.00 ppm) in soil, bio-concentration factors of Cd of Chinese cabbage also increased except at 4 ppm. The chinese cabbage grown in Cd contaminated soils up-to 1.00 ppm might be safe. However, cabbage grown in the soils contaminated with Cd above this level would probably be risky and may cause serious health hazard to human body.J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2017, 3(1): 1-8


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Defang Zeng ◽  
Saijun Zhou ◽  
Bozhi Ren ◽  
Tengshu Chen

Heavy metal pollution in soils caused by mining and smelting has attracted worldwide attention for its potential health risks to residents. This paper studies the concentrations and accumulations of Sb and As in both soils and vegetables and the human health risks of Sb and As in vegetables from Xikuangshan (XKS) Sb mine, Hunan, China. Results showed that the soils were severely polluted by Sb and As; Sb and As have significant positive correlation. Sb and As concentrations in vegetables were quite different:Coriandrum sativumL. was the highest in Sb,Allium fistulosumL. was the highest in As, andBrassica pekinensisL. was the lowest in both Sb and As;Daucus carotaL. andCoriandrum sativumL. showed advantage in accumulating Sb and As;Coriandrum sativumL. had higher capacity of redistributing Sb and As within the plant. Health risk assessment results showed that the hazard quotient (HQ) values of Sb and As in vegetables were in the ranges of 1.61–3.33 and 0.09–0.39, respectively; the chronic daily intake (CDI) and hazard quotient (HQ) values of Sb were over the safe limit recommended by FAO and WHO, indicating that long-term consumption of vegetables from the surrounding soils of XKS mine may bring health risks to residents.


2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 56-63
Author(s):  
L.U Usman ◽  
R. Yerima

Ingestion of vegetables containing heavy metal is one of the main ways in which these elements enter the human body. Once entered, heavy metals are deposited in bone and fat tissues, overlapping noble minerals. Slowly released into the body, heavy metals can cause an array of diseases. This study aimed to assess the heavy metals residues in some vegetables and potential health risk among consumers within Katsina Metropolis. Six different vegetable samples comprising of cucumber (Cucumis sativus), cabbage (Brassica oleracea), lettuce (Lactuca sativa), spinach (Spinacia oleracea), red pepper (Piper nigrum) and tomato (Lycopersicum esculentus) were randomly collected from two main irrigation farmland located in Katsina Metropolis (Kofar sauri and Kofar marusa). Their level of toxic metals namely (Copper, Zinc, Cadmium, Chromium and Lead) were assessed using standard materials and methods. Results obtained were used to estimate the health risk of these heavy metals via consumption of the vegetable samples. The results from the study showed that the mean heavy metal concentration ranged between 1.10±0.00 mg/kg to 4.45±0.16 mg/kg, 1.78±0.07 mg/kg to 4.9±0.11 mg/kg, 0.02±0.00 mg/kg to 1.28±0.02 mg/kg, 1.51±0.02 mg/kg to 4.34±0.02 mg/kg and 1.05±0.01 mg/kg to 2.86±0.02 mg/kg for Cu, Zn, Cd, Cr, and Pb respectively. The concentration of Cu and Zn were found to be below permissible limit while Cd, Cr and Pb concentration exceeded the permissible limit recommended by WHO/FAO. Health risks associated with the intake of these metals were evaluated in terms of estimated daily intake (EDI), hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI). EDI value of Cu and Zn were found to be below the maximum tolerable daily intake (MTDI). The HQ of all the metals were >1, suggesting health hazards risk for the population. Moreover, HQ of Cd and Pb were greatly higher through consumption of cucumber, cabbage, lettuce and red pepper indicating significant health risks. HI was found to be higher >1 (3.32 mg/kg and 3.91 mg/kg) in adult and children respectively for consumption of spinach; however, it was much higher >1 (10.49 mg/kg and 12.4 mg/kg) in adult and children respectively for consumption of cabbage, suggesting more adverse health effects from cabbage consumption than spinach. The findings of this study shows the health risks associated with the consumption of heavy metals through the intake of some the selected vegetables within Katsina Metropolis, therefore, there is need for biomonitoring of these heavy metals in the vegetable because these are some of the main sources of food for humans in many parts of the world. Keywords: Heavy metal, Estimated Daily Intake, Hazard Quotient, Hazard Index, Consumption


2016 ◽  
Vol 87 (6) ◽  
pp. 726-738 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joaquim Rovira ◽  
Martí Nadal ◽  
Marta Schuhmacher ◽  
José L Domingo

The concentrations of a considerable number of trace elements (Ag, Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Sn, Sr, Ti, Tl, V and Zn) were determined in various skin-contact clothes (T-shirts, blouses, socks, baby pajamas and bodies) from the Catalan (Spain) market. In addition, migration experiments with artificial acidic sweat were conducted in order to establish the migration rates of these elements. High levels of Zn (186–5749 mg/kg) were found in zinc pyrithione labeled T-shirts, while high concentrations of Sb and Cr were found in polyester and black polyamide fabrics, respectively. An environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) confirmed the presence of Ag and Ti particles and aggregates in several clothing items. The use of the ESEM complemented the results of the elemental analysis and migration experiments. Dermal exposure to trace elements was subsequently calculated, and the human health risks were assessed. Antimony showed the highest mean hazard quotient (HQ = 0.4) for male and female adults wearing polyester clothes; for one of the examined items (polyester T-shirt) the HQ was even above the safety limit (HQ > 1). Exposure to Sb from polyester textile could mean potential health risks in subpopulation groups who frequently wear these clothes, and for long time periods. The migration experiments with artificial sweat showed to be essential for establishing the exposure to trace elements through cloth with direct contact with skin.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nii Korley Kortei ◽  
Alice Koryo-Dabrah ◽  
Papa Toah Akonor ◽  
Nana Yaw Barima Manaphraim ◽  
Matilda Ayim-Akonor ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: Geophagia although pleasurable and somewhat a necessity among pregnant women, also comes along with its own attendant problems such as exposure to potentially hazardous substances like bacteria, fungi, helminthes and ova, radioactive materials, and toxic elemental minerals in the soil depending on the geographical location.Methodology: This study evaluated the potential health risk involved during the exposure of pregnant women to toxic elemental minerals via the consumption of clay as pica (geophagia). Elemental mineral analysis was carried out using Buck Scientific 210VGP Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Buck Scientific, Inc. East Norwalk, USA). Risk assessment methods were also used to ascertain the various risks factors and the overall risk level.Results: Concentrations of the macro elements investigated were 1.38 ± 1.5, 2.40± 1.5, 7.74± 1.5, 4.01± 1.0, 13.24± 2.2 and 13.76± 2.1 mg/Kg for iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg) and sodium (Na) respectively. While that for the micro elements were 1.63± 0.03 µg/Kg, 4.72±0.8, 0.53±0.02 and 1.85±0.3 mg/kg respectively for arsenic (As), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb) and nickel (Ni). Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Hazard Quotient (HQ), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Total Target Hazard Quotient (TTHQ) values ranged 0.611- 5.44 (mg/kg Bw/day), 6.26x10-4 – 106.5, 0.067-10.34 and 15 respectively.Conclusion: There is the likelihood of posing adverse health problems when clay samples obtained from Anfoega which is sited in the Volta region of Ghana is consumed due to the fact that the HQ’s of these elemental minerals were >1 which points to high content of Manganese (Mn) and Nickel (Ni). It is also likely to cause adverse health problems in an individual’s life time since THQ for Arsenic, Lead and Nickel were above 1. Ultimately, the cumulative effect of these toxicants were exceedingly great (≤ 15) which implied a high level of unsafety associated with this clay. Per the results from this study, it is not safe for pregnant women to consume clay as pica since these toxic elements may cause detrimental effects on the foetus of the unborn child.


Author(s):  
Chaochen Ma ◽  
Miyuki Iwai-Shimada ◽  
Nozomi Tatsuta ◽  
Kunihiko Nakai ◽  
Tomohiko Isobe ◽  
...  

Toxic element pollution is a serious global health concern that has been attracting considerable research. In this study, we elucidated the major routes of exposure to three toxic elements (mercury, cadmium, and lead) and two essential elements (manganese and selenium) through diet, soil, house dust, and indoor air and assessed the potential health risks from these elements on women from the coastal area of Miyagi prefecture, Japan. Twenty-four-hour duplicate diet, house dust, soil, and indoor air samples were collected from 37 participants. Cd, Pb, Mn, and Se concentrations were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and Hg concentrations using cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry. We found that soil and house dust were the primary reservoirs of these elements. Diet contributed most strongly to the daily intake of these elements, with mean values of 0.72, 0.25, 0.054, 47, and 0.94 μg/kg/day for Hg, Cd, Pb, Mn, and Se, respectively. The mean hazard quotient of Hg was 1.53, indicating a high potential health risk from Hg exposure in daily lives. The intakes of other elements were below the tolerable limits. Future studies with a larger sample size are warranted to confirm our findings.


2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 263-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nguyen Pham ◽  
Naomi Mandel

Genetically modified (GM) foods have attracted a great deal of controversy. While some consumers and organizations regard GM foods as safe, many other consumers and organizations remain concerned about their potential health risks. The results of three studies suggest that consumers respond differently to persuasive messages regarding GM foods on the basis of their preexisting attitudes. Weak anti-GM consumers tend to comply with a variety of pro-GM messages. In contrast, strong anti-GM consumers exhibit message-opposing behavior. Moreover, they respond just as negatively to a safety message (claiming that GM foods are safe) as to a risk message (claiming that GM foods are unsafe). The mechanism underlying these effects is consumers’ perceived health risk. A benefit message claiming that GM foods are beneficial (e.g., more nutritious than their conventional counterparts) is a better alternative for strong anti-GM consumers. Finally, the results suggest that persuasive messages do not significantly change pro-GM consumers’ evaluations of these foods.


2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 337-354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed E.M. Hassouna ◽  
Mohamed E. Goher ◽  
Seliem M. El-Sayed ◽  
Reda A.A.A. Hassan

Abstract 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.


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