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[Study on the environmental pollution of PCBs].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the environmental pollution of PCBs from the place where the disused transformers were taken apart. METHODS: Take town F as the high exposed district for investigating and the town P which 100 kilometres is away from the town F as the low exposed district. At the same time, take town DXG which is 500 kilometres away from town F as the district for contrast. It was random and stated to extract samples of piped water, farmland rice and eggs. Then, the exceed-mark-quantity detecting methods were used to detect the PCBs and TEOs level in these samples. RESULTS: The content of PCBs in the samples was different except for piped water. Thediversity of the PCBs level in the hen's eggs was the most significant, duck's eggs took second place and farmland was the least. The order of PCBs level in the samples was: hen' s eggs > duck's eggs > farmland > rice > river water ( stream) > piped water. CONCLUSION: The content of PCBs in each sample from Town F was higher than town P and town DXG on different levels. So the industry of taking the disused transformer apart had caused pollution of local environment.

Animals↗

Regional differences in dietary intake of environmental pollutants in Japan.

In order to study regional differences in the dietary intake of environmental pollutants in Japan, we measured the daily intake ingested via food (the main route for pollutant intake) and analyzed the data by multivariate analysis. Daily mean samples were collected by the duplicate method from 25 women per area in 5 cities in both northern and southern Japan in July, 1987. Cadmium, lead, benzo(a)pyrene, hexachlorobenzene, DDT, chlordane isomers, and the total amount of the isomers were determined for typical pollutants. The data were statistically analyzed by multivariate analysis. Regional differences in the daily intake of environmental pollutants were studied by discriminant analysis. The eigenvalues of the functions 1 and 2, which accounted for 84.8% of variance, were 0.647 and 0.221, respectively. The function 1 was related to regional differences in the intake of environmental pollutants in the northern and southern regions of Japan. The statistical distance calculated from the intake of environmental pollutants correlated well with the geographical distance. The coefficients of the canonical discriminant function 1 were large in the order of lead (Pb) and the total amount of chlordane isomers (T-CLD). The regional difference was assumed to be due to the intake of Pb in the north and the intake of T-CLD in the south. Other pollutants, however, did not contribute to the observed regional difference. The study shows that performing multivariate analysis by computer provides a useful means for processing a large amount of data and can provide important information for data analysis in environmental health.

Adult↗

Measuring and modelling experimental densities and ultrasonic velocities of aromatic and halogenated environmental pollutants.

The potential environmental impact of aromatic and halogenated chemicals from the petrochemical and steel industry is of growning concern. The present paper deals with the modelling and experimental determination of density and speed of sound at the range 278.15-323.15 of six aromatic and halogenated compounds (Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, Fluorobenzene, 2-Fluorotoluene and Chlorobenzene). Fitting equations were applied to the data in order to correlate for later computer based design. The estimation of the studied properties was made by the application of different theoretical procedures. The Mchaweh-Nasrifar-Moshfeghian model (MNM), an equation of state based on the generalized van der Waals theory which combines the Staverman-Guggenheim combinatorial term of lattice statistics with an attractive lattice gas expression and the Free Length Theory showed a good response at the studied conditions.

Benzene Derivatives↗

IL-4 and IL-6 production of bone marrow-derived mast cells is enhanced by treatment with environmental pollutants.

To examine the potential effects of environmental pollutants on the production of cytokines in mast cells, mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC) were cultured at various concentrations of diesel exhaust particulates (DEP) or formaldeyhde. Proliferation of BMMC at 0.8, 2 and 4 microg/ml of DEP and 0.5 and 1 microg/ml of formaldehyde did not differ significantly from that of the controls (0 microg/ml) after 72 h culture, with the exception of a significant decrease in proliferation at 5 microg/ml of formaldehyde. Treatment with DEP or formaldehyde alone did not induce interleukin-4 (IL-4) or IL-6 production by BMMC. IL-4 and IL-6 production in BMMC stimulated with A23187 was higher in BMMC treated with low concentrations of DEP than in controls, but no increase was seen in BMMC treated with high DEP. IL-4 and IL-6 production in A23187-stimulated BMMC was significantly increased at 0.5 and 1 microg/ml formaldehyde but decreased at 5 microg/ml formaldehyde. After pretreatment with low DEP or formaldehyde alone for 24h, IL-4 production of BMMC stimulated with A23187 was lower in BMMC treated with low DEP or formaldehyde than in controls. Antigen-induced IL-4 production significantly increased in BMMC treated with 0.4 or 0.8 microg/ml DEP or 0.5 microg/ml formaldehyde, but antigen-induced IL-6 production in BMMC did not increase at low DEP or formaldehyde. Although the enhancement of IL-4 production of BMMC stimulated with A23187 plus DEP was not completely inhibited by 5x10(-4) M 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME), treatment with 10(-7) M dexamethasone inhibited further IL-4 production. Cytokine production of mast cells is thus shown here for the first time to be modulated by treatment with DEP or formaldehyde. Environmental pollutants such as DEP and formaldehyde may thus affect the immune response via the modulation of cytokine production in mast cells.

Animals↗

Releasing nitrogen from ammoniated lignin by white rot fungus cometabolizes environmental pollutants.

The nitrogen-modified lignocelluloses(NML) produced under oxic ammoniation was metabolized by white rot fungus, NH4(+) -N was released, NO3(-) -N concentration was decreased and total nitrogen loss was blocked within incubation period. During releasing nitrogen from the metabolism of NML, white rot fungus cometabolized recalcitrant environmental pollutants and showed higher degradation capability. Results indicated that this NML complex colonized by white rot fungus might be effective with economic feasibility when they are applied into the vast field ecosystem, it might stabilize NH4+ nitrogen flux and bioremediate the polluted environmental sites.

Ammonia↗

Effects of environmental pollutants on the mitochondrial and red cell membranes.

Most environmental pollutants affect biological membranes more or less, resulting in an increase in permeability of mitochondrial and red cell membranes, which causes changes in potassium compartmentation, and also impairment of oxidative phosphorylation of mitochondria. Authors classified various environmental pollutants from the mode of action on biological membranes.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

[Environmental pollutants and karyologic effects. Usefulness of environmental and biological monitoring].

The results of a study carried out on a group of workers exposed to numerous pollutants (HCl, NaOH, ZnCl2, Sn, Pb, ecc.) in an industrial environment are reported. The research was broken down into two parts: 1) drawing up of a map of environmental pollution; 2) evaluation of the biological exposure of individuals submitted to control. The blood level of Pb was assessed in chosen subjects as a biological indicator of exposure and, at the same time, lymphocyte cultures were prepared in order to highlight any increase in chromosome exchanges and chromosome aberrations.

Air Pollutants↗

Environmental pollution and carcinogenic risk.

In this study, the relationship between environmental pollution and environmental carcinogens has been investigated. There is an alarming increase of diverse natural and man-made carcinogens in consumer goods and industrial wastes. Research carried out in Ankara and Istanbul has found detergents and arsenic in the drinking water to be 140 times higher than the World Health Organization (WHO standards. In addition, air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, particles, and fumes have been determined to be 4 times higher than the WHO standards. A similar situation has been noted in the soil pollution of the country. Pesticides and insecticides used in agriculture are seriously harming human health. It is necessary that the government and institutions establish effective controls and protective measures and educate the people.

Animals↗

The effects of environmental pollution on the respiratory system of children in western Macedonia, Greece.

The indoor and outdoor environmental pollution effects on the respiratory system of 3,559 children aged 9-12 were studied. It was a cross-sectional and interlocal (geographical differentiation) study. The research was conducted during the period between 2000-2001 in five cities of Western Macedonia and more particularly: 1046 children from Ptolemaida, 1249 children from Kozani, 466 from Florina, 419 from Kastoria and 379 from Grevena. The study was performed by means of a questionnaire for the detection of respiratory diseases during childhood, plus spirometry and rhinomanometry measurements. The diachronic quantitative analysis of environmental pollutants was conducted by The Laboratory of Physics of the Atmosphere of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. The environmental pollution was found to have a detrimental effect on the respiratory system of children, mainly attributable to the occurrence of rhinitis and infectious bronchitis. The highest prevalence of rhinitis (40.3%) and infectious bronchitis (12.1%) was observed in Ptolemaida, which is a highly polluted region, whereas the lowest (21.2% and 6.7%, respectively) was seen in Grevena, a non-polluted area. As for the indoor pollution, maternal smoking was found to increase the prevalence of respiratory problems in children. Finally, the father's educational level and a past history of nursery school attendance increase the prevalence of respiratory diseases during childhood.

Child↗

Relationship between the retention characteristics on an alumina column and physico-chemical parameters of some environmental pollutants.

The retention behavior of 16 environmental pollutants was studied on alumina and porous graphitized carbon (PGC) columns using n-hexane as eluent. The relationship between the logarithm of the capacity factors determined on the alumina column and the physico-chemical characteristics of the solutes was elucidated by principal component analysis (PCA) followed by two-dimensional nonlinear mapping. The 12 original variables can be reduced to four with only a 10% loss of information. The logarithm of the capacity factor formed a cluster with the hydrogen donor and acceptor properties of the solutes and their Taft's constant on the two-dimensional nonlinear map of PC loadings indicating that both steric and electronic parameters play a considerable role in the retention mechanism on alumina support. Alcohols, aromatics and chlorinated alkanes formed separate clusters on the two-dimensional nonlinear map of PC variables suggesting that their retention mechanism may be different on the alumina column. Solutes were not retained on the PGC surface proving that under normal-phase conditions the retention capacity of alumina can be higher than that of PGC.

Aluminum Oxide↗

[Mercury levels in humans under conditions of environmental pollution by mercury-containing industrial waste].

Hygienic monitoring of lead, cadmium, and mercury as environmental pollutants should include the analysis of adverse human and environmental effects. The hygienic investigations of environmental pollution with gold-mining waste involved measurements of Hg in the water, soil, foodstuffs and human biological materials. Hg was found in the biological substrata of both industrial workers and the general population since they eat the products of animals and plants from the polluted area.

Adult↗

The mutagenicity of organotin compounds as environmental pollutants.

The mutagenicity of 14 organotin compounds which have been reported to be environmental pollutants, their environmental metabolites and inorganic tin (SnCl4) was studied. The experiments were carried out by a modification of the conventional Salmonella assay. Each tested chemical was removed by washing the tested strain with phosphate buffer, before the strain with top agar was poured onto minimal glucose agar. By this method, we were able to estimate the mutagenicity of organotin compounds which had antibacterial activity. It was apparent that mono-n-butyltin oxide, n-butyltin trichloride, di-n-butyltin dichloride, tri-n-butyltin chloride, bis-(tri-n-butyltin)-oxide and dimethyltin dichloride were mutagens on Salmonella typhimurium TA100 and bis-(tri-n-butyltin)-oxide showed the highest mutagenicity. With S. typhimurium TA98, di-n-butyltin dichloride was found to be a mutagen.

Environmental Pollutants↗

Environmental pollution and allergy.

OBJECTIVES: Among the theories supporting the increase of allergic diseases in modern western countries during the last several decades is the concept that environmental pollutants may play a vital role. Reading this article will enable the reader to recognize the effect of different types of environmental pollution on the development, modulation, and persistence of allergic reactions. DATA SOURCES: Data sources include references to relevant articles and texts. To characterize the influence of environmental pollutants on allergic reactions (allergotoxicology), epidemiologic, clinical, and experimental data are considered. RESULTS: The investigations show that air pollution patterns differ with respect to their effect upon allergies. Classical air pollution (type I) with high sulfur dioxide and dust particles seems not to be associated with allergic disease in humans. However, type II pollution characterized by elevation of oxides of nitrogen (NOx), ozone (O3), tobacco smoke, fine and ultrafine particulate matter, and diesel exhaust particles seems to enhance allergic disease. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that environmental pollution can act at different levels and by complex interactions both outside and inside the individual and influence allergic diseases.

Air Pollutants↗

Industrial workers' health and environmental pollution under the new international division of labor: the Taiwan experience.

Using Taiwan as an example, this paper conducts a historical analysis of the relationship between economic development in the new international division of labor and environmental pollution and industrial workers' health. Three industries-asbestos, plastic, and dye-were chosen for case studies. We trace the emergence of each industry in Taiwan and study each industry's protection of workers' health and environmental quality. Under the new international division of labor, the state's prioritization of economic development leads to lenient regulation. Under such state policies, employers have few incentives to invest in the protection of their workers' health and in the control of environmental pollution. Workers and the public are constrained in their efforts to protect their own health and prevent environmental pollution. This situation is exemplified by the deplorable working conditions and inadequate environmental pollution controls in the asbestos, plastic, and dye industries. Workers' health and the public's health are greatly compromised by economic development in the new international division of labor.

Asbestos↗

Activation of the human RANTES gene promoter in a macrophage cell line by lipopolysaccharide is dependent on stress-activated protein kinases and the IkappaB kinase cascade: implications for exacerbation of allergic inflammation by environmental pollutants.

Macrophages are targeted by environmental pollutants and play a role in allergic inflammation. We explored the molecular basis for induction of RANTES (regulated upon activation, normal T-cells expressed and secreted) mRNA by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the redox-active quinone, tert-butylhydroxyquinone (tBHQ). We demonstrate that transcriptional activation of the human RANTES promoter by LPS is dependent on specific AP-1 and NF-kappaB response elements, which are regulated by c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and NF-kappaB kinase cascades, respectively. The transcriptional activation of the TRE3/4 site is mediated through the transcriptional activation of c-Jun by JNK. A c-Jun mutant which lacks a transcriptional activation domain interfered in the activation of the RANTES promoter. Similarly, kinase-inactive NF-kappaB inducing kinase interfered in the activation of the RANTES promoter. While activation of the RANTES promoter could also be blocked by the downstream kinase-inactive IkappaB kinases, only IKKalpha appears to be LPS-inducible. tBHQ also exerted subtle effects on the human RANTES promoter and induced mRNA expression in parallel with generating NF-kappaB shift complexes.

Air Pollutants↗

Screening the extractability of some typical environmental pollutants by ionic liquids in liquid-phase microextraction.

The extractability of some typical environmental pollutants in ionic liquids (ILs) was screened by using a simple one-step liquid phase microextraction procedure. It was demonstrated that 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([CnMIM][PF6], n = 4, 8), two typical ILs, could effectively extract a set of 45 typical environmental pollutants including BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, phthalates, phenols, aromatic amines, herbicides, organotin, and organomecury. Analytes in 10 mL sample solution held in a 15 mL vial were extracted by a 5 microL drop of ILs suspended on the needle of a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) microsyringe; this was followed by HPLC, atomic absorption spectrometry, or cold-vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry determination. The enrichment factors determined were in the range of 5-168 for 15 min extraction by [C4MIM][PF6] and 4-178 for 30 min extraction by [C8MIM][PF6], respectively, which indicates that ILs might be considered as potential environmentally benign alternative recyclable solvents for the enrichment of environmental pollutants.

Journal Article↗