Radiological assessment of radon in groundwater of the northernmost Kashmir Basin, northwestern Himalaya.

This study investigates the radon concentration in groundwater in Kupwara, the northernmost district of the Kashmir valley. It further assesses the annual effective dose experienced by the district's diverse population-infants, children, and adults-attributable to both inhalation of airborne radon released from drinking water and direct ingestion. In addition to this, the calculation of gamma dose rate is also carried out at each of the sampling site of radon. A portable radon-thoron monitor and a portable gamma radiation detector were respectively employed to estimate the activity concentration of radon in water samples and to measure the gamma dose rate. The radon concentration was found to exhibit variability from a minimum of 2.9 BqL-1 to a maximum of 197.2 BqL-1, with a mean of 26.3 BqL-1 and a standard deviation of 23.3 BqL-1. From a total of 85 samples, 10.6% of the samples had radon activity concentrations exceeding the permissible limits of 40 BqL-1 set by the United Nations Scientific Committee on Effects of Atomic Radiations as reported by UNSCEAR (Sources and effects of ionizing radiation, 2008) and only 1.2% of the samples have radon activity concentration exceeding the permissible limits of 100 BqL-1 set by the World Health Organization as reported by WHO (WHO guidelines for drinking-water quality, World Health Organization, Geneva, 2008). The mean of the annual effective dose due to inhalation for all age groups as well as the annual ingestion dose for infants and children, surpasses the World Health Organization's limit of 100 µSv y-1 as reported by WHO (WHO guidelines for drinking-water quality, World Health Organization, Geneva, 2008). The observed gamma radiation dose rate in the vicinity of groundwater radon sites ranged from a minimum of 138 nSv h-1 to a maximum of 250 nSv h-1. The data indicated no significant correlation between the dose rate of gamma radiation and the radon levels in the groundwater. Radon concentration of potable water in the study area presents a non-negligible exposure pathway for residents. Therefore, the judicious application of established radon mitigation techniques is pivotal to minimize public health vulnerabilities.

Decades of monitoring plastic pollution in seabirds in Canada: Spatial, temporal, and methodological insights.

Plastic ingestion by seabirds is an increasing issue worldwide, yet species can vary in ingestion based on ecological and morphological differences. This provokes the ecological question of which species are better suited to monitor plastic ingestion across regions and time. In Canada, we examined plastic ingestion in sympatric northern fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis), black-legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla), thick-billed murres (Uria lomvia), and black guillemots (Cepphus grylle). Here, we present new data and compare to historical work to inform plastic pollution monitoring in Canada. In 2021, 51 % of fulmars, 7 % of kittiwakes and 7 % of murres contained plastic, whereas guillemots had no pieces >1 mm. Regardless of the methods used to collect and process samples, fulmars continue to have low levels of ingestion compared to the European Arctic, but high levels compared to other species in the Canadian Arctic, emphasizing their continued utility as a monitoring tool for plastic pollution in Canada.

Statistical and Geospatial Assessment of Trace and Toxic Elements Distribution in Ground and Surface water of Northern Parts of the Indo-Gangetic Plains: Source Identification and Health Risk Assessment.

This study focuses on ground and surface water resources in the Northern Parts of the Indo-Gangetic Plains. The study aim to analysis the distribution, identify potential contaminants, trace their origins and evaluate associated health risk. Samples from 80 locations; groundwater (n=69) and surface water (n=11) were analysed for nineteen trace and toxic elements using ICP-MS. Eight elements in groundwater (Mn, Fe, Ni, Zn, As, Tl, U and Se) and six in surface water (Al, Mn, Fe, Ni, Zn, and Tl) exceeded WHO (2011) and BIS (2012) limits. The geospatial analysis reveals hotspots of trace and toxic element concentration, with higher levels detected in the southeast and western regions of the study area. Correlation matrices revealed a robust correlation (∼ >0.75-0.99, p < 0.01) among all trace and toxic elements (excluding Li, Be, As, Ag, and U) in surface water samples when compared to groundwater samples. Cluster analysis and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) (explains 70.09 cumulative percent for total 6 of factors) of groundwater chemistry indicates that Zn, Ni and Tl contamination may originate from industrial activities (metallurgical processes and manufacturing). The potential sources of Mn may be both geological and human-induced, while Fe, Se, As and U can originate from specific geological formations or human-related activities like over-extraction and leaching of excess fertilizers into aquifers. For surface water, PCA (explains 92.92 cumulative percent for total 5 of factors) identifies industrial activities as the main source of Mn, Fe, Tl, Ni, and Zn, while Al levels come from both geological sources and anthropogenic inputs. The water quality index indicated poor to very poor water quality in the western and central regions, whereas the northern and eastern regions exhibited excellent water quality. Health risk assessment reveals HI values for groundwater water: 3.85 (adults), 7.70 (children); surface water: 1.52 (adults), 3.05 (children), emphasizing the urgent need for remediation measures.

Fauna - Microplastics interactions: Empirical insights from benthos community exposure to marine plastic waste.

Microplastic deposition in soft marine sediments raises concerns on their role in sediment habitats and unknown effects on resident macrobenthic communities. To assess the reciprocal influence that MPs and macrobenthos might have on each other, we performed a mesocosm experiment with ambient concentrations of environmental Polyethylene (PE) and a non-manipulated, natural macrobenthic community from the Belgian part of the North Sea (BPNS). Our results show that PE fragments increase mortality of abundant bivalves (specifically Abra alba) after 30 days of exposure but not for the most abundant polychaete Owenia fusiformis, possibly due to its predominant suspension feeding behavior. Fast burial of surface MPs exposes deep-dwelling burrowers to the pollutant, however reducing the amount of MPs interacting with (sub) surface living fauna. We conclude that macrobenthos promotes the sequestration of deposited MPs, counteracting resuspension, and can have cascading effects on biodiversity due to their effect on abundant and functionally important species.

A rare case of suicide by bleach fatal ingestion: a case report and a literature overview.

Background: Nowadays it is estimated that worldwide more than 700 000 people die by suicide every year and a greater amount attempt this practice. Suicide is the fourth cause of death among 15-29 years old people. Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl) is used in household and com-mercial bleaches and due to its easy availability, accidental exposure to or intentional ingestion of NaOCl occurs frequently. In most cases health effects are only transient but if the subject ingests a large amount of this substance, this can generate severe consequences as oesophageal or stomach lesions and electrolytic imbalance. In the present study we analyse a rare case of suicide by fatal ingestion of bleach. Case Report: Case of a caucasic 47 years old woman with a background of several suicide attempts by exogenous substance ingestion that was found death alone in her apartment. The purpose of our investigation was identifying the cause of death. A rigorous and multidisciplinary methodological approach was adopted, including an accurate judicial inspection of the environment, an anamnestic collection, an autoptic procedure completed by macro and microscopic examinations of internal organs and a toxicological examination of biological fluids. Furthermore, a literature overview of similar cases was carried out. The resulting evidence demonstrates that woman's death occurred after a massive bleach ingestion. Conclusions: This case report highlights the importance of forensic methodology in investigating the ingestion of exogenous substances. Crime scene investigation, a detailed post-mortem examination, toxicology and a complete histopathological study are mandatory to solve the enigma.

Short-term microplastic effects on marine meiofauna abundance, diversity and community composition.

Background: Due to the copious disposal of plastics, marine ecosystems receive a large part of this waste. Microplastics (MPs) are solid particles smaller than 5 millimeters in size. Among the plastic polymers, polystyrene (PS) is one of the most commonly used and discarded. Due to its density being greater than that of water, it accumulates in marine sediments, potentially affecting benthic communities. This study investigated the ingestion of MP and their effect on the meiofauna community of a sandy beach. Meiofauna are an important trophic link between the basal and higher trophic levels of sedimentary food webs and may therefore be substantially involved in trophic transfer of MP and their associated compounds. Methods: We incubated microcosms without addition of MP (controls) and treatments contaminated with PS MP (1-µm) in marine sediments at three nominal concentrations (103, 105, 107particles/mL), for nine days, and sampled for meiofauna with collections every three days. At each sampling time, meiofauna were collected, quantified and identified to higher-taxon level, and ingestion of MP was quantified under an epifluorescence microscope. Results: Except for Tardigrada, all meiofauna taxa (Nematoda, turbellarians, Copepoda, Nauplii, Acari and Gastrotricha) ingested MP. Absorption was strongly dose dependent, being highest at 107 particles/mL, very low at 105 particles/mL and non-demonstrable at 103 particles/mL. Nematodes accumulated MP mainly in the intestine; MP abundance in the intestine increased with increasing incubation time. The total meiofauna density and species richness were significantly lower at the lowest MP concentration, while at the highest concentration these parameters were very similar to the control. In contrast, Shannon-Wiener diversity and evenness were greater in treatments with low MP concentration. However, these results should be interpreted with caution because of the low meiofauna abundances at the lower two MP concentrations. Conclusion: At the highest MP concentration, abundance, taxonomic diversity and community structure of a beach meiofauna community were not significantly affected, suggesting that MP effects on meiofauna are at most subtle. However, lower MP concentrations did cause substantial declines in abundance and diversity, in line with previous studies at the population and community level. While we can only speculate on the underlying mechanism(s) of this counterintuitive response, results suggest that further research is needed to better understand MP effects on marine benthic communities.

Foreign Body Ingestion Ending Up in Late-Presenting Morgagni Hernia Diagnosis: A Case Report.

Morgagni hernia (MH), also known as a retrosternal or parasternal hernia, is a rare type of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) characterized by a defect in the anterior diaphragm. Patients with late-diagnosed MH typically present with vague gastrointestinal or respiratory symptoms. In some instances, MH is incidentally identified through chest X-rays performed for other reasons, such as foreign body ingestion, as illustrated in our presented case. We present a case of a delayed congenital diaphragmatic hernia of the Morgagni type in a two-year-old boy with a history of foreign body ingestion and severe abdominal pain. Diagnostic imaging, including chest radiograph and computed tomography (CT) scan, confirmed the diaphragmatic defect. Surgical repair, performed laparoscopically, resulted in an uncomplicated postoperative course and a favorable long-term outcome.

Death following cylindrical battery ingestion associated with toxic manganese levels.

Cases of battery ingestion are well documented in the scientific literature, especially concerning button cell battery ingestion in children. In this instance, the authors present an atypical case of a young man who voluntarily ingested a cylindrical alkaline battery containing manganese. The patient died approximately a week later, despite not exhibiting any specific symptoms. The battery was found in the cecum during the autopsy, showing deterioration at its positive pole. The cecal mucosa exhibited two ulcerations without perforation. Histological analysis revealed intestinal ischemia in the cecum, with no microscopic lesions in other organs. Toxicology reports indicated high levels of manganese in both cardiac and peripheral blood. Considering all the results from the additional analyses, the experts concluded that the death was likely of multifactorial origin, associated with a toxic blood concentration of manganese. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first recorded death following the ingestion of a cylindrical battery, and the first instance of manganese intoxication resulting from the ingestion of an alkaline battery. The authors will present the case and provide a literature review to assess the extent to which the presence of manganese may have contributed to the fatality.

Grazing impact of the calanoid copepods Acartia spp. on the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium pseudogonyaulax in the western coastal waters of Korea.

Marine dinoflagellate species in the genus Alexandrium are well known to produce paralytic shellfish poison as well as common coastal species with cosmopolitan distribution. However, few studies on the feeding of copepods on Alexandrium species have been conducted. The toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium pseudogonyaulax contains goniodomin A and causes red tides in many countries. To investigate the relationship between the toxic dinoflagellate A. pseudogonyaulax and the calanoid copepods Acartia spp., we quantified the ingestion rates of Acartia spp. feeding on A. pseudogonyaulax as a function of prey concentration. Additionally, we estimated grazing coefficients by integrating data from field observations of Acartia spp. and coexisting A. pseudogonyaulax with laboratory measurements of ingestion rates obtained during this investigation. Furthermore, we compared the ingestion rates of Acartia spp. and other predators feeding on Alexandrium species as previously reported. The ingestion rates of Acartia spp. on A. pseudogonyaulax increased continuously with increasing mean prey concentration. The highest values among the ingestion rate of Acartia spp. feeding on A. pseudogonyaulax was 3,407 cells predator-1 d-1 (4,872 ng C predator-1 d-1) at the given prey concentration. The calculated grazing coefficients for Acartia spp. on A. pseudogonyaulax in Shiwha Bay, Korea, were up to 0.073 d-1. The results of this study suggest that A. pseudogonyaulax may decrease or maintain the population of Acartia spp. in marine food webs.

Meta-analysis of soil and dust ingestion studies.

The ingestion of soil and dust by children and adults is a potential source of exposure to environmental contaminants. To advance beyond the simple averaging of estimates used in the U.S. EPA's Exposure Factors Handbook (EFH), we describe a novel meta-analysis of all available studies that provided soil or dust ingestion estimates for children or adults conducted in the United States and Canada. Using meta-analytic techniques, we estimate the mean total soil plus dust ingestion rates and confidence intervals (CIs) for eleven age groups (0 - <1 month (m), 1 - <3 m, 3 - <6 m, 6 - <12 m, 1 - <2 years (y), 2 - <3 y, 3 - <6 y, 6 - <11 y, 11 - <16 y, 16 - <21 y, and 21+ y). These age groups were selected for consistency with the EFH update to Chapter 5 and the U.S. EPA's Age Grouping Guidance. For each age group, we calculated best estimates for the three main types of ingestion studies: tracer studies based on the aluminum tracer, biokinetic studies, and activity pattern (modeling) studies, as well as overall estimates for all three study types combined. Our meta-analysis combined study estimates using the alternative statistical approaches of the fixed effect method (inverse variance method, "I-V") and two random effects methods, DerSimonian and Laird's method of moments ("DSL") and the restricted maximum likelihood method ("MIXED"). For each approach, the mean total soil plus dust ingestion rate estimates for each study type generally aligned well with the EFH, ranging from 36 to 68 mg/day for infants, 56-72 mg/day for young children, and 12-32 mg/day for adolescents and adults. When all three study types were combined, the upper bounds of the 95% CI were generally the lowest for the I-V method and the highest for the MIXED method. The estimates produced here can be used for stochastic risk assessments and provide a better estimate of soil and dust ingestion rates across age groups.

Role of turbulence in Dinophysis spp. growth, feeding, and toxin leakage in culture.

Dinophysis, a mixotrophic dinoflagellate that is known to prey on the ciliate Mesodinium rubrum, and retain its chloroplasts, is responsible for diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP) in humans and has been identified on all U.S. coasts. Monocultures of Dinophysis have been used to investigate the growth of Dinophysis species in response to variations in environmental conditions, however, little is known about the roles of system stability (turbulence) and mixotrophy in the growth and toxicity of Dinophysis species in the U.S.. To begin to address this gap in knowledge, culturing experiments were conducted with three species (four strains) of Dinophysis, that included predator-prey co-incubation (Dinophysis spp.+ M. rubrum) and prey-only (M. rubrum) flasks. Cultures were investigated for effects of low or high turbulence on Dinophysis spp. growth, feeding, and amounts of intra- and extracellular toxins: okadaic acid and derivatives (diarrhetic shellfish toxins, DSTs) and pectenotoxins (PTXs). Turbulence did not have a measurable effect on the rates of ingestion of M. rubrum prey by Dinophysis spp. for any of the four strains, however, effects on growth and particulate and dissolved toxins were observed. High turbulence (ε = 10-2 m2s-3) significantly slowed growth of both D. acuminata and D. ovum relative to still controls, but significantly stimulated growth of the D. caudata strain. Increasing turbulence also resulted in significantly higher intracellular toxin content in D. acuminata cultures (DSTs and PTXs), but significantly reduced intracellular toxin content (PTXs) in those of D. caudata. An increase in turbulence appeared to promote toxin leakage, as D. ovum had significantly more extracellular DSTs found in the medium under high turbulence when compared to the still control. Overall, significant responses to turbulence were observed, whereby the three strains from the "Dinophysis acuminata complex" displayed a stress response to turbulence, i.e., decreasing growth, increasing intracellular toxin content and/or increasing toxin leakage, while the D. caudata strain had an opposite response, appearing stimulated by, or more tolerant of, high turbulence.

Pediatric injuries and poisonings associated with detergent packets: results from the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program (CHIRPP), 2011-2023.

BACKGROUND: Detergent packets are common household products; however, they pose a risk of injuries and poisonings, especially among children. This study examined the epidemiological characteristics of pediatric injuries and poisonings related to all types of detergent packets in Canada using emergency department (ED) data from the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program (CHIRPP) database. METHODS: The CHIRPP database was searched for ED visit records for injuries and poisonings related to all types of detergent packets between April 1, 2011 and October 12, 2023 (N = 2,021,814) using variable codes and narratives. Data for individuals aged 17 years and younger were analyzed descriptively. Temporal trends in the number of detergent packet-related injuries and poisonings per 100,000 CHIRPP cases were assessed using Joinpoint regression and annual percent change (APC). A proportion ratio and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to compare the proportion of detergent packet-related cases in CHIRPP during two 34-months periods, pre-COVID-19 pandemic and after the beginning of the pandemic. RESULTS: There were 904 detergent packet-related cases among children and youth aged 17 years and younger identified in CHIRPP between April 1, 2011 and October 12, 2023, representing 59.9 cases per 100,000 CHIRPP cases. The majority (86.5%) of cases were among children aged 4 years and younger. Poisonings (58.8%) and eye injuries (30.6%) were the most frequent primary diagnoses. Unintentional ingestion (56.9%) and squeezing/breaking a detergent packet (32.3%) were the most frequent exposure mechanisms. Sixty-five patients (7.2%) were admitted to hospital. The number of detergent packet-related cases per 100,000 CHIRPP cases increased by 5.0% (95% CI 0.8, 10.2) annually between 2012 and 2022. The number of detergent packet-related poisonings per 100,000 CHIRPP cases decreased by 15.3% (95% CI - 22.3, - 10.6) annually between 2015 and 2022, whereas eye injuries showed an average annual percent increase of 16.6% (95% CI 11.2, 23.0) between 2012 and 2022. The proportion of detergent packet-related cases in CHIRPP after the beginning of the pandemic (79.9/100,000 CHIRPP cases) was 1.43 (95% CI 1.20, 1.71) times greater than pre-pandemic (55.7/100,000 CHIRPP cases). CONCLUSIONS: Detergent packet-related injuries and poisonings are a persisting issue. Continued surveillance and prevention efforts are needed to reduce detergent packet-related injuries and poisonings in Canada, particularly among children and youth.

Accidental Toothbrush Ingestion.

The accidental ingestion of a toothbrush is an extremely rare occurrence, typically involving young women with psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bulimia, or anorexia nervosa. There are no known cases of a swallowed toothbrush being expelled naturally through the rectum. Therefore, prompt extraction of an ingested toothbrush from the gastrointestinal tract using a surgical or endoscopic method is a necessity. Here, we report a case of a psychologically healthy woman ingesting a toothbrush accidentally while cleaning her tongue with the back of the toothbrush. In our report, we document the successful extraction of a toothbrush from the esophagus endoscopically without any complications.

Severe Central Nervous System and Respiratory Depression in a Neonate Following Accidental Oral Ingestion of Brimonidine Tartrate.

Brimonidine is a third-generation alpha-2 adrenergic agonist and is classified as an ocular hypotensive agent. It is used for chronic glaucoma treatment by lowering intraocular pressure, crucial for preventing blindness. Brimonidine works by reducing aqueous humor production and increasing uveoscleral outflow. The improper use of brimonidine in children can result in severe adverse effects. If brimonidine eye drops are ingested orally, it can cause significant depression of the cardiorespiratory and central nervous systems. This is a case report of a 27-day-old neonate, who presented with central nervous system and respiratory depression after accidental ingestion of one drop of brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution. On arrival, he was having shallow breathing, a low Glasgow Coma Scale score, pinpoint pupils, and absent deep tendon reflexes. Gastric lavage was performed and supportive treatment was started. The patient showed gradual improvement and completely recovered within 48 hours.

In-depth analysis of microplastics reported from animal and algae seafood species: Implications for consumers and environmental health.

Macroalgae are able to retain environmental microplastics (MPs). The potential ingestion of MP through Atlantic agar Gelidium corneum and different animal species (hake, glass eels, mussels, topshells, anemones, sea cucumbers) that are seafood resources in Spain, was estimated from published MPs data calculating daily dose and annual ingestion rate. The study region was Asturias (SW Bay of Biscay). Lower MP ingestion rate from algae than from any animal analysed revealed a reduced risk of MP intake, probably because the alga is harvested from quite clean subtidal zones. However, MP bioconcentration in Atlantic agar was higher than in sea cucumbers, mussels or glass eels. Compared with other algae, G. corneum ranked the highest for MP retention rate, perhaps for its intricate branching and gelatinous surface, suggesting a possible use in MP bioremediation. More experimental studies in MP uptake by macroalgae are recommended to understand their implication in the accumulation of this pollutant.

Changes in modes of cannabis consumption pre- and post-legalization and their correlates among adults in Ontario, Canada: 2017-2022.

Background: Despite an increase in the varieties of cannabis products available for consumption, limited evidence is available about the patterns of cannabis consumption methods before and after legalization.Objectives: To examine the changes in modes of cannabis use and their correlates among adults in Ontario, Canada both prior to and following cannabis legalization in 2018.Methods: Data were utilized from the 2017 to 2022 Centre for Addiction and Mental Health's (CAMH) Monitor study, a repeated cross-sectional survey of adults 18 years of age and older (n = 2,665; 56% male). The surveys employed a regionally stratified sampling design using computer-assisted telephone interviews and web surveys. Multinomial regression was performed to examine different modes of cannabis use.Results: The exclusive use of cannabis through ingestion methods increased from 4.0% in 2017 to 16.6% in 2022 (p < .001). However, the exclusive use of inhalation-based cannabis decreased from 49.4% in 2017 to 25.5% in 2022 (p < .001). Relative to inhalation-based modes, adults were about five times more likely to use ingestion-based modes in 2020 [RRR = 4.65 (2.94-7.35)] and 2022 [RRR = 4.75 (2.99-7.55)] than in 2019, after accounting for sociodemographic factors.Conclusions: Ingestion-based cannabis use among adults increased fourfold between 2017 and 2022, a period during which recreational cannabis use was legalized in Canada. The increase was especially evident after the legalization of cannabis edibles.

Water bead injuries by children presenting to emergency departments 2013-2023: An expanding issue.

A 2023 product recall has described the risk for morbidity and mortality for children ingesting water beads. We aimed to describe water bead exposure and management trends in the United States. We used the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) to identify water bead injuries from 2013 to 2023. Inclusion criteria were ages 0-17 years, diagnosis of ingested object/foreign body, and the narrative word(s) suggested water bead(s). NEISS supplied weights and variance variables to generate national estimates. There were 226 water bead injuries (66% ingestion). Children under age 2 years comprised 29% of injuries. Multiple water beads were involved in 56% of cases. There was a significant uptrend in water bead injury frequency after 2020. Sixteen (7%) cases required escalation of care. Water bead injuries are rising and appear to affect children of all ages. Children aged less than 5 years appear most vulnerable.

Methodologies for the collection of parameters to estimate dust/soil ingestion for young children.

Background: Heavy metals, pesticides and a host of contaminants found in dust and soil pose a health risk to young children through ingestion. Dust/soil ingestion rates for young children can be estimated using micro-level activity time series (MLATS) as model inputs. MLATS allow for the generation of frequency and duration of children's contact activities, along with sequential contact patterns. Models using MLATS consider contact types, and transfer dynamics to assign mechanisms of contact and appropriate exposure factors for cumulative estimates of ingestion rates. Objective: The objective of this study is to describe field implementation, data needs, advanced field collection, laboratory methodologies, and challenges for integrating into and updating a previously validated physical-stochastic MLATS-based model framework called the Child-Specific Aggregate Cumulative Human Exposure and Dose (CACHED) model. The manuscript focuses on describing the methods implemented in the current study. Methods: This current multidisciplinary study (Dust Ingestion childRen sTudy [DIRT]) was implemented across three US regions: Tucson, Arizona; Miami, Florida and Greensboro, North Carolina. Four hundred and fifty participants were recruited between August 2021 to June 2023 to complete a 4-part household survey, of which 100 also participated in a field study. Discussion: The field study focused on videotaping children's natural play using advanced unattended 360° cameras mounted for participants' tracking and ultimately conversion to MLATS. Additionally, children's hand rinses were collected before and after recording, along with indoor dust and outdoor soil, followed by advanced mass analysis. The gathered data will be used to quantify dust/soil ingestion by region, sociodemographic variables, age groups (from 6 months to 6 years), and other variables for indoor/outdoor settings within an adapted version of the CACHED model framework. Significance: New innovative approaches for the estimation of dust/soil ingestion rates can potentially improve modeling and quantification of children's risks to contaminants from dust exposure.

Urgent health concerns: Clinical issues associated with accidental ingestion of new metal-blade-containing sticks for heated tobacco products.

INTRODUCTION: Recently, a concerning pattern has emerged in clinical settings, drawing attention to the potential health risks associated with the accidental ingestion, mostly by children, of a new Heated Tobacco Product (HTP) stick, which contains a sharp metal blade inside. METHODS: Following a webinar of the Joint Action on Tobacco Control 2 project, where data on adverse health incidents related to novel tobacco and nicotine products from EU Member States were presented, the Milan Poison Control Center (PCC) conducted a case series study on the accidental ingestion of blade-containing HTP sticks in Italy, between July 2023 and February 2024. The data in the medical records were analyzed to identify the age distribution, clinical presentation symptoms, performed diagnostic procedures, and medical management. RESULTS: Overall, 40 cases of accidental ingestion of HTP sticks were identified and are described. A total of 33 (82.5%) children (infants and toddlers, mean age 12.3 ± 3.3 months) were hospitalized. Of these, 29 underwent abdominal X-rays, two children underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and one child suffered from cut injuries to the tonsillar pillar and genian mucosa, requiring anesthesia for fibroscopy. The observed clinical cases associated with new HTP sticks containing a metal blade occurred over just eight months. This issue required the immediate implementation of corrective measures to mitigate health risks. The Ministry of Health issued an alert regarding the dangers related to the accidental ingestion of the stick and imposed more visible warnings on the package. CONCLUSIONS: It is of the utmost importance to raise awareness among both the general public and medical practitioners to prevent further cases of accidental ingestion of HTP sticks by infants and toddlers, and ensure a prompt and informed response in emergency situations.

Are mixtures of micro/nanoplastics more toxic than individual micro or nanoplastic contamination in the clam Ruditapes decussatus?

The abundance of micro (MPs) and nano (NPs) sized plastic particles in the ocean is concerning due to their harmful effects on marine life. The interactions between MPs and NPs in the marine environment and their impact on marine biota remain not fully understood. This study contributes with new insights into the interaction between polystyrene NPs (PSNPs) and polyethylene MPs (PEMPs) on the clam Ruditapes decussatus. Results showed ingestion of MPs and NPs by clams, with PSNPs demonstrating higher toxicity in hemolymph. While no genotoxicity was observed, clams treated with MPs and the mixture showed increased acetylcolinesterase (AchE) activity over time. Additionally, the antioxidant defense system mitigated oxidative stress, suggesting effective neutralization of reactive oxygen species. Hazard assessment indicated the greatest impact on clam digestive glands after ten days of exposure, with an antagonistic interaction between MPs and NPs noted.