Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Michael J. Ford, Colin K. Loeb, Lemuel X. Perez Perez, Stuart Gammon, Steven Guzorek, Hawi B. Gemeda, Alexandra M. Golobic, August Honnell, Justin Erspamer, Eric B. Duoss, Thomas S. Wilson, Jeremy M. Lenhardt
Summary: This paper describes the formulation of transparent elastomers through matching refractive indices in inks, achieving transparency, thermochromic effects, and tailored mechanical properties. By optimizing siloxane chemistry and ink processing, the authors successfully printed transparent elastomers for potential applications such as encapsulation structures for LED, dye-filled structures, microfluidic devices, and multimaterial structures with temperature-dependent camouflage.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qitong Xie, Qingxia Guan, Liangzhong Li, Xiongfei Pan, Cheuk-Lam Ho, Xiaotu Liu, Sen Hou, Da Chen
Summary: The effectiveness of using house dust and wristbands to assess human exposure to organophosphorus tri-esters may vary between children and adults. Children generally have higher levels of exposure to organophosphorus tri-esters than their mothers, suggesting age-related differences in exposure patterns that should be considered in assessments.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kanchan Kumari, Anshika Singh, Deepak Marathe
Summary: Cyclic volatile methyl siloxanes (cVMS) are extensively used and widely present in various environmental matrices, raising concerns about their environmental contamination and potential health hazards. This study comprehensively reviews their occurrence and environmental behavior in air, water, soil, sediments, sludge, dusts, biogas, biosolids, and biota. Higher concentrations of cVMS were found in indoor air and biosolids, but not in water, soil, and sediments except for wastewaters. No threat to aquatic organisms was identified, and mammalian toxicity hazards were not evident except for rare cases of uterine tumors under long-term exposures in laboratory conditions. More careful examinations are needed to establish strong evidence and inform policy-making regarding the production and use of cVMS to mitigate potential environmental consequences.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jiali Cheng, Zhenwu Tang, Yan Ma, Hongmin Yin, Tong Meng, Jiazheng Sun
Summary: Methyl siloxanes, commonly used in consumer products, were found in road dust samples around a manufacturing site. The predominant siloxanes in the samples were D-3, D-4, D-5, and D-6, with relatively low concentrations. Daily intakes of total siloxanes via road dust ingestion were low, especially for adults. Further research on the risks and distribution of siloxanes released from manufacturing sites is needed to better understand potential impacts on human health.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Noura Abdulrahman, Trenton J. Honda, Ayat Ali, Nabras Abdulrahman, Daniel Vrinceanu, Shishir Shishodia
Summary: Exposure to indoor dust can negatively affect human colonic cells, leading to reduced cell viability, increased cytotoxicity, and apoptosis. This study provides important insights into the physiological effects of indoor dust exposure on human health.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hoang Quoc Anh, Ha My Nu Nguyen, Trung Quang Do, Khiem Quang Tran, Tu Binh Minh, Tri Manh Tran
Summary: The study investigated the contamination status and distribution characteristics of phthalic acid esters and cyclic volatile methyl siloxanes in indoor and outdoor air samples collected from chemistry laboratories, offices, and homes in urban areas of Hanoi, Vietnam. The results showed higher concentrations of the substances indoors compared to outdoors, indicating indoor emission sources are predominant. Positive correlations were found between total air concentrations of phthalates and siloxanes in indoor and outdoor air samples.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Oliver Krueger, Ingo Ebner, Oliver Kappenstein, Alexander Roloff, Andreas Luch, Torsten Bruhn
Summary: Silicone-based consumer products may contain volatile compounds, mainly residual siloxane oligomers from production processes, which need to be removed by a tempering process to prevent their unwanted release into food. According to BfR recommendation XV, the remaining volatile organic compounds should be less than 0.5% of the total product weight. The gravimetric determination of volatile compounds is feasible with an expanded measurement uncertainty of 25% based on the results of this study.
FOOD PACKAGING AND SHELF LIFE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Francisco Sanchez-Soberon, Nuno Ratola
Summary: This study monitored the indoor and outdoor environments of a wastewater treatment plant using passive air samplers, and assessed the presence and seasonal trends of volatile methylsiloxanes (VMSs). The results showed higher VMSs concentrations in outdoor locations, with a seasonal pattern influenced by changing weather conditions and VMSs consumption patterns. Different sources of VMSs and air filtering systems explained the differences in VMSs congener profiles between indoor and outdoor environments.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zeyou Meng, Xifeng Hou, Yuheng Liu, Zichuan Ma, Huizhen Shen
Summary: Iron-modified biochar (FeMBC) materials were prepared for effective removal of volatile methylsiloxanes (VMS) in biogas, with FeMBC-3 exhibiting the highest adsorption capacity due to its well-developed microporous structure. The adsorption of VMS on FeMBC-3 was found to be a spontaneous and exothermic process, making FeMBC a promising adsorbent for biogas up-gradation.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Krassi Rumchev, Yun Zhao, Andy Lee
Summary: The study conducted in an industrial bakery in Perth, Western Australia, found that bakery workers in production zones were exposed to higher ambient dust concentrations compared to those in office areas, with the dough room showing the highest exposure levels. The results suggest that bakery workers may be at risk of developing respiratory diseases due to high dust levels, emphasizing the importance of reducing current exposure levels.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Daniel M. Figueiredo, Serigne Lo, Esmeralda Krop, Jeroen Meijer, Henry Beeltje, Marja H. Lamoree, Roel Vermeulen
Summary: This study demonstrates that silicone collars can be used to measure environmental exposures of domestic animals, and domestic animals can be used as sentinels for human residential exposure. The simultaneous measurement of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) using silicone bands worn by pet cats and their owners showed frequent detection of 9 PAHs in both wristbands and collars. This study provides proof-of-principle data for the use of silicone collars to measure animal exposure and highlights the potential of cats as sentinels for human residential exposure.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Cornelia Wippich, Dorothea Koppisch, Katrin Pitzke, Dietmar Breuer
Summary: This study investigates the relationship between cobalt concentrations in inhalable and respirable dust fractions and develops conversion functions. The resulting power functions can be used to estimate cobalt concentrations in respirable dust in other studies. Limitations of using the conversion functions are discussed.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Cornelia Wippich, Dorothea Koppisch, Katrin Pitzke, Dietmar Breuer
Summary: The study discusses the conversion of nickel concentrations from inhalable to respirable dust fractions, using linear regression analysis to analyze data and derive heuristic groups related to different working activities for enhanced data description quality.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Qiming Luo, Lepeng Huang, Xuanyi Xue, Zengshun Chen, Fengbin Zhou, Lihao Wei, Jianmin Hua
Summary: The study established a health risk evaluation system for the earthwork construction phase, monitored dust exposure levels for different workers, and quantified health risks using Disability-Adjusted Life Year (DALY). The results showed that wearing protective masks and using spray systems could effectively reduce health risks.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Anh Quoc Hoang, Hue Thi Trinh, Ha My Nu Nguyen, Trung Quang Nguyen, Thi Xuyen Nguyen, Toan Vu Duc, Thi Thao Nguyen, Trung Quang Do, Tu Binh Minh, Tri Manh Tran
Summary: Comprehensive studies on volatile methyl siloxanes in settled dust from various micro-environments in Vietnam revealed that informal waste processing activities are a major source of these emerging contaminants. Among the studied cyclic volatile methyl siloxanes, D5 was found to be the most predominant compound.
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yumeng Shi, Shucong Chen, Mengqi Yan, Zhipeng Cheng, Leicheng Zhao, Yarui Liu, Bo Zhang, Hongkai Zhu, Tao Zhang, Kurunthachalam Kannan
Summary: Nitrogenous flame retardants (NFRs) have raised global concern due to their nephrotoxic effect, but the mechanism of exposure-induced kidney injury remains unknown. This study measured eight NFRs, four oxidative stress biomarkers (OSBs), and one kidney injury biomarker (NGAL) in urine samples collected from residents in e-waste disassembly and reference areas. Higher concentrations of NFRs and biomarkers were found in the urine of e-waste site residents, indicating that chronic exposure to NFRs can induce oxidative stress and kidney damage. Structure equation modeling revealed that oxidative stress mediated a significant portion of the effect of NFRs on NGAL in e-waste related people. Overall, this study suggests the long-term chronic exposure to NFRs can lead to oxidative stress and renal injury in humans, but the pathogenesis may be scenario-specific.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alison G. Paquette, Samantha Lapehn, Sophie Freije, James MacDonald, Theo Bammler, Drew B. Day, Christine T. Loftus, Kurunthachalam Kannan, W. Alex Mason, Nicole R. Bush, Kaja Z. LeWinn, Daniel A. Enquobahrie, Carmen Marsit, Sheela Sathyanarayana
Summary: This study provides the first human transcriptomic assessment of PAHs in the placenta and identifies associations between prenatal PAH exposure and placental gene expression, shedding light on the mechanisms by which PAHs may disrupt placental function.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Stephanie Chaousis, Frederic D. L. Leusch, Colin J. Limpus, Amanda Nouwens, Liesbeth J. Weijs, Antonia Weltmeyer, Adrian Covaci, Jason P. van de Merwe
Summary: All seven species of sea turtle are facing increasing pressures from human activities that are impacting their health. Changes in blood proteins can indicate adverse health outcomes. This study examines the protein abundance in sea turtle plasma, compares protein expression between different populations, and investigates markers of contaminant exposure.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Shoji F. Nakayama, Annie St-Amand, Tyler Pollock, Petra Apel, Yu Ait Bamai, Dana Boyd Barr, Jos Bessems, Antonia M. Calafat, Argelia Castano, Adrian Covaci, Radu Corneliu Duca, Sarah Faure, Karen S. Galea, Sean Hays, Nancy B. Hopf, Yuki Ito, Maryam Zare Jeddi, Marike Kolossa-Gehring, Eva Kumar, Judy S. LaKind, Marta Esteban Lopez, Henriqueta Louro, Kristin Macey, Konstantinos C. Makris, Lisa Melnyk, Aline Murawski, Josh Naiman, Julianne Nassif, Nolwenn Noisel, Devika Poddalgoda, Lesliam Quiros-Alcala, Ata Rafiee, Loic Rambaud, Maria Joao Silva, Jun Ueyama, Marc-Andre Verner, Maisarah Nasution Waras, Kate Werry
Summary: Human biomonitoring (HBM) data can be used to compare population exposures, but finding the relevant health-based biomonitoring guidance values can be time-consuming. To address this issue, an online repository called the Human Biomonitoring Health-Based Guidance Value (HB2GV) Dashboard has been created. This database provides a centralized location for researchers and decision makers to access and interpret HBM data.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Zhong-Min Li, Mathusa Lakuleswaran, Kurunthachalam Kannan
Summary: In this study, a method using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was developed for the determination of various disinfectants, including BACs, ATMACs, DDACs, and QACs, in human serum and urine. The method involved the use of isotopically labelled internal standards and solid-phase extraction. Different LC columns were utilized for the separation of different compounds. The method showed good sensitivity and accuracy, and it was able to detect the presence of QACs and their metabolites in human serum and urine.
JOURNAL OF CHROMATOGRAPHY B-ANALYTICAL TECHNOLOGIES IN THE BIOMEDICAL AND LIFE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shanshan Yin, Thomas J. McGrath, Adam Cseresznye, Jasper Bombeke, Giulia Poma, Adrian Covaci
Summary: Chlorinated paraffins (CPs) are a major environmental concern and it is essential to have an effective tool for monitoring personal exposure to CPs. In this study, silicone wristbands (SWBs) were used as a personal passive sampler, and results showed that micro-environments were key contributors to dermal exposure to CPs.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Junjie Zhang, Miao Peng, Enkui Lian, Lu Xia, Alexandros G. Asimakopoulos, Sihai Luo, Lei Wang
Summary: Micro/nanoplastics are a global pollutant that poses serious concerns to human and ecosystem health. However, the identification and visualization of these plastics, especially nanoplastics, have been challenging due to the lack of reliable analytical methods. This study reports an efficient surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrate that can detect trace nanoplastics with high sensitivity and reliability in an aquatic environment. It was successfully used to detect nanoplastics in commercially bottled drinking water, estimating an annual consumption of 10^14 particles by humans.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Katinka M. Krahn, Gerard Cornelissen, Gabriela Castro, Hans Peter H. Arp, Alexandros G. Asimakopoulos, Raoul Wolf, Rune Holmstad, Andrew R. Zimmerman, Erlend Sormo
Summary: The use of sewage sludge biochars (SSBCs) as sorbents for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) removal from water and soil was compared to wood chip biochar (WCBC). The sorption of PFCAs by SSBCs showed similar performance to commercial activated carbons. These findings could promote the use of SSBCs in soil remediation and water filtration solutions.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Michel Hubert, Hans Peter H. Arp, Mona Cecilie Hansen, Gabriela Castro, Thomas Meyn, Alexandros G. Asimakopoulos, Sarah E. Hale
Summary: This study investigated the sorption of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in different size fractions of soil that was historically contaminated with Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF). The results showed that the smaller size fractions with higher organic carbon content had higher sorption coefficients (Kd values) for PFAS.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Gabriela Castro, Erlend Sormo, Guanhua Yu, Shannen T. L. Sait, Susana Gonzalez, Hans Peter H. Arp, Alexandros G. Asimakopoulos
Summary: A simple and reliable sample preparation method, combined with UPLC-MS/MS, was developed to determine the occurrence and removal efficiency of 21 OPFRs in sewage sludge. The optimized method showed good repeatability and the analysis can be completed within 20 minutes. The method was applied to sludge samples from waste treatment plants in Norway, where 16 out of 21 OPFRs were detected, and the highest concentration found was 2186 ng/g in digested sludge.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Shannen Thora Lea Sait, Vaida Surviliene, Mart Jussi, Susana Gonzalez, Tomasz Maciej Ciesielski, Bjorn Munro Jenssen, Alexandros G. Asimakopoulos
Summary: A HybridSPE protocol tailored to UPC2-MS/MS was developed for the determination of 19 steroid hormones in grey seal blood plasma. The protocol showed acceptable recoveries ranging from 33 to 90% and a total run time of 5 min. The method exhibited good repeatability and low limits of quantification for most target analytes.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Thuy Minh Le, Huong Le Quang, Anh Hai Tran, Minh Bui Quang, Nam Duc Vu, Huong Nguyen Thi, Hoa Vu Khanh, Kurunthachalam Kannan, Tri Manh Tran
Summary: The distribution patterns of phthalic acid diesters (PAEs) and cyclic volatile methylsiloxanes (cVMSs) were investigated in particulate matter from Bac Ninh, Vietnam. The study found that concentrations of PAEs and cVMSs were higher in PM0.1 than in PM0.5, and the exposure doses for infants were higher than for adults.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Erlend Sormo, Gabriela Castro, Michel Hubert, Viktoria Licul-Kucera, Marjorie Quintanilla, Alexandros G. Asimakopoulos, Gerard Cornelissen, Hans Peter H. Arp
Summary: The current treatment options for organic waste contaminated with PFAS include incineration, composting, and landfilling, all of which result in emissions. Dry pyrolysis is a promising alternative, but the fate of PFAS during this process is uncertain. This study developed a robust method for determining PFAS in complex matrices and established a mass balance for 56 different PFAS during full-scale pyrolysis of various wastes. PFAS were present in all wastes but were removed by at least 96.9% through pyrolysis. Residual PFAS were detected in biochars obtained at temperatures up to 750 degrees C, with emissions consisting mainly of short chain PFAS.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Laura Rodriguez Martin, Liese Gilles, Emilie Helte, Agneta Akesson, Jonas Tagt, Adrian Covaci, Amrit K. Sakhi, An Van Nieuwenhuyse, Andromachi Katsonouri, Anna-Maria Andersson, Arno C. Gutleb, Beata Janasik, Brice Appenzeller, Catherine Gabriel, Cathrine Thomsen, Darja Mazej, Denis Sarigiannis, Elena Anastasi, Fabio Barbone, Hanna Tolonen, Hanne Frederiksen, Jana Klanova, Jani Koponen, Janja Snoj Tratnik, Kim Pack, Koppen Gudrun, Kristin Olafsdottir, Lisbeth E. Knudsen, Loic Rambaud, Loreta Strumylaite, Lubica Palkovicova Murinova, Lucia Fabelova, Margaux Riou, Marika Berglund, Mate Szabados, Medea Imboden, Michelle Laeremans, Milada Estokova, Natasa Janev Holcer, Nicole Probst-Hensch, Nicole Vodrazkova, Nina Vogel, Pavel Piler, Phillipp Schmidt, Rosa Lange, Sonia Namorado, Szilvia Kozepesy, Tamas Szigeti, Thorhallur I. Halldorsson, Till Weber, Tina Kold Jensen, Valentina Rosolen, Vladimira Puklova, Wojciech Wasowicz, Ovnair Sepai, Lorraine Stewart, Marike Kolossa-Gehring, Marta Esteban-Lopez, Argelia Castano, Jos Bessems, Greet Schoeters, Eva Govarts
Summary: This study evaluated the exposure levels of children and women in Europe over time. The results showed that exposure levels to chemicals restricted at EU level visually decreased, while the levels for some of their substitutes increased. These findings are important for policy efficacy monitoring and highlight the role of HBM in supporting policies.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Valentina Rosolen, Elisa Giordani, Marika Mariuz, Maria Parpinel, Vicente Mustieles, Liese Gilles, Eva Govarts, Laura Rodriguez Martin, Kirsten Baken, Greet Schoeters, Ovnair Sepai, Eva Sovcikova, Lucia Fabelova, Jiri Kohoutek, Tina Kold Jensen, Adrian Covaci, Maarten Roggeman, Lisa Melymuk, Jana Klanova, Argelia Castano, Marta Esteban Lopez, Fabio Barbone
Summary: The knowledge about the effects of organophosphate flame retardants on children's neurodevelopment is limited. This research aimed to evaluate the association between exposure to these flame retardants and children's neurodevelopment. The study found a small, negative trend between neurodevelopment and exposure to BDCIPP and DPHP, but the evidence is limited. Further investigations are needed to explore the timing of exposure and the effect of other metabolites.
