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Environmental Health Insights 2023Access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities and practices have been extensively studied in urban and rural areas. However, there is a paucity of...
Access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities and practices have been extensively studied in urban and rural areas. However, there is a paucity of information on the coverage of water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities in the peri-urban and informal settlement areas, which could potentially exacerbate the spread of water, sanitation, and hygiene-related diseases. Therefore, this study was designed to examine access to drinking water, sanitation, and hand hygiene facilities and their determinant factors in the peri-urban and informal settlements of Hosanna town. A community-based cross-sectional study involving 292 households was conducted in 3 kebeles of Hosanna town. The primary data was collected using a pretested structured questionnaire and an observational checklist. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were used to analyze the data. All the households (100%) had access to piped water on and off-premises, but the reliability of the water sources was a big challenge. Findings revealed that only 35.1% and 16.8% of the households had basic sanitation and basic handwashing facilities, respectively. Households with a middle income were identified as a determinant factor for the presence of piped water on premises (AOR = 2.23; 95% CI = 1.24-4.00), improved sanitation (AOR = 2.17; 95% CI = 1.17-4.03) and handwashing facilities (AOR = 4.36; 95% CI = 1.98-9.62). Piped water on premises was also another strong predictor of the availability of improved sanitation (AOR = 3.34; 95% CI = 1.99-5.62) and handwashing facilities (AOR = 8.18; 95% CI = 4.08-16.42). The majority of the studied households living in the selected peri-urban and informal settlements had access to unreliable drinking water sources. The study also revealed that households had poor access to basic sanitation and basic handwashing facilities. Hence, the findings call for solid government interventions to improve the reliability of the drinking water sources, basic sanitation coverage, and availability of basic handwashing facilities.
PubMed: 37655235
DOI: 10.1177/11786302231193604 -
Environmental Research Dec 2023Leakage of fire-fighting foam from an airfield caused contamination of the drinking water supplied to a third of the population in Ronneby, resulting in very high serum...
BACKGROUND
Leakage of fire-fighting foam from an airfield caused contamination of the drinking water supplied to a third of the population in Ronneby, resulting in very high serum levels of predominantly perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS). The results of studies investigating the association between exposure to perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) and pregnancy complications are inconsistent, and studies at high exposures of PFOS and PFHxS are lacking.
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the association between exposure to high levels of PFAS and gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes mellitus.
METHODS
We retrieved data on 27 292 childbirths between 1995 and 2013 from the National Medical Birth Register for women that had a residential address in Blekinge county for at least one year before delivery. Residential history was used as a proxy for exposure by categorizing women into high-, intermediate-, or background exposed based on their residential address during the five-year period before childbirth. Data on confounders were retrieved from administrative registers. The outcomes were defined based on International Classification of Diseases codes. We used logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (OR) for gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes mellitus. We also investigated effect modification by fetal sex.
RESULTS
We found no evidence of increased risk of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia (OR 0.80; CI 0.63-1.03), nor gestational diabetes (OR 1.03; CI 0.67-1.58) after high PFAS exposure. There was no effect modification by fetal sex.
DISCUSSION
This was the first study to investigate the association between high exposure to PFOS and PFHxS and pregnancy complications. The results from this study add important knowledge to public health management as new hotspots with high levels of PFAS are continuously discovered.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced; Pre-Eclampsia; Diabetes, Gestational; Drinking Water; Sweden; Alkanesulfonates; Fluorocarbons
PubMed: 37805182
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117316 -
International Health Jul 2023Water insecurity is linked to poor mental health through intrapersonal, relational and community-based stressors. We examined water insecurity and depression among...
BACKGROUND
Water insecurity is linked to poor mental health through intrapersonal, relational and community-based stressors. We examined water insecurity and depression among refugee youth in Bidi Bidi, Uganda.
METHODS
We conducted a cross-sectional survey and multivariable ordinal logistic regression to examine associations between water insecurity and depression severity, adjusting for gender, resilience, social support and food insecurity.
RESULTS
Among participants (n=115; mean age: 19.7 y, SD 2.3), 80.0% reported water insecurity and 18.3% had moderate/severe depression symptoms. Water insecurity was independently associated with higher levels of depression severity (adjusted OR: 5.61; 95% CI 1.20 to 26.30; p=0.03).
CONCLUSIONS
Findings suggest water insecurity was commonplace and associated with depression. Water insecurity could be integrated in refugee mental health promotion by policymakers and community-based programmers.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Young Adult; Adult; Depression; Cross-Sectional Studies; Uganda; Refugees; Water Insecurity
PubMed: 36192370
DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihac065 -
Environment International Jan 2024Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are widespread environmental pollutants of biological origin that pose a significant threat to human, animal, and plant health, as... (Review)
Review
Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are widespread environmental pollutants of biological origin that pose a significant threat to human, animal, and plant health, as well as to ecosystems. ARGs are found in soil, water, air, and waste, and several pathways for global dissemination in the environment have been described. However, studies on airborne ARG transport through atmospheric particles are limited. The ARGs in microorganisms inhabiting an environment are referred to as the "resistome". A global search was conducted of air-resistome studies by retrieving bioaerosol ARG-related papers published in the last 30 years from PubMed. We found that there is no dedicated methodology for isolating ARGs in bioaerosols; instead, conventional methods for microbial culture and metagenomic analysis are used in combination with standard aerosol sampling techniques. There is a dearth of information on the bioaerosol resistomes of freshwater environments and their impact on freshwater sources used for drinking and recreational activities. More studies of aerobiome freshwater environments are needed to ensure the safe use of water and sanitation. In this review we outline and synthesize the few studies that address the freshwater air microbiome (from tap water, bathroom showers, rivers, lakes, and swimming pools) and their resistomes, as well as the likely impacts on drinking and recreational waters. We also discuss current knowledge gaps for the freshwater airborne resistome. This review will stimulate new investigations of the atmospheric microbiome, particularly in areas where both air and water quality are of public health concern.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Genes, Bacterial; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Microbiota; Lakes; Drinking Water
PubMed: 38103344
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108377 -
Emerging Infectious Diseases Jul 2023More than 7.15 million cases of domestically acquired infectious waterborne illnesses occurred in the United States in 2014, causing 120,000 hospitalizations and 6,600...
More than 7.15 million cases of domestically acquired infectious waterborne illnesses occurred in the United States in 2014, causing 120,000 hospitalizations and 6,600 deaths. We estimated disease incidence for 17 pathogens according to recreational, drinking, and nonrecreational nondrinking (NRND) water exposure routes by using previously published estimates. In 2014, a total of 5.61 million (95% credible interval [CrI] 2.97-9.00 million) illnesses were linked to recreational water, 1.13 million (95% CrI 255,000-3.54 million) to drinking water, and 407,000 (95% CrI 72,800-1.29 million) to NRND water. Recreational water exposure was responsible for 36%, drinking water for 40%, and NRND water for 24% of hospitalizations from waterborne illnesses. Most direct costs were associated with pathogens found in biofilms. Estimating disease burden by water exposure route helps direct prevention activities. For each exposure route, water management programs are needed to control biofilm-associated pathogen growth; public health programs are needed to prevent biofilm-associated diseases.
Topics: Humans; United States; Drinking Water; Communicable Diseases; Waterborne Diseases; Water Supply; Water Microbiology
PubMed: 37347505
DOI: 10.3201/eid2907.230231 -
Toxicology Reports Jun 2024PAE and PC polymers, such as BPA, are utilized to make water bottles. Due to the lack of polymer-chemical interaction, PAE can enter drinking bottles during production,... (Review)
Review
PAE and PC polymers, such as BPA, are utilized to make water bottles. Due to the lack of polymer-chemical interaction, PAE can enter drinking bottles during production, wrapping, and keeping. Phthalates can transfer from the bottle to the water depending on keeping conditions (temperature, time, sunlight intensity), pH, and bottle capacity. Since there haven't been previous studies published on the subject, the aim of this meta-analysis and systematic review research is to determine the level of phthalates in drinking water consumed in Iranian cities. Web of Science, Science of Direct, Scopus, and PubMed, databases have been used in this study. Eight studies were selected from 556 initial publications after screening for duplication and irrelevant information. Articles from January 1, 2000, to February 10, 2024, were found in the mentioned databases. Among the types of phthalates, the concentration of DEHP was reported higher than the others Because its concentration has been reported in seven out of eight studies. The highest concentration of DEHP was reported by Mehraie(2.22 µg/l), Zare Jeddi (0.8 µg/l), Yousefi (0.77 µg/l), Abtahi (0.76 µg/l), Zare Jeddi (0.42 µg/l), Abdolahnejad(0.15 µg/l), and Pourzamani (0.08 µg/l). The highest concentration of DEP, DBP, BBP, and PA was reported by Abtahi (0.77 µg/l) and Esteki (2.25 µg/l), Mehraie(0.93 µg/l), and Pourzamani (0.83 µg/l). The results of this study showed that the most important phthalates measured in drinking water include DEP, DEHP, DBP, BBP, and PA. According to the results of the present studies, the most important factor in the increase of phthalates is the storage conditions of drinking water (temperature, sunlight, and the type of pipe or bottle).
PubMed: 38495472
DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2024.02.009 -
Scientific Reports Nov 2023Batten disease is a group of mostly pediatric neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorders caused by mutations in the CLN1-14 genes. We have recently shown that...
Batten disease is a group of mostly pediatric neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorders caused by mutations in the CLN1-14 genes. We have recently shown that acidified drinking water attenuated neuropathological changes and improved motor function in the Cln1 and Cln3 mouse models of infantile CLN1 and juvenile CLN3 diseases. Here we tested if acidified drinking water has beneficial effects in Cln2 mice, a nonsense mutant model of late infantile CLN2 disease. Cln2 mice have motor deficits, muscle weakness, develop tremors, and die prematurely between 4 and 6 months of age. Acidified water administered to Cln2 male mice from postnatal day 21 significantly improved motor function, restored muscle strength and prevented tremors as measured at 3 months of age. Acidified drinking water also changed disease trajectory, slightly delaying the death of Cln2 males and females. The gut microbiota compositions of Cln2 and wild-type male mice were markedly different and acidified drinking water significantly altered the gut microbiota of Cln2 mice. This suggests that gut bacteria might contribute to the beneficial effects of acidified drinking water. Our study demonstrates that drinking water is a major environmental factor that can alter disease phenotypes and disease progression in rodent disease models.
Topics: Animals; Female; Male; Mice; Aminopeptidases; Dipeptidyl-Peptidases and Tripeptidyl-Peptidases; Drinking Water; Membrane Glycoproteins; Molecular Chaperones; Neuronal Ceroid-Lipofuscinoses; Serine Proteases; Tremor; Tripeptidyl-Peptidase 1; Disease Models, Animal; Acids
PubMed: 37932327
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46283-w -
Polymers Sep 2023The inner walls of the drinking water distribution system (DWDS) are expected to be clean to ensure a safe quality of drinking water. Complex physical, chemical, and... (Review)
Review
The inner walls of the drinking water distribution system (DWDS) are expected to be clean to ensure a safe quality of drinking water. Complex physical, chemical, and biological processes take place when water comes into contact with the pipe surface. This paper describes the impact of leaching different compounds from the water supply pipes into drinking water and subsequent risks. Among these compounds, there are heavy metals. It is necessary to prevent these metals from getting into the DWDS. Those compounds are susceptible to impacting the quality of the water delivered to the population either by leaching dangerous chemicals into water or by enhancing the development of microorganism growth on the pipe surface. The corrosion process of different pipe materials, scale formation mechanisms, and the impact of bacteria formed in corrosion layers are discussed. Water treatment processes and the pipe materials also affect the water composition. Pipe materials act differently in the flowing and stagnation conditions. Moreover, they age differently (e.g., metal-based pipes are subjected to corrosion while polymer-based pipes have a decreased mechanical resistance) and are susceptible to enhanced bacterial film formation. Water distribution pipes are a dynamic environment, therefore, the models that are used must consider the changes that occur over time. Mathematical modeling of the leaching process is complex and includes the description of corrosion development over time, correlated with a model for the biofilm formation and the disinfectants-corrosion products and disinfectants-biofilm interactions. The models used for these processes range from simple longitudinal dispersion models to Monte Carlo simulations and 3D modeling. This review helps to clarify what are the possible sources of compounds responsible for drinking water quality degradation. Additionally, it gives guidance on the measures that are needed to maintain stable and safe drinking water quality.
PubMed: 37835921
DOI: 10.3390/polym15193872 -
Chemosphere Nov 2023Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as a major environmental problem in freshwater and marine environments. The effects of these polymers on aquatic life are well studied;...
Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as a major environmental problem in freshwater and marine environments. The effects of these polymers on aquatic life are well studied; however, there is limited knowledge of MP-associated health hazards in humans. We estimated the presence of MPs in different brands of bottled water available in India using the Nile red (NR) staining method. The FTIR examination revealed the presence of polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), and polyamide (PA) in the bottled water samples with PE being the most prevalent one. Zebrafish embryos exposed to different concentrations of fluorescent-tagged polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) (10-150 μm) showed accumulation patterns at different time points in various organs. The exposure to PE MPs induced a concentration-dependent ROS activity. The expression of first-line antioxidative defense marker genes were significantly downregulated in embryos exposed to varying concentrations of PE-MPs, suggesting concentration and time-dependent effects on zebrafish. The results of this study suggest that the potential negative consequences on human health could be due to the oxidative stress and time-dependent toxicity of MPs.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Microplastics; Drinking Water; Plastics; Zebrafish; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Polyethylene
PubMed: 37640218
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139882 -
BMC Oral Health Aug 2023Systemic fluoride intake is predominantly derived from drinking water and tea. It's been noted that water and tea containing fluoride, within the boundaries set by the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Systemic fluoride intake is predominantly derived from drinking water and tea. It's been noted that water and tea containing fluoride, within the boundaries set by the World Health Organization, can lessen the prevalence of dental caries. A review of the literature did not uncover any study that has examined the impact of fluoride in bottled drinking water and tea on enamel of deciduous and permanent teeth. Thus, we assessed the effects of fluoride present in seven different brands of bottled water from distinct geographical regions of Turkey, and a type of tea produced and packaged in Turkey, on the enamel of deciduous and permanent teeth.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Fluoride analysis was performed on drinking water sourced from seven different regions of Turkey and a brand of tea brewed with these waters. The tea was harvested and packaged in Turkey. The analysis was conducted using an ion-selective electrode. In total, 112 tooth enamel samples (56 deciduous molars and 56 permanent molars) were randomly divided into eight distinct groups. These were kept in water for 15 min and tea for 15 min every day for a month. The eighth group was treated with fluoride gel prior to tea and water applications. The amount of fluoride in the tooth enamel structure was evaluated using an SEM EDX device before and after the experiment.
RESULTS
Statistically significant differences were found in fluoride content of enamel between water brands and tooth type (deciduous and permanent teeth). Fluoride levels were higher in the enamel of deciduous teeth than in permanent teeth.
CONCLUSION
Regular exposure of enamel samples to black tea and water led to an increase in fluoride levels in the enamel; thus, regular consumption of black tea and fluoride water could help reduce the prevalence of dental caries.
Topics: Humans; Fluorides; Drinking Water; Dental Caries; Tooth, Deciduous; Dental Enamel; Tea
PubMed: 37574537
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-03267-6