某高校大学生一次性塑料餐具认知态度及使用行为分析

目的 了解大学生对一次性塑料餐具的认知、态度、使用现状和消化道健康情况,为指导大学生建立健康的饮食习惯提供依据。方法 采用分层随机抽样的方法,对2020—2021学年某医科大学338名在校学生进行一次性塑料餐具的认知、态度和使用现状调查,并了解其消化道健康状况。结果 有24.0%的学生不认识塑料餐具的具体材质,82.0%的学生不了解“塑料制品标志”的含义。94.1%的学生认为塑料餐具可能会污染食物,其中女生(97.1%)比男生(86.3%)更加担心(χ²=14.32,P<0.05),不同使用态度大学生一次性塑料餐具累计使用行为分值差异无统计学意义(F=1.31,P=0.25),不同月生活费大学生一次性塑料制品使用行为得分差异有统计学意义(F=8.32,P<0.01);18.3%的被调查者容易出现消化道症状,在不考虑点外卖频率影响的情况下,有消化道症状的学生一周内累积使用一次性餐具频率得分(14.85±4.01)高于没有消化道症状的学生(13.78±3.50)(F=4.53,P=0.03)。结论 大学生对一次性塑料制品的认识有限,使用一次性塑料制品频率可...     

Removing plastic packaging from fresh produce – what’s the impact?

There has been a rise in public awareness and scrutiny of the negative environmental impact of plastic pollution in recent years. Plastic packaging of food causes a significant proportion of the UK’s plastic waste, and manufacturers and retailers are exploring alternatives to single‐use plastics, particularly in relation to fresh produce, including increasing the availability of loose items in supermarkets. However, there is an important trade‐off to consider when removing plastic packaging from fruit and vegetables, which is the resultant reduction in shelf life and therefore potential increase in food waste. Fresh produce is estimated to be the most highly wasted type of food in the UK and it is likely that food waste has an even greater environmental impact than the production and disposal of plastic. Full life cycle analysis is currently unavailable for some alternative types of packaging (such as edible films and coatings), which means the relative effect of these on the environment compared to plastic is unclear, and may in fact be worse. More research is required to fully ascertain the best solution for this complex issue. However, communicating strategies to the general public to minimise household wastage of fresh produce, including optimal storage conditions for different varieties of fruit and vegetables, is likely to be of benefit.     

不同剂量辐照后医用一次性防护服检测评价

按照国家标准GB 19082-2009《医用一次性防护服技术要求》中的规定,检测了未辐照与不同剂量辐照后医用一次性防护服材料指标,未辐照与不同剂量辐照后的医用一次性防护服液体阻隔性能,过滤效率、抗静电性无明显变化符合国家标准要求;力学性能随辐照剂量的增加而下降,表明医用一次性防护服材料辐照后,材料发生降解反应,导致聚合物主链断裂,低分子产物增多。辐照剂量20 kGy时,断裂强力和断裂伸长率符合国家标准要求;贮存3个月后只是适当下降,尚能满足国家标准要求,说明医用一次性防护服材料辐照后具有一定的耐久性。     

Interlinkage Between Persistent Organic Pollutants and Plastic in the Waste Management System of India: An Overview

Improper handling of plastic waste and related chemical pollution has garnered much attention in recent years owing to the associated detrimental impacts on human health and the environment. This article reports an overview of the main interlinkages between persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and plastic in the waste management system of India. Both plastics and POPs share certain common traits such as persistence, resistance to biological degradation, and the ability to get transported over long distances. Throughout the processes of production, consumption, and disposal, plastics interact with and accumulate POPs through several mechanisms and end up co-existing in the environment. Plastic waste can undergo long-range transport through rivers and the oceans, break down into microplastics and get transported through the air, or remain locked in waste dump yards and landfills. Over time, environmental processes lead to the leaching and release of accumulated POPs from these plastic wastes. Plastic recycling in the Indian informal sector including smelting, scrubbing, and shredding of plastic waste, is also a potential major POPs source that demands further investigation. The presence of POPs in plastic waste and their fate in the plastic recycling process have not yet been elucidated. By enhancing our understanding of these processes, this paper may aid policy decisions to combat the release of POPs from different waste types and processes in India.

Graphical Abstract

     

Safety, effectiveness and ease of use of a non-reusable syringe in a developing country immunization programme.

Unsterile needles and syringes may transmit blood-borne infectious agents such as HIV and hepatitis B virus. The emergence of these diseases as major public health concerns and the risk of nosocomial transmission has heightened interest in the development of single-use injection devices. WHO and UNICEF embarked on a programme to develop and introduce these devices in 1987. We report on a field trial in Karachi, Pakistan, of the SoloShot (SS) plastic disposable syringe, which has a metal clip in the syringe barrel to prevent second-time withdrawal of the plunger. A conventional disposable syringe (CS) was used as a comparison. We observed 48 vaccinators giving 2400 injections with the SS and 1440 with the CS; 98.7% of SS performed as designed. The average volume required per delivered dose was comparable for the two syringes and was delivered more quickly with SS. Training and experience had a small but statistically significant effect on several aspects of SS use. Vaccinators who indicated a syringe preference preferred SS on 7 out of 9 indicators. SS is safe and effective in preventing reuse and is easier and quicker to use than the CS. Vaccinators require little, if any, special training. It could directly replace disposable syringes in expanded programmes on immunization (EPI) in countries where use of unsterile disposable devices occurs or when sterilization is not practical.     

Environmental impact of personal protective equipment distributed for use by health and social care services in England in the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic

ObjectiveTo quantify the environmental impact of personal protective equipment (PPE) distributed for use by the health and social care system to control the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in England, and model strategies for mitigating the environmental impact.DesignLife cycle assessment was used to determine environmental impacts of PPE distributed to health and social care in England during the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic. The base scenario assumed all products were single-use and disposed of via clinical waste. Scenario modelling was used to determine the effect of environmental mitigation strategies: (1) eliminating international travel during supply; (2) eliminating glove use; (3) reusing gowns and face shields; and (4) maximal recycling.SettingRoyal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, UK.Main outcome measuresThe carbon footprint of PPE distributed during the study period totalled 106,478 tonnes CO₂e, with greatest contributions from gloves, aprons, face shields and Type IIR surgical masks. The estimated damage to human health was 239 DALYs (disability-adjusted life years), impact on ecosystems was 0.47 species.year (loss of local species per year), and impact on resource depletion was costed at US $12.7m (GBP £9.3m). Scenario modelling indicated UK manufacture would have reduced the carbon footprint by 12%, eliminating gloves by 45%, reusing gowns and gloves by 10% and maximal recycling by 35%.ResultsA combination of strategies may have reduced the carbon footprint by 75% compared with the base scenario, and saved an estimated 183 DALYS, 0.34 species.year and US $7.4m (GBP £5.4m) due to resource depletion.ConclusionThe environmental impact of PPE is large and could be reduced through domestic manufacture, rationalising glove use, using reusables where possible and optimising waste management.     

Policy and Research Recommendations Emerging from the Scientific Evidence Connecting Environmental Factors and Breast Cancer

Abstract

A substantial body of evidence links environmental exposures to increases in breast cancer incidence over the past decades. State and federal legislative initiatives that could help prevent breast cancer include: federal standards to achieve consistency in radiation-emitting medical and dental equipment; improved state quality assurance standards for radiation-emitting equipment; federal and state exposure limits for electromagnetic radiation; an overhaul of the federal Toxic Substances Control Act to reduce unsafe chemical exposures; strengthened premarket health and safety testing and regulation of pesticides; a federal ban on the manufacture, distribution and sale of consumer products containing bisphenol A and phthalates; and strengthened oversight and regulation of the cosmetics industry. We recommend public and private investment in research on low dose exposures, mixtures, and the timing of chemical exposures, as well as the development of health tracking and biomonitoring programs designed to link data from pollution surveillance systems with disease registries.     

邻苯二甲酸酯雌性生殖毒性研究进展

邻苯二甲酸酯是一类产量大、用途广而且严重污染环境的化合物,流行病学调查证实了邻苯二甲酸酯的暴露与女性生殖功能损害的关系。本文就邻苯二甲酸酯对雌性生殖功能损害的体内、体外实验及毒性的机制进行了回顾。     

Asbestos Is Still With Us: Repeat Call for a Universal Ban

Abstract

All forms of asbestos are proven human carcinogens, causing malignant mesothelioma and a host of other types of cancers. No exposure to asbestos is without risk; there is no safe threshold of exposure to asbestos. When evidence of the carcinogenicity of asbestos became incontrovertible, a worldwide ban was called for on asbestos use, mining, and manufacturing. Asbestos is now banned in 52 countries. Nonetheless, many countries still use, import, and export asbestos and asbestos-containing products; many countries that have banned other forms of asbestos still permit the use of chrysotile asbestos. This exemption has no basis in medical science, but reflects the political and economic influence of the asbestos industry. To protect the health of all people, the Collegium Ramazzini calls again on all countries of the world to join in the international endeavor to ban all forms of asbestos. An international ban on asbestos is urgently needed.     

Health risk assessment of zinc,chromium, and nickel from cow meat consumption in an urban Nigerian population

Abstract

Background:

Meat consumption is increasingly becoming a larger part of diets worldwide. However, the bioaccumulation of toxic metals from anthropogenic pollution is a potential health risk to human health.

Objective:

To measure the daily intake of zinc, chromium, and nickel from cow meat consumption and assess the possible health risks in an urban population in Nigeria.

Methods:

Dried meat samples were digested with 3 : 2HNO3 : HClO4 v/v. Zinc, chromium, and nickel concentrations were determined with atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Daily intakes of meat were obtained using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ).

Results:

The estimated daily intakes (EDI) (μg/person/day) ranges were: zinc (10?496–13?459), chromium (310·90–393·73), and nickel (26·72–34·87). Estimated daily intake for zinc was 15–30% of provisional maximum tolerable daily intake (PMTDI) and for nickel it was 8–15% of tolerable daily intake (TDI).

Conclusion:

Chromium intakes were above recommended daily intake (RDI). Target hazard quotient (THQ) for nickel and zinc were within WHO/FAO limit. There was no evidence of possible health risk to consumers with regard to zinc and nickel. However, chromium intake should be of utmost concern, while disposal of tanning waste should be checked.     

Applications of Red Mud as a Masonry Material: A Review

Red mud (RM) is a highly alkaline by-product produced by the aluminium industry. The total stockpile of RM in the world is evaluated to be close 4 billion tons, which caused serious soil and water pollution. The use of RM in masonry materials has proven to be a prospective strategy to alleviate the environmental problems caused by RM. During the past decades, various economical treatment methods have been developed for utilization of RM as a masonry material. There are two general categories of products using RM in masonry materials: sintered products and non-sintered products. In this review, the physicochemical properties of RM are introduced, and the different application scenarios for RM in masonry materials are summarized, which is valuable for solving the environmental problems caused by the accumulation of bauxite residue. Moreover, the potential environmental risks of utilizing RM are described. Finally, suggestions for solving the RM problem are proposed.

     

2009～2011年莱阳市部分一次性卫生用品卫生状况调查

[目的]了解莱阳市一次性使用卫生用品卫生质量状况,为监督和管理提供可靠依据。[方法]2009年3月至2011年8月,对莱阳市5家大型商场、6家超市、8家商品批发部、196家农村商店销售的一次性卫生用品进行抽样检测。[结果]2009～2011年合计检测样品1 061份,合格975份,合格率为91.89%。样品合格率,2009～2011年分别为91.43%、93.58%、90.57%(P<0.05);纸巾为96.62%、湿巾为89.92%、一次性口罩为93.68%、妇女经期卫生用品为89.70%、尿布等排泄物卫生用品为95.80%(P<0.05)。微生物指标合格率,金黄色葡萄球菌、绿脓杆菌、溶血性链球菌合格率均为100.00%,菌落总数、大肠菌群、真菌分别为93.12%、99.25%、99.34%。[结论]莱阳市市场上一次性使用卫生用品卫生状况较好。     

Does the workplace-smoking ban eliminate differences in risk for environmental tobacco smoke exposure at work?

ObjectivesA workplace-smoking ban in the Netherlands was introduced on January 1, 2004. Before the ban male and low educated employees were at higher risk for exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). Effective implementation of the ban should result not only in an overall decline of exposure, but also in the disappearance of systematic differences in exposure between subgroups of employees.MethodsData from a Dutch continuous Internet survey were used. From July 2003 through June 2005, 200 respondents were randomly selected each week. The sample consisted of 11,291 non-smoking, working respondents, aged 16–65 years.ResultsETS exposure decreased among all employees and among subgroups at higher risk before the ban. However, also after the ban, males and low educated employees were still most likely to be exposed to ETS.ConclusionsThe workplace-smoking ban was effective in reducing ETS exposure among employees. However, after the ban still 52.2% of non-smoking workers reported to be exposed. We did not find the expected stronger effect among employees who were at higher risk. Both before and after implementation of the ban, males and lower educated employees were about two times more likely to be exposed to ETS.     

一次性医疗用品处理与管理的现状和对策

一次性医疗废物较之于普通垃圾危害性更加严重，对其管理和处理直接关系到医患者的安全。因此，加强对一次性医疗用品的处理和管理非常重要。本文综述分析一次性医疗用品存在的问题，提出“从摇篮到坟墓”（cradle to grave）的管理对策，并指出高温热解法更适合于一次性医疗用品的处理。     

Estimated risks of water and saliva contamination by phthalate diffusion from plasticized polyvinyl chloride

Phthalates are additives commonly used to convert hard polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resins into flexible and workable plastics employed in the production of chewable rubber toys and other soft-plastic products. In theory, phthalates can diffuse in small quantities to the surface of a product, and from there they can enter the environment and the human body. The purpose of this study was to determine the diffusion of phthalates from plasticized PVC in water and artificial saliva; to determine the migration of di(2-ethylhexyl) (DEHP) phthalate in human saliva using gas chromatography; to compare the experimental values with theoretical values calculated using a model based on the principles of molecular diffusion in fluids; and to use the experimental values to estimate daily doses of DEHP received by Mexican children and infants using plastic and soft-plastic products (e.g., pacifiers, chewable toys, and bottles). Our findings indicated phthalate diffusion of 0.36 microg/cm2 per hour and 4.10 microg/cm2 per hour, respectively, in water and artificial saliva. The average value of phthalate diffusion in vivo was 6.04 microg/cm2 per hour. The daily oral phthalate exposure in Mexican infants and toddlers from oral use of rubber toys and soft-plastic products is 18.12 microg/kg. These daily doses are considerably lower than the maximum daily phthalate intake recommended by an international public health committee.     

Changes in smoking among restaurant and bar employees following Norway's comprehensive smoking ban

Norway implemented a nationwide ban on indoor smoking in June 2004. This study documents the smoking patterns of Norway's restaurant and bar workers before and after the ban, to determine changes in smoking prevalence and explore which individual and environmental characteristics were related to cessation. A national sample of food service workers was surveyed by telephone or Internet immediately before the ban and at 4 and 11 months post-implementation. Results showed that between baseline measurement and 4 months post-implementation, there were significant declines in prevalence of daily smoking (-3.6% points, p < 0.005), daily smoking at work (-6.2% points, p < 0.001), number of cigarettes smoked by continuing smokers (-1.55, p < 0.001) and number of cigarettes smoked at work by continuing smokers (-1.63, p < 0.001). No significant changes occurred in any of these variables between 4 and 11 months post-implementation. Logistic regression analysis revealed that only smokers' intentions at baseline to quit within 30 days predicted cessation at both follow-up time points. In addition, cessation at 4 months was predicted by lower daily cigarette consumption at baseline, whereas cessation at 11 months was predicted by baseline attitude toward ETS and exposure to ETS as measured at follow-up. In sum, Norway's smoking ban was accompanied by a reduction in smoking in the period immediately following the ban, and the reduction was maintained almost a year later. The finding that smoking cessation was consistently associated with smokers' intentions to quit within 30 days suggests that motivational and support programs could play a significant role in boosting cessation rates. It is recommended that targeted interventions be used to supplement the benefits of a comprehensive ban to achieve tobacco control objectives.     

一次性使用注射器、输液器的处理方法

目的 探讨一次性使用注射器、输液器(简称注输器)的处理方法。方法 对一次性使用注输器和重复使用注输器的处理方法进行对比。结果 当前一次性使用注输器的处理方法使消毒药剂的消耗急剧增加，浪费了大量的可更新资源，增加了污染和污染处理的负担。结论 对一次性使用注输器按污染程度实行分类处理，可节约资源、减少污染和浪费、提高废弃物的利用率，符合国家可持续发展战略和废弃物资源化的要求。     

Sterilization of gowns: making the most of a scarce commodity during the COVID-19 pandemic

Baylor Clinic in Mbabane, Eswatini, convened a crisis meeting to tackle critical shortages of long-sleeved disposable gowns that resulted from COVID-19 pandemic constraints on available personal protective equipment (PPE). A strategy deemed safe, affordable and sustainable was adopted to autoclave and re-use gowns based on a risk-stratified approach. Key objectives were to ensure essential infection control and prevention (ICP) for medical doctors, nurses, and laboratory teams. Administrative, environmental and personal protective measures for ICP were enhanced through regular staff training. This strategy for gown re-use has been invaluable in motivating responsible stewardship and maximization of available gowns during the COVID-19 pandemic.     

Porndemic? A Longitudinal Study of Pornography Use Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Nationally Representative Sample of Americans

Of the many changes in daily life brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing efforts and governmentally mandated lockdowns were among the most drastic. Coinciding with these changes, popular pornography websites made some previously premium content available for free, spurring dramatic increases in traffic to these websites. This increase in time spent at home and reported increases in traffic to specific pornographic websites led to some speculation that pornography use might generally increase over the course of the pandemic and that problematic use might also increase. To test these speculations and quantify the effects of the pandemic and its associated restrictions on social behaviors on pornography use, we analyzed data from a longitudinal sample of American adults. Baseline, nationally representative data were collected in August 2019 via YouGov (N?=?2518). Subsequent data were collected in February 2020 (n?=?1677), May 2020 (n?=?1533), August 2020 (n?=?1470), and October 2020 (n?=?1269). Results indicated that, in May 2020, immediately following the height of the first wave of pandemic-related lockdowns, more people reported past-month pornography use than at other follow-up time points, but less did so than at baseline. Among those who reported use in May 2020, only 14% reported increases in use since the start of the pandemic, and their use returned to levels similar to all other users by August 2020. In general, pornography use trended downward over the pandemic, for both men and women. Problematic pornography use trended downward for men and remained low and unchanged in women. Collectively, these results suggest that many fears about pornography use during pandemic-related lockdowns were largely not supported by available data.

     

2009-2011年莱阳市部分一次性卫生用品卫生状况调查

[目的]了解莱阳市一次性使用卫生用品卫生质量状况,为监督和管理提供可靠依据。[方法]2009年3月至2011年8月,对莱阳市5家大型商场、6家超市、8家商品批发部、196家农村商店销售的一次性卫生用品进行抽样检测。[结果]2009-2011年合计检测样品1061份,合格975份,合格率为91．89％。样品合格率,2009～2011年分别为91．43％、93．58％、90．57％（P〈0．05）;纸巾为96．62％、湿巾为89．92％、一次性口罩为93．68％、妇女经期卫生用品为89．70％、尿布等排泄物卫生用品为95．80％（P〈0．05）。微生物指标合格率,金黄色葡萄球菌、绿脓杆菌、溶血性链球菌合格率均为100.00％,菌落总数、大肠菌群、真菌分别为93．12％、99．25％、99．34％。[结论]莱阳市市场上一次性使用卫生用品卫生状况较好。