Environmental Health
Mahrokh Forghani; Gholamreza Sadeghi; Mazyar Peyda
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) as active biological compounds can pose a threat to theenvironment through acute and chronic toxicity in organisms, accumulation in the ecosystem, andloss of habitats and biodiversity. They also have a range of possible adverse effects on environmentaland ecological ...
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Endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) as active biological compounds can pose a threat to theenvironment through acute and chronic toxicity in organisms, accumulation in the ecosystem, andloss of habitats and biodiversity. They also have a range of possible adverse effects on environmentaland ecological health. Estradiol, as one of the natural estrogenic hormones released by the humansand livestock, may exert endocrine-disrupting effects on the nanogram-per-liter range and causeserious problems for the aquatic organisms and animals in many aquatic systems. Various studieshave reported the presence of synthetic estrogens such as 17 alpha-ethinyl estradiol (EE2) and naturalestrogens including 17 beta-estradiol (E2) in wastewater sludge, surface water, river bed sediment,and also digested and activated sludge. The aim of the present study was to review and evaluatethe endocrine disrupting compounds especially 17 beta-estradiol, as a representative of estrogenhormones present in the environment and their disturbing effects on humans and wildlife.
Environmental Health
Kh. Shafiur Rahaman
Abstract
Free roaming dogs are increasing in numbers. They live in unhygienic conditions and are not vaccinated mostly. They create several problems in the community, particularly health threats to human. Dog biting is a commonly reported case in some hospitals in Bangladesh. Rabies is one of the killers of people ...
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Free roaming dogs are increasing in numbers. They live in unhygienic conditions and are not vaccinated mostly. They create several problems in the community, particularly health threats to human. Dog biting is a commonly reported case in some hospitals in Bangladesh. Rabies is one of the killers of people in Bangladesh and transmission occurs mostly due the dog biting. Death commonly occurs in children due to rabies. Rabies death is completely preventable by vaccinating dogs at national level. Many steps have already been taken. Source identification of dogs, animal birth control program and proper surveillance are necessary. Sustainable implementation of programs to manage dog population, dog bite management and awareness raising among population can bring out fruitful result in this situation. Inhumane killing of dogs to reduce the number can never be a permanent solution. Vaccinating dogs is the most effective strategy suggested by experts. Therefore, it is not too late to implement action plans with regular monitoring and evaluation for the sake of human and animal health.
Environmental Health
Priyanka Lahot; D.P. Tiwari
Volume 4, Issue 2 , Spring 2017, , Pages 134-144
Abstract
Background and aims: From the past studies, it has been proved that consumption of heavy metals by humans may cause several chronicle problems like cancer, kidney and liver damage, high blood pressure and low blood pressure problems and etc. So, it has become very crucial to remove these heavy metals ...
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Background and aims: From the past studies, it has been proved that consumption of heavy metals by humans may cause several chronicle problems like cancer, kidney and liver damage, high blood pressure and low blood pressure problems and etc. So, it has become very crucial to remove these heavy metals from industrial wastewater. The aim of this study was to find out a low cost and easy available adsorbent for adsorption of heavy metals. Methods: Batch removal study of nickel and cadmium metal ions from their salt solutions was used. Preparation of adsorbent was done by following chemical treatment method and finally dried product obtained was characterized through FT-IR and morphological study. Influence of parameters initial metal ion concentration, pH and adsorbent dosage were done by varying one factor remaining others fixed. Equilibrium study at different temperatures while concentration fixed and kinetic study to know efficiency of adsorbent were done. Results: Influence of parameters gives optimum range for adsorption as pH gives 6.8 and 0.2 g for adsorbent dose. Adsorption isotherm well explained by Temkin isotherm as it gives positive value for calculating constants and high correlation coefficient 0.99. Kinetic behavior well followed by Pseudo second order, Intraparticle diffusion and Elovich second order kinetic models. Further, several thermodynamics parameters like ΔS°, ΔH° and ΔG° were predicted. The value of ΔG° predicted at different temperatures, highlighted the spontaneity. Conclusion: Dalbergia proved as a low cost and efficient adsorbent.
Environmental Health
Rouhullah Dehghani; Leila Mesgari; Mohsen Fathi Moghadam; Fereshteh Rezaian; Fereshteh Nasudian; Elham Sudayfian; Mojtaba Babai; Elahe Chimehi
Volume 4, Issue 1 , Winter 2017, , Pages 24-30
Abstract
Background and aims: Beauty salons are considered as the places which the environmental health and renovation are adhered too. they can improve the society’s health and influence controlling the diseases. Not considering this issue causes the spread of skin and hair diseases and infections and ...
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Background and aims: Beauty salons are considered as the places which the environmental health and renovation are adhered too. they can improve the society’s health and influence controlling the diseases. Not considering this issue causes the spread of skin and hair diseases and infections and louse. This study was aimed to determine the health status of beauty salons of Kashan in 2014. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was done in 2014 in Kashan. Out of 320 beauty salons in Kashan, 220 were selected at random. Collecting the data was through observation, interview, filling the questionnaires and check lists in the beauty salons. Data collection was done on the basis of the environmental health evaluation form for beauty salons. The check list related to each beauty salon was completed and the data were analyzed by SPSS software. Results: The results of this study showed that 45.5% of the salon employees had participated in the special course of public health and 54.5% had personal health card. Fifty one point four percent of them were acceptable in terms of personal hygiene and 52.7% shared the tools and equipment. Half of the beauty salons had been sanitized and 52.3% of them had soaps and towels. Conclusion: The results showed that the beauty salons in Kashan had acceptable building status. Some personal hygiene factors such as personal health card, public health certificate and observing personal hygiene needs more training. Also, more supervision and inspection must be carried out by the environmental health experts.
Environmental Health
Mohsen Arbabi; Nazila Golshani
Volume 3, Issue 3 , Summer 2016, , Pages 283-293
Abstract
Background and aims: Nowadays heavy metals are the environmental priority pollutants and are becoming as the most serious environmental problems. In recent years removing those from diverse industrial effluents and metal cleaning have been studied. The aim of the present study was to investigate the ...
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Background and aims: Nowadays heavy metals are the environmental priority pollutants and are becoming as the most serious environmental problems. In recent years removing those from diverse industrial effluents and metal cleaning have been studied. The aim of the present study was to investigate the different methods for cooper removal of cooper ions from industrial wastewater. Methods: This study was a review research. Data were collected from different database in various articles. The various methods for cooper removal from industrial effluents were compared to each other. Results: The present study showed the various methods for cooper removal from industrial wastewater including chemical precipitation, ion exchange, membrane filtration, flotation, electrochemical treatments, coagulation/flocculation and adsorption. High efficiency, cost-effectiveness and easy handling are important factors in the selection of the most suitable treatment systems for industrial effluents. Conclusion: Adsorption is recommended as an effective and economical method for maintaining of cooper ions from aqueous industrial wastes because of high efficiency, cost-effectiveness and simplicity.
Environmental Health
Mojgan Entezari; Shohreh Moradpour; Masoud Amiri
Volume 3, Issue 2 , Spring 2016, , Pages 98-105
Abstract
Background and aims: Brucellosis is one of the most important common diseases among man and livestock which are considered as the major problem in the health of the humans and livestock. The Importance of this disease isn’t limited to its physical problems and consequences, but it is considered ...
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Background and aims: Brucellosis is one of the most important common diseases among man and livestock which are considered as the major problem in the health of the humans and livestock. The Importance of this disease isn’t limited to its physical problems and consequences, but it is considered as a major challenge of economic development in most countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of some regional parameters on the prevalence of this disease because of its high prevalence in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari. Methods: This study was a descriptive- analytical and the registered statistics about those affected by Brucellosis in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari from 2008-2011 abstracted from Center of Public Health of the province. Based on it, spatial distribution maps of Brucellosis were provided by Geographic Information System (GIS). Then, the relationship between this parameter and some regional parameters was studied by using software SPSS. Results: Extent of Brucellosis prevalence wasn’t consistent in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari and Koohrang had the more prevalence and Lordegan, Farsan and Kiar regions had less risky. There is a meaningful relationship between increase in Brucellosis and temperature in the year 2008, 2010 and 2011 (P<0.05) (P<0.01), rainfall 2008 and 2010 (P<0.05) and moisture 2008, 2010 and 2011 (P<0.01). Conclusion: Environmental factors influence disease prevalence.
Environmental Health
Zeynab Baboli; Abdolkazem Neisi; Zeinab Ghaed Rahmat; Masoumeh Alidosti; Ahmad Bnadeei Nejad
Volume 3, Issue 2 , Spring 2016, , Pages 112-118
Abstract
Background and aims: The main cause of many problems in developing countries is related to the provision of safe drinking water. Since the health of drinking water is important in the busy centers such as hospitals, clinics and health centers, this study was done to investigate the role of water coolers ...
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Background and aims: The main cause of many problems in developing countries is related to the provision of safe drinking water. Since the health of drinking water is important in the busy centers such as hospitals, clinics and health centers, this study was done to investigate the role of water coolers connected to the municipal system in microbial quality of drinking water in Behbahan city. Methods: In this study, the samples were provided from all influent and effluent 30 water coolers located in hospitals, clinics and health centers in the Behbahan. They were carried out and transferred to the laboratory. Then, the amounts of total coliforms and fecal coliforms, residual chlorine, pH and temperature were measured. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS and Excel software. Results: The results showed that the average residual chlorine in input and output of the mentioned water coolers is significantly more than the standard values. Total and fecal coliforms in the input and output of water coolers are also more than the standard values. At the same time, both indicators in the output of water cooler were increased rather than the input one. By using paired t-test, a significant relationship was found between the amount of total coliform, fecal coliform and residual chlorine before and after of water cooler. Conclusions: The results showed negative effects of water coolers on microbial quality of water. If constant control, monitoring and inspections proceedings were done, these contaminations would be reduced significantly.
Environmental Health
Mohsen Arbabi; Sara Hemati; Masoud Amiri
Volume 2, Issue 2 , Spring 2015, , Pages 105-109
Abstract
Background and aims: The removing of (potential) toxic heavy metal ions from sewage, especially in industrial and mining waste effluents, has been widely studied in recent years. The aim of present study was to investigate the various methods for lead removal of lead ions from industrial wastewater. ...
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Background and aims: The removing of (potential) toxic heavy metal ions from sewage, especially in industrial and mining waste effluents, has been widely studied in recent years. The aim of present study was to investigate the various methods for lead removal of lead ions from industrial wastewater. Methods: This study was a review research. Data were collected through different databases in various articles. The various methods for lead removal from industrial wastewater were compared to each other. Results: The present study showed the various methods for lead removal from industrial wastewater including chemical precipitation, electrochemical reduction, ion exchange, reverse osmosis, membrane separation, and adsorption. Technical applicability, plant simplicity and cost-effectiveness are the key factors that play major roles in the selection of the most suitable treatment system for inorganic effluents. Conclusions: Adsorption is proposed as an economical and effective method for the retention of lead ions from aqueous industrial wastes because it is simple, effective and economic in removal of heavy metals from aqueous solution.
Environmental Health
Keihan Ghatreh Samani; Effat Farrokhi; Neda Mohandes Samani; Hadiseh Hadiseh Moradi
Volume 2, Issue 1 , Winter 2015, , Pages 24-29
Abstract
Background and aims: The aluminum-containing compounds are used as glaze in tile and ceramic production plants. It means that the workers working in these plants are in direct exposure to aluminum-containing compounds. The aim of this study was to assess the potential damages caused by aluminum among ...
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Background and aims: The aluminum-containing compounds are used as glaze in tile and ceramic production plants. It means that the workers working in these plants are in direct exposure to aluminum-containing compounds. The aim of this study was to assess the potential damages caused by aluminum among tile plant workers. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 60 workers whom were in direct exposure to glazing material were enrolled as case group and 112 workers whose jobs were different from the case group and who had no exposure to the chemical materials in tile plants were considered as control group. After taking fasting blood samples, it was performed cell count tests using an automated blood cell counter. Serum iron and liver function test were measured using auto analyzer. Serum aluminum measurement was done by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry and ferritin was measured by ELISA. Results: The serum aluminum level was significantly higher in the case group (7.26±2.63) than the control group (5.48±1.75) (P<0.001), as well as the mean hemoglobin level was lower in the case group (14.28±0.88) than the control group (15.44±1.19) (P<0.011). However, the mean level of iron and ferritin as well as liver tests exhibited no significant difference between two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: Occupational exposure to aluminum in tile production industries could increase the serum aluminum level but may decrease blood hemoglobin concentration, which is a predisposing factor for anemia possibly through intervening in blood iron and ferritin.
Environmental Health
Mohsen Arbabi; Neda Masoudipour; Masoud Amiri
Volume 2, Issue 1 , Winter 2015, , Pages 44-49
Abstract
Water resource scarcity, population growth, pollution of surface and groundwater by discharging toxic wastewater and subsequent diseases may raise the necessity of reusing and treatment of wastewater. Cyanide is one of the toxic materials which can be found in some industrial wastewaters. Strict laws ...
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Water resource scarcity, population growth, pollution of surface and groundwater by discharging toxic wastewater and subsequent diseases may raise the necessity of reusing and treatment of wastewater. Cyanide is one of the toxic materials which can be found in some industrial wastewaters. Strict laws set by international bodies have forced industries to work on developing efficient cyanide removal processes. In addition, at short-term exposure, cyanide could result in rapid breathing, tremors and other neurological effects, but long term exposure it may cause weight loss, thyroid effects, nerve damage and death. Skin contact with liquids containing cyanide may also produce irritation and sores. The application of old methods like alkaline chlorination process has become limited due to toxic nature of intermediate and by-products, and unique methods, such as biological, the iron cyanide precipitation, SO2/Air, acidification/volatilization and reneutralization, ion exchange and hydrogen peroxide processes are mainly developed and used by their respective companies. In this paper, the negative effects of cyanide on health and its industrial manufacturers as well as cyanide removal processes are briefly discussed.