Prenatal exposure to benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) and the risk of autism spectrum disorders in children aged 16-37 months: A prospective cohort study.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as a neurological disorder can result from the interaction of genetic and environmental factors such as air pollution and exposure to chemical pollutants. This study tested the hypothesis that living in areas near petrochemical industries and exposure to benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) may adversely affect maternal and fetal health and increase the risk of autism. We conducted a prospective cohort study from 2019 to 2024, following 110 pregnant women divided into exposure and control groups, along with 145 children born during the study [exposure group (n = 80) and control group (n = 65)].

Adolescent Nutritional Patterns and Health Behaviors in Romania: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

: Adolescence is a pivotal developmental stage marked by physiological and behavioral changes that significantly influence dietary habits and long-term health outcomes. This study aimed to examine the associations between socio-demographic characteristics, psychological factors, and dietary behaviors among school-aged children and adolescents in Romania. : A cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured, self-administered questionnaire completed by 662 children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years, enrolled in primary, middle, and high schools across urban and rural areas.

Evaluation of Non-Alcoholic Beverages and the Risk Related to Consumer Health among the Romanian Population.

The range of non-alcoholic drinks is very varied both from a compositional point of view and from a caloric and nutritional point of view. The excessive consumption of sweetened non-alcoholic beverages represents an important risk factor for health, especially when it is accompanied by an unbalanced diet and a disordered lifestyle. In order to evaluate the consumption of non-alcoholic beverages correlated with the evaluation of the main lifestyle factors that can affect the state of health among Romanians, a cross-sectional observational study was carried out based on a questionnaire.

Evaluation of Junk Food Consumption and the Risk Related to Consumer Health among the Romanian Population.

Premature aging and degradative processes are mainly generated by unhealthy habits and an unbalanced diet. Quality of food and lifestyle are important factors in sano-genesis. Many imbalances and ailments have their origin in the adoption of an unbalanced diet and a disordered lifestyle.

A comprehensive health effects assessment of the use of sanitizers and disinfectants during COVID-19 pandemic: a global survey.

COVID-19 has affected all aspects of human life so far. From the outset of the pandemic, preventing the spread of COVID-19 through the observance of health protocols, especially the use of sanitizers and disinfectants was given more attention. Despite the effectiveness of disinfection chemicals in controlling and preventing COVID-19, there are critical concerns about their adverse effects on human health.

A survey on the correlation between PM concentration and the incidence of suspected and positive cases of COVID-19 referred to medical centers: A case study of Tehran.

COVID-19, one of the greatest health challenges of the present century, has infected millions of people and caused more than 6 million deaths worldwide. The causative agent of this disease is the new virus SARS-CoV-2; which continues to spread globally and sometimes with new and more complex aspects than before. The present study is an observational study aimed to investigate the role of AQI; PM and its relationship with the incidence of suspected cases (SC) and positive cases (PC) of COVID-19 at different levels of the air quality index (AQI) in Tehran, the capital of Iran in the period from Feb 20th, 2020 to Feb 22nd, 2021.

Environmental chronic exposure to metals and effects on attention and executive function in the general population.

Heavy metals are neurotoxic, associated with brain dysfunction, and have been linked with cognitive decline in adults. This study was aimed to characterize chronic exposure to metals (Cd, Be, Co, Hg, Sn, V, Al, Ba, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) and metalloids (As, B, Sb) and assess its impact on cognitive performance of Tehran's residents, capital of Iran. Scalp hair samples gathered from 200 volunteered participants (110 men and 90 women), aged 14-70 years and quantified by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES).

Use of urinary biomarkers to characterize occupational exposure to BTEX in healthcare waste autoclave operators.

Urinary benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) can be used as a reliable biomarker of exposure to these pollutants. This study was aimed to investigate the urinary BTEX concentration in operators of healthcare waste (HCW) autoclaves. This cross-sectional study was conducted in selected hospitals in Tehran, Iran between April and June 2017.