Sharifah Norkhadijah Syed Ismail

Analytical techniques for steroid estrogens in water samples - A review.

In recent years, environmental concerns over ultra-trace levels of steroid estrogens concentrations in water samples have increased because of their adverse effects on human and animal life. Special attention to the analytical techniques used to quantify steroid estrogens in water samples is therefore increasingly important. The objective of this review was to present an overview of both instrumental and non-instrumental analytical techniques available for the determination of steroid estrogens in water samples, evidencing their respective potential advantages and limitations using the Need, Approach, Benefit, and Competition (NABC) approach. The analytical techniques highlighted in this review were instrumental and non-instrumental analytical techniques namely gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS), enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA), radio immuno assay (RIA), yeast estrogen screen (YES) assay, and human breast cancer cell line proliferation (E-screen) assay. The complexity of water samples and their low estrogenic concentrations necessitates the use of highly sensitive instrumental analytical techniques (GC-MS and LC-MS) and non-instrumental analytical techniques (ELISA, RIA, YES assay and E-screen assay) to quantify steroid estrogens. Both instrumental and non-instrumental analytical techniques have their own advantages and limitations. However, the non-instrumental ELISA analytical techniques, thanks to its lower detection limit and simplicity, its rapidity and cost-effectiveness, currently appears to be the most reliable for determining steroid estrogens in water samples.

Spatial Assessment of Heavy Metals in Surface Soil from Klang District (Malaysia): An Example from a Tropical Environment

ABSTRACT Heavy metals (Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, Zn) in surface soil of Klang district were determined and multivariate analysis was used to understand their potential sources. The total and bioavailability of concentrations were used in identifying the potential risks to the ecology and human health. The means for the total heavy metal concentrations were found to be in the order of Fe > Al > Zn > Pb > Cu > Cr > Co > Cd, while the means for the bioavailability concentrations were found to be in the order of Al > Fe > Zn > Cu > Co > Cd > Pb > Cr. Principal Component Analysis showed Principal Component 1 as being of natural origin whereas Principal Components 2, 3, and 4 were associated with mixed anthropogenic sources, such as traffic and industrial emissions, organic matter, and granulometric fractions. Potential ecological risk assessment indicated an overall low ecological risk. Spatial assessment of non-carcinogenic risks showed that the Hazard Index values were more than one in Johan Setia, due to biomass burning of peat swamps exploited for agricultural development. While for spatial assessment of carcinogenic risks, the Lifetime Cancer Risk values were in the limit (1 × 10−5), indicating low cancer inducing risks. Nevertheless, with intense development pressure in the Klang district could overlap pollution inputs in the future.

Indicators of microbial beach water quality: preliminary findings from Teluk Kemang beach, Port Dickson (Malaysia)

This study aims to determine the concentrations of total coliforms and Escherichia coli (E. coli) in beach water, Teluk Kemang beach. This study was also aimed to determine relationship between total coliforms, E. coli and physicochemical parameters. As perceived health symptoms among beach visitors are rarely incorporated in beach water studies, this element was also assessed in this study. A total of eight water sampling points were selected randomly along Teluk Kemang beach. Total coliforms concentrations were found between 20 and 1940 cfu/100ml. E. coli concentrations were between 0 and 90 cfu/100ml. Significant correlations were found between total coliforms and E. coli with pH, temperature and oxidation reduction potential. Skin and eyes symptoms were the highest reported though in small numbers. Microbiological water quality in Teluk Kemang public beach was generally safe for recreational activities except sampling location near with sewage outfall.

Preliminary study on the skin lightening practice and health symptoms among female students in Malaysia.

Many cases of dermatologic complication were reported with the use of skin lightening products. This study assessed the skin lightening practice and health symptoms among female students. Self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 104 female students (56 undergraduates and 48 postgraduates) aged 24 ± 2 years in Universiti Putra Malaysia. A total of 60.6% (N = 63) of the female students used skin lightening products (61.9% of undergraduates and 38.1% of postgraduates). Reasonable price (N = 35, 55.6%) and ingredients (N = 29, 46%) were considered the most important factors in the product selection. Most respondents purchased the product from drugstores (N = 39, 61.9%). Twenty-two respondents (34.9%) in this study experienced skin problem from the products they used. Skin peeling (N = 13, 12.5%) and acne (N = 9, 8.7%) were the most frequent symptoms experienced. Most of the respondents have the perception that lighter skin provides high self-esteem (N = 56, 53.8%) and looks beautiful and healthier (N = 54, 51.9%). The use of skin lightening products is common among female students in this study and some of these products can cause skin problems such as skin peeling, acne, and itching.

Implementation of Smoke-free Legislation in Malaysia: Are Adolescents Protected from Respiratory Health Effects?

BACKGROUND This study aimed to examine the relationship between respiratory health of Malaysian adolescents with secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure and smoke-free legislation (SFL) implementation. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 898 students from 21 schools across comprehensive- and partial-SFL states were recruited. SHS exposures and respiratory symptoms were assessed via questionnaire. Prenatal and postnatal SHS exposure information was obtained from parental-completed questionnaire. RESULTS The prevalence of respiratory symptoms was: 11.9% ever wheeze, 5.6% current wheeze, 22.3% exercise-induced wheeze, 12.4% nocturnal cough, and 13.1% self-reported asthma. SHS exposure was most frequently reported in restaurants. Hierarchical logistic regression indicates living in a comprehensive-SFL state was not associated with a lower risk of reporting asthma symptoms. SHS exposure in public transport was linked to increased risk for wheeze (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 16.6; 95%confidence interval (CI), 2.69-101.7) and current wheezing (AOR 24.6; 95%CI, 3.53-171.8). CONCLUSIONS Adolescents continue to be exposed to SHS in a range of public venues in both comprehensive- and partial-SFL states. Respiratory symptoms are common among those reporting SHS exposure on public transportation. Non-compliance with SFL appears to be frequent in many venues across Malaysia and enforcement should be given priority in order to reduce exposure.

A case crossover analysis of primary air pollutants association on acute respiratory infection (ARI) among children in urban region of Klang valley, Malaysia

Introduction: Acute respiratory infection (ARI) among children is one of the health effects associated with poor air quality. Objective: This study explores the distribution of ARI cases by subtypes among children in an urban region in tropical country and its association with the air pollution level. Method: Secondary data of primary air pollutants and the ARI data recorded at the selected main public hospital in the same area from 2006 to 2010 were analyzed descriptively using statistical software and spatially through the geographical information system (GIS). Results: In total, 54,542 cases of ARI hospital admission among children were reported with 16 subtypes. Most of the ARI cases were recorded at the general hospital located in the city center (Kuala Lumpur Hospital, N = 27,719, 50.82%), and other cases were distributed at the hospitals located at suburbs (Serdang Hospital, N = 6868 (12.59%), Selayang Hospital, N = 6548, (12.01%), and Klang Hospital, N = 5434, (9.96%). Most of the patients were boys (N = 31,682, 58.09%) and aged below 5 years (N = 45,393, 83.22%). Thirteen ARI subtypes were influenced by the particulate matter with diameter size less than 10 µm (PM10), followed by NO2 (eight subtypes), CO (four sub-types), and O3 (two sub-types). PM10 contributes to high risk of acute bronchiolitis (odd ratio (OR): 1.115, 95% CI: 1.093-1.138), acute upper respiratory infection of multiple and unspecified sites (OR: 1.065, 95% CI: 1.034-1.096), and unspecified acute lower respiratory infection (OR: 1.055, 95% CI: 1.051–1.059). In conclusion, this study supported the theory that children were mainly exposed to air pollution in urban area and they were at risk to experience ARI.

Fecal indicator bacteria in tropical beach sand: Baseline findings from Port Dickson coastline, Strait of Malacca (Malaysia)

This pilot study aims to assess Escherichia coli (E. coli) contamination and its perceived health risks among beachgoers in ten tropical beach sands along Port Dickson coastline (Malaysia). This study also aims to determine the relationship between perceived health symptoms and tropical beach sand exposure behavior. The concentration of E. coli in tropical beach sand ranged from 60cfu/100g to 4113cfu/100g. E. coli contamination was the highest at Tanjung Gemuk (4113±30cfu/100g) and the lowest at Tanjung Tuan (60±15cfu/100g); the high level of contamination could be due to the location of the former at the sewage outlet of nearby hotels. Skin symptoms were the most predominant among the health symptoms indicated by beachgoers. Exposure duration was significantly correlated with the perceived health symptoms among beachgoers in the beaches studied.

New Methods to Assess Fecal Contamination in Beach Water Quality

The emerging paradigm in assessment of recreational water quality needs a basic information on microbial contamination. Recreational water is susceptible to fecal contamination which may increase in health risk associated with swimming in polluted water. Recreational water quality is monitored for fecal indicator bacteria to help prevent swimming-associated illnesses. This study aims to determine the concentrations of total coliforms and Escherichia coli (E. coli) in recreational water, Teluk Kemang beach, Port Dickson (Malaysia). This study was also aimed to determine relationship between total coliforms, E. coli and physicochemical parameters of marine recreational water. Exposure behaviors and perceived health symptoms among beach visitors were also assessed in this study. A total of eight water sampling points were selected randomly taken at 100 m from the wash zone and 20 cm below the water surface along Teluk Kemang beach. Total coliforms and E. coli concentrations were analyzed using membrane filtration technique. Total coliforms concentrations were found between 20 and 1,940 cfu/100 ml. E. coli concentrations were between 0 and 90 cfu/100 ml. Total coliforms and E. coli were the highest at sampling point A and exceeded USEPA (Report of Task Force on guide standard and protocol for testing microbiological water purifiers. USEPA, Washington, DC, pp 1–29, 1986) guideline as it located near sewage outfall. Significant correlations were found between total coliforms and E. coli with pH, temperature and oxidation reduction potential. Microbiological water quality in Teluk Kemang public beach was generally safe for recreational activities among the public except sampling location near with sewage outfall. Output of this study will act as a crucial model for protection of marine ecosystem health. Moreover, output of this study can be used as a monitoring design tool for other public beaches in Malaysia, as such studies are lacking and have not been reported so far.

Electronic cigarettes and indoor air quality: a review of studies using human volunteers

Abstract Objective: This paper is primarily aimed to review articles on electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) focusing on indoor air quality (IAQ) assessment that were conducted using human volunteers under natural settings that mimic actual vaping scenarios. Such studies may give a better representation of the actual potential exposure towards e-cigarettes emissions in indoor settings. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed search engine database. Search terms such as “electronic cigarette”, “e-cigarette”, “electronic nicotine delivery system”, and “indoor air quality” were used to identify the relevant articles to be included in this review. Articles that involved human volunteers who were asked to vape in natural settings or settings that mimic the actual vaping scenario were chosen to be reviewed. The search yielded a total of 15 published articles. Eleven articles were excluded due to 1) unavailability of its full-text (n=1), 2) did not involve human volunteers (n=5) and 3) did not involve an IAQ study (n=5). Four articles were critically reviewed in this paper. Results: From the four selected articles, two of the papers focused on the determination of nicotine level released by e-cigarettes whereas the other two covered IAQ parameters namely; particulate matters (PM), propylene glycols, formaldehyde, metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Only two of the studies involved determination of biomarkers of exposure. The level of chemical contents released varied between studies. The differences in the brands of e-cigarette used, number of vapers recruited and the sensitivity of the methodologies employed in these studies may be the possible causes for such differences. However, studies using human volunteers conducted in a natural setting are more relevant to portray the actual exposure to vapors among e-cigarettes users and non-users compared to studies using a smoking machine/an exposure chamber. This is because such studies take into account the behavior of consumers and individual retention of nicotine. Such method will therefore avoid the possibility of overestimation in terms of exposures toward e-cigarettes users and non-users. Conclusion: There are limited e-cigarette studies on the impact of IAQ performed using human volunteers in natural settings. The available studies however, provided inconsistent scientific evidence on the actual exposure towards the vapor contents as unstandardized methodology were used in conducting such research. Therefore, there is a need to conduct IAQ studies in natural settings by using a standardized protocol in terms of the number of vapers recruited, the size of the indoor settings, the methods used in detecting and quantifying the contents and levels of emissions and the sensitivity of the equipment used in analyzing the contents. This will help in better utilization of the findings from such studies for the use of risk assessment of the exposures towards e-cigarette emissions. There is also a need to emphasize that it is the onus of the manufacturers in providing and proving scientifically sound safety claims for their products prior to commercializing it in the market.

Mathematical modeling for estrogenic activity prediction of 17β-estradiol and 17α-ethynylestradiol mixtures in wastewater treatment plants effluent

Steroid estrogens such as 17β-Estradiol (E2) and 17α-Ethynylestradiol (EE2) are highly potent estrogens that widely detected in environmental samples. Mathematical modelling such as concentration addition (CA) and estradiol equivalent concentration (EEQ) models are usually associated with measuring techniques to assess risk, predict the mixture response and evaluate the estrogenic activity of mixture. Wastewater has played a crucial role because wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) is the major sources of estrogenic activity in aquatic environment. The aims of this is to determine E2 and EE2 concentrations in six WWTPs effluent, to predict the estrogenic activity of the WWTPs effluent using CA and EEQ models where lastly the effectiveness of two models is evaluated. Results showed that all the six WWTPs effluent had relative high E2 concentration (35.1–85.2 ng/L) compared to EE2 (0.02–1.0 ng/L). The estrogenic activity predicted by CA model was similar among the six WWTPs (105.4 ng/L), due to the similarity of individual dose potency ratio calculated by respective WWTPs. The predicted total EEQ was ranged from 35.1 EEQ-ng/L to 85.3 EEQ-ng/L, explained by high E2 concentration in WWTPs effluent and E2 EEF value that standardized to 1.0 μg/L. The CA model is more effective than EEQ model in estrogenic activity prediction because EEQ model used less data and causes disassociation from the predicted behavior. Although both models predicted relative high estrogenic activity in WWTPs effluent, dilution effects in receiving river may lower the estrogenic response to aquatic inhabitants.