Food Safety

Cancer Causes Control. 2026 Jun 1;37(7):104. doi: 10.1007/s10552-026-02188-3.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We examined the associations between county-level endocrine-disrupting pesticide usage and breast cancer incidence, overall and by metropolitan status.

METHODS: This ecological study used publicly available data from the United States Geological Survey on county-level agricultural pesticide usage (in kilograms). We focused on 38 pesticides with endocrine-disrupting properties relevant in breast cancer etiology, which were categorized by chemical class as follows: carbamates, neonicotinoids, organochlorines, organophosphates, phosphonates, pyrethroids, triazines, and other miscellaneous compounds. The analysis included 2,457 U.S. counties with data on pesticide usage (2001-2015) and age-adjusted breast cancer incidence rates (2016-2020), accounting for a latency period. Metropolitan status was assessed using the 2013 Rural-Urban Continuum Codes. Gamma regression models with a log-link function were used to estimate rate ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) between pesticides (per interquartile range increase) and age-adjusted breast cancer incidence rates, adjusting for county-level covariates including % smoking, % poverty, % unemployed, % no high school diploma, % uninsured, and residential mobility.

RESULTS: Total median pesticide use was higher in rural vs. urban counties (17,523 kg vs. 14,743 kg; p < 0.05), with some variation by pesticide class. Pesticide use was associated with slightly higher breast cancer incidence in rural counties (RR = 1.02 (95% CI 1.01, 1.03)), but not in urban counties (RR = 1.00 (95% CI 1.00, 1.00)) (p_int < 0.001). Associations differed by pesticide type.

CONCLUSION: Results suggest modest positive associations between county-level endocrine-disrupting pesticide use and breast cancer incidence in rural U.S. counties, with variation by pesticide type. These findings highlight the need for further research to inform targeted prevention efforts.

PMID:42223742 | DOI:10.1007/s10552-026-02188-3

Front Public Health. 2026 May 15;14:1834261. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1834261. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic inflammatory skin disorder with a substantial global burden. Although multiple studies have investigated the impact of environmental exposures on AD, a comprehensive review integrating children, adults, and mixed-age populations is lacking. This study aimed to synthesise current evidence on environmental risk factors for AD and examine age-specific susceptibility.

METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science up to March 2026 for systematic reviews and meta-analyses on environmental exposures and AD risk. Exposures were categorised as: microbe- and immune-related factors (antibiotics and helminth infections), environmental pollution and chemicals (air pollution, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), heavy metals, pesticides), and lifestyle or residential factors (active and passive smoking, pet exposure, urban environment, light at night, indoor fuel use). Eligible studies reported pooled effect estimates including odds ratios (ORs), relative risks (RRs), or hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), or clear directional associations. Data extraction prioritised fully adjusted estimates, dose-response relationships, and age-stratified findings. Methodological quality was assessed using A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR 2). Evidence synthesis focused on effect direction, statistical significance, heterogeneity (I²), and overlap of primary studies, without recalculating original estimates.

RESULTS: Twenty systematic reviews and meta-analyses were included. In children, antibiotic exposure and both active and passive smoking were consistently associated with increased AD risk, while prenatal exposure to PM₂.₅ and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) also elevated risk. In adults, smoking and air pollution showed stable positive associations. In mixed-age populations, PM₁₀ exposure and urban residence were linked to higher AD risk. Evidence for other exposures, including PFAS, heavy metals, pesticides, helminth infection, pet exposure, light at night, and indoor fuel use, remained limited or inconsistent.

CONCLUSION: Antibiotic exposure, smoking, and air pollution are the most robust environmental risk factors for AD across age groups, whereas other exposures require further investigation. Targeted interventions and environmental management may contribute to AD prevention and control.

PMID:42221672 | PMC:PMC13219279 | DOI:10.3389/fpubh.2026.1834261

Environ Res. 2026 May 30:124905. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2026.124905. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Endocrine-disrupting compounds, such as acrylamide (AA) and bisphenol A (BPA), are external substances usually found in air, water, food and other consumer products that may influence puberty timing. This study aims to assess the association of AA and BPA, individually and combined, on pubertal development in a sample of children and adolescents aged 4-13. Data from Generation XXI cohort was used(n=5279). Dietary information was gathered through food diaries. Dietary AA exposure was estimated by merging food consumption with occurrence data from EFSA's publication. BPA exposure was estimated using a random forest model that integrated food consumption data with urinary BPA. Pubertal development was assessed by trained professionals at 10- and 13-years using Tanner scale. Linear regression models tested the associations between exposure to food contaminants (individually and combined), and pubertal development. The median dietary exposure was higher in boys for both AA and BPA, decreasing with age. A negative association was found between individual AA exposure at 7-years (-0.007(95%CI:-0.013,-0.002)), 10-years (-0.006(95%CI:-0.010,-0.003)) and 13-years (-0.005(95%CI:-0.009,-0.001)) and the pubertal development global score in girls, and a positive association for individual AA exposure at 13-years (0.003(95%CI:0.001,0.007)) in boys. A significant positive association between BPA exposure at 10 and 13 years and a higher pubertal development global score was only found in boys. Testing combined exposure did not significantly change the results observed for individual exposure to each food contaminant. Childhood and adolescent exposure to AA and BPA was associated with impaired timing of puberty timing, representing a relevant public health concern.

PMID:42218933 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2026.124905

J Agric Food Chem. 2026 May 28. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.6c02800. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Seed coatings protect agricultural crops from pests, but they can expose pollinators to residues. We extended a dynamic model for pesticide uptake from soil into maize plants with a flower compartment, including nectar and pollen. Field experiments with seed/soil and spray applications were simulated successfully. Calibrated loss rates usually exceeded dissipation rates empirically fitted to declining concentrations due to continuous delivery of chemicals seen by the model (soil to plant components). Simulated dissipation consists of growth dilution and degradation (nonvolatile compounds) with half-lives fitted for imidacloprid in pollen of 0.2 to 0.9 days, close to observations following spray application. Our model predicts that mobile, persistent, and nonvolatile chemicals are potentially translocated to pollen if present in soil. This is relevant also for persistent, mobile, and toxic (PMT) chemicals released from reclaimed wastewater or via sewage sludge application. Our model can be incorporated into existing frameworks to estimate the exposure of pollinating insects.

PMID:42207581 | DOI:10.1021/acs.jafc.6c02800

J Breast Imaging. 2026 May 28:wbag004. doi: 10.1093/jbi/wbag004. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Women represent a growing demographic within the United States military, both active duty and veterans. Breast cancer is the most prevalent non-dermatologic malignancy among female active duty members and veterans. Military service members, specifically women aged 40-59 years, have a higher incidence of breast cancer compared to the general population. Retrospective cohort studies of military members suggest that work-related reproductive factors, including higher frequency of contraceptive use and shorter duration of breastfeeding, may account for at least part of the higher incidence. The impact, if any, of military environmental exposures, such as volatile organic compounds, endocrine disrupting chemicals, pesticides, airborne hazards, and open burn pits, on breast cancer risk is an area of ongoing investigation. This article aims to advance understanding of breast cancer, risk, treatment, and outcomes in military populations while examining current screening practices and ongoing efforts to strengthen prevention and early detection among active duty service members and veterans. The potential of the SERVICE Act to increase screening access in certain military members under age 40 years will be emphasized. Efforts to improve breast cancer prevention and early detection for active duty service members and veterans are imperative for preserving military force readiness and essential for the health of the all-volunteer force of the United States military.

PMID:42207118 | DOI:10.1093/jbi/wbag004

Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2026 May 12;17:1823237. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2026.1823237. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

Thyroid hormone (TH) system-disrupting chemicals pose significant risks to human health and the environment, highlighting the urgent need for improved toxicological testing methods. A major concern is that environmental chemicals may induce developmental neurotoxicity by compromising TH signaling during critical life stages. In this study, we evaluated the thyroidal and neurotoxic effects of two compounds that interfere with TH signaling by inhibiting TH synthesis in the thyroid gland. Methimazole (MMI) is a pharmaceutical specifically designed to treat hyperthyroidism by inhibiting thyroperoxidase (TPO), while the herbicide amitrole has unintentional TPO-inhibiting properties. Pregnant and lactating rat dams were exposed to control (corn oil), 8 or 16 mg/kg body weight/day MMI, or 25 or 50 mg/kg body weight/day amitrole from gestation day 7 to postnatal day 16. MMI and amitrole induced fetal and postnatal hypothyroidism in offspring. Both compounds induced similar reductions in serum and brain TH concentrations and induced a brain malformation, periventricular heterotopia, tied to compromised TH signaling. Our results reinforce concerns over the potential for exposure to environmental chemicals with TH system-disrupting properties to negatively impact the developing brain in vertebrates.

PMID:42205262 | PMC:PMC13201139 | DOI:10.3389/fendo.2026.1823237

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2026 May 20;23(5):674. doi: 10.3390/ijerph23050674.

ABSTRACT

The perinatal period is a critical window of susceptibility for fetal development and awareness for women's health. Pregnant women are highly motivated to reduce environmental health risks, yet often lack personalized, actionable guidance on mitigating endocrine-disrupting chemicals and other household hazards. Grounded in Motivational Interviewing theory, a digital assessment was developed to empower parents to identify and reduce exposures. The tool screens for home-based and environmental risks across several domains: air quality, lead, tobacco, cleaning agents, pesticides, and plastics (BPA/phthalates). Based on user inputs, a defined algorithm generates a positive index score paired with prioritized, low-cost behavioral recommendations designed to shift users from risk awareness to active mitigation. Since its launch in Spring 2024, the tool has had over 1900 views. Preliminary analytics suggest promising engagement, and feedback more so suggests that the motivational-interview-based framing, which emphasizes empowerment over fear, facilitates immediate behavioral changes, such as switching to safer personal care products and improving indoor ventilation. Digital health interventions that translate complex environmental data into a single, manageable score can bridge the gap between clinical knowledge and household practice. This article details the score's calculation methodology and underlying datasets, and reports usage analytics and user feedback, discussing how digital screening can scale environmental health literacy and improve maternal and child health outcomes.

PMID:42196766 | PMC:PMC13205968 | DOI:10.3390/ijerph23050674

Molecules. 2026 May 18;31(10):1705. doi: 10.3390/molecules31101705.

ABSTRACT

Dioxins are highly persistent organic pollutants that exist in soil. Their hydrophobic and lipophilic characteristics facilitate long-term stability, posing high risks to the ecosystem and human health. They can be released by different sources, such as the incineration of waste materials, industrial activities, the production of pesticides, and natural or accidental events like forest fires. Dioxins accumulate in food chains and persist in the environment because dioxins are less volatile as well as chemically stable and can strongly bind to organic matter. The accumulation and persistence of dioxins in aquatic and terrestrial systems make them a significant threat to the environment, even at very low concentrations. This review explains the key sources of dioxin-contaminated soil, including industrial emissions and atmospheric deposition, and assesses the associated risks. The transport, places of contamination, and overall status of dioxins are also highlighted in this study. The review also examines the mechanisms of dioxin toxicity, focusing on their interference with hormonal functions and gene expression, as mediated through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). This AhR activation leads to gene responses and causes immunotoxicity, endocrine disruption, and oxidative stress. Furthermore, various remediation strategies like biological, physical, and chemical remediation are discussed here as effective approaches for reducing ecological and health risks and promoting soil sustainability.

PMID:42197259 | PMC:PMC13209661 | DOI:10.3390/molecules31101705

Molecules. 2026 May 20;31(10):1748. doi: 10.3390/molecules31101748.

ABSTRACT

Conventional wastewater treatment systems cannot effectively eliminate micropollutants such as contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). These compounds, even at trace levels, are persistent or pseudo-persistent, bioaccumulative, and potentially harmful to ecosystems and human health. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), based on the in situ generation of highly reactive oxygen species, have emerged as promising solutions. Peroxyacetic acid (PAA) has gained attention due to its strong oxidizing capacity, broad antimicrobial activity, environmentally benign by-products, and compatibility with different activation methods. This review provides an updated and integrated synthesis of recent advances in PAA-based AOPs for the degradation of major CEC groups, including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, pesticides, and industrial chemicals, as well as for the oxidative modification of microplastics (MPs). The review discusses several strategies for PAA activation and critically discusses removal efficiency, underlying mechanisms, and current limitations, emphasizing the gap between pollutant transformation and complete mineralization. Furthermore, the article highlights a key research need, which is the assessment of the toxicity of transformation products and their validation under realistic conditions. Overall, this review provides insight into the potential and challenges of PAA-based AOPs for sustainable water treatment.

PMID:42197304 | PMC:PMC13209452 | DOI:10.3390/molecules31101748

Toxics. 2026 Apr 26;14(5):373. doi: 10.3390/toxics14050373.

ABSTRACT

Environmental contaminants pose threats to exposed organisms and negatively impact the nervous, cardiovascular, immune, and reproductive systems. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals that are ubiquitous in the environment. Given that mixtures of environmental contaminants have the potential to exacerbate toxicity, we reviewed the current literature on pesticides, microplastics, or metal exposure in combination with PFAS on aquatic vertebrates and invertebrates. The objectives were to evaluate the toxicological effects of mixtures of the selected contaminants with PFAS on aquatic organisms to better understand biological responses in animals. Based on our review, data suggest that PFAS can modify the toxicity of co-occurring pollutants. For example, synergistic effects on toxicity include chlorpyrifos + perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), which increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and upregulated neurotoxicity-related genes in zebrafish, and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) + atrazine, which increased the presence of malformations and oxidative stress. However, antagonistic interactions were also observed, for example, reduced herbicide toxicity in PFOA + 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) mixtures. PFAS combined with microplastics often intensified oxidative stress and developmental or reproductive effects, though polyethylene microplastics attenuated perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS)-induced immunotoxicity in fish like seabass. Interactions with metals also varied, with copper and cadmium enhancing oxidative stress while mercury mixtures with PFAS showed antagonism, underscoring the complexity of mixture effects in real environments. A computational approach demonstrated that PFOS can engage in intermolecular interactions with pesticides, microplastic monomers, and metals, suggesting chemical-level effects that could modify toxicity or bioavailability. Future studies should focus on elucidating the mechanisms underlying these complex interactions, investigating effects at different trophic levels and in a broader range of species, and should consider environmentally relevant mixtures.

PMID:42198499 | PMC:PMC13211294 | DOI:10.3390/toxics14050373

Toxics. 2026 Apr 26;14(5):373. doi: 10.3390/toxics14050373.

ABSTRACT

Environmental contaminants pose threats to exposed organisms and negatively impact the nervous, cardiovascular, immune, and reproductive systems. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals that are ubiquitous in the environment. Given that mixtures of environmental contaminants have the potential to exacerbate toxicity, we reviewed the current literature on pesticides, microplastics, or metal exposure in combination with PFAS on aquatic vertebrates and invertebrates. The objectives were to evaluate the toxicological effects of mixtures of the selected contaminants with PFAS on aquatic organisms to better understand biological responses in animals. Based on our review, data suggest that PFAS can modify the toxicity of co-occurring pollutants. For example, synergistic effects on toxicity include chlorpyrifos + perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), which increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and upregulated neurotoxicity-related genes in zebrafish, and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) + atrazine, which increased the presence of malformations and oxidative stress. However, antagonistic interactions were also observed, for example, reduced herbicide toxicity in PFOA + 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) mixtures. PFAS combined with microplastics often intensified oxidative stress and developmental or reproductive effects, though polyethylene microplastics attenuated perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS)-induced immunotoxicity in fish like seabass. Interactions with metals also varied, with copper and cadmium enhancing oxidative stress while mercury mixtures with PFAS showed antagonism, underscoring the complexity of mixture effects in real environments. A computational approach demonstrated that PFOS can engage in intermolecular interactions with pesticides, microplastic monomers, and metals, suggesting chemical-level effects that could modify toxicity or bioavailability. Future studies should focus on elucidating the mechanisms underlying these complex interactions, investigating effects at different trophic levels and in a broader range of species, and should consider environmentally relevant mixtures.

PMID:42198499 | PMC:PMC13211294 | DOI:10.3390/toxics14050373

The package aims to simplify EU food and feed safety legislation while reducing administrative burdens for agri-food producers and national authorities. It includes amendments to a broad set of regulations and directives, notably on plant protection products, biocides, genetically modified food and feed, food additives, food contact material and animal health and welfare. Key elements extended or unlimited authorisation periods, and a strengthened role for EFSA in the authorisation procedures. The proposals also introduce stricter rules on maximum residue levels in imports and targeted changes on genetically modified microorganisms in food production. Additional measures cover increased flexibility in official controls and the use of drones for pesticide application.

Discussions covered key initiatives within the Commissioner's portfolio, including the Food and Feed Safety Simplification Package adopted in December 2025 and the European Biotech Act aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of the health biotechnology and biomanufacturing sector. The exchange also provided an opportunity to follow up on developments in food safety legislation, including EFSA-related matters and new genomic techniques. Members may also address the strengthening of import controls, in particular the creation of a dedicated task force to oversee checks on products from third countries. In parallel, attention was given to upcoming initiatives, such as the planned revision of rules on unfair trading practices in the food chain, which is expected in the third quarter of 2026 under the Commission's work programme.

Nanomaterials (Basel). 2026 May 20;16(10):635. doi: 10.3390/nano16100635.

ABSTRACT

Zeolite-based composite nanomaterials represent a versatile and mechanistically rich platform for the removal of organic micropollutants (OMPs)-including pharmaceuticals, endocrine-disrupting compounds, pesticides, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)-from contaminated water systems. Although pristine zeolite frameworks provide well-defined microporous architectures, tunable Si/Al ratios, and ion-exchange capacity, their intrinsic hydrophilicity restricts interaction diversity and limits performance toward the structurally heterogeneous OMPs prevalent in real aquatic environments. Composite integration with carbonaceous nanophases, functional polymers and surfactants, and catalytically active metal oxide nanoparticles substantially extends this interaction repertoire, yielding multifunctional materials whose adsorption performance exceeds that of the individual components. Drawing on a systematic survey of peer-reviewed literature published between 2016 and 2026, this review develops a mechanism-oriented, structure-property-performance framework examining five dominant adsorption mechanisms-electrostatic attraction, π-π stacking, hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic partitioning, and micropore confinement-in relation to composite nanoarchitecture, surface chemistry, and structural parameters. The modulating influence of realistic water matrix conditions on adsorption efficiency is critically assessed, alongside challenges of regeneration, long-term stability, metal leaching, and the persistent gap between laboratory-scale synthesis and scalable deployment. Priority research directions are identified, including standardized performance evaluation under environmentally representative conditions and rational design of hierarchical multifunctional nanocomposites from earth-abundant and waste-derived precursors.

PMID:42188530 | PMC:PMC13210204 | DOI:10.3390/nano16100635

Nanomaterials (Basel). 2026 May 20;16(10):635. doi: 10.3390/nano16100635.

ABSTRACT

Zeolite-based composite nanomaterials represent a versatile and mechanistically rich platform for the removal of organic micropollutants (OMPs)-including pharmaceuticals, endocrine-disrupting compounds, pesticides, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)-from contaminated water systems. Although pristine zeolite frameworks provide well-defined microporous architectures, tunable Si/Al ratios, and ion-exchange capacity, their intrinsic hydrophilicity restricts interaction diversity and limits performance toward the structurally heterogeneous OMPs prevalent in real aquatic environments. Composite integration with carbonaceous nanophases, functional polymers and surfactants, and catalytically active metal oxide nanoparticles substantially extends this interaction repertoire, yielding multifunctional materials whose adsorption performance exceeds that of the individual components. Drawing on a systematic survey of peer-reviewed literature published between 2016 and 2026, this review develops a mechanism-oriented, structure-property-performance framework examining five dominant adsorption mechanisms-electrostatic attraction, π-π stacking, hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic partitioning, and micropore confinement-in relation to composite nanoarchitecture, surface chemistry, and structural parameters. The modulating influence of realistic water matrix conditions on adsorption efficiency is critically assessed, alongside challenges of regeneration, long-term stability, metal leaching, and the persistent gap between laboratory-scale synthesis and scalable deployment. Priority research directions are identified, including standardized performance evaluation under environmentally representative conditions and rational design of hierarchical multifunctional nanocomposites from earth-abundant and waste-derived precursors.

PMID:42188530 | PMC:PMC13210204 | DOI:10.3390/nano16100635

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2026 May 26. doi: 10.1007/s11356-026-37849-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Planarians, distinguished by their extraordinary regenerative capacity and ecological role as benthic predators, have emerged as a transformative model in ecotoxicology. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of research on the effects of diverse classes of pollutants, including metals, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, nanomaterials, and a dedicated category of "other pollutants," namely biotoxins and physical stressors, on these organisms. We introduce a novel conceptual framework of "regenerative toxicology," which focuses on how contaminants impair an organism's innate self-repair mechanisms. Our analysis reveals a convergent toxicity pattern: despite differing initial targets, most pollutants induced oxidative stress, which triggered cellular responses, including apoptosis, ultimately disrupting neoblast function and leading to failures in regeneration, behavior, and reproduction. A key advancement of this study is its emphasis on ecological realism and complex exposure scenarios. We critically evaluate the sensitivity of planarians to real-world environmental samples and highlight the significant implications of combined toxicity, such as the "Trojan horse" effect, in which microplastics increase the bioavailability of co-pollutants such as metals. This review further integrates methodological innovations, from multi-endpoint behavioral assays to multi-omics and AI-driven predictive modelling, while underscoring the urgent need for standardization in culture and testing methods. By bridging molecular mechanisms with individual and potential population-level outcomes, the planarian model offers a unique, cost-effective platform for assessing the sublethal and long-term hazards of environmental pollution. This review establishes planarians as an indispensable tool for elucidating the consequences of contaminants on tissue homeostasis and ecosystem health, thereby informing more robust environmental risk assessments.

PMID:42189469 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-026-37849-y

Anal Chim Acta. 2026 Aug 1;1409:345603. doi: 10.1016/j.aca.2026.345603. Epub 2026 Apr 30.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pesticide residues in foods, particularly carbendazim, a widely used fungicide associated with endocrine disruption and genotoxicity, pose significant health risks even at trace levels. The complexity of food matrices necessitates the development of highly sensitive, selective, and sustainable detection methods for routine food safety monitoring.

RESULTS: Here, Fe/Fe₃C nanoparticles-decorated porous carbon composite (Fe/Fe₃C@PC) was prepared via facile in-situ iron doping and one-step carbonization strategy by using the agricultural waste (shaddock peel) as the precursor. The as-synthesized Fe/Fe₃C@PC exhibits enlarged electroactive surface area, accelerated electron transfer, and remarkable adsorptive affinity for carbendazim. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations elucidate this enhanced affinity, revealing that while the carbon matrix provides moderate adsorption via π-π stacking, the embedded Fe and Fe₃C nanoparticles introduce stronger coordination interactions, creating a synergistic interface that enriches the target analyte. Based on the excellent physicochemical property of Fe/Fe₃C@PC, a novel electrochemical sensor was fabricated, and the optimized sensor demonstrates outstanding analytical performance with a wide linear range (1 nM to 1 μM) and an ultra-low detection limit of 0.25 nM. When applied to real food samples, the sensor successfully quantified carbendazim in spiked tea and juice samples, achieving satisfactory recoveries between 90.5% and 97.4%.

SIGNIFICANCE: This work provides a sustainable valorization pathway for biomass waste while establishing a highly sensitive and reliable platform for routine fungicide monitoring. The successful validation in complex food matrices demonstrates its practical potential for safeguarding consumer health and advancing food safety control.

PMID:42191307 | DOI:10.1016/j.aca.2026.345603

The package aims to simplify EU food and feed safety legislation while reducing administrative burdens for agri-food producers and national authorities. It includes amendments to a broad set of regulations and directives, notably on plant protection products, biocides, genetically modified food and feed, food additives, food contact material and animal health and welfare. Key elements extended or unlimited authorisation periods, and a strengthened role for EFSA in the authorisation procedures. The proposals also introduce stricter rules on maximum residue levels in imports and targeted changes on genetically modified microorganisms in food production. Additional measures cover increased flexibility in official controls and the use of drones for pesticide application.

Front Cardiovasc Med. 2026 May 7;13:1647648. doi: 10.3389/fcvm.2026.1647648. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

The nexus between soil health and human health represents a critical yet underexplored dimension of cardio-neurological disease research. Soil constitutes the primary ecological substrate determining food quality, nutrient density, and ultimately nutrition security. However, progressive soil degradation and contamination by heavy metals, pesticide residues, persistent organic compounds, and microplastics within agricultural systems and the human food chain have reshaped disease risk profiles. Despite extensive investigation of air and water pollution, the intersection between soil contaminants and cardiovascular and neurological outcomes remains comparatively undercharacterized, revealing a significant knowledge gap between environmental and clinical medicine. Mechanistically, chronic ingestion of soil-derived toxicants promotes oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, endothelial injury, and neuroinflammation, while disrupting calcium signaling, lipid metabolism, and vascular autoregulation. Fertilizers, animal waste, pesticides, and organic pollutants function as endocrine-disrupting chemicals, activating the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) to mimic or impair normal endocrine and ligand signaling. In parallel, depletion of essential micronutrients from degraded soils reduces antioxidant capacity and impairs cardiometabolic and neuronal resilience. This dual burden of toxic exposure and diminished nutritional protection provides a plausible pathophysiologic framework linking contaminated soils to hypertension, atherosclerosis, ischemic stroke, cognitive impairment, and neurodegenerative processes, thereby influencing both acute and long-term clinical outcomes. From a public health perspective, compromised soil quality undermines nutrition security even where caloric supply is sufficient, subtly amplifying chronic disease risk at the population level. Hence, the integrative paradigm of healthy soil, healthy food, healthy people, and healthy planet highlights the necessity of transdisciplinary research, improved soil stewardship, and preventive strategies that recognize soil ecosystems as upstream determinants of human cardio-neurological health. Bridging the soil-to-heart-and-brain continuum offers transformative potential for precision prevention and sustainable global health, enabling earlier prevention, more precise dietary guidance, and evidence-based policies.

PMID:42181637 | PMC:PMC13189916 | DOI:10.3389/fcvm.2026.1647648

Front Cardiovasc Med. 2026 May 7;13:1647648. doi: 10.3389/fcvm.2026.1647648. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

The nexus between soil health and human health represents a critical yet underexplored dimension of cardio-neurological disease research. Soil constitutes the primary ecological substrate determining food quality, nutrient density, and ultimately nutrition security. However, progressive soil degradation and contamination by heavy metals, pesticide residues, persistent organic compounds, and microplastics within agricultural systems and the human food chain have reshaped disease risk profiles. Despite extensive investigation of air and water pollution, the intersection between soil contaminants and cardiovascular and neurological outcomes remains comparatively undercharacterized, revealing a significant knowledge gap between environmental and clinical medicine. Mechanistically, chronic ingestion of soil-derived toxicants promotes oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, endothelial injury, and neuroinflammation, while disrupting calcium signaling, lipid metabolism, and vascular autoregulation. Fertilizers, animal waste, pesticides, and organic pollutants function as endocrine-disrupting chemicals, activating the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) to mimic or impair normal endocrine and ligand signaling. In parallel, depletion of essential micronutrients from degraded soils reduces antioxidant capacity and impairs cardiometabolic and neuronal resilience. This dual burden of toxic exposure and diminished nutritional protection provides a plausible pathophysiologic framework linking contaminated soils to hypertension, atherosclerosis, ischemic stroke, cognitive impairment, and neurodegenerative processes, thereby influencing both acute and long-term clinical outcomes. From a public health perspective, compromised soil quality undermines nutrition security even where caloric supply is sufficient, subtly amplifying chronic disease risk at the population level. Hence, the integrative paradigm of healthy soil, healthy food, healthy people, and healthy planet highlights the necessity of transdisciplinary research, improved soil stewardship, and preventive strategies that recognize soil ecosystems as upstream determinants of human cardio-neurological health. Bridging the soil-to-heart-and-brain continuum offers transformative potential for precision prevention and sustainable global health, enabling earlier prevention, more precise dietary guidance, and evidence-based policies.

PMID:42181637 | PMC:PMC13189916 | DOI:10.3389/fcvm.2026.1647648

Environ Health. 2026 May 22. doi: 10.1186/s12940-026-01300-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Fetal growth is a critical health outcome influenced by prenatal exposure to environmental chemicals, particularly endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Studies have shown that pregnant women are simultaneously exposed to multiple chemicals, illustrating the need for methods that can examine the health effects of cumulative exposures. We compared four statistical methods-Principal Component Analysis (PCA), k-means clustering, Weighted Quantile Sum Regression (WQSR), and Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR), -to identify associations between the mixture of chemicals and birth weight z-scores, including phthalate metabolites, bisphenol A, bisphenol A alternatives, triclosan, organophosphate pesticides, arsenic species, glyphosate and its breakdown product aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), solvent metabolites, organophosphate flame retardants, fluoride, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCs), cotinine, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and five metals. Our complete case analysis investigated the potential effects of a mixture of 46 chemicals on birth weight z-score, using 1127 mother-infant pairs from the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) study. PCA showed a significant inverse association between birth weight z-score and a component with loadings highest for PCBs (-0.035, 95%CI: (-0.068, -0.002)) using multivariable linear regression. The k-means analysis revealed distinct clusters of chemical profiles associated with lower birth weight z-score (-0.17, 95% CI: (-0.34, -0.01)) using multivariable linear regression, and primarily composed of arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), lead(Pb), ΣOC Chlordane and the PCBs, WQSR showed an inverse association with the overall mixture index (-0.065; CI: (-0.171, 0.04) driven mostly by Aroclor 1260, ΣOC Chlordane, glyphosate, and PCB180. BKMR highlighted that the birth weight z-score was 0.054 (-0.100, 0.209)when all chemicals in the 25^thpercentile were compared to their medians, which decreased to -0.04 (-0.219, 0.14)when all chemicals in the 75th percentile were compared to their median values. After stratification by infant sex, associations tended to be larger in magnitude in females. We observed, according to all four approaches, that ΣOC Chlordane, ΣOC Insecticides, Aroclor 1260, dimethylarsinic acid, Pb, PCB170 and PCB180 were most often associated with decreased birth weight. These findings underscore the potential adverse effects of chemical mixtures on birth weight, the usefulness of using multiple methods, and suggest the need for continued research for evaluating cumulative environmental exposures in prenatal health outcomes.

PMID:42174534 | DOI:10.1186/s12940-026-01300-z

Environ Health. 2026 May 22. doi: 10.1186/s12940-026-01300-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Fetal growth is a critical health outcome influenced by prenatal exposure to environmental chemicals, particularly endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Studies have shown that pregnant women are simultaneously exposed to multiple chemicals, illustrating the need for methods that can examine the health effects of cumulative exposures. We compared four statistical methods-Principal Component Analysis (PCA), k-means clustering, Weighted Quantile Sum Regression (WQSR), and Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR), -to identify associations between the mixture of chemicals and birth weight z-scores, including phthalate metabolites, bisphenol A, bisphenol A alternatives, triclosan, organophosphate pesticides, arsenic species, glyphosate and its breakdown product aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), solvent metabolites, organophosphate flame retardants, fluoride, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCs), cotinine, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and five metals. Our complete case analysis investigated the potential effects of a mixture of 46 chemicals on birth weight z-score, using 1127 mother-infant pairs from the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) study. PCA showed a significant inverse association between birth weight z-score and a component with loadings highest for PCBs (-0.035, 95%CI: (-0.068, -0.002)) using multivariable linear regression. The k-means analysis revealed distinct clusters of chemical profiles associated with lower birth weight z-score (-0.17, 95% CI: (-0.34, -0.01)) using multivariable linear regression, and primarily composed of arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), lead(Pb), ΣOC Chlordane and the PCBs, WQSR showed an inverse association with the overall mixture index (-0.065; CI: (-0.171, 0.04) driven mostly by Aroclor 1260, ΣOC Chlordane, glyphosate, and PCB180. BKMR highlighted that the birth weight z-score was 0.054 (-0.100, 0.209)when all chemicals in the 25^thpercentile were compared to their medians, which decreased to -0.04 (-0.219, 0.14)when all chemicals in the 75th percentile were compared to their median values. After stratification by infant sex, associations tended to be larger in magnitude in females. We observed, according to all four approaches, that ΣOC Chlordane, ΣOC Insecticides, Aroclor 1260, dimethylarsinic acid, Pb, PCB170 and PCB180 were most often associated with decreased birth weight. These findings underscore the potential adverse effects of chemical mixtures on birth weight, the usefulness of using multiple methods, and suggest the need for continued research for evaluating cumulative environmental exposures in prenatal health outcomes.

PMID:42174534 | DOI:10.1186/s12940-026-01300-z

Food Chem. 2026 May 19;519:149654. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2026.149654. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics' (MPs) role as pesticide carriers in vegetables remains unclear, particularly regarding size-dependent transport mechanisms. Herein, the fate of eight pyrethroids (PYs) in Malabar spinach was differentially affected by polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs), as revealed using a novel hollow covalent organic framework-based solid-phase microextraction (HCOF-SPME) technology. This method enabled precise in vivo tracking of pesticide fate while minimizing vegetable sacrifice. Experimental results revealed that PS-MPs enhanced PYs accumulation in roots via adsorption, with smaller MPs (100 nm) exhibiting 1.71-2.52 times higher (500 nm and 1000 nm) vascular transport efficiency to stems compared to larger counterparts, driven by hydrophobic interactions. Notably, PS-MPs co-exposure prolonged PYs persistence, extending maximum half-lives from 4.02 to 12.4 days via carrier-mediated stabilization, thereby increasing residue retention risks during storage and distribution. The developed HCOF-SPME methodology provides a robust analytical platform for investigating multiphase contaminant behavior in aquatic ecosystems, offering actionable insights for food safety assessment and risk management of vegetables in MP-polluted irrigation systems.

PMID:42172766 | DOI:10.1016/j.foodchem.2026.149654

Birth Defects Res. 2026 May;118(5):e70048. doi: 10.1002/bdr2.70048.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Psilocybe mushrooms (psilocybin/psilocin [PSI/PSC]) and ayahuasca (N,N-dimethyltryptamine [DMT]) are hallucinogenic serotonergic agonists. Pregnant and lactating women are frequently omitted from clinical studies; hence minimal developmental/reproductive/neurotoxicity (DART/DNT) and endocrine disruption (ED) data in humans are available. Hallucinogens contaminated with pesticides may have overlapping metabolic pathways affecting toxicity. An examination of potential adverse effects on pregnancy and development from exposure to hallucinogenic plants, hypothetically contaminated with organophosphates (OP) or organochlorines (OC), was performed using new approach methodologies (NAMs) and open access tools.

METHODS: Cheminformatics Modules, Predicting Developmental Toxicity Potential Project, Toxicity Estimation Software Tool (TEST) using quantitative structure-activity relationships, Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program, California's Proposition 65 list, and ToxCast assays were investigated for DART/DNT and ED reported effects and/or predictions related to PSI/PSC, DMT, and sentinel pesticides (chlorpyrifos/chlorpyrifos-oxon and endosulfan). ToxCast data were inputs for Integrated Chemical Environment (ICE) PBTK adult and fetal models to generate adjusted human Administered Equivalent Doses (AdjAEDs) that were compared to regulatory dose ranges for hallucinogens and pesticides to assess model predictions.

RESULTS: Cheminformatics Modules, PregPred, and TEST-QSAR predicted that hallucinogens and pesticides have DART, DNT, and ED effects. No ToxCast data were reported for DMT and PSI was ToxCast inactive. PSC/pesticide overlapping metabolic pathways were CYP2C9 modulated by serotonin, thyroid hormones and sonic hedgehog, each associated with development. Clinical PSC and regulatory pesticide points of departure were generally within range of predicted fetal AdjAEDs.

CONCLUSIONS: Open access NAMs tools identified risks to fetal development from exposure to hallucinogens and pesticides.

PMID:42163018 | DOI:10.1002/bdr2.70048

Toxicol Rep. 2026 May 5;16:102269. doi: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2026.102269. eCollection 2026 Jun.

ABSTRACT

The toxicity of many pesticides to humans and their contribution to various health problems continue to increase rapidly. This study highlights the inherent effects of highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs) used in smallholder agricultural systems. Primary data were collected through interviews, while secondary data came from scientific databases and search engines, including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. A total of 810 respondents participated in the study. The characterization of health and environmental impacts was based on the active ingredients mostly used, especially those that have been discontinued, withdrawn, or banned in other regions due to their harmfulness. The toxicological profile focused on effects such as neurotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, developmental toxicity, immunotoxicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, and endocrine disruption. Results show that over 150 active ingredients are used in pesticides, some of which are classified as highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs). Key pesticides like lambda-cyhalothrin, glyphosate, 2,4-dimethylamine, mancozeb, chlorpyrifos, profenofos, cypermethrin, carbendazim, paraquat, atrazine, and carbofuran dominate smallholder farming. The widespread use of HHPs in Tanzania, under current conditions, constitutes a significant public health and environmental crisis, suggesting that knowledge does not always translate into safe practices. The combination of inherently hazardous pesticides, inadequate regulatory oversight, and unsafe handling practices creates a perfect storm of exposure. Strengthening laws and regulations around pesticide registration, post-market monitoring, and enforcement is urgently needed to protect human health and the environment.

PMID:42164420 | PMC:PMC13186087 | DOI:10.1016/j.toxrep.2026.102269

The package aims to simplify EU food and feed safety legislation while reducing administrative burdens for agri-food producers and national authorities. It includes amendments to a broad set of regulations and directives, notably on plant protection products, biocides, genetically modified food and feed, food additives, food contact material and animal health and welfare. Key elements extended or unlimited authorisation periods, and a strengthened role for EFSA in the authorisation procedures. The proposals also introduce stricter rules on maximum residue levels in imports and targeted changes on genetically modified microorganisms in food production. Additional measures cover increased flexibility in official controls and the use of drones for pesticide application.

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Apr 14;513:142057. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142057. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Understanding the fate and transport of contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) in natural and engineered systems is important to improve treatment. Adsorbents can retain and remove CEC; however, the widespread presence of natural organic matter (NOM) complicates such adsorption processes. The functional groups present in ionizable CEC, NOM, and adsorbent influence charge characteristics and adsorption affinity, with their effects varying according to pH conditions. Hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions are considered main driving forces. However, these two interactions cannot fully explain 1) the binding of ionizable CEC to adsorbents at specific environmental pHs and 2) the self-aggregation of NOM molecules to supramolecular aggregates. Charge-assisted hydrogen bond (CAHB) is a three-center-four-electron, low-barrier hydrogen bond with considerable covalent nature. Pignatello, J.J., his contemporaries, and his colleagues demonstrated that the formation of CAHBs 1) facilitates adsorption characteristics at CAHB-favorable pHs, 2) increases pH by taking up protons from water, 3) shifts pK_a upward, 4) contributes to homoconjugation of carboxylates, 5) affects surface charge of dissolved organic matter aggregates, and 6) holds NOM molecules together. This review article serves as a summary of CAHB papers with significant environmental implications, and as a critical evaluation of how CAHB influences the fate and transport of representative, ionizable CEC, such as (aged) microplastics and nanoplastics, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), pharmaceuticals, pesticides, etc. This article also discusses how CAHB plays a role in the structure of NOM. Discussions herein will inform the community about the activity, reactivity, and treatability of ionizable CEC.

PMID:42160934 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142057

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Apr 14;513:142057. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142057. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Understanding the fate and transport of contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) in natural and engineered systems is important to improve treatment. Adsorbents can retain and remove CEC; however, the widespread presence of natural organic matter (NOM) complicates such adsorption processes. The functional groups present in ionizable CEC, NOM, and adsorbent influence charge characteristics and adsorption affinity, with their effects varying according to pH conditions. Hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions are considered main driving forces. However, these two interactions cannot fully explain 1) the binding of ionizable CEC to adsorbents at specific environmental pHs and 2) the self-aggregation of NOM molecules to supramolecular aggregates. Charge-assisted hydrogen bond (CAHB) is a three-center-four-electron, low-barrier hydrogen bond with considerable covalent nature. Pignatello, J.J., his contemporaries, and his colleagues demonstrated that the formation of CAHBs 1) facilitates adsorption characteristics at CAHB-favorable pHs, 2) increases pH by taking up protons from water, 3) shifts pK_a upward, 4) contributes to homoconjugation of carboxylates, 5) affects surface charge of dissolved organic matter aggregates, and 6) holds NOM molecules together. This review article serves as a summary of CAHB papers with significant environmental implications, and as a critical evaluation of how CAHB influences the fate and transport of representative, ionizable CEC, such as (aged) microplastics and nanoplastics, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), pharmaceuticals, pesticides, etc. This article also discusses how CAHB plays a role in the structure of NOM. Discussions herein will inform the community about the activity, reactivity, and treatability of ionizable CEC.

PMID:42160934 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142057

J Agric Food Chem. 2026 May 19. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.6c00469. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Short and ultrashort per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), are posing a growing concern due to their high persistence, mobility, and increasing levels in the environment. This study developed and validated a method to analyze seven such PFAS in fruits and vegetables at three spiking levels with five replicates each. Recoveries of PFAS with matched isotopically labeled internal standards were 70-107% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) ≤ 15%. The validated method was applied to test 103 samples of fruits and vegetables from the USA. TFA was the only PFAS found in all samples with concentrations ranging from 1 to 625 ng/g. Calculated daily intakes of TFA were below the acceptable daily intake value of 0.05 mg/kg set up by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). To our knowledge, this is the first report of TFA in fruits and vegetables in the USA.

PMID:42154747 | DOI:10.1021/acs.jafc.6c00469

J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol. 2026 May 19. doi: 10.1038/s41370-026-00923-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Parabens are endocrine-disrupting chemicals that are widely used as preservatives in the form of methyl (MP)-, ethyl-, propyl-, and butyl-paraben in cosmetics, personal care products, food, and pharmaceuticals.

OBJECTIVE: This study analyzed the presence of four parabens in 268 human milk samples and 189 placental samples collected from pregnant women in Taiwan and calculated the estimated daily intake (EDI) of total parabens among breastfed infants at one and three months of age.

METHODS: Parabens were analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. We also explored the dietary and PCP factors associated with parabens exposure. Monte Carlo simulation was employed to characterize uncertainty in the EDI calculation.

RESULTS: Our findings indicate that MP was the most frequently detected paraben in placental, first- and third-month milk, with detection frequencies of 57%, 80%, and 45%, respectively. The Σparabens concentration ranged from below the limit of detection (LOD) to 8.2 ng/g in placenta, < LOD to 35.8 ng/g in first-month milk, and < LOD to 21.6 ng/g in third-month milk. Furthermore, the 95th percentile EDI of MP was higher in third-month milk (617 ng/kg-day) compared to first-month milk (118 ng/kg-day), yet remained several orders of magnitude below the EFSA-established acceptable daily intake of 10 mg/kg-day.

SIGNIFICANCE: This biomonitoring study highlights the widespread, low-level exposure of infants to parabens, especially MP, through both prenatal and postnatal pathways. These findings reinforce the need for continued surveillance of parabens exposure during the critical developmental period.

IMPACT: This study is among the first large-scale biomonitoring studies to measure parabens in placenta and human milk samples from an Asian population. Methylparaben emerged as the most commonly detected parabens in both placenta and breast milk, indicating both prenatal and postnatal exposure for infants. Although the estimated daily intake levels were well below the safety thresholds, the detection of parabens in the early developmental period raises concern for potential long-term health effects. By integrating biomonitoring data with maternal dietary habits and personal care product use, this work highlights the need for continuous monitoring and regulatory measures of early-life parabens exposure.

PMID:42156886 | DOI:10.1038/s41370-026-00923-1

Mar Environ Res. 2026 Jul;219:108094. doi: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.108094. Epub 2026 May 19.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent coastal contaminants. Their distribution across environmental compartments and food webs remains poorly understood. The Solent is a densely urbanised tidal strait representative of industrialised coastal systems. Inputs from wastewater treatment plants, combined sewer overflows, and historic landfills create multiple PFAS pathways to the marine environment. We integrated our collected field samples (including surface waters, n = 3; and multiple biota species collected in triplicate) with regulatory monitoring datasets (sediment and archived biota) and wastewater effluent records to quantify PFAS across surface waters, sediments, treated wastewater effluent, and marine biota from the Solent. In sediments, ΣPFOS was present at the highest mean concentrations, at 0.5 μg kg^-1 dry weight. Surface waters and effluents contained a broader mixture of short- and long-chain PFAS. Mean ΣPFOS concentrations in surface water reached 8.5 ng L^-1, exceeding the UK/EU environmental quality standard for coastal waters (0.65 ng L^-1). Treated effluent contained several short-chain PFAS, including PFHxA, PFBA, and PFBS, at mean concentrations of 1.3-5.9 ng L^-1. PFOA (3.1-4.0 ng L^-1) and PFOS (5.7-7.2 ng L^-1) were also consistently detected. In biota, ΣPFOS exceeded the biota EQS (9.1 μg kg^-1 wet weight) only in harbour porpoise liver, with a mean concentration of 341.39 μg kg^-1. However, when expressed as PFOA-equivalents using EU relative potency factors (RPFs), most of the biota samples exceeded the EFSA benchmark of 77 ng/kg. However, twenty-three samples from Langstone harbour had no detectable PFAS. Multivariate analyses showed that PFAS composition varied among species but was not associated with literature-based trophic grouping (PERMANOVA R² = 0.058, p > 0.05). Although ecological EQS exceedance was limited to PFOS in specific matrices, application of RPFs revealed widespread exceedance of mixture-based health benchmarks. These findings demonstrate that reliance on single-compound regulatory thresholds may underestimate cumulative PFAS risk in UK coastal systems. A mixture-based toxic equivalency approach exposes potential regulatory blind spots in current PFAS assessment frameworks.

PMID:42151005 | DOI:10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.108094

Emerg Contam. 2026 Mar;12(1):100619. doi: 10.1016/j.emcon.2025.100619.

ABSTRACT

Over the past decade, exposome science has evolved from a conceptual framework into a practical discovery engine for environmental health. By combining high-resolution mass spectrometry, non-targeted analysis, multi-omics integration, wearable sensors, and computational tools, exposomics can capture the complexity of real-world chemical mixtures and uncover exposures missed by conventional monitoring. We conducted a scoping review following PRISMA-ScR guidelines to map how exposomic approaches have been applied to the detection and characterisation of under-regulated or previously unknown contaminants. Searches of four bibliographic databases and targeted grey literature (2015-2025) yielded 67 eligible studies, of which 42 were charted quantitatively. The evidence was heavily concentrated in high-income countries and focused on pesticides, PFAS, and heavy metals, with metabolic, developmental, and epigenetic outcomes most frequently reported. Across this landscape, 17 priority compounds emerged where exposomics revealed either new detections or novel biological effects, including halobenzoquinones, GenX, bisphenol S, microplastics, tungsten, and 3-hydroxyoctanedioic acid. These case exemplars illustrate how exposomics can expand hazard characterisation and provide early warning of risks that are invisible to targeted surveillance. At the same time, critical gaps persist, particularly in geographic coverage, longitudinal cohorts, data infrastructures, and mixture analysis tools. Scaling exposomics through harmonised biomonitoring systems and embedding it within One Health frameworks will be essential to accelerate discovery and to translate emerging evidence into more proactive and equitable chemical risk governance.

PMID:42148045 | PMC:PMC13175957 | DOI:10.1016/j.emcon.2025.100619

Front Physiol. 2026 Apr 30;17:1785483. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2026.1785483. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

This integrative review synthesizes current knowledge on the physiological responses and adaptive mechanisms of amphibians and reptiles to multiple interacting environmental stressors, with particular emphasis on synergistic effects among temperature, hydric stress, disease, and pollution. Given the stronger empirical basis for amphibians in the existing literature, amphibian responses are covered in greater depth, while reptile-specific physiology, immunology, and emerging infectious diseases are explicitly addressed in dedicated sections throughout the review. Critical thermal tolerance analyses reveal that approximately 7.5% of amphibian species will exceed their physiological limits under a 4 °C warming scenario, with tropical lowland species already operating near their CTmax thresholds. Thermal plasticity is limited, with acclimation responses averaging only 0.13 °C increase in CTmax per 1 °C environmental warming-insufficient to track rapid climate change. Water balance regulation shows dramatic interspecific variation, with cutaneous resistance ranging from 0.05 s/cm in aquatic amphibians to >1000 s/cm in desert-adapted reptiles. Synergistic interactions between thermal and hydric stress significantly amplify vulnerability, particularly in dehydration scenarios that reduce critical thermal limits. Chemical pollutants, including heavy metals and pesticides, cause developmental abnormalities (535% increase in malformation frequency), immunosuppression, and endocrine disruption across multiple life stages. Emerging infectious diseases, particularly chytridiomycosis (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and B. salamandrivorans) and ranaviruses, drive mass mortality events globally, with co-infections exacerbating population declines. Climate change intensifies disease susceptibility through stress-mediated immunosuppression and altered pathogen dynamics. Adaptive capacity varies markedly among species. While amphibians exhibit strong phenological responses (2-4× greater than other taxa), genetic adaptation potential remains limited by narrow dispersal abilities and habitat fragmentation. Microhabitat buffering can reduce thermal extremes by several degrees but depends critically on habitat structural integrity. This review demonstrates that the pace of anthropogenic change challenges the adaptive capacity of most species, necessitating integrated conservation strategies including microhabitat preservation, climate corridor establishment, pollution mitigation, disease surveillance, and ex-situ conservation programs.

PMID:42146017 | PMC:PMC13171386 | DOI:10.3389/fphys.2026.1785483

Environ Health Perspect. 2026 Apr 15;134(1):91-109. doi: 10.1021/EHP.6c00111. eCollection 2026 May 5.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Ovarian folliculogenesis is crucial for female reproduction. This can be disrupted by various factors, including pollutants with aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) agonistic activity, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. OBJECTIVES: Using the herbicide neburon, a moderate AHR agonist among current pesticides, we investigated its effects on ovarian folliculogenesis in zebrafish through life-cycle exposure at environmentally relevant concentrations to elucidate the associated mechanisms. METHODS: Wild-type (WT) and three different genotypes of female zebrafish (amh ^±;bmpr2a ^+/+, amh ^+/+;bmpr2a ^±, amh ^±;bmpr2a ^±) were exposed to neburon for 150 days. Neburon and its metabolites in fish were quantified using LC-MS/MS. Ovarian pathology was assessed by H&E and TUNEL staining. The differentially expressed pathways were identified by transcriptome analysis, followed by validation using RT-qPCR, WB, IHC, and ELISA. Finally, AHR antagonist, ChIP-RT-qPCR, and other methods were used to further elucidate the mechanism in mouse granulosa cell line (KK1). RESULTS: After neburon exposure, only four metabolites of neburon were detected but not the metabolite itself, and all these metabolites had AHR agonistic activity, indicating the persistent toxicity of neburon. Neburon exposure altered the follicle-stage distribution and poorer oocyte quality in WT zebrafish. Further experiments found that neburon exposure induced greater secretion of anti-Mullerian hormone (Amh), greater expression of genes in the Amh/Bmpr2a pathway, accelerated follicular development, and lower expression of insulin-like growth factors, which was associated with oocyte atresia. Notably, amh ^±;bmpr2a ^± zebrafish showed a rescued phenotype with regard to these neburon-associated outcomes. Moreover, AHR exhibited specific binding to the Amh promoter in KK1 cells, and neburon treatment enhanced their interaction. DISCUSSION: In zebrafish, AMH was identified as a critical target for reproductive disorders following neburon exposure. Despite the short half-lives of the currently used pesticides, their metabolites might still have significant toxicological risks. This study provides novel insight into how one AHR agonistic pollutant affects female zebrafish reproduction.

PMID:42148039 | PMC:PMC13151048 | DOI:10.1021/EHP.6c00111

Emerg Contam. 2026 Mar;12(1):100619. doi: 10.1016/j.emcon.2025.100619.

ABSTRACT

Over the past decade, exposome science has evolved from a conceptual framework into a practical discovery engine for environmental health. By combining high-resolution mass spectrometry, non-targeted analysis, multi-omics integration, wearable sensors, and computational tools, exposomics can capture the complexity of real-world chemical mixtures and uncover exposures missed by conventional monitoring. We conducted a scoping review following PRISMA-ScR guidelines to map how exposomic approaches have been applied to the detection and characterisation of under-regulated or previously unknown contaminants. Searches of four bibliographic databases and targeted grey literature (2015-2025) yielded 67 eligible studies, of which 42 were charted quantitatively. The evidence was heavily concentrated in high-income countries and focused on pesticides, PFAS, and heavy metals, with metabolic, developmental, and epigenetic outcomes most frequently reported. Across this landscape, 17 priority compounds emerged where exposomics revealed either new detections or novel biological effects, including halobenzoquinones, GenX, bisphenol S, microplastics, tungsten, and 3-hydroxyoctanedioic acid. These case exemplars illustrate how exposomics can expand hazard characterisation and provide early warning of risks that are invisible to targeted surveillance. At the same time, critical gaps persist, particularly in geographic coverage, longitudinal cohorts, data infrastructures, and mixture analysis tools. Scaling exposomics through harmonised biomonitoring systems and embedding it within One Health frameworks will be essential to accelerate discovery and to translate emerging evidence into more proactive and equitable chemical risk governance.

PMID:42148045 | PMC:PMC13175957 | DOI:10.1016/j.emcon.2025.100619

Int J Biol Macromol. 2026 May 16;367:152583. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.152583. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The unprecedented rise in emerging organic micropollutants (EOMPs) due to the globalization and industrialization has inescapably risen to their maximum known concentrations in the aquatic ecosystem, till date. Chitosan has emerged as one of the abundant and promising biopolymer for evolving as eco-friendly adsorbents for EOMPs removal from wastewater. The present review paper initially includes different sources, preparation, properties and various modification techniques of chitosan-based hybrid composites for EOMPs removal. The removal efficiencies of various modified chitosan-based composites were discussed and compared for EOMPs removal including pharmaceutical compounds, personal care products, insecticides, pesticides, illicit drugs, microplastics, PFAS, etc. The mechanism of adsorption including hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonding, hydrophilic interactions, and π-π stacking along with physicochemical properties affecting the treatment performance were elaborated in detail. Further, the industrial scaling-up and limitations were covered. Overall, the present review describes the potential strategies for designing the next-generation chitosan-based hybrid composites for EOMPs removal from wastewater, overcoming the limitations for future progress is also proposed.

PMID:42144147 | DOI:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.152583

Int J Biol Macromol. 2026 May 16;367:152583. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.152583. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The unprecedented rise in emerging organic micropollutants (EOMPs) due to the globalization and industrialization has inescapably risen to their maximum known concentrations in the aquatic ecosystem, till date. Chitosan has emerged as one of the abundant and promising biopolymer for evolving as eco-friendly adsorbents for EOMPs removal from wastewater. The present review paper initially includes different sources, preparation, properties and various modification techniques of chitosan-based hybrid composites for EOMPs removal. The removal efficiencies of various modified chitosan-based composites were discussed and compared for EOMPs removal including pharmaceutical compounds, personal care products, insecticides, pesticides, illicit drugs, microplastics, PFAS, etc. The mechanism of adsorption including hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonding, hydrophilic interactions, and π-π stacking along with physicochemical properties affecting the treatment performance were elaborated in detail. Further, the industrial scaling-up and limitations were covered. Overall, the present review describes the potential strategies for designing the next-generation chitosan-based hybrid composites for EOMPs removal from wastewater, overcoming the limitations for future progress is also proposed.

PMID:42144147 | DOI:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.152583

Birth Defects Res. 2026 May;118(5):e70046. doi: 10.1002/bdr2.70046.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Fluoride has come under recent scrutiny regarding concerns over potential neurodevelopmental and endocrine-related toxicities, with recent reviews by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluding with moderate or reasonable confidence, respectively, that exposure to drinking water having greater than 1.5 mg fluoride/L is associated with lower IQ in children. A key outcome of these reviews is the uncertainty regarding the biological plausibility of these findings. However, it has been hypothesized that endocrine disruption could be a potential factor.

METHODS: To determine if sodium fluoride exerts direct biological activity on molecular and cellular targets related to endocrine disruption, receptor binding and activity assays of thyroid and other hormone-related targets, H295R steroidogenesis, and sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) assays were carried out using exposures comparable to or in excess of those that have been reported to be associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes and other effects.

RESULTS: Sodium fluoride at up to 316 μM NaF did not affect synthesis of estrogen or testosterone. Sodium fluoride at up to 10 μM NaF did not interact with aromatase, steroid 5 alpha-reductase, estrogen receptors, androgen receptors, thyroid hormone receptors, nor did it inhibit thyroid peroxidase. Furthermore, there were no changes in iodide uptake via symporter transport (up to 300 μM NaF). Other endocrine targets were also evaluated at 10 μM NaF, including PR, PPARα, PPARγ, AhR, CAR, PXR, RARα, or GR, and no binding was observed either.

CONCLUSIONS: Together, the results from this series of experiments demonstrate an absence of effects of fluoride on endocrine disruption targets at concentrations comparable to or in excess of exposures reported in the literature to be associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes and other effects.

PMID:42138003 | PMC:PMC13177271 | DOI:10.1002/bdr2.70046

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2026 May 15. doi: 10.1007/s11356-026-37805-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Free foraging game animals are constantly exposed to environmental pollutants and can therefore serve as bioindicators for these substances. However, they can also pose a health risk to humans if polluted meat of wild game animals enters the food chain. We analysed 219 potentially critical pollutants in 164 liver samples of hunted wild boar (Sus scrofa) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) from north-eastern Germany. Overall, 24 pollutants were detected and 16 of them were detected quantitatively. PCBs, PFAS and rodenticides were more frequent and present in far higher concentrations in wild boar than in roe deer. Only for rodenticides can it be assumed that there is no health risk for the game animals; otherwise, no statement can be made due to a lack of reference data. Risks for human consumers of liver arise from concentrations in wild boar liver exceeding the tolerable weekly intake for PFAS by up to 17 times and in individual cases the acute reference dose for brodifacoum by up to 485%. In contrast, the health risk of eating game meat is usually negligible, as chemical residues generally accumulate in the liver and less in muscle tissue. The significance of up to 12 co-occurring residues for animal and human health is still an open research issue.

PMID:42141224 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-026-37805-w

Env Sci Adv. 2026 May 12. doi: 10.1039/d6va00076b. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Globally, per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination has been reported in numerous environmental matrices, and there is a growing body of evidence that links PFAS exposure to adverse health effects. Consuming contaminated drinking water is potentially one of the most common routes of human exposure from these compounds. The spatial and temporal variability of 38 PFAS in 210 household tap water and public water fountains were assessed using a participatory sampling campaign in London, UK. The performance of commercially available water filters to remove PFAS was also assessed. Individual PFAS concentrations ranged from 0.6 ± 0.1 ng L^-1 (PFBS) to 9.1 ± 0.2 ng L^-1 (PFOS), and total PFAS concentrations ranged from 3 ng L^-1 to 41 ng L^-1 (mean = 18 ± 8 ng L^-1, median = 18 ng L^-1). Overall, 100% (n = 210) of all tap drinking water samples tested were within the lowest action threshold currently in place for England (<10 ng L^-1 for individual PFAS), and all samples were below the threshold for total PFAS (<100 ng L^-1). The daily concentration of PFAS did not substantially vary over the course of a month in three homes tested intensively. The risk to humans posed by four specific PFAS (PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, and PFHxS) in London drinking water was below the weekly tolerable intake established by the European Food Standards Authority (EFSA). Five water filters tested removed at least 85% of all PFAS studied in spiked (50 ng L^-1) water samples, therefore providing an effective way to reduce concentrations in regions where such contamination is of greater concern and/or where PFAS are not routinely monitored. Our findings provide reassuring evidence about the quality of municipal drinking water in London and the UK as a whole when considering official measurements made at treatment plants. We also provide benchmark risk assessment data for the future and information to concerned citizens about the quality of tap drinking water.

PMID:42130671 | PMC:PMC13162327 | DOI:10.1039/d6va00076b

Environ Res. 2026 May 14;303(Pt 2):124704. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2026.124704. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Prenatal exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) has been linked to growth and adiposity development in children. However, only few studies considered the growth dynamic and none have tracked children into adolescence. This study included 450 mother-child pairs from the PELAGIE cohort (France). Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), Organochlorine pesticides (OCs), Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were measured in cord blood. A latent class growth model identified four types of BMI z-score (zBMI) trajectories from birth to 13 years. Associations between each POP and zBMI trajectories were assessed using multinomial regressions. POP mixture effects were explored using Quantile G-computation and grouped Weighted Quantile Sum regressions. All analyses were stratified by sex and adjusted for confounders. In girls, all PCBs were associated with higher odds of the "Low-High" trajectory (e.g., OR (95%CI) = 3.78 (1.58; 9.05) per doubling of PCB 153). The PCB mixture, HCB and β-HCH also tended to favor this trajectory, whereas dieldrin was associated with a lower odds. In boys, the "High-High" and "Low-High" trajectories were significantly associated with the POP and PFAS mixtures (with PFuDA, PFDA and PFOA as main contributors). Our study suggests sex-specific associations of prenatal exposure to POPs mixtures with growth dynamics until adolescence known as risk factors for adult cardiovascular diseases. Although these results need to be confirmed in larger studies, girls seem more vulnerable to prenatal exposure to PCBs while boys seem more vulnerable to prenatal exposure to PFAS.

PMID:42134438 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2026.124704

Genes Environ. 2026 May 14;48(1):11. doi: 10.1186/s41021-026-00359-x.

ABSTRACT

The 48th Annual Meeting and International Conference of the Environmental Mutagen Society of India (EMSI) on 'Environmental Mutagenesis & Epigenomics in Relation to Human Health' was held at Jamshedpur Co-Operative College, in association with Kolhan University, Jharkhand, India, from January 29-31, 2026. There were 141 deliberations in total, with participation from researchers, academicians, Vice-Chancellors, and state government officials from India and eight other countries. The scientific topics, including environmental impact on humans and aquaculture, transgenerational plant protection, molecular insights into cancer research, plants with antimutagenic potential, and sustainable agriculture through the use of bio-pesticides and bio-fertilizers, broadly justified the conference theme. The molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis were discussed through lectures on signalling pathways, gene expression, and DNA damage and repair, highlighting targeted drug development. Additionally, in silico docking of synthetic drugs and nanoparticles was discussed in detail. Notably, nanotoxicology, microplastics, airborne particulate matter, and prenatal arsenic exposure were shown to have a significant impact on human health. As Jharkhand and neighbouring states depend largely on agricultural yield, discussions on the use of plant-based medicines, harnessing infection and immunity, and agricultural eco-toxicology suggested ways to protect farmers' health and the food chain from the overuse of chemicals. Altogether, the deliberations supported several Sustainable Development Goals and highlighted cost-effective agricultural modalities. These messages were disseminated to the public through local media via daily briefings. Notably, this EMSI conference provided a platform for scientific exchange that attracted administrators and pollution control regulators aimed at protecting human health by mitigating environmental exposure.

PMID:42135781 | PMC:PMC13173872 | DOI:10.1186/s41021-026-00359-x

Int J Mol Sci. 2026 Apr 28;27(9):3909. doi: 10.3390/ijms27093909.

ABSTRACT

Chlorpyrifos (CP) remains one of the most globally pervasive organophosphorus pesticides, and its toxicological profile continues to raise substantial public health and environmental concerns. While traditionally characterized by its potent acetylcholinesterase-inhibitory properties, accumulating evidence now shows that chlorpyrifos and its bioactive metabolite, chlorpyrifos-oxon (CPO), exert far broader toxic effects, including the induction of oxidative stress, enhancement of neuroinflammatory processes, and the triggering of persistent epigenetic alterations. In this review, we synthesize current findings to highlight the expanding spectrum of CP-induced toxicity, while also providing a multidisciplinary overview of chlorpyrifos characteristics, including its environmental fate, metabolism, and transformation pathways. The analysis encompasses not only classical neurotoxicity but also disruptions in neurodevelopment, endocrine signaling, gut microbiota composition, hepatic function, musculoskeletal integrity and carcinogenic pathways. By synthesizing results across human, animal, and environmental studies, this review offers a comprehensive overview of CP's multidimensional toxicity and highlights the urgent need for improved biomonitoring, regulatory harmonization, and global strategies to reduce exposure.

PMID:42123501 | PMC:PMC13164365 | DOI:10.3390/ijms27093909

J Vet Med Sci. 2026 May 14. doi: 10.1292/jvms.25-0497. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Fipronil (FPN), a phenylpyrazole pesticide widely used in agriculture and households, acts as a noncompetitive antagonist of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-gated chloride channels. Although originally considered relatively safe for mammals at low doses, FPN is metabolized into fipronil sulfone (FPNS), a more toxic and persistent metabolite. Both FPN and FPNS have been detected in human biological samples, raising concerns about chronic exposure during critical developmental windows. In this study, pregnant mice were administered FPN orally at 0.43 mg/kg/day from gestational day 1.5 through weaning. In Experiment 1, which was designed to evaluate fetal transfer, FPN and FPNS were detected in all fetal samples, with FPNS concentrations exceeding those of FPN and the levels of both compounds being higher in fetuses than in dams, suggesting placental transfer and fetal accumulation. In Experiment 2, behavioral and endocrine effects were assessed in male offspring at 3 and 10 weeks of age. Behavioral tests included the open field, elevated plus maze, and novel object recognition test. FPN-exposed offspring exhibited increased locomotor activity, reduced anxiety-like behavior, and impaired short-term memory and object recognition. Blood analyses revealed the presence of FPN and FPNS in exposed offspring, with FPNS levels peaking at 3 weeks. Histamine and progesterone levels were elevated at 3 weeks, while progesterone and 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels were decreased at 10 weeks. These findings suggest that fetal and neonatal exposure to FPN can disrupt neurobehavioral and endocrine development in mice.

PMID:42128844 | DOI:10.1292/jvms.25-0497

Front Neurol. 2026 Apr 24;17:1825397. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2026.1825397. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is a heterogeneous neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and parkinsonism, with α-synuclein pathology as a central hallmark. Despite growing recognition of its clinical and biological complexity, the determinants underlying susceptibility to DLB remain incompletely defined and are frequently extrapolated from Parkinson's disease. This review integrates recent evidence on genetic susceptibility and environmental and metabolic factors implicated in DLB, with emphasis on the biological mechanisms that may link these domains. Genetic studies support a moderate heritability and identify key risk loci, including APOE, GBA, and SNCA, which delineate biologically distinct subgroups and influence lipid metabolism, lysosomal function, mitochondrial quality control, and neuroinflammatory responses, with additional modulation by epigenetic and sex-specific factors. Environmental exposures, including pesticides, air pollution, heavy metals, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, are associated with α-synuclein aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and disruption of the gut-brain axis, largely based on experimental and observational evidence. Rather than defining a unified pathogenic cascade, current data support a framework in which genetic background constrains biological vulnerability, while environmental and metabolic exposures modulate disease expression and heterogeneity in DLB.

PMID:42111061 | PMC:PMC13152754 | DOI:10.3389/fneur.2026.1825397

Environ Epidemiol. 2026 May 8;10(3):e480. doi: 10.1097/EE9.0000000000000480. eCollection 2026 Jun.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Asthma is the most common chronic disease in children, yet its causes, environmental links, and underlying mechanisms are still not well understood despite extensive research.

METHODS: We examined the cross-sectional relationship between asthma and metabolic features in 628 serum samples (165 cases, 463 controls) from children aged 8, 12, and 16 years, in the Prevention and Incidence of Asthma and Mite Allergy birth cohort. Metabolic features were assessed using liquid chromatography with high-resolution mass spectrometry. In a single-feature-at-a-time approach, asthma status (i.e., current asthma) was regressed against the measured intensity of each of the features; this approach alone was further extended to age-stratified analyses. Biological pathways were explored using Mummichog. In addition, we assessed the association of exogenous mixtures exhibiting substantial intercorrelations (i.e., for polyfluoroalkyl substances [PFAS] only) with asthma.

RESULTS: Liquid chromatography with high-resolution mass spectrometry detected 55,444 metabolic features, including 38 identified exogenous compounds (15 PFAS, 14 pesticides, 4 phenols, 4 phthalates, and 1 other compound) and 460 identified endogenous metabolites. Overall, we observed limited evidence of robust associations between individual environmental compounds and childhood asthma. Some age-specific signals were observed, including a positive association for monocyclohexyl phthalate and a negative association for monoethyl phosphate in age-stratified analyses, although these findings did not consistently meet multiple-testing thresholds. PFAS as a mixture was not associated with asthma (P = 0.67, odds ratio = 1.00). Pathway analyses indicated potential involvement of the tyrosine metabolism pathway in relation to asthma and several environmental compounds.

CONCLUSION: In this exploratory metabolomics analysis, we found limited evidence for strong associations between measured environmental compounds and childhood asthma. Nevertheless, several age-specific signals and pathway-level patterns, particularly involving tyrosine metabolism, were observed and may help guide future hypothesis-driven studies.

PMID:42109517 | PMC:PMC13155524 | DOI:10.1097/EE9.0000000000000480