Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) was linked to endocrine hormone disruption in the reproductive system. Nonetheless, it was unclear which specific components of PM_2.5 were primarily responsible for these associations.

The study presented the initial epidemiological evidence that brief exposure to PM_2.5 can elevate estradiol levels in postmenopausal women. Various particle components had unique effects, with water-soluble ions and specific inorganic elements like Ag, As, Cd, Hg, Ni, Sb, Se, Sn, and Tl potentially playing significant roles in increasing estradiol levels.

The study established that the prevalence of air pollution, along with its specific components, has been recognized as a novel risk factor affecting the balance of sex hormones.

S.1,4,[5],12:i:- and S. Rissen are emerging serotypes of Salmonella that require close monitoring for antimicrobial resistance and containment of their spread.

The study aimed to identify antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in S.1,4,[5],12:i:- and S. Rissen strains isolated from environmental sewage in Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China. A phylogenetic tree was constructed using single nucleotide polymorphism data to assess genetic relatedness among strains, offering insights for Salmonella infection outbreak investigations in the future.

It is crucial to implement strategies, such as integrating different networks, to control the spread of drug-resistant Salmonella. Novel technologies must be utilized to disinfect sewage and eliminate ARGs. Ensuring food safety and proper sewage disinfection are essential to curb the dissemination of Salmonella.

The level of molybdenum (Mo) in a mother’s urine has been linked to the growth rate of the fetus and the blood pressure levels in children.

We evaluated the variations in maternal plasma Mo concentrations throughout pregnancy and their potential association with the risk of spontaneous preterm birth (SPB).

Future research must determine the Mo levels in pregnant women across various regions in China. Moreover, particular attention needs to be given to the potential increase in Mo concentration throughout pregnancy and its possible adverse impacts on the health of both the mother and the fetus.

This study aims to analyze the potential impact of the meteorological environment and air pollutants on road traffic fatalities.

Road traffic fatality data in Shandong Province from 2012 to 2021 were obtained from the Population Death Information Registration Management System. Meteorological and air pollutant data for the same period were collected from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Ecological Environment Monitoring Center of Shandong Province, China. Pearson’s correlation and ridge regression were used to analyze the impact of the meteorological environment and air pollutants on road traffic fatalities.

From 2012 to 2021, there were 163,863 road traffic fatality cases. The results of the ridge regression analysis showed that the daily average temperature was negatively correlated with total fatalities and passengers and positively correlated with pedestrians, nonmotorized drivers, and motorized drivers. The daily minimum temperature was negatively correlated with total fatalities and positively correlated with motorized drivers. The daily maximum temperature was positively correlated with both pedestrian and nonmotorized drivers. The daily accumulated precipitation was negatively correlated with pedestrians. Sunshine duration was positively correlated with both nonmotorized and motorized drivers. Inhalable particulate matter (PM₁₀) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) were positively correlated with total fatalities, pedestrians, and nonmotorized drivers. Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) was positively correlated with total fatalities but negatively correlated with nonmotorized drivers, passengers, and motorized drivers.

Atmospheric factors associated with the occurrence of road traffic fatalities include air temperature, daily accumulated precipitation, sunshine duration, and air pollutants such as PM₁₀, NO₂, and SO₂.

Radon (²²²Rn or ²²²radon) is a radioactive gas emitted from building materials, foundations, and soil. Children are especially susceptible to radon exposure, underscoring the need to assess indoor radon levels in kindergartens. This study monitored radon concentrations in 37 Beijing kindergartens from June to October 2023.

A random sample of 37 kindergartens was selected from 18 administrative districts in Beijing. The indoor radon concentration was measured using the solid track accumulation method, with radon detectors continuously monitored over a 3-month period.

The mean indoor radon level in 37 kindergartens, observed at 252 monitoring points, was 84.3 Bq/m³, with values varying from 12.9 to 263.5 Bq/m³. About 20.2% of points showed radon levels between 100.0 and 200.0 Bq/m³, while 2.4% exceeded 200.0 Bq/m³. Notably, radon levels were significantly elevated on the ground floor compared to the upper floors.

Indoor radon levels in 37 kindergartens remained below the national standard limit of 300.0 Bq/m³ for buildings (GB/T 16146-2015). Nonetheless, 18.9% of the kindergartens exceeded the 100.0 Bq/m³ limit set for new constructions. It is advised to improve radon monitoring in kindergartens and consider developing a national standard for maximum permissible radon levels in such facilities.