Effects of PM and gases exposure during prenatal and early-life on autism-like phenotypes in male rat offspring.

Background: Epidemiological studies have reported associations between elevated air pollution and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, we hypothesized that exposure to air pollution that mimics real world scenarios, is a potential contributor to ASD. The exact etiology and molecular mechanisms underlying ASD are not well understood.

Short-term effects of particulate matter during desert and non-desert dust days on mortality in Iran.

Background: Increased atmospheric particulate matter (PM) concentrations are commonly observed during desert dust days in Iran, but there is still no evidence of their effects on human health. We aimed to evaluate the association between daily mortality and exposure to PM and PM during dust and non-dust days in Tehran and Ahvaz, two major Middle Eastern cities with different sources, intensity, and frequency of desert dust days.

Methods: We identified desert dust days based on exceeding a daily PM concentration threshold of 150 µg/m between 2014 and 2017, checking for low PM/PM ratio typical of dust days.

Exposure to BTEX in beauty salons: biomonitoring, urinary excretion, clinical symptoms, and health risk assessments.

Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) concentrations were measured in beauty salons (BS) and in the urine of the beauty practitioners and a control group. Indoor and outdoor concentrations of BTEX were measured in 36 randomly selected salons. Before- and after-shift urinary BTEX were measured from one female non-smoker employee in each salon, and repeated three times.

Indoor concentrations of VOCs in beauty salons; association with cosmetic practices and health risk assessment.

Background: The use of cosmetic products in beauty salons emits numerous kinds of toxic air pollutants. The objectives of this study were to measure the concentrations of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, formaldehyde, and acetaldehyde in 20 large beauty salons in Tehran and relate the observed concentrations to environmental and occupational characteristics of the salons.

Methods: Samples were collected from inside and outside air of 20 selected salons located in different areas of the city.