Comparison of Plasma Concentrations of Mercury, Cadmium, and Arsenic among Women in 2005 and 2012 in a Historically Contaminated Area in China.

Mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) concentrations in women were measured and compared to evaluate the effects of environmental heavy-metal pollution control on internal exposure levels. In 2005 and 2012, 200 and 182 women, respectively, were enrolled in the study. Demographic and diet information were collected using a questionnaire.

[Characteristics of Disinfection By-products and Genotoxicity During Drinking Water Disinfection with Potassium Monopersulfate Compound Powder].

The qualitative analysis for by-products in the course of disinfection of the raw water and the effluent of GAC in Beijing Tiancuishan Drinking Water Treamtment Plant by potassium monopersulfate compound powder was determined. Halogen disinfection by-products during disinfection process by potassium monopersulfate compound powder was evaluated in a bench scale by comparing with chlorine disinfection process, and the genotoxicity evaluation of potassium monopersulfate compound powder and chlorine disinfection processes was also conducted by -test. The results showed that there were small changes in the organic pollutant components of water samples after disinfection by potassium monopersulfate compound powder, while some new halogen disinfection by-products were generated.

[Prevalence of birth defects in the Tongzhou District of Beijing between 2006 and 2012].

Objective: To study the dynamic prevalence and epidemiological characteristics of birth defects distribution in the Tongzhou District of Beijing between 2006 and 2012.

Methods: Data collected from the birth defects surveillance system in the Tongzhou District of Beijing between 2006 and 2012 were used. The prevalence and trends of birth defects were analyzed, also the proportion of birth defects in prenatal diagnosis was calculated.