Variations of radon and airborne particulate matter near three large phosphogypsum stacks in Florida.

Approximately 1 billion tons of phosphogypsum (PG), a by-product of the fertilizer industry, are currently stacked in Florida. PG emits radon gas, which is a risk factor for lung cancer and can also increase particulate matter (PM) associated non-cancer mortality in exposed individuals. We measured concentrations of atmospheric radon and particulate matter near PG stacks and their short-term variations at different distances to estimate exposures in nearby communities.

Immediate increase of plasma protein complement C3 in response to an acute stressor.

Whereas chronic stress has immunosuppressive effects, the more immediate immunologic consequences of acute stressors are less known. We postulated that, as part of their 'fight or flight' response, rainbow trout would rapidly increase the efficacy of their natural immune system by means of increased concentrations of crucial plasma proteins. Plasma samples were taken from resting fish and from fish 5, 10 or 20 min after initiation of a stressful regime.