Multiple stressor effects of radon and phthalates in children: background information and future research

Kwan, W.S., Nikezic, D., Vellaisamy, R. and Yu, K.N. (2020) Multiple stressor effects of radon and phthalates in children: background information and future research. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(8), 2898. (doi: 10.3390/ijerph17082898)

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Abstract

The present paper reviews available background information for studying multiple stressor effects of radon (222Rn) and phthalates in children and provides insights on future directions. In realistic situations, living organisms are collectively subjected to many environmental stressors, with the resultant effects being referred to as multiple stressor effects. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can lead to lung cancers. On the other hand, phthalates are semi-volatile organic compounds widely applied as plasticizers to provide flexibility to plastic in consumer products. Links of phthalates to various health effects have been reported, including allergy and asthma. In the present review, the focus on indoor contaminants was due to their higher concentrations and to the higher indoor occupancy factor, while the focus on the pediatric population was due to their inherent sensitivity and their spending more time close to the floor. Two main future directions in studying multiple stressor effects of radon and phthalates in children were proposed. The first one was on computational modeling and micro-dosimetric studies, and the second one was on biological studies. In particular, dose-response relationship and effect-specific models for combined exposures to radon and phthalates would be necessary. The ideas and methodology behind such proposed research work are also applicable to studies on multiple stressor effects of collective exposures to other significant airborne contaminants, and to population groups other than children.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:Funding: This research was funded by Innovation and Technology Fund from HKSAR (grant number UIM/371), and by the State Key Laboratory in Marine Pollution of the City University of Hong Kong (grant number IRF/0024).
Keywords:multiple stressor effects, radon, phthalates, children, dosimetric modeling.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Vellaisamy, Professor Roy
Creator Roles:
Vellaisamy, R.Writing – review and editing, Supervision, Project administration, Funding acquisition
Authors: Kwan, W.S., Nikezic, D., Vellaisamy, R., and Yu, K.N.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering
Journal Name:International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Publisher:MDPI
ISSN:1661-7827
ISSN (Online):1660-4601
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2020 by the authors
First Published:First published in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17(8):2898
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons licence

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