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Background: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of main air pollutants which are produced by motor vehicles and are known as carcinogens. Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the environmental exposure of children to PAHs using urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) measurement. Patients and Methods: A total of 260 participants enrolled in the study, aged between 6-12 years. Environmental exposure due to urban traffic and tobacco smoke was investigated. Morning and evening urine samples were collected and 1-OHP concentrations were measured. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detector, used for sample analysis, and 1-OHP concentrations in urine samples, corrected by urinary creatinine, were determined for PAHs exposure assessment. Information on environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure at home and air pollution of the residential area as a measure of heavy traffic and living close to busy highways were collected using a self-administrated questionnaire. Results: In general, the results showed that males had higher 1-OHP levels than females (P < 0.05). The total morning levels were 0.47 ± 0.12 µmol/mol crea vs. 0.63 ± 0.15 µmol/mol crea for evening. In the presence of ETS, higher 1-OHP concentrations were observed in morning samples. In addition, living in a polluted area is strongly associated with higher levels of 1-OHP. Conclusions: Taking into account that Iran is a developing country with a young population and numerous PAHs sources, environmental exposure to PAHs at these levels can be dangerous for children's health. Furthermore, PAHs can be declared as national concerning environmental pollutants.

Background: Exposure to ionizing radiation has harmful health effects. Research shows that people spend more their time indoors than outdoors. Therefore, the indoor background ionizing radiation can pose a noticeable health risk. Objectives: Since it is well established that ionizing radiation can lead to serious health problems, the present study aimed to evaluate the level of ionizing radiation in the background environment in radiological centers in Ahvaz, Iran. Methods: The evaluation of indoor and outdoor background ionizing radiation levels was carried out by using the calibrated digital Geiger-Muller counter (S.E. International Inc., USA) in five radiography centers. The background radiation was measured both indoor and outdoor of the selected radiology centers in four locations. The measured locations included behind the door of the X-ray room, outdoor, waiting room for the people, and the reception section in each center. The measurements were done with a device held one meter above the floor. Results: The indoor radiation levels were 0.13 ± 0.004, 0.11 ± 0.004, 0.13 ± 0.004, 0.16 ± 0.007, and 0.16 ± 0.006 µSv/h for centers a, b, c, d, and e, respectively, and the outdoor radiation levels were 0.12 ± 0.02, 0.11 ± 0.01, 0.10 ± 0.00, 0.12 ± 0.01, and 0.13 ± 0.00 µSv/h, respectively. Conclusions: The mean equivalent dose in this study was lower than the standard level (1 mSv/y); therefore, the radiology centers were safe.

Background: "Noise" can be defined as any unwanted sound. Soft drink plants, which produce the raw materials used in most carbonated beverage factories, are sources of noise. Objectives: This study investigated the noise pollution present in a soft drink CO2 gas injection plant, in order to present noise control measures. Materials and Methods: The instructions specified by the canadian center for occupational health and safety (CCOHS) were followed during the noise study, and a sound level meter, CEL.450 calibrated with CEL-110.2 based on ISO-9612 methods, was used to record the sound pressure level (SPL) at each grid point. SPL was determined in weighting scales A and C. and a noise survey map of equivalent SPLs was drawn for each part. Each part of the floor area of the soft drink factory where SPL exceeded 85 dBA was identified from the noise survey map to determine the causes of high levels of noise. In order to reduce noise level in each part, the absorption coefficient, transmission loss, and noise reduction rate were calculated in the proposed control area. Results: According to the study results, noise levels in a CO2 plant's house and control room ranged from 88 to 102 dB and 79 to 82 dB (A), respectively. In order to reduce the amount of emitted noise in the CO2 plant house and control room, a noise control plan was implemented in each part of the facility; it was met with effective results. Conclusions: The findings of this investigation have clearly revealed that plant workers are at risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss. However, after the implementation of a noise control plan in each part of the facility, the noise dose received by workers has significantly decreased. The need to implement a noise conservation program was established.

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