Epidemiological and toxicological studies have proved that semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) may have significant adverse effects on human health. For example, phthalic acid esters (PAEs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) may harm the endocrine, reproductive and respiratory systems of humans. Moreover, some SVOCs are carcinogenic. This paper summarizes the source emission characteristics for typical SVOCs observed indoors, evaluates the gas-phase and particle-phase concentrations of indoor di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) under the steady-state condition, estimates the exposure of PAEs and the health risk of PAHs, and then proposes some solutions to some urgent problems for indoor SVOC pollution. The results show that the production and consumption quantities of plasticizers, coal and cigarettes in China are the highest in the world, and that the consumption of flame retardants and pesticides are also very high. As estimated, indoor plasticizer and flame retardant concentrations are higher in China than that of the developed countries such as the USA, which implies that indoor SVOC pollution may be more serious in China. According to the model analysis, DEHP remains mainly in the particle-phase under the steady-state condition; the particle-phase concentration of DEHP increases with increasing particle concentration. The exposure of DEHP is higher for children than it is for adults. It is estimated that 260 thousand people are diagnosed with cancer resulting from exposure to PAHs every year. A multidisciplinary approach to the further study of indoor SVOC pollution is necessary. indoor air quality (IAQ), SVOC, plasticizer, flame retardant, health risk Citation: Wang L X, Zhao B, Liu C, et al. Indoor SVOC pollution in China: A review.

BackgroundMen who have sex with men (MSM) have become a high-risk group of HIV infection in China. To date, little is known regarding the psychological characteristics in Chinese MSM, especially the prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempts.MethodsA questionnaire survey was conducted on 2,250 MSM recruited from gay bars in 9 large cities in mainland China. Data on the prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempts as well as the underlying causes in the respondents were analyzed.ResultsA total of 1530 MSM responded to the question regarding previous suicidal ideation and attempts. Of these respondents, 26.01% had ever considered suicide and 12.55% actually attempted suicide at least once. Romantic gay relationship breakup was the number one cause of suicide behaviors, followed by self-objection to homosexuality, difficulties in finding gay partners or in getting used to heterosexual marriage life, sudden emotional hurts from unexpected events, illegal status of gay marriage in China and disclosure of homosexuality.ConclusionsThe survey study has led to a better understanding of the factors contributing to suicide behaviors of MSM in China, which may have significant implications in developing preventive strategies against suicide behaviors in this unique group of individuals.

BackgroundMen who have sex with men (MSM) have become a high-risk group of HIV infection in China. To date, little is known regarding the behavioral, social and psychological characteristics in Chinese MSM, which makes the implementation of preventive and therapeutic strategies for this high-risk subpopulation of people extremely difficult.MethodsA total of 714 questionnaires were retrieved from the database of a Chinese government-sponsored National Key Research Project titled "Risk Analysis and Strategic Prevention of HIV Transmission from MSM to the General Population in China". The respondents were categorized into a high-risk group and a control group. Their behavioral, social and psychological characteristics were comparatively analyzed.ResultsOf the 714 MSM analyzed, 59 (8.26%) had high-risk homosexual behaviors. This sub-group of MSM had a higher in-marriage rate, a higher monthly income, heavier alcohol consumption and more serious problems with sexual abuse in childhood, intentional suicide attempts and mistaken assumption on condom's role in protecting HIV infection, as compared with the control group (P < 0.05). In contrast, the two groups did not differ significantly the sexual orientation, level of education, types of profession, drug use, condom use and experience of social stigma and discrimination (P > 0.05). A vast majority of the individuals in both behavior categories expressed support of legally protected gay clubs as well as gay marriage legislation in China. There was a strong correlation between high-risk behaviors and sexual abuse in childhood, alcohol drinking, income level and a mistaken belief in perfect HIV protection through the use of condoms.ConclusionsMSM with and without high-risk homosexual behaviors have different social and psychological characteristics, which should be taken into account when implementing behavioral and therapeutic interventions aimed at preventing HIV/AIDS transmission among MSM as well as from MSM to the general population in China.

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