Levels of 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) in raw wastewater as an innovative perspective for investigating population-wide exposure to third-hand smoke

Abstract

Tobacco smoking is the major cause of many chronic diseases, especially lung cancer. Knowledge about population-wide tobacco use and exposure is essential to characterise its burden on public health and evaluate policy efficacy. Obtaining such knowledge remains challenging with current methods (e.g., surveys, biomonitoring) but can be achievable with wastewater analysis, a promising tool of retrieving epidemiology information. This study examined population-wide exposure to tobacco toxicants and carcinogens through wastewater analysis and explored relationships among these chemicals. Cotinine, trans-3′-hydroxycotinine, anabasine, anatabine and 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) were analysed in samples from Greece, Switzerland and Belgium, where tobacco control policies are different. Measured per-capita mass loads were ranked as: nicotine biomarkers ≫ tobacco markers > carcinogens. Relationships between nicotine biomarkers and tobacco markers implied substantial use of non-tobacco nicotine items besides tobacco products. Geographic profiles of tobacco markers revealed higher levels in Geneva and Athens than Geraardsbergen and Ninove. Environmental third-hand smoke led to NNK detection, with elevated levels observed in Athens where indoor smoking is widespread, posing potential health risks to the population. Our novel outcomes are relevant for public health authorities as they provide indications about external exposure and can thus be used to plan and evaluate tobacco control policies.

A novel passive sampling approach for SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater in a Canadian province with low prevalence of COVID-19

“…[3][4][5][6][7][8][9] The WBE approach is relatively new and was developed based on the analysis of biomarkers and pollutants in wastewater to obtain both quantitative and qualitative data on the activity of individuals in a wastewater catchment area. [10][11][12][13][14] For example, recent studies have shown that SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in sewage samples before any reported cases, suggesting that virus monitoring could be feasible before cases are documented through the health surveillance system. 8,[15][16][17] This approach also offers a broader viral surveillance method within the populous at a relatively low cost compared to individual clinical laboratory tests.…”

Application of wastewater-based epidemiology to investigate stimulant drug, alcohol and tobacco use in Lithuanian communities

“…Proof-of-concept studies have been performed to show that WBE is further suitable to assess community health. For example, WBE was applied to monitor alcohol, tobacco and pharmaceutical use [18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26] , to measure endogenous substances of disease or health and to estimate the exposure to emerging contaminants, such as pesticides or flame retardants 27,28 . WBE can thus provide complementary epidemiological information and fill in some of the current knowledge gaps regarding the public health status in Lithuania.…”

Thirdhand smoke exposure: Differences in smoke exposure indices and cultural norms between hotels and motels in South Korea

“…This is a higher value than that reported previously at this level. 27,39–41 The results should therefore be cautiously interpreted considering that the floor dust was collected using a vacuum in the previous study; but in the present study, the samples were collected by dusting the back side of a home appliance or a corner where the dust had accumulated using a cotton paper. In addition, in the previous study, wherein the dust was collected in the same way as in our study, NNK concentration was also high 28 probably because the previous study collected relatively old dust to find dust samples.…”