Introduction: Dental amalgam, a mercury-based restorative material, is a significant point source of environmental mercury contamination in clinical wastewater. Mercury and other heavy metals from dental clinics enter wastewater systems untreated, posing risks to ecosystems and human health. This review uniquely bridges the critical gap between dental practice effluent pathways, quantitative environmental risk assessment, and practical evaluation of mitigation technologies. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed/MEDLINE, and Embase for publications from 2000 to 2024. This review focused on studies quantifying mercury in dental wastewater and evaluated the effectiveness of containment, treatment, and policy measures. Results: The findings confirmed that dental clinics contribute substantially to mercury loads in wastewater, with a single chair releasing as much as 4.5 g/day. Reported mercury concentrations in dental effluent vary widely, ranging from 0.90 µg/L to 39 mg/L, reflecting differences in clinical practices and control measures. The primary mitigation technology is amalgam separators, which can remove more than 90% of amalgam particles and are increasingly required by regulations, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 2017. A multi-faceted approach combining separators, optimized chairside practices, waste segregation, and staff education is essential for effective management. Conclusion: Despite the declining use of dental amalgam, it remains an important environmental concern. Effective mitigation requires a combination of stringent policies, proven technologies, and professional stewardship. Future efforts should prioritize standardized monitoring, long-term performance data on control measures, and robust cost-benefit analyses to guide sustainable dental practices.

Introduction: Airborne microplastics (AMPs), due to their small size and widespread dispersal, pose increasing risks to human respiratory health. Detected in both indoor and outdoor environments, AMPs raise concerns over chronic inhalation exposure. Their accumulation in lung tissue may lead to oxidative stress, inflammation, and epithelial barrier dysfunction. This systematic review evaluates the respiratory health effects of AMPs exposure. Materials and Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, relevant articles were identified through systematic searches in Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and Springer Link. A total of 20 studies published between 2019 and 2024 were synthesized. Results: AMPs originate from degraded plastics and industrial emissions and can reach alveoli when inhaled. They induce inflammatory responses via oxidative stress and activation of pathways such as NF-κB. Chronic exposure is associated with elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial dysfunction, and tissue damage, contributing to conditions like pulmonary fibrosis and COPD. AMPs also impair epithelial barriers by disrupting tight junctions and increasing tissue permeability. In vitro and in vivo studies confirm their cytotoxic and inflammatory effects. However, knowledge gaps remain, particularly regarding chronic low-dose exposure and interactions with other pollutants. Conclusion: This review highlights the health risks of AMPs and the need for stricter environmental policies and public education. Findings inform future research and support interventions to mitigate AMPs exposure and protect respiratory health.

Introduction: Airborne microplastics (MPs) pollution poses substantial risks to environmental and human health. This research protocol outlines a framework for investigating airborne MPs in Ahvaz, Iran, with objectives including their identification, characterization, and source attribution using chemical signature tracing and receptor modeling. Methods and Analysis: The study employs a dual approach of passive and active sampling supported by laboratory analysis and multivariate modeling. Sampling locations were selected to represent diverse urban settings, ensuring comprehensive spatial coverage and data reliability. The protocol included meticulous sample collection, volume estimation, and laboratory analysis to ensure the accurate identification and assessment of MPs pollution. Expected Outcomes: This protocol aims to reveal types, distribution, sources, and potential health risks of airborne MPs in Ahvaz. Insights provided strategies to mitigate MPs emissions in urban areas and a foundation for future research.

Introduction: Drought is a natural hazard that limits access to water and threatens health. This study was conducted to present a combined model of indigenous and modern knowledge to combat the effects of drought on water health. Materials and Methods: This study was a mixed-method design with four phases. In the first and second phases, the components of indigenous and modern knowledge were obtained through qualitative interviews using content analysis method and literature review using narrative method. In the third phase, components obtained from the two previous phases were sent to relevant field experts for validation using Delphi method. Two rounds of Delphi were conducted until reaching a consensus of views of the elites. The components that obtained a sufficient score were used to design the research model. Results: The final model consisted of three main components including household water management, community water management, and water health in drought conditions. Conclusion: Indigenous and modern knowledge are complementary and their integration creates synergy for the health of individuals, provided that they are studied in a principled way and integrated correctly. The present model was designed with a realistic view and considered the role of culture and indigenous knowledge in people's behavior and could be reasonably used by managers in the field of water health, passive defense, and various plannings.

Introduction: Extremely low frequency (ELF) waves are less than 300 Hz. Electrical devices with city electricity are one of the most important sources of generating ELF waves. The main objective of this research was to investigate and compare the magnetic fields produced by ELF electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) waves in different parts of residential houses in Yazd city. Material and Methods: Thirty-three houses were selected, and an EMF-828 was used (made in Taiwan) for ELF-EMF intensity measurement in three parts of the kitchen, living room, and bedroom and three modes of Normal, OFF, and ON electrical instruments. Results: Two-way ANOVA was used to compare two-by-two ELF waves in three modes: OFF, Normal, and ON. A significant value was obtained (p-value=0.036) in OFF and ON modes in the living room. Similar results were for kitchen (p-value=0.014) in two modes of ON and OFF. However, there was not a significant relationship (p>0.05) between the mean intensity of ELF-EMF waves and the studied building parameters. Conclusion: The mean intensity of the ELF waves in different modes was not the same in kitchen and was in the order of ON> Normal> OFF that could be related to high-wave generation equipment. The comparison of mean intensity ​​of ELF-EMF waves in different locations of the investigated houses was much lower than the standard level set by ICNIRP. Preventing the simultaneous use of high-power electrical instruments led to both save consumption and reduce EMF-ELF waves exposure risk.

The Article Abstract is not available.

The Article Abstract is not Available.

Introduction: Nitrous oxide (N2O) is the most common anesthetic gas used in operating rooms. The major objective of this investigation is to measure N2O values in two modes: first, when the ventilation system is on, and second, when it is off; and to determine the biomarkers of oxidative stress associated with this exposure among operating room personnel.
 Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 60 operating room personnel as the N2O exposed group, and on 60 nurses as the referent group. N2O concentrations were determined according to NIOSH method 6600. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels, malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were also measured.
 Results: The concentrations of N2O in the presence and absence of ventilation systems were significantly higher than the recommended exposure limit (REL) of 25 ppm recommended by NIOSH. The levels of TAC and SOD were significantly lower in participants exposed to N2O in comparison with the referent group. Adjusted for age, work experience, and sex, exposure to N2O was found to be an occupational risk factor for low levels of TAC and SOD, so that exposure to N2O reduced TAC and SOD levels by 0.16 mM and 0.75 U/ml, respectively.
 Conclusion: The present study shows that the operating room personnel are exposed to levels of N2O several times more than the REL of this gas and this heavy exposure is associated with a significant increase in oxidative stress.

Introduction: Exposure to music and temperature variations can influence physiological state and impact human error. This study aims to investigate the combined and independent effects of music and temperature changes on heart rate (HR) and human error.
 Materials and Methods: This interventional study was conducted on 14 participants (7 men and 7 women) under controlled conditions in 2018. The subjects experienced four types of music (Rock, Rap, Pop, and Iranian traditional music) at the noise pressure level of 75 dB, along with temperatures of 20, 25, and 30 °C independently and in combination, within an acoustic room with controlled temperature conditions. HR and human error rate were measured using a HR meter and a researcher-made text with spelling mistakes, respectively.
 Results: Using SPSS 19, data analysis revealed that exposure to traditional Iranian and rock music in temperatures deviating by 5 °C from 25 °C was associated with increased errors in detecting spelling mistakes (p < 0.05). Interestingly, traditional and rock music did not significantly affect HR across temperatures of 20, 25, and 30 °C (p > 0.05).
 Conclusion: Listening to traditional Iranian and rock music in conditions with approximately 5 °C cooler or warmer than room temperature can have a positive and constructive effect on HR and reduce human error. The use of this type of music has potential implications for optimizing environmental conditions, especially in workplaces where such factors are critical.

Introduction: It is essential to adopt preventive measures to reduce the prevalence and severity of COVID-19. Given the insufficient information about the use of disinfectants against the virus, which leads to various risks, this study aims to investigate awareness, performance, and attitudes of the residents of Yazd city regarding using disinfectants to prevent COVID-19.
 Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study, the sample consisted of 271 people residing in Yazd using convenience sampling method. The tool used was a researcher-made questionnaire, which was reliable, valid, and was divided into two parts; after that the collected data was analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistical tests. SPSS software was used for data processing, and Amos software was used for model design.
 Results: Most participants (51.3%) were female. The majority of participants (117 (43.2%)) aged between 30-40, and with an average age of 34.39 ± 9.6. The highest level of education attained by most participants was master's degree by 83 (30.6%) people. The mean and standard deviation for awareness (10.59 ± 2.7), attitude (40.74 ± 7.1), and performance (17.50 ± 5.1) were obtained. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis showed that the total effect had the greatest impact on the use of disinfectants, with performance (β = 0.032) and education (β = 0.068) having the strongest effects. Increase in disinfection and having a higher level of education increased the use of disinfectants as well.
 Conclusion: As increasing people's awareness, attitude, and performance can help prevent the spread of COVID-19, implementing educational programs and timely comprehensive information dissemination about the use of disinfectants is recommended.