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Framework for Assessing the Potential Health Risks of Airborne Antibiotic Resistance Genes

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in air can pose significant potential health hazards due to their inhalability. Conducting a health risk assessment of airborne ARGs from major fugitive emission sources can contribute to the precise control of airborne ARGs. A framework suitable for assessing the potential health risks of airborne ARGs was established by considering the accessibility, self-toxicity, and exposure toxicity of airborne ARGs. We applied this framework to a municipal wastewater treatment plant (MWTP; a typical source of airborne ARGs) in Northern China. We found that 62.1% of airborne ARGs in the MWTP posed potential health risks to staff. Genes that confer resistance to β-lactams, macrolide–lincosamide–streptogramin, tetracyclines, multiple drugs, and aminoglycosides were the main types of risk ARGs. The aeration tank and sludge dewatering house were the main risk units for airborne ARGs, with median health risk indices of 1.38 × 10 12 –1.73 × 10 12 and 3.17 × 10 11 –3.90 × 10 11, respectively. Summer (June to August) and autumn (September to November) were the main risk seasons. Sensitivity analyses revealed that the health risk index value was most sensitive to the detected concentration of ARGs, with the correlation coefficient range being 0–0.71. Therefore, developing targeted reduction technologies and shortening the exposure time of MWTP workers could help to reduce the risk of exposure to airborne ARGs.

Source: Environment & Health

DOI: 10.1021/envhealth.6c00258