Natural and anthropogenic disasters become more frequent worldwide. As technology advances, the risk of major industrial accidents increases. Often accidents in the chemical and oil industry, in agriculture, or during transportation, lead to mass poisoning and extensive environmental pollution. The particularities of the medical support in case of such chemical incidents are challenging the healthcare system. The article aims to analyze the chemical accidents and the measures taken to reduce their effect in Bulgaria and in the Black sea aquatory. Historical and documentary methods have been used to gather information on disasters and accidents in Bulgaria, where toxic chemicals have been released into the environment, causing material damage and human casualties. We have researched and analyzed various articles and publications in Bulgarian and foreign scientific journals on the subject. Major industrial and transport accidents in the last 50-60 years on land and water had been selected from the literature sources. Both the reasons that led to them and the measures which were taken to eliminate the consequences were discussed. The major industrial accidents with a release of industrial toxic substances into the environment are relatively common and result in contaminating large areas and many casualties. Chemical accidents at sea are indicative of the need for joint action by different organizations to quickly overcome and avoid environmental impact. The risk of industrial poisonous substances entering the environment is significant and measures to avoid such accidents have to be taken, as well as training of a wide range of health professionals and the general public on the proper behaviour in case of a chemical disaster.

Background/Objectives: Iron plays an important role in cognitive, behavioral, and motor development. This study aims to assess the iron nutritional status of Bulgarian children with cerebral palsy (CP) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), focusing on iron deficiency (ID) and its impact on children’s development. We hypothesized that children with CP and ASD suffer from iron deficiency. Methods: The cross-sectional study includes 95 children from northeastern Bulgaria. Data were collected in two periods (2017–2018 and 2023–2024). Demographic questionnaires, food frequency questionnaires, and laboratory tests for hemoglobin, serum iron, serum ferritin, serum albumin, and CRP were conducted. Anthropometric measurements were evaluated. The Gross Motor Function Classification System scale was used to assess motor function in children with CP. Statistical analysis was performed using Jamovi software, ver. 2.6.44, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Of the 95 children, 62.1% had CP and 37.9% had ASD. Most children had normal hemoglobin and serum iron levels, but 62.7% of those with CP and 36.8% of those with ASD had low serum ferritin levels, indicating latent ID. A higher proportion of children with CP than those with ASD consumed meat daily, while fish was more commonly consumed by children with ASD. Anthropometric data showed delayed growth and lower height-for-age scores in children with CP. Conclusions: The study identifies latent ID in children with CP and ASD. An evaluation of dietary habits highlights the need for interventions to improve nutritional status and development. The observed deficiencies emphasize the need for regular monitoring and targeted dietary programs for children in these groups.

Background/Objectives: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by social communication challenges and repetitive behaviors. Children with ASD often exhibit selective eating habits that may result in nutritional deficiencies and exacerbate developmental issues. While food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) are effective for dietary assessment, the links between food preferences, ASD severity, and developmental outcomes remain underexplored, particularly in Bulgaria. This study examines these relationships using validated tools. Methods: The present report constitutes a pilot, hypothesis-generating substudy of the broader NutriLect project. This substudy involved 49 children aged 2–12 years diagnosed with ASD. Dietary patterns were evaluated with a modified FFQ, while ASD severity and developmental profiles were assessed using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Second Edition (CARS-2) and the Developmental Profile 3 (DP-3). Results: Among 49 ASD children (mean age = 6.89 ± 2.15 years; 86% boys), 73.4% consumed grains/potatoes daily. Only 34.7% met combined fruit and vegetable recommendations. Only 36.7% met the recommendation for daily milk or other dairy product consumption. Fish was consumed at least twice weekly by only 22,4%. Furthermore, children with more severe autism were approximately 9.4 times more likely to consume grains daily (χ² = 14.319, p = 0.006). Logistic regression analyses indicated that higher cognitive scores were strongly associated with lower grain (OR ≈ 0.044) and other dairy products consumption (OR ≈ 0.337), yet with greater fish intake (OR ≈ 3.317). In contrast, better communication skills corresponded to increased milk consumption (OR ≈ 5.76), and higher physical development scores predicted more frequent egg consumption (OR ≈ 4.40). Conclusions: The pronounced preference for grain and meat products, which are frequently ultra-processed, and avoidance of nutrient-dense foods in children with severe ASD symptoms underscore the need for tailored dietary interventions. These interventions must address sensory sensitivities, nutritional inadequacies, and the risks that selective nutrition can have on the nutritional status and development of the children.

Impact of Maternal Nutrition on Child Neurodevelopment: Insights from Recent Studies

Osteoporosis is a global health problem with increasing importance. It is a chronic, debilitating disease characterized by low bone density and deterioration of the micro architectonics of bone tissue. Although genetic factors largely determine the bone size and density, factors such as healthy eating, good physical activity and avoiding alcohol and smoking also play a key role. At all ages, healthy eating is an important factor in bone health. Aim: To study the eating habits that are important for bone health in women from Varna. Methods: A cross-sectional study of the eating habits of 139 women in Varna was conducted between January 2018 and March 2019. Questions, giving information on diet, frequency of consumption of certain food groups and beverages, affecting bone density, physical activity, demographic indicators are included in the questionnaire. Descriptive analysis of the data is done with SPSS version 19. Results: The average age of the participants was 29.86 ± 13.60 years. Daily consumption of milk and dairy products was found among 36.7% and 32.4% of the respondents respectively. The relative share of respondents who consume fish 1-2 times a week is 33.1%. The daily consumption of fruits and vegetables is 47.5% and 56.8% respectively. Conclusion: Nutrition plays an important role in reducing the risk of osteoporosis by affecting the development and maintenance of bone mass.