Articles tagged with Environmental Illness
Working with engineered stone can lead to silicosis, a lung disease, as seen in a 47-year-old man who developed lung nodules after 10 years of exposure. The case highlights the need for regulatory reform, mandatory surveillance, and proactive worker education in industries using engineered stone.
Researchers at the University of Connecticut found that people with excessive visceral fat around their organs are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of ultrafine particulate air pollution. Using HEPA filters can help mitigate this risk, especially for those with high waist circumference.
Researchers at Barrow Neurological Institute discovered a link between wildfire smoke and neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Wildfire smoke particles activate astrocytes, leading to inflammation and damage to nearby brain cells.
Researchers analyzed data from 3,339 mother-child pairs and found no significant relationship between prenatal organophosphate pesticide exposure and social communication problems and autism-related traits. However, the study's findings suggest that long-term research is needed to clarify which environmental exposures matter most in co...
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that pilots and flight attendants have statistically significantly higher rates of death from breast, central nervous system, and prostate cancers and melanoma. The study used a large dataset and accounted for various factors to determine the occupation's impact on mortality.
A new study mapped nearly 10,000 environmental exposures to human genes, revealing clusters of chemicals that disrupt common biological functions. The researchers found that exposures targeting central proteins tend to be more damaging, and that the 'distance' between an exposure and a disease can predict health outcomes.
A large-scale study on Swedish children with asthma found that living with cats did not worsen asthma outcomes. The study of 30,277 children over 24 months showed similar asthma severity and lung function in cat-exposed and non-exposed groups.
A major new study has found that severe asthma patients are often battling other health conditions, with nearly all suffering from at least one major issue. The study identified three distinct profiles linked to how well asthma is controlled and the treatments needed, offering potential breakthroughs for improving care.
Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered that dust can be used to track viral outbreaks in indoor settings. The team identified 54 distinct viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 and influenza, using a novel sequencing technique. This method has the potential to provide quick and high-resolution insights into what is happening withi...
A national survey of Australian tunnel construction workers found significant silica dust exposure risks, with many reporting barriers to effective dust control measures. The study calls for stronger regulatory enforcement and oversight to prevent preventable disease in the high-risk industry.
Researchers at UTEP found strong connections between Valley fever and extreme weather, wind, and airborne dust, with the disease risk anticipated based on environmental signals. The study identified seasonal patterns, with peak cases in summer months.
A new study predicts that nearly one in three Americans will experience poor air quality daily by 2100 due to climate change. This could lead to widespread health issues, particularly among sensitive populations like the elderly and those with asthma.
A new analysis estimates that exposure to di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) contributed to 1.97 million preterm births in 2018, equivalent to 8% of global total. The study also linked DEHP to 74,000 newborn deaths and found a significant health burden across regions with rapidly growing plastics industries.
Researchers found that perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorooctanesulfonamide (PFOSA) accelerate biological aging in middle-aged men, with effects being strongest in this age group due to lifestyle factors. PFAS pollution has been linked to human cancers, obesity, infertility, and hormonal imbalances.
Researchers have developed a new method for cleaning oil spills using massive fire whirls, which can burn through crude oil nearly twice as fast as in-situ fire pools. The results show that fire whirls produce 40% less soot and consume up to 95% of the fuel, leaving fewer harmful particles behind.
A new study found that warmer nighttime temperatures during pregnancy may be associated with a higher risk of autism diagnosis in children. Exposure to extreme heat during early and late pregnancy increased the risk by 15% and 13%, respectively.
A new study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine has identified clear occupational factors and demographic indicators associated with elevated serum levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances among US career firefighters. The research provides vital insights into the factors that influence PFAS body bu...
A new study led by NTU Singapore reveals that El Niño events can persistently slow long-term improvements in mortality rates, leading to enduring reductions in life expectancy. The research estimates that El Niño could reduce life expectancy gains by 2.8 years and cause economic losses of up to US$35 trillion by 2100.
A cohort study found higher fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure associated with lower birth weight, particularly in early and mid-pregnancy. The study's findings suggest that understanding windows of susceptibility to environmental exposures can inform strategies for limiting exposure during critical periods.
Public Health Alerts provide concise, data-driven information on disease outbreaks and urgent health events. The new series, launched by NEJM Evidence and CIDRAP, offers expert-reviewed reports to support public health evidence-based care.
A new study highlights five ways microplastics can trigger inflammation and damage in the brain, including immune cell activity and oxidative stress. Microplastics weaken the blood–brain barrier, causing immune cells to attack them and leading to further damage.
A national study led by Curtin University found that Australian's location significantly affects their body weight. The research tracked individuals across 14 years and discovered that people tend to adapt to the typical weight profile of their new community., Local food environments, walkability, and access to green space are key fact...
Researchers at UBC Okanagan develop an innovative airflow system that captures and removes exhaled aerosols, significantly reducing the probability of infection. The new device outperforms conventional ventilation systems, offering a comfortable and effective solution for indoor spaces.
The Phase 3 study demonstrated the safety and non-inferiority of EuTYPH-C Inj.® Multi-dose compared to a World Health Organization (WHO) prequalified comparator TCV, Typbar TCV®. The vaccine was shown to be well-tolerated across all age groups with no serious adverse events.
Women living close to Superfund sites in Florida face higher risks of developing aggressive breast cancers, including triple-negative subtype. A growing body of evidence suggests that environmental degradation and pollution are associated with poor health outcomes.
Researchers are collecting toenail clippings from Canadians to estimate a person's lung-cancer risk based on long-term radon exposure. The study aims to provide critical data for early screening and diagnosis of lung cancer.
A recent study found no association between mould damage in schools and the development of asthma among students. Despite extensive mould damage in some schools, the health of over 30,000 students was tracked over a 16-year period, showing no increase in asthma cases.
A Barrow Neurological Institute study found a positive association between ambient trichloroethylene (TCE) and Parkinson's disease risk. The researchers identified a potential link between TCE exposure and an increased risk of Parkinson's disease, particularly in individuals living near facilities emitting the chemical.
A review of hundreds of studies found a link between childhood plastic exposure and long-term health concerns like heart disease, obesity, and asthma. Parents can take simple steps to limit their children's plastic exposure, such as replacing plastic containers with glass or stainless steel.
A growing body of research links environmental pollutants to worsened health and shorter life spans in childhood cancer survivors. The study found that only 25% of pediatric oncology providers felt comfortable discussing environmental pollutant impacts with patients.
A community-led study found elevated contaminants in animal food sources and rare cancers in local populations, highlighting the need for comprehensive studies on oil sands' health impacts. The authors call for rigorous research to address TRC commitments and protect Indigenous Peoples' environment and health.
A Rutgers University study found that exposure to green spaces during critical periods of early childhood development is associated with a reduced risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, including ADHD and autism spectrum disorder. Higher levels of green space exposure were linked to lower risks across different exposure windows.
Residential segregation contributes to lung cancer development in African Americans, highlighting the need for policymakers to address disparities. Structural racism in neighborhoods affects health outcomes, emphasizing the importance of reducing racial gaps in healthcare.
Researchers from ASU and international collaborators tested a handheld DNA sequencing device at six chicken slaughterhouses in Indonesia. The study found signs of antibiotic-resistant bacteria spreading from wastewater into nearby rivers, highlighting the need for targeted solutions to reduce its spread.
A large observational study suggests that US general military service may actually lower, rather than heighten, the risk of depression. The study found a 22-23% lower risk of depression associated with military service, after adjusting for influential factors such as age, sex, and income.
A new mouse study published at the ATS 2025 International Conference found that maternal air pollution exposure during pregnancy can increase asthma risk in adult offspring. The study also discovered lasting epigenetic changes affecting their lungs and immune response, which can persist for generations.
The event aims to create a positive scientific and policy legacy from the Congress in Denmark, Europe, and internationally. The conference will focus on key research presented at the Joint Congress and future priorities from the EndoCompass Research Roadmap.
A new analysis of population surveys estimates that exposure to di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) contributed to 356,238 global heart disease deaths in 2018, accounting for 13% of all global mortality. The study also found higher death risks in the Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, and Pacific regions.
Bacteria use tactile sensors to detect surfaces and trigger biochemical signals for colonization. Understanding mechanosensing is crucial for improving gut health and preventing biofouling in industries.
A new method for DNA detection uses heterogeneous probe particles and laser light to accelerate genetic analysis. This PCR-free technique offers greater sensitivity and speed than traditional methods, making it more accessible for medical, environmental, and personal health applications.
A new study models cholera transmission after interventions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, highlighting the importance of environmental reservoirs in maintaining endemic diseases. The research suggests that vaccination may have a smaller impact on preventing transmission compared to water, sanitation, and hygiene improvements.
Living in disadvantaged neighborhoods is associated with a higher risk of mortality from breast cancer in Black women. Community-level interventions aimed at reducing environmental stressors and improving access to high-quality cancer care could help reduce racial disparities in breast cancer survival.
A novel AI-based method called scNET combines gene expression data with networks of possible gene interactions to identify biological patterns in response to drug treatments. The system reveals complex mechanisms underlying cellular behavior, providing insights for new therapeutic approaches.
A groundbreaking study reveals that autistic children exhibit social attention patterns similar to their typically developing peers during play, with a primary focus on toys rather than faces. This challenges the longstanding assumption that reduced eye contact is a definitive marker of autism.
Silicosis shows a decreasing global trend in incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years from 1990 to 2021. The disease burden varies significantly across countries and regions, with China, South Africa, and Chile having higher rates than the global average.
Researchers have discovered how cholesterol crystals form in human bodies, shedding light on heart disease and gallstones. The team identified a special solvent that mimics the body's natural environment, allowing them to watch how cholesterol crystals grow in real time.
Researchers Garett Sansom and Lindsay Sansom will evaluate soil conditions in Settegast and Lakewood neighborhoods for cancer-causing heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The project aims to identify residents' environment-related concerns and develop a better understanding of local priorities and challenges.
The Whole Health Consortium at Virginia Tech has funded several research projects, including one that uses geospatial analysis to improve healthcare access for veterans. Another project aims to develop a 'just-in-time' intervention for chronic pain and opioid use disorder in Appalachia.
CerTracker LLC, a digital credential management platform, aims to streamline compliance and onboarding for healthcare professionals. The company will use the $10,000 grant to reduce administrative burdens and improve workforce efficiency in healthcare settings.
Researchers will investigate the interaction of fluid dynamics and Far-UVC technology to optimize its deployment in real-world settings. The project aims to make communities healthier by analyzing airflow patterns and aerosol distributions.
Researchers found that a Lactobacillus-dominant uterine environment significantly improves pregnancy outcomes and increases pregnancy success rates. Disruptions in microbiota composition have been linked to conditions such as chronic endometritis, endometriosis, and recurrent implantation failure.
The partnership aims to develop cutting-edge training programs, pioneer medical research, and enhance response capabilities in high-risk environments. UCF is creating a new space medicine curriculum involving students from various disciplines.
Researchers developed a simple and sensitive optical fiber sensor for real-time detection of extremely low levels of arsenic in water. The sensor can detect arsenic levels as low as 0.09 ppb and provides analysis within just 0.5 seconds, making it a powerful tool for monitoring and ensuring safer water quality.
Researchers explore the role of efferocytosis in reducing inflammation and containing injury spread after an ischemic stroke. Efferocytosis may offer a promising therapeutic strategy to promote neural regeneration and minimize brain damage.
A WVU researcher creates an augmented reality training program to enhance miners' awareness of blind spots and ability to identify hazards. The training technology uses visualizations to project blind spots directly onto the trainee operator's surroundings, reducing fatalities and injuries in the mining industry.
Researchers tracked farmworker movement and behavior in response to wildfire smoke using cell phone data from over 12,000 workers. The study found that workers reduced their hours worked by 37% on smoky days and switched fields to avoid worst conditions.
A recent study of Texas high school indoor air revealed the presence of phthalates and PBDEs, linked to cancers, reproductive disorders, and nervous system damage. Researchers found correlations between SVOC concentrations and building characteristics, such as flooring type and classroom design.
Researchers will test the hypothesis that environmental manganese exposure is associated with the progression of Parkinson's symptoms and measure neuroinflammation in the brain using MRI scans. The study aims to inform environmental regulations for manganese worldwide and address an environmental justice concern.
Research published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found a significant association between childhood lead exposure and mental health symptoms. The study estimated that 151 million excess mental disorders were attributable to lead exposure by 2015, with differences most pronounced for people born between 1966 and 1986.
Researchers at University of California - San Francisco designed biological sensors that can ensure engineered cells are activated in tumor environments, making cancer therapies more effective. The new sensors, called SNIPRs, can bind to soluble molecules and alter gene expression, offering a promising approach for targeted therapies.