Articles tagged with Environmental Health
A new study finds that many wells and community water systems in the US contain unsafe levels of toxic contaminants, including cancer-causing substances like arsenic and lead. Climate change will exacerbate the issue, particularly in underserved communities, as clean sources of drinking water become harder to find.
A 10-year study found that even low doses of radiation may contribute to an increased risk of diabetes among emergency workers at the Fukushima nuclear power plant. Researchers analyzed data from over 6,000 workers and found a significant association between low-dose radiation exposure and a higher risk of developing diabetes.
A study of US adults ages 45+ found that neighborhood-level safety, physical, and social environments, as well as individual-level discrimination, narrowed racial disparities in cardiovascular health. Interventional approaches targeting these factors are needed to improve ideal cardiovascular health.
A University of Cincinnati study found that exposure to PFAS may delay the onset of puberty in girls by an average of five or six months. The researchers also discovered decreased hormone levels consistent with the delay, raising concerns about negative long-term health outcomes such as breast cancer and renal disease.
A new study review found children from families with low incomes and families of color are exposed to more neurotoxic chemicals, leading to greater harm on brain development. This disparity is attributed to their neighborhoods being located near factories, chemical plants, highways, and agricultural fields where pesticides are applied.
A new study found that US K-12 students' science learning standards vary widely in their coverage of environmental issues, reflecting the states' dominant political ideology and major industries. The quality and depth of information on planetary health issues are greatly impacted by these factors.
A new ecological theory may help explain the persistence of segregation in US cities. The theory, called the 'adaptive resilience cycle,' emphasizes how systems adjust to shocks and retain their structure. Researchers analyzed Baltimore's history and found that this cycle has reinforced segregation throughout the city's history.
Researchers found a significant association between high temperatures and increased hospital visits for alcohol-related disorders. Higher temperatures also led to more hospital visits for other substance disorders, but only up to a certain limit. The study highlights the need for public health interventions during warmer weather.
A new EWG study reveals that humans can serve as sentinels for understanding the impact of toxic PFAS on wildlife health. The study's findings show that over 625 species, including fish, birds, and mammals, are contaminated with PFAS, highlighting the need to tackle these persistent chemicals.
The Keck School of Medicine of USC has launched a five-year, $50.3 million multi-omics study to better understand the causes and prevention of various diseases, including NAFLD, in underrepresented racial and ethnic groups.
A new editorial addresses clinician burnout by proposing a unifying systems medicine model that incorporates biological, psychological, environmental, and consciousness factors. The authors suggest that Transcendental Meditation can enhance resilience and prevent burnout-related mind-body conditions.
A new study by Northwestern University found that Chicago's West Side experiences significantly elevated nitrogen dioxide (NO2) air pollution compared to other areas. The study used three state-of-the-art datasets and consistently identified the West Side as a hotspot in both February and August, affecting approximately 501,000 people
A new global study assesses the scale of metal mining contamination in river systems worldwide, impacting human populations and ecosystem services. The research estimates 23 million people affected by toxic waste, highlighting the need for new safeguards to address growing demand for 'green' minerals.
A new NIH study found an association between higher prenatal phthalate levels and a slightly increased risk of postpartum depression. Exposure to chemicals like phenols, phthalates, and parabens during pregnancy may influence hormone levels and contribute to the development of postpartum depression symptoms.
Researchers found that AI/ML based programs can successfully detect PCOS with an accuracy of 80-90%, making it a promising tool for early diagnosis and reducing the burden on patients. The study suggests integrating large population-based studies with electronic health datasets to identify sensitive diagnostic biomarkers.
The new facility will enhance the lab's capabilities to study the impact of chemicals and nanomaterials on human health, with applications in areas like toxicology and disease prevention.
A team of UC researchers, led by Ashley Kubley, have received a $2.5 million state grant to continue research on improving firefighter protective gear. The project aims to develop a firefighter jacket liner that brings down body temperature through advanced cooling technology and protects against external hazards.
Research estimates that natural flood disasters correlate with increased cases and fatalities from neglected tropical diseases, malaria, respiratory infections, and tuberculosis.
Climate change exacerbates cardiovascular disease through poor air quality and extreme temperatures, according to a special issue of the Canadian Journal of Cardiology. Experts review environmental influences, exposures, and practical tips for healthcare providers to mitigate these effects.
Replacing combustion engines with electric vehicles in Chicago would significantly reduce air pollution, especially in predominantly Black, Hispanic, and Latinx neighborhoods. The study found that electrification of all on-road vehicles could save over 1,000 lives and $10 billion annually.
A new study by Environmental Working Group scientists found that common household cleaning products release hundreds of volatile organic compounds, many of which are hazardous to human health. The study also suggests that choosing 'green' or 'fragrance-free' cleaning products could reduce exposure to these chemicals.
Researchers found a significant association between high particulate matter exposure and an 8% increase in breast cancer incidence among US women. The study, which considered historical air quality data, suggests that fine particulate matter may affect breast cancer through endocrine disruption.
Researchers have developed a new method to calculate the health and climate impacts of reducing buildings' energy consumption. The tool estimates co-benefits under different energy use scenarios, providing insights into the economic value of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and premature deaths caused by air pollution.
A global study estimates that lead exposure causes 5.5 million cardiovascular deaths and loses 765 million IQ points in children under five years old annually. The economic cost of lead exposure is estimated to be $6 trillion, with the majority attributed to cardiovascular disease deaths.
A new study by Duke University found that urban parks built on former waste incineration sites can still contain high levels of lead in their surface soils, posing potential health risks to children. The research highlights the need for increased monitoring and mapping of contaminated soil hotspots across hundreds of cities.
A recent study published in Nature Communications found that global PM2.5 exposure decreased significantly from 2011 to 2019, largely due to China's air quality management efforts. The study used satellite-derived data and a new regional decomposition approach to quantify local and regional contributions to global PM2.5 pollution.
A new method enables efficient isolation of raccoon-borne Escherichia albertii from fecal samples, providing insights into its epidemiology and facilitating improved control of food poisoning. The developed culture medium selectively promotes the growth of E. albertii at a rate of up to 48%.
A new Northwestern University-led study finds that electrifying 30% of heavy-duty vehicles in the lower Great Lakes region, including Chicago, would significantly reduce pollution and save hundreds of lives annually. The benefits are largely concentrated in disadvantaged communities, where residents face disproportionate health burdens.
The Illinois Kids Development Study (IKIDS) will receive $13.7 million in funding to continue its work on child health research for another seven years. The study focuses on the pre-, peri- and postnatal period, neurodevelopment, obesity, respiratory health, and well-being.
The University of Miami has been awarded a $23.57 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to join the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program. The research team will investigate how stress experienced by parents can affect their children's development.
A new study by George Washington University found that unionization increases employer compliance with OSHA's reporting requirements, leading to safer nursing homes. Non-unionized nursing homes are less likely to report workplace injuries and illnesses, making it difficult for policymakers to track and prevent these incidents.
A study found that high-income countries' emission reductions fall short of Paris Agreement targets, with many needing to reduce emissions by 30 times faster than achieved. Experts call for a post-growth approach to decarbonize and achieve urgent social and ecological goals.
A new review explores the effects of air pollution and climate change on children's developmental health, leading to human capital losses. The study highlights three dimensions: health, cognitive ability, and socio-emotional ability, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive evaluation of these impacts.
Researchers found that DiNP exposure impairs blood vessel formation in maternal tissue and placenta, leading to smaller litter sizes and shorter gestation periods. The study suggests a ripple effect, impairing embryo growth.
A survey of 10,981 US adults found that toxic molds, fossil fuels, and antibiotics are common causes of chemical intolerance. The study suggests that reducing exposure to mold, pesticides, and other contaminants may help prevent future cases.
A Swedish study found that precarious employment conditions increase the risk of early death, with workers who shifted to standard employment experiencing a 20% lower risk of mortality. The study used registry data from over 250,000 workers and found that job security is crucial in reducing premature deaths.
Researchers at UMass Amherst are investigating the connection between PFAS chemicals and breast cancer. They will examine data from postmenopausal women to determine if PFAS concentrations are associated with less breast tissue involution, which may increase breast cancer risk.
Research highlights associations between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and workers' insomnia among Japanese adults. ACEs, including bullying and family dysfunction, are known to have detrimental health consequences.
A new study found that 12% of Americans are responsible for eating half of all beef consumed on a given day. The study analyzed data from the CDC's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and found that these individuals, mostly men or those between 50-65 years old, eat disproportionately large amounts of beef.
A new study finds that living in racially segregated neighborhoods puts Black children at a higher risk of elevated blood lead levels, which persisted over more than two decades. The association between racial segregation and childhood blood lead levels was true even when adjusting for socioeconomic status.
Research at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health detected significant levels of metals in the blood and urine of marijuana users, suggesting that marijuana is a source of lead and cadmium exposure. Measurements reported by participants showed higher lead levels in blood and urine among exclusive marijuana users compare...
A new study from the University of Georgia found that improved sleep can significantly reduce impulsive behaviors in children exposed to stressful environments. The study, which analyzed data from over 11,000 children aged 9-10, discovered that lack of sleep and long sleep latency were linked to increased impulsivity.
A new study found that boys' sleep patterns remain stable until around age 12, suggesting that social and behavioral factors may play a role in sleep problems. After this age, changes in sleep patterns may begin to occur, making it essential for parents to seek help when needed.
A new NIH study found that living in a well-resourced neighborhood with access to healthy food, parks, and clean air reduces the risk of childhood asthma. Children born in high-opportunity neighborhoods had significantly lower asthma incidence rates compared to those from low-opportunity areas.
A new study by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute found that residence in neighborhoods with higher opportunity or lower vulnerability is associated with a decreased risk of pediatric asthma. The study used a geographically diverse cohort of over 10,000 children and examined associations between neighborhood attributes and asthma in...
A new NIH study found that high levels of certain minerals and metals in environmental water supplies may increase the risk of nontuberculous mycobacteria pulmonary infections in people with cystic fibrosis. The presence of sulfate, vanadium, and molybdenum was positively associated with increased incidence of lung infections.
A new essay highlights how news stories about healthcare workers during COVID-19 often left out crucial socioeconomic and environmental contexts, which can impact consumer thoughts and responses. By introducing a public health framework, experts aim to broaden storytelling and reframed scientific information dissemination.
Researchers from Mount Sinai found that Asian Americans have a significantly high exposure to PFAS, with median exposure scores 89% higher than non-Hispanic whites. The study used advanced data science methods to account for complex exposure sources and heterogeneity across different groups.
Researchers from FAU will examine the effects of smoke-related air pollution on social isolation, cognitive function and risk of Alzheimer's disease in rural residents along Lake Okeechobee. The five-year study aims to promote early awareness of the disease and earlier modification of associated risk factors.
A Dartmouth-led study reveals the devastating impact of gold and mineral mining on tropical rivers worldwide. Mining operations have doubled suspended sediment concentrations at 80% of affected rivers, altering river ecosystems and threatening human health.
A statistically significant increase in heat-related illnesses was found among patients at US Department of Veteran Affairs facilities between 2002 and 2019. Specific groups, such as those with existing health conditions and certain ethnic groups, were more vulnerable to heat-related illness.
A study across five Nordic cities finds diverse microbial exposure inversely linked to risk of asthma and atopy development. Protective 'farm-like' microbiota associated with lower asthma risk exhibited higher abundance of outdoor-associated bacterial taxa, which are less prevalent in homes with high precipitation.
A new study uses a simple leaf-swabbing technique to detect over 50 species of mammals, birds, and frogs in a single cotton bud. The technique reveals an average of nearly eight animal species per swab, showcasing its potential for informing wildlife management strategies.
A new study led by Wayne State University aims to discover gene-heavy metal interactions in human livers that contribute to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The research, funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, will investigate how naturally accumulated metals interact with the liver genome.
A new study from Texas A&M University finds a correlation between secondhand smoke exposure and higher blood lead levels in children. The research suggests that education and mitigation efforts can further protect kids and adolescents from lead exposure, building on past success of lead removal initiatives.
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire found that pregnant women living in walkable areas engage in more physical activity and have fewer issues with pregnancy complications. The study also suggests that walking can have health benefits beyond exercise, such as social interactions and community engagement.
A landmark study reveals that excess deaths after hurricanes are more recent and prevalent in socially vulnerable counties. The research highlights the need for better access to resources, transportation, and warnings to minimize cyclone-related mortality.
Researchers found human metabolites, pharmaceuticals, illicit drugs, and sunscreens in stream water, altering chemical and microbial fingerprint. Human recreation also stirred up sediments, raising metal concentrations and potentially affecting wildlife.
Researchers investigate how exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals in plastics may increase atherosclerosis and CVD risk, particularly in children. The study aims to establish a novel therapeutic target for chemical-induced CVD and explore gene-EDC interactions.
A nationwide program in Ecuador, which replaced gas stoves with electric induction stoves, led to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and hospitalization rates. The study found that the program resulted in a 7% decline in liquid petroleum gas consumption and a 5% increase in residential electricity usage.