Articles tagged with Environmental Health
A new meta-analysis from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found a significant association between fine particulate air pollutants (PM2.5) and the risk of developing dementia, with a 17% increase in risk for every 2 μg/m3 increase in average annual exposure to PM2.5.
A UC Riverside-led study finds nearly half of domestic well water users in the Central Valley live in disadvantaged communities with high manganese contamination rates. The highest concentrations are found in private, untreated well water systems, posing health risks to fetuses and children.
A new study published in the AATCC Journal of Research found that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in furniture fabrics have limited effectiveness in preventing stains. The researchers tested six PFAS-finished and three non-PFAS-finished fabrics, finding that only fabric type affected coffee stain performance.
Researchers have linked higher lithium levels in drinking water to a moderately higher risk of autism spectrum disorder in offspring. The study found that mothers living in urban areas had a slightly stronger association between lithium exposure and autism risk.
Researchers found that vitamin D deficiency prevalence ranged between 29-37% among active duty Navy military personnel, with higher rates among submariners. Periodic assessment and supplementation may be necessary to address the issue.
A study found that honeybee hive debris contains diverse genetic information from environmental bacteria, fungi, and plants, indicating unique microbial signatures for each city. This could be used to assess the overall health of cities and honeybees.
Researchers found exposure to transportation noise at home was associated with a higher risk of death by suicide, with robust results even after adjusting for air pollution and socio-economic indicators. Noise increases mental load, contributing to mental disorders or worsening preexisting conditions.
A recent study found an unusual peak in RSV hospital admissions in the third quarter of 2021, nearly doubling typical annual numbers. The surge in cases was unexpected, with low hospitalizations reported in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The HOPE Note Toolkit is being adopted by primary care clinics in the US to improve whole person integrative health visits. The toolkit assesses patients' physical, environmental, lifestyle, social, emotional, mental, and spiritual experiences with healthcare teams.
A new research letter highlights how quickly Colorado's children and teenagers can access a loaded gun, increasing the risk of adolescent suicides and firearm injuries. Nearly one-third of middle and high school students report having access to a gun within 24 hours or under 10 minutes.
Researchers found that incubators dampen some sounds but also cause a booming effect at low frequencies, raising noise levels by up to 28 decibels. The study highlights the importance of considering sound in NICU design and use to protect premature infants' hearing.
A new study suggests that acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC), a leading phthalate alternative, can disrupt neuron-like cells and interfere with the growth and maintenance of neurons. The findings indicate that ATBC could harm brain development and health.
A new study found that stronger air pollution rules would lower premature death risks for all Americans, but particularly those from marginalized communities. Lowering PM2.5 levels to 8 μg/m3 could reduce mortality rates by 4% for White higher-income adults and up to 7% for Black higher-income and low-income adults.
A new study finds that Black, Latinx, and low-income people are disproportionately exposed to drilling-related pollution near active oil and gas wells in California. This exposure has been linked to various health issues, including asthma, preterm births, and other problems.
A new study warns of a rise in potentially fatal infections caused by bacteria found along parts of the US coast, driven by global warming. The number of Vibrio vulnificus infections has increased from 10 to 80 per year over 30 years, with cases now found further north than ever before.
The Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health issues a sweeping new report highlighting the far-reaching health hazards of plastics across their life cycle. The report examines the economic, health, environmental, and social costs associated with plastics from extraction to end states.
A recent study found that malaria control programs in Amazonian Peru reduced the disease by 78% but saw a rebound when funding was cut, driven by climate change. Climate change has exacerbated malaria transmission, with rising temperatures and intense rainfalls contributing to the resurgence of the mosquito-borne disease.
A recent study led by Boston University researchers found that payments designed to motivate eco-friendly behavior often don't reconcile the tension between agricultural production and the planet's health. However, including more women in decision-making boosted cooperation between farmers on environmental issues and increased output.
A new study assessing One Health Networks globally reveals that investment has not been equitably distributed, with low diversity in stakeholder and sector representation. The study highlights the need for more inclusive and equitable partnerships to address pressing global health threats.
An international team of researchers has received $3 million to study how early gut development shapes children's health. They will collect tissue samples from diverse groups to understand the impact of environment, genetics, and other factors on gut development.
Researchers studied genetic differences between two Chornobyl dog populations living near the nuclear power plant and 16.5 km away. They found significant genetic distinctions, with 391 outlier regions indicating potential genetic repair mechanisms. The study may provide insights into human adaptability to environmental disasters.
A West Virginia University study found that patients treated for motor vehicle collision injuries during the COVID-19 pandemic used more drugs, including cannabinoids, opioids, and stimulants. The study suggests public health interventions may be needed to curb this behavior in rural areas.
A review highlights the impact of paternal diet, nutrition, and lifestyle on future generations, with strong evidence suggesting a western diet leads to imbalances in nutrient intake. Advanced paternal age is linked to genetic, psychiatric, and metabolic disorders in offspring, emphasizing the need for men's healthcare.
A study by Kumamoto University researchers reveals LSD1's role in regulating skeletal muscle response to environmental stress. The findings suggest that LSD1 moderates muscle adaptation to environmental conditions, with potential implications for maintaining muscle health and preventing diseases such as sarcopenia.
A recent study by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University found that ethnic minority parents in Inner Mongolia prefer evidence-based knowledge on family education tailored to their local environment and culture. They sought information on how geographical features like the geomagnetic field influence children's growth and well-being.
A University of Chicago study found that older adults living near fracking sites in Pennsylvania had higher rates of cardiovascular disease hospitalizations compared to those in nearby New York state. The study linked exposure to air and water pollution from fracking activity to increased health outcomes.
A new study by Monash University found that almost nowhere on Earth is safe from air pollution, with only 0.001% of the global population exposed to safe levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The study, which analyzed data from 2000-2019, revealed increasing pollution levels in Southern Asia, Australia, and Latin America.
A virtual care team consisting of physicians and pharmacists improved the adoption of life-saving therapies in patients with heart failure, leading to increased use of evidence-based treatments and better patient outcomes. The strategy was safe and effective, with comparable length of stay and safety events between the groups.
A team of BU School of Public Health researchers will study the cumulative impacts of chemical hazards and climate change on 21 communities surrounding the Mystic River Watershed. They aim to identify solutions that protect vulnerable populations from both chemical and climate stressors.
A school-based wellness initiative led by MUSC's Boeing Center for Children's Wellness has been shown to reduce the average student BMI over time. The program, which targets policy, systems and environmental change, uses evidence-based strategies such as physical activity, nutrition and social-emotional wellness.
A new study found that New York City's Open Streets program, which allocated more public spaces for physical activity and recreation, was associated with higher daily street and sidewalk noise complaints. The researchers also found that census tracts with more affluent populations had more Open Streets segments.
Experts call for a comprehensive review of UK's fire safety regulations to address the environmental and health risks of chemical flame retardants. The chemicals are found in various products, including furniture and building materials, and have been linked to health risks such as cancer and DNA damage.
A Rutgers University study found that nanoscale plastic particles from pregnant rats' food passed to their offspring and may harm fetal development. The research suggests a potential health risk for human children exposed to these plastics through their mothers' diets.
Researchers are developing a deep learning model to predict where waste is accumulating in cities and how often public bins should be cleared. This can help councils optimise their waste management services, schedule bin clearances and relocate rarely used bins.
A new study published in the European Respiratory Journal reports that children's lung capacity has improved in areas with decreased air pollution in Stockholm. The researchers found a 20% lower risk of significantly impaired lung function in participants living in areas with better air quality.
A new UK Biobank study analyzes data on nearly half a million participants and finds that Asian and Black groups have lower all-cause mortality rates compared to White groups. The study also identifies specific risk factors associated with each ethnic group, such as mental health diagnoses for Asians and parasitic diseases for Blacks.
A Keck School of Medicine study found exposure to PFAS, known as 'forever chemicals,' disrupts key biological processes in children and young adults, increasing risk of diseases such as developmental disorders, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. The study highlights the importance of regulating PFAS as a class of chemicals.
A new study finds that a California policy restricting antibiotic use in animals raised for food is associated with a reduction in one type of antibiotic-resistant infection in people. The study suggests that regulations limiting antibiotics in livestock can significantly impact human health.
The metaverse can be used to investigate the effectiveness of large-scale interventions before implementation, saving time and money. It also provides a platform for people with limited access to natural environments to experience green spaces, reducing negative mental health effects.
A large study found that air pollution accelerates bone loss from osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, particularly on the lumbar spine. Nitrogen oxides were identified as a major contributor to this damage.
A study found that BRCA1 mutations increase the risk of malignant mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure. People with this genetic defect are more susceptible to tumor growth due to impaired ferroptosis defense mechanisms.
A new study found that people with large social networks, particularly those with women, are more likely to take action to protect their health during environmental disasters. The research also highlighted the importance of community leaders and local groups in disaster recovery efforts.
A new study found that stroke patients experience a daily rhythm in cerebral blood flow regulation, with greater regulation during afternoon hours compared to morning and night times. This discovery may improve health outcomes by guiding daily activity and personal care during stroke recovery.
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have discovered a possible cause for rare genetic disorders, facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) and arhinia. The toxic protein DUX4, overproduced in FSHD patients, not only kills muscle cells but also prevents the development of the human nose.
Researchers at Kyoto University found distinct patterns of gazing and brain activity in patients with kleptomania when shown relevant environmental cues. These results suggest a similar mechanism to drug addiction, potentially leading to the development of therapeutic treatments.
A study by North Carolina State University found that PFAS chemical GenX and another chemical, PFHxA, can suppress the neutrophil respiratory burst, a method used by white blood cells to kill invading pathogens. The research highlights the potential toxic effects of PFAS on the human immune system.
Researchers found that stevia-based sweeteners cause significantly less environmental impact than sugar, with reduced land use and water consumption. The study provides promising news for the planet's health, but highlights the need for further research on the health impacts of these natural sweeteners.
A recent study has linked high levels of certain chemical pollutants to an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 disease. The research found that individuals with higher blood concentrations of specific pollutants were more likely to become infected and develop the disease.
A recent study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that socioeconomic deprivation and frailty are independently associated with increased late mortality in childhood cancer survivors. The research highlights the importance of policies to improve local environments and access to interventions that may improve health conditions.
Researchers at Rutgers University found that disposable e-cigarettes were more likely sold in specialized stores, while nicotine pouches were available in convenience stores and areas with non-Hispanic white residents. The study suggests that these products are targeted to different audiences and informs potential policy actions.
A study by Brown University researchers found that night shift nursing home staff had significantly lower rates of COVID-19 testing and primary vaccination compared to day shift staff. The study highlights the importance of considering work shifts in designing workplace health interventions.
Researchers have developed a shellac-based coating to improve the gas barrier properties of moulded pulp materials, making them suitable for food packaging. The coating, combined with nanofibrillated cellulose, provides superior water resistance and thermal stability, while preserving environmental sustainability.
Replacing biomass-burning cookstoves in sub-Saharan Africa could save 463,000 lives and $66 billion in health costs. However, adoption has been sluggish due to high upfront costs, with many households unable to afford cleaner alternatives.
A new study found that people in highly walkable neighborhoods are more likely to engage in adequate physical activity and have lower BMIs, but the association differs among Black, Hispanic, and Asian populations. The study highlights persistent inequities in physical activity due to systemic racism and policy barriers.
Researchers developed a new method for measuring indoor air quality using transgenic nematode strains that produce fluorescence when exposed to harmful pollutants. The amount of fluorescence can be measured and used to detect various impurities in the air, including fungal samples, surfactants, and volatile compounds.
Researchers found that electric car adoption in California was associated with real-world reductions in air pollution and asthma-related emergency room visits. The study also highlighted an 'adoption gap' between low-resource zip codes, pointing to opportunities for environmental justice.
Adults living in neighborhoods with dense fast food and unhealthy food environments, known as
A Rutgers researcher has analyzed data from Mexico's Ministry of Health to identify dengue fever hotspots, highlighting areas where severe outbreaks occur. The study found that lower socioeconomic status increases risk of dengue fever and that DENV-2 is the deadliest serotype.
A new study found that Black and Hispanic hairdressers are exposed to a complex mixture of unknown chemicals, many potentially hazardous, and undisclosed on product labels. Researchers used advanced screening techniques to identify these chemicals and found higher levels in hairstylists compared to women working in office jobs.
A recent study found that most US children use makeup and body products containing carcinogens and toxic chemicals like lead, asbestos, and PFAS. The survey of over 200 parents revealed that 79% of children under 12 use these products, with many reporting unintentional ingestion or prolonged exposure.