Articles tagged with Environmental Health
A recent study analyzing Amazon Rainforest fires from 2003-2020 reveals that most fires are caused by uncontrolled human use of fire for agriculture and deforestation. The study found that Brazil accounted for an average of 73% of detected fires, with pasturelands and natural grasslands being the main burned areas.
A study published in The Lancet Public Health found a clear association between tiny air pollution particles and sudden cardiac arrests in Singapore. Researchers identified a short-term effect, with reduced risk of cardiac arrests after exposure to lower PM2.5 concentrations.
Researchers developed a 3D organoid model that mimics human heart development, revealing how low levels of cadmium can block cardiomyocyte formation and induce heart abnormalities. The study supports decades of toxicology research on environmental exposures contributing to human diseases.
A new metric estimates cumulative exposure to PFAS chemicals, enabling comparisons across studies and applications. The calculator takes into account patterns of exposure to multiple chemicals, providing a robust tool for biomonitoring and disease assessment.
A CSU study found that racially segregated communities are exposed to a more concentrated form of air pollution, including toxic metals like lead and cadmium. This disparity is linked to systemic racial injustices and targeted emissions reductions can help reduce exposure.
A new book by Aston University financial regulation expert Dr Daniel Cash proposes a temporary change to the way credit ratings are decided to help poorer countries avoid downgraded ratings and borrow money for vital improvements like healthcare and infrastructure.
Researchers analyzed 30 years of cardiovascular mortality data from the US and UK, finding that lead exposure contributes more to CVD death risks in the US. The study also revealed a steady decline in cardiovascular deaths associated with all environmental factors in both countries.
A recent study reviewed 3299 studies and found no standard tools for measuring the carbon footprint of digital health interventions globally. The researchers emphasize the need for end-to-end systems-based environmental assessments to encourage greener digital healthcare solutions.
A study found that living in a food desert increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and early death for people with PAD. People with PAD living in food deserts were 17% more likely to experience a major cardiac event compared to those with better nutrition access.
Researchers at HKU have developed a novel technique to measure the rotational and translational motion of cell markers with high precision. This breakthrough technology uses single nitrogen-vacancy centers in nanodiamonds to tackle the long-standing challenge in mechanobiology research.
A study from Washington University in St. Louis found that amines used in herbicide formulations volatilize, releasing toxic particles into the atmosphere and affecting climate chemistry. The research highlights the importance of understanding amines' role in atmospheric pollution.
The Annenberg Science and Public Health Knowledge Monitor assesses public knowledge on climate, maternal health, vaccination, and more. The quarterly survey reports aim to highlight strengths and weaknesses in public knowledge and inform public health strategies.
A recent study published in Science of The Total Environment found that many household wells in Nevada are contaminated with heavy metals such as arsenic, which can cause adverse health effects. The study suggests that frequent testing and improved treatment systems are necessary to ensure safe drinking water for rural communities.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) releases a position paper emphasizing the need for policy actions to address climate change, reduce hazardous substance exposure, and promote environmental justice. ACP calls for immediate action to limit global temperature rise and comprehensive efforts to achieve environmental justice.
A pooled data analysis found that workplace exposure to gases, fumes, and aromatic solvents is associated with a decline in lung capacity. Regular check-ups are recommended for workers in these environments to prevent respiratory illness.
The researchers developed a conformable multimodal sensor face mask (cMaSK) with 17 sensors around the edge of the mask that measure capacitance, temperature, humidity, air pressure, and other parameters. The study found that mask fit was significantly worse for women than men due to gender-related differences in face shape and size.
A study by researchers at ICES, Lawson Health Research Institute, and Western University found that virtual care during the pandemic led to significant environmental and patient cost savings. Virtual visits represented approximately 0.2% of total annual carbon dioxide emissions in Ontario and estimated $63 million in patient cost savings.
Researchers highlight climate-sensitive dermatological manifestations initiated or exacerbated by floods, wildfires, and extreme heat events. These events disproportionately affect marginalized populations, exacerbating existing health disparities.
Over 250 health journals globally publish an editorial urging wealthy nations to provide climate justice for Africa, citing severe flooding, increased infectious diseases, and economic devastation. The authors argue that achieving the $100bn climate finance target is now 'globally critical' to forestall systemic risks.
The editorial urges wealthy nations to step up support for Africa and vulnerable countries in addressing past, present, and future impacts of climate change. The climate crisis has destroyed a fifth of the GDP of the most vulnerable countries.
A new NIH study found that frequent use of hair straightening products was associated with a higher risk of uterine cancer, particularly among Black women. The researchers estimated that women who used these products frequently were more than twice as likely to develop uterine cancer compared to those who did not use them.
A recent Indiana University study found that high levels of glyphosate in pregnant women were associated with lower birth weights and higher risk of neonatal intensive care unit admissions. The researchers observed a cohort of 187 pregnant women and detected glyphosate in 99% of their urine samples.
A study found that each 10% increase in natural space is linked to a 7% fall in early deaths among under 65s. Increased availability of natural space within local areas also reduced the disparity in years of life lost between deprived and non-deprived areas.
A study found that Italian regions with high levels of environmental pollution have higher cancer mortality rates, even after controlling for lifestyle factors. The analysis identified specific sources of pollution associated with certain types of cancer, highlighting the need for environmental reduction and prevention to combat cancer.
A new study published in AJIC shows that manual cleaning of reusable medical instruments generates substantial splash, exposing processing personnel and surrounding environment to potentially contaminated fluids. The study emphasizes the importance of engineering controls and appropriate PPE use to reduce contamination risks.
A new study identifies over 57,400 locations across the US as potentially contaminated with PFAS, including industrial facilities and areas where fluorinated firefighting foams have been used. The research team developed a presumptive contamination model to help governments and industries rapidly identify potential exposure sources.
A nationwide Indian study linked high PM2.5 concentrations to increased stroke risk but no excess mortality for heart disease or respiratory illness. The findings suggest that earlier models may have overstated the impact of air pollution in India.
Researchers at Rice University have received National Science Foundation support to speed up the analysis of wastewater for coronaviruses from hours to seconds. The team will develop bioelectric sensors that deliver immediate notice about the presence of viruses like SARS-CoV-2.
Pharmaceutical contamination poses significant risks to ecosystems due to the widespread use of medicines in humans and animals. Researchers emphasize the need for greener drug design, improved wastewater management, and responsible use of drugs.
Researchers discovered that even short-term exposure to diacetyl can cause lung damage when paired with a second insult like the flu. Mice exposed to low-level diacetyl over five consecutive days then infected with flu showed significant impairment of lung function and airway repair.
A Rutgers-led study of over 2,700 pairs of twins found that adolescent alcohol misuse is associated with poorer life satisfaction, physical symptoms, and self-rated health in midlife. The study's findings suggest that teenage drinking may have long-lasting indirect effects on physical health and well-being.
The NTU-developed wind harvester generates a voltage of three volts at wind speeds as low as two meters per second, powering commercial sensor devices. The device can also store excess charge for extended periods in the absence of wind, serving as an alternative to smaller lithium-ion batteries.
A new research paper has demonstrated that psychological factors, such as feeling unhappy or being lonely, add up to 1.65 years to one's biological age, significantly impacting overall health and longevity.
A new study found that ultrafine particle concentration decreased by 48% during the COVID-19 state-of-emergency period due to reduced aviation and road activity. This reduction corresponded with flight activity dropping by 74% and highway traffic volume decreasing by 51%.
Researchers found that air pollutants, particularly fine particles and nitrogen dioxide, increase the risk of COVID-19 hospitalizations up to 30% in vaccinated individuals. Long-term exposure also worsens outcomes, even among those fully vaccinated, highlighting the importance of improving indoor air quality.
The Center for Health Equity Research at NAU has received a $21 million grant from NIH to continue its work on health disparities among diverse populations. The grant will fund dozens of projects over five years, focusing on increasing basic research opportunities and access to resources for underrepresented communities.
A study of 7,109 Americans found small shifts in personality traits between pre-pandemic and 2022, with younger adults showing disrupted maturity. The changes were about one-tenth of a standard deviation and suggest that population-wide stressful events can slightly bend the trajectory of personality.
A new study finds that many major US cities lack clear guidelines for safe lead levels in urban soils, where food is grown. This can lead to exposure risks for consumers, particularly children. Researchers call for federal standards and better access to information to support safer urban agriculture practices.
A University of Washington study found that heat-related mortality is a current environmental public health problem in Washington state, even in temperate areas. The study analyzed deaths from 1980 to 2018 and found significant increases in mortality on days with high humidex values.
Researchers discovered that ancient Maya cities in Mesoamerica were heavily polluted with mercury, contaminating the soil and water. The pollution was caused by the frequent use of mercury and cinnabar paints, powders, and other products, which leached into the environment and pose a potential health hazard today.
A study by Colorado State University found that indoor air contains more known human toxins than outdoor air, particularly when cooking or cleaning. The research, called HOMEChem, identified compounds like benzene, formaldehyde, and acrolein as potential health risks.
Scientists at the University of California San Diego have developed a new biodegradable polyurethane material that can break down in seawater, reducing plastic pollution. The material was tested in marine environments and found to be degraded by microorganisms, which consume the chemicals as nutrients.
A new study led by researchers at UC Berkeley found instances where arsenic levels exceeded regulatory limits for months or years at a time in the Kern Valley State Prison and nearby communities. Long-term exposure to arsenic has been linked to various health concerns, including cancers.
A peer-reviewed study detected PFAS in all 'stain-resistant' school uniforms tested from nine popular brands, with concentrations as high as those in outdoor clothing. The presence of PFAS in school uniforms poses a risk to children's health through skin absorption and inhalation.
A study by Duke University found that one in four Flint residents have PTSD, with rates of depression and PTSD three to five times higher than national estimates. The crisis exacerbated existing mental health problems in the predominantly low-income Black community.
Researchers found that poor infrastructures, low awareness, and unstable funding hinder efforts to implement global guidelines for antimicrobial resistance. The study highlights the need for tailored interventions responsive to local needs.
A new study by Environmental Working Group finds that communities of color in Ventura County are disproportionately exposed to pesticides, threatening their health and well-being. The study analyzed over 340,000 pesticide application records and found that farmworkers and their families face the greatest risk of pesticide exposure.
Researchers found nearly 400 food samples tested positive for organophosphate esters (OPEs) from common flame retardants. Levels were below health risk thresholds but raised concerns about long-term exposure and contamination sources.
A recent study found that Cherokee youth who participated in an educational program connecting them to their history and culture experienced significant benefits to their health. Participants reported lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as increased positive mental health and cultural identity. The study suggests t...
Researchers are developing a serious game, Simulation for Environmental Exposure Education (SE3), to improve middle-school age youth's environmental health literacy. The game focuses on exposure to environmental toxins in the home and aims to increase knowledge and understanding of risks, as well as promote action to reduce them.
A new study found that decarbonization efforts in Texas significantly reduce air pollution-related health effects, offsetting the cost of these efforts. However, Black and low-income communities still face higher levels of air pollution and related health effects.
The Center for Leadership in Environmental Awareness and Research (CLEAR) will investigate toxic mechanisms, exposure pathways, biomarkers, and strategies to prevent exposures. It aims to reduce toxic exposures and improve health outcomes through innovative methods such as phytoscreening and Internet of Things technology.
A new study by Flinders University researchers highlights the critical link between environmental degradation and pandemics, emphasizing the need for urgent ecosystem restoration efforts to aid in COVID-19 recovery. The study suggests that up to 95% of land on Earth will be degraded by 2050 if effective measures are not taken.
A new study found that Native American households in Nevada lack complete indoor plumbing, with an average of 0.67% households affected between 1990-2019. The study also revealed a significant increase in Safe Drinking Water Act violations, with over 20,000 people impacted in 2019.
Researchers found higher total and non-HDL cholesterol levels associated with GenX exposure in a new study. Legacy PFAS chemicals like PFOS and PFNA were most strongly linked to elevated cholesterol, particularly in older participants.
A new study finds that climate data, particularly UV radiation levels, can help accurately model the spread of COVID-19. The research analyzed data from 196 countries and found that high UV radiation levels are strongly associated with reduced COVID-19 transmission rates.
A cap-and-invest strategy to reduce transportation-related carbon emissions could provide substantial health benefits to children in New York City. The study found that prioritizing public transit investments resulted in the most effective strategy, offering 45% more benefits than vehicle electrification.
A small qualitative study found that emergency departments often fail to provide dignified and respectful care to frail older patients, leading to long waits and poor communication. The researchers recommend making healthcare settings more 'frailty friendly' by prioritizing patient comfort and involvement.
A study by Duke-NUS Medical School and collaborators found that cooler ambient temperatures increased the risk of a specific type of myocardial infarction (heart attack) in Singapore. People aged 65 and above were particularly vulnerable to this risk, with a 20% higher risk compared to younger individuals.
Researchers suggest a new approach for regulating genetically engineered (GE) crops by examining the specific characteristics of the crop itself. The '-omics' methods can be used to scan new crop varieties for unexpected DNA changes, eliminating the need for safety testing if the product is substantially equivalent to existing varieties.