Articles tagged with Environmental Health
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.
A new study found that exposure to diesel exhaust fumes had more pronounced effects on females than males, with changes in blood components related to inflammation, infection, and cardiovascular disease. The research involved ten healthy volunteers who breathed filtered air and polluted air at varying concentrations.
A study found melamine and cyanuric acid in nearly all pregnant participants' samples, with higher levels in women of color and those with greater tobacco exposure. Regulatory action is needed to limit exposure to these carcinogenic chemicals.
A new study by Trinity College Dublin researchers shows that water fluoridation has the lowest environmental impact among community-level caries prevention programmes, offering a sustainable solution to prevent dental decay. The study also highlights its cost-effectiveness and ability to reduce disability-adjusted life years.
A study published in PLOS ONE demonstrates that adding two 8-inch rubber bands to a surgical mask can improve its protective seal against particle exposure to N-95 levels. Thirty-one of 40 test subjects achieved modified masks that passed an N95 fit test, with improved results over time.
ORNL researchers have won seven 2022 R&D 100 Awards for their advancements in materials science, machine learning, and energy storage. DuAlumin-3D, a high-strength aluminum alloy, and Gremlin, an AI system to identify weaknesses in machine learning models, are among the winning technologies.
A new study predicts that record-breaking heat waves will become more frequent in places like North America and Europe by 2100. The research suggests that even if countries meet the Paris Agreement goal of limiting warming to 2°C, dangerous heat stress could double by 2100 in the tropics.
Research suggests that regular physical activity is linked to a lower risk of COVID-19 infection and severity, including hospital admission and death. Adults who engaged in at least 500 MET minutes per week had a significant reduction in risk, with the highest protective effect observed at this threshold.
Researchers found that oil spill cleanup workers were 60% more likely to be diagnosed with asthma or experience asthma symptoms one to three years after the spill. The study linked specific chemicals, including BTEX-H, to increased asthma risk.
A new study finds that early childhood lead exposure is associated with lower test scores among all children, with non-Hispanic Black children facing greater risks due to residential segregation. The research highlights the compounding effect of environmental and structural racism on childhood outcomes.
Research by Duke University finds that black children exposed to lead have lower test scores, with effects exacerbated in racially segregated neighborhoods. Lead-based paint, aging pipes, and living near polluting sources contribute to environmental contamination, narrowing the achievement gap among minority groups.
Researchers studied the impact of withholding nitrous oxide on labor pain and found no adverse outcomes for mothers or children. Opioid use increased significantly but no change in other measures such as epidural use or Caesarean section rates were observed.
Researchers at UNH will develop and test social assistive robots to aid in the care of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia in their own homes. The robots will be equipped with smart home devices, artificial intelligence, and wearables to track patients' activity levels and health management.
Researchers from Keck School of Medicine found a strong association between PFOS exposure and liver cancer risk, with the strongest link seen in the top 10% of PFOS exposure. The study suggests that PFOS may disrupt normal liver function, leading to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and increased risk of liver cancer.
Two OU research groups received nearly $2 million in funding to develop new surveillance methods and predict the next avian influenza pandemic. The projects focus on integrating data from multiple sources to detect early signals of disease spread.
The article highlights six strategies for addressing climate-related health inequities, including adopting standards for sociopolitical constructs and centering marginalized community voices. Researchers emphasize the importance of dismantling structural racism, environmental justice efforts, and effective communication strategies.
A recent Oregon State University study found that people living in socioeconomically deprived neighborhoods are 20% less likely to conceive compared to those in more resourceful areas. The study analyzed data from over 6,300 individuals and found a significant association between neighborhood disadvantage and lower fertility rates.
Researchers found that lactating mothers expose their pups to triclosan, leading to early signs of liver damage that can progress to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Exposure to triclosan in early life may lay the groundwork for future development of fatty liver disease.
Studies found that commuting by car results in larger concentrations of pollutants for people inside the vehicle compared to walkers or cyclists. Exercise through walking or cycling has well-known health benefits and improves air quality.
A leadership program called Advancing Leadership in Times of Crisis (ALTC) has increased knowledge and understanding of leadership concepts among public health professionals in Puerto Rico. The program, developed by Impactivo, aims to 'evolve and adapt' to the needs of the public health workforce, with extremely high levels of satisfac...
A new study estimates that exposure to PFAS chemicals may result in $5.5-63 billion in lifetime health costs due to conditions like low birth weight, childhood obesity, kidney cancer, and hypothyroidism. The study supports the EPA's decision to lower safe allowable levels of these substances.
A cross-sectional study found that the elderly's daily step count and physical activity level are strongly influenced by the number of places they visit, not just their out-of-home time. The researchers suggest that encouraging outings to diverse locations can be a healthier approach than simply going for longer periods.