Articles tagged with Environmental Health
A nationwide analysis found that local increases in green vegetation could have prevented between 34,000-38,000 deaths among adults 65 and older in large US metropolitan areas. The study also showed a significant increase in overall greenness in metro areas over the past two decades.
Researchers at Nagoya University developed a device combining an air-curtain and LED irradiation to inactivate viruses in close environments. The technology blocks exhaled air and destroys virus particles, inactivating 99.9% of COVID-19 particles.
Researchers from Korea Maritime and Ocean University have developed a way to synthesize high-performance functionally graded materials with minimized defects. By controlling the mixing gradient of component materials, they improved mechanical properties and eliminated interfacial cracks.
Researchers explored potential policies to reduce nitrogen loss while protecting farmers' bottom lines. The study found that a nitrogen leaching fee policy showed the best outcome, with estimated cost savings of $524 million per year.
The Lancet report states that air pollution, water pollution, and chemical pollution are responsible for nine million deaths globally. Despite declining mortality from traditional pollution, industrial pollution has increased over the past two decades, offsetting these gains.
A new study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers suggests that eliminating air pollution emissions from energy-related activities in the United States would prevent over 50,000 premature deaths each year. The study also found that this action could provide more than $600 billion in benefits annually from avoided illness and d...
A recent study by UT Southwestern Medical Center confirmed that sarin nerve gas is the underlying cause of Gulf War illness, a condition affecting thousands of veterans. The research found that a specific gene variant modulates the risk of developing GWI symptoms after exposure to sarin.
Researchers measured biomarkers of azoxystrobin in pregnant women and young children, revealing widespread exposure and transfer to embryos. The study found that the fungicide can cross the placenta and enter the developing brain of mouse embryos.
An analysis found that government websites often understate PFAS health risks, failing to address the needs of highly exposed populations. The study recommends improved communication from agencies and non-governmental organizations to provide accurate and practical guidance for those affected.
A new NIH-funded study will investigate the effects of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) on infant and childhood immunity, filling a knowledge gap in SVOC health impacts. The research aims to identify specific SVOCs or mixtures that impair immune function, which could lead to new preventive measures and interventions.
A new study from McGill University finds that people living near regions prone to wildfires may have a higher incidence of lung cancer and brain tumors. Exposure to carcinogenic wildfire pollutants on a chronic basis increases the risk of certain cancers, according to researchers.
Surgeons-in-training suggest reducing waste, switching to reusable devices and gowns, optimizing OR energy use, and delivering care via telemedicine to lower climate impact. Implementing these changes can help extend patient lifespan and expand access to timely care while addressing climate change.
A new study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that neighborhood poverty and crowding are associated with higher rates of COVID-19 in pregnancy. Researchers analyzed data from over 5,991 pregnant patients and found disparities in SARS-CoV-2 positivity among different racial and ethnic groups.
A new study finds that many children's products, including those labeled as water- or stain-resistant, contain harmful PFAS chemicals. The research highlights the need for stricter safety standards in green certifications and retailer accountability to prevent toxic chemical pollution.
A study by American Chemical Society researchers reveals that 54 of the 93 surveyed items contained fluorine, an indicator of PFAS. The team found that 19 products had precursor compounds that can be transformed into highly stable perfluoroalkyl acids, which are linked to various health issues.
A new study published by The Endocrine Society suggests that exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and phthalates may impair bone health in male teenagers. Researchers analyzed urine and blood samples from over 800 adolescents, finding an association between certain PFAS and phthalates and reduced bone mineral density.
An anti-idling campaign at two elementary schools reduced idling time by 38% and improved air quality, according to a study published in the Atmosphere journal. The campaign, which involved teachers and parents, also found localized pollution hotspots around schools caused by car emissions.
A Rutgers study found that nontraditional 9/11 emergency workers are more than five times as likely to have considered suicide, with 12.5% expressing suicidal ideation compared to 2.2% of traditional first responders. Factors contributing to this disparity include inadequate training and financial hardship.
Experts propose a consensus approach to address the impact of forest fires on human health. The method emphasizes controlled burns as a tool to reduce explosive wildfires and improve forest health. The approach also prioritizes inclusivity in decision-making, particularly for populations disproportionately affected by smoke exposure.
Researchers found that Australian native rushes, including Phragmites australis, can significantly remove PFAS chemicals from contaminated surface water. The study used floating wetlands as a mechanism for plants to grow hydroponically and showed a 42-53% removal of legacy PFAS contaminants.
A study of over 25,000 medical graduates found that gay, lesbian, and bisexual students perceive their medical school learning environments as less favorable, leading to increased burnout. The findings highlight the need for improved support systems and inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ students in medical education.
A Boston University study found that living in areas with more greenery may boost cognitive function, particularly in middle-aged women. The research suggests that exposure to greenspace could improve processing speed and attention, as well as reduce depression, a risk factor for dementia.
A new study systematically reviews data on PFAS exposure and liver damage, linking three commonly detected PFAS to elevated levels of a liver enzyme, ALT. The research suggests a potential link between PFAS and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a growing public health crisis affecting 25% of adults worldwide.
A new study by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators found that adult vaccination rates and social determinants of health impacted children's mental health during the pandemic. Stress surrounding the pandemic decreased in children after vaccinations were rolled out for adults in December 2020.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that living near fast food restaurants increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The research, conducted in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, linked cross-sectional health data with environment mapping surveys to examine the associations between the density and proximity of healthy and unhea...
A new study examines childhood obesity disparities within integrated and segregated schools, finding larger gaps between Latino, Black, and Filipino children compared to White children. The study suggests that school segregation fosters obesogenic conditions disproportionately affecting these groups.
A recent study found that microplastics in the ocean can carry land-based parasites, such as Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia, which can infect humans and animals. The researchers used laboratory experiments to test whether these pathogens could associate with plastics in seawater.
Researchers found six cases of drug-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus infection linked to environmental spores. The fungus, common in soil and compost, has become resistant to antifungal drugs due to agricultural use, posing a growing threat to lung health.
A Drexel University study found that individuals with a stronger connection to nature had more varied diets and higher fruit and vegetable consumption. This link could inform health promotion practices and urban planning initiatives.
Exposure to certain air pollutants is associated with a greater likelihood of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. The study found a significant link between traffic-related pollutants and COVID-19 infection risk, suggesting that improving air quality may have public health benefits.
Researchers created two scales to measure factors related to time spent in nature, finding correlations between TSN and self-efficacy, intentions, and age. The study aims to inform future interventions to increase outdoor activities among adults.
A new study has found higher levels of silica dust in the lung tissue of contemporary coal miners compared to previous generations, providing a rationale for the Mine Safety and Health Administration to develop a more protective occupational standard for silica. The study suggests that changing mining practices, which generated more si...
A WVU researcher has developed new statistical methods for assessing airborne exposure to oil spill workers, allowing for more accurate estimates and consideration of undetectable levels. This research has significant implications for understanding the health effects of oil spills on workers.
Research finds that historically redlined neighborhoods are burdened by excess oil and gas wells, leading to increased air and water pollution, noise, and stress. The study reveals a link between these exposure disparities and persistent social inequities in community environmental health.
A survey of over 2,500 dog owners found that nutritionally sound vegan diets were associated with better health outcomes for dogs compared to raw or conventional meat diets. The study controlled for various factors and suggested that a well-planned vegan diet may be the healthiest choice for canines.
Traffic-related air pollution contributes to high rates of asthma prevalence in Mott Haven and Port Morris, with significant increases in congestion in mixed-use areas and at night. The study's findings highlight the need for measures to mitigate environmental health impacts of traffic congestion.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found a correlation between household income, building age, and proximity to former lead smelters with elevated blood-lead levels in children. The study highlights environmental justice issues that disproportionately affect low-income and minority populations in Philadelphia.
A study revealed a negative correlation between living in areas with low residential greenspace and lower depressive symptoms among people with spinal cord injury. The findings have implications for urban planning and public policy, highlighting the need to understand how community environment factors influence quality of life.
A recent study by CityU researchers found that clothes dryers are a significant source of airborne microfibers, with some releasing up to 40 times more than washing machines. The team suggests installing filtration systems in dryer vents to mitigate this environmental concern.
A recent study from Oregon State University found that Oregonians are more likely to perceive environmental and public health risks than potential financial gains from natural gas export. The study surveyed 500 adults and found that those with higher education, younger adults, women, people of color, and liberal or moderate political v...
A new study developed by Jenna Krall predicts air pollution model performance in health studies, improving their accuracy. The approach helps determine whether air pollution prediction models can be used in epidemiologic studies, assessing health effects.
Researchers found that metal concentrations were particularly elevated in CWSs serving semi-urban, Hispanic communities, highlighting environmental justice concerns. Arsenic, barium, chromium, selenium, and uranium concentrations were also disproportionately elevated.
A new study found that infant monkeys conceived while their mothers were exposed to wildfire smoke showed increased inflammation, memory deficits, and a more passive temperament compared to those conceived later. The effects suggest that some component of wildfire smoke can act as a teratogen, affecting fetal development.
A new study found that the health impacts of 2020 lockdowns varied across three European cities, with physical activity levels declining by up to 95% and resulting in increased diagnoses of heart attacks, strokes, depression, and anxiety. In contrast, decreases in air pollution and noise had positive effects on health.
Experts recommend an integrated approach to reduce the impacts of fracking on wildlife and human health. This includes protecting vulnerable populations, ecosystems, and regions underrepresented in decision-making processes.
A study found that most face masks tested contained low or negligible levels of PFAS, except for a firefighter mask with potentially hazardous levels. Researchers estimate that regular wear of surgical and N95 masks does not pose a risk, but extended use of the firefighter mask could cause health problems.
A study of 749 European cities found nearly 60 million adults subjected to unhealthy vehicle-generated noise, with compliance to WHO guidelines potentially preventing 3,600 annual deaths from ischaemic heart disease. Over 11 million adults were highly annoyed by road traffic noise, leading to increased stress and health problems.
A new study reveals that American Indian communities are less likely to benefit from recent downward trends in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations in the US. Average PM2.5 concentrations were higher in AI-populated counties compared to non-AI populated counties by 2018, contrary to previous declines.
According to a systematic review of over 16 million young people from 25 countries, children with disabilities experience higher rates of violence, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. The study highlights the urgent need for collaborative efforts to raise awareness and strengthen prevention efforts.
A study of over 7,000 adolescents found that consuming a high-quality diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, was associated with significantly lower wheezing odds among those exposed to environmental tobacco smoke. This suggests that targeted public health interventions focused on improving access to higher quality foods may be effectiv...
The Philadelphia Regional Center for Children's Environmental Health aims to identify and protect vulnerable communities from environmental exposures. The center will focus on four primary research areas: asthma prevention, lead exposure, air pollution, and endocrine disrupting chemicals.
A study of over 3,000 mother-child pairs from six European countries found an association between prenatal bisphenol A exposure and increased risk of asthma and wheezing in school-age girls. The study revealed a high prevalence of BPA in maternal urine during pregnancy.
Research led by Imperial College London estimates that higher cigarette taxes could have averted around 182,000 newborn deaths and 231,000 child deaths under one year old in 2018. The study found that increasing tobacco taxes in low- and middle-income countries can reduce neonatal and infant mortality rates.
The Wilderness Medical Society has published evidence-based guidelines for anaphylaxis treatment in remote areas. The guidelines recommend administering intramuscular epinephrine as the primary prehospital treatment, while also discussing prevention strategies such as extracting additional epinephrine from autoinjectors and using expir...
A study found that people living within 300 meters of green spaces have a 16% lower risk of ischemic stroke. The researchers suggest that the current European Union air pollution limits for nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter need to be reconsidered due to the direct relationship between exposure to these pollutants and stroke risk.
A panel study in Beijing found a consistent, robust increase in fasting blood glucose levels after exposure to ultrafine particles (UFPs). The research suggests potential biological pathways, including pro-opiomelanocortin processing and regulation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 A function.
A new study from the Healthy Nevada Project found associations between genetics, childhood trauma, and adult obesity. Participants with specific genetic traits and who experience childhood traumas are more likely to suffer from adult obesity. The study suggests that understanding the interplay between genes and environment can help pro...
A recent study published in Environmental Research found a significant association between air pollution and low birth weight in Israel. The study, which analyzed data from over 380,000 births, revealed that mothers who were underweight or of lower socioeconomic status were more vulnerable to exposure to air pollution.
Researchers propose a framework that considers interactions between social, genetic, and environmental factors to inform COVID-19 studies. The work highlights the importance of integrating these factors to determine health risks, particularly in vulnerable populations.
A landmark study published in JAMA reveals that hurricanes and tropical cyclones in the US are associated with increased deaths from various causes, including injuries, infectious diseases, and cardiovascular conditions. The study analyzed 33.6 million death records and found a significant increase in mortality rates after tropical cyc...