Articles tagged with Environmental Health
The Wilderness Medical Society has developed clinical practice guidelines for reducing tick-borne illness, emphasizing low-risk interventions in resource-limited settings. Lyme disease accounts for nearly 70% of reported cases, with other TBIs like anaplasmosis and spotted fever rickettsiosis also on the rise.
A new study found that reducing vehicle emissions since 2008 has resulted in a significant drop in deaths due to air pollution, with estimated social benefits of $270 billion in the US. Passenger light-duty vehicles, such as SUVs and pickup trucks, continue to contribute a substantial amount of air pollution in major metropolitan areas.
A new Rutgers study found that the use of hair products like hair dyes, bleach, relaxers, and mousse is associated with lower levels of sex steroid hormones in pregnant women. Disruptions to these hormones may contribute to adverse maternal and pregnancy outcomes. Socioeconomic variables also influence personal care product use among p...
A new study ranks live oaks and American sycamores as champions among 17 "super trees" that can mitigate air pollution and climate change in urban areas. The research provides a three-part framework for selecting suitable trees, identifying high-impact planting sites, and engaging with community leadership to make the project a reality.
A large population study from Lund University found that a sustainable diet is associated with lower risks of premature death. The EAT-Lancet diet, which emphasizes whole grains, vegetables, and pulses, was linked to a 25% lower risk of total mortality and specific causes like cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Hospitalized COVID-19 patients with chronic exposure to higher particulate matter had increased risks for ICU admission and death. Chronic air pollution exposure was associated with an 11% higher risk of mortality and a 13% higher risk of ICU admission.
Seasonal air pollution may contribute to asthma emergency department visits even in areas with generally low pollutant levels. The study used Bayesian time-stratified case-crossover models to examine associations between air pollution and asthma seasons.
The study found that the ban of heating oil #6 was effective in reducing fine particles, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide levels in NYC. The reductions were independent of other sources of air pollution, suggesting a significant impact on public health outcomes.
A recent study found that nearly a quarter of home health care workers rate their general health as fair or poor, with 1 in 5 reporting poor mental health. Factors contributing to poorer health include low household income, cost barriers, and history of depression.
A $19 million research project will investigate the connection between grazing management decisions and soil health, aiming to improve soil resilience and productivity. The project, led by Noble Research Institute, will provide farmers and ranchers with tools to measure outcomes of soil health in grazing land environments.
A study found that spaceflight alters liver gene expression and reduces antioxidant capacity in mice, leading to increased oxidative stress. However, exposure to artificial gravity can mitigate some of these effects, suggesting potential for dietary supplementation to offset changes during spaceflight.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that eating during the nighttime can lead to glucose intolerance due to a misalignment between central and peripheral circadian clocks. In contrast, limiting meals to the daytime maintains internal circadian alignment and prevents glucose intolerance in shift workers.
Women living in neighborhoods with more green space experienced fewer PMS symptoms, including anxiety, depression, difficulty sleeping, and breast tenderness. Long-term exposure to green space was found to have beneficial effects on psychological symptoms of PMS.
A UC Riverside-led study found that dicyclohexyl phthalate, a common plasticizer, increases plasma cholesterol levels by binding to the pregnane X receptor, or PXR. The study suggests that PXR activation contributes to the harmful effects of plastic-associated chemicals on cardiovascular health.
A new study uses a microspectroscopic technique to measure micro- and nano-sized plastics in steam-disinfected silicone-rubber baby bottle nipples. The research found that these fine particles can be released into the environment and ingested by babies, posing health risks.
Researchers have discovered that ulvan extracted from marine algae can prevent the infection of cells with the Corona virus. The study suggests that this cheap and accessible natural material may help solve the global spread of the pandemic in developing countries without access to vaccines.
The report reveals that electronic waste generated in the region rose by 50% between 2010 and 2019, with only 3.2% collected and safely managed. The regional e-waste total jumped from 1.7 Mt to 2.5 Mt, with Russia generating the most e-waste.
A new study found that days of extreme heat were associated with a higher risk of emergency department visits among adults aged 18-64, compared to adults over 75. Younger adults and middle-aged individuals faced the highest risk, particularly those between 45-54 years old.
Researchers developed a new live cell quantitative analysis of ER dynamics using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) to study the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals on gene expression. The method enables faster and more accurate testing of larger numbers of compounds, revealing complex dynamics between receptor mob...
A new study demonstrates the importance of supply-side enhancements to increase clean fuel consumption in sub-Saharan Africa. Supply-side interventions such as shortening distances to retail points and improving access to multi-burner stoves are found to be crucial for accelerating growth of the clean cooking market.
Researchers at Michigan State University are developing wearable devices to track air pollution exposure, providing unprecedented data on air quality over space and time. The devices will help inform policies and interventions to protect vulnerable populations from the health impacts of air pollution.
Extreme heat events are associated with a greater risk of death from ischemic heart disease, stroke, and heart failure. Preventive strategies aim to reduce hyperthermia and dehydration to minimize cardiovascular risk during extreme heat events.
The HEALthy Brain and Child Development study will enroll 7,500 pregnant mothers and their infants at 25 US sites. The findings will provide insight into how environmental exposures, such as poverty and maternal stress, affect brain development from birth to age 10.
Researchers found that COVID-19 mortality rates were significantly lower in rural Bangladesh compared to other countries, with only 276 deaths reported between February and October 2020. This contrasted with a 10% increase in urban areas. The study suggests that the region's unique circumstances may have contributed to this outcome.
A new study found that police officers routinely experience conflict over their roles, with many characterizing it as the most stressful part of their work. The study identified two primary reasons for this incoherence: poorly aligned operational processes and incompatible public expectations.
A study by Colorado State University found that singing produces 77% more aerosols than talking, with older males emitting the most particles. The study's findings suggest that measuring carbon dioxide levels and noise levels can be used to gauge transmission risk in enclosed spaces.
A new study suggests that UK plant-based alternative food consumption has nearly doubled over the past decade, with younger generations and women being more likely to adopt this diet. The research found that plant-based milks were the most popular among the UK population, followed by vegan sausages and vegetable burgers.
Researchers at East Carolina University have discovered a new way to detect SARS-CoV-2 by testing air passing through building ventilation systems. The method revealed the presence of the virus in air samples with high accuracy, potentially leading to earlier detection and reduced transmission.
Pollution has been linked to nine million deaths worldwide in 2019, with five million due to cardiovascular disease. The researchers emphasize the need for individual physicians to consider pollution as a risk factor when treating patients, and advocate for government-supported interventions to reduce exposure.
A new Digital Solutions Hub will provide a gateway to interconnected toolkits and resources, integrating existing data sources on pollution, flooding, biodiversity, geology, carbon capture, and environmental health. The hub aims to improve decision-making by providing cross-sectional data for informed decisions in various sectors.
High air pollution exposure worsens COPD patients' quality of life, while living far from green spaces also reports negative effects. Access to blue and green spaces improves mental and physical health through increased physical activity.
A global study reveals that reducing nitrogen compounds' contribution to PM2.5 air pollution is the most cost-effective measure to improve public health, with a cost of $1.5 per kg of NH3-N compared to $6.9 per kg for NOx-N abatement.
A study found that built environment, green spaces, and air pollution impact children's cognitive and motor function. Exposure to greenness during pregnancy was associated with higher verbal abilities, while connectivity and land use diversity were linked to lower verbal abilities.
A new study reveals that consumption in G20 nations causes significant premature deaths worldwide, particularly among infants and elderly populations. The research estimates that the lifetime consumption of 28 people in G20 nations will result in one person's premature death.
Researchers found an association between prenatal PFAS exposure and late-onset preeclampsia, suggesting toxic effects outside placental development. The study analyzed data from pregnant women at Brigham and Women's Hospital, revealing a correlation between PFAS chemicals and the condition.
A new study found that exposure to particulate matter pollution and social factors such as race and socioeconomic status contribute to higher rates of community acquired pneumonia in children. Researchers used satellite data to identify high- and low-risk areas for the disease, highlighting the need for policy adjustments.
A recent study found that popular US fast food items contain widespread amounts of phthalates and other plasticizers, which are linked to serious health problems. Consumers can reduce exposure by switching to mostly home-cooked meals.
A new UC Davis study aims to better understand the risks of chemicals in household dust on children's health. The researchers will track over 80 chemicals in dust and collect urine samples from children to measure their exposure.
Researchers analyzed primary sludge from a Connecticut wastewater treatment plant, revealing trends in pandemic-related chemicals like hydroxychloroquine. The study found increases in drugs of abuse and antidepressants, as well as seasonal changes in sunscreen chemicals.
Researchers found that population density and long-term exposure to air pollution were the two factors most significantly correlated with COVID-19 transmission rates. Disproportionately affecting communities with more minority residents, these factors were identified through computer modeling and analysis of data from 12 metropolitan a...
Nurses who worked in operating rooms for 15 or more years are at increased risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Long-term exposure to surgical smoke and disinfectants can lead to a higher risk of COPD.
A study found that climate change is favoring the spread of West Nile Virus in Europe by creating favorable conditions for mosquitoes and the virus. Warmer winters allow infected mosquitoes to survive, spreading the virus earlier and increasing disease outbreaks.
A Stanford University study found higher levels of air pollutants within 2.5 miles of oil and gas wells, likely worsening negative health outcomes for nearby residents. The research reveals that wells emit toxic particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and ozone, posing a risk to residents' health.
A team of scientists has developed an air sampling surveillance system that can detect COVID-19 in indoor environments, producing a higher detection rate compared to surface swab samples. The system's potential for early warning of infection risks makes it valuable in hospitals and nursing homes.
A study by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health found that 62% of Europeans live in areas with less than recommended green space, leading to 42,968 premature deaths. The study suggests that European cities should focus on reclaiming urban land for green spaces and implementing nature-based solutions.
Researchers developed a novel machine learning algorithm to identify previously unknown air pollutant mixtures linked to poor asthma outcomes in children. The study found that early exposure to individual and mixed pollutants can lead to longer-term problems with asthma, affecting about seven percent of US children.
A new study finds that air pollution is responsible for 1.1 million deaths across Africa in 2019, with household air pollution accounting for 700,000 fatalities. The study also reveals that air pollution is costing African countries billions in gross domestic product and hindering the intellectual development of children.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated plastic pollution, with global waste generation increasing by twice the amount in 2020 compared to 2019. To address this issue, researchers advocate for a transition to novel sustainable practices and technologies, including biodegradable plastics and efficient recycling processes.
A large national study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that long-term exposure to permissible concentrations of air pollution increases mortality risk, particularly among elderly people and those living in lower-income areas. The study suggests current air pollution limits are inadequate to protect vulnerable groups.
A new study found that outdoor nature-based activities are effective for improving mental health in adults, including those with pre-existing mental health problems. Activities lasting 20-90 minutes sustained over 8-12 weeks led to improved mood and reduced anxiety.
A study by Portland State University found that household car ownership correlates with better self-reported health, while bus or paratransit use is associated with poorer health. The researchers also discovered that having fewer vehicles per individual in the household increases the likelihood of reporting poor physical health.
Health professionals can influence change through simple behavioral choices and introducing climate discussions, while also making healthcare more sustainable. The BMJ calls for both individual action and organizational responsibility to address the climate crisis.
A recent study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that exposure to low levels of organophosphate esters can harm brain development in children, affecting IQ, attention, and memory. The chemicals, used as flame retardants and plasticizers in electronics and baby products, have been widely misassumed to be safe.
The USC Environmental Health Sciences Research Center has received a five-year, $8 million NIH grant to continue its research on reducing diseases caused by environmental exposures. The center conducts research on various topics including air pollution, climate change, and health disparities.
A new study estimates that over 3 billion people worldwide will still mainly use polluting fuels like wood and charcoal by 2030. This disproportionately affects Sub-Saharan Africa, where the number of people using these fuels is growing rapidly.
A new study reveals that while Western US wildfires contribute more health problems, they affect a greater number of people in the Eastern US due to higher smoke concentrations. The researchers estimated 6,300 extra deaths annually from long-term smoke exposure, with most occurring in populous states.
A massive review of nearly 300 studies found strong associations between greenspaces near homes and schools and improved physical activity and mental health outcomes in kids. Exposure to nature, particularly for disadvantaged populations, offers greater health benefits by counteracting poverty's toxic effects.
An analysis by the University of Basel has revealed that mercury enters seawater primarily through gas exchange, not rainfall. The study found that approximately half of the mercury in the ocean originates from gaseous emissions, rather than precipitation.
A comprehensive review finds that cruise ships cause major environmental pollution and degradation, as well as physical and mental health risks for passengers, staff, and land-based residents. The study highlights the need for global legislation to minimize damage on both oceans and human health.
A special issue of PLOS Medicine explores the social determinants of child and adolescent health, including poverty, pollution, and violence. The studies focus on the intersection of child health and challenging environments, highlighting urgent redirective strategies to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals.