Articles tagged with Environmental Health
Research suggests that implementing ATS-recommended air quality standards could prevent tens of thousands of deaths, lung cancer cases, and illnesses. By meeting these standards, the US could avoid an estimated 14,650 deaths, 2,950 lung cancer cases, and 33,000 additional illnesses annually.
Scientists found that male sex hormones prevent stomach inflammation by suppressing immune cells, while females lack this protection. The study suggests treating males with stomach inflammation differently than females.
Researchers found that individuals with asthma living in historically redlined neighborhoods have lower lung function than those in non-redlined areas. This association was independent of race and co-occurring diseases, suggesting that environmental factors play a significant role in worsening asthma outcomes in these communities.
The Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health has established the Jennifer Schlecht Memorial Scholarship to support students pursuing careers in sexual and reproductive health. The scholarship aims to honor Jennifer's memory by providing travel stipends for field experience in fragile settings.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that patients with heart disease are less likely to receive cholesterol-lowering statin prescriptions later in the day, particularly after 12 pm. The odds of prescription decreased progressively throughout the morning and remained low throughout the afternoon.
Researchers developed a modular robot that autonomously adapts to its environment, achieving optimal behavior without a central controller. The robot learned to navigate and maintain behavior even with damage, paving the way for miniaturized robotic materials for various applications.
A three-year study at West Virginia University is exploring the effects of vaping during pregnancy on long-term health outcomes in offspring. The research team has found that vaping can cause a similar dysfunctional response in blood vessels as smoking, leading to potential serious issues.
The intersection of child poverty with race, immigrant status, and environmental threats is a critical issue that affects the health and development of vulnerable populations. Experts discuss the impact of systemic inequalities and environmental toxins on children's well-being.
A USC study found that neighborhoods with poverty and unemployment may pose an environmental risk to children's brains, impacting neurocognitive performance and brain size. The research highlights the importance of neighborhood environments for child and adolescent brain development.
A new study found that short-term air pollution exposure can impair cognitive performance, but taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin can reduce these effects. The study used data from the Normative Aging Study and found that elevated PM2.5 exposure over 28 days was associated with declines in global cognitiv...
A new study from the University of Waterloo discovered that UVC light can neutralize benzalkonium chloride (BAK), a common ingredient in disinfectants, making them safer for humans and the environment. The treatment reduces BAK's toxicity and minimizes its harmful effects on skin and eyes.
A Rutgers University study found that volunteer firefighters have higher levels of 'forever chemicals' in their bodies than the general public. The chemicals, known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are linked to numerous health conditions including cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Using naturalistic driving data, researchers developed random forests models that accurately predicted mild cognitive impairment and dementia with 88% accuracy. The study identified age, trip patterns, and braking events as key predictors of the conditions.
The study found that nearly half of people with asthma closest to the fire were unaware of the pollution problem and unable to take steps to avoid exposure. The incident led to an 80% increased risk of worsened asthma symptoms for those living within a 10-mile radius of the plant.
A comprehensive review of US fatalities linked to methylene chloride paint strippers reveals more deaths than expected, with 85 reported between 1980 and 2018, most in occupational settings. Safer alternatives are available, and experts urge the EPA to limit use and prevent further deaths.
COVID-19 experts argue that close-range inhalation is the primary route of transmission, and that improving indoor ventilation can help reduce aerosol concentrations. Effective masks with high filtration efficiency are also crucial in protecting against inhaled aerosols.
A new study found that granddaughters whose grandmothers were exposed to DDT have higher rates of obesity and earlier first menstrual periods. This may increase the granddaughters' risk for breast cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other cardiometabolic diseases.
A study analyzing over 73 million hospitalizations found that site of delivery is a key factor contributing to racial disparities in maternal mortality. Black women are more likely to die from severe maternal morbidity at birth or immediately after childbirth compared to White and Hispanic women.
A study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found evidence linking pregnant women's exposure to phthalates to slower information processing in their 7.5-month-old infants. Males were more likely to be affected, especially when exposed to certain chemicals and unfamiliar faces.
A small study found that exposure to phthalates and bisphenols, commonly found in plastics, may contribute to lower progesterone levels during pregnancy and an increased likelihood of developing postpartum depression. Reducing exposure to these chemicals could be a potential avenue for preventing postpartum depression.
The study reveals that air pollution in the San Francisco Bay Area causes over 3,000 deaths and 5,500 new childhood asthma cases each year. Health impacts vary dramatically within neighborhoods, with certain areas experiencing a much larger burden.
A study published in the Journal of Public Health Management and Practice finds that the number of preventive medicine physicians is not likely to match population needs in the US. The specialty is aging, with nearly half of physicians over 60 years old, and new trainees are scarce.
A study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers found strong associations between doctors' financial conflicts of interest and the party that hired them when classifying X-rays. The findings suggest a systemic problem with bias among doctors who review chest X-ray images for coal miner's black lung claims.
Research highlights the importance of understanding social factors in preventing knee injuries among girls and women. The study suggests that gendered experiences and environmental influences play a significant role in shaping injury outcomes. Experts urge attention to these topics to improve prevention and management strategies.
Researchers applied Total Worker Health framework to a large Latin American agribusiness, adapting existing tools and training to meet diverse cultural needs. The study found improvements in employee health, safety, and well-being, as well as increased productivity.
A new study suggests that environmental DNA can help better understand which grasses are the worst offenders for outdoor allergens. The research found substantial variability in airborne pollen from different grass species and identified a disproportionate influence of certain grasses on relevant health outcomes.
A new study identifies specific job categories that put workers at risk due to close contact with others. Black workers are especially overrepresented in indoor jobs, while Hispanic workers are overrepresented in outdoor high-proximity jobs.
A new study found that unbalanced progesterone signals may cause preterm labor or prolonged labor in pregnant women. The researchers used genetically engineered mouse models to alter the ratio of PGR-A and PGR-B signaling in the uterus, identifying key biological pathways influenced by both forms.
The mosquito protein AEG12 destabilizes the viral envelope, breaking its protective covering. The findings could lead to therapeutics against viruses affecting millions of people worldwide.
A new study by NYU Abu Dhabi researchers found that individuals with higher sensitivity to visual cues experience more severe motion sickness symptoms in virtual reality. The study suggests personalized device settings and reduced sensory cues can mitigate motion sickness, making VR technology more accessible.
Research shows that airborne pollen can account for 44% of variation in Covid-19 infection rates, with humidity and air temperature also playing a role. High pollen concentrations weaken immune response to viruses, leading to increased respiratory illnesses.
Long-range wildfire smoke is associated with increased hospitalizations for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cardiovascular health outcomes. Local wildfires were found to be protective of residents' health due to evacuation efforts and media coverage.
A new study found that tropical cyclone exposure is associated with a significant rise in hospitalizations among older adults, with a 14% average increase in respiratory diseases and a 4% rise in infectious diseases. Hospitalizations from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) surged 45% following exposure.
Women with breast cancer who consumed non-diet soda five times or more per week were 85% more likely to die from breast cancer. The study also found a 62% higher likelihood of dying from any causes among these patients compared to those who never drank non-diet soda.
A survey of over 8,000 nursing home and assisted living staff in Indiana found that 45% would take a vaccine as soon as it was available, while an additional 24% said they would take it at some point in the future. Concerns about side effects, health risks, and effectiveness were common reasons for not wanting to receive the vaccine.
The project aims to understand the impact of peer recovery coaches on outcomes for individuals in medication-assisted recovery (MAR) housing. It will compare residents with and without peer recovery coaches to those in non-MAR housing, evaluating how culture, services, and camaraderie affect their recovery.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, pandemic-related anxiety and irregular routines were major drivers of increased nicotine and tobacco use. The study highlights the need for better support for quit attempts and harm reduction policies to address this uptick in tobacco use.
Researchers at the University of Trento have discovered that dandelion clocks can trap air when submerged in water, leading to the development of new materials that could be used in underwater operations. The discovery was made by students and professors who were inspired by a observation made by a high school student.
PFAS substances are ubiquitous in the environment, found in soil, water, and wildlife. Research highlights the need for effective management strategies to mitigate potential toxicity to humans and wildlife, with data gaps identified for devising an approach.
The article highlights the need for home battery storage to protect medically vulnerable households during power outages, which can be life-threatening. The researchers argue that clean, reliable emergency backup power is crucial for communities affected by climate change.
Research published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine found that night owls are more likely to experience poor health, insomnia, and social jet lag, leading to underperformance at work. The study also linked evening chronotype to a higher risk of early retirement due to disability.
Research found that jobs classified as skilled trade occupations were most likely associated with heavy drinking, while professional occupations had lower rates. The study used data from 100,817 UK adults aged 40-69 and found associations between occupation and alcohol consumption differed in men and women.
A new method using smartphones offers precise means to gauge food consumption over time, capturing seasonal shifts in diet patterns. The approach has the potential to predict physical well-being and tackle food insecurity affecting two billion people worldwide.
Scientists have discovered rare metals in 24 of 31 products tested, including single-use food packaging and children's toys. The study suggests REEs are ubiquitous and pervasive contaminants of consumer plastics.
A new study by NYU Langone Health found that New York City's subway system has the highest airborne particle concentration, with some stations reaching up to 77 times the typical outdoor air quality. The study measured air quality in 71 stations across four cities and found that even cleaner neighborhoods struggle with pollutants.
A study conducted by Michelle Bell found a concerning imbalance in submissions to a major peer-reviewed journal during the pandemic. Women's submissions increased only 7.9% compared to men's 23.8%, highlighting existing inequities in academia.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health suggests that investing in cycling and walking infrastructure could save up to 770 lives per year across the Northeastern US, with a monetary value of $7.6 billion annually.
A new study found that pregnant women living in areas with high social vulnerability are at increased risk of preterm birth. The CDC's Social Vulnerability Index was used to determine the likelihood of preterm birth, with socioeconomic and household composition themes showing the strongest association.
Neighborhoods historically redlined by racist mortgage practices in the 1930s are more likely to have limited green spaces. This is associated with elevated air pollution, higher rates of poverty, and worse health outcomes for residents. The study highlights the persistent effects of redlining policies on urban neighborhoods.
The CDC will discuss how COVID-19 has impacted Legionnaires' disease incidence and testing, as well as introduce new control tools to reduce the risk of contraction. The conference aims to provide building owners and managers with information and methods to ensure a safe environment for tenants and visitors.
Physical frailty is defined as a state of depleted reserves resulting in increased vulnerability to stressors. A complex systems approach suggests that interventions like physical activity can remedy frailty by addressing dysregulation across multiple interconnected physiological and biological systems.
The article assesses progress in healthcare quality during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on system cohesion and organizational capabilities. It highlights key findings on how to improve healthcare systems and enhance patient care.
A recent study by the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus found that employees in small businesses with strong health and safety climates reported better well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research team distributed a COVID-specific survey to 491 employees from 30 small businesses across Colorado, revealing a positi...
Child care programs in Ohio have shown low COVID-19 infection rates due to clear guidelines, streamlined reporting, and high compliance among workers and families. The study recommends maintaining capacity, developing a supply chain for PPE, standardizing communication, and expanding workforce pipelines.
A national vaccine strategy is crucial to defeating COVID-19, according to Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health. The school recommends setting realistic expectations on vaccine effectiveness and promoting universal health coverage for vulnerable populations.
A new study found that high levels of cadmium are associated with higher death rates in patients with influenza or pneumonia. Long-term exposure to cadmium may undermine lung defense systems, making people more susceptible to severe flu-like symptoms and increased mortality.
A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found a strong association between adverse childhood experiences and juvenile justice system contact. The researchers analyzed data from eleven studies and found that higher ACE scores were associated with increased risk of connection to the juvenile justice system.
More than 230 Indiana nursing homes signed up for a program to improve COVID-19 preparedness, safety and infection control. The ECHO program offers weekly calls for nursing home leaders to discuss best practices and share experiences.
A panel of experts developed guidelines for accurate determination of death in mountain rescue situations, taking into account the challenges of remote environments. Definitive signs of death include dependent lividity, rigor mortis, and decapitation, but absence of vital signs is not definitive.
A recent study by Oregon Health & Science University researchers found that NBA teams perform significantly better at home due to the alignment of their internal body clock with the new time zone. This is attributed to disruptions in sleep quality caused by traveling across time zones, which can impact accuracy and impair performance.