Articles tagged with Environmental Health
Researchers found a significant increase in male fetal losses following the 9/11 attacks, with fewer boys born in December 2001. The study suggests that psychological shock from the event may have threatened the lives of male fetuses across the US.
Researchers at Stanford University present an environment-wide association study (EWAS) to examine the contributions of hundreds of environmental factors in Type 2 diabetes. They found strong associations with pesticide derivatives and certain nutrients, suggesting a potential protective role.
Researchers found that WTC workers had decreased sensitivity to odors and irritants, with nearly 75% experiencing impaired ability to detect irritants. The study suggests regular evaluation of sensory function is crucial for WTC responders and workers with pollutant exposures.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found a connection between exposure to organophosphate pesticides and symptoms of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children. The research, which focused on 1,139 children from the general U.S. population, measured pesticide levels in their urine and found that exposure to common ...
Researchers observed 40 doctors over 210 hours in an emergency department, finding that interruptions led to shorter task completion times and a fifth of tasks were not resumed. Interruptions occurred most frequently during documentation and direct care.
A new antifouling substance, medetomidine, has been shown to cause paler fish by affecting their skin cells containing dark pigment. The research also found that the substance can impair a fish's ability to break down environmental toxins and affect its liver function.
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that traumatic experiences alter genes involved in stress response and immune system, leading to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study identified six to seven times more unmethylated genes in individuals with PTSD, most related to the immune system.
A new center will use a community-based approach to reduce cardiovascular disease risk among Latinos in East Los Angeles, where obesity-related chronic diseases are prevalent. The study will examine the role of acculturation and food environment on cardiovascular disease, with interventions targeting family and neighborhood environments.
A recent survey of e-cigarette users found that the devices are helpful in quitting smoking for most people. However, respondents expressed concerns about potential health risks and the lack of regulation surrounding e-cigarettes. The study highlights the need for further research on the efficacy and safety of e-cigarettes.
The University of Iowa Superfund Research Program has received a five-year, $16 million grant to investigate the health impacts of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in water, soil, and air. The program will also explore novel clean-up methods using plants.
A recent NIH-led interagency group report highlights 11 key categories of diseases affected by climate change, including respiratory problems, mental health issues, and cardiovascular disease. The report provides a starting point for federal research to better understand the impact of climate change on human health.
A Columbia University study found prenatal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can reduce children's reasoning ability and intelligence at age 5. PAHs are released from fossil fuels and other combustion sources, making air pollution a widespread concern.
A new study published in Archives of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery reveals that the relative importance of genetic factors in tinnitus is low. The research found that environmental factors account for 89% of tinnitus variance, with only 11% attributed to genetic effects.
A new study published in the journal Obesity found that medical and allied health professions need to present a balanced view of obesity causes and treatment when training young professionals. This approach resulted in significant reductions in obesity prejudice. The research suggests that health educators should deliver convincing, ba...
Researchers at Indiana University have found that the world's largest antimony mine has extremely high levels of antimony in its water, making it a significant source of environmental pollution. The study's lead author notes that antimony is an emergent contaminant and people have not paid enough attention to it.
A team of researchers identified a human enzyme, myeloperoxidase, that can break down carbon nanotubes, reducing their unhealthful effects. The study also found that neutrophils can be directed to attack specific nanotubes, opening the door to novel drug delivery and natural biodegradation.
A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that exposure to phenols, phthalates, and phytoestrogens may disrupt the timing of pubertal development in girls. High exposure to certain chemicals was associated with early breast development, while others were linked to delayed puberty.
Researchers have discovered that traces of medicines can be found in fish swimming in treated wastewater. Elevated levels of the hormone levonorgestrel were found in fish blood, leading to infertility. The study highlights the impact of synthetic hormones on fish reproduction and calls for more environmentally friendly alternatives.
Researchers found that environmental chemicals form a complex cocktail, leading to greater toxicity than individual chemicals. The EU recommends implementing guidelines for managing the chemical cocktail effect to assess risks to humans and the environment.
Air and water pollution in China pose significant health risks, with indoor air pollution from solid fuels responsible for millions of premature deaths. The country has made some progress in reducing industrial waste and improving access to piped water, but more efforts are needed to address the issue.
A University of Minnesota expert warns that the Earth's environment is approaching a critical threshold due to climate change, species loss, and nitrogen pollution. The expert calls for immediate action to transition to low-carbon energy sources and revolutionize agricultural practices.
Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a new technique to incorporate biological functionality into nanomaterials, enabling the creation of effective and affordable water purification devices. The technology has been shown to neutralize two common pathogens, E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus, in membrane filters.
A study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that patient referrals between hospitals influence the rates of hospital-acquired infections, with University Medical Centers showing higher rates. The authors suggest focusing interventions on central hospitals in the network of patient referrals.
Exposure to chlorpyrifos is associated with early childhood developmental delays, including mental and physical impairments. High levels of chlorpyrifos exposure were linked to decreased Psychomotor Development Index scores and Mental Development Index scores in 3-year-olds.
A study of over 305,000 people found that those who smoked for 40+ years were 46% less likely to develop Parkinson's disease. However, the risk did not decrease with the number of cigarettes smoked per day.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that LGB individuals living in states with same-sex marriage bans experienced significant increases in mood disorders, generalized anxiety disorder, and alcohol use disorders. The prevalence of any psychiatric disorder also increased among heterosexual respondents, ...
Researchers have found a new oncogenic signaling pathway by which arsenic may lead to adverse health effects, including bladder cancer. High levels of arsenic exposure are associated with high levels of Hedgehog activity, supporting the link between arsenic and increased cancer risk.
Researchers link daily activities to violent injury risk using portable mapping technology. The study aims to inform communities about place-based risk factors and identify opportunities to make them safer.
The University of Missouri is launching a health literacy study emphasis program offering the first US health literacy certificate, focusing on non-physician professionals. The program aims to address low health literacy's $106 billion annual cost by providing thorough training on issues like culture and health compliance.
The Cree people's centuries-old method of rotating hunting territories and killing only adult animals ensured stable moose populations. Modern authorities' reliance on aerial surveys and statistics led to a severe decline in Zone 17's population, but the traditional approach was initially disregarded.
Research on workers and residents exposed to World Trade Center dust and fumes found that 55% reported exposure and 43% experienced headaches in the four weeks prior to enrollment. Those with headaches were more likely to experience other physical symptoms, including wheezing and reflux disease.
A study published in the journal Thorax found that prenatal acetaminophen exposure is associated with an increased risk of asthma symptoms in children. The relationship was strongest in children with a variant of the glutathione S transferase gene involved in detoxification.
Researchers found an association between genes regulating maternal inflammatory response, bacterial vaginosis, and preterm delivery. A cohort study identified nine SNPs in three genes associated with increased risk of preterm birth among women with bacterial vaginosis.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch found that offspring of female mice exposed to BPA developed significant signs of asthma. The study suggests a link between maternal BPA exposure and childhood asthma, highlighting the need for further human epidemiological studies.
Researchers found that a specific gene variant, H2 haplotype, protects individuals with a history of child sexual abuse from heavy drinking and alcohol dependence. In contrast, those with the alternate H1 haplotype had three times the risk of heavy drinking and problems. The study suggests a potential target for therapy development.
Research found that smokers' health is compromised by breathing environmental tobacco smoke, with second-hand smoke equivalent to an additional 2.6 cigarettes per day. This highlights the need for both active and passive smoking contributions to be considered when studying smoker health.
A new study by University of California, Berkeley researchers found that women with higher blood levels of PBDEs took longer to become pregnant compared to those with lower levels. The study linked each 10-fold increase in PBDE concentration to a 30% decrease in the odds of becoming pregnant.
Researchers at UC San Diego are launching a project to improve communication and data-sharing among emergency officials during disasters. The new system aims to overcome obstacles such as unreliable wireless networks, staggering arrival times of responders, and rapidly changing infrastructure capabilities.
Children with higher PBDE levels scored lower on mental and physical development tests, particularly at four years old. Prenatal exposure to flame retardants may have important public health implications if replicated in other North American populations.
A dynamic mapping tool helps investigators uncover associations between diseases and environmental exposures, such as Salmonella infections and broiler chicken sales. The study reveals seasonal fluctuations and geographic clustering of the disease.
Recent US data suggest a slowdown in the rate of increase for obesity in recent decades, with prevalence stabilization among women and potential slowing for men. The study found that 68% of US adults are overweight or obese.
A group of renowned environmental scientists is urging the US EPA and Army Corps of Engineers to suspend new mountaintop mining permits, citing extensive scientific evidence of permanent environmental harm and increased human health risks. The authors argue that mitigation practices are ineffective in reversing damage and recommend a 2...
A study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases found that each additional 1.1 pounds of birth weight decreases tuberculosis risk by 46% among identical twins. The association is stronger for males, with an 87% reduced risk, and sheds light on the developmental origins of health and disease.
A special issue on climate justice explores the global implications of climate change on human health and the environment in disadvantaged communities. The collection of articles examines the disproportionate effects of energy production, environmental consequences, and healthcare utilization in low-income populations.
Participating in social service activities like tutoring children can delay or reverse declining brain function in older adults. The study found that seniors made gains in key brain regions supporting cognitive abilities, improving daily life planning and organization.
Researchers propose that gene variants contribute to heterogeneity in populations, giving generations more opportunity to survive in a fluctuating environment. This idea may help explain the presence of common diseases and how organisms adapt quickly enough to environmental change.
The HALI project recognizes the need for integrated health approaches due to explosive population growth and environmental changes. Integrated policies addressing multiple causes of poor health, such as water scarcity and food insecurity, can yield larger health benefits than individualized interventions.
A study using fMRI revealed that adults exposed to lead as children incur permanent brain injury, with distinct areas of the brain affected differently. Lead exposure has been associated with diminished IQ, poor academic performance, and increased risk of criminal behavior.
The NIH has partnered with The Lancet to address the public health impacts of climate change through four case studies on household energy, transportation, electricity generation, and agricultural food production. These studies demonstrate that cost savings from improving health can offset the cost of addressing climate change.
Research shows that early-life exposure to both outdoor traffic-related pollution and indoor endotoxin can cause more harm to developing lungs than one or the other exposure alone. Children exposed to high levels of both have a six times higher risk of persistent wheezing.
A new study found that exposure to airborne metals like nickel and vanadium, as well as diesel exhaust particles, are associated with respiratory symptoms in young children. The study controlled for other risk factors and suggests improved regulatory action is needed to protect urban children.
A questionnaire study by Tufts University found that half of barn workers experience coughs or other respiratory ailments, with higher exposure linked to increased symptoms. The study's results suggest poor air quality in horse barns may affect human health, particularly among equine industry workers.
A new study found that cigarettes are contaminated with numerous human bacterial pathogens, including Acinetobacter, Bacillus, Burkholderia, Clostridium, Klebsiella, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These bacteria may contribute to both infectious and chronic illnesses in smokers and secondhand smoke exposed individuals.
The NIEHS has awarded 13 grants to develop better methods to assess exposure and health effects associated with nanomaterials. This research is essential for harmonizing results, forming a scientifically sound basis for hazard assessment.
This special issue of NeuroRehabilitation focuses on community-based residential designs for persons with neurodisability, highlighting the importance of holistic, functional, and individualized design modifications. The issue presents evidence-based literature, expert insights, and practical recommendations to facilitate independence ...
The GAZEL study found that older workers' perceived health improves significantly after retirement, especially in those with ideal working conditions. This suggests that improving working conditions is crucial to retaining older workers in the workforce.
A new study reveals that some neighborhoods with high levels of walkability also have low levels of air pollution, while others prioritize one over the other. Neighborhoods designed for walkability often encourage higher daily activity levels, which can mitigate health issues linked to air pollution and physical inactivity.
Researchers found widespread poor compliance with regular cleaning of public restrooms on cruise ships may predict subsequent norovirus infection outbreaks. The study evaluated the thoroughness of disinfection cleaning and found that toilet seats were best-cleaned objects while baby changing tables were least cleaned.
A study confirmed the efficacy of a simple questionnaire in identifying patients at high risk for lung cancer. The questionnaire, completed by over 1,000 patients, found almost half qualified as high risk and led to eight confirmed cases of lung cancer in five years.
A study by North Carolina State University found that inhaling carbon nanotubes affects the outer lining of the lungs, causing a unique health response. The effects were short-lived, with the immune response and fibrosis disappearing within three months.