Articles tagged with Environmental Health
A major study by the European Society of Cardiology links chronic noise exposure to an increased risk of heart attacks, particularly in men and women under 70. The study found that general environmental noise increased risk by nearly 50% for men and three-fold for women, while workplace noise levels affected men's risk but not women's.
A USC-led study found that higher ozone levels during pregnancy are associated with lower birth weight and increased risk of intra uterine growth retardation. The researchers monitored ozone and carbon monoxide levels in Southern California communities and analyzed birth records from over 3,900 children.
A study found that diets rich in meat, refined starches, and sodium are associated with an increased risk of persistent coughs with phlegm. The 'meat-dim sum pattern' was positively linked to new onset symptoms, while the 'vegetable-fruit-soy pattern' showed a protective effect.
Researchers investigate which nanomaterial sizes, shapes, compounds, and coatings harm or kill cells. The aim is to develop non-toxic types using 'green' nanomaterials, addressing growing concerns about nanoparticle health impacts.
A recent study found that daily probiotic supplements reduced sick days among workers. The study, which involved 181 staff members, showed that workers taking L. reuteri probiotics reported significantly fewer sick days compared to those taking a placebo.
New research highlights the impact of environmental enrichment on addiction recovery, showing that social rank and stress can affect brain chemistry. Practitioners and family members must understand the importance of abstinence to support brain recovery.
Researchers found that a home-based environmental intervention significantly reduced asthma symptoms and associated healthcare use in inner-city children. The cost per symptom-free day was $25.57, offsetting the intervention's expenses.
Researchers found that brain regions beyond the injury site play a critical role in understanding behavioral deficits and assessing options for acceleration of recovery from stroke-related spatial neglect. Functional magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed activity changes in distant brain areas correlated with impairment severity.
Researchers warn that even low levels of environmental toxins like lead, trihalomethanes, radon, and tobacco smoke can cause serious health damage. No safe threshold exists for these toxins, emphasizing the need to restrict exposure to protect human health.
A large-scale study found that women experiencing burnout have elevated levels of fibrinogen and C-reactive protein (CRP), associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk. Men experiencing depression also showed higher levels of CRP and fibrinogen, linking emotional states to inflammation-related health problems
Researchers will investigate whether vitamin E and/or selenium can reduce skin and other cancers. The study aims to provide essential data on potential low-cost interventions for millions at risk of arsenic-induced cancers in Bangladesh and globally.
A new study shows that home-based environmental interventions can significantly reduce asthma symptoms and healthcare costs in children. The program, which targeted six major allergen classes, resulted in a 19% decrease in unscheduled clinic visits and a 13% reduction in albuterol inhaler use.
The National Children's Study will follow over 100,000 children from birth to age 21 to examine the impact of environmental factors on child health. The study aims to improve the lives of children in Queens and inform child health guidance and policy nationwide.
A recent survey of Latino poultry workers in western North Carolina found high rates of musculoskeletal injuries, with nearly half reporting pain in their hands or arms. The study also found significant differences in injury and illness rates among companies, highlighting the need for improved workplace safety measures.
The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society meeting showcased research on disaster preparedness, including robotics in search and rescue efforts. The meeting also explored topics such as patient safety, driving safety, and space exploration, highlighting the importance of human factors in these fields.
Despite exposure to environmental chemicals, breast-feeding remains a healthy option for infants. Research suggests few adverse effects have been documented, and none have been clinically or epidemiologically demonstrated.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) has awarded $37 million to train emergency and hazardous waste workers. The grants will fund five training programs: Hazmat Disaster Preparedness, Hazardous Waste Worker Training, Department of Energy Nuclear Weapons Cleanup, Minority Worker Training, and Brownfield Minori...
The NIEHS Hurricane Katrina Information Website offers a wealth of information on environmental pollutants and their potential impact on human health. The website draws from various sources, including research programs and Superfund Basic Research Program data.
A survey of 6,000 healthcare workers in the NYC area found that only 48% would report for work during a SARS outbreak. The main barriers were transportation problems, child or elder care, and pet obligations, with safety concerns influencing willingness to work.
Researchers found a strong association between endotoxin levels and asthma prevalence, with bedroom floor and bedding dust having the highest concentrations. Exposure to endotoxins worsens asthma symptoms in adults, regardless of allergy status.
Researchers found that dehydration reduces performance by 8% in temperate weather but has minimal effect in cold temperatures. A study also discovered glycerol as an effective hyperhydration agent to retain fluid in the body, which can be beneficial for prolonged outdoor exposure.
A new study found that childhood exposure to second-hand smoke increases the risk of chronic dry cough and other respiratory problems in adulthood. Researchers discovered that consuming a small amount of fruit fiber, equivalent to eating two apples daily, can help mitigate these effects.
The National Safety Council has released new economic tools to measure the impact of health and safety initiatives in workplaces worldwide. These models, including Productivity Assessment Tool and ROHSEI, integrate risk assessments, cost-benefit ratios, and decision-making to motivate business leaders to improve safety performance.
A Rutgers University-led consortium found Amchitka seafood to be safe for now due to low levels of radionuclides. The study provides a baseline for future testing and aims to reassure subsistence fishermen and commercial fishing interests in the region.
A study of 2,593 cases found that school pesticide exposure led to acute illnesses in children (7.4 cases per million) and adults (27.3 cases per million). The majority of illnesses were associated with insecticides, with integrated pest management programs recommended to prevent such exposures.
A Harvard study found that adult occupational class has a significant impact on health outcomes, even after accounting for early childhood conditions and education level. Working-class twins were more likely to experience high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and lower self-rated health compared to their professional counterparts.
A four-year study by University of Cincinnati researchers found that living near 'stop and go' traffic increases infant wheezing rates, with African American infants at highest risk. The study suggests that exposure to diesel exhaust particles from 'stop and go' traffic may play a role in developing allergic conditions.
Research reveals that an individual's genetic makeup determines how arsenic is metabolized, affecting disease risk. The study found a specific gene variant associated with altered urinary arsenic metabolites in children, but not adults.
Researchers at UCSD's Jacobs School of Engineering have developed Reality Flythrough, a system that stitches together live camera feeds to create an immersive 3D environment. The technology is being tested for homeland security and emergency response applications.
Researchers found that MRSA bacteria can survive on hospital surfaces like bed linen, keyboard covers, and acrylic fingernails for extended periods. The study emphasizes the importance of regular hand washing and environmental disinfection in healthcare settings.
Researchers developed a vaccine targeting the local tumor environment to improve systemic anti-tumor immunity in melanoma patients. The study showed that the vaccine was safe and feasible, with partial responses and stable lesions observed in some patients.
Researchers at USC's IMSC have developed new haptics systems that challenge stroke patients to perform tasks like grasping, pinching, and squeezing in virtual environments. These interfaces provide precise control over rehabilitation programs, allowing physical therapists to tailor exercises to each patient's level of impairment.
A recent Emory University study found a strong correlation between health levels and healthcare use, as well as work productivity. Adults with high levels of physical and mental health reported fewer lost workdays and lower healthcare use compared to those with lower health levels.
Researchers at Georgia State University are exploring virtual reality (VRE) therapy as a potential solution to treat fear of public speaking. By immersing individuals in a controlled virtual environment, Anderson's study aims to reduce anxiety and improve confidence in real-world public speaking situations.
Researchers found that women born in March reached menopause at under 49 years, while those born in October waited over 50 years for it to happen. The study suggests prenatal environmental factors can affect a baby's adult life and reproductive health.
Scientists reported progress in diagnosing youngest children through biomarkers and behavioral observations, allowing for early treatment. The study also highlighted the potential connection of cytokines to autism and identified endophenotypic traits associated with the condition.
Researchers found a significant association between high lifetime exposure to insecticides and neurological symptoms in farmers. Nearly 800 participants reported more than 10 neurological symptoms, while nearly 3,000 had a high lifetime exposure to insecticides.
Brown University has been awarded a four-year, $11.5-million grant to conduct research on hazardous waste and develop tools to remove it. The project aims to identify health threats posed by contaminated sites and create safe remediation devices.
African Americans with lupus have a higher prevalence of EBV-IgG antibodies and EBV-IgA antibodies, which increases the risk of lupus. Genetic variation in CTLA-4 also affects the immune response to EBV in lupus patients.
The supplement highlights the need for pediatricians to engage with communities to confront health problems such as obesity, mental health concerns, and violence. Pediatricians are becoming more sensitive to socioeconomic status and child health outcomes, and models for community-based approaches are being developed.
A review article highlights the importance of engaging physicians-in-training in community health initiatives to combat issues like obesity, violence, and mental health disorders. The authors emphasize that each community and residency program has unique needs, requiring tailored training models.
The PIONEER project investigates the role of nutritional, environmental, and endogenous regulators in determining puberty onset. The study aims to identify settings where individuals are at high risk of developing precocious puberty.
A study of 47 female motorway toll-booth operators and 27 office workers found that exposure to traffic exhausts caused significant DNA damage, as indicated by elevated levels of urinary 8-OHdG. The researchers conclude that environmental levels should be curbed to protect people's health.
Researchers used historical photographs to analyze landscape change over time, finding that erosion is linked to clearing trees from hill slopes. Additionally, they found that riparian zones along rivers and streams have improved significantly over the past 30 years.
Researchers at ACS meeting highlight progress in nanotechnology for diagnostic tests, electronics and environment. New approaches to nomenclature and green chemistry are also explored.
A twin study found that genetic factors contribute substantially to the development of AMD, accounting for 46-71% of disease severity variation. Environmental factors also play a role, with unique environment contributing 19-37% and shared environment 28-64% to AMD grade and specific macular measures.
A new study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that cockroach allergens are a primary contributor to childhood asthma in inner-city home environments. The study suggests that general cleaning practices, extermination techniques, and maintenance methods can reduce allergen levels.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that Norovirus causes 65% of traveler's diarrhea in US visitors to Mexico and Guatemala. The researchers also discovered a higher rate of dual infections with E. coli, suggesting that these co-infections may be more common than previously thought.
African American children with asthma have significantly higher levels of cotinine, a substance produced when the body breaks down nicotine. The study suggests that differences in additives to cigarettes, such as menthol, could explain the observed racial differences.
A comprehensive review of subway systems reveals potential for health and safety hazards, including terrorism, transmission of infectious diseases, and high noise levels. The study highlights the need for risk assessment studies to mitigate these risks and improve subway safety.
Researchers analyzed historical photographs to understand human-landscape interaction, revealing a link between tree clearing and erosion. The study found that riparian zones have improved over the past 30 years, benefiting stream health and ecosystem health.
The new Pacific Rim Transdisciplinary Tobacco & Alcohol Use Research Center will investigate substance use among teenagers and analyze the impact of environmental factors on smoking-related behaviors. The center's studies aim to understand why some prevention programs work while others do not.
A nationwide assessment of triclocarban contamination reveals the compound is present in 60% of US water resources, making it the fifth most frequent contaminant. Triclocarban concentrations are found to be much higher than previously thought, with some samples containing up to 6.75 micrograms per liter.
Researchers discover how genetic and environmental factors influence racial health disparities, highlighting the importance of personalized treatment approaches. Studies show that genetic contributions play a larger role in blood pressure differences among African Americans than previously thought.
The Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory has unveiled a new comparative toxicogenomics database, integrating gene sequences, chemicals, and references to provide insights into gene-chemical interactions. This resource will help predict toxicity and understand the genetic basis of differences in responses to chemical exposures amon...
A study found that environmental tobacco smoke exposure is linked to significant declines in reading and math scores, as well as logic and reasoning skills in children. The research suggests that even low levels of exposure can have adverse effects on cognitive abilities, with an estimated 33 million US children at risk.
A recent study found that individuals exposed to high levels of lead are more likely to develop cataracts, with bone lead levels being the best predictor. The researchers estimate that lead exposure plays a role in approximately 42 percent of all cataracts in the studied population.
Multidrug-resistant bacteria, including Enterococcus and staphylococci, were found airborne in concentrated swine operations. The study highlights the importance of environmental pathways in transmitting antibiotic-resistant bacteria from animals to humans.
Researchers found that dermal exposure accounts for a substantial portion of total exposure among pesticide workers, with some workers absorbing more pesticide through the skin than inhaled. The study's results underscore the need for improved methods to assess worker exposure and protect health.
A recent study by Charlotte Ling and colleagues found that aging decreases the expression of PGC-1alpha and PGC-1beta in muscle, increasing insulin resistance and T2DM susceptibility. The age-dependent decrease was partially heritable, suggesting a genetic link to the development of insulin resistance.