Articles tagged with Environmental Health
A study of 60 older women found that those who were physically active reported higher quality of life and better physical health. The research revealed that even those living in assisted care facilities benefited from increased activity levels.
Researchers aim to identify genetic differences that make people more susceptible to environmental hazards, with a focus on cancer development and birth defects. The consortium will use genomic approaches to monitor gene expression and predict individual risk based on genetic profile and environmental exposures.
A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that iron-deficient children have significantly higher blood lead levels than those with normal iron levels. The researchers, led by Asa Bradman, tested blood samples from 319 Sacramento-area children and found an average blood lead level of 5.6 micrograms per deciliter in ir...
The US Department of Defense has awarded the University of South Florida $4 million to develop a statewide public health system capable of responding to bioterrorism threats. The project aims to create a surveillance system that can detect and track both naturally occurring infectious diseases and potential bioterrorist attacks.
A recent study has found that shift workers are more likely to experience abnormal heart rhythms, with the risk increasing with the number of night shifts worked. The study measured changes in premature ventricular complexes and heart rate variability among employees working day and night shifts.
A study of over 1200 Canadian manual workers found that moderate occupational solvent exposure was associated with a significant increase in low sperm counts. Painters, decorators, and builders were at the highest risk, while glycol ethers are suspected to be hazardous to male fertility
A study of over 300 employees found that workplace passive smoking significantly adversely affected lung function, with a 5-10% reduction in lung function at the highest levels of exposure. Non-smokers exposed to passive smoke at home or in public places showed no similar decline.
Researchers found that encasing pillows and mattresses with allergen-proof covers, washing bedding weekly, and vacuuming carpets reduced dust mite allergen concentrations. Dry steam cleaning also lowered allergen levels in upholstered furniture.
A study of 44 North Carolina farmworkers found that 65 occurrences of green tobacco sickness, including nausea and dizziness, were reported over a 10-week period. The researchers believe the actual prevalence may be higher due to non-participating workers.
A new study reveals that exposure to pesticides and solvents in men is associated with lower sperm threshold values and changes in hormone concentrations, particularly affecting primary infertility. The research highlights the potential impact of environmental factors on male reproductive health.
A study reformulates a common anti-depressive medication of the nineteenth century, revealing that it would have delivered a daily dose of mercury exceeding current safety standards. Mercury poisoning may have explained Lincoln's neurological symptoms, including insomnia and rage attacks, but also contributed to his famous composure.
New research reveals that introverted firefighters are more likely to experience higher injury rates due to reluctance to call for assistance. The study also found that ignoring safety rules can lead to severe injuries and delayed recovery from work-related injuries, especially for married female firefighters. Additionally, chronic noi...
A recent study published in The Lancet found a link between DDT use in the US and an increase in premature births in the 1960s. Researchers analyzed stored blood serum from thousands of mothers, revealing elevated levels of DDT's breakdown product, DDE, in mothers of pre-term infants.
A study of over 44,000 children found a significant link between DDT exposure and preterm birth. Higher maternal DDE concentrations were associated with an increased risk of preterm births and babies born small for gestational age.
A new syndrome, Testicular Dysgenesis Syndrome (TDS), is being linked to declining male fertility rates, testicular cancer, and reproductive issues in men. TDS may be caused by genetic or environmental factors, resulting in maldeveloped testes and a range of symptoms including undescended testicles, hypospadias, and poor semen quality.
A study of 84 Australian children with asthma found that family environment plays a significant role in their experience. Children from stable families with defined roles, rules, and emotional support were less distressed by symptoms.
A large cohort study found that pregnancy complications such as low birthweight, preterm delivery, and pre-eclampsia are associated with an increased risk of maternal ischaemic heart disease. Women who experienced these complications were more likely to be hospitalized or die from IHD.
Researchers found a significant association between chronic respiratory disease and periodontal disease in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Poor oral health worsens respiratory function and may increase risk of serious lower-respiratory-tract infections.
Children exposed to environmental tobacco smoke are at increased risk for asthma and wheezing, with effects strongest among youngest children. Exposure also associated with school absences and low lung function in older kids, highlighting the importance of preventing smoking exposure through home and public restrictions.
The NIH and NIOSH are collaborating on a $33 million, five-year study to investigate how social and physical environmental factors impact the health of racial and ethnic minorities. The research aims to understand the underlying causes of disparities in health outcomes.
A study confirms that preventive occupational therapy can aid older persons in staying healthier and more independent. The research found that participants who received individualized treatment by an occupational therapist sustained 90% of therapeutic improvements after six months of non-intervention.
A 2000 study found that daughters of mothers exposed to the chemical polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) in contaminated Michigan feed experienced earlier onset of menstruation and pubic hair growth. The study, funded by NIH/NIEHS, linked high PBB exposure to an average age of first menstruation before 12 years.
A new study by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill experts finds that back belts do not reduce workplace back pain or worker compensation claims. The research emphasizes the importance of addressing psychosocial elements to mitigate back pain, a leading public health issue in industrialized countries.
A new healthcare team model, called Virtual Integrated Practice (VIP), aims to improve the management of chronic diseases in geriatric patients. The study uses team principles from the business world and will link patients and doctors with a team of health professionals using technology such as cellular phones and the Internet.
A community-based intervention trial showed a significant decline in high-risk drinking and alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes and assaults. The study found that coordinated environmental strategies, including media advocacy and increased enforcement of drinking and driving laws, were effective in reducing these injuries.
Children's lung development is slowed due to air pollution, according to a comprehensive study. Lung function growth rates were 10% lower in the most polluted community compared to cleaner areas, with effects also observed in asthmatic and healthy children.
A survey of over 3000 Gulf War veterans revealed that lower ranks were significantly more likely to report psychological and physical ill health, with privates being 20% more likely than non-commissioned officers. Discharge from military service was also linked to a higher risk of reported ill health.
The environment plays a significant role in cancer development, with occupational factors and environmental pollution attributed to 5-7% of cancer deaths. Dr. Richard Clapp reviews the relationship between environmental exposure and cancer, emphasizing the importance of cancer prevention and physician screening for hazardous exposures.
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal examines the effects of global warming on world health, highlighting direct and indirect impacts. The authors conclude that reducing fossil fuel combustion and advocating for environmental improvements are essential to mitigate these risks.
A study published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that prolonged wakefulness impairs cognitive performance similarly to moderate alcohol consumption. The researchers tested 39 adults who worked in transportation, finding reaction times slowed by up to 50% after 17-19 hours of waking.
A health survey of Hong Kong police officers found that longer exposure to passive smoking was associated with more time off work, doctor visits, and medication use. Non-smoking men exposed for over a year were twice as likely to take time off and 30% more likely to have respiratory symptoms.
The Consortium of New York Geriatric Education Centers has received a $1.3 million grant to provide interdisciplinary training on geriatric care. The grant will support 40-50 hour certificate programs, continuing education conferences, and outreach to underserved areas.
Researchers have established Canadian normative data for the SF-36, a widely used health-related quality of life measure. The study found that Canadians scored higher than US and UK counterparts in several domains.
The University of North Carolina has won a $2.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to support the development of new women's health research careers. The five-year grant will provide salary support and protected time for six junior faculty members in medicine, obstetrics, pathology, and psychiatry.
Research finds that cigar smoking causes cancers of the lung and upper aerodigestive tract, with risks approaching those of cigarette smoking. Environmental cigar smoke contributes significantly to indoor air pollution, posing health hazards.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) is hosting a public meeting to discuss possible studies related to Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam. The meeting aims to gather expert advice on the feasibility of conducting research in Vietnam and will coincide with an annual conference of dioxin researchers.
Army soldiers surpassed the Healthy People 2000 goals for physical fitness, with 70% reporting aerobic activity and 97% doing muscle strengthening exercises at least once a week. They also adopted healthier behaviors in nutrition, safety, and alcohol use categories.
The University at Buffalo will host a global conference on environmental health, bringing together over 500 researchers and experts from around the world. The conference aims to assess the worldwide disease burden caused by environmental problems and build connections among health centers in Pan America and globally.
A recent UB study found that the 'healthy worker effect' can skew results of health studies involving workers, particularly among female nuclear-weapons workers. The study suggests that this bias must be taken into account to obtain accurate results, emphasizing the need for appropriate comparisons and consideration of unexposed workers.
A study of nearly 2,000 adults aged 18-90 found that higher education delayed the onset of depression by approximately ten years. This is because better physical health helps mitigate depression risk.
A University of Washington study found that over half of farmworker children in Douglas and Chelan counties, Washington state, exceeded federal safety levels for pesticides. The study suggests that regulators need to reassess exposure standards for these chemicals.
A study by the Center for Advancing Health found that approximately 40% of the US population takes at least one vitamin or mineral supplement. The most commonly reported ingredients are vitamin C, B12, and E, but participants also used over 300 nonvitamin products posing serious health risks.
Researchers found that people living near industrial hog farms in North Carolina reported more frequent symptoms such as headaches, runny noses, and eye irritation. The study also showed that the quality of life for these residents was significantly reduced compared to those living near cattle farms or without livestock operations.
A new collaboration aims to provide comprehensive asthma management to poor urban communities through a team-based approach, combining healthcare professionals and community health workers. The goal is to improve prevention-oriented care and close follow-up for low-income children with asthma.
The nation won't meet its 15% smoking prevalence goal for 2000, with over 25% of US adults currently smoking. Effective strategies like cognitive behavioral therapies have been developed, but more work is needed to reach low-income and minority populations.
A recent study by Reg A. Williams highlights the significant economic impact of depression in the workplace, citing an estimated total cost of up to $44 billion. The study also identifies key risk factors for depression, including stress, negative changes in personal life, and difficulties in interpersonal relationships.
The American Chemical Society's Southeast Regional Meeting will be held in Knoxville, featuring a variety of topics including environmental and medicinal chemistry. Over 600 scientific papers will be presented during the event.
Research suggests that strong traditional values among Southern Black women may be a key factor in lower smoking rates among African-Americans. The study found that Black adults in the non-urban South had the lowest smoking prevalence rates, with 11% of those aged 18-24 living smoke-free. This trend holds true for Southern Black women ...
The University of Wisconsin-Madison has launched a Center for the Study of Mind-Body Interaction to investigate how emotions affect physical health. The center will focus on five projects, including examining resilience in older women and the impact of meditation on brain activity.
The US Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $8.2 million to the University of Washington for a research center studying air pollution and its effects on human health. The Northwest Research Center will examine fine particles, particulate matter under 2.5 microns in size, and their association with daily health outcomes.
A special news briefing will be held on August 23rd to discuss the latest research on children's environmental health risks. The symposium, part of the American Chemical Society meeting, features a panel of experts who will share their findings on the dangers of chemicals in the environment and pet products.
The NIH is evaluating seven widely used plasticizers for their potential reproductive and developmental effects. A panel of scientific experts will meet to assess the chemicals' impact on human health.
Scientists have developed a non-invasive method to study the smallest components of living organisms using a nuclear magnetic resonance microscope. This technique enables real-time monitoring of cellular changes in response to environmental exposure, which will help researchers understand disease mechanisms and predict treatment outcomes.
A case-control study found that frail elderly who received assistive devices and home adaptations had higher levels of independence at the end of a 18-month study. The treatment group spent significantly less on health care, with average costs $14,173 per person compared to $31,610 in the control group.
The grant will support government programs, non-governmental organizations, and local women's groups to improve access to emergency care. Researchers aim to reduce maternal mortality rates by up to 1 in 12, which can be dramatically improved with timely medical intervention.
This issue of Public Health Reports features articles on occupational pesticide poisoning, an outbreak of Echovirus 30 infections among child care center staff and parents, and the prevalence of asthma among American Indian and Alaska Native children. The journal also includes viewpoints on Medicaid managed care and public health data,...
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that women with birth defects are at a small risk of having children with birth defects, with only 4% of affected offspring. The majority of women with birth defects will have healthy, unaffected babies.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill will launch a management academy to boost training for public health professionals in four states. The academy aims to improve how health departments nationwide serve citizens, addressing concerns discussed for decades.
A study found that smoking-related illnesses and deaths have risen sharply in the US and France, with increased female smoking causing a steady increase in disease and mortality. The proportion of deaths attributable to cigarette smoking rose from 16.7% to 47.4% among American women.
A survey of preschoolers found that those from smoke-free homes were less likely to want to smoke later in life. Children who saw pictures of smoking characters like Joe Camel incorrectly associated them with smoking, highlighting the influence of early exposure on attitudes towards smoking.