Articles tagged with Environmental Health
New research found that bio-based fibres have a range of adverse effects on earthworms, animals critical to environmental health. The study highlights the importance of testing new materials before they are released on the market.
Researchers call for a phase-out of lead by 2035 due to its health and economic costs, with a focus on reducing exposure in marginalized communities. Alternative technologies like lithium-ion batteries hold promise for replacing lead-acid batteries, but accessibility remains a challenge.
A new study published in Science Advances found that the Arctic Ocean has seen a sharp rise in legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs) decades after global regulations were put in place. POPs, which are toxic and bioaccumulative, pose potential dangers to animals and people in the fragile ecosystem's food web.
A new NIH study found exposure to organophosphate esters (OPEs) during pregnancy may affect childhood obesity risk. Children exposed to higher levels of certain OPEs had a greater or lower risk of obesity compared to those with lower exposure.
Upgrading home insulation can lower medical bills and extend healthy lives by reducing blood pressure and CVD risk. Simulations showed that upgrading or retrofitting insulation is cost-effective for many homeowners, with significant health benefits justifying the costs.
A USC study found that children living closest to the Salton Sea experience more respiratory issues due to airborne dust, triggering asthma, coughing, and disrupted sleep. The study also suggests that dust events have a greater impact on wheezing and sleep disturbances among children in these areas.
A new study from Virginia Tech shows large language models can assess human-made environments using street-view images, similar to traditional methods. LLM-based performance offers a more accessible tool for users in small to medium-sized cities, making it easier to manage smart urban infrastructure.
David Abraham, Rice University lecturer and research scientist, was honored for his work in fostering sustainable urban development and climate resilience. He launched Houston's first community resilience portal and directed a flood resilience plan after Hurricane Harvey, showcasing his commitment to building resilient communities.
A study led by WVU epidemiologist Bethany Barone Gibbs found that alternating sitting and standing at work reduces sedentary behavior but has no effect on lowering blood pressure. Prolonged static standing may even have negative effects on cardiovascular health due to a physiological mechanism called the muscle pump.
Researchers analyzed data from 1971 to 2019 and found that Mondays and New Year's Day were universally correlated with elevated suicide risk. In contrast, weekends and other public holidays varied by region, highlighting the importance of recognizing temporal fluctuations in risk for preventive actions.
A study by USC researchers estimates that 850,000 pounds of toxic metals have been released into the environment in the Western US from 2009-2021. The team found a range of heavy metals, including chromium and cadmium used as corrosion inhibitors, as well as arsenic in phosphate ores.
A UTEP student has developed an innovative method to desalinate water, which converts over 90% of salt water to fresh water. The new technique, called salt-free electrodialysis metathesis, uses ion exchange membranes and electrical currents to separate salt from water.
A new open-access database, LitChemPlast, has compiled over 3,500 substances measured in plastic products across 47,000 samples. The study highlights substantial knowledge gaps, including contamination of recycled plastics with hazardous substances and limited regional coverage in low- and middle-income countries.
A new £5.5 million research unit will strengthen existing UK systems to measure environmental exposures and understand how they affect the body. The Health Protection Research Unit in Chemical Threats and Hazards aims to develop new technologies to detect chemicals in emergency situations.
A study found that levels of toxic chemicals in people's bodies decreased both in California and nationwide following the listing of over 850 chemicals under Proposition 65. This decline suggests that the law has led to widespread reformulation of products, reducing exposure to harmful substances.
A groundbreaking study introduces a novel mass spectrometry imaging approach to detect and quantify microplastics in biological samples, offering critical insights into their distribution and potential impacts on ecosystems and human health. The technique provides high-resolution spatial analysis of microplastic chemical compositions w...
A new commentary found that power plants' use of air pollution control devices (APCDs) saved up to 9,100 lives and up to $100 billion in health costs in 2023. The researchers estimated that APCD use could plummet and severely jeopardize the health of the public if Project 2025 or the America First Agenda is enacted.
Researchers at the University of Illinois are using a wearable device called LittleBeats to collect data on infant behavior in real-world settings. The first grant focuses on infant-parent interactions and emotional regulation, while the second grant explores infant sleep/wake patterns and health outcomes.
A new parasite, Pachysentis canicola, has been discovered on the Channel Island fox, causing severe intestinal damage and inflammation in infected individuals. The study highlights the importance of biosecurity in the Channel Islands National Park and underscores the impact of human activity on isolated ecosystems.
A study found plastic mulch contaminates soil with up to 25 kg of macroplastic debris per hectare, affecting critical soil functions even under best management practices. Microplastics were also detected, with concentrations positively correlated with macroplastic levels.
A new study found that exposure to higher levels of air pollution as a baby is associated with increased odds of developing a peanut allergy and having it persist throughout childhood. Policies aimed at tackling poor air quality could potentially reduce the development and persistence of peanut allergies, according to researchers.
A study from Queen Mary University of London reveals that nearly half of African pupils with asthma symptoms have undiagnosed cases, highlighting the need for better access to diagnosis and treatment. The research found that only a small percentage of diagnosed pupils were using medication effectively.
Researchers at USC found a link between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and kidney damage, which may be tied to dysregulation of the gut microbiome. The study, published in Science of the Total Environment, suggests that changes in gut bacteria and related metabolites can explain up to 50% of decreased kidney function.
A UFZ study found that individual chemicals can have additive effects on human health when combined with other chemicals, leading to increased neurotoxicity. The research analyzed blood samples from pregnant women and found that even low concentrations of chemicals could cause adverse effects on nerve-like cells.
Older adults exposed to extreme indoor heat showed small reductions in end-exposure core temperature and heart rate when using electric fans. However, these changes were of questionable clinical importance and did not exceed previous suggestions for significance.
A new study discovered toxic 'Forever Chemicals' in tap and bottled water from around the world, with 99% of samples containing PFOA and PFOS. Treatment methods such as boiling and activated carbon filtration can substantially reduce PFAS concentrations, with removal rates ranging from 50-90%.
A new work plan will facilitate joint funding of research projects in areas like Cultures, Agri-food, Technology, and Health. The first joint call for proposals is scheduled for April 2025.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health finds significant improvement in air quality in NYC from 1998-2021 due to enacted policies. The research also highlights a cumulative beneficial effect on residents disproportionately affected by air pollution.
A new video series by UC Davis aims to educate building managers on removing pollutants from indoor spaces, linked to various health issues and even economic gains. The project's three R's approach focuses on removal, reduction, and mediation of air pollution sources.
A new study by Simon Fraser University researchers found that folic acid supplementation may weaken the link between blood-lead levels and autistic-like behaviors in children. The study suggests that adequate folic acid supplementation mitigates the neurotoxic effects of lead, reducing the risk of autism.
Researchers detected microplastic particles in the breath of wild bottlenose dolphins, suggesting inhalation may be a key route of exposure. The study supports the idea that dolphins could be exposed to potentially harmful microplastics through this pathway.
The University of Cincinnati is launching a new climate change health research center, focusing on vulnerable populations and extreme heat exposure. The center aims to reduce risks for people, especially in economically disadvantaged urban areas.
Research reveals biological control generates 'desirable outcomes' within all One Health dimensions, mitigating global issues like chemical pollution, biodiversity loss, and habitat destruction. Biological control can reduce airborne pollen concentrations by >80% and annual health costs by €1.1 billion.
The risk of medical leave in Spain on days of extreme heat decreased from 19% to 13% between 1989 and 2019, according to a study by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health. Workers in agriculture and hospitality sectors remain most vulnerable to heat-related injuries.
Researchers investigate links between environmental exposures, air pollution, and temperature with EMS transports for health emergencies. The study aims to guide decisions on resilient healthcare infrastructure as climate changes.
A new article by Amélie Desvars-Larrive and Fariba Karimi emphasizes the need for diverse workforces in One Health to foster creativity, reduce groupthink, and improve scientific research. This diversity fosters a stronger One Health approach by bringing different perspectives and methods to tackle complex global health challenges.
An international study found that extremely heavy rainfall, occurring every five years, significantly increases mortality rates worldwide. The impacts vary greatly by region, depending on local climate and environmental conditions.
Researchers found PFAS in groundwater up to 43 years old and concentrations that exceed health advisory levels. The study suggests it could take over 40 years for PFAS to leave contaminated groundwater, highlighting the need for continued cleanup efforts and long-term monitoring.
A new study found that extreme heat increases mortality risk for people experiencing homelessness, particularly in hot-climate US counties like Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Heat exposure is estimated to be 10-100 times greater among unhoused individuals than in the general population.
New research led by energy systems modelers at Princeton University demonstrates that retiring coal plants based on minimizing costs could leave other climate and equity benefits on the table. Retiring half of Pennsylvania's coal plants under a climate- or equity-focused strategy could reduce carbon emissions, air pollution, and deaths...
A study at the University of Helsinki found that increasing plant diversity through undersown species can improve soil health and carbon sequestration. The researchers discovered that even small improvements in carbon retention capacity can be significant, as much land has been harnessed for food production.
A Kobe University research team analyzed conditions for access to nature across generations, finding that availability of green spaces, nature-relatedness, and childhood experiences drive visits. The study highlights the importance of effective environmental education and urban planning policies to address inequalities in nature access.
Researchers argue that stigma can play a huge role in health outcomes, leading to disengagement from care, coerced sterilization, and lack of informed choices. Addressing stigma through evidence-based approaches, such as staff training and relationship building, can improve healthcare services.
A new study found that preschool-aged children with sickle cell disease who live in food deserts and have limited access to transportation are at greater risk for acute complications and hospitalizations. Living in a household located more than one mile from a supermarket was associated with a 44% increase in hospitalizations.
A pilot open-label randomized controlled trial found a multicomponent physical activity promotion program increased light (14 min/day) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (9.4 min/day), as well as step counts, among remote workers in Japan.
Researchers have explored biomass-derived antibacterial agents as a sustainable alternative to conventional compounds. The study reveals the potential of these agents in various sectors, including cosmetics and healthcare, and discusses challenges and future perspectives for their application.
Researchers at Wayne State University are exploring the connections between PFAS exposure, bacterial infections, and preterm birth. The study aims to identify critical pathways responsible for preterm birth and establish a causative link between pollutant exposures and adverse birth outcomes.
Researchers at Rutgers University are developing an innovative method called electroponics, which uses electrospray to deliver water and agrichemicals to plants with minimal waste. This technology has the potential to increase food security and sustainability, particularly in water-scarce environments or space stations.
A study published in Environmental Advances found a significant association between four types of PFAS and poor sleep in young adults. The researchers identified genes involved in the body's natural defenses and a hormone that regulates sleep, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms of PFAS' impact on sleep.
A team of University of Nebraska-Lincoln engineers and scientists are assessing the potential threat to human health from antimicrobial-resistant pathogens spread via wastewater and agricultural runoff. They will use field samples and modeling to determine the contributions from each source and develop a risk assessment tool.
A recent Cochrane review has found that the dental health benefits of adding fluoride to drinking water may be smaller now than before fluoride toothpaste was widely available. The review analyzed data from over 2,900 children in the UK and Australia, estimating a slight reduction in tooth decay, but with significant uncertainty.
A new study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that MPH programs provide key competencies demanded by employers, but graduate employability could be improved by using more real-time data from employer job postings. The study revealed labor market competition for public health degree graduates and technical ski...
An interdisciplinary study found associations between exposure to environmental phenols like BPA and triclocarban and altered cardiac electrical activity, particularly in women with higher body mass indexes. Researchers identified moderate changes to cardiac electrical activity that could exacerbate existing heart disease or arrhythmias.
New research reveals hurricanes and tropical storms in the U.S. cause a surge of deaths for nearly 15 years after a storm hits, with an estimated 3.6 million to 5.2 million total deaths. The study also finds that Black individuals are three times more likely to die after a hurricane than white individuals.
A global study reveals that women's environmental quality of life explains a substantial 46% of their overall health and well-being. The study found that younger women report poorer environmental quality of life, while older women experience improved quality of life after age 45.
A new study reveals high levels of airborne plasticizers in Southern California, including phthalates known to cause reproductive harm and cancer. The study uses silicone wristbands to track exposure to these chemicals, finding that daily levels are both high and persistent.
A new epigenetic clock based on cheek cells accurately predicts mortality risk, outperforming previous clocks trained on blood data. The study found that specific methylation sites are linked to human mortality, and future research is needed to identify associations with age-related diseases.
A nationwide Swedish study found that full vaccination significantly reduced the risk of severe cardiovascular outcomes linked to COVID-19, such as heart attack and stroke. However, temporary increases in cardiovascular risk were observed after individual doses, particularly among elderly and males.
Northern elephant seals nearly went extinct due to overhunting but have since recovered to around 225,000 individuals. The recent study found the species' genetic diversity was reduced during this period, which may impair their ability to cope with future environmental changes.
Despite decades of efforts to reduce lead exposure, toxic metal still poses dangers in consumer products. Strengthening laws and international cooperation can further protect consumers.