Articles tagged with Environmental Toxicology
A new study by Tulane University found that five out of 60 beverages tested contained elevated levels of toxic metals above federal drinking water standards. Mixed-fruit juices and plant-based milks were more likely to contain these elements, highlighting the importance of moderation in consumption.
Researchers analyzed 90 samples of raw pheasant dog food and found that 77% exceeded the maximum residue level for lead in animal feed. The mean lead concentration was 34 times higher than in human-consumed pheasant meat, posing health risks to dogs, especially puppies.
A UH-led research team has developed a cost-effective method for removing harmful chemicals and heavy metals from coastal waters by utilizing native aquatic plants. The system, which includes floating aquatic plants and synthetic mats, can help restore ecological balance and keep communities healthy.
Researchers highlight gaps in tritium studies, focusing on species uptake and human health risks through the food chain. A global assessment is needed to minimize tritium's impact on individual species and the environment.
University of Illinois researchers create an electrode that attracts and captures short-chain PFAS, a type of 'forever chemical,' using electrosorption. The design allows for selective fluorophilic interactions, enabling the capture of these persistent contaminants from environment.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a cellulose-based material that can easily remove 80% of toxic dyes from wastewater using sunlight. The method is cost-effective, simple to set up, and could benefit countries with poor water treatment technologies.
A Keck School of Medicine study found exposure to PFAS, known as 'forever chemicals,' disrupts key biological processes in children and young adults, increasing risk of diseases such as developmental disorders, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. The study highlights the importance of regulating PFAS as a class of chemicals.
A study published in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that breastfeeding can reduce arsenic exposure in infants compared to formula feeding. Researchers measured arsenic levels in mothers, babies, and breast milk, revealing a clear association between maternal and neonatal arsenic exposure.
A new study from Oregon State University found that both cotton and synthetic microfibers have negative impacts on the behavior and growth of aquatic organisms. The research, published in Frontiers in Marine Science, suggests that increasing awareness and control over fiber release can help mitigate these effects.
A California study of 99,000 pregnancies found that prenatal cannabis use was more common in areas with greater retail availability of cannabis. The study suggests a larger absolute increase in prenatal cannabis use among those living closer to storefront retailers during the pandemic.
Researchers will use household dust samples to develop a receptor bioactivity component model to predict adipogenic health outcomes. The goal is to improve chemical risk assessment models to account for everyday exposures to hundreds of different chemicals.
A new study assesses the environmental safety of three topical antiseptic compounds, finding high margins of safety for two of them. Researchers conclude that these substances are unlikely to cause ecological harm, providing a sound basis for interpreting future environmental data.
A research team led by Ivano Amelio found that the protein p53 acts as a key to maintaining genomic stability, preventing cancer-promoting mutations. Without p53, cells become more aggressive and prone to acquire genomic instability.
A recent study found that alligators in the Cape Fear River basin have elevated levels of PFAS chemicals in their blood serum, leading to clinical and genetic indicators of immune system effects. The research team detected a significant association between PFAS exposure and autoimmune-like phenotypes in the affected alligators.
A new study identifies over 57,400 locations across the US as potentially contaminated with PFAS, including industrial facilities and areas where fluorinated firefighting foams have been used. The research team developed a presumptive contamination model to help governments and industries rapidly identify potential exposure sources.
New research published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry found that green household consumer products (HCPs) can be either less toxic or more toxic than their conventional counterparts. The study involved testing various HCPs on grass shrimp and Daphnia Magna, a type of freshwater crustacean.
A new study found that 72% of methylmercury concentration variance in largemouth bass can be explained by land cover types. Monitoring efforts should focus on ecoregions with increased sensitivity to atmospheric mercury deposition.
Researchers analyzed four pesticides' effects on earthworms and springtails in Northern, Central, and Southern Europe. They found varying risks depending on soil compartment and pesticide characteristics. The study highlights the need to consider regional variability when regulating agricultural practices.
A new study by Oregon State University found that Houston residents experienced a significant increase in chemical exposure after Hurricane Harvey, with 75% of chemicals detected at higher concentrations. The study used silicone wristbands to measure exposure to hazardous chemicals, including pesticides and industrial compounds.
A recent study found that approximately 43.5% of rivers worldwide have concerning concentrations of pharmaceutical ingredients, including antidepressants and painkillers. The research highlights the need to reduce emissions of these substances into the environment to mitigate their impact on river health.
The WVU program trains next generation of toxicologists to collect, analyze air samples from mining, fracking sites, using the university's Inhalation Facility. Students will work with preceptors from various fields to investigate health effects of inhaling toxicants.
Old World vultures are vulnerable to chronic chemical exposure through the food chain, posing a threat to ecosystem health. Environmental chemicals such as legacy and emerging pollutants contribute to their decline, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.
Researchers analyzed polar bear fecal samples and dietary intake to understand how chemical contaminants accumulate inside the body. They found that polar bears store high amounts of fat, leading to higher levels of toxins in their bodies.
A recent study found that microplastics are abundant in borehole drinking water and sediments in Lagos, Nigeria. Areas with high industrial activity had higher levels of microplastics than areas with less industrial activity and lower population densities.
Researchers found that maintaining hard water reduces zinc accumulation and oxidative stress in goldfish, mitigating toxic effects. This study provides an eco-friendly approach to address aquatic ecosystem pollution caused by heavy metal contamination.
A study reveals the presence of 86 previously unknown PFAS compounds in German and Chinese rivers, with some substances posing similar health risks to banned counterparts. The discovery highlights the need for stricter regulations on the entire PFAS group.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found a correlation between household income, building age, and proximity to former lead smelters with elevated blood-lead levels in children. The study highlights environmental justice issues that disproportionately affect low-income and minority populations in Philadelphia.
The Philadelphia Regional Center for Children's Environmental Health aims to identify and protect vulnerable communities from environmental exposures. The center will focus on four primary research areas: asthma prevention, lead exposure, air pollution, and endocrine disrupting chemicals.
A study published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry found that pesticide levels are low in nectar and pollen collected by honey bees in urban and suburban areas across the US. Chemical analyses detected 17 pesticides in nectar and 60 in pollen samples, with 73% of all samples containing no detectable pesticide residues.
A recent study found that prenatal exposure to phthalates in maternal and cord blood may affect birth outcomes in infants, with potential estrogenic effects in females and anti-androgenic effects in males. Higher levels of phthalates were also associated with smaller head circumference in all infants.
Researchers analyzed pine needle samples to track the presence and concentrations of over 70 different types of PFAS in six N.C. counties from 1961 to the present. The findings show a snapshot history of a half century of PFAS contamination, including the introduction and phasing out of new chemicals.
A recent global study found that more than a quarter of the world's rivers had pharmaceutical concentrations at potentially toxic levels. The study, which included data from over 258 rivers across seven continents, also revealed concurrent contamination by multiple classes of pharmaceuticals.
A new study examines the toxic impact of bio-based substances and innovative technologies on the environment, finding both biosurfactants and microgels as highly promising candidates for use in sustainable products. The results highlight the importance of integrating green toxicology into bioeconomy strategies.
A team of researchers has developed a new approach to discover the thousands of human-made 'forever' chemicals, PFAS, using advanced mass spectrometry. The technique enables them to characterize and catalog the chemical compounds in the PFAS family.
Researchers discovered a new parasite, Txikispora philomaios, which evolved shortly after the common ancestor of animals and fungi, before its multicellularity was developed. The study provides insights into how animal multicellularity developed through cell communication and specialization.
A new study published in Environmental Research found that dust removal does not mitigate exposure to TDCIPP, a carcinogenic chemical commonly used in automobile seat foam. The researchers suggest that wearing a mask in the car may be an effective way to reduce exposure.
Dr. John Pierce Wise leads a team to investigate chromosome instability in lungs caused by metal exposure, with hopes of preventing and reversing lung cancer in people. The research aims to understand why humans are more susceptible to metals-induced lung cancer than whales.
A new study from the University of Illinois reveals that nearly all soil samples in Chicago contain high levels of lead, with some areas reaching up to 3,000 ppm. The findings highlight the need for further monitoring and mitigation efforts to address environmental justice concerns.
Researchers at NIST developed new standards and calibrations for optical microscopes, enabling accurate measurement of microdroplet volumes smaller than 100 trillionths of a liter. They combined microscopy with gravimetry to verify results, linking their findings to fundamental constants of nature.
Researchers detected emerging synthetic antioxidants in e-waste recycling dust, including hindered phenol and sulfur antioxidants. The study highlights the need for further research on their environmental behaviors and toxicities.
A new UC Davis study aims to better understand the risks of chemicals in household dust on children's health. The researchers will track over 80 chemicals in dust and collect urine samples from children to measure their exposure.
Researchers analyzed primary sludge from a Connecticut wastewater treatment plant, revealing trends in pandemic-related chemicals like hydroxychloroquine. The study found increases in drugs of abuse and antidepressants, as well as seasonal changes in sunscreen chemicals.
Robyn Tanguay, a renowned toxicologist, has received an $8 million grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. She plans to use this funding to conduct large-scale studies on zebrafish embryos exposed to 10,000 common chemicals, which could lead to significant breakthroughs in predictive toxicology.
A Hebrew University study reveals that as worldwide lead production increases, so do rates of lead absorption in people, leading to toxic effects. The research uses ancient human bones to show the close relationship between lead production and human exposure.
Researchers have successfully synthesized AIE-active nanoparticles in a single step, producing fluorescent sensors that can detect nitroaromatic compounds with high sensitivity. The novel solid-state sensors show quenching of fluorescence emission on contact with PA, enabling fast and accurate detection of explosives.
A new study by Ohio State University provides the most accurate estimates of microcystin toxins in Lake Erie's western basin, revealing fluctuating concentrations over short distances. The research emphasizes the importance of frequent data collection to improve water safety and forecasting for the lake's estimated 11 million people.
Research published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry shows a sustained 3.8% annual decline in PBDE concentrations in bald eagle nestlings' blood samples across Minnesota and Wisconsin. The findings are instructive for regulators to set protective levels for wildlife and fish consumption advisories for humans.
Excessive use of pharmaceuticals and pesticides in industrial meat production facilities affects water quality and air pollution. Aerial transport of agrochemicals from feed yards contributes to environmental degradation, posing risks to humans and wildlife.
A 9,000-year-old female hunter burial in the Andes Mountains overturns the long-held 'man-the-hunter' hypothesis, revealing that female participation in big-game hunting was nontrivial. Statistical analysis suggests that 30-50% of hunters in these populations were female, contradicting recent societal norms.
Mercury concentrations in ringed seals from the Canadian Arctic have remained stable since 1977, with limited declines detected. Climate parameters may be influencing mercury accumulation in seals, according to a 45-year study.
The University of Pennsylvania's CEET will focus on air pollution, lung health, and environmental neuroscience with a strong emphasis on community engagement. The $8 million grant will support cutting-edge research and policy-making to improve the health of vulnerable individuals and communities.
A new study found that prescription medication Escitalopram can inhibit fish foraging and eating behavior, particularly in males. The inhibitory effect was more pronounced in males than females, highlighting a sex-based difference in aquatic wildlife response to environmental pollutants.
The investigation highlights a previously unidentified risk of drench application for imidacloprid. The authors recommend minimizing exposure to animals consuming fallen seeds and encouraging integrated pest management instead.
Research from Oregon State University found that microplastic capsules encasing insecticides increased toxicity in water fleas, highlighting the need for reevaluation of encapsulation's environmental impact.
Researchers investigated PFAS exposure in older cats and compared it with hyperthyroidism prevalence. The study found a potential link between higher PFAS levels and increased risk of hyperthyroidism in senior cats.
Research published in Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry reveals that chlorpyifos inhibits brain development in Northern Leopard tadpoles. The study demonstrates the impact of organophosphorous pesticides on vertebrate neurodevelopment, even at low concentrations.
An international study has identified 22 pressing research questions surrounding chemical risks in the environment in Europe, focusing on human health and environmental impacts. The study aims to inform policy decisions and guide scientific research efforts.
An international study highlights key questions for a more sustainable environmental future in Europe, focusing on the impact of chemical products on biodiversity, natural ecosystems, and human health. The study aims to inform policy decisions and research priorities to mitigate these risks.
A recent study found that nano-copper azole combinations cause significant harm to estuarine benthic communities. The research highlights the need for better understanding of nanomaterial stress on these ecosystems.
The publication marks a significant milestone in aquatic toxicology with the release of the first generation of annotations for the fathead minnow genome. The data will enhance the utility of this species for ecotoxicology research and open up new avenues for studying its effects on ecosystems.