Articles tagged with Environmental Toxicology
The Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program uses a tiered testing strategy to assess the potential of pesticides and environmental contaminants on hormone systems. The finalized test method is a result of collaborative efforts between EPA scientists and Japanese colleagues.
A new study reveals oil spills can alter the structure of aquatic food webs, leading to increased fish populations like menhaden in the Gulf of Mexico. The research found that the loss of top predators reduced predation on forage fish, resulting in a surge in their abundance after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon blowout.
The increasing use of synthetic chemicals is outpacing global environmental changes, with pesticides and pharmaceuticals posing significant threats to human and environmental health. Research on these chemicals has been neglected, despite their impact on ecosystems and the environment.
Research highlights widespread plastic contamination in oceans, with effects on marine life and human health, prompting policy changes such as bans on microplastics and single-use plastics.
Harmful algal blooms are becoming a major threat to inland water quality, with increasing frequency and severity due to climate change and nutrient enrichment. Inland surface waters lack formal monitoring programs, hindering efforts to protect aquatic ecosystems and human health.
A national survey of US surface waters found pharmaceuticals in high levels near urban areas, posing risks to aquatic organisms. Research on complex mixtures of pharmaceuticals reveals inconsistent responses across different life stages, highlighting the need for diverse biological endpoints.
Mercury contamination is affecting fish populations worldwide, with yellowfin tuna concentrations doubling by 2050 if emissions continue to rise. Human activity is driving the increase in mercury levels, highlighting the need for urgent action to reduce pollution.
INRS researchers will conduct innovative research in environmental equity, reproductive toxicology and infection treatment with new equipment. The lab will focus on noise and air pollution concentration, public services for vulnerable populations and prevention of male infertility.
Researchers found that bald and golden eagles in North America have dangerously high levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in their livers, with concentrations highest near urban areas. The study suggests a range of exposure to these toxic chemicals, with more research needed to understand trends and accumulation patterns.
A NOAA study found that four common mosquito control pesticides pose little risk to juvenile oysters and hard clams, but climate stressors such as hypoxia and acidification increase their toxicity. The research provides valuable data for shellfish mariculture operations and environmental resource agencies.
Research found that fish exposed to antidepressants like Fluoxetine displayed altered mating behaviors, repetitive behavior, and aggression towards female fish. The effects were reversible once the concentration level was reduced.
Research in Costa Rica found that pesticide use in banana plantations is contaminating protected conservation areas, affecting spectacled caiman species. The study highlights the need for improved regulatory infrastructure to mitigate pesticide damage to aquatic ecosystems.
Three commonly used pesticides were found to be toxic to honeybees, even at sublethal doses. These pesticides modulated key enzymes that regulate physiological processes, affecting cognitive capacities and immune responses in bees.
Infant girls exposed to high levels of DDT while pregnant are three times more likely to develop hypertension as adults. Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart disease, which claims millions of lives worldwide.
A large European study found that multiple myeloma is related to farm work, printing and cleaning. The EPILYMPH study, which included 277 cases and matched controls by age and gender, found an increased risk for farmers, cleaning workers, telephone and radio operators.
Kevin Brix, a University of Miami PhD graduate, has been awarded the SETAC/ICA Chris Lee Award for his outstanding research on metal toxicity in aquatic organisms. His work focuses on the mechanisms of metal toxicity to freshwater and marine species, with a particular emphasis on dietary metal exposure and its effects on aquatic life.
Hermann Muller knowingly lied about safe levels of radiation exposure, says UMass researcher Edward Calabrese. Muller's suppression of evidence led to the adoption of a linear dose-response model that has shaped radiation and chemical exposure regulations.
New research from North Carolina State University reveals that fertilizer chemicals can be converted into toxic nitric oxide by water fleas, causing developmental and reproductive problems. The study's findings raise concerns about the impact of these chemicals on other organisms and highlight the need for further research.
A study by University of Calgary researchers reveals a significant increase in female fish population and feminization of males in two Southern Alberta rivers. The presence of man-made and naturally occurring chemicals, such as synthetic estrogens and bisphenol A, is linked to the sex ratio imbalance.
A meta-analysis of over 28,000 toxicological tests challenges the notion that amphibians are uniquely susceptible to pollution. Researchers found that frogs range from moderately susceptible to 'bullet-proof' against environmental threats, with other factors contributing to their decline.
A recent Pitt study found that a four-day testing period for pesticide exposure may not account for long-term effects on humans and animals. The highly toxic pesticide endosulfan exhibited a 'lag effect' with delayed toxicity surfacing after direct contact had ended.
A study of 1060 vets in north Germany found that psychosocial stress increased with working hours, leading to demoralization and substance abuse. The research suggests a complex relationship between stress, tobacco consumption, problem drinking, and drug use.
A new methodology developed by Pedro Álvarez Lloret found that exposure to organochlorate pollutants and lead causes bone weakening and fracture in wild birds. The study also reveals that polychloro-biphenyl (PCB) increases bone maturity, making them more fragile.
The Center for Environmental Implications of NanoTechnology (CEINT) aims to define the relationship between various nanomaterials and their potential environmental exposure and ecological consequences. Researchers plan to develop a rigorous risk assessment framework, collaborating with policy-makers and society.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Public Health has received a $3.4 million grant to develop the Carolina Center for Computational Toxicology, which aims to advance computational toxicology by developing new methods and tools.
Research highlights diacetyl's acute toxicity and respiratory harm when inhaled by humans. Studies have found that diacetyl can injure lungs, particularly among workers making microwave popcorn and flavoring chemicals.
UC Riverside scientists warn that chemicals used to slow the spread of fires in consumer goods, such as televisions and sofas, can be found in high concentrations in human blood and breast milk. Long-term exposure to these chemicals may pose a health risk, particularly for infants and toddlers.
Fourteen top scientists propose five critical challenges for nanotechnology risk research, including identifying potential health and environmental hazards. They will discuss their recommendations at a live webcast on November 16th, 2006.
A recent paper identifies Five Grand Challenges for research on nanotechnology risk to meet the full potential of the technology. The challenges include developing a universal aerosol sampler, assessing fiber-shaped nanoparticles' health hazards, and engineering safe-by-design nanomaterials.
Dr. Kenneth Olden has received the Society of Toxicology's Public Communications Award for his efforts to bridge the gap between researchers, policymakers, and the public through open access journals and regional town meetings.
Recent safety studies by the National Toxicology Program will be reviewed by a public meeting on May 18. The studies include chloral hydrate, napthalene, and indium phosphide.
A new archaeon, Ferroplasma acidarmanus, is found in mining sites and accelerates the production of sulfuric acid, a major environmental pollutant. The microbe's ability to thrive in acidic conditions without a cell wall defies conventional understanding.
The NYU Center for Particulate Matter Health Research is conducting studies to identify tiny particles in polluted air that contribute to respiratory ailments, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The center aims to establish specific chemical species responsible for mortality and morbidity associated with exposure.
Jeff Wheelwright, a renowned environmental writer, has won the American Chemical Society's James T. Grady-James H. Stack Award for Interpreting Chemistry for the Public. His work aims to ease public fears about chemicals in the environment and promote understanding of chemistry.
A Cornell University study suggests that chelation therapy used to treat lead poisoning in children may have adverse effects on the developing immune system. The therapy, DMSA, was found to impair immune function in offspring of pregnant rats who received the treatment during pregnancy.
A new study found that children retain more simulated air pollution per unit of lung surface area than adults, suggesting they are more susceptible to illnesses caused by polluted air. Researchers will extend their studies to exercising volunteers to further understand the effects of particulate air pollution on children.
A University of Georgia researcher's study found that many PCBs in the environment may not be as carcinogenic as previously believed. The project aimed to re-evaluate the toxicity of PCBs based on new scientific information and changes in cancer classification.