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Decades after toxic exposure, 9/11 first responders may still lower their risk of lung injury

A new study from NYU Langone Health found that losing weight and managing excess body fat can significantly reduce the risk of lung disease in firefighters exposed to toxic substances on 9/11. The study analyzed 20 years of data from over 5,700 first responders and identified five key factors that predict lung disease.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 2, 2021

Researchers explore how people respond to wildfire smoke

Researchers studied Northern California residents' responses to wildfire smoke, finding that social norms and social support significantly influence protective health actions. The study aims to promote safer behavior by understanding how people interact with information and make decisions during smoke events.

SourceStanford University·JournalClimate Risk Management·TypeCase study·DateAug 30, 2021

Exposure to tobacco smoke in early life is associated with accelerated biological ageing

A new study finds that early-life exposure to tobacco smoke is associated with accelerated biological ageing in children. The analysis of over 1,000 children in six European countries revealed that maternal tobacco smoke during pregnancy and indoor exposure to black carbon are linked to an acceleration in epigenetic ageing.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·DateAug 25, 2021

Wildfire smoke exposure linked to increased risk of contracting COVID-19

A new study published in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology found a significant association between wildfire smoke exposure and an increased risk of contracting COVID-19 in Reno, Nev. During a prolonged 2020 wildfire smoke event, PM2.5 levels were associated with a 17.7% rise in COVID-19 cases.

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalJournal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology·DateJul 15, 2021

Research study suggests BAT's Modern Oral products have similar toxicant profile to NRT

A recent study published in Drug and Chemical Toxicology found that BAT's modern oral nicotine pouches have a comparable toxicant profile to NRTs, with significantly lower levels of toxicants than traditional oral snus. The study suggests that MO products should be placed close to NRTs on the reduced-risk product continuum.

SourceR&D at British American Tobacco·JournalDrug and Chemical Toxicology·DateJun 16, 2021

'No level of smoke exposure is safe'

A study by Virginia Commonwealth University researchers found that secondhand smoke exposure during pregnancy is associated with epigenetic changes in babies, which can increase the risk of developmental disorders and cancer. The study analyzed data from over 100 pregnant women and found correlations between low levels of cotinine, a n...

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMay 19, 2021

As wildfires increase in severity, experts call for coordinated federal response

The American Thoracic Society releases a report highlighting the need for research on wildfire smoke's effects on respiratory and cardiovascular health, as well as communication strategies to protect public health. The report emphasizes the importance of coordinated federal response and dedicated funding to mitigate health risks.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateMay 3, 2021

Wildfire smoke trends worsening for Western US

A new study from the University of Utah ties worsening wildfire activity to poor air quality events in Western regions, with smoke impacts clear into September. The researchers found consistent trends in air quality correlating with wildfire activity, but with different spatial patterns in August and September.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateApr 30, 2021

Recreational cannabis use among adults in the home is on the rise, but what about the children?

A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that cannabis use among adults with children in states where legalization has occurred increased significantly. The study highlights the need for education on protecting youth from secondhand cannabis smoke, which poses health risks similar to tobacco smoke.

Study shows airborne particulate matter is also contaminated with tobacco smoke-driven particulates

A landmark study reveals that airborne particulate matter is contaminated with tobacco smoke-driven particulates, with Nicotelline identified as a suitable marker. The study shows a ubiquitous presence of Nicotelline even at low concentrations, with geographical variability linked to population density and tobacco use prevalence.

SourceUniversity of Malta·JournalEnvironment International·DateFeb 12, 2021