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Anyanwu C, Bikomeye JC, Beyer KM. The impact of environmental conditions on non-communicable diseases in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review of epidemiologic evidence. J Glob Health 2024; 14:04003. [PMID: 38419464 PMCID: PMC10902803 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.14.04003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is increasing. Environmental conditions such as heavy metals and air pollution have been linked with the incidence and mortality of chronic diseases such as cancer, as well as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. We aimed to scope the current state of evidence on the impact of environmental conditions on NCDs in SSA. Methods We conducted a scoping review to identify environmental conditions linked with NCDs in SSA by identifying studies published from January 1986 through February 2023. We searched African Index Medicus, Ovid Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Greenfile. Using the PICOS study selection criteria, we identified studies conducted in SSA focussed on physical environmental exposures and incidence, prevalence, and mortality of NCDs. We included only epidemiologic or quantitative studies. Results We identified 6754 articles from electronic database searches; only 36 met our inclusion criteria and were qualitatively synthesised. Two studies were conducted in multiple SSA countries, while 34 were conducted across ten countries in SSA. Air pollution (58.3%) was the most common type of environmental exposure reported, followed by exposure to dust (19.4%), meteorological variables (13.8%), heavy metals (2.7%), soil radioactivity (2.7%), and neighbourhood greenness (2.7%). The examined NCDs included respiratory diseases (69.4%), cancer (2.7%), stroke (5.5%), diabetes (2.7%), and two or more chronic diseases (19.4%). The study results suggest an association between environmental exposures and NCDs, particularly for respiratory diseases. Only seven studies found a null association between environmental conditions and chronic diseases. Conclusions There is a growing body of research on environmental conditions and chronic diseases in the SSA region. Although some cities in SSA have started implementing environmental monitoring and control measures, there remain high levels of environmental pollution. Investment can focus on improving environmental control measures and disease surveillance.
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Cannon C, Bonnell J, Padilla M, Sulca D. Along the energy justice continuum: An examination of energy disposal through the lens of feminist community based participatory action research. ENERGY RESEARCH & SOCIAL SCIENCE 2023; 96:102948. [PMID: 37475880 PMCID: PMC10358323 DOI: 10.1016/j.erss.2023.102948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Energy justice research tends to focus on inequalities that result from energy systems, including from fossil fuel extraction to production, distribution, and consumption. However, little research has investigated local effects of the disposal of waste products from fossil fuel extraction. To better understand these impacts, we employed a case study approach with qualitative interviews of residents of Kettleman City, a rural community in California's Central Valley (USA) that hosts a hazardous waste landfill which accepts predominantly waste from fossil fuel production. Informed by a novel feminist community-based participatory action research approach (CBPAR), interview data were collected from residents in the Summer of 2019 and analyzed using deductive and inductive coding strategies. Resident interviews highlighted the disproportionate distribution of pollution and environmental degradation shouldered by the community along with their experiences of adverse health and social impacts. Our analysis revealed the importance of incorporating an intersectional perspective to frame resident experiences of energy injustice. Our research highlights the untapped potential of feminist-informed CBPAR to catalyze change and challenge the production of energy injustice from energy waste disposal.
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Fazzo L, Manno V, Iavarone I, Minelli G, De Santis M, Beccaloni E, Scaini F, Miotto E, Airoma D, Comba P. The health impact of hazardous waste landfills and illegal dumps contaminated sites: An epidemiological study at ecological level in Italian Region. Front Public Health 2023; 11:996960. [PMID: 36923045 PMCID: PMC10010672 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.996960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aim The implementation of idoneous management of hazardous waste, in contrast to illegal practices, is one of the environment and health priorities of the WHO. The aim of the present study, based on a collaborative agreement between the Italian National Health Institute and a Prosecution Office located in Naples North, was to evaluate the health effects of illegal landfills and burning of urban and hazardous waste in the territory of the Prosecution Office. Methods The municipalities included in the study territory were investigated with respect to the regional population. Regression analyses were performed in the study area between four classes of an environmental municipal indicator of waste risk (MRI) previously defined, computing the relative risks (RRs) in 2-4 MRI classes, with respect to the first MRI class (the least impacted). The prevalence of reproductive outcomes and cause-specific mortality and hospitalization were analyzed in the general population and in the 0-19-year-old population using SAS software. Results An increase of mortality and hospitalization risk in both the genders of the whole area, with respect to regional population, were found for overall all cancer cases, cancer of the stomach, the liver, the lung and the kidney, and ischemic heart diseases. An increase of mortality for leukemias in the 0-19-year-old population and in hospitalization risk for certain conditions originating in the perinatal period were observed. Correlation between MRI and the risk of mortality from breast tumors in women (MRI class 2: RR = 1.06; MRI class 3: RR = 1.15; MRI class 4: RR = 1.11) and between MRI and the risk of hospitalization from testis tumors (MRI class 2: RR = 1.25; MRI class 3: RR = 1.31; MRI class 4: RR = 1.32) were found. The hospitalization risk from breast tumors and asthma exceeded significantly in both genders of three and four MRI classes. Among the 0-19-year-old population, correlation between MRI and hospitalization from leukemias (MRI class 2: RR = 1.48; MRI class 3: RR = 1.60; MRI class 4: RR = 1.41) and between MRI and the prevalence of preterm birth (MRI class 2: RR = 1.17; MRI class 3: RR = 1.08; MRI class 4: RR = 1.25) were found. Conclusion A correlation between health outcomes and the environmental pressure by uncontrolled waste sites was found. Notwithstanding the limitation of the study, the results promote implementing the actions of environmental remediation and the prosecution of illegal practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Fazzo
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.,World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health in Contaminated Sites, Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Manno
- Statistical Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Ivano Iavarone
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.,World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health in Contaminated Sites, Rome, Italy
| | - Giada Minelli
- Statistical Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco De Santis
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.,World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health in Contaminated Sites, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Beccaloni
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Scaini
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Edoardo Miotto
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Domenico Airoma
- Avellino Prosecution Office, Former North Naples Prosecution Office, Avellino, Italy
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Goobie GC, Nouraie M, Zhang Y, Kass DJ, Ryerson CJ, Carlsten C, Johannson KA. Air Pollution and Interstitial Lung Diseases: Defining Epigenomic Effects. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2020; 202:1217-1224. [PMID: 32569479 PMCID: PMC7605178 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202003-0836pp] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gillian C. Goobie
- Department of Human Genetics, Graduate School of Public Health and
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Yingze Zhang
- Department of Human Genetics, Graduate School of Public Health and
- Department of Medicine and
| | | | - Christopher J. Ryerson
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; and
| | - Christopher Carlsten
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; and
| | - Kerri A. Johannson
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Community Health Survey of Residents Living Near a Solid Waste Open Dumpsite in Sabak, Kelantan, Malaysia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17010311. [PMID: 31906421 PMCID: PMC6981880 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17010311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The management of waste materials is a serious problem worldwide, especially in urbanizing countries like Malaysia. This study was conducted to compare the prevalence of health symptoms and diseases diagnosed among residents exposed to the solid waste open dumpsite in the suburb of Sabak with the non-exposed community. Research related to exposure to solid waste dumping with complete health problems has never been combined in one study. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted. The exposed group included residents within a 1 km radius and the non-exposed group included residents between a 2.5 and 4.0 km radius from the dumpsite. The selected residents were interviewed using validated, structured questionnaires. A total of 170 residents from the exposed group and 119 residents from the non-exposed group were selected. The mean (SD) duration time of residence was 22.6 (18.9) years for the exposed group and 15.0 (12.0) years for the non-exposed group. Dumpsite exposure was significantly associated with sore throat (adjusted odd ratio (AOR) 1.88; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05, 3.38; p = 0.031), diabetes mellitus (AOR 2.84; 95% CI: 1.10, 7.30; p = 0.021) and hypertension (AOR 2.56; 95% CI: 1.27, 5.13; p = 0.006). This study provides evidence that the unsanitary solid waste disposal in Malaysia is hazardous to the health of residents in the surrounding 1 km, and efforts are needed to minimize the hazards.
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Fazzo L, Minichilli F, Santoro M, Ceccarini A, Della Seta M, Bianchi F, Comba P, Martuzzi M. Hazardous waste and health impact: a systematic review of the scientific literature. Environ Health 2017; 16:107. [PMID: 29020961 PMCID: PMC5637250 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-017-0311-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Waste is part of the agenda of the European Environment and Health Process and included among the topics of the Sixth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health. Disposal and management of hazardous waste are worldwide challenges. We performed a systematic review to evaluate the evidence of the health impact of hazardous waste exposure, applying transparent and a priori defined methods. The following five steps, based on pre-defined systematic criteria, were applied. 1. Specify the research question, in terms of "Population-Exposure-Comparators-Outcomes" (PECO). POPULATION people living near hazardous waste sites; Exposure: exposure to hazardous waste; Comparators: all comparators; Outcomes: all diseases/health disorders. 2. Carry out the literature search, in Medline and EMBASE. 3. Select studies for inclusion: original epidemiological studies, published between 1999 and 2015, on populations residentially exposed to hazardous waste. 4. Assess the quality of selected studies, taking into account study design, exposure and outcome assessment, confounding control. 5. Rate the confidence in the body of evidence for each outcome taking into account the reliability of each study, the strength of the association and concordance of results.Fifty-seven papers of epidemiological investigations on the health status of populations living near hazardous waste sites were selected for the evidence evaluation. The association between 95 health outcomes (diseases and disorders) and residential exposure to hazardous waste sites was evaluated. Health effects of residential hazardous waste exposure, previously partially unrecognized, were highlighted. Sufficient evidence was found of association between exposure to oil industry waste that releases high concentrations of hydrogen sulphide and acute symptoms. The evidence of causal relationship with hazardous waste was defined as limited for: liver, bladder, breast and testis cancers, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, asthma, congenital anomalies overall and anomalies of the neural tube, urogenital, connective and musculoskeletal systems, low birth weight and pre-term birth; evidence was defined as inadequate for the other health outcomes. The results, although not conclusive, provide indications that more effective public health policies on hazardous waste management are urgently needed. International, national and local authorities should oppose and eliminate poor, outdated and illegal practices of waste disposal, including illegal transboundary trade, and increase support regulation and its enforcement.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Fazzo
- Department of Environment and Health, Unit of Environmental and Social Epidemiology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - F. Minichilli
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, Unit of Environmental epidemiology and disease registries, National Research Council, Via Giuseppe Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - M. Santoro
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, Unit of Environmental epidemiology and disease registries, National Research Council, Via Giuseppe Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - A. Ceccarini
- Documentation Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - M. Della Seta
- Documentation Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - F. Bianchi
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, Unit of Environmental epidemiology and disease registries, National Research Council, Via Giuseppe Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - P. Comba
- Department of Environment and Health, Unit of Environmental and Social Epidemiology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - M. Martuzzi
- Centre for Environment and Health, World Health Organization - Regional Office for Europe, Platz der Vereinten Nationen 1, D-53113 Bonn, Germany
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Renz H, Holt PG, Inouye M, Logan AC, Prescott SL, Sly PD. An exposome perspective: Early-life events and immune development in a changing world. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2017; 140:24-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2017.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Revised: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
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Yildirim A, Zhang J, Manzetti S, van der Spoel D. Binding of Pollutants to Biomolecules: A Simulation Study. Chem Res Toxicol 2016; 29:1679-1688. [PMID: 27603112 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.6b00189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A number of cases around the world have been reported where animals were found dead or dying with symptoms resembling a thiamine (vitamin B) deficiency, and for some of these, a link to pollutants has been suggested. Here, we investigate whether biomolecules involved in thiamin binding and transport could be blocked by a range of different pollutants. We used in silico docking of five compound classes (25 compounds in total) to each of five targets (prion protein, ECF-type ABC transporter, thi-box riboswitch receptor, thiamin pyrophosphokinase, and YKoF protein) and subsequently performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to assess the stability of the complexes. The compound classes were thiamin analogues (control), pesticides, veterinary medicines, polychlorinated biphenyls, and dioxins, all of which are prevalent in the environment to some extent. A few anthropogenic compounds were found to bind the ECF-type ABC transporter, but none binds stably to prion protein. For the riboswitch, most compounds remained in their binding pockets during 50 ns of MD simulation, indicating that RNA provides a promiscuous binding site. In both YKoF and thiamin pyrophosphokinase (TPK), most compounds remain tightly bound. However, TPK biomolecules undergo pollutant-induced conformational changes. Although most compounds are found to bind to some of these targets, a larger data set is needed along with more quantitative methods like free energy perturbation calculations before firm conclusions can be drawn. This study is in part a test bed for large-scale quantitative computational screening of interactions between biological entities and pollutant molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Yildirim
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science and Art, Siirt University , 56100 Siirt, Turkey.,Uppsala Center for Computational Chemistry, Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University , Husargatan 3, Box 596, SE-75124 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jin Zhang
- Uppsala Center for Computational Chemistry, Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University , Husargatan 3, Box 596, SE-75124 Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Sergio Manzetti
- Uppsala Center for Computational Chemistry, Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University , Husargatan 3, Box 596, SE-75124 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - David van der Spoel
- Uppsala Center for Computational Chemistry, Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University , Husargatan 3, Box 596, SE-75124 Uppsala, Sweden
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9
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Triassi M, Alfano R, Illario M, Nardone A, Caporale O, Montuori P. Environmental pollution from illegal waste disposal and health effects: a review on the "triangle of death". INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2015; 12:1216-36. [PMID: 25622140 PMCID: PMC4344663 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph120201216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The term “triangle of death” was used for the first time by Senior and Mazza in the journal The Lancet Oncology referring to the eastern area of the Campania Region (Southern Italy) which has one of the worst records of illegal waste dumping practices. In the past decades, many studies have focused on the potential of illegal waste disposal to cause adverse effects on human health in this area. The great heterogeneity in the findings, and the bias in media communication has generated great healthcare doubts, anxieties and alarm. This paper addresses a review of the up-to-date literature on the “triangle of death”, bringing together the available information on the occurrence and severity of health effects related to illegal waste disposal. The Scopus database was searched using the search terms “waste”, “Campania”, “Naples”, “triangle of death” and “human biomonitoring”. Despite the methodological and sampling heterogeneity between the studies, this review examines the evidence from published data concerning cancer incidence, childhood mortality and birth defects, so that the current situation, knowledge gaps and research priorities can be established. The review aims to provide a contribution to the scientific community, and to respond to the concerns of the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Triassi
- Department of Public Health, "Federico II" University, Naples 80131, Italy.
| | - Rossella Alfano
- Department of Public Health, "Federico II" University, Naples 80131, Italy.
| | - Maddalena Illario
- Department of Traslational Medical Science, "Federico II" University, Naples 80131, Italy.
| | - Antonio Nardone
- Department of Public Health, "Federico II" University, Naples 80131, Italy.
| | - Oreste Caporale
- Department of Public Health, "Federico II" University, Naples 80131, Italy.
| | - Paolo Montuori
- Department of Public Health, "Federico II" University, Naples 80131, Italy.
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10
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Environmental contributions to the leading causes of disease burden among Australian children. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2013; 56:481-4. [PMID: 23319083 DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0b013e3182848a23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
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Liu X, Lessner L, Carpenter DO. Association between residential proximity to fuel-fired power plants and hospitalization rate for respiratory diseases. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2012; 120:807-810. [PMID: 22370087 PMCID: PMC3385425 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1104146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2011] [Accepted: 02/27/2012] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Air pollution is known to cause respiratory disease. Unlike motor vehicle sources, fuel-fired power plants are stationary. OBJECTIVE Using hospitalization data, we examined whether living near a fuel-fired power plant increases the likelihood of hospitalization for respiratory disease. METHODS Rates of hospitalization for asthma, acute respiratory infection (ARI), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were estimated using hospitalization data for 1993-2008 from New York State in relation to data for residences near fuel-fired power plants. We also explored data for residential proximity to hazardous waste sites. RESULTS After adjusting for age, sex, race, median household income, and rural/urban residence, there were significant 11%, 15%, and 17% increases in estimated rates of hospitalization for asthma, ARI, and COPD, respectively, among individuals > 10 years of age living in a ZIP code containing a fuel-fired power plant compared with one that had no power plant. Living in a ZIP code with a fuel-fired power plant was not significantly associated with hospitalization for asthma or ARI among children < 10 years of age. Living in a ZIP code with a hazardous waste site was associated with hospitalization for all outcomes in both age groups, and joint effect estimates were approximately additive for living in a ZIP code that contained a fuel-fired power plant and a hazardous waste site. CONCLUSIONS Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that exposure to air pollution from fuel-fired power plants and volatile compounds coming from hazardous waste sites increases the risk of hospitalization for respiratory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaopeng Liu
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Studies over the last 2 years have added important new information on the relationship between air pollution and asthma incidence and severity. RECENT FINDINGS Outdoor air pollution has been associated with asthma exacerbations, including emergency department visits and hospitalizations, as well as with the onset of asthma. Possible mechanisms mediating both incidence and severity effects include the induction of oxidative stress, and/or allergic sensitization, as well as increased susceptibility to viral infections. Some of these mechanisms may be occurring in utero including epigenetic changes that may increase risk for development of asthma. Factors related to increased susceptibility for air pollution-related asthma severity include age, season and genetic polymorphisms related to antioxidant enzymes. SUMMARY Ambient pollution levels may be associated with both asthma incidence and severity. Susceptibility to air pollution may be higher in children with genetic polymorphisms related to the 'oxidant stress pathways'. Potential interventions for susceptible children at risk for asthma development and/or severity include decreased exposure on high air pollution days, especially in the summer months, and antioxidant supplementation. On the population level, changes in school and home zoning to increase distance from busy roadways may help reduce both asthma incidence and severity.
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Duarte FV, Simões AM, Teodoro JS, Rolo AP, Palmeira CM. Exposure to dibenzofuran affects lung mitochondrial functionin vitro. Toxicol Mech Methods 2011; 21:571-6. [DOI: 10.3109/15376516.2011.576714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Weber R, Watson A, Forter M, Oliaei F. Review Article: Persistent organic pollutants and landfills - a review of past experiences and future challenges. WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOLID WASTES AND PUBLIC CLEANSING ASSOCIATION, ISWA 2011; 29:107-21. [PMID: 21224404 DOI: 10.1177/0734242x10390730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The landfilling and dumping of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and other persistent hazardous compounds, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), hexachlorocyclohaxane (HCH), polybrominated diphenylether (PBDEs) or perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) can have significant adverse environmental consequences. This paper reviews past experiences with such disposal practices and highlights their unsustainability due to the risks of contamination of ecosystems, the food chain, together with ground and drinking water supplies. The use and associated disposal of POPs have been occurring for over 50 years. Concurrent with the phase-out of some of the most hazardous chemicals, the production of new POPs, such as brominated and fluorinated compounds has increased since the 1990s. These latter compounds are commonly used in a wide range of consumer goods, and as consumer products reach the end of their useful lives, ultimately enter waste recycling and disposal systems, in particular at municipal landfills. Because of their very slow, or lack of degradability, POPs will persist in landfills for many decades and possibly centuries. Over these extended time periods engineered landfill systems and their liners are likely to degrade, thus posing a contemporary and future risk of releasing large contaminant loads to the environment. This review highlights the necessity for alternative disposal methods for POP wastes, including destruction or complete removal from potential environmental release. In addition to such end of pipe solutions a policy change in the use pattern of persistent toxic chemicals is inevitable. In addition, inventories for the location and quantity of POPs in landfills, together with an assessment of their threat to ecosystems, drinking water and food resources are identified as key measures to facilitate appropriate management of risks. Finally the challenges of POP wastes in transition/developing countries, the risk of increased leaching of POPs from landfills due to climate change, and the possible negative impact of natural attenuation processes are considered.
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Carpenter DO, Nevin R. Environmental causes of violence. Physiol Behav 2009; 99:260-8. [PMID: 19758571 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2009.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2009] [Revised: 08/18/2009] [Accepted: 09/01/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Violent and anti-social behavior is usually attributed to social factors, including poverty, poor education, and family instability. There is also evidence that many forms of violent behavior are more frequent in individuals of lower IQ. The role of exposure to environmental contaminants has received little attention as a factor predisposing to violent behavior. However a number of environmental exposures are documented to result in a common pattern of neurobehavioral effects, including lowered IQ, shortened attention span, and increased frequency of antisocial behavior. This pattern is best described for children exposed to lead early in life, but a similar pattern is seen upon exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls and methyl mercury. Although not as extensively studied, similar decrements in IQ are seen upon exposure to arsenic and secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure. Prenatal and postnatal SHS exposure is also associated with increased rates of conduct disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity. Recent evidence suggests that temporal trends in rates of violent crime in many nations are consistent with earlier preschool blood lead trends, with a lag of about 20 years. These ecologic correlations are consistent with many controlled studies suggesting that lead-exposed children suffer irreversible brain alterations that make them more likely to commit violent crimes as young adults. If this pattern is true for lead and other contaminants, the most effective way to fight crime may be to prevent exposure to these contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- David O Carpenter
- Institute for Health and the Environment, University at Albany, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA.
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