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Li Y, Buendia J, Sears S, Ibrahimovic M, Bertero H, Wiseman R, Bhakta N. Impact of Hurricane Harvey on Inpatient Asthma Hospitalization Visits Within Southeast Texas, 2016-2019. J Occup Environ Med 2023; 65:924-930. [PMID: 37488772 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002928] [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: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study is to estimate inpatient asthma hospital visit rates among impacted Texans in Public Health Region 6/5S during the year of and after Hurricane Harvey. METHODS Asthma inpatient hospitalization discharges were collected from the Texas Health Care Information Collection database (2016-2019). RESULTS Females (age-adjusted rates [AARs] = 4.8-5.0) and Black Texans (AARs = 5.0-8.1) experienced significantly higher AARs compared with males and White Texans during the year of and after Harvey. During the year of Hurricane Harvey, females were 1.49 times as likely to have an inpatient asthma visit compared with males, while Black Texans were 2.78 times as likely to have an inpatient asthma hospitalization compared with White Texans. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study may assist public health professionals and local officials to allocate future resources to the most impacted subgroups as well as establish effective processes to mitigate consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyao Li
- From the Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Section, Department of State Health Services, Austin, Texas
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2
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Zhang A, de Ángel Solá D, Acevedo Flores M, Cao L, Wang L, Kim JG, Tarr PI, Warner BB, Rosario Matos N, Wang L. Infants exposed in utero to Hurricane Maria have gut microbiomes with reduced diversity and altered metabolic capacity. mSphere 2023; 8:e0013423. [PMID: 37754563 PMCID: PMC10597457 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00134-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiome is a potentially important mechanism that links prenatal disaster exposures with increased disease risks. However, whether prenatal disaster exposures are associated with alterations in the infant's gut microbiome remains unknown. We established a birth cohort study named Hurricane as the Origin of Later Alterations in Microbiome (HOLA) after Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico in 2017. We enrolled vaginally born Latino term infants aged 2 to 6 months, including n = 29 infants who were exposed in utero to Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico and n = 34 infants who were conceived at least 5 months after the hurricane as controls. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing was performed on infant stool swabs. Infants exposed in utero to Hurricane Maria had a reduced diversity in their gut microbiome compared to the control infants, which was mainly seen in the exclusively formula-fed group (P = 0.02). Four bacterial species, including Bacteroides vulgatus, Clostridium innocuum, Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum, and Clostridium neonatale, were depleted in the exposure group compared to the control group. Compositional differences in the microbial community and metabolic genes between the exposure and control groups were significant, which were driven by the formula feeding group (P = 0.02 for the microbial community and P = 0.008 for the metabolic genes). Metabolic modules involved in carbohydrate metabolism were reduced in the exposure group. Prenatal maternal exposure to Hurricane Maria was associated with a reduced gut commensal and an altered microbial composition and metabolic potential in the offspring's gut. Breastfeeding can adjust the composition of the gut microbiomes of exposed infants. IMPORTANCE Climate change is a serious issue that is affecting human health. With more frequent and intense weather disasters due to climate change, there is an urgent need to evaluate and understand the impacts of prenatal disaster exposures on the offspring. The prenatal stage is a particularly vulnerable stage for disease origination. However, the impact of prenatal weather disaster exposures on the offspring's gut microbiome has not been evaluated. Our HOLA study starts to fill this knowledge gap and provides novel insights into the microbiome as a mechanism that links prenatal disaster exposures with elevated disease risks. Our major finding that reduced microbial diversity and altered metabolic capacity are associated with prenatal hurricane exposures warrants further studies to evaluate the impact of weather disasters on the unborn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - David de Ángel Solá
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Midnela Acevedo Flores
- Department of Pediatrics and Obstetrics and Gynecology, San Juan City Hospital Research Unit, San Juan Hospital, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Lijuan Cao
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Leran Wang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Josh G. Kim
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Phillip I. Tarr
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Barbara B. Warner
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Nicolás Rosario Matos
- Department of Pediatrics and Obstetrics and Gynecology, San Juan City Hospital Research Unit, San Juan Hospital, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Leyao Wang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Davis SA, Carpenter DM, Loughlin CE, Garcia N, Sleath B. Impact of Hurricane Matthew on a Cohort of Adolescents With Asthma in North Carolina. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2023; 17:e446. [PMID: 37554119 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2023.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to look at a cohort of adolescents who were already enrolled in a randomized controlled trial to see (1) how demographics were associated with hurricane impact, and (2) how hurricane impact was associated with reported asthma quality of life. METHODS One hundred fifty-one adolescents ages 11-17 and their parents enrolled in a randomized controlled trial at 2 sites in southeastern North Carolina completed questions about asthma quality of life, demographics, and the impact of Hurricane Matthew. RESULTS The most common effects of Hurricane Matthew were that the family's home was damaged or flooded (32.5%), the school was damaged or flooded (31.8%), and the home had mold or mildew as a result of flooding or damage (25.8%). Problems with access to care were more common for families whose adolescent was non-White (P = 0.04), on Medicaid (P = 0.05), or if the family spoke Spanish at home (P < 0.001). Being affected by the hurricane was negatively associated with asthma quality of life. CONCLUSIONS Hurricane Matthew had significant impact on the health of adolescents with asthma in the affected region, especially in the most vulnerable populations. Providers should ensure that families of adolescents with asthma have a hurricane plan to mitigate impact on their children's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott A Davis
- Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Delesha M Carpenter
- Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ceila E Loughlin
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Nacire Garcia
- Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Betsy Sleath
- Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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4
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Bayram H, Rice MB, Abdalati W, Akpinar Elci M, Mirsaeidi M, Annesi-Maesano I, Pinkerton KE, Balmes JR. Impact of Global Climate Change on Pulmonary Health: Susceptible and Vulnerable Populations. Ann Am Thorac Soc 2023; 20:1088-1095. [PMID: 37126851 DOI: 10.1513/annalsats.202212-996cme] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
As fossil fuel combustion continues to power the global economy, the rate of climate change is accelerating, causing severe respiratory health impacts and large disparities in the degree of human suffering. Hotter and drier climates lead to longer and more severe wildland fire seasons, impairing air quality around the globe. Hotter temperatures lead to higher amounts of ozone and particles, causing the exacerbation of chronic respiratory diseases and premature mortality. Longer pollen seasons and higher pollen concentrations provoke allergic airway diseases. In arid regions, accelerated land degradation and desertification are promoting dust pollution and impairing food production and nutritional content that are essential to respiratory health. Extreme weather events and flooding impede healthcare delivery and can lead to poor indoor air quality due to mold overgrowth. Climate and human activities that harm the environment and ecosystem may also affect the emergence and spread of viral infections, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and associated morbidity and mortality exacerbated by air pollution. Children and elderly individuals are more susceptible to the adverse health effects of climate change. Geographical and socioeconomic circumstances, together with a decreased capacity to adapt, collectively increase vulnerability to the adverse effects of climate change. Successful mitigation of anthropogenic climate change is dependent on the commitment of energy-intensive nations to manage greenhouse gas emissions, as well as societal support and response to aggravating factors. In this review, we focus on the respiratory health impacts of global climate change, with an emphasis on susceptible and vulnerable populations and low- and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mary B Rice
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Waleed Abdalati
- Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
| | | | | | - Isabella Annesi-Maesano
- University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- INSERM, Montpellier, France
- Department of Allergic and Respiratory Diseases, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | | | - John R Balmes
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California; and
- University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California
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5
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Gonsoroski E, Ahn Y, Harville EW, Countess N, Lichtveld MY, Pan K, Beitsch L, Sherchan SP, Uejio CK. Classifying Building Roof Damage Using High Resolution Imagery for Disaster Recovery. PHOTOGRAMMETRIC ENGINEERING AND REMOTE SENSING 2023; 89:437-443. [PMID: 38486939 PMCID: PMC10939134 DOI: 10.14358/pers.22-00106r2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Post-hurricane damage assessments are often costly and time-consuming. Remotely sensed data provides a complementary method of data collection that can be completed comparatively quickly and at relatively low cost. This study focuses on 15 Florida counties impacted by Hurricane Michael (2018), which had category 5 strength winds at landfall. The present study evaluates the ability of aerial imagery collected to cost-effectively measure blue tarps on buildings for disaster impact and recovery. A support vector machine model classified blue tarp, and parcels received a damage indicator based on the model's prediction. The model had an overall accuracy of 85.3% with a sensitivity of 74% and a specificity of 96.7%. The model results indicated approximately 7% of all parcels (27 926 residential and 4431 commercial parcels) in the study area as having blue tarp present. The study results may benefit jurisdictions that lacked financial resources to conduct on-the-ground damage assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaina Gonsoroski
- Department of Geography, College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306
| | - Yoonjung Ahn
- Institute of Behavioral Science, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309
| | - Emily W Harville
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112
| | - Nathaniel Countess
- Department of Geography, College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306
| | - Maureen Y Lichtveld
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261
| | - Ke Pan
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112
| | - Leslie Beitsch
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine, College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306
| | - Samendra P Sherchan
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112
| | - Christopher K Uejio
- Department of Geography, College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306
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Projecting the Impacts of a Changing Climate: Tropical Cyclones and Flooding. Curr Environ Health Rep 2022; 9:244-262. [PMID: 35403997 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-022-00340-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW There is clear evidence that the earth's climate is changing, largely from anthropogenic causes. Flooding and tropical cyclones have clear impacts on human health in the United States at present, and projections of their health impacts in the future will help inform climate policy, yet to date there have been few quantitative climate health impact projections. RECENT FINDINGS Despite a wealth of studies characterizing health impacts of floods and tropical cyclones, many are better suited for qualitative, rather than quantitative, projections of climate change health impacts. However, a growing number have features that will facilitate their use in quantitative projections, features we highlight here. Further, while it can be difficult to project how exposures to flood and tropical cyclone hazards will change in the future, climate science continues to advance in its capabilities to capture changes in these exposures, including capturing regional variation. Developments in climate epidemiology and climate science are opening new possibilities in projecting the health impacts of floods and tropical cyclones under a changing climate.
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Daines M, Pereira R, Cunningham A, Pryor B, Besselsen DG, Liu Y, Luo Q, Chen Y. Novel Mouse Models of Fungal Asthma. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:683194. [PMID: 34485171 PMCID: PMC8415780 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.683194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Alternaria alternata is a ubiquitous fungus and a major allergen associated with the development of asthma. Inhalation of intact spores is the primary cause of human exposure to fungal allergen. However, allergen-rich cultured fungal filtrates are oftentimes used in the current models of fungal sensitization that do not fully reflect real-life exposures. Thus, establishing novel spore exposure models is imperative. In this study, we established novel fungal exposure models of both adult and neonate to live spores. We examined pathophysiological changes in the spore models as compared to the non-exposure controls and also to the conventional filtrate models. While both Alternaria filtrate- and spore-exposed adult BALB/c mice developed elevated airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), filtrates induced a greater IgE mediated response and higher broncholavage eosinophils than spores. In contrast, the mice exposed to Alternaria spores had higher numbers of neutrophils. Both exposures induced comparable levels of lung tissue inflammation and mucous cell metaplasia (MCM). In the neonatal model, exposure to Alternaria spores resulted in a significant increase of AHR in both adult and neonatal mice. Increased levels of IgE in both neonatal and adult mice exposed to spores was associated with increased eosinophilia in the treatment groups. Adult demonstrated increased numbers of lymphocytes that was paralleled by increased IgG1 production. Both adults and neonates demonstrated similarly increased eosinophilia, IgE, tissue inflammation and MCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Daines
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States.,Asthma & Airway Disease Research Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Rhea Pereira
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Aubrey Cunningham
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Barry Pryor
- School of Plant Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - David G Besselsen
- Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Yuchen Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Qianwen Luo
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Yin Chen
- Asthma & Airway Disease Research Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
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8
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Impact of Hurricanes on Children With Asthma: A Systematic Literature Review. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2021; 16:777-782. [PMID: 33557998 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2020.424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Following hurricanes, there can be increases in exacerbations of chronic diseases, such as asthma. Asthma is common among children, and many asthma exacerbations can be prevented. This systematic literature review assessed literature describing the impact of hurricanes on children with asthma in the United States. Medline, Embase, Global Health, PubMed, and Scopus databases were searched for peer-reviewed, English-language articles published January 1990 to June 2019 that described the effect of a hurricane on children with asthma. This search identified 212 articles; 8 met inclusion criteria. All 8 were related to Hurricane Katrina, but research questions and study design varied. Articles included information on asthma after hurricanes from cross-sectional surveys, retrospective chart review, and objective clinical testing. Four articles described discontinuity in health insurance, asthma-related health care, or asthma medication use; and 3 articles examined the relationship between mold exposure and asthma symptoms and reported varying results. The eighth study quantified the burden of asthma among people visiting mobile medical units but did not describe factors associated with asthma symptoms. These results highlight opportunities for future research (eg, on more recent hurricanes) and disaster preparedness planning (eg, strategies to prevent health-care discontinuity among children with asthma).
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9
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Lichtveld M, Covert H, El-Dahr J, Grimsley LF, Cohn R, Watson CH, Thornton E, Kennedy S. A Community-Based Participatory Research Approach to Hurricane Katrina: When Disasters, Environmental Health Threats, and Disparities Collide. Am J Public Health 2020; 110:1485-1489. [PMID: 32816539 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2020.305759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
In 2005, Hurricane Katrina resulted in long-term flooding of 80% of New Orleans, Louisiana. Mold-infested homes gave rise to concerns about increased childhood asthma. To address these concerns, a diverse community-academic partnership used a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to implement the Head-off Environmental Asthma in Louisiana (HEAL) study in 2007.The study examined the relationship between post-Katrina mold and other environmental exposures and asthma morbidity, while testing an asthma counselor (AC) intervention. Both the AC intervention and the CBPR approach were effectively implemented in the postdisaster setting. However, homes had lower levels of mold and other allergens than expected, possibly because of the timing of environmental sampling. Also, HEAL illustrated the vulnerability of the study community, especially to the interconnected threats of health disparities, environmental health stressors, and disasters.We examine the implications of these threats for public health science, policy, and practice, not only through the lens of Hurricane Katrina but also for future disasters faced by communities in the Gulf Coast and nationally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen Lichtveld
- Maureen Lichtveld and Hannah Covert are with the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA. Jane El-Dahr is with the Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Tulane University. L. Faye Grimsley is with the Department of Public Health Sciences, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans. Richard Cohn is an independent consultant in Chapel Hill, NC. Claire Hayes Watson and Eleanor Thornton are with Visionary Consulting Partners LLC, Fairfax, VA. Suzanne Kennedy is with the Children's Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, NC Children's Hospital, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | - Hannah Covert
- Maureen Lichtveld and Hannah Covert are with the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA. Jane El-Dahr is with the Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Tulane University. L. Faye Grimsley is with the Department of Public Health Sciences, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans. Richard Cohn is an independent consultant in Chapel Hill, NC. Claire Hayes Watson and Eleanor Thornton are with Visionary Consulting Partners LLC, Fairfax, VA. Suzanne Kennedy is with the Children's Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, NC Children's Hospital, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | - Jane El-Dahr
- Maureen Lichtveld and Hannah Covert are with the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA. Jane El-Dahr is with the Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Tulane University. L. Faye Grimsley is with the Department of Public Health Sciences, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans. Richard Cohn is an independent consultant in Chapel Hill, NC. Claire Hayes Watson and Eleanor Thornton are with Visionary Consulting Partners LLC, Fairfax, VA. Suzanne Kennedy is with the Children's Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, NC Children's Hospital, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | - L Faye Grimsley
- Maureen Lichtveld and Hannah Covert are with the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA. Jane El-Dahr is with the Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Tulane University. L. Faye Grimsley is with the Department of Public Health Sciences, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans. Richard Cohn is an independent consultant in Chapel Hill, NC. Claire Hayes Watson and Eleanor Thornton are with Visionary Consulting Partners LLC, Fairfax, VA. Suzanne Kennedy is with the Children's Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, NC Children's Hospital, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | - Richard Cohn
- Maureen Lichtveld and Hannah Covert are with the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA. Jane El-Dahr is with the Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Tulane University. L. Faye Grimsley is with the Department of Public Health Sciences, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans. Richard Cohn is an independent consultant in Chapel Hill, NC. Claire Hayes Watson and Eleanor Thornton are with Visionary Consulting Partners LLC, Fairfax, VA. Suzanne Kennedy is with the Children's Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, NC Children's Hospital, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | - Claire Hayes Watson
- Maureen Lichtveld and Hannah Covert are with the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA. Jane El-Dahr is with the Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Tulane University. L. Faye Grimsley is with the Department of Public Health Sciences, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans. Richard Cohn is an independent consultant in Chapel Hill, NC. Claire Hayes Watson and Eleanor Thornton are with Visionary Consulting Partners LLC, Fairfax, VA. Suzanne Kennedy is with the Children's Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, NC Children's Hospital, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | - Eleanor Thornton
- Maureen Lichtveld and Hannah Covert are with the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA. Jane El-Dahr is with the Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Tulane University. L. Faye Grimsley is with the Department of Public Health Sciences, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans. Richard Cohn is an independent consultant in Chapel Hill, NC. Claire Hayes Watson and Eleanor Thornton are with Visionary Consulting Partners LLC, Fairfax, VA. Suzanne Kennedy is with the Children's Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, NC Children's Hospital, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | - Suzanne Kennedy
- Maureen Lichtveld and Hannah Covert are with the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA. Jane El-Dahr is with the Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Tulane University. L. Faye Grimsley is with the Department of Public Health Sciences, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans. Richard Cohn is an independent consultant in Chapel Hill, NC. Claire Hayes Watson and Eleanor Thornton are with Visionary Consulting Partners LLC, Fairfax, VA. Suzanne Kennedy is with the Children's Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, NC Children's Hospital, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
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Arar S, Al-Hunaiti A, Masad MH, Maragkidou A, Wraith D, Hussein T. Elemental Contamination in Indoor Floor Dust and Its Correlation with PAHs, Fungi, and Gram+/- Bacteria. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E3552. [PMID: 31547507 PMCID: PMC6801931 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16193552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we performed elemental analysis for floor dust samples collected in Jordanian microenvironments (dwellings and educational building). We performed intercorrelation and cluster analysis between the elemental, polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), and microorganism concentrations. In general, the educational building workshops had the highest elemental contamination. The age of the dwelling and its occupancy played a role on the elemental contamination level: older and more occupied dwellingshad greater contamination. The elemental contamination at a dwelling entrance was observed to be higher than in the living room. We found exceptionally high concentrations for Fe and Mn in the educational workshop and additionally, Hg, Cr, and Pb concentrations exceeded the limits set by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment. According to the cluster analysis, we found three major groups based on location and contamination. According to the enrichment factor (EF) assessment, Al, Co, Mn, Ti, and Ba had EF < 2 (i.e., minimal enrichment) whereas P, S, Pb, Sb, Mo, Zn, Hg, and Cu had EF > 40 (i.e., extremely enriched). In contrast, Ca and P were geogenically enriched. Furthermore, significant Spearman correlations indicated nine subgroups of elemental contamination combined with PAHs and microbes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharif Arar
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan.
| | - Afnan Al-Hunaiti
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan.
| | - Mohanad H Masad
- Water, Environment and Arid Region Research Center (WEARRC), Al al-Bayt University, Al-Mafraq 25113, Jordan.
| | - Androniki Maragkidou
- Finnish Meteorological Institute, Atmospheric Dispersion Modelling, P.O. Box 503, FI-00101 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Darren Wraith
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Queensland 4000, Australia.
| | - Tareq Hussein
- Department of Physics, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan.
- Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research (INAR), University of Helsinki, PL 64, FI-00014 Helsinki UHEL, Finland.
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11
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Erickson TB, Brooks J, Nilles EJ, Pham PN, Vinck P. Environmental health effects attributed to toxic and infectious agents following hurricanes, cyclones, flash floods and major hydrometeorological events. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2019; 22:157-171. [PMID: 31437111 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2019.1654422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Extreme hydrometeorological events such as hurricanes and cyclones are increasing in frequency and intensity due to climate change and often associated with flash floods in coastal, urbanized and industrial areas. Preparedness and response measures need to concentrate on toxicological and infectious hazards, the potential impact on environmental health, and threat to human lives. The recognition of the danger of flood water after hurricanes is critical. Effective health management needs to consider the likelihood and specific risks of toxic agents present in waters contaminated by chemical spills, bio-toxins, waste, sewage, and water-borne pathogens. Despite significant progress in the ability to rapidly detect and test water for a wide range of chemicals and pathogens, there has been a lack of implementation to adapt toxicity measurements in the context of flash and hurricane-induced flooding. The aim of this review was to highlight the need to collect and analyze data on toxicity of flood waters to understand the risks and prepare vulnerable communities and first responders. It is proposed that new and routinely used technologies be employed during disaster response to rapidly assess toxicity and infectious disease threats, and subsequently take necessary remedial actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy B Erickson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Humanitarian Initiative , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Julia Brooks
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Humanitarian Initiative , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Eric J Nilles
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Humanitarian Initiative , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Phuong N Pham
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Humanitarian Initiative , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Patrick Vinck
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Humanitarian Initiative , Boston , MA , USA
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12
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Poole JA, Barnes CS, Demain JG, Bernstein JA, Padukudru MA, Sheehan WJ, Fogelbach GG, Wedner J, Codina R, Levetin E, Cohn JR, Kagen S, Portnoy JM, Nel AE. Impact of weather and climate change with indoor and outdoor air quality in asthma: A Work Group Report of the AAAAI Environmental Exposure and Respiratory Health Committee. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2019; 143:1702-1710. [PMID: 30826366 PMCID: PMC10907958 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2019.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Weather and climate change are constant and ever-changing processes that affect allergy and asthma. The purpose of this report is to provide information since the last climate change review with a focus on asthmatic disease. PubMed and Internet searches for topics included climate and weather change, air pollution, particulates, greenhouse gasses, traffic, insect habitat, and mitigation in addition to references contributed by the individual authors. Changes in patterns of outdoor aeroallergens caused by increasing temperatures and amounts of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are major factors linked to increased duration of pollen seasons, increased pollen production, and possibly increased allergenicity of pollen. Indoor air pollution threats anticipated from climate changes include microbial and mold growth secondary to flooding, resulting in displacement of persons and need for respiratory protection of exposed workers. Air pollution from indoor burning of mosquito repellants is a potential anticipatory result of an increase in habitat regions. Air pollution from fossil fuel burning and traffic-related emissions can alter respiratory defense mechanisms and work synergistically with specific allergens to enhance immunogenicity to worsen asthma in susceptible subjects. Community efforts can significantly reduce air pollution, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emission and improving air quality. The allergist's approach to weather pattern changes should be integrated and anticipatory to protect at-risk patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill A Poole
- Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep & Allergy Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Neb.
| | - Charles S Barnes
- Division of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Children's Mercy Hospital, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, Mo
| | - Jeffrey G Demain
- Allergy Asthma & Immunology Center of Alaska, the Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, and the WWAMI School of Medical Education, University of Alaska, Anchorage, Alaska
| | - Jonathan A Bernstein
- Division of Immunology, Allergy Section, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Mahesh A Padukudru
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, JSS Medical College, JSSAHER, Mysore, India
| | - William J Sheehan
- Division of Allergy, Children's National Medicine Center, Department of Pediatrics, George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
| | | | - James Wedner
- Division of Allergy & Immunology, John T. Milliken Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University, St Louis, Mo
| | - Rosa Codina
- Allergen Science & Consulting, Lenoir, NC; Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Fla
| | - Estelle Levetin
- Department of Biological Science, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Okla
| | - John R Cohn
- Korman Respiratory Institute, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Steve Kagen
- Division of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wis
| | - Jay M Portnoy
- Division of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, Children's Mercy Hospital, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Mo
| | - Andre E Nel
- University of California Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine and California NanoSystems Institute, Los Angeles, Calif
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Abstract
Floods are the most common type of natural disaster in both developed and developing countries and have led to extensive morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Worldwide, over the past 30 years, flooding has claimed the lives of more than 200,000 people and affected more than 2.8 billion others. The impact of flooding on health varies among populations and depends primarily on vulnerability and the kind of event experienced. It severely disrupts livelihoods and has a significant impact on the health of pregnant women and children. In addition, it may exacerbate a range of negative psychological and physiological child and reproductive health outcomes. Awareness-raising, education, and the issuing of warnings appear to be key initiatives to mitigate or prevent flood morbidity and mortality, especially among people living in low- and middle-income countries. Agencies responding to emergencies also need to be more cognisant of the dangers, specifically those engaged in healthcare, nutrition, and water safety programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea H Mallett
- Research Scientist, Joseph J. Zilber School of Public Health and Children's Environmental Health Sciences Core Center, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, United States
| | - Ruth A Etzel
- Professor, Joseph J. Zilber School of Public Health and Children's Environmental Health Sciences Core Center, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, United States
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14
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Mundorf CA, Lichtveld MY. Using community-based, ethnographic methods to examine risk perceptions and actions of low-income, first-time mothers in a post-spill environment. JOURNAL OF RISK RESEARCH 2018; 21:308-322. [PMID: 29805295 PMCID: PMC5966034 DOI: 10.1080/13669877.2016.1200656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Following the 2010 Gulf Oil Spill, area pregnant women were thought to be at-risk for poor health outcomes from the stress of managing health actions in this post-disaster environment. Research directed by an ongoing community- academic partnership sought to explore the specific role of culture in environmental risk protection actions among low-income pregnant women. As a part of the first-phase of a mixed-methods cultural study, community health workers (CHWs) used freelisting methods to survey low-income, first-time mother (n = 20) for the threats in the environment and relevant protective actions. Then, a separate pile sort activity (n = 31) was used to further investigate these cultural topics. Results elicited a diverse range of threats, protective actions, and sources of support across socio-demographic groups. Results also showed a culturally tailored conceptualization of threats in the environment. Exploring beliefs among a diverse population helps to uncover cultural differences in a population. Results will aid in developing culturally tailored policies and interventions, and increase the relevance of such interventions to address community concerns. Moreover, incorporating CHWs into the research process enhanced researcher literacy, and fostered mutual trust between the community and researchers.
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15
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Al-Hunaiti A, Arar S, Täubel M, Wraith D, Maragkidou A, Hyvärinen A, Hussein T. Floor dust bacteria and fungi and their coexistence with PAHs in Jordanian indoor environments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 601-602:940-945. [PMID: 28582739 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.05.211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2016] [Revised: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Floor dust samples were collected from Jordanian indoor environments (eight dwellings and an educational building) in Amman. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) analyses of selected fungal and bacterial groups were performed. The bacterial and fungal concentrations were also correlated with PAHs concentrations, which were previously measured in the same samples by using GC-MS. The bacterial and fungal concentrations varied significantly among and within the tested indoor environments. Based on the collected samples in the entrance area of the dwellings, the largest variation was found in Gram-negative bacteria and total fungi concentration. The lowest bacterial and fungal concentrations were found in the dwelling that was least occupied and the most recently built. At the educational building, the Gram-positive bacteria concentrations were lower than those observed in the dwellings. Unlike for bacteria, we observed significant negative correlation with some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). This calls for further studies investigating biodegradation of PAHs in house dust and presence of potentially health hazardous PAH metabolites. Since biocontamination in floor dust has been given relatively little to no attention in the MENA region we recommend that more extensive measurements be conducted in the future with chemical and biological analysis of floor dust contaminants and their exposure indoors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sharif Arar
- The University of Jordan, Department of Chemistry, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Martin Täubel
- National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Department of Health Protection Living Environment and Health Unit, PL 95, FI -70701 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Darren Wraith
- Queensland University of Technology, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove 4059, Queensland, Australia
| | - Androniki Maragkidou
- University of Helsinki, Division of Atmospheric Sciences, PL 48, FI 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anne Hyvärinen
- National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Department of Health Protection Living Environment and Health Unit, PL 95, FI -70701 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Tareq Hussein
- The University of Jordan, Department of Physics, Amman 11942, Jordan.
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16
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Lichtveld M, Kennedy S, Krouse RZ, Grimsley F, El-Dahr J, Bordelon K, Sterling Y, White L, Barlow N, DeGruy S, Paul D, Denham S, Hayes C, Sanders M, Mvula MM, Thornton E, Chulada P, Mitchell H, Martin WJ, Stephens KU, Cohn RD. From Design to Dissemination: Implementing Community-Based Participatory Research in Postdisaster Communities. Am J Public Health 2016; 106:1235-42. [PMID: 27196662 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2016.303169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To review how disasters introduce unique challenges to conducting population-based research and community-based participatory research (CBPR). METHODS From 2007-2009, we conducted the Head-off Environmental Asthma in Louisiana (HEAL) Study in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in a Gulf Coast community facing an unprecedented triple burden: Katrina's and other disasters' impact on the environment and health, historic health disparities, and persistent environmental health threats. RESULTS The unique triple burden influenced every research component; still, most existing CBPR principles were applicable, even though full adherence was not always feasible and additional tailored principles govern postdisaster settings. CONCLUSIONS Even in the most challenging postdisaster conditions, CBPR can be successfully designed, implemented, and disseminated while adhering to scientific rigor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen Lichtveld
- At the time of the study, Maureen Lichtveld, Faye Grimsley, LuAnn White, Natasha Barlow, Shannon DeGruy, and Dorothy Paul were with the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA. Suzanne Kennedy, Rebecca Z. Krouse, and Herman Mitchell were with Rho Federal Systems Division Inc, Chapel Hill, NC. Jane El-Dahr was with the Department of Pediatrics, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans. Keith Bordelon and Richard D. Cohn were with the Constella Group, LLC, Durham, NC. Yvonne Sterling was with the Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, Louisiana State University, New Orleans. Stacey Denham, Claire Hayes, Margaret Sanders, Mosanda M. Mvula, and Kevin U. Stephens were with the New Orleans Health Department, New Orleans. Eleanor Thornton was with Visionary Consulting Partners, LLC, Fairfax, VA. Patricia Chulada and William J. Martin II were with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Suzanne Kennedy
- At the time of the study, Maureen Lichtveld, Faye Grimsley, LuAnn White, Natasha Barlow, Shannon DeGruy, and Dorothy Paul were with the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA. Suzanne Kennedy, Rebecca Z. Krouse, and Herman Mitchell were with Rho Federal Systems Division Inc, Chapel Hill, NC. Jane El-Dahr was with the Department of Pediatrics, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans. Keith Bordelon and Richard D. Cohn were with the Constella Group, LLC, Durham, NC. Yvonne Sterling was with the Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, Louisiana State University, New Orleans. Stacey Denham, Claire Hayes, Margaret Sanders, Mosanda M. Mvula, and Kevin U. Stephens were with the New Orleans Health Department, New Orleans. Eleanor Thornton was with Visionary Consulting Partners, LLC, Fairfax, VA. Patricia Chulada and William J. Martin II were with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Rebecca Z Krouse
- At the time of the study, Maureen Lichtveld, Faye Grimsley, LuAnn White, Natasha Barlow, Shannon DeGruy, and Dorothy Paul were with the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA. Suzanne Kennedy, Rebecca Z. Krouse, and Herman Mitchell were with Rho Federal Systems Division Inc, Chapel Hill, NC. Jane El-Dahr was with the Department of Pediatrics, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans. Keith Bordelon and Richard D. Cohn were with the Constella Group, LLC, Durham, NC. Yvonne Sterling was with the Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, Louisiana State University, New Orleans. Stacey Denham, Claire Hayes, Margaret Sanders, Mosanda M. Mvula, and Kevin U. Stephens were with the New Orleans Health Department, New Orleans. Eleanor Thornton was with Visionary Consulting Partners, LLC, Fairfax, VA. Patricia Chulada and William J. Martin II were with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Faye Grimsley
- At the time of the study, Maureen Lichtveld, Faye Grimsley, LuAnn White, Natasha Barlow, Shannon DeGruy, and Dorothy Paul were with the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA. Suzanne Kennedy, Rebecca Z. Krouse, and Herman Mitchell were with Rho Federal Systems Division Inc, Chapel Hill, NC. Jane El-Dahr was with the Department of Pediatrics, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans. Keith Bordelon and Richard D. Cohn were with the Constella Group, LLC, Durham, NC. Yvonne Sterling was with the Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, Louisiana State University, New Orleans. Stacey Denham, Claire Hayes, Margaret Sanders, Mosanda M. Mvula, and Kevin U. Stephens were with the New Orleans Health Department, New Orleans. Eleanor Thornton was with Visionary Consulting Partners, LLC, Fairfax, VA. Patricia Chulada and William J. Martin II were with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Jane El-Dahr
- At the time of the study, Maureen Lichtveld, Faye Grimsley, LuAnn White, Natasha Barlow, Shannon DeGruy, and Dorothy Paul were with the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA. Suzanne Kennedy, Rebecca Z. Krouse, and Herman Mitchell were with Rho Federal Systems Division Inc, Chapel Hill, NC. Jane El-Dahr was with the Department of Pediatrics, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans. Keith Bordelon and Richard D. Cohn were with the Constella Group, LLC, Durham, NC. Yvonne Sterling was with the Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, Louisiana State University, New Orleans. Stacey Denham, Claire Hayes, Margaret Sanders, Mosanda M. Mvula, and Kevin U. Stephens were with the New Orleans Health Department, New Orleans. Eleanor Thornton was with Visionary Consulting Partners, LLC, Fairfax, VA. Patricia Chulada and William J. Martin II were with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Keith Bordelon
- At the time of the study, Maureen Lichtveld, Faye Grimsley, LuAnn White, Natasha Barlow, Shannon DeGruy, and Dorothy Paul were with the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA. Suzanne Kennedy, Rebecca Z. Krouse, and Herman Mitchell were with Rho Federal Systems Division Inc, Chapel Hill, NC. Jane El-Dahr was with the Department of Pediatrics, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans. Keith Bordelon and Richard D. Cohn were with the Constella Group, LLC, Durham, NC. Yvonne Sterling was with the Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, Louisiana State University, New Orleans. Stacey Denham, Claire Hayes, Margaret Sanders, Mosanda M. Mvula, and Kevin U. Stephens were with the New Orleans Health Department, New Orleans. Eleanor Thornton was with Visionary Consulting Partners, LLC, Fairfax, VA. Patricia Chulada and William J. Martin II were with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Yvonne Sterling
- At the time of the study, Maureen Lichtveld, Faye Grimsley, LuAnn White, Natasha Barlow, Shannon DeGruy, and Dorothy Paul were with the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA. Suzanne Kennedy, Rebecca Z. Krouse, and Herman Mitchell were with Rho Federal Systems Division Inc, Chapel Hill, NC. Jane El-Dahr was with the Department of Pediatrics, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans. Keith Bordelon and Richard D. Cohn were with the Constella Group, LLC, Durham, NC. Yvonne Sterling was with the Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, Louisiana State University, New Orleans. Stacey Denham, Claire Hayes, Margaret Sanders, Mosanda M. Mvula, and Kevin U. Stephens were with the New Orleans Health Department, New Orleans. Eleanor Thornton was with Visionary Consulting Partners, LLC, Fairfax, VA. Patricia Chulada and William J. Martin II were with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - LuAnn White
- At the time of the study, Maureen Lichtveld, Faye Grimsley, LuAnn White, Natasha Barlow, Shannon DeGruy, and Dorothy Paul were with the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA. Suzanne Kennedy, Rebecca Z. Krouse, and Herman Mitchell were with Rho Federal Systems Division Inc, Chapel Hill, NC. Jane El-Dahr was with the Department of Pediatrics, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans. Keith Bordelon and Richard D. Cohn were with the Constella Group, LLC, Durham, NC. Yvonne Sterling was with the Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, Louisiana State University, New Orleans. Stacey Denham, Claire Hayes, Margaret Sanders, Mosanda M. Mvula, and Kevin U. Stephens were with the New Orleans Health Department, New Orleans. Eleanor Thornton was with Visionary Consulting Partners, LLC, Fairfax, VA. Patricia Chulada and William J. Martin II were with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Natasha Barlow
- At the time of the study, Maureen Lichtveld, Faye Grimsley, LuAnn White, Natasha Barlow, Shannon DeGruy, and Dorothy Paul were with the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA. Suzanne Kennedy, Rebecca Z. Krouse, and Herman Mitchell were with Rho Federal Systems Division Inc, Chapel Hill, NC. Jane El-Dahr was with the Department of Pediatrics, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans. Keith Bordelon and Richard D. Cohn were with the Constella Group, LLC, Durham, NC. Yvonne Sterling was with the Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, Louisiana State University, New Orleans. Stacey Denham, Claire Hayes, Margaret Sanders, Mosanda M. Mvula, and Kevin U. Stephens were with the New Orleans Health Department, New Orleans. Eleanor Thornton was with Visionary Consulting Partners, LLC, Fairfax, VA. Patricia Chulada and William J. Martin II were with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Shannon DeGruy
- At the time of the study, Maureen Lichtveld, Faye Grimsley, LuAnn White, Natasha Barlow, Shannon DeGruy, and Dorothy Paul were with the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA. Suzanne Kennedy, Rebecca Z. Krouse, and Herman Mitchell were with Rho Federal Systems Division Inc, Chapel Hill, NC. Jane El-Dahr was with the Department of Pediatrics, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans. Keith Bordelon and Richard D. Cohn were with the Constella Group, LLC, Durham, NC. Yvonne Sterling was with the Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, Louisiana State University, New Orleans. Stacey Denham, Claire Hayes, Margaret Sanders, Mosanda M. Mvula, and Kevin U. Stephens were with the New Orleans Health Department, New Orleans. Eleanor Thornton was with Visionary Consulting Partners, LLC, Fairfax, VA. Patricia Chulada and William J. Martin II were with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Dorothy Paul
- At the time of the study, Maureen Lichtveld, Faye Grimsley, LuAnn White, Natasha Barlow, Shannon DeGruy, and Dorothy Paul were with the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA. Suzanne Kennedy, Rebecca Z. Krouse, and Herman Mitchell were with Rho Federal Systems Division Inc, Chapel Hill, NC. Jane El-Dahr was with the Department of Pediatrics, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans. Keith Bordelon and Richard D. Cohn were with the Constella Group, LLC, Durham, NC. Yvonne Sterling was with the Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, Louisiana State University, New Orleans. Stacey Denham, Claire Hayes, Margaret Sanders, Mosanda M. Mvula, and Kevin U. Stephens were with the New Orleans Health Department, New Orleans. Eleanor Thornton was with Visionary Consulting Partners, LLC, Fairfax, VA. Patricia Chulada and William J. Martin II were with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Stacey Denham
- At the time of the study, Maureen Lichtveld, Faye Grimsley, LuAnn White, Natasha Barlow, Shannon DeGruy, and Dorothy Paul were with the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA. Suzanne Kennedy, Rebecca Z. Krouse, and Herman Mitchell were with Rho Federal Systems Division Inc, Chapel Hill, NC. Jane El-Dahr was with the Department of Pediatrics, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans. Keith Bordelon and Richard D. Cohn were with the Constella Group, LLC, Durham, NC. Yvonne Sterling was with the Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, Louisiana State University, New Orleans. Stacey Denham, Claire Hayes, Margaret Sanders, Mosanda M. Mvula, and Kevin U. Stephens were with the New Orleans Health Department, New Orleans. Eleanor Thornton was with Visionary Consulting Partners, LLC, Fairfax, VA. Patricia Chulada and William J. Martin II were with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Claire Hayes
- At the time of the study, Maureen Lichtveld, Faye Grimsley, LuAnn White, Natasha Barlow, Shannon DeGruy, and Dorothy Paul were with the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA. Suzanne Kennedy, Rebecca Z. Krouse, and Herman Mitchell were with Rho Federal Systems Division Inc, Chapel Hill, NC. Jane El-Dahr was with the Department of Pediatrics, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans. Keith Bordelon and Richard D. Cohn were with the Constella Group, LLC, Durham, NC. Yvonne Sterling was with the Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, Louisiana State University, New Orleans. Stacey Denham, Claire Hayes, Margaret Sanders, Mosanda M. Mvula, and Kevin U. Stephens were with the New Orleans Health Department, New Orleans. Eleanor Thornton was with Visionary Consulting Partners, LLC, Fairfax, VA. Patricia Chulada and William J. Martin II were with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Margaret Sanders
- At the time of the study, Maureen Lichtveld, Faye Grimsley, LuAnn White, Natasha Barlow, Shannon DeGruy, and Dorothy Paul were with the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA. Suzanne Kennedy, Rebecca Z. Krouse, and Herman Mitchell were with Rho Federal Systems Division Inc, Chapel Hill, NC. Jane El-Dahr was with the Department of Pediatrics, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans. Keith Bordelon and Richard D. Cohn were with the Constella Group, LLC, Durham, NC. Yvonne Sterling was with the Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, Louisiana State University, New Orleans. Stacey Denham, Claire Hayes, Margaret Sanders, Mosanda M. Mvula, and Kevin U. Stephens were with the New Orleans Health Department, New Orleans. Eleanor Thornton was with Visionary Consulting Partners, LLC, Fairfax, VA. Patricia Chulada and William J. Martin II were with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Mosanda M Mvula
- At the time of the study, Maureen Lichtveld, Faye Grimsley, LuAnn White, Natasha Barlow, Shannon DeGruy, and Dorothy Paul were with the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA. Suzanne Kennedy, Rebecca Z. Krouse, and Herman Mitchell were with Rho Federal Systems Division Inc, Chapel Hill, NC. Jane El-Dahr was with the Department of Pediatrics, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans. Keith Bordelon and Richard D. Cohn were with the Constella Group, LLC, Durham, NC. Yvonne Sterling was with the Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, Louisiana State University, New Orleans. Stacey Denham, Claire Hayes, Margaret Sanders, Mosanda M. Mvula, and Kevin U. Stephens were with the New Orleans Health Department, New Orleans. Eleanor Thornton was with Visionary Consulting Partners, LLC, Fairfax, VA. Patricia Chulada and William J. Martin II were with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Eleanor Thornton
- At the time of the study, Maureen Lichtveld, Faye Grimsley, LuAnn White, Natasha Barlow, Shannon DeGruy, and Dorothy Paul were with the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA. Suzanne Kennedy, Rebecca Z. Krouse, and Herman Mitchell were with Rho Federal Systems Division Inc, Chapel Hill, NC. Jane El-Dahr was with the Department of Pediatrics, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans. Keith Bordelon and Richard D. Cohn were with the Constella Group, LLC, Durham, NC. Yvonne Sterling was with the Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, Louisiana State University, New Orleans. Stacey Denham, Claire Hayes, Margaret Sanders, Mosanda M. Mvula, and Kevin U. Stephens were with the New Orleans Health Department, New Orleans. Eleanor Thornton was with Visionary Consulting Partners, LLC, Fairfax, VA. Patricia Chulada and William J. Martin II were with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Patricia Chulada
- At the time of the study, Maureen Lichtveld, Faye Grimsley, LuAnn White, Natasha Barlow, Shannon DeGruy, and Dorothy Paul were with the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA. Suzanne Kennedy, Rebecca Z. Krouse, and Herman Mitchell were with Rho Federal Systems Division Inc, Chapel Hill, NC. Jane El-Dahr was with the Department of Pediatrics, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans. Keith Bordelon and Richard D. Cohn were with the Constella Group, LLC, Durham, NC. Yvonne Sterling was with the Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, Louisiana State University, New Orleans. Stacey Denham, Claire Hayes, Margaret Sanders, Mosanda M. Mvula, and Kevin U. Stephens were with the New Orleans Health Department, New Orleans. Eleanor Thornton was with Visionary Consulting Partners, LLC, Fairfax, VA. Patricia Chulada and William J. Martin II were with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Herman Mitchell
- At the time of the study, Maureen Lichtveld, Faye Grimsley, LuAnn White, Natasha Barlow, Shannon DeGruy, and Dorothy Paul were with the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA. Suzanne Kennedy, Rebecca Z. Krouse, and Herman Mitchell were with Rho Federal Systems Division Inc, Chapel Hill, NC. Jane El-Dahr was with the Department of Pediatrics, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans. Keith Bordelon and Richard D. Cohn were with the Constella Group, LLC, Durham, NC. Yvonne Sterling was with the Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, Louisiana State University, New Orleans. Stacey Denham, Claire Hayes, Margaret Sanders, Mosanda M. Mvula, and Kevin U. Stephens were with the New Orleans Health Department, New Orleans. Eleanor Thornton was with Visionary Consulting Partners, LLC, Fairfax, VA. Patricia Chulada and William J. Martin II were with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - William J Martin
- At the time of the study, Maureen Lichtveld, Faye Grimsley, LuAnn White, Natasha Barlow, Shannon DeGruy, and Dorothy Paul were with the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA. Suzanne Kennedy, Rebecca Z. Krouse, and Herman Mitchell were with Rho Federal Systems Division Inc, Chapel Hill, NC. Jane El-Dahr was with the Department of Pediatrics, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans. Keith Bordelon and Richard D. Cohn were with the Constella Group, LLC, Durham, NC. Yvonne Sterling was with the Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, Louisiana State University, New Orleans. Stacey Denham, Claire Hayes, Margaret Sanders, Mosanda M. Mvula, and Kevin U. Stephens were with the New Orleans Health Department, New Orleans. Eleanor Thornton was with Visionary Consulting Partners, LLC, Fairfax, VA. Patricia Chulada and William J. Martin II were with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Kevin U Stephens
- At the time of the study, Maureen Lichtveld, Faye Grimsley, LuAnn White, Natasha Barlow, Shannon DeGruy, and Dorothy Paul were with the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA. Suzanne Kennedy, Rebecca Z. Krouse, and Herman Mitchell were with Rho Federal Systems Division Inc, Chapel Hill, NC. Jane El-Dahr was with the Department of Pediatrics, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans. Keith Bordelon and Richard D. Cohn were with the Constella Group, LLC, Durham, NC. Yvonne Sterling was with the Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, Louisiana State University, New Orleans. Stacey Denham, Claire Hayes, Margaret Sanders, Mosanda M. Mvula, and Kevin U. Stephens were with the New Orleans Health Department, New Orleans. Eleanor Thornton was with Visionary Consulting Partners, LLC, Fairfax, VA. Patricia Chulada and William J. Martin II were with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Richard D Cohn
- At the time of the study, Maureen Lichtveld, Faye Grimsley, LuAnn White, Natasha Barlow, Shannon DeGruy, and Dorothy Paul were with the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA. Suzanne Kennedy, Rebecca Z. Krouse, and Herman Mitchell were with Rho Federal Systems Division Inc, Chapel Hill, NC. Jane El-Dahr was with the Department of Pediatrics, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans. Keith Bordelon and Richard D. Cohn were with the Constella Group, LLC, Durham, NC. Yvonne Sterling was with the Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, Louisiana State University, New Orleans. Stacey Denham, Claire Hayes, Margaret Sanders, Mosanda M. Mvula, and Kevin U. Stephens were with the New Orleans Health Department, New Orleans. Eleanor Thornton was with Visionary Consulting Partners, LLC, Fairfax, VA. Patricia Chulada and William J. Martin II were with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC
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Environmental mold and mycotoxin exposures elicit specific cytokine and chemokine responses. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0126926. [PMID: 26010737 PMCID: PMC4444319 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0126926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2014] [Accepted: 04/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Molds can cause respiratory symptoms and asthma. We sought to use isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to understand changes in cytokine and chemokine levels in response to mold and mycotoxin exposures and to link these levels with respiratory symptoms in humans. We did this by utilizing an ex vivo assay approach to differentiate mold-exposed patients and unexposed controls. While circulating plasma chemokine and cytokine levels from these two groups might be similar, we hypothesized that by challenging their isolated white blood cells with mold or mold extracts, we would see a differential chemokine and cytokine release. Methods and Findings Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from blood from 33 patients with a history of mold exposures and from 17 controls. Cultured PBMCs were incubated with the most prominent Stachybotrys chartarum mycotoxin, satratoxin G, or with aqueous mold extract, ionomycin, or media, each with or without PMA. Additional PBMCs were exposed to spores of Aspergillus niger, Cladosporium herbarum and Penicillium chrysogenum. After 18 hours, cytokines and chemokines released into the culture medium were measured by multiplex assay. Clinical histories, physical examinations and pulmonary function tests were also conducted. After ex vivo PBMC exposures to molds or mycotoxins, the chemokine and cytokine profiles from patients with a history of mold exposure were significantly different from those of unexposed controls. In contrast, biomarker profiles from cells exposed to media alone showed no difference between the patients and controls. Conclusions These findings demonstrate that chronic mold exposures induced changes in inflammatory and immune system responses to specific mold and mycotoxin challenges. These responses can differentiate mold-exposed patients from unexposed controls. This strategy may be a powerful approach to document immune system responsiveness to molds and other inflammation-inducing environmental agents.
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Johnston JD, Magnusson BM, Eggett D, Collingwood SC, Bernhardt SA. Comparison of Single-Point and Continuous Sampling Methods for Estimating Residential Indoor Temperature and Humidity. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2015; 12:785-94. [PMID: 26030088 PMCID: PMC4712705 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2015.1047024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Residential temperature and humidity are associated with multiple health effects. Studies commonly use single-point measures to estimate indoor temperature and humidity exposures, but there is little evidence to support this sampling strategy. This study evaluated the relationship between single-point and continuous monitoring of air temperature, apparent temperature, relative humidity, and absolute humidity over four exposure intervals (5-min, 30-min, 24-hr, and 12-days) in 9 northern Utah homes, from March-June 2012. Three homes were sampled twice, for a total of 12 observation periods. Continuous data-logged sampling was conducted in homes for 2-3 wks, and simultaneous single-point measures (n = 114) were collected using handheld thermo-hygrometers. Time-centered single-point measures were moderately correlated with short-term (30-min) data logger mean air temperature (r = 0.76, β = 0.74), apparent temperature (r = 0.79, β = 0.79), relative humidity (r = 0.70, β = 0.63), and absolute humidity (r = 0.80, β = 0.80). Data logger 12-day means were also moderately correlated with single-point air temperature (r = 0.64, β = 0.43) and apparent temperature (r = 0.64, β = 0.44), but were weakly correlated with single-point relative humidity (r = 0.53, β = 0.35) and absolute humidity (r = 0.52, β = 0.39). Of the single-point RH measures, 59 (51.8%) deviated more than ±5%, 21 (18.4%) deviated more than ±10%, and 6 (5.3%) deviated more than ±15% from data logger 12-day means. Where continuous indoor monitoring is not feasible, single-point sampling strategies should include multiple measures collected at prescribed time points based on local conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- James D. Johnston
- Brigham Young University, Department of Health Science, 229L Richards Building, Provo, Utah 84602
| | - Brianna M. Magnusson
- Brigham Young University, Department of Health Science, 229L Richards Building, Provo, Utah 84602
| | - Dennis Eggett
- Brigham Young University, Department of Statistics, 223A TMCB, Provo, Utah 84602
| | - Scott C. Collingwood
- University of Utah, Department of Pediatrics, 295 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City UT 84108
| | - Scott A. Bernhardt
- Utah State University, Department of Biology, 5305 Old Main Hill, Logan, Utah 84322, (435) 797-3721
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Wright LS, Phipatanakul W. Environmental remediation in the treatment of allergy and asthma: latest updates. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2014; 14:419. [PMID: 24488258 DOI: 10.1007/s11882-014-0419-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
In the modern era, the prevalence of asthma and allergies are increasing. It has been speculated that environmental exposures are contributing to this rise. Several studies demonstrate that common indoor allergen exposures exacerbate asthma. Minimizing exposure to allergens and remediating the environment play a critical role in the treatment of asthma and allergies. The most effective environmental control measures are tailored multifaceted interventions which include education, thorough cleaning, using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, integrated pest management, and maintenance of these practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakiea S Wright
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,
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20
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Kennedy K, Grimes C. Indoor water and dampness and the health effects on children: a review. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2014; 13:672-80. [PMID: 24249387 DOI: 10.1007/s11882-013-0393-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to dampness and mold in indoor environments has received significant attention in recent research. This review focuses on studies looking at the impact of dampness, moisture and microbial agents on children's health. We then look more broadly at how research studies have tried to describe dampness and exposure to moisture. Papers published from 2010 onwards were reviewed and are briefly summarized. Most of the papers using dampness as a proxy for microbial exposure focused on respiratory tract infections, especially asthma. This review highlights new findings and also discusses the variety of approaches used to assess dampness in indoor environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Kennedy
- Center for Environmental Health, Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, 2401 Gillham Road, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA,
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21
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Vesper SJ, Wymer L, Kennedy S, Grimsley LF. Decreased pulmonary function measured in children exposed to high environmental relative moldiness index homes. Open Respir Med J 2013; 7:83-6. [PMID: 24494033 PMCID: PMC3908442 DOI: 10.2174/1874306401307010083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2013] [Revised: 11/01/2013] [Accepted: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposures to water-damaged homes/buildings has been linked to deficits in respiratory health. However, accurately quantifying this linkage has been difficult because of the methods used to assess water damage and respiratory health. PURPOSE The goal of this analysis was to determine the correlation between the water-damage, as defined by the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI) value in an asthmatic child's home, and the child's pulmonary function measured by spirometry, "forced expiratory volume in one second, percent predicted" or FEV1%. METHODS This analysis utilized data obtained from the "Heads-off Environmental Asthma in Louisiana" (HEAL) study. The children (n= 109), 6 to 12 years of age, who had completed at least one spirometry evaluation and a dust sample collected for ERMI analysis from the home at approximately the same time as the spirometry testing, were included in the analysis. Statistical evaluation of the correlation between ERMI values and FEV1% was performed using the Spearman's Rank Correlation analysis. The relationship between ERMI values and FEV1% was performed using B-spline regression. RESULTS The average ERMI value in the HEAL study homes was 7.3. For homes with ERMI values between 2.5 and 15, there was a significant inverse correlation with the child's lung function or FEV1% measurement (Spearman's rho -0.23; p= 0.03), i.e. as the ERMI value increased, the FEV1% value decreased. CONCLUSIONS Measures of water-damage (the ERMI) and clinical assessments of lung function (FEV1%) provided a quantitative assessment of the impact of water-damaged home exposures on children's respiratory health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Vesper
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45268, USA
| | - Larry Wymer
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45268, USA
| | - Suzanne Kennedy
- Rho Federal Systems Division, Inc., Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27517, USA
| | - L Faye Grimsley
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70112, USA
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Few Associations Found between Mold and Other Allergen Concentrations in the Home versus Skin Sensitivity from Children with Asthma after Hurricane Katrina in the Head-Off Environmental Asthma in Louisiana Study. Int J Pediatr 2012; 2012:427358. [PMID: 23304171 PMCID: PMC3523147 DOI: 10.1155/2012/427358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2012] [Revised: 09/11/2012] [Accepted: 10/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Mold and other allergen exposures exacerbate asthma symptoms in sensitized individuals. We evaluated allergen concentrations, skin test sensitivities, and asthma morbidity for 182 children, aged 4–12 years, with moderate to severe asthma, enrolled 18 months after Katrina, from the city of New Orleans and the surrounding parishes that were impacted by the storm, into the Head-off Environmental Asthma in Louisiana (HEAL) observational study. Dust (indoor) and air (indoor and outdoor) samples were collected at baseline of 6 and 12 months. Dust samples were evaluated for dust mite, cockroach, mouse, and Alternaria by immunoassay. Air samples were evaluated for airborne mold spore concentrations. Overall, 89% of the children tested positive to ≥1 indoor allergen, with allergen-specific sensitivities ranging from 18% to 67%. Allergen concentration was associated with skin sensitivity for 1 of 10 environmental triggers analyzed (cat). Asthma symptom days did not differ with skin test sensitivity, and surprisingly, increased symptoms were observed in children whose baseline indoor airborne mold concentrations were below median levels. This association was not observed in follow-up assessments. The lack of relationship among allergen levels (including mold), sensitivities, and asthma symptoms points to the complexity of attempting to assess these associations during rapidly changing social and environmental conditions.
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Chulada PC, Kennedy S, Mvula MM, Jaffee K, Wildfire J, Thornton E, Cohn RD, Grimsley LF, Mitchell H, El-Dahr J, Sterling Y, Martin WJ, White L, Stephens KU, Lichtveld M. The Head-off Environmental Asthma in Louisiana (HEAL) study--methods and study population. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2012; 120:1592-9. [PMID: 22895349 PMCID: PMC3556602 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1104239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2011] [Accepted: 08/07/2012] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the city of New Orleans, Louisiana, and surrounding parishes (NOLA), children with asthma were perilously impacted by Hurricane Katrina as a result of disrupted health care, high home mold and allergen levels, and high stress. OBJECTIVES The Head-off Environmental Asthma in Louisiana (HEAL) study was conducted to examine relationships between the post-Katrina environment and childhood asthma in NOLA and assess a novel asthma counselor intervention that provided case management and guidance for reducing home mold and allergen levels. METHODS Children (4-12 years old) with moderate-to-severe asthma were recruited from NOLA schools. Over 1 year, they received two clinical evaluations, three home environmental evaluations, and the asthma intervention. Quarterly end points included symptom days, medication use, and unscheduled emergency department or clinic visits. A community advisory group was assembled and informed HEAL at all phases. RESULTS Of the children (n = 182) enrolled in HEAL, 67% were African American, and 25% came from households with annual incomes < $15,000. HEAL children were symptomatic, averaging 6.6 symptom days in the 2 weeks before baseline, and had frequent unscheduled visits to clinics or emergency departments (76% had at least one unscheduled visit in the preceding 3 months). In this report, we describe study design and baseline characteristics of HEAL children. CONCLUSIONS Despite numerous challenges faced by investigators, study staff, and participants, including destroyed infrastructure, disrupted lives, and lost jobs, HEAL was successful in terms of recruitment and retention, the high quality of data collected that will provide insight into asthma-allergen relationships, and the asthma intervention. This success was attributable to using an adaptive approach and refining processes as needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia C Chulada
- Clinical Research Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA.
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Mitchell H, Cohn RD, Wildfire J, Thornton E, Kennedy S, El-Dahr JM, Chulada PC, Mvula MM, Grimsley LF, Lichtveld MY, White LE, Sterling YM, Stephens KU, Martin WJ. Implementation of evidence-based asthma interventions in post-Katrina New Orleans: the Head-off Environmental Asthma in Louisiana (HEAL) study. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2012; 120:1607-12. [PMID: 22894795 PMCID: PMC3556603 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1104242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2011] [Accepted: 08/09/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood asthma morbidity and mortality in New Orleans, Louisiana, is among the highest in the nation. In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina created an environmental disaster that led to high levels of mold and other allergens and disrupted health care for children with asthma. OBJECTIVES We implemented a unique hybrid asthma counselor and environmental intervention based on successful National Institutes of Health asthma interventions from the National Cooperative Inner City Asthma (NCICAS) and Inner-City Asthma (ICAS) Studies with the goal of reducing asthma symptoms in New Orleans children after Hurricane Katrina. METHODS Children (4-12 years old) with moderate-to-severe asthma (n = 182) received asthma counseling and environmental intervention for approximately 1 year. HEAL was evaluated employing several analytical approaches including a pre-post evaluation of symptom changes over the entire year, an analysis of symptoms according to the timing of asthma counselor contact, and a comparison to previous evidence-based interventions. RESULTS Asthma symptoms during the previous 2 weeks decreased from 6.5 days at enrollment to 3.6 days at the 12-month symptom assessment (a 45% reduction, p < 0.001), consistent with changes observed after NCICAS and ICAS interventions (35% and 62% reductions in symptom days, respectively). Children whose families had contact with a HEAL asthma counselor by 6 months showed a 4.09-day decrease [95% confidence interval (CI): 3.25 to 4.94-day decrease] in symptom days, compared with a 1.79-day decrease (95% CI: 0.90, 2.67) among those who had not yet seen an asthma counselor (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The novel combination of evidence-based asthma interventions was associated with improved asthma symptoms among children in post-Katrina New Orleans. Post-intervention changes in symptoms were consistent with previous randomized trials of NCICAS and ICAS interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herman Mitchell
- Rho Federal Systems Division, Inc., Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27517, USA.
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