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Carlin DJ, Rider CV. Combined Exposures and Mixtures Research: An Enduring NIEHS Priority. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2024; 132:75001. [PMID: 38968090 PMCID: PMC11225971 DOI: 10.1289/ehp14340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) continues to prioritize research to better understand the health effects resulting from exposure to mixtures of chemical and nonchemical stressors. Mixtures research activities over the last decade were informed by expert input during the development and deliberations of the 2011 NIEHS Workshop "Advancing Research on Mixtures: New Perspectives and Approaches for Predicting Adverse Human Health Effects." NIEHS mixtures research efforts since then have focused on key themes including a) prioritizing mixtures for study, b) translating mixtures data from in vitro and in vivo studies, c) developing cross-disciplinary collaborations, d) informing component-based and whole-mixture assessment approaches, e) developing sufficient similarity methods to compare across complex mixtures, f) using systems-based approaches to evaluate mixtures, and g) focusing on management and integration of mixtures-related data. OBJECTIVES We aimed to describe NIEHS driven research on mixtures and combined exposures over the last decade and present areas for future attention. RESULTS Intramural and extramural mixtures research projects have incorporated a diverse array of chemicals (e.g., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, botanicals, personal care products, wildfire emissions) and nonchemical stressors (e.g., socioeconomic factors, social adversity) and have focused on many diseases (e.g., breast cancer, atherosclerosis, immune disruption). We have made significant progress in certain areas, such as developing statistical methods for evaluating multiple chemical associations in epidemiology and building translational mixtures projects that include both in vitro and in vivo models. DISCUSSION Moving forward, additional work is needed to improve mixtures data integration, elucidate interactions between chemical and nonchemical stressors, and resolve the geospatial and temporal nature of mixture exposures. Continued mixtures research will be critical to informing cumulative impact assessments and addressing complex challenges, such as environmental justice and climate change. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP14340.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle J. Carlin
- Division of Extramural Research and Training, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Cynthia V. Rider
- Division of Translational Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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Cardona Cordero NR, Lafarga Previdi I, Torres HR, Ayala I, Boronow KE, Santos Rivera A, Meeker JD, Alshawabkeh A, Cordero JF, Brody JG, Brown P, Vélez Vega CM. Mi PROTECT: A personalized smartphone platform to report back results to participants of a maternal-child and environmental health research cohort program in Puerto Rico. PLOS DIGITAL HEALTH 2023; 2:e0000172. [PMID: 36812649 PMCID: PMC9931308 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pdig.0000172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The PROTECT Center is a multi-project initiative that studies the relationship between exposure to environmental contaminants and preterm births during the prenatal and postnatal period among women living in Puerto Rico. PROTECT's Community Engagement Core and Research Translation Coordinator (CEC/RTC) play a key role in building trust and capacity by approaching the cohort as an engaged community that provides feedback about processes, including how personalized results of their exposure to chemicals should be reported back. The goal of the Mi PROTECT platform was to create a mobile-based application of DERBI (Digital Exposure Report-Back Interface) for our cohort that provides tailored, culturally appropriate information about individual contaminant exposures as well as education on chemical substances and approaches to exposure reduction. METHODS Participants (N = 61) were presented with commonly used terms in environmental health research related to collected samples and biomarkers, followed by a guided training on accessing and exploring the Mi PROTECT platform. Participants evaluated the guided training and Mi PROTECT platform answering a Likert scale in separated surveys that included 13 and 8 questions, respectively. RESULTS Participants provided overwhelmingly positive feedback on the clarity and fluency of presenters in the report-back training. Most participants reported that the mobile phone platform was both accessible and easy to navigate (83% and 80%, respectively) and that images included in the platform facilitated comprehension of the information. Overall, most participants (83%) reported that language, images, and examples in Mi PROTECT strongly represented them as Puerto Ricans. CONCLUSIONS Findings from the Mi PROTECT pilot test informed investigators, community partners and stakeholders by demonstrating a new way to promote stakeholder participation and foster the "research right-to-know."
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy R. Cardona Cordero
- Department of Social Sciences, School of Public Health, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Irene Lafarga Previdi
- Center for Collaborative Research in Health Disparities, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Héctor R. Torres
- College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Ishwara Ayala
- College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | | | - Amailie Santos Rivera
- College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - John D. Meeker
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Akram Alshawabkeh
- College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - José F. Cordero
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of Georgia’s College of Public Health, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Julia Green Brody
- Silent Spring Institute, Newton, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Phil Brown
- Social Science Environmental Health Research Institute, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Carmen M. Vélez Vega
- Department of Social Sciences, School of Public Health, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
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Duckworth OW, Polizzotto ML, Thompson A. Bringing soil chemistry to environmental health science to tackle soil contaminants. FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 2022; 10:981607. [PMID: 36407845 PMCID: PMC9673486 DOI: 10.3389/fenvs.2022.981607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
With an estimated five million sites worldwide, soil contamination is a global-scale threat to environmental and human health. Humans continuously interact with soil, both directly and indirectly, making soils potentially significant sources of exposure to contaminants. Soil chemists are thus a potentially dynamic part of a collaborative cohort attacking environmental health science problems, yet collaborations between soil chemists and environmental heath scientists remain infrequent. In this commentary, we discuss the unique properties of soils that influence contaminants, as well as ways that soil chemists can contribute to environmental health research. Additionally, we describe barriers to, and needs for, the integration of soil chemistry expertise in environmental health science research with a focus on the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Owen W. Duckworth
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | | | - Aaron Thompson
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
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Amolegbe SM, Carlin DJ, Henry HF, Heacock ML, Trottier BA, Suk WA. Understanding exposures and latent disease risk within the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Superfund Research Program. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2022; 247:529-537. [PMID: 35253496 DOI: 10.1177/15353702221079620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the health effects of exposures when there is a lag between exposure and the onset of disease is an important and challenging topic in environmental health research. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Superfund Basic Research and Training Program (SRP) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant program that uses a multidisciplinary approach to support biomedical and environmental science and engineering research. Because of the multidisciplinary nature of the program, SRP grantees are well-positioned to study exposure and latent disease risk across humans, animal models, and various life stages. SRP-funded scientists are working to address the challenge of connecting exposures that occur early in life and prior to conception with diseases that manifest much later, including developing new tools and approaches to predict how chemicals may affect long-term health. Here, we highlight research from the SRP focused on understanding the health effects of exposures with a lag between exposure and the onset of the disease as well as provide future directions for addressing knowledge gaps for this highly complex and challenging topic. Advancing the knowledge of latency to disease will require a multidisciplinary approach to research, the need for data sharing and integration, and new tools and computation approaches to make better predications about the timing of disease onset. A better understanding of exposures that may contribute to later-life diseases is essential to supporting the implementation of prevention and intervention strategies to reduce or modulate exposures to reduce disease burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M Amolegbe
- Superfund Research Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, NC 27560, USA
| | - Danielle J Carlin
- Superfund Research Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, NC 27560, USA
| | - Heather F Henry
- Superfund Research Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, NC 27560, USA
| | - Michelle L Heacock
- Superfund Research Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, NC 27560, USA
| | - Brittany A Trottier
- Superfund Research Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, NC 27560, USA
| | - William A Suk
- Superfund Research Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, NC 27560, USA
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Suk WA, Heacock M, Carlin DJ, Henry HF, Trottier BA, Lopez AR, Amolegbe SM. Greater than the sum of its parts: focusing SRP research through a systems approach lens. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2021; 36:451-457. [PMID: 32862150 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2020-0073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Superfund Research Program (SRP) funds diverse transdisciplinary research to understand how hazardous substances contribute to disease. SRP research focuses on how to prevent these exposures by promoting problem-based, solution-oriented research. SRP's mandate areas encompasses broad biomedical and environmental science and engineering research efforts and, when combined with research translation, community engagement, training, and data science, offers broad expertise and unique perspectives directed at a specific big picture question. The purpose of this commentary is to adapt a systems approach concept to SRP research to accommodate the complexity of a scientific problem. The SRP believes a systems approach offers a framework to understand how scientists can work together to integrate diverse fields of research to prevent or understand environmentally-influenced human disease by addressing specific questions that are part of a larger perspective. Specifically, within the context of the SRP, a systems approach can elucidate the complex interactions between factors that contribute to or protect against environmental insults. Leveraging a systems approach can continue to advance SRP science while building the foundation for researchers to address difficult emerging environmental health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- William A Suk
- Superfund Research Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Michelle Heacock
- Superfund Research Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Danielle J Carlin
- Superfund Research Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Heather F Henry
- Superfund Research Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Brittany A Trottier
- Superfund Research Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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Odonkor ST, Sallar AM. Correlates of household waste management in Ghana: implications for public health. Heliyon 2021; 7:e08227. [PMID: 34765770 PMCID: PMC8570949 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e08227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Household waste management is a challenge in Accra, Ghana, due to increasing urbanization and unscrupulous dumping of garbage. The aim of this study was to determine the correlates of household waste management as well as their implications for public health. The study employed a descriptive, cross-sectional design with self-administered questionnaires to assess household waste management in Accra, Ghana. The study was conducted from September 1, 2019 to February 28, 2020. Our findings showed that rubber waste types were the most generated (26%) among respondents in their various households, followed by tin (19%) and plastic (16%). Majority (50.5%) of the respondents disposed of waste collected in public bins. However, about half of the respondents dumped waste through illegal or unauthorized means. About three out of four respondents (72.9%) indicated that improper management of garbage could affect the health of household members while 81.1% reported willing to participate in waste management in their neighborhoods. Females were more likely to be willing to participate in waste management compared to their male counterparts (p = 0.001). It is recommended that stakeholders and policy makers should focus on education for the citizenry on waste management behaviors. In addition, they should have increased access to waste collection services; since the public health implication of dumping anywhere could cause flooding, choke gutters, and lead to epidemic of cholera and vector borne diseases like malaria and dysentery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen T Odonkor
- School of Public Services and Governance, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration Accra, Ghana
| | - Anthony M Sallar
- School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration Accra, Ghana
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Sofia S, Kartini K, Zubir Z. Analysis of Generation, of Household Waste and Its Potential Utilization in Darul Imarah subdistrict - Aceh Besar District. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2021.6126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Darul Imarah District is one of the largest sub-districts in Aceh Besar, which is very dense and faces a waste problem. The increase in population in the Darul Imarah sub-district has resulted in waste generation.
AIM: analyzing the generation, composition of household waste and its potential use in Darul Imarah subdistrict, Aceh Besar District, Aceh Province
METHODS: This study used a cross-sectional study design by conducting an initial survey on the generationvolume and composition of waste in each house selected as a sample and continued with an experimental study. The research object is solid wastegarbage generated from daily activities in the selected sample group households in the Darul Imarah sub-district in the form of primary data from sampling, with a random sampling technique. The number of samples of 100 houses with the respondent's target is housewives. Data analysis was carried out using the T-Test difference test to compare the value before being given knowledge about household waste management after being given knowledge.
RESULTS: The study results show differences in the generation and composition of waste before and after being given knowledge about household waste management in Darul Imarah District, Kab. Aceh Besar with a significant (sig.) Of 0.000 (0.05). The total waste produced before being given knowledge about waste management was 164.6 kg. The composition of the waste consists of plastic waste (22.9 kg), wet waste (62.5 kg), dry waste (37.4 kg), and glass waste (41.8 kg). After being given knowledge about waste management, there was a reduction in the total waste produced, namely 131.8 kg. A significant reduction in the amount of waste in the volume of plastic waste (7.8 kg), wet waste (48.0 kg), dry waste (37.3 kg), and glass waste (38.8 kg). There is a difference in the volume of plastic waste in plastic waste after being given knowledge about household waste management, with the difference between the average before and after is 0.1530 and the difference is between 0.1045 - 0.2015 (95% Ci). In wet waste, there is a difference in the volume of wet waste after being given knowledge about household waste management with the difference between the before and after averages of 0.1450 and the difference between the differences is between 0.0784 - 0.2116 (95% Ci). In dry waste, there is no difference in the volume of dry waste after being given knowledge about household waste management with an average difference before and after of 0.0020, and the difference is between -, 0008 - 0.0048 (95% Ci). There is a difference in the volume of glass waste in glass waste after being given knowledge about household waste management with the difference between the before and after an average of 0.0310 and the difference between the differences between 0.0170 - 0.0450 (95% Ci).
CONCLUSION: There are differences in the generation and composition of waste before and after being given knowledge about household waste management in Darul Imarah District, Kab. Aceh Besar with a significant (sig.) of 0.000 (0.05).
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Kiaghadi A, Rifai HS, Dawson CN. The presence of Superfund sites as a determinant of life expectancy in the United States. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1947. [PMID: 33850131 PMCID: PMC8044172 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22249-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Superfund sites could affect life expectancy (LE) via increasing the likelihood of exposure to toxic chemicals. Here, we assess to what extent such presence could alter the LE independently and in the context of sociodemographic determinants. A nationwide geocoded statistical modeling at the census tract level was undertaken to estimate the magnitude of impact. Results showed a significant difference in LE among census tracts with at least one Superfund site and their neighboring tracts with no sites. The presence of a Superfund site could cause a decrease of -0.186 ± 0.027 years in LE. This adverse effect could be as high as -1.22 years in tracts with Superfund sites and high sociodemographic disadvantage. Specific characteristics of Superfund sites such as being prone to flooding and the absence of a cleanup strategy could amplify the adverse effect. Furthermore, the presence of Superfund sites amplifies the negative influence of sociodemographic factors at lower LEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Kiaghadi
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Hanadi S Rifai
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Clint N Dawson
- Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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Kiaghadi A, Rifai HS, Liaw W. Assessing COVID-19 risk, vulnerability and infection prevalence in communities. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0241166. [PMID: 33119721 PMCID: PMC7595430 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The spread of coronavirus in the United States with nearly five and half million confirmed cases and over 170,000 deaths has strained public health and health care systems. While many have focused on clinical outcomes, less attention has been paid to vulnerability and risk of infection. In this study, we developed a planning tool that examines factors that affect vulnerability to COVID-19. METHODS Across 46 variables, we defined five broad categories: 1) access to medical services, 2) underlying health conditions, 3) environmental exposures, 4) vulnerability to natural disasters, and 5) sociodemographic, behavioral, and lifestyle factors. The developed tool was validated by comparing the estimated overall vulnerability with the real-time reported normalized confirmed cases of COVID-19. ANALYSIS A principal component analysis was undertaken to reduce the dimensions. In order to identify vulnerable census tracts, we conducted rank-based exceedance and K-means cluster analyses. RESULTS All of the 5 vulnerability categories, as well as the overall vulnerability, showed significant (P-values <<0.05) and relatively strong correlations (0.203<ρ<0.57) with the normalized confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the census tract level. Our study showed a total of 722,357 (~17% of the County population) people, including 171,403 between the ages of 45-65 (~4% of County's population), and 76,719 seniors (~2% of County population), are at a higher risk based on the aforementioned categories. The exceedance and K-means cluster analysis demonstrated that census tracts in the northeastern, eastern, southeastern and northwestern regions of the County are at highest risk. CONCLUSION Policymakers can use this planning tool to identify neighborhoods at high risk for becoming hot spots; efficiently match community resources with needs, and ensure that the most vulnerable have access to equipment, personnel, and medical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Kiaghadi
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States of America
- Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, University of Texas Austin, Austin, TX, United States of America
| | - Hanadi S. Rifai
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Winston Liaw
- Health Systems and Population Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States of America
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A Geographic Information System-Based Indicator of Waste Risk to Investigate the Health Impact of Landfills and Uncontrolled Dumping Sites. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17165789. [PMID: 32785131 PMCID: PMC7459911 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17165789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Uncontrolled and poor waste management practices are widespread. The global health impact of hazardous waste exposure is controversial, but the excess of some diseases appears to be consistent. The Geographic Information System (GIS, ESRI Inc., Rome, Italy) method used to estimate the waste risk exposure, in an area with many illegal waste dumps and burning sites, is described. A GIS geodatabase (ESRI ArcGIS format) of waste sites’ data was built. A municipal GIS-based indicator of waste risk (Municipal Risk Index: MRI) has been computed, based on type and quantity of waste, typology of waste disposal, known or potential environmental contamination by waste and population living near waste sites. 2767 waste sites were present in an area 426 km2 large. 38% of the population lived near one or more waste sites (100 m). Illegal/uncontrolled waste dumps, including waste burning areas, constituted about 90% of all sites. The 38 investigated municipalities were categorized into 4 classes of MRI. The GIS approach identified a widespread impact of waste sites and the municipalities likely to be most exposed. The highest score of the MRI included the municipalities with the most illegal hazardous waste dumps and burning sites. The GIS-geodatabase provided information to contrast and to prosecute illegal waste trafficking and mismanagements.
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Heacock ML, Amolegbe SM, Skalla LA, Trottier BA, Carlin DJ, Henry HF, Lopez AR, Duncan CG, Lawler CP, Balshaw DM, Suk WA. Sharing SRP data to reduce environmentally associated disease and promote transdisciplinary research. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2020; 35:111-122. [PMID: 32126018 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2019-0089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Superfund Basic Research and Training Program (SRP) funds a wide range of projects that span biomedical, environmental sciences, and engineering research and generate a wealth of data resulting from hypothesis-driven research projects. Combining or integrating these diverse data offers an opportunity to uncover new scientific connections that can be used to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the interplay between exposures and health. Integrating and reusing data generated from individual research projects within the program requires harmonization of data workflows, ensuring consistent and robust practices in data stewardship, and embracing data sharing from the onset of data collection and analysis. We describe opportunities to leverage data within the SRP and current SRP efforts to advance data sharing and reuse, including by developing an SRP dataset library and fostering data integration through Data Management and Analysis Cores. We also discuss opportunities to improve public health by identifying parallels in the data captured from health and engineering research, layering data streams for a more comprehensive picture of exposures and disease, and using existing SRP research infrastructure to facilitate and foster data sharing. Importantly, we point out that while the SRP is in a unique position to exploit these opportunities, they can be employed across environmental health research. SRP research teams, which comprise cross-disciplinary scientists focused on similar research questions, are well positioned to use data to leverage previous findings and accelerate the pace of research. Incorporating data streams from different disciplines addressing similar questions can provide a broader understanding and uncover the answers to complex and discrete research questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L Heacock
- Superfund Research Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | | | | - Brittany A Trottier
- Superfund Research Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Danielle J Carlin
- Superfund Research Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Heather F Henry
- Superfund Research Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | | - Christopher G Duncan
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Cindy P Lawler
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - David M Balshaw
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - William A Suk
- Superfund Research Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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Protecting Children from Toxic Waste: Data-Usability Evaluation Can Deter Flawed Cleanup. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17020424. [PMID: 31936349 PMCID: PMC7014154 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17020424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Nearly 25 percent of US children live within 2 km of toxic-waste sites, most of which are in urban areas. They face higher rates of cancer than adults, partly because the dominant contaminants at most US hazardous-waste sites include genotoxic carcinogens, like trichloroethylene, that are much more harmful to children. The purpose of this article is to help protect the public, especially children, from these threats and to improve toxics-remediation by beginning to test our hypothesis: If site-remediation assessments fail data-usability evaluation (DUE), they likely compromise later cleanups and public health, especially children’s health. To begin hypothesis-testing, we perform a focused DUE for an unremediated, Pasadena, California toxic site. Our DUE methods are (a) comparing project-specific, remediation-assessment data with the remediation-assessment conceptual site model (CSM), in order to identify data gaps, and (b) using data-gap directionality to assess possible determinate bias (whether reported toxics risks are lower/higher than true values). Our results reveal (1) major CSM data gaps, particularly regarding Pasadena-toxic-site risks to children; (2) determinate bias, namely, risk underestimation; thus (3) likely inadequate remediation. Our discussion shows that if these results are generalizable, requiring routine, independent, DUEs might deter flawed toxic-site assessment/cleanup and resulting health threats, especially to children.
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The Environmental Protection Agency's Use of Community Involvement to Engage Communities at Superfund Sites. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16214166. [PMID: 31671731 PMCID: PMC6862660 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16214166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Superfund program was established to identify, assess and clean up the nation’s worst hazardous waste sites to protect human health and the environment. Community involvement is an important part of the Superfund program for at least three reasons. First, involving communities in decision making at Superfund sites is a statutory requirement. Second, community involvement is important so that clean up decisions will support reuse in the surrounding community. Third, because even after cleanup many sites have residual contamination that warrants administrative and legal controls to protect health and the environment, community members should understand these controls to both help protect community members and any limitations on site reuse. Community feedback informs both proposed actions and local reuse decisions. While the EPA recognizes that the agency performs many activities that are helpful to support community involvement, there are areas in need of improvement and further research would be helpful for communities in the future.
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Cox JG, Chung M, Hamm JA, Zwickle A, Cruz SM, Dearing JW. Working with Institutional Stakeholders: Propositions for Alternative Approaches to Community Engagement. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E4010. [PMID: 31635112 PMCID: PMC6844076 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16204010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Community engagement is a vital aspect of addressing environmental contamination and remediation. In the United States, the Superfund Research Program (SRP) forms groups of academic researchers from the social and physical sciences into Community Engagement Cores (CECs) and Research Translation Cores (RTCs), which focus on various aspects of informing and working with communities during and through the resolution of environmental crises. While this work typically involves engaging directly with members of affected communities, no two situations are the same. In some cases, alternative approaches to community engagement can be more appropriate for community improvement than traditional approaches. In particular, when research teams become involved in contamination crises at a late point in the process, their contributions can be better directed at supporting and reinforcing the work of institutional stakeholders charged with remediating pollution. Relevant factors include issue fatigue among a local population, and contamination that is due to a major employer. Supported by literature and experience, we offer several propositions that we believe lay out conditions that warrant such an approach by academic teams, rather than their direct engagement with unaffiliated individuals in communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey G Cox
- Department of Communication Studies, Albion College, 611 East Porter Street, Albion, MI 49224, USA.
| | - Minwoong Chung
- Department of Communication, Michigan State University, 404 Wilson Road, East Lansing, MI 48824-1212, USA.
| | - Joseph A Hamm
- School of Criminal Justice, Michigan State University, 665 Auditorium Road, East Lansing, MI 48824-1212, USA.
- Environmental Science and Policy Program, Michigan State University, 293 Farm Lane, East Lansing, MI 48824-1212, USA.
| | - Adam Zwickle
- School of Criminal Justice, Michigan State University, 665 Auditorium Road, East Lansing, MI 48824-1212, USA.
- Environmental Science and Policy Program, Michigan State University, 293 Farm Lane, East Lansing, MI 48824-1212, USA.
| | - Shannon M Cruz
- Department of Communication Arts & Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
| | - James W Dearing
- Department of Communication, Michigan State University, 404 Wilson Road, East Lansing, MI 48824-1212, USA.
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Cruz SM. Themes Across New Directions in Community Engagement. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E3724. [PMID: 31623297 PMCID: PMC6801676 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16193724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The articles in this special issue on New Directions in Environmental Communication in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health present new research and perspectives on engaging communities impacted by Superfund sites-the hazardous waste sites that have been identified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as needing cleanup. In particular, these articles focus on the community engagement cores (CECs) that work with affected communities as part the Superfund Research Program at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). The purpose of this closing article is to highlight important themes evident across the eight articles in the special issue. When considered together, the findings reveal important lessons learned about community engagement and environmental communication, but also reveal that much more remains to be known. Recommendations are made for how these teams can continue to practice, reflect on, and research community engagement in ways that build toward a better understanding and implementation of best practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon M Cruz
- Department of Communication Arts & Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
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Suk WA, Heacock ML, Trottier BA, Amolegbe SM, Avakian MD, Henry HF, Carlin DJ, Reed LG. Assessing the Economic and Societal Benefits of SRP-Funded Research. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2018; 126:065002. [PMID: 29916809 PMCID: PMC6108577 DOI: 10.1289/ehp3534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Superfund Basic Research and Training Program (SRP) funds a wide range of transdisciplinary research projects spanning the biomedical and environmental sciences and engineering, supporting and promoting the application of that research to solving real-world problems. OBJECTIVES We used a case study approach to identify the economic and societal benefits of SRP-funded research, focusing on the use of potentially hazardous substance remediation and site monitoring tools. We also identified successes and challenges involved in translating SRP grantees' research findings and advances into application. DISCUSSION We identified remediation and detection research projects supported by the SRP with the most potential for economic and societal benefits and selected 36 for analysis. To examine the benefits of these applied technologies, we interviewed 28 SRP-supported researchers and 41 partners. Five case studies emerged with the most complete information on cost savings-total savings estimated at >$100 million. Our analysis identified added societal benefits such as creation of small businesses, land and water reuse, sustainable technologies, exposure reduction, and university-industry partnerships. CONCLUSIONS Research funded by the SRP has yielded significant cost savings while providing additional societal benefits. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP3534.
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Affiliation(s)
- William A Suk
- Superfund Research Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Michelle L Heacock
- Superfund Research Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Brittany A Trottier
- Superfund Research Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | | | | | - Heather F Henry
- Superfund Research Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Danielle J Carlin
- Superfund Research Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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Carlin DJ, Henry H, Heacock M, Trottier B, Drew CH, Suk WA. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Superfund Research Program: a model for multidisciplinary training of the next generation of environmental health scientists. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2018; 33:53-62. [PMID: 29055939 PMCID: PMC5835174 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2017-0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Superfund Research Program (SRP) funds university-based, multidisciplinary research on human health and environmental science and engineering with the central goals to understand how hazardous substances contribute to disease and how to prevent exposures to these environmental chemicals. This multi-disciplinary approach allows early career scientists (e.g. graduate students and postdoctoral researchers) to gain experience in problem-based, solution-oriented research and to conduct research in a highly collaborative environment. Training the next generation of environmental health scientists has been an important part of the SRP since its inception. In addition to basic research, the SRP has grown to include support of broader training experiences such as those in research translation and community engagement activities that provide opportunities to give new scientists many of the skills they will need to be successful in their field of research. Looking to the future, the SRP will continue to evolve its training component by tracking and analyzing outcomes from its trainees by using tools such as the NIEHS CareerTrac database system, by increasing opportunities for trainees interested in research that goes beyond US boundaries, and in the areas of bioinformatics and data integration. These opportunities will give them the skills needed to be competitive and successful no matter which employment sector they choose to enter after they have completed their training experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle J Carlin
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Division of Extramural Research and Training, 111 TW Alexander Dr, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Heather Henry
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Division of Extramural Research and Training, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Michelle Heacock
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Division of Extramural Research and Training, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Brittany Trottier
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Division of Extramural Research and Training, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Christina H Drew
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Division of Extramural Research and Training, Durham, NC, USA
| | - William A Suk
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Division of Extramural Research and Training, Durham, NC, USA
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Krčmar D, Tenodi S, Grba N, Kerkez D, Watson M, Rončević S, Dalmacija B. Preremedial assessment of the municipal landfill pollution impact on soil and shallow groundwater in Subotica, Serbia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 615:1341-1354. [PMID: 29751439 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.09.283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Most regional municipal solid waste landfills in Serbia are operated without control of landfill leachate and gas or with no regard for implementation of national and European legislation. For the first time in Serbia, groundwater and soil at a landfill were subject to systematic annual monitoring according to national, European legislation and adopted methodologies. Characterisation of the groundwater and soil samples from the landfill included ten metals (Fe, Mn, As, Zn, Cd, Pb, Ni, Cr, Cu and Hg), 16 EPA PAHs, nutrients and certain physicochemical parameters, in order to assess the risks such poorly controlled landfills pose to the environment. This impact assessment was performed using specially adapted pollution indices: LWPI, the Single factor pollution index and the Nemerow index for groundwater, and geo-accumulation index, ecological risk factor and selected rations of PAHs for soil. The data analysis included multivariate statistical methods (factor analysis of principal component analysis (PCA/FA)) in order to assess the extent of the contaminants detected in the groundwater and soil samples. The pollution indices (LWPI: 3.56-8.89; Nemerow index: 2.02-3.78) indicate the quality of the groundwater at the landfill is degrading over time, with PAH16, TOC, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn as the substances of greatest concern. Heavy metals Hg (Igeo≤3.14), Pb (Igeo≤2.22), Cr (Igeo≤3.31) and Cu (Igeo≤2.16) represent the worst soil contamination. Hg has moderate (52.9) to very high (530.0) potential ecological risk, demonstrating the long-term potential effects of bioaccumulation and biomagnification. The results of this work indicate that Cr and Cu should possibly be added to the EU Watch List of emerging substances. This proposition is substantiated by relevant state and alike environmental information from nations in the region. This study demonstrates the need to develop a model for prioritization of landfill closure and remediation based on environmental risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dejan Krčmar
- University of Novi Sad Faculty of Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Protection, Trg Dositeja Obradovica 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Slaven Tenodi
- University of Novi Sad Faculty of Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Protection, Trg Dositeja Obradovica 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Nenad Grba
- University of Novi Sad Faculty of Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Protection, Trg Dositeja Obradovica 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Djurdja Kerkez
- University of Novi Sad Faculty of Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Protection, Trg Dositeja Obradovica 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia.
| | - Malcolm Watson
- University of Novi Sad Faculty of Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Protection, Trg Dositeja Obradovica 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Srdjan Rončević
- University of Novi Sad Faculty of Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Protection, Trg Dositeja Obradovica 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Božo Dalmacija
- University of Novi Sad Faculty of Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Protection, Trg Dositeja Obradovica 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
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Landrigan PJ, Fuller R, Acosta NJR, Adeyi O, Arnold R, Basu NN, Baldé AB, Bertollini R, Bose-O'Reilly S, Boufford JI, Breysse PN, Chiles T, Mahidol C, Coll-Seck AM, Cropper ML, Fobil J, Fuster V, Greenstone M, Haines A, Hanrahan D, Hunter D, Khare M, Krupnick A, Lanphear B, Lohani B, Martin K, Mathiasen KV, McTeer MA, Murray CJL, Ndahimananjara JD, Perera F, Potočnik J, Preker AS, Ramesh J, Rockström J, Salinas C, Samson LD, Sandilya K, Sly PD, Smith KR, Steiner A, Stewart RB, Suk WA, van Schayck OCP, Yadama GN, Yumkella K, Zhong M. The Lancet Commission on pollution and health. Lancet 2018; 391:462-512. [PMID: 29056410 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(17)32345-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1702] [Impact Index Per Article: 283.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Revised: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Philip J Landrigan
- Arnhold Institute for Global Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | | | | | - Olusoji Adeyi
- Department of Health, Nutrition, and Population Global Practice, The World Bank, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Robert Arnold
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Niladri Nil Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Roberto Bertollini
- Scientific Committee on Health, Environmental and Emerging Risks of the European Commission, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg; Office of the Minister of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Doha, Qatar
| | - Stephan Bose-O'Reilly
- Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital of LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; Department of Public Health, Health Services Research and Health Technology Assessment, University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, Hall in Tirol, Austria
| | | | - Patrick N Breysse
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Thomas Chiles
- Department of Biology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Maureen L Cropper
- Department of Economics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA; Resources for the Future, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Julius Fobil
- Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Valentin Fuster
- Mount Sinai Heart, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Andy Haines
- Department of Social and Environmental Health Research and Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - David Hunter
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mukesh Khare
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, India
| | | | - Bruce Lanphear
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Bindu Lohani
- Centennial Group, Washington, DC, USA; The Resources Center, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Keith Martin
- Consortium of Universities for Global Health, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Karen V Mathiasen
- Office of the US Executive Director, The World Bank, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | | | | | - Frederica Perera
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Janez Potočnik
- UN International Resource Panel, Paris, France; SYSTEMIQ, London, UK
| | - Alexander S Preker
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Global Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Health Policy and Management, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Health Investment & Financing Corporation, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Johan Rockström
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Leona D Samson
- Department of Biological Engineering and Department of Biology, Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Peter D Sly
- Children's Health and Environment Program, Child Health Research Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Kirk R Smith
- Environmental Health Sciences Division, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Achim Steiner
- Oxford Martin School, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Richard B Stewart
- Guarini Center on Environmental, Energy, and Land Use Law, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - William A Suk
- Division of Extramural Research and Training, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Onno C P van Schayck
- Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Gautam N Yadama
- School of Social Work, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
| | - Kandeh Yumkella
- United Nations Industrial Development Organization, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ma Zhong
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
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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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Antony VB, Redlich CA, Pinkerton KE, Balmes J, Harkema JR. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences: 50 Years of Advancing Science and Improving Lung Health. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2017; 194:1190-1195. [PMID: 27668911 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201608-1645pp] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The American Thoracic Society celebrates the 50th anniversary of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). The NIEHS has had enormous impact through its focus on research, training, and translational science on lung health. It has been an advocate for clean air both in the United States and across the world. The cutting-edge science funded by the NIEHS has led to major discoveries that have broadened our understanding of the pathogenesis and treatment for lung disease. Importantly, the NIEHS has developed and fostered mechanisms that require cross-cutting science across the spectrum of areas of inquiry, bringing together environmental and social scientists with clinicians to bring their expertise on specific areas of investigation. The intramural program of the NIEHS nurtures cutting-edge science, and the extramural program encourages investigator-initiated research while at the same time providing broader direction through important initiatives. Under the umbrella of the NIEHS and guided by Dr. Linda Birnbaum, the director of the NIEHS, important collaborative programs, such as the Superfund Program and the National Toxicology Program, work to discover mechanisms to protect from environmental toxins. The American Thoracic Society has overlapping goals with the NIEHS, and the strategic plans of both august bodies converge to synergize on population lung health. These bonds must be tightened and highlighted as we work toward our common goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veena B Antony
- 1 Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Carrie A Redlich
- 2 Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Kent E Pinkerton
- 3 School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California
| | - John Balmes
- 4 Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California; and
| | - Jack R Harkema
- 5 Department of Pathology and Diagnostic Investigation, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
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22
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Hoque E, Fritscher J. A new mercury-accumulating Mucor hiemalis strain EH8 from cold sulfidic spring water biofilms. Microbiologyopen 2016; 5:763-781. [PMID: 27177603 PMCID: PMC5061714 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Revised: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we report about a unique aquatic fungus Mucor hiemalisEH8 that can remove toxic ionic mercury from water by intracellular accumulation and reduction into elemental mercury (Hg0 ). EH8 was isolated from a microbial biofilm grown in sulfidic-reducing spring water sourced at a Marching's site located downhill from hop cultivation areas with a history of mercury use. A thorough biodiversity survey and mercury-removal function analyses were undertaken in an area of about 200 km2 in Bavaria (Germany) to find the key biofilm and microbe for mercury removal. After a systematic search using metal removal assays we identified Marching spring's biofilm out of 18 different sulfidic springs' biofilms as the only one that was capable of removing ionic Hg from water. EH8 was selected, due to its molecular biological identification as the key microorganism of this biofilm with the capability of mercury removal, and cultivated as a pure culture on solid and in liquid media to produce germinating sporangiospores. They removed 99% of mercury from water within 10-48 h after initial exposure to Hg(II). Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated occurrence of intracellular mercury in germinating sporangiospores exposed to mercury. Not only associated with intracellular components, but mercury was also found to be released and deposited as metallic-shiny nanospheres. Electron-dispersive x-ray analysis of such a nanosphere confirmed presence of mercury by the HgMα peak at 2.195 keV. Thus, a first aquatic eukaryotic microbe has been found that is able to grow even at low temperature under sulfur-reducing conditions with promising performance in mercury removal to safeguard our environment from mercury pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enamul Hoque
- Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Groundwater Ecology, Ingolstädter Landstr.1, Neuherberg, 85764, Germany.
| | - Johannes Fritscher
- Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Groundwater Ecology, Ingolstädter Landstr.1, Neuherberg, 85764, Germany
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23
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Press DJ, McKinley M, Deapen D, Clarke CA, Gomez SL. Residential cancer cluster investigation nearby a Superfund Study Area with trichloroethylene contamination. Cancer Causes Control 2016; 27:607-13. [PMID: 26983615 PMCID: PMC5759954 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-016-0734-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Trichloroethylene (TCE) is an industrial solvent associated with liver cancer, kidney cancer, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). It is unclear whether an excess of TCE-associated cancers have occurred surrounding the Middlefield-Ellis-Whisman Superfund site in Mountain View, California. We conducted a population-based cancer cluster investigation comparing the incidence of NHL, liver, and kidney cancers in the neighborhood of interest to the incidence among residents in the surrounding four-county region. METHODS Case counts and address information were obtained using routinely collected data from the Greater Bay Area Cancer Registry, part of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program. Population denominators were obtained from the 1990, 2000, and 2010 US censuses. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) with two-sided 99 % confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for time intervals surrounding the US Censuses. RESULTS There were no statistically significant differences between the neighborhood of interest and the larger region for cancers of the liver or kidney. A statistically significant elevation was observed for NHL during one of the three time periods evaluated (1996-2005: SIR = 1.8, 99 % CI 1.1-2.8). No statistically significant NHL elevation existed in the earlier 1988-1995 (SIR = 1.3, 99 % CI 0.5-2.6) or later 2006-2011 (SIR = 1.3, 99 % CI 0.6-2.4) periods. CONCLUSION There is no evidence of an increased incidence of liver or kidney cancer, and there is a lack of evidence of a consistent, sustained, or more recent elevation in NHL occurrence in this neighborhood. This evaluation included existing cancer registry data, which cannot speak to specific exposures incurred by past or current residents of this neighborhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Press
- Cancer Prevention Institute of California, 2201 Walnut Ave, Suite 300, Fremont, CA, 94538, USA.
- University of Southern California, 2001 N Soto St, Suite 305, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA.
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Ave, Rm. R-214, MC2000, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
| | - Meg McKinley
- Cancer Prevention Institute of California, 2201 Walnut Ave, Suite 300, Fremont, CA, 94538, USA
| | - Dennis Deapen
- University of Southern California, 2001 N Soto St, Suite 305, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA
| | - Christina A Clarke
- Cancer Prevention Institute of California, 2201 Walnut Ave, Suite 300, Fremont, CA, 94538, USA
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Health Research and Policy, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305-5405, USA
| | - Scarlett Lin Gomez
- Cancer Prevention Institute of California, 2201 Walnut Ave, Suite 300, Fremont, CA, 94538, USA
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Health Research and Policy, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305-5405, USA
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