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Park JB, Kang P, Ji SH, Jang YE, Lee JH, Kim JT, Kim HS, Kim EH. Atmospheric particulate matter and hypoxaemia in Korean children receiving general anaesthesia: A retrospective analysis. Eur J Anaesthesiol 2024; 41:641-648. [PMID: 38884417 DOI: 10.1097/eja.0000000000002027] [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: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association between the concentration of atmospheric particulate matter on the day of surgery and the occurrence of intra-operative hypoxaemia in children receiving general anaesthesia is unclear. OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between the exposure to particulate matter on the day of surgery and the occurrence of intra-operative hypoxaemia, defined as a pulse oximetry oxygen saturation of less than 90% for more than 1 min, in children. DESIGN Retrospective study. SETTING Single-centre. PARTICIPANTS Children aged 18 years or younger who received general anaesthesia between January 2019 and October 2020. INTERVENTION Information on daily levels of particulate matter with a diameter 10 μm or less and 2.5 μm or less measured within a neighbourhood corresponding to the area defined by the hospital's zip code was obtained from publicly available air-quality data. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was intra-operative hypoxaemia, defined as a pulse oximetry oxygen saturation of less than 90% lasting for more than 1 min, manually verified by anaesthesiologists using vital sign registry data extracted at 2 s intervals. RESULTS Of the patients finally analysed, 3.85% (489/13 175) experienced intra-operative hypoxaemia. Higher levels of particulate matter 10 μm or less in diameter (≥81 μg m -3 , 17/275, 6.2%) were associated with an increased occurrence of intra-operative hypoxaemia compared with lower particulate matter concentrations [<81 μg m -3 , 472/12 900, 3.7%; adjusted odds ratio, 1.71; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04 to 2.83; P = 0.035]. CONCLUSION The level of particulate matter on the day of surgery pose a risk of intra-operative hypoxaemia in children receiving general anaesthesia. If the concentrations of particulate matter 10 μm or less in diameter on the day of surgery are high, children receiving general anaesthesia should be managed with increased caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Bin Park
- From the Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea (J-BP, PK, S-HJ, Y-EJ, J-HL, J-TK, H-SK, E-HK)
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Bultas MW, Oerther S. The Role of the School Nurse in Addressing Climate-Associated Illnesses: Heat. NASN Sch Nurse 2024; 39:171-174. [PMID: 38193318 DOI: 10.1177/1942602x231223158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Extremely hot or humid days are anticipated to continue, occur more often, and intensify over time. School-age children are especially vulnerable to extreme heat. The primary acute health effects of heat on children can range from heat exhaustion to heatstroke. The purpose of this article is to raise awareness of the impact some acute heat-related illnesses have on school-age children's health and to provide school nurses with information on the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses as well as prevention tips to share with parents and school administrators. This is the fifth article in a series meant to inform school nurses about illnesses linked to the climate and provide them with the tools they need to safeguard children' health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret W Bultas
- Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO
| | - Sarah Oerther
- Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO
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Sultana D, Hoover S. Analysis of gasoline-related pollutant exposures and risks in California between 1996 and 2014. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2024; 34:518-528. [PMID: 38066330 PMCID: PMC11222143 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-023-00615-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gasoline-powered vehicles and equipment are an important source of air pollution in California. Many gasoline-related pollutants pose significant health concerns. The California Air Resources Board strictly regulates the state's gasoline formulation and vehicle emissions. OBJECTIVE To investigate exposure trends for gasoline-related air pollutants between 1996 and 2014, capturing the period before and after the removal of methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE). METHODS We identified gasoline-related chemicals with known or suspected health concerns and adequate ambient air monitoring data. Average exposures to the general public were estimated from 1996 to 2014 in five major air basins and statewide. We determined the fractions of exposures attributable to gasoline use and evaluated cancer and non-cancer risks for chemicals with available cancer potencies and health reference values. RESULTS We found that average gasoline-attributable cancer risks for the general California population from the most highly emitted carcinogens (acetaldehyde, benzene, 1,3-butadiene, and formaldehyde) declined by over 80% between 1996 and 2014. This decline occurred despite roughly constant statewide gasoline sales, an increase in vehicle miles traveled, and an approximately 10% increase in vehicle registrations over this same period. Naphthalene, measured as a volatile organic compound (VOC), was the most abundant gasoline-related polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH). From 1996 to 2014, gasoline-attributable cancer risks for naphthalene were estimated to drop approximately threefold in the South Coast Air Basin. Exposures to gasoline-related chemicals associated with non-cancer health effects, such as chronic respiratory toxicity or neurotoxicity, were generally below levels of concern. The exception was acrolein, with gasoline-related exposures in 2014 estimated to be high enough to pose risks for respiratory toxicity. IMPACT STATEMENT Our historical analysis demonstrated the success of California's regulatory efforts to reduce gasoline-related air pollutant exposures and risks to the general public. New efforts are focused on addressing gasoline-related and other air pollution in heavily impacted communities affected by multiple environmental and social stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Sultana
- Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, California Environmental Protection Agency, Oakland, CA, USA.
| | - Sara Hoover
- Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, California Environmental Protection Agency, Oakland, CA, USA
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Grineski SE, Renteria RA, Collins TW, Bakian AV, Bilder D, VanDerslice JA, Fraser A, Gomez J, Ramos KD. PM 2.5 threshold exceedances during the prenatal period and risk of intellectual disability. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2024:10.1038/s41370-024-00647-0. [PMID: 38388655 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-024-00647-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research demonstrates that chronic exposure to fine particulates (PM2.5) increases risks of neurodevelopmental conditions, such as intellectual disability (ID). Few studies have examined neurodevelopmental health impacts of pollution spikes exceeding 24-h (24-h) PM2.5 guidelines, despite relevance to the regulatory landscape. The current potential for regulatory changes to 24-h PM2.5 standards in the United States makes research on exceedances relevant. OBJECTIVE To examine associations between 24-h PM2.5 exceedances and the risk of ID. METHODS We conducted a retrospective case-control study of a sample of children in Utah, USA. We used generalized estimating equations to predict odds of ID based on the number of 24-h PM2.5 exceedance days during the preconception period and three trimesters of pregnancy. Exceedance days are defined as per current World Health Organization (WHO) [≥15 μg/m3] and current US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) [≥35 μg/m3] 24-h guidelines. RESULTS PM2.5 exceedances are associated with ID risk during the preconception and first trimester periods and not the second and third trimesters. During the preconception period, each day exceeding 15 μg/m3 or 35 μg/m3 was associated with a 1.023 (CI: 1.011-1.040) or 1.042 (CI: 1.026-1.059, p < 0.001) increase in odds of ID, respectively. During the first trimester, each day exceeding 15 μg/m3 or 35 μg/m3 was associated with a 1.032 (CI: 1.017-1.047) or 1.059 (CI: 1.030-1.088) increase in odds of ID, respectively. IMPACT STATEMENT Potential regulatory movement on the US 24-h PM2.5 standard makes research that explicitly studies exceedances highly relevant. Yet few studies examine health effects of exceeding 24-h guidelines for any air pollutants. This study fills important gaps in the literature by examining associations between odds of intellectual disability and the count of days exceeding current 24-h PM2.5 guidelines, as established by the World Health Organization and US Environmental Protection Agency, during the prenatal period. We find that exceedances of both sets of guidelines, during the preconception and first trimester periods, are associated with ID risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara E Grineski
- Department of Sociology, University of Utah, 380 S. 1530 E., Rm. 301, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
| | - Roger A Renteria
- Department of Sociology, University of Utah, 380 S. 1530 E., Rm. 301, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Timothy W Collins
- Department of Geography, University of Utah, 260 Central Campus Dr., Rm. 4728, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Amanda V Bakian
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, 30 N. 1900 E., Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Deborah Bilder
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, 30 N. 1900 E., Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - James A VanDerslice
- Department of Family and Preventative Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, 375 Chipeta Way Ste. A, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA
| | - Alison Fraser
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, 2000 Cir of Hope Dr Ste 1950, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Jaqueline Gomez
- Environmental and Sustainability Studies Program, University of Utah, 260 S Central Campus Drive, Room 4540, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Kevin D Ramos
- Department of Geography, University of Utah, 260 Central Campus Dr., Rm. 4728, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
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Tsai YG, Chio CP, Yang KD, Lin CH, Yeh YP, Chang YJ, Chien JW, Wang SL, Huang SK, Chan CC. Long-term PM 2.5 exposure is associated with asthma prevalence and exhaled nitric oxide levels in children. Pediatr Res 2024:10.1038/s41390-023-02977-5. [PMID: 38263452 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-023-02977-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exhaled nitric oxide concentration (FENO) is a marker of airway inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the association of air pollution exposure with FENO levels and asthma prevalence with respiratory symptoms in school children. METHODS We analyzed 4736 school children who reside in six townships near industrial areas in central Taiwan. We evaluated asthmatic symptoms, FENO, and conducted the environmental questionnaire. The personal exposure of PM2.5, NO, and SO2 was estimated using land-use regression models data on children's school and home addresses. RESULTS Annual exposure to PM2.5 was associated with increased odds of physician-diagnosed asthma (OR = 1.595), exercise-induced wheezing (OR = 1.726), itchy eyes (OR = 1.417), and current nasal problems (OR = 1.334) (P < 0.05). FENO levels in the absence of infection were positively correlated with age, previous wheezing, allergic rhinitis, atopic eczema, near the road, and for children with high exposure to PM2.5 (P < 0.05). An increase of 1 μg/m3 PM2.5 exposure was significantly associated with a 1.0% increase in FENO levels for children after adjusting for potential confounding variables, including exposures to NO and SO2. CONCLUSIONS Long-term exposures to PM2.5 posed a significant risk of asthma prevalence and airway inflammation in a community-based population of children. IMPACT Annual exposure to PM2.5 was associated with increased odds of physician-diagnosed asthma and nasal problems and itchy eyes. Long-term exposures to PM2.5 were significantly associated with FENO levels after adjusting for potential confounding variables. This is first study to assess the association between FENO levels and long-term air pollution exposures in children near coal-based power plants. An increase of 1 μg/m3 annual PM2.5 exposure was significantly associated with a 1.0% increase in FENO levels. Long-term exposures to PM2.5 posed a significant risk of asthma prevalence and airway inflammation in a community-based population of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Giien Tsai
- Department of Pediatrics, Changhua Christian Children's Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan, ROC
- School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chia-Pin Chio
- Department of Medical Research, Tungs' Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Kuender D Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Mackay Memorial Hospital, and Department of Microbiology & Immunology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ching-Hsiung Lin
- Division of Chest Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Genomics and Bioinformatics, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
- Ph.D. Program in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Recreation and Holistic Wellness, MingDao University, Changhua, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yen-Po Yeh
- Changhua County Public Health Bureau, Changhua, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yu-Jun Chang
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Center, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jien-Wen Chien
- Department of Pediatrics, Changhua Christian Children's Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Shu-Li Wang
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Rd, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Miaoli, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Shau-Ku Huang
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Rd, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Miaoli, Taiwan, ROC.
- Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Chang-Chuan Chan
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
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Abstract
Buildings, parks, and roads are all elements of the "built environment," which can be described as the human-made structures that comprise the neighborhoods and communities where people live, work, learn, and recreate (https://www.epa.gov/smm/basic-information-about-built-environment). The design of communities where children and adolescents live, learn, and play has a profound impact on their health. Moreover, the policies and practices that determine community design and the built environment are a root cause of disparities in the social determinants of health that contribute to health inequity. An understanding of the links between the built environment and pediatric health will help to inform pediatricians' and other pediatric health care professionals' care for patients and advocacy on their behalf. This policy statement outlines community design solutions that can improve pediatric physical and mental health, and improve health equity. It describes opportunities for pediatricians and the health care sector to incorporate this knowledge in patient care, as well as to play a role in advancing a health-promoting built environment for all children and families. The accompanying technical report reviews the range of pediatric physical and mental health conditions influenced by the built environment, as well as historical and persistent effects of the built environment on health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Bole
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Aaron Bernstein
- Department of General Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, and Center for Climate, Health and the Global Environment, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Michelle J White
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
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Pham KCT, Chiew KS. The impact of air pollution on neurocognitive development: Adverse effects and health disparities. Dev Psychobiol 2023; 65:e22440. [PMID: 38010305 PMCID: PMC10683861 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22440] [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: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution is recognized as a major public health concern. The number of deaths related to ambient air pollution has increased in recent years and is projected to continue rising. Additionally, both short- and long-term air pollution exposure has been linked with deleterious effects on neurocognitive function and development. While air pollution poses as a threat to everyone, people of color and individuals of lower socioeconomic status are often exposed to elevated levels of air pollution as a function of systemic racism and classism. Further, given additional disparities in access to healthcare and other compounding stressors, adverse effects of air pollution on neurocognitive health are exacerbated among individuals who hold marginalized identities-making effects both less likely to be detected and treated. This review examines evidence of the effects of air pollution on neurocognitive development across the lifespan and incorporates an environmental justice perspective to highlight disparities in air pollution exposure across race and socioeconomic status. Last, upon the reviewed evidence, limitations of past research and recommendations for policy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim-Chi T Pham
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Kimberly S Chiew
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, USA
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Grippo A, Zhu K, Yeung EH, Bell EM, Bonner MR, Tian L, Mendola P, Mu L. Indoor air pollution exposure and early childhood development in the Upstate KIDS Study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 234:116528. [PMID: 37419197 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited human studies have investigated the impact of indoor air pollution on early childhood neurodevelopment among the US population. We aimed to examine the associations between prenatal and postnatal indoor air pollution exposure and early childhood development in a population-based birth cohort. METHODS This analysis included 4735 mother-child pairs enrolled between 2008 and 2010 in the Upstate KIDS Study. Indoor air pollution exposure from cooking fuels, heating fuels, and passive smoke during pregnancy, and at 12 and 36 months after birth were assessed by questionnaires. Five domains of child development were assessed by the Ages and Stages Questionnaire at 4, 8, 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 months. Generalized estimating equations were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS Exposure to unclean cooking fuels (natural gas, propane, or wood) throughout the study period was associated with increased odds of failing any development domain (OR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.07, 1.53), the gross motor domain (OR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.09, 2.13), and the personal-social domain (OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.85), respectively. Passive smoke exposure throughout the study period increased the odds of failing the problem-solving domain by 71% (OR = 1.71, 95% CI 1.01, 2.91) among children of non-smoking mothers. No association was found between heating fuel use and failing any or specific domains. CONCLUSION Unclean cooking fuel use and passive smoke exposure during pregnancy and early life were associated with developmental delays in this large prospective birth cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Grippo
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Kexin Zhu
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Edwina H Yeung
- Division of Population Health Research, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Erin M Bell
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences and Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University at Albany School of Public Health, Rensselaer, NY, USA
| | - Matthew R Bonner
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Lili Tian
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Pauline Mendola
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Lina Mu
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA.
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Dickerson AS. Invited Perspective: Still Beating the Drum-Environmental Health Disparities and Neurodevelopment. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:91302. [PMID: 37754678 PMCID: PMC10525296 DOI: 10.1289/ehp13425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Aisha S. Dickerson
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Payne-Sturges DC, Taiwo TK, Ellickson K, Mullen H, Tchangalova N, Anderko L, Chen A, Swanson M. Disparities in Toxic Chemical Exposures and Associated Neurodevelopmental Outcomes: A Scoping Review and Systematic Evidence Map of the Epidemiological Literature. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:96001. [PMID: 37754677 PMCID: PMC10525348 DOI: 10.1289/ehp11750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children are routinely exposed to chemicals known or suspected of harming brain development. Targeting Environmental Neuro-Development Risks (Project TENDR), an alliance of > 50 leading scientists, health professionals, and advocates, is working to protect children from these toxic chemicals and pollutants, especially the disproportionate exposures experienced by children from families with low incomes and families of color. OBJECTIVE This scoping review was initiated to map existing literature on disparities in neurodevelopmental outcomes for U.S. children from population groups who have been historically economically/socially marginalized and exposed to seven exemplar neurotoxicants: combustion-related air pollution (AP), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), organophosphate pesticides (OPs), phthalates (Phth), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). METHODS Systematic literature searches for the seven exemplar chemicals, informed by the Population, Exposure, Comparator, Outcome (PECO) framework, were conducted through 18 November 2022, using PubMed, CINAHL Plus (EBSCO), GreenFILE (EBSCO), and Web of Science sources. We examined these studies regarding authors' conceptualization and operationalization of race, ethnicity, and other indicators of sociodemographic and socioeconomic disadvantage; whether studies presented data on exposure and outcome disparities and the patterns of those disparities; and the evidence of effect modification by or interaction with race and ethnicity. RESULTS Two hundred twelve individual studies met the search criteria and were reviewed, resulting in 218 studies or investigations being included in this review. AP and Pb were the most commonly studied exposures. The most frequently identified neurodevelopmental outcomes were cognitive and behavioral/psychological. Approximately a third (74 studies) reported investigations of interactions or effect modification with 69% (51 of 74 studies) reporting the presence of interactions or effect modification. However, less than half of the studies presented data on disparities in the outcome or the exposure, and fewer conducted formal tests of heterogeneity. Ninety-two percent of the 165 articles that examined race and ethnicity did not provide an explanation of their constructs for these variables, creating an incomplete picture. DISCUSSION As a whole, the studies we reviewed indicated a complex story about how racial and ethnic minority and low-income children may be disproportionately harmed by exposures to neurotoxicants, and this has implications for targeting interventions, policy change, and other necessary investments to eliminate these health disparities. We provide recommendations on improving environmental epidemiological studies on environmental health disparities. To achieve environmental justice and health equity, we recommend concomitant strategies to eradicate both neurotoxic chemical exposures and systems that perpetuate social inequities. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11750.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kristie Ellickson
- Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
- Union of Concerned Scientists, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Haley Mullen
- Department of Geographical Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Laura Anderko
- M. Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Aimin Chen
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Grossklaus R, Liesenkötter KP, Doubek K, Völzke H, Gaertner R. Iodine Deficiency, Maternal Hypothyroxinemia and Endocrine Disrupters Affecting Fetal Brain Development: A Scoping Review. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15102249. [PMID: 37242131 DOI: 10.3390/nu15102249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This scoping review critically discusses the publications of the last 30 years on the impact of mild to moderate iodine deficiency and the additional impact of endocrine disrupters during pregnancy on embryonal/fetal brain development. An asymptomatic mild to moderate iodine deficiency and/or isolated maternal hypothyroxinemia might affect the development of the embryonal/fetal brain. There is sufficient evidence underlining the importance of an adequate iodine supply for all women of childbearing age in order to prevent negative mental and social consequences for their children. An additional threat to the thyroid hormone system is the ubiquitous exposure to endocrine disrupters, which might exacerbate the effects of iodine deficiency in pregnant women on the neurocognitive development of their offspring. Ensuring adequate iodine intake is therefore essential not only for healthy fetal and neonatal development in general, but it might also extenuate the effects of endocrine disruptors. Individual iodine supplementation of women of childbearing age living in areas with mild to moderate iodine deficiency is mandatory as long as worldwide universal salt iodization does not guarantee an adequate iodine supply. There is an urgent need for detailed strategies to identify and reduce exposure to endocrine disrupters according to the "precautional principle".
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Affiliation(s)
- Rolf Grossklaus
- Department of Food Safety, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, D-10589 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Klaus Doubek
- Professional Association of Gynecologists, D-80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Henry Völzke
- Study of Health in Pomerania/Clinical-Epidemiological Research, Institute for Community Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, D-17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Roland Gaertner
- Medical Clinic IV, University of Munich, D-80336 Munich, Germany
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Akilandeswari P, Manoranjitham T, Kalaivani J, Nagarajan G. Air quality prediction for sustainable development using LSTM with weighted distance grey wolf optimizer. Soft comput 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s00500-023-07997-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2023]
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Campbell E, Uppalapati SS, Kotcher J, Maibach E. Communication research to improve engagement with climate change and human health: A review. Front Public Health 2023; 10:1086858. [PMID: 36777765 PMCID: PMC9909232 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1086858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Because of the world's dependence on fossil fuels, climate change and air pollution are profoundly harming both human and planetary health. Fortunately, climate solutions are also health solutions, and they present both local and global opportunities to foster cleaner, healthier, and safer communities. In this review, we briefly discuss the human health harms of climate change, climate and health solutions, and provide a thorough synthesis of social science research on climate and health communication. Through our review, we found that social science research provides an evidence-based foundation for messaging strategies that can build public and political will for climate and health solutions. Specifically, messages that convey the health harms of climate change and highlight the health benefits of climate solutions may be especially effective in building this public and political will. We also found that health professionals are trusted sources of information about climate change, and many have shown interest in engaging with the public and policymakers about the health relevance of climate change and clean energy. Together, the alignment between message strategies and the interest of highly trusted messengers strongly suggests the potential of health students and health professionals to create the conditions necessary to address climate change as a public health imperative. Therefore, our review serves as a resource for those interested in communicating about climate change and health and suggests that social scientists can continue to support practitioners with research and advice on the most effective communication strategies.
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Wylie AC, Short SJ. Environmental Toxicants and the Developing Brain. Biol Psychiatry 2023; 93:921-933. [PMID: 36906498 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Early life represents the most rapid and foundational period of brain development and a time of vulnerability to environmental insults. Evidence indicates that greater exposure to ubiquitous toxicants like fine particulate matter (PM2.5), manganese, and many phthalates is associated with altered developmental, physical health, and mental health trajectories across the lifespan. Whereas animal models offer evidence of their mechanistic effects on neurological development, there is little research that evaluates how these environmental toxicants are associated with human neurodevelopment using neuroimaging measures in infant and pediatric populations. This review provides an overview of 3 environmental toxicants of interest in neurodevelopment that are prevalent worldwide in the air, soil, food, water, and/or products of everyday life: fine particulate matter (PM2.5), manganese, and phthalates. We summarize mechanistic evidence from animal models for their roles in neurodevelopment, highlight prior research that has examined these toxicants with pediatric developmental and psychiatric outcomes, and provide a narrative review of the limited number of studies that have examined these toxicants using neuroimaging with pediatric populations. We conclude with a discussion of suggested directions that will move this field forward, including the incorporation of environmental toxicant assessment in large, longitudinal, multimodal neuroimaging studies; the use of multidimensional data analysis strategies; and the importance of studying the combined effects of environmental and psychosocial stressors and buffers on neurodevelopment. Collectively, these strategies will improve ecological validity and our understanding of how environmental toxicants affect long-term sequelae via alterations to brain structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda C Wylie
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Sarah J Short
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin; Center for Health Minds, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin.
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Zhang J, Yang Y, Al-Ahmady ZS, Du W, Duan J, Liao Z, Sun Q, Wei Z, Hua J. Maternal exposure to PM 2.5 induces cognitive impairment in offspring via cerebellar neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 249:114425. [PMID: 38321695 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Available evidence suggest that exposure to PM2.5 during pregnancy is associated with reduced cognitive function in offspring. This study aimed to investigate the effects of maternal exposure to PM2.5 on offspring cognitive function and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. In this work, pregnant C57BL/6 female mice were exposed to concentrated ambient PM2.5 or filtered air from day 0.5 (=vaginal plug) to day 15.5 in the Shanghai Meteorological and Environmental Animal Exposure System, and offspring cerebellar tissues were collected on embryonic day 15.5, as well as postnatal days 0, 10 and 42. The mean PM2.5 concentrations exposed to the pregnant mice were 73.06 ± 4.90 μg/m3 and 11.15 ± 2.71 μg/m3 in the concentrated ambient PM2.5 and filtered air chambers, respectively. Maternal concentrated PM2.5 exposure was negatively correlated with offspring spatial memory significantly as assessed by the Morris water maze. Compared with the filtered air group, PM2.5-exposed offspring mice had reduced cerebellar microglia. Both RNA and protein levels of IL-8 and TNF-α were elevated in the concentrated ambient PM2.5 group. PM2.5 exposure increased the level of 8-OHG in miRNA of microglia and Purkinje cells in 6-week-old offspring. The level of prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2Aα) in the cerebellum was increased at different growing stages of offspring after gestational exposure of PM2.5. These results suggested that maternal air pollution exposure might cause inflammatory damage and oxidative stress to the cerebellum, contributing to reduced cognitive performance in mice offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Women and Children's Health Care, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yingying Yang
- Clinical Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Zahraa S Al-Ahmady
- Pharmacology Department, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG11 8NS, United Kingdom; Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, AV Hill Building, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | - Wenchong Du
- NTU Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG1 1BU, United Kingdom
| | - Jinjin Duan
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, the Center for Chemical Biology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medical, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zehuan Liao
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore; Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, Solnavägen 9, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Qinghua Sun
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Zhiyun Wei
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Women and Children's Health Care, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Jing Hua
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Women and Children's Health Care, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
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Shang M, Tang M, Xue Y. Neurodevelopmental toxicity induced by airborne particulate matter. J Appl Toxicol 2023; 43:167-185. [PMID: 35995895 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Airborne particulate matter (PM), the primary component associated with health risks in air pollution, can negatively impact human health. Studies have shown that PM can enter the brain by inhalation, but data on the exact quantity of particles that reach the brain are unknown. Particulate matter exposure can result in neurotoxicity. Exposure to PM poses a greater health risk to infants and children because their nervous systems are not fully developed. This review paper highlights the association between PM and neurodevelopmental toxicity (NDT). Exposure to PM can induce oxidative stress and inflammation, potentially resulting in blood-brain barrier damage and increased susceptibility to development of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), such as autism spectrum disorders and attention deficit disorders. In addition, human and animal exposure to PM can induce microglia activation and epigenetic alterations and alter the neurotransmitter levels, which may increase risks for development of NDD. However, the systematic comparisons of the effects of PM on NDD at different ages of exposure are deficient. The elucidation of PM exposure risks and NDT in children during the early developmental stages are of great importance. The synthesis of current research may help to identify markers and mechanisms of PM-induced neurodevelopmental toxicity, allowing for the development of strategies to prevent permanent damage of developing brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Shang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Meng Tang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuying Xue
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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Medrano J, Crnosija N, Prather RW, Payne-Sturges D. Bridging the environment and neurodevelopment for children's health: Associations between real-time air pollutant exposures and cognitive outcomes. Front Psychol 2022; 13:933327. [PMID: 36329746 PMCID: PMC9623017 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.933327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Research suggests that children's exposure to pollutants may impact their neurocognitive development. While researchers have found associations between air pollutants and cognitive development, these associations remain underspecified. Further, these exposures occur in the context of the built environment and may be exacerbated by local social vulnerability; in this context, individuals may experience a suite of socioenvironmental stressors that lead to increased cumulative risk exposure. In this pilot study, we tested whether real-time-measured personal exposure to PM2.5 relates to children's executive function and mathematical skills, outcomes that may predict later mathematical performance, general academic performance and even employment outcomes. We recruited 30 families to participate in two rounds in Winter 2020 and Summer 2021. We collected children's demographic data, as well as data about their living environment. In each round, children carried a small device that collected real-time ambient air pollution data for 3 days; parents logged their children's activities each day. On the last day, children completed cognitive assessments indexing their working memory (n-back), inhibitory control (Go/No-Go), nonsymbolic math skills (dot comparison), and arithmetic skills (equation verification). Overall, 29 participants had pollutant readings from both rounds, and 21 had a full dataset. Nonparametric statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in ambient air pollution and cognitive performance over time, Spearman's rho correlation assessment found that PM2.5 was not significantly correlated with cognitive outcomes in R1 and R2. However, the correlations suggested that an increase in PM2.5 was associated with worse working memory, inhibitory control, nonsymbolic skills, and arithmetic skills, at least in R1. We used each participant's zip code-aggregated Social Vulnerability Index, which range from 0 to 1, with higher numbers indicating more social vulnerability. Wilcoxon Rank-Sum tests indicated that participants living in higher SVI zip codes (≥0.70; n = 15) were not significantly different from those living in lower SVI zip codes (<0.70; n = 14), in terms of their PM2.5 exposures and cognitive performance in each round. We also found that socioeconomic characteristics mattered, such that children whose parent (s) had at least a Master's degree or earned more than $100,000 a year had lower PM2.5 exposures than children in the other end.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josh Medrano
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Natalie Crnosija
- Maryland Institute for Applied Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Richard W Prather
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Devon Payne-Sturges
- Maryland Institute for Applied Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
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Rahman F, Coull BA, Carroll KN, Wilson A, Just AC, Kloog I, Zhang X, Wright RJ, Chiu YHM. Prenatal PM 2.5 exposure and infant temperament at age 6 months: Sensitive windows and sex-specific associations. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 206:112583. [PMID: 34922978 PMCID: PMC8810739 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal exposure to fine particulate matter with a diameter of ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5) has been linked to adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in later childhood, while research on early infant behavior remains sparse. OBJECTIVES We examined associations between prenatal PM2.5 exposure and infant negative affectivity, a stable temperamental trait associated with longer-term behavioral and mental health outcomes. We also examined sex-specific effects. METHODS Analyses included 559 mother-infant pairs enrolled in the PRogramming of Intergenerational Stress Mechanisms (PRISM) cohort. Daily PM2.5 exposure based on geocoded residential address during pregnancy was estimated using a satellite-based spatiotemporal model. Domains of negative affectivity (Sadness, Distress to Limitations, Fear, Falling Reactivity) were assessed using the Infant Behavior Questionnaire-Revised (IBQ-R) when infants were 6 months old. Subscale scores were calculated as the mean of item-specific responses; the global Negative Affectivity (NA) score was derived by averaging the mean of the four subscale scores. Bayesian distributed lag interaction models (BDLIMs) were used to identify sensitive windows for prenatal PM2.5 exposure on global NA and its subscales, and to examine effect modification by sex. RESULTS Mothers were primarily racial/ethnic minorities (38% Black, 37% Hispanic), 40% had ≤12 years of education; most did not smoke during pregnancy (87%). In the overall sample, BDLIMs revealed that increased PM2.5 at mid-pregnancy was associated with higher global NA, Sadness, and Fear scores, after adjusting for covariates (maternal age, education, race/ethnicity, sex). Among boys, increased PM2.5 at early pregnancy was associated with decreased Fear scores, while exposure during late pregnancy was associated with increased Fear scores (cumulative effect estimate = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.03-1.41). Among girls, increased PM2.5 during mid-pregnancy was associated with higher Fear scores (cumulative effect estimate = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.05-1.91). CONCLUSIONS Prenatal PM2.5 exposure was associated with negative affectivity at age 6 months, and the sensitive windows may vary by subdomains and infant sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fataha Rahman
- Kravis Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; The City College of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brent A Coull
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kecia N Carroll
- Kravis Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ander Wilson
- Department of Statistics, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Allan C Just
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Itai Kloog
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xueying Zhang
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rosalind J Wright
- Kravis Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; The Institute for Exposomic Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yueh-Hsiu Mathilda Chiu
- Kravis Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; The Institute for Exposomic Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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19
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Remote and at-home data collection: Considerations for the NIH HEALthy Brain and Cognitive Development (HBCD) study. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2022; 54:101059. [PMID: 35033972 PMCID: PMC8762360 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2022.101059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The NIH HEALthy Brain and Cognitive Development (HBCD) study aims to characterize the impact of in utero exposure to substances, and related environmental exposures on child neurodevelopment and health outcomes. A key focus of HBCD is opioid exposure, which has disproportionately affected rural areas. While most opioid use and neonatal abstinence syndrome has been reported outside of large cities, rural communities are often under-represented in large-scale clinical research studies that involve neuroimaging, in-person assessments, or bio-specimen collections. Thus, there exists a likely mismatch between the communities that are the focus of HBCD and those that can participate. Even geographically proximal participants, however, are likely to bias towards higher socioeconomic status given the anticipated study burden and visit frequency. Wearables, ‘nearables’, and other consumer biosensors, however, are increasingly capable of collecting continuous physiologic and environmental exposure data, facilitating remote assessment. We review the potential of these technologies for remote in situ data collection, and the ability to engage rural, affected communities. While not necessarily a replacement, these technologies offer a compelling complement to traditional ‘gold standard’ lab-based methods, with significant potential to expand the study’s reach and importance.
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20
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Anderko L, Pennea E. Climate Changes Children’s Health: Improving Clinical Practice to Address Changing Health Needs. J Nurse Pract 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2021.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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21
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Effects of Indoor Air Pollution on the Development of Children under Five Years of Age in Sri Lanka. ATMOSPHERE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos13040509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Air pollution is a multifaceted environmental toxin affecting the Central Nervous System (CNS) through diverse pathways. The CNS of young children is particularly susceptible to the detrimental effects of toxins, as brain development continues postnatally with the formation of interneuronal connections, glial cell proliferation and myelination of axons. Indoor air pollution (IAP) from solid fuel combustion is more harmful than outdoor air pollution. Numerous air pollutants hazardous to health are released during the burning of unprocessed biomass. The primary source of fuel in Sri Lanka for cooking is biomass, mainly wood. In this study, we evaluated the influence of IAP resulting from biomass combustion on the neurodevelopment of children. In a cohort of children under five years living in a semi-urban area of Sri Lanka, neurodevelopment was assessed using Denver II developmental screening test. Air quality levels were measured (Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5)) in a subsample. There were significantly high levels of CO and PM2.5 in the ambient air of households using biomass as the primary fuel for cooking. Children living in these households had a significantly higher number of children with ‘suspect’ developmental assessment scores in the language, social behavior and play and gross motor development domains.
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22
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Sullivan M, Fredrickson L, Sellers C. The EPA's Commitment to Children's Environmental Health: History and Current Challenges. Am J Public Health 2022; 112:124-134. [PMID: 34936388 PMCID: PMC8713602 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2021.306537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Children's environmental health (CEH) has a 25-year history at the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), during which the agency has advanced CEH through research, policy, and programs that address children's special vulnerability to environmental harm. However, the Trump administration took many actions that weakened efforts to improve CEH. The actions included downgrading or ignoring CEH concerns in decision-making, defunding research, sidelining the Children's Health Protection Advisory Committee, and rescinding regulations that were written in part to protect children. To improve CEH, federal environmental statutes should be reviewed to ensure they are sufficiently protective. The administrator should ensure the EPA's children's health agenda encompasses the most important current challenges and that there is accountability for improvement. Guidance documents should be reviewed and updated to be protective of CEH and the federal lead strategy refocused on primary prevention. The Office of Children's Health Protection's historically low funding and staffing should be remedied. Finally, the EPA should update CEH data systems, reinvigorate the role of the Children's Health Protection Advisory Committee, and restore funding for CEH research that is aligned with environmental justice and regulatory decision-making needs. (Am J Public Health. 2022;112(1):124-134. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306537).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Sullivan
- Marianne Sullivan is with the Department of Public Health, William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ. Leif Fredrickson is with the Department of History, University of Montana, Missoula. Chris Sellers is with the Department of History, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
| | - Leif Fredrickson
- Marianne Sullivan is with the Department of Public Health, William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ. Leif Fredrickson is with the Department of History, University of Montana, Missoula. Chris Sellers is with the Department of History, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
| | - Chris Sellers
- Marianne Sullivan is with the Department of Public Health, William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ. Leif Fredrickson is with the Department of History, University of Montana, Missoula. Chris Sellers is with the Department of History, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
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23
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Hahn ER. The developmental roots of environmental stewardship: Childhood and the climate change crisis. Curr Opin Psychol 2021; 42:19-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2021.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Association between Exposure to Particulate Matter during Pregnancy and Multidimensional Development in School-Age Children: A Cross-Sectional Study in Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111648. [PMID: 34770161 PMCID: PMC8582713 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Air pollutants can potentially affect the development of children. However, data on the effect of exposure to air pollution during pregnancy and developmental outcomes in school children are rare. We investigated the link between prenatal exposure to particulate matters smaller than 10 microns (PM10) and the development of school-age children in multiple domains. Cross-sectional data were collected in Italy between 2013 and 2014. Children aged between 5 and 8 years (n = 1187) were assessed on cognitive, communication, socio-emotional, adaptive, and motor developmental domains using the Developmental Profile 3 questionnaire. The monthly average concentration of PM10 during the entire fetal period was linked to the municipality of residence of the children. The increase in the prenatal PM10 was associated with a decrease in the cognitive score during the second (+13.2 µg/m3 PM10 increase: −0.30 points; 95%CI: −0.12–−0.48) and third trimesters of pregnancy (−0.31 points; 95%CI: −0.11–−0.50). The communicative domain was also negatively influenced by PM10 increases in the second trimester. The development of cognitive and communicative abilities of children was negatively associated with the exposure to PM10 during the period of fetal development, confirming that exposure to air pollution during pregnancy can potentially hinder the development of the brain.
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Novak R, Petridis I, Kocman D, Robinson JA, Kanduč T, Chapizanis D, Karakitsios S, Flückiger B, Vienneau D, Mikeš O, Degrendele C, Sáňka O, García Dos Santos-Alves S, Maggos T, Pardali D, Stamatelopoulou A, Saraga D, Persico MG, Visave J, Gotti A, Sarigiannis D. Harmonization and Visualization of Data from a Transnational Multi-Sensor Personal Exposure Campaign. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:11614. [PMID: 34770131 PMCID: PMC8583633 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Use of a multi-sensor approach can provide citizens with holistic insights into the air quality of their immediate surroundings and their personal exposure to urban stressors. Our work, as part of the ICARUS H2020 project, which included over 600 participants from seven European cities, discusses the data fusion and harmonization of a diverse set of multi-sensor data streams to provide a comprehensive and understandable report for participants. Harmonizing the data streams identified issues with the sensor devices and protocols, such as non-uniform timestamps, data gaps, difficult data retrieval from commercial devices, and coarse activity data logging. Our process of data fusion and harmonization allowed us to automate visualizations and reports, and consequently provide each participant with a detailed individualized report. Results showed that a key solution was to streamline the code and speed up the process, which necessitated certain compromises in visualizing the data. A thought-out process of data fusion and harmonization of a diverse set of multi-sensor data streams considerably improved the quality and quantity of distilled data that a research participant received. Though automation considerably accelerated the production of the reports, manual and structured double checks are strongly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rok Novak
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (D.K.); (J.A.R.); (T.K.)
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ioannis Petridis
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (I.P.); (D.C.); (S.K.); (D.S.)
| | - David Kocman
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (D.K.); (J.A.R.); (T.K.)
| | - Johanna Amalia Robinson
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (D.K.); (J.A.R.); (T.K.)
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tjaša Kanduč
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (D.K.); (J.A.R.); (T.K.)
| | - Dimitris Chapizanis
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (I.P.); (D.C.); (S.K.); (D.S.)
| | - Spyros Karakitsios
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (I.P.); (D.C.); (S.K.); (D.S.)
- HERACLES Research Centre on the Exposome and Health, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Benjamin Flückiger
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland; (B.F.); (D.V.)
- University of Basel, CH-4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Danielle Vienneau
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland; (B.F.); (D.V.)
- University of Basel, CH-4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ondřej Mikeš
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic; (O.M.); (C.D.); (O.S.)
| | - Céline Degrendele
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic; (O.M.); (C.D.); (O.S.)
- LCE, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, 13003 Marseille, France
| | - Ondřej Sáňka
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic; (O.M.); (C.D.); (O.S.)
| | - Saul García Dos Santos-Alves
- Department of Atmospheric Pollution, National Environmental Health Centre, Institute of Health Carlos III, 28220 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Thomas Maggos
- Atmospheric Chemistry and Innovative Technologies Laboratory, INRASTES, NCSR “Demokritos”, Aghia Paraskevi, 15310 Athens, Greece; (T.M.); (D.P.); (A.S.); (D.S.)
| | - Demetra Pardali
- Atmospheric Chemistry and Innovative Technologies Laboratory, INRASTES, NCSR “Demokritos”, Aghia Paraskevi, 15310 Athens, Greece; (T.M.); (D.P.); (A.S.); (D.S.)
| | - Asimina Stamatelopoulou
- Atmospheric Chemistry and Innovative Technologies Laboratory, INRASTES, NCSR “Demokritos”, Aghia Paraskevi, 15310 Athens, Greece; (T.M.); (D.P.); (A.S.); (D.S.)
| | - Dikaia Saraga
- Atmospheric Chemistry and Innovative Technologies Laboratory, INRASTES, NCSR “Demokritos”, Aghia Paraskevi, 15310 Athens, Greece; (T.M.); (D.P.); (A.S.); (D.S.)
| | - Marco Giovanni Persico
- Department of Science, Technology and Society, University School of Advanced Study IUSS, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.G.P.); (J.V.)
- Eucentre Foundation, Via A. Ferrata, 1, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Jaideep Visave
- Department of Science, Technology and Society, University School of Advanced Study IUSS, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.G.P.); (J.V.)
- Eucentre Foundation, Via A. Ferrata, 1, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Alberto Gotti
- Eucentre Foundation, Via A. Ferrata, 1, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Dimosthenis Sarigiannis
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (I.P.); (D.C.); (S.K.); (D.S.)
- HERACLES Research Centre on the Exposome and Health, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Department of Science, Technology and Society, University School of Advanced Study IUSS, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.G.P.); (J.V.)
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26
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Ju L, Li C, Yang M, Sun S, Zhang Q, Cao J, Ding R. Maternal air pollution exposure increases the risk of preterm birth: Evidence from the meta-analysis of cohort studies. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 202:111654. [PMID: 34252430 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB), a major public health impact, has been shown to be associated with prenatal air pollution exposure, but the results are still inconsistent. This meta-analysis was performed to quantitatively evaluate the correlation between maternal air pollutant exposure and PTB, and provide evidence of higher grade to help improving the pregnancy outcomes. Databases including Web of Science and PubMed were searched to retrieve eligible studies published up to October 2020. The quality of the articles was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Score (NOS), after which the pooled estimate of the effect was calculated. The robustness of the joint estimates was confirmed by sensitivity analysis of excluded studies one by one, and the sources of heterogeneity were discussed by stratification analysis. Egger's and Begg's tests were performed to examine publication bias. Sixty studies that met the eligible criteria were finally included in this study. The findings showed combined relative risks of 1.032-1.070 for PTB, 0.859-1.081 for moderate PTB, 1.119-1.194 for very PTB and 1.128-1.259 for extremely PTB when mothers were exposed to PM2.5, PM10, NO2, O3, SO2, CO and NOx during pregnancy, while the sensitive windows varied for different air pollutants. Notably, PM2.5 exposure in only the 2nd trimester, NO2 exposure in only the 3rd trimester, and O3 exposure in all three trimesters were positively associated with PTB, while NO2 exposure in the 1st trimester was negatively associated with PTB. In addition, exposure of PM2.5 and PM10 in the 2nd trimester was positively associated with moderate PTB, and in the 1st and 2nd trimesters were positively associated with very PTB. These findings demonstrated that PM2.5, PM10, O3, NO2 were associated with PTB (including moderate PTB, very PTB, and/or extremely PTB), while NOx was not, and the relationship between CO and SO2 and PTB was not stable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangliang Ju
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China.
| | - Changlian Li
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China.
| | - Mei Yang
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China.
| | - Shu Sun
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China.
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China.
| | - Jiyu Cao
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China; Department of Teaching Center for Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China.
| | - Rui Ding
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China.
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Zhao D, Chen M, Shi K, Ma M, Huang Y, Shen J. A long short-term memory-fully connected (LSTM-FC) neural network for predicting the incidence of bronchopneumonia in children. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:56892-56905. [PMID: 34076817 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-14632-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Bronchopneumonia is the most common infectious disease in children, and it seriously endangers children's health. In this paper, a deep neural network combining long short-term memory (LSTM) layers and fully connected layers was proposed to predict the prevalence of bronchopneumonia in children in Chengdu based on environmental factors and previous prevalence rates. The mean square error (MSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and Pearson correlation coefficient (R) were used to detect the performance of the deep learning model. The values of MSE, MAE, and R in the test dataset are 0.0051, 0.053, and 0.846, respectively. The results show that the proposed model can accurately predict the prevalence of bronchopneumonia in children. We also compared the proposed model with three other models, namely, a fully connected (FC) layer neural network, a random forest model, and a support vector machine. The results show that the proposed model achieves better performance than the three other models by capturing time series and mitigating the lag effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongzhe Zhao
- Chongqing Jinfo Mountain Karst Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, School of Geographical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Remote Sensing Big Data Application, School of Geographical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Min Chen
- Key Laboratory of Virtual Geographic Environment (Ministry of Education), Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210046, China
| | - Kaifang Shi
- Chongqing Jinfo Mountain Karst Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, School of Geographical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Remote Sensing Big Data Application, School of Geographical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Mingguo Ma
- Chongqing Jinfo Mountain Karst Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, School of Geographical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Remote Sensing Big Data Application, School of Geographical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Yang Huang
- Chongqing Jinfo Mountain Karst Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, School of Geographical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Remote Sensing Big Data Application, School of Geographical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Jingwei Shen
- Chongqing Jinfo Mountain Karst Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, School of Geographical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Remote Sensing Big Data Application, School of Geographical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
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28
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Bailey C, Poole NA, James A. Crisis care: tackling the climate and ecological emergency. BJPsych Bull 2021; 45:201-204. [PMID: 34315550 PMCID: PMC8499629 DOI: 10.1192/bjb.2021.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The climate crisis is a health crisis; it demands the urgent attention and action of healthcare professionals and organisations. In this issue of the BJPsych Bulletin, we consider what the destructive effects of the climate and ecological crisis entail for the mental health of populations, and what the response of psychiatrists, both individual and collective, must be. We also highlight the opportunities and benefits a more sustainable and preventative approach could offer individuals, communities and the planet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cate Bailey
- East London NHS Foundation Trust, UK
- Centre for Psychiatry, Queen Mary University and Barts and the London School of Medicine, UK
- Royal College of Psychiatrists, UK
- Association for Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy in the NHS, UK
| | - Norman A. Poole
- Royal College of Psychiatrists, UK
- St George's Hospital, South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust, UK
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29
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Araya F, Stingone JA, Claudio L. Inequalities in Exposure to Ambient Air Neurotoxicants and Disparities in Markers of Neurodevelopment in Children by Maternal Nativity Status. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18147512. [PMID: 34299963 PMCID: PMC8304619 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18147512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Exposure levels to environmental pollutants vary significantly among different populations. These inequities in exposure to hazardous air pollutants (HAP) among different populations can contribute to disparities in neurodevelopmental outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine if exposure to HAP varies by maternal nativity status, a demographic marker often overlooked in the study of health disparities. We also assessed if those inequalities in exposure levels are associated with neurodevelopmental measures in young children. To do this, we obtained data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth cohort (ECLS-B), a nationally representative sample of children born in the U.S. in the year 2001 (n = 4750). Bayley’s Short Form-Research Edition (BSF-R) was used to measure cognitive development at 2 years of age. Using residential location at nine months of age, participants were assigned exposures to ten HAPs identified as potentially neurotoxic. Linear regression models were used to assess the joint effect of maternal nativity status and HAP exposure on neurodevelopment. Results showed inequities in exposure levels to ten different HAPs among the populations, as approximately 32% of children of foreign-born mothers were exposed to high levels of HAPs, compared to 21% of children born to U.S.-born mothers. Adjusting for socioeconomic factors, both isophorone exposure (a marker of industrial pollution) (−0.04, 95% CI, −0.12, 0.04) and maternal nativity status (−0.17, 95% CI, −0.27, −0.06) were independently associated with lower standardized BSF-R mental scores in children. Interaction between nativity status and isophorone was not statistically significant, but the change in mental scores associated with isophorone exposure was greater in children of foreign-born mothers compared to children of U.S.-born mothers (−0.12, vs. −0.03, p = 0.2). In conclusion, exposure to HAPs within the highest quartile was more commonly found among children of foreign-born mothers as compared to children of US-born mothers, indicating inequities in pollutant exposure by nativity status within urban populations. Exposures associated with nativity status may negatively contribute to children’s neurodevelopment.
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Johnson NM, Hoffmann AR, Behlen JC, Lau C, Pendleton D, Harvey N, Shore R, Li Y, Chen J, Tian Y, Zhang R. Air pollution and children's health-a review of adverse effects associated with prenatal exposure from fine to ultrafine particulate matter. Environ Health Prev Med 2021; 26:72. [PMID: 34253165 PMCID: PMC8274666 DOI: 10.1186/s12199-021-00995-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Particulate matter (PM), a major component of ambient air pollution, accounts for a substantial burden of diseases and fatality worldwide. Maternal exposure to PM during pregnancy is particularly harmful to children's health since this is a phase of rapid human growth and development. METHOD In this review, we synthesize the scientific evidence on adverse health outcomes in children following prenatal exposure to the smallest toxic components, fine (PM2.5) and ultrafine (PM0.1) PM. We highlight the established and emerging findings from epidemiologic studies and experimental models. RESULTS Maternal exposure to fine and ultrafine PM directly and indirectly yields numerous adverse birth outcomes and impacts on children's respiratory systems, immune status, brain development, and cardiometabolic health. The biological mechanisms underlying adverse effects include direct placental translocation of ultrafine particles, placental and systemic maternal oxidative stress and inflammation elicited by both fine and ultrafine PM, epigenetic changes, and potential endocrine effects that influence long-term health. CONCLUSION Policies to reduce maternal exposure and health consequences in children should be a high priority. PM2.5 levels are regulated, yet it is recognized that minority and low socioeconomic status groups experience disproportionate exposures. Moreover, PM0.1 levels are not routinely measured or currently regulated. Consequently, preventive strategies that inform neighborhood/regional planning and clinical/nutritional recommendations are needed to mitigate maternal exposure and ultimately protect children's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie M Johnson
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| | | | - Jonathan C Behlen
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Carmen Lau
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Drew Pendleton
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Navada Harvey
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Ross Shore
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Yixin Li
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Jingshu Chen
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Yanan Tian
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Renyi Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
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31
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Rasnick E, Ryan PH, Bailer AJ, Fisher T, Parsons PJ, Yolton K, Newman NC, Lanphear BP, Brokamp C. Identifying sensitive windows of airborne lead exposure associated with behavioral outcomes at age 12. Environ Epidemiol 2021; 5:e144. [PMID: 33870016 PMCID: PMC8043737 DOI: 10.1097/ee9.0000000000000144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the precipitous decline of airborne lead concentrations following the removal of lead in gasoline, lead is still detectable in ambient air in most urban areas. Few studies, however, have examined the health effects of contemporary airborne lead concentrations in children. METHODS We estimated monthly air lead exposure among 263 children (Cincinnati Childhood Allergy and Air Pollution Study; Cincinnati, OH; 2001-2005) using temporally scaled predictions from a validated land use model and assessed neurobehavioral outcomes at age 12 years using the parent-completed Behavioral Assessment System for Children, 2nd edition. We used distributed lag models to estimate the effect of airborne lead exposure on behavioral outcomes while adjusting for potential confounding by maternal education, community-level deprivation, blood lead concentrations, greenspace, and traffic related air pollution. RESULTS We identified sensitive windows during mid- and late childhood for increased anxiety and atypicality scores, whereas sensitive windows for increased aggression and attention problems were identified immediately following birth. The strongest effect was at age 12, where a 1 ng/m3 increase in airborne lead exposure was associated with a 3.1-point (95% confidence interval: 0.4, 5.7) increase in anxiety scores. No sensitive windows were identified for depression, somatization, conduct problems, hyperactivity, or withdrawal behaviors. CONCLUSIONS We observed associations between exposure to airborne lead concentrations and poor behavioral outcomes at concentrations 10 times lower than the National Ambient Air Quality Standards set by the US Environmental Protection Agency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Rasnick
- Department of Statistics, Miami University, Oxford
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
| | - Patrick H. Ryan
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | | | | | - Patrick J. Parsons
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, Rensselaer, New York
| | - Kimberly Yolton
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Division of General and Community Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
| | - Nicholas C. Newman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Bruce P. Lanphear
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Cole Brokamp
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
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32
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Aguilera R, Corringham T, Gershunov A, Leibel S, Benmarhnia T. Fine Particles in Wildfire Smoke and Pediatric Respiratory Health in California. Pediatrics 2021; 147:peds.2020-027128. [PMID: 33757996 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2020-027128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Exposure to airborne fine particles with diameters ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5) pollution is a well-established cause of respiratory diseases in children; whether wildfire-specific PM2.5 causes more damage, however, remains uncertain. We examine the associations between wildfire-specific PM2.5 and pediatric respiratory health during the period 2011-2017 in San Diego County, California, and compare these results with other sources of PM2.5. METHODS Visits to emergency and urgent care facilities of Rady's Children Hospital network in San Diego County, California, by individuals (aged ≤19 years) with ≥1 of the following respiratory conditions: difficulty breathing, respiratory distress, wheezing, asthma, or cough were regressed on daily, community-level exposure to wildfire-specific PM2.5 and PM2.5 from ambient sources (eg, traffic emissions). RESULTS A 10-unit increase in PM2.5 (from nonsmoke sources) was estimated to increase the number of admissions by 3.7% (95% confidence interval: 1.2% to 6.1%). In contrast, the effect of PM2.5 attributable to wildfire was estimated to be a 30.0% (95% confidence interval: 26.6% to 33.4%) increase in visits. CONCLUSIONS Wildfire-specific PM2.5 was found to be ∼10 times more harmful on children's respiratory health than PM2.5 from other sources, particularly for children aged 0 to 5 years. Even relatively modest wildfires and associated PM2.5 resolved on our record produced major health impacts, particularly for younger children, in comparison with ambient PM2.5.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sydney Leibel
- Departments of Allergy and Immunology and.,Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, and
| | - Tarik Benmarhnia
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography and.,Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
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33
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Abstract
Pregnancy and early childhood are periods with high plasticity in neurological development. Environmental perturbations during these sensitive windows can have lifelong developmental consequences. This review summarizes key findings relevant to the effects of air pollution on neurological development. Mounting evidence suggests that exposure to air pollution, both during pregnancy and childhood, is associated with childhood developmental outcomes ranging from changes in brain structures to subclinical deficits in developmental test scores, and, ultimately, developmental disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders or autism spectrum disorders. Although the biological mechanisms of effects remain to be elucidated, multiple pathways are probably involved and include oxidative stress, inflammation, and/or endocrine disruption. Given the alarming global increase in developmental disorders in recent years, and increased human exposures to pollution, it is critical to reduce personal and community-level exposures through tight collaboration of interdisciplinary and multi-level bodies including community partners, physicians, industry partners, policy makers, public health practitioners, and researchers. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Exposure to air pollution is associated with a range of childhood developmental complications. Biological mechanisms may include oxidative stress, inflammation, and endocrine disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandie Ha
- Department of Public Health, School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts, Health Science Research Institute, University of California, Merced, CA, USA
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34
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Payne-Sturges DC, Cory-Slechta DA, Puett RC, Thomas SB, Hammond R, Hovmand PS. Defining and Intervening on Cumulative Environmental Neurodevelopmental Risks: Introducing a Complex Systems Approach. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2021; 129:35001. [PMID: 33688743 PMCID: PMC7945198 DOI: 10.1289/ehp7333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The combined effects of multiple environmental toxicants and social stressor exposures are widely recognized as important public health problems contributing to health inequities. However cumulative environmental health risks and impacts have received little attention from U.S. policy makers at state and federal levels to develop comprehensive strategies to reduce these exposures, mitigate cumulative risks, and prevent harm. An area for which the inherent limitations of current approaches to cumulative environmental health risks are well illustrated is children's neurodevelopment, which exhibits dynamic complexity of multiple interdependent and causally linked factors and intergenerational effects. OBJECTIVES We delineate how a complex systems approach, specifically system dynamics, can address shortcomings in environmental health risk assessment regarding exposures to multiple chemical and nonchemical stressors and reshape associated public policies. DISCUSSION Systems modeling assists in the goal of solving problems by improving the "mental models" we use to make decisions, including regulatory and policy decisions. In the context of disparities in children's cumulative exposure to neurodevelopmental stressors, we describe potential policy insights about the structure and behavior of the system and the types of system dynamics modeling that would be appropriate, from visual depiction (i.e., informal maps) to formal quantitative simulation models. A systems dynamics framework provides not only a language but also a set of methodological tools that can more easily operationalize existing multidisciplinary scientific evidence and conceptual frameworks on cumulative risks. Thus, we can arrive at more accurate diagnostic tools for children's' environmental health inequities that take into consideration the broader social and economic environment in which children live, grow, play, and learn. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP7333.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devon C. Payne-Sturges
- Maryland Institute for Applied Environmental Health, University of Maryland School of UMD Public Health, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Robin C. Puett
- Maryland Institute for Applied Environmental Health, University of Maryland School of UMD Public Health, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Stephen B. Thomas
- Department of Health Policy and Management and Maryland Center for Health Equity, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Ross Hammond
- Brown School of Social Work, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Center on Social Dynamics and Policy, The Brookings Institution, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Peter S. Hovmand
- Center for Community Health Integration, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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35
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Berg EL, Pedersen LR, Pride MC, Petkova SP, Patten KT, Valenzuela AE, Wallis C, Bein KJ, Wexler A, Lein PJ, Silverman JL. Developmental exposure to near roadway pollution produces behavioral phenotypes relevant to neurodevelopmental disorders in juvenile rats. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:289. [PMID: 32807767 PMCID: PMC7431542 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-00978-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological studies consistently implicate traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) and/or proximity to heavily trafficked roads as risk factors for developmental delays and neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs); however, there are limited preclinical data demonstrating a causal relationship. To test the effects of TRAP, pregnant rat dams were transported to a vivarium adjacent to a major freeway tunnel system in northern California where they were exposed to TRAP drawn directly from the face of the tunnel or filtered air (FA). Offspring remained housed under the exposure condition into which they were born and were tested in a variety of behavioral assays between postnatal day 4 and 50. To assess the effects of near roadway exposure, offspring of dams housed in a standard research vivarium were tested at the laboratory. An additional group of dams was transported halfway to the facility and then back to the laboratory to control for the effect of potential transport stress. Near roadway exposure delayed growth and development of psychomotor reflexes and elicited abnormal activity in open field locomotion. Near roadway exposure also reduced isolation-induced 40-kHz pup ultrasonic vocalizations, with the TRAP group having the lowest number of call emissions. TRAP affected some components of social communication, evidenced by reduced neonatal pup ultrasonic calling and altered juvenile reciprocal social interactions. These findings confirm that living in close proximity to highly trafficked roadways during early life alters neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth L. Berg
- grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684MIND Institute and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA USA
| | - Lauren R. Pedersen
- grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684MIND Institute and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA USA
| | - Michael C. Pride
- grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684MIND Institute and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA USA
| | - Stela P. Petkova
- grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684MIND Institute and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA USA
| | - Kelley T. Patten
- grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA USA
| | - Anthony E. Valenzuela
- grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA USA
| | - Christopher Wallis
- grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684Air Quality Research Center, University of California Davis, Davis, CA USA
| | - Keith J. Bein
- grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684Air Quality Research Center, University of California Davis, Davis, CA USA
| | - Anthony Wexler
- grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684Air Quality Research Center, University of California Davis, Davis, CA USA
| | - Pamela J. Lein
- grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA USA
| | - Jill L. Silverman
- grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684MIND Institute and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA USA
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36
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Shenassa ED, Williams AD. Concomitant exposure to area-level poverty, ambient air volatile organic compounds, and cardiometabolic dysfunction: a cross-sectional study of U.S. adolescents. Ann Epidemiol 2020; 48:15-22. [PMID: 32778227 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2020.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE A key to better understanding the influence of the place of residence on cardiometabolic function is the effect of concomitant exposure to both air pollution and residence in economically marginalized areas. We hypothesized that, among adolescents, the association between air pollution and cardiometabolic function is exacerbated among residents of economically marginalized areas. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, individual-level data on cardiometabolic function collected from a representative sample of U.S. adolescents in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (n = 10,415) were merged with data on area-level poverty (U.S. decennial survey and American Community Survey) and air pollution levels (National-Scale Air Toxics Assessment ) using contemporary census-tract identifiers. We excluded respondents who were pregnant, had hypertension or diabetes or using medication for hypertension or diabetes, or with missing data on outcome variables. RESULTS We observed a significant interaction between area-level poverty and air pollution. Among residents of high-poverty areas, exposure to high levels of air pollution predicted a 30% elevated odds of cardiometabolic dysfunction (OR = 1.30; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.61), whereas in low-poverty areas, exposure to high levels of air pollution was not associated with elevated odds of cardiometabolic dysfunction (OR = 1.04; 95% CI: 0.85, 1.28). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the cardiometabolic consequences of air pollution are more readily realized among residents of economically marginalized areas. Structural remedies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edmond D Shenassa
- Maternal and Child Health Program, Department of Family Science, University of Maryland, College Park; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD.
| | - Andrew D Williams
- Public Health Program, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks
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Cao B, Chen Y, McIntyre RS. Comprehensive review of the current literature on impact of ambient air pollution and sleep quality. Sleep Med 2020; 79:211-219. [PMID: 32912798 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2020.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution is associated with increasing morbidity, mortality and decreasing health and life span. Accumulating epidemiological and experimental evidence has shown that exposure to ambient air pollutants such as particulate matters (PM) and gaseous components [eg, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3)] has detrimental effects on sleep quality. We conducted this comprehensive review to explore the association between ambient air pollution and sleep quality. A systematic search was conducted with the databases of PubMed and Web of Science from inception to November 2019. Overall, 15 studies with 133,695 subjects that evaluated the association between ambient air pollution and sleep quality were conducted in 10 different countries (ie, USA, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Egypt, Germany, Iran, Mexico, and Turkey). Most included studies in the current review have shown that one or more air pollutants have negative influences on sleep quality. Air pollutants might be one of the triggers for poor sleep quality via disparate mechanisms including but not limited to the central ventilator control centers, central nervous system, allergic and non-allergic mechanisms. The possible association between air pollution and select chronic diseases (eg, mental illnesses, cardiovascular diseases) and behaviors (eg, impulsivity) may also play important roles in explaining the association between ambient air pollution and sleep quality. The associations and underlying mechanisms between ambient air pollutants and sleep quality need to be clarified with long-term, multi-centered cohort studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Cao
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Faculty of Psychology, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, PR China.
| | - Yan Chen
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College St., Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Roger S McIntyre
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Department of Pharmacology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, Toronto, ON, Canada
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38
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Anderko L, Chalupka S, Du M, Hauptman M. Climate changes reproductive and children's health: a review of risks, exposures, and impacts. Pediatr Res 2020; 87:414-419. [PMID: 31731287 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-019-0654-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Our climate has significantly changed, exceeding what the world has experienced over the last 650,000 years, and has been cited as the most significant health threat of the twenty-first century. Climate change is impacting health in unprecedented ways. While everyone is vulnerable to the health impacts associated with climate change, children are disproportionately affected because of their physical and cognitive immaturity. Climate change impacts that include rising temperatures, extreme weather, rising sea levels, and increasing carbon dioxide levels are associated with a wide range of health issues in children such as asthma, allergies, vector-borne diseases, malnutrition, low birth weight, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Pediatric health providers play a critical role in advancing the science and translating findings to improve public understanding about the link between climate changes and children's health, and establishing strategies to address these issues. This review will provide an overview of research exploring the impact of climate change on children's health impacts, as well as provide recommendations for pediatric research moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Anderko
- Department of Health Administration and Policy, Mid-Atlantic Center for Children's Health and the Environment, School of Nursing & Health Studies, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Stephanie Chalupka
- Department of Nursing, Worcester State University, Worcester, MA, USA.,Mid-Atlantic Center for Children's Health and the Environment, School of Nursing & Health Studies, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Maritha Du
- Environmental Studies Program, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA.,New England Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit, Boston, MA, USA.,Pediatric Environmental Health Center, Division of General Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marissa Hauptman
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,New England Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit, Pediatric Environmental Health Center, Division of General Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Heinsberg LW, Conley YP. Omics for Nurse Scientists Conducting Environmental Health Research. ANNUAL REVIEW OF NURSING RESEARCH 2019; 38:35-52. [PMID: 32102954 DOI: 10.1891/0739-6686.38.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Nurse scientists are ideally positioned to perform environmental health research and it is critical that the role of omics in the complex relationships between environmental exposures and an individual's unique physiology in human health outcomes be appreciated. Importantly, omics can offer nurse scientists a tool to measure exposure, demonstrate molecular phenotypic changes associated with exposure, and potentially uncover mechanisms of exposure-related disease or negative health outcomes. The purpose of this summary is to serve as an overview of omics methodologies for nurse scientists conducting environmental health research and provides future directions of this work as well as exemplar funding opportunities that demonstrate the growing need and interest in this area. The intersection of nursing and exposure science will accelerate the work in environmental health and bring forth translation of research findings into clinical and community practice. Importantly, this information can better help us understand the variation in response to the environment and support environmental health policy change at the local, state, and federal level to improve community health and well-being.
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40
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Costa LG, Cole TB, Dao K, Chang YC, Garrick JM. Developmental impact of air pollution on brain function. Neurochem Int 2019; 131:104580. [PMID: 31626830 PMCID: PMC6892600 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2019.104580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Air pollution is an important contributor to the global burden of disease, particularly to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. In recent years, evidence is accumulating that air pollution may adversely affect the nervous system as shown by human epidemiological studies and by animal models. Age appears to play a relevant role in air pollution-induced neurotoxicity, with growing evidence suggesting that air pollution may contribute to neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. Traffic-related air pollution (e.g. diesel exhaust) is an important contributor to urban air pollution, and fine and ultrafine particulate matter (PM) may possibly be its more relevant component. Air pollution is associated with increased oxidative stress and inflammation both in the periphery and in the nervous system, and fine and ultrafine PM can directly access the central nervous system. This short review focuses on the adverse effects of air pollution on the developing brain; it discusses some characteristics that make the developing brain more susceptible to toxic effects, and summarizes the animal and human evidence suggesting that exposure to elevated air pollution is associated with a number of behavioral and biochemical adverse effects. It also discusses more in detail the emerging evidence of an association between perinatal exposure to air pollution and increased risk of autism spectrum disorder. Some of the common mechanisms that may underlie the neurotoxicity and developmental neurotoxicity of air pollution are also discussed. Considering the evidence presented in this review, any policy and legislative effort aimed at reducing air pollution would be protective of children's well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucio G Costa
- Dept. of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Dept. of Medicine & Surgery, University of Parma, Italy.
| | - Toby B Cole
- Dept. of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Center on Human Development and Disability, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Khoi Dao
- Dept. of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Yu-Chi Chang
- Dept. of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jacqueline M Garrick
- Dept. of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Shaffer RM, Sellers SP, Baker MG, de Buen Kalman R, Frostad J, Suter MK, Anenberg SC, Balbus J, Basu N, Bellinger DC, Birnbaum L, Brauer M, Cohen A, Ebi KL, Fuller R, Grandjean P, Hess JJ, Kogevinas M, Kumar P, Landrigan PJ, Lanphear B, London SJ, Rooney AA, Stanaway JD, Trasande L, Walker K, Hu H. Improving and Expanding Estimates of the Global Burden of Disease Due to Environmental Health Risk Factors. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2019; 127:105001. [PMID: 31626566 PMCID: PMC6867191 DOI: 10.1289/ehp5496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, coordinated by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), produces influential, data-driven estimates of the burden of disease and premature death due to major risk factors. Expanded quantification of disease due to environmental health (EH) risk factors, including climate change, will enhance accuracy of GBD estimates, which will contribute to developing cost-effective policies that promote prevention and achieving Sustainable Development Goals. OBJECTIVES We review key aspects of the GBD for the EH community and introduce the Global Burden of Disease-Pollution and Health Initiative (GBD-PHI), which aims to work with IHME and the GBD study to improve estimates of disease burden attributable to EH risk factors and to develop an innovative approach to estimating climate-related disease burden-both current and projected. METHODS We discuss strategies for improving GBD quantification of specific EH risk factors, including air pollution, lead, and climate change. We highlight key methodological challenges, including new EH risk factors, notably evidence rating and global exposure assessment. DISCUSSION A number of issues present challenges to the scope and accuracy of current GBD estimates for EH risk factors. For air pollution, minimal data exist on the exposure-risk relationships associated with high levels of pollution; epidemiological studies in high pollution regions should be a research priority. For lead, the GBD's current methods do not fully account for lead's impact on neurodevelopment; innovative methods to account for subclinical effects are needed. Decisions on inclusion of additional EH risk-outcome pairs need to be guided by findings of systematic reviews, the size of exposed populations, feasibility of global exposure estimates, and predicted trends in exposures and diseases. Neurotoxicants, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and climate-related factors should be high priorities for incorporation into upcoming iterations of the GBD study. Enhancing the scope and methods will improve the GBD's estimates and better guide prevention policy. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP5496.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M. Shaffer
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Samuel P. Sellers
- Center for Health and the Global Environment, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Marissa G. Baker
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Rebeca de Buen Kalman
- Evans School of Public Policy and Governance, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Joseph Frostad
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Health Metrics Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Megan K. Suter
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Susan C. Anenberg
- Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - John Balbus
- Office of the Director, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Niladri Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - David C. Bellinger
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Linda Birnbaum
- Office of the Director, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Michael Brauer
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- School of Population and Public Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Aaron Cohen
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Health Effects Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kristie L. Ebi
- Center for Health and the Global Environment, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Philippe Grandjean
- Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jeremy J. Hess
- Center for Health and the Global Environment, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Pushpam Kumar
- United Nations Programme on the Environment, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Philip J. Landrigan
- Program in Global Public Health and the Common Good, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA
- Global Observatory on Pollution and Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bruce Lanphear
- Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Stephanie J. London
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Andrew A. Rooney
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jeffrey D. Stanaway
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Leonardo Trasande
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- NYU Global Institute of Public Health, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Katherine Walker
- School of Population and Public Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Howard Hu
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Kotcher J, Maibach E, Choi WT. Fossil fuels are harming our brains: identifying key messages about the health effects of air pollution from fossil fuels. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:1079. [PMID: 31455278 PMCID: PMC6712833 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7373-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research suggests that providing generalized information about the health implications of air pollution from fossil fuels may be effective at promoting public support for a transition to cleaner sources of energy. We sought to extend that work by identifying the specific messages about the health implications of air pollution from fossil fuels that are most and least concerning to people, and whether rankings of concern vary among different audiences. We also hypothesized that reading the statements would influence people's attitudes and behavioral intentions in a manner supportive of a transition to cleaner sources of energy. METHODS We conducted a survey with a diverse sample of U.S. adults (n = 1644) from a non-probability internet panel. Using maximum difference scaling, participants ranked a set of ten statements that revealed which statements were the most and least concerning to them. We also measured attitudes about air pollution and energy use before and after the ranking exercise to assess changes in opinion caused by cumulative exposure to the messages. RESULTS Across all sub-groups examined, participants were most concerned by a message about the neurological impacts of air pollution on babies and children. After the ranking exercise, participants expressed increases in perceived health harm of air pollution and fossil fuels, a desire for more clean energy, and intention to engage in consumer advocacy to support clean energy. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this study is the first to assess how people respond to information about the neurological health harms of air pollution from fossil fuels. While efforts to communicate the cardio-pulmonary health harms of air pollution are well established, our study suggests that efforts should now be organized to communicate the neurological effects of air pollution from fossil fuels, especially the neuro-developmental effects on babies and children.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Kotcher
- Center for Climate Change Communication, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, MS6A8, Fairfax, VA 22030 USA
| | - Edward Maibach
- Center for Climate Change Communication, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, MS6A8, Fairfax, VA 22030 USA
| | - Wen-Tsing Choi
- Prime Group, LLC, 888 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20006 USA
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Chalupka S, Anderko L. Climate Change and Schools: Implications for Children's Health and Safety. Creat Nurs 2019; 25:249-257. [DOI: 10.1891/1078-4535.25.3.249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The predicted impacts of climate change are fast becoming a reality and are already adversely affecting human health and health systems. Events such as flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires are challenging communities to re-evaluate whether their schools provide a safe, healthy environment. Among the populations most vulnerable to the impacts of our changing climate are our children. Nurses are key to supporting mitigation and adaptation efforts to promote more resilient school environments, using approaches based on values of the common good and social justice.
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Soskolne CL, Advani S, Sass J, Bero LA, Ruff K. Response to Acquavella J, conflict of interest: a hazard for epidemiology. Ann Epidemiol 2019; 36:62-63. [PMID: 31401133 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2019.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Colin L Soskolne
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Health Research Institute, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia.
| | - Shailesh Advani
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA; Social Epidemiology Research Unit, Social Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer Sass
- Health and Environment Program, Natural Resources Defense Council, Washington, DC, USA; Environmental and Occupational Health Department, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Lisa A Bero
- Chair of Medicines Use and Health Outcomes, The University of Sydney, Featured Academic, Sydney, Australia; Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, Australia
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