1
|
King AL, Bell-Huff C, Airhihenbuwa C, Ogletree S, Wright C. The EMPOWER program: a history and guide for increasing diversity using integrated research and education. Adv Physiol Educ 2024; 48:395-406. [PMID: 38385193 DOI: 10.1152/advan.00123.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence and pervasive nature of emerging chemicals of concern have created widespread environmental injustice apprehensions in vulnerable communities. To alleviate and address these concerns, identifying, engaging, and training a diverse environmental health research workforce will be critical and necessary steps to combat and prevent the consequences of environmental injustice. While there is an obvious need to enhance diversity in environmental health research, this process is hampered by facets of systemic racism that reduce access to educational resources needed to build interest and knowledge in students and teachers. We present here a historical perspective to offer a guide for building programs and relationships with underserved schools to help overcome limiting factors that have plagued certain public school systems. With the proper training and mentorship, the untapped workforce present within these schools will be empowered to understand and address current and emerging environmental health and safety threats. Through this transformative 8-week high school research program, we will develop well-prepared, ethical researchers committed to scientific inquiry, intensive fieldwork, and collaborative problem solving to address environmental health challenges. Following the four-step risk assessment process, students, teachers, and faculty mentors will work collaboratively to identify toxicants, potential hazards and risks, and environmental disparities in urban neighborhoods, which provides the necessary training to formulate critical thinking skills for use in academic or nonacademic careers.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The Engaging Multidisciplinary Professional Opportunities for Women in Environmental Research (EMPOWER) program is a one-of-a-kind research summer experience for minority female high school students in the state of Georgia. In addition, this program provides high school teachers with hands-on experiences that can be adapted to use in the classrooms. This combination of lab and field research immerses participants in understanding urban environmental exposures and their health effects. The EMPOWER program was established to meet the critical need for increasing diversity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne Lester King
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Cristi Bell-Huff
- Chemical Insights Research, UL Research Institutes, Marietta, Georgia, United States
| | - Collins Airhihenbuwa
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Susan Ogletree
- College of Education and Human Development, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Christa Wright
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Chemical Insights Research, UL Research Institutes, Marietta, Georgia, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Goebel M, Wardropper CB. Trust and subjective knowledge influence perceived risk of lead exposure. Risk Anal 2024; 44:1204-1218. [PMID: 37658828 PMCID: PMC10907546 DOI: 10.1111/risa.14212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Lead exposure is a persistent environmental hazard that poses risks to human health. But motivating protective action is challenging with this low visibility hazard whose health effects are often subtle and chronic. Higher risk perception is generally associated with taking protective measures, so public health efforts prioritize risk messaging. Yet, little is known about perceptions of lead exposure risk among the U.S. public. Using cross-sectional data from a national survey of 1035 U.S. residents, we measured the role of trust in government management of lead and subjective knowledge about lead as predictors of perceived risk of lead exposure, controlling for demographic and environmental factors. We also assessed if subjective knowledge moderated the relationship between trust and perceived risk. Our results reveal positive relationships between trust in government management of lead, subjective knowledge about lead, and risk perception, which we attribute in part to the important role government agencies play in secondary prevention, or communicating the risks of environmental lead exposure. We also found that younger people and people living in a house built before lead paint regulations passed in 1978 perceived higher lead risks. Our findings suggest that general communication about lead risks should aim to increase people's subjective knowledge in a consistent and balanced way that improves trust in government messengers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madeline Goebel
- National Drought Mitigation Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
- Formerly, Department of Natural Resources and Society, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, United States
| | - Chloe B Wardropper
- Formerly, Department of Natural Resources and Society, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, United States
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abstract
The emergence of the planetary health approach was highlighted by the report of The Rockefeller Foundation-Lancet Commission on Planetary Health in 2015 and changed how we comprehend human well-being. The report advocates integrating the health of other living beings and Earth's natural systems as intrinsic components of human health. Drawing on over three decades of experience in respiratory epidemiology and environmental health, this article outlines how my perspective on human health underwent a transformative shift upon reading the abovementioned report. The planetary health approach offers a lens through which human health issues and potential solutions can be understood within the context of the Anthropocene. It addresses the pressing existential challenges arising from humanity's transgression of planetary limits. Embracing the planetary health paradigm within the field of health sciences can catalyze transformative changes essential for cultivating a sustainable and equitable future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josep M Antó
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Anton B, Cuevas S, Hanson M, Bhutta ZA, Langlois EV, Iaia DG, Gasparri G, Borghi J. Opportunities and challenges for financing women's, children's and adolescents' health in the context of climate change. BMJ Glob Health 2024; 9:e014596. [PMID: 38677778 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-014596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Women, children and adolescents (WCA), especially in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), will bear the worst consequences of climate change during their lifetimes, despite contributing the least to global greenhouse gas emissions. Investing in WCA can address these inequities in climate risk, as well as generating large health, economic, social and environmental gains. However, women's, children's and adolescents' health (WCAH) is currently not mainstreamed in climate policies and financing. There is also a need to consider new and innovative financing arrangements that support WCAH alongside climate goals.We provide an overview of the threats climate change represents for WCA, including the most vulnerable communities, and where health and climate investments should focus. We draw on evidence to explore the opportunities and challenges for health financing, climate finance and co-financing schemes to enhance equity and protect WCAH while supporting climate goals.WCA face threats from the rising burden of ill-health and healthcare demand, coupled with constraints to healthcare provision, impacting access to essential WCAH services and rising out-of-pocket payments for healthcare. Climate change also impacts on the economic context and livelihoods of WCA, increasing the risk of displacement and migration. These impacts require additional resources to support WCAH service delivery, to ensure continuity of care and protect households from the costs of care and enhance resilience. We identify a range of financing solutions, including leveraging climate finance for WCAH, adaptive social protection for health and adaptations to purchasing to promote climate action and support WCAH care needs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Anton
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Soledad Cuevas
- Instituto de Economía, Geografía y Demografía, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mark Hanson
- Institute of Developmental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta
- Center of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
- Centre for Global Child Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Etienne V Langlois
- Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, World Health Organization, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Domenico Gerardo Iaia
- Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, World Health Organization, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Giulia Gasparri
- Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, World Health Organization, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Josephine Borghi
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pan X, Mavrokapnidis D, Ly HT, Mohammadi N, Taylor JE. Assessing and forecasting collective urban heat exposure with smart city digital twins. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9653. [PMID: 38671018 PMCID: PMC11053083 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59228-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Due to population growth, climate change, and the urban heat island effect, heat exposure is becoming an important issue faced by urban built environments. Heat exposure assessment is a prerequisite for mitigation measures to reduce the impact of heat exposure. However, there is limited research on urban heat exposure assessment approaches that provides fine-scale spatiotemporal heat exposure information, integrated with meteorological status and human collective exposure as they move about in cities, to enable proactive heat exposure mitigation measures. Smart city digital twins (SCDTs) provide a new potential avenue for addressing this gap, enabling fine spatiotemporal scales, human-infrastructure interaction modeling, and predictive and decision support capabilities. This study aims to develop and test an SCDT for collective urban heat exposure assessment and forecasting. Meteorological sensors and computer vision techniques were implemented in Columbus, Georgia, to acquire temperature, humidity, and passersby count data. These data were then integrated into a collective temperature humidity index. A time-series prediction model and a crowd simulation were employed to predict future short-term heat exposures based on the data accumulated by this SCDT and to support heat exposure mitigation efforts. The results demonstrate the potential of SCDT to enhance public safety by providing city officials with a tool for discovering, predicting, and, ultimately, mitigating community exposure to extreme heat.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiyu Pan
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 790 Atlantic Dr NW, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Dimitris Mavrokapnidis
- Faculty of the Built Environment, University College London, Gower St, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Hoang T Ly
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 790 Atlantic Dr NW, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Neda Mohammadi
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 790 Atlantic Dr NW, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - John E Taylor
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 790 Atlantic Dr NW, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ahmet Miraç B, Fatoş U. The effect of environmental health education on microplastic pollution awareness. Public Health Nurs 2024. [PMID: 38613242 DOI: 10.1111/phn.13322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this research is to investigate the effect of environmental health education given at the ninth-grade level on the microplastic pollution awareness level of students. METHODS This pretest-posttest experimental study with a randomized control group was conducted between 2022 and 2023 in three high schools in a province in eastern Turkey. The sample of the study consisted of 90 ninth-grade students (experimental group: 45, control group: 45), and the sample magnitude was determined by power analysis. Tools such as the "Personal Information Form" and "Microplastic Pollution Awareness Scale (MPAS)" were used to collect data. Training was given to the experimental group as a nursing intervention in a total of four sessions at 15-day intervals. No intervention was applied to the individuals in the control group. RESULTS While no significant difference was observed in the MPAS total score in the control group according to the pretest and posttest mean scores, a significant difference was observed in the MPAS total score in the experimental group (p < 0.05). When the posttest mean scores of the experimental and control groups were examined, it was observed that the posttest mean scores of the experimental group were higher than the posttest mean scores of the control group and there was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION It was observed that the microplastic pollution awareness level of the experimental group students who received environmental health training increased significantly. The issue of environmental health should be integrated into the education curriculum in schools and students' awareness levels should be increased.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bayoğlu Ahmet Miraç
- Fethi Sekin City Hospital, Specialist Nurse, Elazığ, Turkey
- Firat University Faculty of Health Sciences, Public Health Nursing, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Uncu Fatoş
- Fethi Sekin City Hospital, Specialist Nurse, Elazığ, Turkey
- Firat University Faculty of Health Sciences, Public Health Nursing, Elazig, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang H, Gao X, Liu G, Wang F, Rosenberg MW. Environmental health, economy, and amenities interactively drive migration patterns among China's older people. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1354071. [PMID: 38660354 PMCID: PMC11040073 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1354071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The increasing number of older adult migrants is rapidly changing regional demographic and social structures in China. There is an urgent need to understand the spatial patterns and factors that influence older adults to migrate, especially the role of environmental health. However, this issue has been under-studied. This study focused on intra-provincial and inter-provincial older adult migrants as research subjects, estimated their spatial concentration index based on the iterative proportional fitting approach, and explored the factors influencing their migration using the GeoDetector Model. The results showed the following: (1) In 2015, more than 76% of inter-provincial older adult migrants were distributed in Eastern China, and most intra-provincial older adult migrants were scattered in sub-provincial cities. (2) Compared to factors relating to economy and amenities, environmental health by itself played a relatively weak role in the migration of older adults, but the interaction among environmental health, economy, and amenities was a key driving force of older adult migration. (3) There were significant differences in the dominant environmental health factors between inter-provincial migration and intra-provincial migration, which were temperature and altitude, respectively. Our findings can help policymakers focus on the composition of older adult migrants based on urban environmental health characteristics and rationally optimize older adult care facilities to promote supply-demand matching.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongjie Wang
- College of Applied Arts and Science, Beijing Union University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolu Gao
- School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing, China
| | - Guili Liu
- College of Applied Arts and Science, Beijing Union University, Beijing, China
| | - Fuyuan Wang
- Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resource Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mark W. Rosenberg
- Department of Geography and Planning, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lineberger H, Cronk R, Kpodzro S, Salzberg A, Anderson DM. Does WASH FIT improve water, sanitation, and hygiene and related health impacts in healthcare facilities? A systematic review. medRxiv 2024:2024.04.05.24305396. [PMID: 38633794 PMCID: PMC11023675 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.05.24305396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Environmental health services (e.g., water, sanitation, hygiene, cleaning, waste management) in healthcare facilities are important to improve health outcomes and strengthen health systems, but coverage gaps remain. The World Health Organization and United Nations Children's Fund developed WASH FIT, a quality improvement tool, to help assess and improve environmental health services. Fifty-three countries have adopted it. However, there is little evidence of its effectiveness. This systematic review evaluates whether WASH FIT improves environmental health services or associated health outcomes and impacts. Methods We conducted database searches to identify relevant studies and extracted data on study design, healthcare facility characteristics, and inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes, and impacts associated with WASH FIT. We summarized the findings using a logic model framework and narrative synthesis. Results We included 31 studies in the review. Most inputs and activities were described qualitatively. Twenty-three studies reported quantitative outputs, primary WASH FIT indicator scores, and personnel trained on WASH FIT. Nine studies reported longitudinal data demonstrating changes in these outputs throughout WASH FIT implementation. Six studies reported quantitative outcomes measurements; the remainder described outcomes qualitatively or not at all. Common outcomes included allocated funding for environmental health services, community engagement, and government collaboration, changes in knowledge, attitudes, or practices among healthcare staff, patients, or community members, and policy changes. No studies directly measured impacts or evaluated WASH FIT against a rigorous control group. Conclusions Available evidence is insufficient to evaluate WASH FIT's effects on outputs, outcomes, and impacts. Further effort is needed to comprehensively identify the inputs and activities required to implement WASH FIT and to draw specific links between changes in outputs, outcomes, and impacts. Short-term opportunities exist to improve evidence by more comprehensive reporting of WASH FIT assessments and exploiting data on health impacts within health management information systems. In the long term, we recommend experimental studies. This evidence is important to ensure that funding invested for WASH FIT implementation is used cost-effectively and that opportunities to adapt and refine WASH FIT are fully realized as it continues to grow in use and influence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Lineberger
- The Water Institute, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Ryan Cronk
- The Water Institute, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Sena Kpodzro
- The Water Institute, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Aaron Salzberg
- The Water Institute, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Darcy M. Anderson
- The Water Institute, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Almoayad F, Bin Sauib K, Alnasserallah H, Hzazzi R, Obaideen K, Aboul-Enein BH. Predicting individuals' preventive practices against Radon indoor exposure in Saudi Arabia: a cross sectional study. J Radiol Prot 2024; 44:021503. [PMID: 38537265 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6498/ad3836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, poses a significant public health risk. This study aimed to assess indoor radon exposure in Saudi Arabia using the health belief model (HBM) as a framework for understanding and influencing public behaviour regarding the prevention on indoor radon exposure.A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted involving 803 participants from diverse backgrounds recruited through convenience sampling. The online questionnaire assessed sociodemographics, risk factors, and HBM constructs (perceived susceptibility, barriers, benefits, seriousness, and self-efficacy). Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS.Most participants showed neutral perceptions towards susceptibility, severity (82.7% each), benefits (85.2%), and barriers (59.7%) to preventive practices. Only 31.6% had high self-efficacy, with 16.4% practicing good prevention and 44.3% fair. Preventive practices correlated positively with perceived severity, benefits, and self-efficacy, but negatively with risk score and perceived barriers.The study highlights the need for improved radon prevention practices in Saudi Arabia, focusing on educational campaigns, self-efficacy enhancement, policy support for renters, and better risk communication. These measures are crucial for mitigating radon exposure risks across the population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatmah Almoayad
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kholoud Bin Sauib
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hisah Alnasserallah
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rahaf Hzazzi
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khaled Obaideen
- Sustainable Engineering Asset, Management Research Group, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Basil H Aboul-Enein
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Mitchell CS, Callahan T, Flynn E. A messaging standard for environmental inspections: is it time? J Am Med Inform Assoc 2024; 31:1042-1046. [PMID: 38244995 PMCID: PMC10990543 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocae003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental health (EH) services in the United States lag behind other areas of public health and health care with respect to information system interoperability and data sharing. This is partly due to an absence of well-defined use cases, the lack of direct economic drivers and resources to improve, the multiple jurisdictional elements that govern EH services across the United States, and no central organization to drive modernization of EH data. We summarize the status of EH information systems; argue for greater interoperability, including use cases for a messaging standard for environmental inspections; and present recommendations to better align EH services and data modernization efforts currently underway in other areas of public health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clifford S Mitchell
- Environmental Health Bureau, Prevention and Health Promotion Administration, Maryland Department of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Tim Callahan
- Environmental Health Section, Georgia Department of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Eamon Flynn
- Environmental Health Bureau, Prevention and Health Promotion Administration, Maryland Department of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kotz M, Levermann A, Wenz L. The economic commitment of climate change. Nature 2024; 628:551-557. [PMID: 38632481 PMCID: PMC11023931 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07219-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Global projections of macroeconomic climate-change damages typically consider impacts from average annual and national temperatures over long time horizons1-6. Here we use recent empirical findings from more than 1,600 regions worldwide over the past 40 years to project sub-national damages from temperature and precipitation, including daily variability and extremes7,8. Using an empirical approach that provides a robust lower bound on the persistence of impacts on economic growth, we find that the world economy is committed to an income reduction of 19% within the next 26 years independent of future emission choices (relative to a baseline without climate impacts, likely range of 11-29% accounting for physical climate and empirical uncertainty). These damages already outweigh the mitigation costs required to limit global warming to 2 °C by sixfold over this near-term time frame and thereafter diverge strongly dependent on emission choices. Committed damages arise predominantly through changes in average temperature, but accounting for further climatic components raises estimates by approximately 50% and leads to stronger regional heterogeneity. Committed losses are projected for all regions except those at very high latitudes, at which reductions in temperature variability bring benefits. The largest losses are committed at lower latitudes in regions with lower cumulative historical emissions and lower present-day income.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Kotz
- Research Domain IV, Research Domain IV, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Potsdam, Germany
- Institute of Physics, Potsdam University, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Anders Levermann
- Research Domain IV, Research Domain IV, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Potsdam, Germany
- Institute of Physics, Potsdam University, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Leonie Wenz
- Research Domain IV, Research Domain IV, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Potsdam, Germany.
- Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change, Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Osler AL, Alfredo KA, Mihelcic JR. Chlorine Water Taste Threshold and Acceptability among Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Populations in Rural Panama. Environ Sci Technol 2024; 58:5548-5556. [PMID: 38471095 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c05630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Although gains in access to water services over the past two decades have been large, more than two billion people still lack access to safely managed drinking water. This study examines and compares free chlorine taste and acceptability thresholds of rural Indigenous Ngäbe and rural Latino Panamanians to study if taste aversion may be a limiting factor in chlorination of community systems in Panama using the three-alternative forced choice test methodology. This study is the first to establish a best-estimate taste threshold for a rural Indigenous group and the only study in Latin America to report best-estimate taste thresholds using those methods. Median taste thresholds were 0.87 mg/L Cl2 for Indigenous Ngäbe participants (n = 82) and 1.64 mg/L Cl2 for Latino participants (n = 64), higher than both the minimum concentration for biologically safe water (0.2 mg/L) and the recommended concentration range in Panama (0.3-0.8 mg/L). Median acceptability thresholds were established much higher than taste thresholds at 3.45 mg/L Cl2. The results show that the ability to accurately taste chlorine may not be the limiting factor for adoption of safe water initiatives in remote and Indigenous communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley L Osler
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Katherine A Alfredo
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - James R Mihelcic
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Dolcini J, Chiavarini M, Ponzio E, Firmani G, D’Errico MM, Barbadoro P. Consumption of Tap Water and Sociodemographic-Associated Characteristics: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study. Nutrients 2024; 16:944. [PMID: 38612978 PMCID: PMC11013857 DOI: 10.3390/nu16070944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Safe water is a global public health concern amid increasing scarcity and pollution. Bottled water production and consumption contribute to these problems. This study examines tap water consumption in Italy, assessing associated sociodemographic factors and related health outcomes such as obesity and self-perceived health status. Data from the Italian National Statistics Institute's "Aspects of daily life" survey (N = 45,597) were analyzed. Covariates included education, age, gender, economic status, region, concerns about waste and climate change, consumption of carbonated drinks excluding water, alcohol consumption, consumption of vegetables, consumption of snacks, body mass index, and self-perceived health status. Bivariate analyses and mixed-effect logistic regression models explored the associations. People who drink tap water made up 19,674, with a higher prevalence in people aged 45 to 59 old, people with a graduate/post-graduate degree diploma, with optimal economic resources, people concerned about waste production and climate change, and those coming from the north-east regions of Italy. Underweight people showed a higher prevalence of TW consumption as well as those who less than occasionally drank carbonated drinks, drank alcohol, consumed vegetables more than once a day and snacks less than once a week, dairy products more than once a day, sweet less than once a week, cured meat less than once a week, and chicken meat less than once a week, those with no consumption of sheep meat, consumption of beef meat less than once a week and consumption of pork meat less than once a week, and those with a satisfactory level of perceived health status. Regressions showed that all other age classes are less likely to drink tap water than people younger than 20 years old. The category with "inadequate" economic resources is more likely to consume tap water. Low educational classes show a low likelihood of consuming tap water as well as islands. A concern about waste production and climate change is associated with an increased likelihood of consuming tap water. Tap water consumption was negatively associated with obesity but not with a satisfactory self-perceived health status. Insights from this study can inform public health strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Dolcini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Polytechnic University of the Marche Region, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (M.C.); (E.P.); (G.F.); (M.M.D.)
| | - Manuela Chiavarini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Polytechnic University of the Marche Region, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (M.C.); (E.P.); (G.F.); (M.M.D.)
| | - Elisa Ponzio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Polytechnic University of the Marche Region, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (M.C.); (E.P.); (G.F.); (M.M.D.)
| | - Giorgio Firmani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Polytechnic University of the Marche Region, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (M.C.); (E.P.); (G.F.); (M.M.D.)
| | - Marcello Mario D’Errico
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Polytechnic University of the Marche Region, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (M.C.); (E.P.); (G.F.); (M.M.D.)
| | - Pamela Barbadoro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Polytechnic University of the Marche Region, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (M.C.); (E.P.); (G.F.); (M.M.D.)
- Centre of Obesity, Marche Polytechnic University, Via Tronto 10a, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Bhatia M, Sharma N, Saifi S, Parashar S, Nisha N, Srivastava R, Jain M. Evolution of tobacco control in India: a narrative review of the legislative and regulatory approach. Rev Environ Health 2024; 39:1-12. [PMID: 36103211 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2022-0160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Tobacco is the only consumer product that kills half its users yearly. The challenges posed by tobacco control are limitless especially in a country like India where in addition to smoked forms, other smokeless forms of tobacco are also highly prevalent. Apart from being a health hazard tobacco is also a great environmental hazard. Policies for controlling tobacco use also include policy to prevent people from second hand smoke, which is aimed at improvement of air quality. According to the National Non-Communicable Disease Monitoring Survey, 2017-18, daily tobacco use was 32.8% in adults (18-69 years) and 3.1% in adolescents (15-17 years). Overall reduction in tobacco users by 8.1 Million was seen from GATS-1 to GATS-2, and prevalence amongst youth decreased from 18.4 to 12.4%. GYTS-4 (2019) revealed that 8.5% of students, 9.6% of boys and 7.4% of girls-currently used any tobacco products. This makes tobacco control a priority in India. Tobacco control consists of different approaches such as educational, healthcare, legislative, regulatory and fiscal. In the present article we traverse nearly five decades and decode the evolution of legislative, regulatory and fiscal approaches to Tobacco Control in India. A critical evaluation of all these approaches is described in the format of the MPOWER strategy for Tobacco Control which stands for Monitoring Tobacco use, Preventing people from Second Hand Smoke, Offering help to quit, Waring regarding ill effects of tobacco, Enforcing bans and Raising taxes on tobacco products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muskan Bhatia
- Manav Rachna Dental College and Hospital, Faridabad, India
| | - Nikita Sharma
- Manav Rachna Dental College and Hospital, Faridabad, India
| | | | - Swati Parashar
- Manav Rachna Dental College and Hospital, Faridabad, India
| | - Nisha Nisha
- Manav Rachna Dental College and Hospital, Faridabad, India
| | - Roomani Srivastava
- Faculty of Dental Sciences, Manav Rachna Dental College and Hospital, MRIIRS, Faridabad, India
| | - Meena Jain
- Department of Public Health Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Sciences, Manav Rachna Dental College, MRIIRS, Faridabad, India
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Bass DH, Ghamasaee P, Bigford GE, Wakefield M, Duthely LM, Samano D. Assessing Regional Weather's Impact on Spinal Cord Injury Survivors, Caregivers, and General Public in Miami, Florida. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2024; 21:382. [PMID: 38673294 PMCID: PMC11050493 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21040382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
(1) Background: Climate change is increasing the already frequent diverse extreme weather events (EWE) across geographic locations, directly and indirectly impacting human health. However, current ongoing research fails to address the magnitude of these indirect impacts, including healthcare access. Vulnerable populations such as persons with spinal cord injury (pSCI) face added physiologic burden such as thermoregulation or mobility challenges like closure of public transportation. Our exploratory research assessed commute and transport to healthcare facilities as well as the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors (KAB) of pSCI regarding EWE and climate change when compared to pSCI caregivers (CG) and the general public (GP). (2) Methods: A KAB survey was employed to conduct a cross-sectional assessment of pSCI, CG, and GP in Miami from October through November 2019 using snowball sampling. Descriptive and logistic regression statistical analyses were used. (3) Results: Of 65 eligible survey respondents, 27 (41.5%) were pSCI, 11 (17%) CG, and 27 (41.5%) GP. Overall, pSCI reported EWE, particularly flooding and heavy rain, affecting their daily activities including healthcare appointments, more frequently than CG or GP. The overall models for logistic regression looking at commute to and attendance of healthcare appointments were statistically significant. pSCI self-report being less vulnerable than others, and a large proportion of each group was not fully convinced climate change is happening. (4) Conclusions: This study provided insight to the KAB of 3 population subgroups in Miami, Florida. pSCI are significantly more vulnerable to the effects of regional weather events yet exhibit disproportionate self-perception of their vulnerability. Continued and more comprehensive research is needed to characterize the barriers that vulnerable populations face during weather events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Hildegard Bass
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (P.G.); (L.M.D.)
| | - Pardis Ghamasaee
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (P.G.); (L.M.D.)
| | - Gregory E. Bigford
- Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Department of Neurological Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | | | - Lunthita M. Duthely
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (P.G.); (L.M.D.)
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Daniel Samano
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (P.G.); (L.M.D.)
- Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Department of Neurological Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Bakshi A, Apantaku E, Marquette T, Jacob C, Dumas SA, Friedman K, Aubin K, Soileau S, Kemmerly S. The Utility of Virtual Home Visits to Reduce Asthma Burden in Low-Income Black Communities in Louisiana During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Public Health Rep 2024:333549241236090. [PMID: 38511560 DOI: 10.1177/00333549241236090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The Louisiana Department of Health identified a need for greater outreach in low-income Black communities that addressed environmental asthma triggers. We piloted an asthma virtual home visit (VHV) program and evaluated its reach and ability to promote asthma self-management strategies in communities with a high prevalence of poorly controlled asthma. METHODS Participants from Louisiana were continuously recruited into the VHV program starting in March 2021 and provided with asthma education materials. Participants reporting poorly controlled asthma and environmental triggers were also offered 3 VHVs with a respiratory therapist. All participants were asked to complete a preintervention and postintervention knowledge test, an Asthma Control Test (ACT) (maximum score = 25; scores ≤19 indicate poorly controlled asthma), and a final survey that assessed perceptions about asthma management and reduction of environmental triggers. RESULTS As of October 2022, 147 participants were enrolled in the program, and 52 had consented to and received ≥1 VHV. Forty VHV recipients (77%) were aged <18 years, 40 (77%) were Black people, and 46 (88%) were from families with extremely low or low incomes. Asthma symptoms improved across all participants, with a median increase of 2.4 points on the ACT. Knowledge tests revealed that 86% of participants learned about ≥1 new asthma trigger; a larger percentage of VHV recipients than nonrecipients (68% vs 36%) had an improved knowledge test score postintervention. Compared with preintervention, about three-quarters of participants reported feeling more empowered to self-manage their asthma and a significant improvement in their quality of life postintervention. CONCLUSIONS The program provided virtual asthma education to communities with a high burden of asthma and improved asthma outcomes for participants. Similar virtual models can be used to promote health equity, especially in areas with limited access to health care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arundhati Bakshi
- Section of Environmental Epidemiology & Toxicology, Louisiana Department of Health, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Immunization Program, Louisiana Department of Health, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Elora Apantaku
- Section of Environmental Epidemiology & Toxicology, Louisiana Department of Health, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Tracy Marquette
- Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Colette Jacob
- Section of Environmental Epidemiology & Toxicology, Louisiana Department of Health, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - S Amanda Dumas
- Bureau of Health Services Financing (Medicaid), Louisiana Department of Health, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Kate Friedman
- Section of Environmental Epidemiology & Toxicology, Louisiana Department of Health, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Kathleen Aubin
- Section of Environmental Epidemiology & Toxicology, Louisiana Department of Health, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Shannon Soileau
- Section of Environmental Epidemiology & Toxicology, Louisiana Department of Health, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Shaun Kemmerly
- Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Fernandes JB, Baixinho C, Outeiro TF, Godinho C. Editorial: One health care in psychiatric and neurological diseases. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1399709. [PMID: 38571998 PMCID: PMC10988477 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1399709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Júlio Belo Fernandes
- Nurs Lab, Almada, Portugal
- Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEm), Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, Almada, Portugal
| | - Cristina Baixinho
- Nursing School of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Nursing Research, Innovation and Development Centre of Lisbon (CIDNUR), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Tiago F. Outeiro
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- Scientific Employee With an Honorary Contract at Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Catarina Godinho
- Nurs Lab, Almada, Portugal
- Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEm), Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, Almada, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
García Carrillo M, Gagnon MA, Blaustein M. Editorial: Current priorities in health research agendas: tensions between public and commercial interests in prioritizing biomedical, social, and environmental aspects of health. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1391982. [PMID: 38562373 PMCID: PMC10982506 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1391982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes García Carrillo
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular (DFBMC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEyN), Instituto de Biociencias, Biotecnología y Biología Traslacional (iB3), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marc-André Gagnon
- School of Public Policy and Administration, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Matías Blaustein
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular (DFBMC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEyN), Instituto de Biociencias, Biotecnología y Biología Traslacional (iB3), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Dawson H, Davis G, Ross K, Miller MV, Tomlinson A. Using staged teaching and assessment approaches to facilitate inter-university collaboration and problem-based learning. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1334729. [PMID: 38528869 PMCID: PMC10961422 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1334729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
This article describes the segmented module design and problem-based learning approaches employed to enable parts of a higher education environmental health module (course) to be shared between universities in Wales, Northern Ireland, and Australia. The module requires students to identify the needs and assets of a community then design community-based interventions to address problems and undertake an evaluation of those interventions. Accreditation body and the degree program learning outcome requirements in the UK and Australia were found to hold many comparable knowledge, skills, and graduate attribute criteria, eliminating a potential barrier for international learning and teaching collaboration between higher education institutions. Instead, barriers to collaboration were associated with institutional issues and practicalities such as timetabling and assessment requirements. Taking a segmented approach to module design allowed staged and varied levels of collaboration between participating institutions, all delivering modules (courses) with similar learning outcomes. This provided a more sustainable environment to facilitate shared learning and teaching and fostered closer relations between programs, within these constraining factors. Students using problem-based learning and its group-working component exhibited the development of leadership, communication, and independent learning skills.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henry Dawson
- School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Gayle Davis
- School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Kirstin Ross
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Marie Vaganay Miller
- Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment, Ulster University, Coleraine, United Kingdom
| | - Alastair Tomlinson
- School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Wales, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Ścibor M, Leoszkiewicz K, Micek A, Chomoncik K, Dubas-Jakóbczyk K, Kocot E, Bąk A, Kucińska J, Dziurda D, Topór-Mądry R. The association between air pollutions and emergency hospitalizations due to COPD and asthma across 16 Polish cities: population-based study. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2024; 37:110-127. [PMID: 38385199 PMCID: PMC10959279 DOI: 10.13075/ijomeh.1896.02197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In recent years numerous initiatives aimed at reducing air pollution have been undertaken in Poland. The general objective was to examine the correlation between air pollution measured by the level of particulate matter ≤10 μm in diameter (PM10) and emergency hospitalizations due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma in 16 Polish cities (capitals of the regions). MATERIAL AND METHODS The authors aimed to diagnose the situation across 16 cities over a 5‑year period (2014-2019). Data on the number of hospitalizations was retrieved from the national public insurance system, the National Health Fund. A total number of 22 600 emergency hospitalizations was analyzed (12 000 and 10 600 in 2014 and 2019, respectively). The data on air pollution was accessed via the public register of the Chief Inspectorate for Environmental Protection air quality database. The authors of this article have used the data on PM10 daily exposure in each of the 16 cities in 2014 and 2019. Statistical methods included: non-parametric tests, a 2-stage modelling approach for time-series data, and multivariate meta-analysis of the results. RESULTS The results indicated that there was a statistically significant decrease in PM10 concentration in 2019 in comparison to 2014 in all cities, mainly in the autumn and winter season. However, the correlation between the improvement in the air quality and a decrease in emergency hospitalizations due to asthma and COPD turned out to not be as strong as expected. The authors observed a strong correlation between PM10 concentrations and hospitalizations due to asthma and COPD, but only when air quality norms were significantly above acceptable levels. CONCLUSIONS Air pollution measured by PM10 concentration might be used as one of the predictors of the asthma and COPD emergency hospitalization risk, yet other factors like respiratory tract infection, health care organizational aspect, patient self-control, compliance and comorbidities should also be taken into consideration. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2024;37(1):110-27.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monika Ścibor
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Department of Environmental Health, Kraków, Poland
| | | | - Agnieszka Micek
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Statistical Laboratory, Kraków, Poland
| | - Karol Chomoncik
- Jagiellonian University, Student of Computer Science, Kraków, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Dubas-Jakóbczyk
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Health Economics and Social Security Department, Kraków, Poland
| | - Ewa Kocot
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Health Economics and Social Security Department, Kraków, Poland
| | - Agata Bąk
- Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Tariff System, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jolanta Kucińska
- Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Tariff System, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dominik Dziurda
- Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Tariff System, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Roman Topór-Mądry
- Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Tariff System, Warsaw, Poland
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Department of Epidemiology and Population Studies, Kraków, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Yang Y, Wang X, Yang M, Wei S, Li Y. Integrated Analysis of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Exposure and Metabolic Profiling of Elderly Residents Living near Industrial Plants. Environ Sci Technol 2024; 58:4104-4114. [PMID: 38373080 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c09014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are widely used in industrial production, causing potential health risks to the residents living around chemical industrial plants; however, the lack of data on population exposure and adverse effects impedes our understanding and ability to prevent risks. In this study, we performed screening and association analysis on exogenous PFAS pollutants and endogenous small-molecule metabolites in the serum of elderly residents living near industrial plants. Exposure levels of 11 legacy and novel PFASs were determined. PFOA and PFOS were major contributors, and PFNA, PFHxS, and 6:2 Cl-PFESA also showed high detection frequencies. Association analysis among PFASs and 287 metabolites identified via non-target screening was performed with adjustments of covariates and false discovery rate. Strongly associated metabolites were predominantly lipid and lipid-like molecules. Steroid hormone biosynthesis, primary bile acid biosynthesis, and fatty-acid-related pathways, including biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid metabolism, α-linolenic acid metabolism, and fatty acid biosynthesis, were enriched as the metabolic pathways associated with mixed exposure to multiple PFASs, providing metabolic explanation and evidence for the potential mediating role of adverse health effects as a result of PFAS exposure. Our study achieved a comprehensive screening of PFAS exposure and associated metabolic profiling, demonstrating the promising application for integrated analysis of exposome and metabolome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yajing Yang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs of Ministry of Education, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Glycoscience and Glycotechnology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuebing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Minmin Yang
- Affiliated Qingdao Third People's Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266041, People's Republic of China
| | - Si Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuqian Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Whaibeh E, Mrad-Nakhlé M, Aouad N, Annesi-Maesano I, Abbas N, Chaiban C, Abi Hanna J, Abi Tayeh G. The Environmental Exposures in Lebanese Infants (EELI) birth cohort: an investigation into the Developmental Origins of Health and Diseases (DOHaD). Int J Environ Health Res 2024; 34:1675-1686. [PMID: 37429297 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2023.2234834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
The EELI Study is a longitudinal birth cohort launched in 2021 in Lebanon to examine the long-term impact of environmental exposures on the health of prospective Lebanese mothers and infants and disease outcomes. This article delineates the adopted study design and protocols, current progress, and contextual considerations for the planning and launching of a birth cohort in a resource-limited setting. A sample of n = 135 pregnant women expecting to give birth at the Hôtel-Dieu de France University Hospital has been recruited since the study launch. Over 500 variables have been recorded for each participant, and over 1000 biological specimens have been processed and stored in a biobank for further analysis. The EELI study establishes methodological and logistic basis to explore the concept of the exposome and its implementation and to establish a toolkit of the SOPs and questionnaires that can be employed by the other countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emile Whaibeh
- Doctoral School of Health and Sciences (EDSS), Faculty of Medicine, Saint-Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Public Health Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Myriam Mrad-Nakhlé
- Public Health Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Norma Aouad
- Obstetrics and Reproduction, Hôtel-Dieu de France University Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Isabella Annesi-Maesano
- Institute Desbrest of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Montpellier and INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Nivine Abbas
- Public Health Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Clara Chaiban
- Public Health Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Jowy Abi Hanna
- Public Health Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Georges Abi Tayeh
- Doctoral School of Health and Sciences (EDSS), Faculty of Medicine, Saint-Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Obstetrics and Reproduction, Hôtel-Dieu de France University Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Kalankesh LR, Khajavian N, Soori H, Vaziri MH, Saeedi R, Hajighasemkhan A. Association metrological factors with Covid-19 mortality in Tehran, Iran (2020-2021). Int J Environ Health Res 2024; 34:1725-1736. [PMID: 37504381 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2023.2239721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The outbreak of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has raised questions about the potential role of climate and environmental factors in disease transmission. This study examined meteorological and demographic factors to determine their impact on mortality and hospitalization rates in Tehran, Iran from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2022. Notably, hospitalization cases were positively associated with temperature (P-value: 0.001 in spring, P-value: 0.045 in winter) and pressure (P-value: 0.004 in spring), while being negatively associated with wind speed (P-value: 0.03 in spring, P-value: 0.01 in autumn) and humidity (P-value: 0.001 in autumn) during the spring and autumn seasons. Conversely, mortality was associated with wind speed (P-value: 0.01) and pressure (P-value: 0.02) during winter and spring, respectively. Moreover, temperature was associated with mortality in both spring (P-value: 0.00) and winter (P-value: 0.04). The findings suggest that identifying the environmental factors that contribute to the spread of COVID-19 can help prevent future waves of the pandemic in Tehran.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laleh R Kalankesh
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Nasim Khajavian
- Department of Biostatistics, Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Khorasan Razavi, Iran
| | - Hamid Soori
- Faculty of Medicine, Cyprus International University, Nicosia, North Cyprus
| | - Mohammad Hossein Vaziri
- Workplace Health Promotion Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Saeedi
- Department of Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Hajighasemkhan
- Workplace Health Promotion Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering and Safety, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Benedetti G, Boisen N, Prada JM. Editorial: One Health surveillance in practice: experiences of integration among human health, animal health, environmental health, and food safety sectors. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1384988. [PMID: 38496385 PMCID: PMC10940499 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1384988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Guido Benedetti
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Prevention, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nadia Boisen
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Joaquin M. Prada
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Aristizabal M, Jiménez-Orrego KV, Caicedo-León MD, Páez-Cárdenas LS, Castellanos-García I, Villalba-Moreno DL, Ramírez-Zuluaga LV, Hsu JTS, Jaller J, Gold M. Microplastics in dermatology: Potential effects on skin homeostasis. J Cosmet Dermatol 2024; 23:766-772. [PMID: 38226412 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.16167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have become a growing concern in dermatology due to their widespread presence in cosmetic formulations and the environment. These minuscule synthetic polymer particles prompt an essential exploration of their potential impact on dermatological homeostasis. AIMS This study aims to investigate the effects of MPs and NPs on the integumentary system. Specifically, it seeks to understand the potential cutaneous alterations, inflammatory responses, and disruptions to the skin's physiological functions caused by these synthetic particles. PATIENTS/METHODS The investigation involves a comprehensive analysis of emerging research on MPs and NPs. This includes their presence in cosmetic formulations and environmental pervasiveness. The study delves into their capacity to breach the cutaneous barrier, raising concerns about the implications of prolonged exposure. RESULTS Evidence suggests that MPs and NPs may indeed incite cutaneous alterations, provoke inflammatory responses, and disturb the homeostasis of the skin's physiological functions. Their small dimensions enhance their capability to breach the cutaneous barrier, further emphasizing the apprehensions associated with prolonged exposure. CONCLUSIONS While a precise understanding of the implications of MPs and NPs on dermatological health remains an ongoing scientific endeavor, this study underscores the growing significance of these synthetic particles. The findings emphasize the need for proactive measures to safeguard both individual well-being and environmental preservation in the context of dermatological health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jeffrey T S Hsu
- Department of Dermatology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jose Jaller
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Michael Gold
- Gold Skin Care Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Oerther S, Manspeaker S. The Role of the School Nurse in Addressing Climate-Associated Illnesses: Air Quality. NASN Sch Nurse 2024; 39:71-74. [PMID: 38087818 DOI: 10.1177/1942602x231200024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Climate change is having an unprecedented influence on human health. Children's allergies and respiratory problems are increasing because of rising pollen levels and air pollution. School nurses are well positioned to prevent and treat allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions. Due to their consistent presence with the school setting, nurses can promote health, wellness, and academic productivity by addressing poor indoor and outdoor air quality. The purpose of this article is to increase understanding of how air quality affects the health of school-age children and to provide school nurses with primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention strategies for ensuring clean and healthy learning environments. This is the second in a series of articles aimed at raising awareness among school nurses about climate-associated illnesses and equipping them with the resources they need to protect students' health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Oerther
- Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO
| | - Sarah Manspeaker
- Rangos School of Health Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
El Chamieh C, El Haddad C, El Khatib K, Jalkh E, Al Karaki V, Zeineddine J, Assaf A, Harb T, Sanayeh EB. River water pollution in Lebanon: the country's most underestimated public health challenge. East Mediterr Health J 2024; 30:136-144. [PMID: 38491899 DOI: 10.26719/emhj.24.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Background Due to the several interconnected crises that Lebanon has been facing for the past 4 years, many important social and environmental issues have been overlooked until more "pressing" ones are dealt with. Consequently, water pollution in Lebanon continues to worsen. Aim This study aimed to describe the microbiological and chemical properties of the 10 main rivers in Lebanon and to assess their suitability for irrigation, while exploring some of the solutions to the problem. Methods This cross-sectional study evaluated the pollution level of water from 10 rivers in Lebanon in June 2023 and their suitability for irrigation. Samples were collected at 3°C and their quality parameters were measured. Statistical analysis was conducted using R statistical software version 4.0.2. Results Compared to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) guidelines for safe irrigation water use, 4 out of the 10 samples had pH levels exceeding the permissible threshold, resulting in severe limitations on their usability. Three rivers had nitrate concentrations that exceeded the approved range, thus constraining their severe usage. Among the rivers, 60% had Escherichia coli levels higher than the permissible spectrum and 40% had faecal coliform counts exceeding FAO's upper limit recommendation. All water sources, however, had total dissolved solid levels that were within the recommended range. Conclusions Polluted water can have a negative impact on human, wildlife and ecosystem health. Most of the assessed rivers in our study contained bacterial colonies, above the maximum recommended internationally. There is therefore an urgent need to address pollution issues in Lebanese waters to make them suitable for irrigation and other uses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Claudia El Haddad
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Khaled El Khatib
- Department of Family Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Edmond Jalkh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and Ear International Hospital, Naccache, Lebanon
| | - Victoria Al Karaki
- Department of Emergency Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Jana Zeineddine
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Antoine Assaf
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Notre Dame des Secours University Hospital, Jbeil, Lebanon
| | - Tania Harb
- Department of Radiology, Notre Dame des Secours University Hospital, Jbeil, Lebanon
| | - Elie Bou Sanayeh
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Hoover C, Fossa AJ, Ranney ML, Hoover GG, Specht AJ, Hemenway D, Braun JM. Firearm-Related Lead Exposure and Child Lead Levels in the United States, 2012-2018. J Pediatr 2024; 269:113975. [PMID: 38401786 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2024.113975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine if firearm ownership is positively related to elevated child lead levels at a state-level, even when accounting for other sources of lead. STUDY DESIGN For this cross-sectional ecological study, we investigated whether household firearm ownership rates (a proxy for firearm-related lead exposure) was associated with the prevalence of elevated child blood lead levels in 44 US States between 2012 and 2018. To account for potential confounding, we adjusted for other known lead exposures, poverty rate, population density, race, and calendar year. To address missing data, we used multiple imputation by chained equations. RESULTS Prevalence of elevated child blood lead positively correlated with household firearm ownership and established predictors of lead exposure. In fully adjusted negative binomial regression models, child blood lead was positively associated with household firearm ownership and older housing; each IQR (14%) increase in household firearm ownership rate was associated with a 41% higher prevalence of childhood elevated blood lead (prevalence ratio: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.11-1.79). CONCLUSION These data provide state-level evidence that firearms may be an important source of child lead exposure. More research is needed to substantiate this relationship and identify modifiable pathways of exposure at the individual level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Hoover
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, RI; Harvard Injury Control Research Center, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA.
| | - Alan J Fossa
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, RI
| | - Megan L Ranney
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT
| | | | - Aaron J Specht
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
| | - David Hemenway
- Harvard Injury Control Research Center, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA; Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Joseph M Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, RI
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Çimşir E, Şahin MD, Akdoğan R. Unveiling the relationships between eco-anxiety, psychological symptoms and anthropocentric narcissism: The psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Hogg eco-anxiety scale. Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2024; 11:e26. [PMID: 38572253 PMCID: PMC10988136 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2024.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The increasing number of losses and damages caused by the climate crisis has rendered the psychometric assessment of the climate crisis more important than ever, specifically in developing countries, such as Turkey. The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Hogg Eco-Anxiety Scale (HEAS-13), using exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) on the cross-sectional data collected from 445 adults (286 females and 159 males; Mage = 29.76, range 18-65). The results supported the four-factor solution of the original version in the Turkish sample. Further analysis confirmed the invariance of the HEAS-13 across genders. The results demonstrated significant correlations of the HEAS-13 subscales with the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) and the Anthropocentric Narcissism Scale (ANS), except for that between the behavioral symptoms subscale of the HEAS-13 and the ANS. Both the total and the subscale scores of the HEAS-13 were also found to be reliable, given the internal consistency and test-retest reliability values. The Turkish version of the HEAS-13 can expand the scientific understanding of eco-anxiety, which can help develop mental health services to mitigate the negative mental health impacts of the environmental crisis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elif Çimşir
- Department of Guidance & Counseling Faculty of Education, Anadolu University, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Murat Doğan Şahin
- Department of Measurement and Evaluation Faculty of Education, Anadolu University, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Ramazan Akdoğan
- Department of Guidance & Counseling Faculty of Education, Anadolu University, Eskisehir, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Stem AD, Gibb M, Roncal-Jimenez CA, Johnson RJ, Brown JM. Health burden of sugarcane burning on agricultural workers and nearby communities. Inhal Toxicol 2024:1-16. [PMID: 38349733 DOI: 10.1080/08958378.2024.2316875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Sugarcane is the most widely cultivated crop in the world, with equatorial developing nations performing most of this agriculture. Burning sugarcane is a common practice to facilitate harvest, producing extremely high volumes of respirable particulate matter in the process. These emissions are known to have deleterious effects on agricultural workers and nearby communities, but the extent of this exposure and potential toxicity remain poorly characterized. As the epidemicof chronic kidney disease of an unknown etiology (CKDu) and its associated mortality continue to increase along with respiratory distress, there is an urgent need to investigate the causes, determine viable interventions to mitigate disease andimprove outcomes for groups experiencing disproportionate impact. The goal of this review is to establish the state of available literature, summarize what is known in terms of human health risk, and provide recommendations for what areas should be prioritized in research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arthur D Stem
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of CO Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Matthew Gibb
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of CO Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Carlos A Roncal-Jimenez
- Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Richard J Johnson
- Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jared M Brown
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of CO Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Zuccaro P, Thompson DC, de Boer J, Llompart M, Watterson A, Bilott R, Birnbaum LS, Vasiliou V. The European Union Ban on Microplastics Includes Artificial Turf Crumb Rubber Infill: Other Nations Should Follow Suit. Environ Sci Technol 2024; 58:2591-2594. [PMID: 38301275 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c00047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Philip Zuccaro
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United States
- Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
| | - David C Thompson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United States
| | - Jacob de Boer
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maria Llompart
- CRETUS, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition, and Food Sciences, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Andrew Watterson
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, Scotland
| | - Robert Bilott
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United States
| | - Linda S Birnbaum
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United States
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States
| | - Vasilis Vasiliou
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United States
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Zartarian VG, Xue J, Poulakos AG, Tornero-Velez R, Stanek LW, Snyder E, Helms Garrison V, Egan K, Courtney JG. A U.S. Lead Exposure Hotspots Analysis. Environ Sci Technol 2024. [PMID: 38334298 PMCID: PMC10882963 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c07881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
To identify U.S. lead exposure risk hotspots, we expanded upon geospatial statistical methods from a published Michigan case study. The evaluation of identified hotspots using five lead indices, based on housing age and sociodemographic data, showed moderate-to-substantial agreement with state-identified higher-risk locations from nine public health department reports (45-78%) and with hotspots of children's blood lead data from Michigan and Ohio (e.g., Cohen's kappa scores of 0.49-0.63). Applying geospatial cluster analysis and 80th-100th percentile methods to the lead indices, the number of U.S. census tracts ranged from ∼8% (intersection of indices) to ∼41% (combination of indices). Analyses of the number of children <6 years old living in those census tracts revealed the states (e.g., Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, California, Texas) and counties with highest potential lead exposure risk. Results support use of available lead indices as surrogates to identify locations in the absence of consistent, complete blood lead level (BLL) data across the United States. Ground-truthing with local knowledge, additional BLL data, and environmental data is needed to improve identification and analysis of lead exposure and BLL hotspots for interventions. While the science evolves, these screening results can inform "deeper dive" analyses for targeting lead actions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valerie G Zartarian
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, United States
| | - Jianping Xue
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, United States
| | - Antonios G Poulakos
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, United States
- LinTech Global, Inc., Boston, Massachusetts 02109, United States
| | - Rogelio Tornero-Velez
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, United States
| | - Lindsay W Stanek
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, United States
| | - Emily Snyder
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, United States
| | - Veronica Helms Garrison
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Policy Development and Research, Washington, D.C. 20410, United States
| | - Kathryn Egan
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Environmental Health, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Office of Science, Atlanta, Georgia 30329, United States
| | - Joseph G Courtney
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Environmental Health, Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, Atlanta, Georgia 30329, United States
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Sweeney MR, Nichols HB, Jones RR, Olshan AF, Keil AP, Engel LS, James P, Sandler DP, White AJ, Jackson CL. Exposure to indoor light at night in relation to multiple dimensions of sleep health: findings from the Sister Study. Sleep 2024; 47:zsad100. [PMID: 37018759 PMCID: PMC10851850 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsad100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE To examine the association between light at night (LAN) and multiple sleep health dimensions. METHODS Among 47 765 Sister Study participants, indoor LAN (TV on in the room, light(s) on in room, light from outside the room, nightlight, no light) and sleep dimensions were self-reported at baseline (2003-2009). We used Poisson regression with robust variance to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the cross-sectional associations between LAN and short sleep duration (<7 hours/night), insomnia symptoms (difficulty falling or staying asleep), frequent napping (≥3 naps/week), inconsistent sleep/wake time (differed day-to-day and week-to-week), sleep debt (≥2 hours between longest and shortest duration), recent sleep medication use, and a cumulative poor sleep score (≥3 poor sleep dimensions). Population-attributable risks (PARs) were determined for any light exposure vs. none by race/ethnicity. RESULTS Compared to sleeping with no light in the bedroom, sleeping with a TV on was associated with a higher prevalence of most dimensions of poor sleep (e.g. short sleep duration: PR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.32 to 1.45; inconsistent sleep/wake time: PR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.44 to 1.66; sleep debt: PR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.29 to 1.44; poor sleep score: PR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.48-1.68). PARs tended to be higher for non-Hispanic black women compared to non-Hispanic white women. CONCLUSIONS Sleeping with a TV on was associated with poor sleep health among US women, and non-Hispanic black women may be disproportionately burdened.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina R Sweeney
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Hazel B Nichols
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Rena R Jones
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Andrew F Olshan
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Alexander P Keil
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Lawrence S Engel
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Peter James
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dale P Sandler
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Alexandra J White
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Chandra L Jackson
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Riley KW, Guo J, Wang S, Factor-Litvak P, Miller RL, Andrews H, Hoepner LA, Margolis AE, Rauh V, Rundle A, Perera F, Herbstman JB. Cohort Profile: The Mothers and Newborns (MN) Cohort of the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health. Int J Epidemiol 2024; 53:dyae011. [PMID: 38327188 PMCID: PMC10850846 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyae011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kylie W Riley
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jia Guo
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shuang Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Pam Factor-Litvak
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rachel L Miller
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Howard Andrews
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lori A Hoepner
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Amy E Margolis
- Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Virginia Rauh
- Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrew Rundle
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Frederica Perera
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Julie B Herbstman
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Abstract
Introduction: Rapid climate change poses a major challenge to healthcare. The operating room is especially responsible for carbon emission, with 20% to 70% of hospital waste traced back to the operating room. This literature review aims to suggest changes that can be made in hand surgery for a more sustainable practice. Methods: A literature search was conducted from PubMed, Medline, and other online search engines with the keywords "carbon footprint, environmental health, carbon neutral, plastic surgery, hand surgery, surgery." Results: "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Research, Rethink and Culture" was the framework used to recommend a more carbon neutral practice. In reduction, techniques such as cutting down oversupply of materials, adopting protocols to perform cases in ambulatory settings, and simple measures to reduce energy were identified as valuable methods. Modified sterilization techniques and reprocessing single-use devices were techniques identified for reuse and recycling involved single-stream recycling, staff training, and donation of basic surgical supplies. Research involved adopting data-driven programs for life cycle assessment of all equipment in the operating room, while the use of telemedicine and "green meetings' were suggested for rethinking. Finally, strategies to encourage a team approach to environmental responsibility were discussed. Conclusion: Carbon neutral practice must be implemented to safeguard sustainable and cost-effective operating rooms and healthcare systems. Hand surgery can pave the way for other specialties through the use of available resources to develop guidelines for carbon neutral practice. This requires active effort from hand surgeons to act as role models for other healthcare professionals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yangmyung Ma
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Royal Stoke University Hospital, University Hospitals of North Midlands, Newcastle Road, UK
| | - Seunghee Han
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham Medical School, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Rus AA, Pescariu SA, Zus AS, Gaiţă D, Mornoş C. Impact of Short-Term Exposure to Nitrogen Dioxide (NO 2) and Ozone (O 3) on Hospital Admissions for Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome. Toxics 2024; 12:123. [PMID: 38393217 PMCID: PMC10893050 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12020123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
In the context of recent climate change, global warming, industrial growth, and population expansion, air pollution has emerged as a significant environmental and human health risk. This study employed a multivariable Poisson regression analysis to examine the association between short-term exposure to atmospheric pollutants (nitrogen dioxide-NO2, sulfur dioxide -SO2, ozone-O3, and particulate matter with a diameter less than 10 μm-PM10) and hospital admissions for non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS). Daily data on NSTE-ACS admissions, air pollutants, and meteorological variables were collected from January 2019 to December 2021. Elevated NO2 concentrations were associated with a higher risk of NSTE-ACS hospitalization, notably in spring (OR: 1.426; 95% CI: 1.196-1.701). Hypertensive individuals (OR: 1.101; 95% CI: 1.007-1.204) and those diagnosed with unstable angina (OR: 1.107; 95%CI: 1.010-1.213) exhibited heightened susceptibility to elevated NO2 concentrations. A 10 μg/m3 increase in NO2 during spring at lag 07 (OR: 1.013; 95% CI: 1.001-1.025) and O3 in winter at lag 05 (OR: 1.007; 95% CI: 1.001-1.014) was correlated with an elevated daily occurrence of NSTE-ACS admissions. Short-term exposure to various air pollutants posed an increased risk of NSTE-ACS hospitalization, with heightened sensitivity observed in hypertensive patients and those with unstable angina. Addressing emerging environmental risk factors is crucial to mitigate substantial impacts on human health and the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreea-Alexandra Rus
- Cardiology Department, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (S.-A.P.); (A.-S.Z.); (D.G.); (C.M.)
- Research Center of the Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Timisoara, 13A Gheorghe Adam Street, 300310 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Silvius-Alexandru Pescariu
- Cardiology Department, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (S.-A.P.); (A.-S.Z.); (D.G.); (C.M.)
- Research Center of the Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Timisoara, 13A Gheorghe Adam Street, 300310 Timisoara, Romania
- Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Timisoara, 13A Gheorghe Adam Street, 300310 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Adrian-Sebastian Zus
- Cardiology Department, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (S.-A.P.); (A.-S.Z.); (D.G.); (C.M.)
- Research Center of the Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Timisoara, 13A Gheorghe Adam Street, 300310 Timisoara, Romania
- Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Timisoara, 13A Gheorghe Adam Street, 300310 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Dan Gaiţă
- Cardiology Department, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (S.-A.P.); (A.-S.Z.); (D.G.); (C.M.)
- Research Center of the Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Timisoara, 13A Gheorghe Adam Street, 300310 Timisoara, Romania
- Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Timisoara, 13A Gheorghe Adam Street, 300310 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Cristian Mornoş
- Cardiology Department, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (S.-A.P.); (A.-S.Z.); (D.G.); (C.M.)
- Research Center of the Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Timisoara, 13A Gheorghe Adam Street, 300310 Timisoara, Romania
- Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Timisoara, 13A Gheorghe Adam Street, 300310 Timisoara, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Rojas-Perez HL, Díaz-Vásquez MA, Díaz-Manchay RJ, Zeña-Ñañez S, Failoc-Rojas VE, Smith D. Nurses' Environmental Practices in Northern Peruvian Hospitals. Workplace Health Saf 2024; 72:68-74. [PMID: 37016802 DOI: 10.1177/21650799231163130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Decreasing emissions of the global healthcare sector will be an important tool for decreasing the magnitude of climate change. The environmental practices of nurses can have a positive environmental impact. The purpose of this study is to identify environmental practices performed by nurses while at work and home along with their associated factors. METHODS This study is a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted by surveying nurses from two public hospitals in Lambayeque, Peru. We utilized the Nurses' Environmental Awareness Tool to collect information about nurses' knowledge on environmental impacts, their risk to health, and environmental behaviors at both work and home. RESULTS Of the 106 participants who responded, the average age was 41 years, and 29 (28%) worked in surgical services. A little more than half of nurses reported appropriate energy use (51%) and recycling (53%) at work, while 94 (89%) implemented environmental biosafety. There was an observed association between age and years of employment with appropriate energy use, recycling, implementation of environmental biosafety, appropriate chemical substance use, and preventing medication waste. CONCLUSION Nurses reported a favorable tendency toward adequate environmental practices at work and at home. However, more studies are needed to identify the factors that increase nurses' use of these practices. APPLICATIONS TO PRACTICE As one of the most trusted professions, professional nurses have an opportunity to play a pivotal role in promoting environmental health and practices in both the workplace and their personal lives. This study highlights areas of potential intervention in the workplace to develop and promote appropriate environmental practices by nurses to decrease pollution by the healthcare sector.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Daniel Smith
- Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Gao P. Chasing "Emerging" Contaminants: An Endless Journey toward Environmental Health. Environ Sci Technol 2024; 58:1790-1792. [PMID: 38240734 PMCID: PMC10832028 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c10630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Gao
- Department
of Environmental and Occupational Health and Department of Civil and
Environmental Engineering, University of
Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
- UPMC
Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15232, United States
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Wright CY, Kapwata T, Naidoo N, Asante KP, Arku RE, Cissé G, Simane B, Atuyambe L, Berhane K. Climate Change and Human Health in Africa in Relation to Opportunities to Strengthen Mitigating Potential and Adaptive Capacity: Strategies to Inform an African "Brains Trust". Ann Glob Health 2024; 90:7. [PMID: 38312714 PMCID: PMC10836170 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.4260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Africa faces diverse and complex population/human health challenges due to climate change. Understanding the health impacts of climate change in Africa in all its complexity is essential for implementing effective strategies and policies to mitigate risks and protect vulnerable populations. This study aimed to outline the major climate change-related health impacts in Africa in the context of economic resilience and to seek solutions and provide strategies to prevent or reduce adverse effects of climate change on human health and well-being in Africa. Methods For this narrative review, a literature search was conducted in the Web of Science, Scopus, CAB Abstracts, MEDLINE and EMBASE electronic databases. We also searched the reference lists of retrieved articles for additional records as well as reports. We followed a conceptual framework to ensure all aspects of climate change and health impacts in Africa were identified. Results The average temperatures in all six eco-regions of Africa have risen since the early twentieth century, and heat exposure, extreme events, and sea level rise are projected to disproportionately affect Africa, resulting in a larger burden of health impacts than other continents. Given that climate change already poses substantial challenges to African health and well-being, this will necessitate significant effort, financial investment, and dedication to climate change mitigation and adaptation. This review offers African leaders and decision-makers data-driven and action-oriented strategies that will ensure a more resilient healthcare system and safe, healthy populations-in ways that contribute to economic resiliency. Conclusions The urgency of climate-health action integrated with sustainable development in Africa cannot be overstated, given the multiple economic gains from reducing current impacts and projected risks of climate change on the continent's population health and well-being. Climate action must be integrated into Africa's development plan to meet the Sustainable Development Goals, protect vulnerable populations from the detrimental effects of climate change, and promote economic development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caradee Y. Wright
- Environment and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Thandi Kapwata
- Environment and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Natasha Naidoo
- Environment and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Raphael E. Arku
- School of Public Health & Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA
| | - Guéladio Cissé
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Lynn Atuyambe
- Makerere University, School of Public Health, Uganda
| | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Abstract
We review current knowledge on the trends and drivers of global wildfire activity, advances in the measurement of wildfire smoke exposure, and evidence on the health effects of this exposure. We describe methodological issues in estimating the causal effects of wildfire smoke exposures on health and quantify their importance, emphasizing the role of nonlinear and lagged effects. We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the health effects of wildfire smoke exposure, finding positive impacts on all-cause mortality and respiratory hospitalizations but less consistent evidence on cardiovascular morbidity. We conclude by highlighting priority areas for future research, including leveraging recently developed spatially and temporally resolved wildfire-specific ambient air pollution data to improve estimates of the health effects of wildfire smoke exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos F Gould
- Doerr School of Sustainability, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA; ,
| | - Sam Heft-Neal
- Center on Food Security and the Environment, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA;
| | - Mary Johnson
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; ,
| | - Juan Aguilera
- Center for Community Health Impact, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, El Paso, Texas, USA;
| | - Marshall Burke
- Doerr School of Sustainability, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA; ,
- Center on Food Security and the Environment, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA;
- National Bureau of Economic Research, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kari Nadeau
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; ,
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Appiah-Effah E, Boakye K, Salihu T, Duku GA, Fenteng JOD, Boateng G, Appiah F, Nyarko KB. Determinants of Open Defecation Among Rural Women in Ghana: Analysis of Demographic and Health Surveys. Environ Health Insights 2024; 18:11786302241226774. [PMID: 38269144 PMCID: PMC10807390 DOI: 10.1177/11786302241226774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Open defecation continuously remains a major global sanitation challenge, contributing to an estimated 1.6 million deaths per year. Ghana ranks second in Africa for open defecation and had the fourth-lowest sanitation coverage in 2010. Evidence indicates that about 32% of the rural Ghanaian population still practice open defecation due to lack of access to basic sanitation facilities, drifting the country from achieving universal access to sanitation by 2030. Women, particularly those in rural areas, are disproportionately affected by open defecation, facing heightened health risks, harassment, and a loss of dignity. Even though previous studies on open defecation in Ghana exist, they lack national representation and neglect women in rural residents who are disproportionally affected by the repercussions of open defecation. Examining that rural women will contribute to heightening their own vulnerability to health risks by practising open defecation is essential to bridging the literature gap on open defecation practices among rural women. The study investigated determinants of open defecation among rural women in Ghana using data from the female files of the 2003, 2008 and 2014 Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS). A total of 4,284 rural women with complete information on variables of interest were included in the study. The outcome variable was 'open defecation', whilst 14 key explanatory variables (e.g., age, education, wealth status, among others) were used. Two logistic regression models were built, and the outputs were reported in odds ratio. Descriptively, 42 in every 100 women aged 15 to 49 practiced open defecation (n = 1811, 95% CI = 49-52). Open defecation (OD) significantly correlated with educational attainment, wealth status, religion, access to mass media, partner's education, and zone of residence. The likelihood of practicing open defecation reduced among those with formal education [aOR = 0.69, CI = 0.56-0.85], those whose partners had formal education [aOR = 0.64, CI = 0.52-0.80], women in the rich wealth quintile [aOR = 0.12, CI = 0.07-0.20], the traditionalist [aOR = 0.33, CI = 0.19-0.57], and those who had access to mass media [aOR = 0.70, CI = 0.57-0.85]. Residents in the Savannah zone had higher odds of openly defecating [aOR = 21.06, CI = 15.97-27.77]. The prevalence of open defecation is disproportionately pro-poor, which indicates that impoverished rural women are more likely to perform it. Public health initiatives should aim to close the rich-poor divide in OD practice among rural women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Appiah-Effah
- Regional Water and Environmental Sanitation Centre, Kumasi (RWESCK), Department of Civil Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Kingsley Boakye
- School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Tarif Salihu
- Department of Population and Health, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Godwin Armstrong Duku
- Regional Water and Environmental Sanitation Centre, Kumasi (RWESCK), Department of Civil Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - George Boateng
- Department of Social Science, Berekum College of Education, Berekum, Ghana
| | - Francis Appiah
- School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Population and Health, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
- Department of Social Science, Berekum College of Education, Berekum, Ghana
| | - Kwabena Biritwum Nyarko
- Regional Water and Environmental Sanitation Centre, Kumasi (RWESCK), Department of Civil Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Weller S, McCredden JE. Understanding the public voices and researchers speaking into the 5G narrative. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1339513. [PMID: 38283297 PMCID: PMC10820716 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1339513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The many different voices speaking into the current narrative surrounding the health effects of 5G technologies necessitate an exploration of the background of the various published author-spokespersons and their potential motives. This has been attempted recently by de Vocht and Albers. However, that opinion piece used a narrow investigative lens, resulting in an undermining of both the rationality of the concerned general public and the motives of specific researchers. At the same time, biases, conflicts of interest, and flaws found in "independent" reviews were not considered. To address these oversights, an evidence-based appraisal of public opinion and the scientific caliber of authors involved in the 5G health discussion is warranted. Subsequently, this review article presents an analysis of the available Australian data representing public voices, while also conducting a broader investigation of the level of expertise of recent author-spokespersons based on their experience as scientists, particularly in the area of health effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields. This review thus attempts to more clearly illustrate for the reader the caliber and motives of the voices speaking into the 5G narrative. The article concludes with a set of questions that need to be answered to enable scientists to advise policy makers more effectively on matters of 5G and public health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven Weller
- Centre for Environmental and Population Health, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Oceania Radiofrequency Scientific Advisory Association Inc. (ORSAA), Scarborough, QLD, Australia
| | - Julie E. McCredden
- Oceania Radiofrequency Scientific Advisory Association Inc. (ORSAA), Scarborough, QLD, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Bultas MW, Oerther S. The Role of the School Nurse in Addressing Climate-Associated Illnesses: Heat. NASN Sch Nurse 2024:1942602X231223158. [PMID: 38193318 DOI: 10.1177/1942602x231223158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Gao P, Ju F, Jiang C. Editorial: Mapping the exposome and investigating its role in human and environmental health. Front Microbiol 2024; 14:1353623. [PMID: 38249487 PMCID: PMC10797065 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1353623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Gao
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Feng Ju
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Environment and Resources Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chao Jiang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
He C, Zhu Y, Zhou L, Bachwenkizi J, Schneider A, Chen R, Kan H. Flood exposure and pregnancy loss in 33 developing countries. Nat Commun 2024; 15:20. [PMID: 38167351 PMCID: PMC10761804 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44508-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Floods have affected billions worldwide. Yet, the indirect health impacts of floods on vulnerable groups, particularly women in the developing world, remain underexplored. Here, we evaluated the risk of pregnancy loss for women exposed to floods. We analyzed 90,465 individual pregnancy loss records from 33 developing countries, cross-referencing each with spatial-temporal flood databases. We found that gestational flood exposure is associated with increased pregnancy loss with an odds ratio of 1.08 (95% confidence interval: 1.04 - 1.11). This risk is pronounced for women outside the peak reproductive age range (<21 or >35) or during the mid and late-stage of pregnancy. The risk escalated for women dependent on surface water, with lower income or education levels. We estimated that, over the 2010s, gestational flood events might be responsible for approximately 107,888 (CIs: 53,944 - 148,345) excess pregnancy losses annually across 33 developing countries. Notably, there is a consistent upward trend in annual excess pregnancy losses from 2010 to 2020, and was more prominent over Central America, the Caribbean, South America, and South Asia. Our findings underscore the disparities in maternal and child health aggravated by flood events in an evolving climate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng He
- School of Public Health, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education, NHC Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, IRDR ICoE on Risk Interconnectivity and Governance on Weather/Climate Extremes Impact and Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Yixiang Zhu
- School of Public Health, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education, NHC Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, IRDR ICoE on Risk Interconnectivity and Governance on Weather/Climate Extremes Impact and Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Zhou
- School of Public Health, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education, NHC Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, IRDR ICoE on Risk Interconnectivity and Governance on Weather/Climate Extremes Impact and Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jovine Bachwenkizi
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Alexandra Schneider
- Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Renjie Chen
- School of Public Health, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education, NHC Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, IRDR ICoE on Risk Interconnectivity and Governance on Weather/Climate Extremes Impact and Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Haidong Kan
- School of Public Health, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education, NHC Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, IRDR ICoE on Risk Interconnectivity and Governance on Weather/Climate Extremes Impact and Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Center for Children's Health, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Abstract
Climate change is associated with global health emergencies. School-age children are particularly susceptible to the health effects associated with climate change. School nurses are uniquely positioned to address children's climate-associated illnesses. This article is the first in a series of articles that aims to inform existing knowledge gaps, raise awareness among school nurses, and equip school nurses with the skills they need to protect the health of school-age children. This series of articles will briefly discuss different aspects of the Impact of Climate Change on Human Health diagram, which was created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Oerther
- Assistant Professor, Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Vallée M. How Government Health Agencies Obscure the Impact of Environmental Pollution and Perpetuate Reductionist Framings of Disease: The Case of Leukemia. Int J Soc Determinants Health Health Serv 2024; 54:28-39. [PMID: 37099622 PMCID: PMC10797827 DOI: 10.1177/27551938231169119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
Since the 1970s, environmental health researchers have documented environmental pollution's impacts on human health, which includes the bioaccumulation of industrial chemicals and how these toxicants contribute to disease. However, the relationship between disease and pollution is often difficult to discern in the disease information provided by dominant institutions. Previous scholarship has identified that print media, television news, online medical publishers, and medical associations consistently obscure the environmental causation frame. However, less has been said about disease information provided by public health agencies. To address this gap, I analyzed the leukemia information provided by Cancer Australia, the United States' National Institutes of Health, and the United Kingdom's National Health Service. My analysis shows that the disease information offered by these health agencies also obscures the environmental causation frame by failing to identify most toxicants that environmental health researchers have linked to leukemia and by emphasizing a biomedical framing of the medical condition. Beyond documenting the problem, this article also discusses the social consequences and sources of the problem.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Vallée
- Senior Lecturer, Department of Sociology and Criminology, The University of Auckland, 58 Symonds Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Bramer LM, Dixon HM, Degnan DJ, Rohlman D, Herbstman JB, Anderson KA, Waters KM. Expanding the access of wearable silicone wristbands in community-engaged research through best practices in data analysis and integration. Pac Symp Biocomput 2024; 29:170-186. [PMID: 38160278 PMCID: PMC10766083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Wearable silicone wristbands are a rapidly growing exposure assessment technology that offer researchers the ability to study previously inaccessible cohorts and have the potential to provide a more comprehensive picture of chemical exposure within diverse communities. However, there are no established best practices for analyzing the data within a study or across multiple studies, thereby limiting impact and access of these data for larger meta-analyses. We utilize data from three studies, from over 600 wristbands worn by participants in New York City and Eugene, Oregon, to present a first-of-its-kind manuscript detailing wristband data properties. We further discuss and provide concrete examples of key areas and considerations in common statistical modeling methods where best practices must be established to enable meta-analyses and integration of data from multiple studies. Finally, we detail important and challenging aspects of machine learning, meta-analysis, and data integration that researchers will face in order to extend beyond the limited scope of individual studies focused on specific populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Bramer
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, 902 Battelle Blvd Richland, WA 99354, United States,
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Lichtwarck HO, Mbotwa CH, Kazaura MR, Moen K, Mmbaga EJ. Early disengagement from HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis services and associated factors among female sex workers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: a socioecological approach. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e013662. [PMID: 38154811 PMCID: PMC10759139 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-013662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective HIV prevention tool when taken as prescribed. However, suboptimal use may challenge its real-life impact. To support female sex workers in their efforts to prevent themselves from HIV, it is essential to identify factors that contribute to early disengagement from PrEP care. In this study, we aimed to estimate the risk of early disengagement from PrEP services among female sex workers in Tanzania and associated factors using a socioecological model as a guiding framework. METHODS The study was conducted as part of a pragmatic mHealth trial for PrEP roll-out in Dar es Salaam in 2021. We estimated the risk of early disengagement, defined as not presenting for the first follow-up visit (within 56 days of enrolment), and its associations with individual, social, behavioural and structural factors (age, self-perceived HIV risk, mental distress, harmful alcohol use, condom use, number of sex work clients, female sex worker stigma and mobility) using multivariable logistic regression models, with marginal standardisation to obtain adjusted relative risks (aRR). RESULTS Of the 470 female sex workers enrolled in the study, 340 (74.6%) did not attend the first follow-up visit (disengaged). Mental distress (aRR=1.14; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.27) was associated with increased risk of disengagement. Participants who reported a higher number of clients per month (10-29 partners: aRR=0.87; 95% CI 0.76 to 0.98 and ≥30 partners: aRR=0.80; 95% CI 0.68 to 0.91) and older participants (≥35 years) (RR=0.75; 95% CI 0.56 to 0.95) had a lower risk of disengagement. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Early disengagement with the PrEP programme was high. Mental distress, younger age and having fewer clients were risk factors for disengagement. We argue that PrEP programmes could benefit from including mental health screening and treatment, as well as directing attention to younger sex workers and those reporting fewer clients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanne Ochieng Lichtwarck
- Department of Community Medicine and Global Health, University of Oslo, Faculty of Medicine, Oslo, Norway
| | - Christopher Hariri Mbotwa
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- University of Dar es Salaam, Mbeya College of Health and Allied Sciences, Mbeya, Tanzania
| | | | - Kåre Moen
- Department of Community Medicine and Global Health, University of Oslo, Faculty of Medicine, Oslo, Norway
| | - Elia John Mmbaga
- Department of Community Medicine and Global Health, University of Oslo, Faculty of Medicine, Oslo, Norway
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Njoku A, Agbalenyo M, Laude J, Ajibola TF, Attah MA, Sarko SB. Environmental Injustice and Electronic Waste in Ghana: Challenges and Recommendations. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 21:25. [PMID: 38248490 PMCID: PMC10815197 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21010025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Electronic waste (e-waste) or discarded electronic devices that are unwanted, not working, or have reached their end of life pose significant threats to human and environmental health. This is a major concern in Africa, where the majority of e-waste is discarded. In the year 2021, an estimated 57.4 million metric tons of e-waste were generated worldwide. Globally, COVID-19 lockdowns have contributed to increased e-waste generation. Although Africa generates the least of this waste, the continent has been the dumping ground for e-waste from the developed world. The flow of hazardous waste from the prosperous 'Global North' to the impoverished 'Global South' is termed "toxic colonialism". Agbogbloshie, Ghana, an e-waste hub where about 39% of e-waste was treated, was listed among the top 10 most polluted places in the world. The discard of e-waste in Ghana presents an issue of environmental injustice, defined as the disproportionate exposure of communities of color and low-income communities to pollution, its associated health and environmental effects, and the unequal environmental protection provided through policies. Despite the economic benefits of e-waste, many civilians (low-income earners, settlers, children, and people with minimal education) are exposed to negative health effects due to poverty, lack of education, and weak regulations. We critically examine the existing literature to gather empirical information on e-waste and environmental injustice. Comprehensive policies and regulations are needed to manage e-waste locally and globally.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anuli Njoku
- Department of Public Health, College of Health and Human Services, Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT 06515, USA;
| | - Martin Agbalenyo
- Southwestern AHEC, Inc., 5 Research Drive, Shelton, CT 06484, USA;
| | - Janaya Laude
- Department of Public Health, College of Health and Human Services, Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT 06515, USA;
| | - Taiwo Folake Ajibola
- Department of Public Health Sciences, UConn School of Medicine, UConn Health, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030, USA;
| | - Mavis Asiwome Attah
- Department of Environmental Health and Sanitation, Akuapem North Municipal Assembly, Akropong-Akuapem P.O. Box 100, Ghana;
| | - Samuel Bruce Sarko
- Department of International Development, Presbyterian University, Akropong-Akuapem P.O. Box 393, Ghana;
| |
Collapse
|