1
|
Perry TT, Grant TL, Dantzer JA, Udemgba C, Jefferson AA. Impact of socioeconomic factors on allergic diseases. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2024; 153:368-377. [PMID: 37967769 PMCID: PMC10922531 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2023.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Allergic and immunologic conditions, including asthma, food allergy, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis, are among the most common chronic conditions in children and adolescents that often last into adulthood. Although rare, inborn errors of immunity are life-altering and potentially fatal if unrecognized or untreated. Thus, allergic and immunologic conditions are both medical and public health issues that are profoundly affected by socioeconomic factors. Recently, studies have highlighted societal issues to evaluate factors at multiple levels that contribute to health inequities and the potential steps toward closing those gaps. Socioeconomic disparities can influence all aspects of care, including health care access and quality, diagnosis, management, education, and disease prevalence and outcomes. Ongoing research, engagement, and deliberate investment of resources by relevant stakeholders and advocacy approaches are needed to identify and address the impact of socioeconomics on health care disparities and outcomes among patients with allergic and immunologic diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamara T Perry
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Ark; Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, Ark.
| | - Torie L Grant
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md
| | | | - Chioma Udemgba
- National Institute of Allergic and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md
| | - Akilah A Jefferson
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Ark; Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, Ark
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Stieb DM, Smith‐Doiron M, Quick M, Christidis T, Xi G, Miles RM, van Donkelaar A, Martin RV, Hystad P, Tjepkema M. Inequality in the Distribution of Air Pollution Attributable Mortality Within Canadian Cities. Geohealth 2023; 7:e2023GH000816. [PMID: 37654974 PMCID: PMC10465848 DOI: 10.1029/2023gh000816] [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: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have identified inequality in the distribution of air pollution attributable health impacts, but to our knowledge this has not been examined in Canadian cities. We evaluated the extent and sources of inequality in air pollution attributable mortality at the census tract (CT) level in seven of Canada's largest cities. We first regressed fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) attributable mortality against the neighborhood (CT) level prevalence of age 65 and older, low income, low educational attainment, and identification as an Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) or Black person, accounting for spatial autocorrelation. We next examined the distribution of baseline mortality rates, PM2.5 and NO2 concentrations, and attributable mortality by neighborhood (CT) level prevalence of these characteristics, calculating the concentration index, Atkinson index, and Gini coefficient. Finally, we conducted a counterfactual analysis of the impact of reducing baseline mortality rates and air pollution concentrations on inequality in air pollution attributable mortality. Regression results indicated that CTs with a higher prevalence of low income and Indigenous identity had significantly higher air pollution attributable mortality. Concentration index, Atkinson index, and Gini coefficient values revealed different degrees of inequality among the cities. Counterfactual analysis indicated that inequality in air pollution attributable mortality tended to be driven more by baseline mortality inequalities than exposure inequalities. Reducing inequality in air pollution attributable mortality requires reducing disparities in both baseline mortality and air pollution exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David M. Stieb
- Environmental Health Science and Research BureauHealth CanadaVancouverBCCanada
- Environmental Health Science and Research BureauHealth CanadaOttawaONCanada
- School of Epidemiology and Public HealthUniversity of OttawaOttawaONCanada
| | - Marc Smith‐Doiron
- Environmental Health Science and Research BureauHealth CanadaOttawaONCanada
| | - Matthew Quick
- Health Analysis DivisionStatistics CanadaOttawaONCanada
| | | | - Guoliang Xi
- Environmental Health Science and Research BureauHealth CanadaOttawaONCanada
| | - Rosalin M. Miles
- Faculty of EducationIndigenous Health & Physical Activity ProgramUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada
- Physical Activity and Chronic Disease Prevention UnitFaculty of EducationUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada
- Indigenous Physical Activity and Cultural CircleVancouverBCCanada
| | - Aaron van Donkelaar
- Department of EnergyEnvironmental & Chemical EngineeringWashington UniversitySt. LouisMOUSA
| | - Randall V. Martin
- Department of EnergyEnvironmental & Chemical EngineeringWashington UniversitySt. LouisMOUSA
| | - Perry Hystad
- College of Public Health and Human SciencesOregon State UniversityCorvallisORUSA
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ataria JM, Murphy M, McGregor D, Chiblow S, Moggridge BJ, Hikuroa DCH, Tremblay LA, Öberg G, Baker V, Brooks BW. Orienting the Sustainable Management of Chemicals and Waste toward Indigenous Knowledge. Environ Sci Technol 2023; 57:10901-10903. [PMID: 37459445 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c04600] [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: 08/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Michelle Murphy
- Technoscience Research Unit, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1C6, Canada
| | - Deborah McGregor
- Osgoode Hall Law School, York University, York, Ontario M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Susan Chiblow
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Bradley J Moggridge
- Centre for Applied Water Science, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT 2617, Australia
| | - Daniel C H Hikuroa
- Te Ao Ma̅rama - Centre for Fundamental Inquiry, Ma̅ori Studies, Te Wa̅nanga o Waipapa, in the Faculty of Arts, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, Aotearoa, New Zealand
| | - Louis A Tremblay
- Cawthron Institute, Nelson 7010, Aotearoa, New Zealand
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, Aotearoa, New Zealand
| | - Gunilla Öberg
- The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Virginia Baker
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited (ESR), Wellington 5022, Aotearoa, New Zealand
| | - Bryan W Brooks
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, Texas 76798, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Jenson TE, Bakulski KM, Wesp L, Dookeran K, Driscoll I, Kalkbrenner AE. Racialized experience, biomarkers of lead exposure, and later-life cognition: a mediation analysis. medRxiv 2023:2023.04.22.23288920. [PMID: 37163072 PMCID: PMC10168513 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.22.23288920] [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: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
We evaluated the role of the neurotoxicant lead (Pb) in mediating racial disparities in later-life cognition in 1,085 non-Hispanic Black and 2,839 non-Hispanic white participants in NHANES (1999-2002, 2011-2014) 60+ years of age. We operationalized Black race as a marker for the experience of racialization and exposure to systemic racism. We estimated patella bone Pb via predictive models using blood Pb and demographics. Concurrent cognition (processing speed, sustained attention, working memory) was measured by the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) and a global measure combining four cognitive tests. To obtain the portion mediated, we used regression coefficients (race on Pb * Pb on cognitive score)/(race on cognitive score), adjusting for age, NHANES cycle, and sample weights. Other confounder adjustment (education, poverty income ratio, smoking) was limited to the mediator-outcome (i.e., Pb-cognition) pathway because these factors do not lie upstream of race and so cannot confound associations with race. Pb was estimated to mediate 0.6% of the association between race and global cognition, and 4% of the DSST. Our results suggest that later-life cognitive health disparities may be impacted by avoidable lead exposure driven by environmental injustice, noting that a large proportion of the pathway of systemic racism harming cognition remains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tara E. Jenson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Zilber School of Public Health, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Kelly M. Bakulski
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Linda Wesp
- College of Nursing, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Keith Dookeran
- Department of Epidemiology, Zilber School of Public Health, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Ira Driscoll
- Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Amy E. Kalkbrenner
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Zilber School of Public Health, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sweeney C, Lazennec G, Vogel CFA. Environmental exposure and the role of AhR in the tumor microenvironment of breast cancer. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1095289. [PMID: 36588678 PMCID: PMC9797527 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1095289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) through environmental exposure to chemicals including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) can lead to severe adverse health effects and increase the risk of breast cancer. This review considers several mechanisms which link the tumor promoting effects of environmental pollutants with the AhR signaling pathway, contributing to the development and progression of breast cancer. We explore AhR's function in shaping the tumor microenvironment, modifying immune tolerance, and regulating cancer stemness, driving breast cancer chemoresistance and metastasis. The complexity of AhR, with evidence for both oncogenic and tumor suppressor roles is discussed. We propose that AhR functions as a "molecular bridge", linking disproportionate toxin exposure and policies which underlie environmental injustice with tumor cell behaviors which drive poor patient outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Colleen Sweeney
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Gwendal Lazennec
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, SYS2DIAG-ALCEN, Cap Delta, Montpellier, France
| | - Christoph F. A. Vogel
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mancus GC, Cimino AN, Hasan MZ, Campbell JC, Sharps P, Winch PJ, Tsuyuki K, Stockman JK. Greenness and the Potential Resilience to Sexual Violence: "Your Neighborhood Is Being Neglected Because People Don't Care. People With Power Don't Care". J Interpers Violence 2022; 37:NP17344-NP17368. [PMID: 34210177 DOI: 10.1177/08862605211028009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that green space in communities reduces the risk of aggression and violence, and increases wellbeing. Positive associations between green space and resilience have been found among children, older adults and university students in the United States, China and Bulgaria. Little is known about these associations among predominately Black communities with structural disadvantage. This study explored the potential community resilience in predominately Black neighborhoods with elevated violent crime and different amounts of green space. This embedded mixed-methods study started with quantitative analysis of women who self-identified as "Black and/or African American." We found inequality in environments, including the amount of green space, traffic density, vacant property, and violent crime. This led to 10 indepth interviews representing communities with elevated crime and different amounts of green space. Emergent coding of the first 3 interviews, a subset of the 98 in the quantitative analysis, led to a priori coding of barriers and facilitators to potential green space supported community resilience applied to the final 7 interview data. Barriers were a combination of the physical and social environment, including traffic patterns, vacant property, and crime. Facilitators included subjective qualities of green space. Green spaces drew people in through community building and promoting feelings of calmness. The transformation of vacant lots into green spaces by community members affords space for people to come together and build community. Green spaces, a modifiable factor, may serve to increase community resilience and decrease the risk of violence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Md Zabir Hasan
- The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, BC, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Stieb DM. Strengthening the epidemiological evidence linking air pollution and COVID-19. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2022; 205:605-606. [PMID: 35100515 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202112-2813ed] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- David M Stieb
- Health Canada, Vancouver, Ontario, Canada.,University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, 12365, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada;
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tyree TL. Environmental injustice: Fracking. Public Health Nurs 2021; 38:1015-1018. [PMID: 34355436 DOI: 10.1111/phn.12952] [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: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Individuals have rights not only to health care but also to a safe environment including clean water sources and ambient air. These rights should be protected regardless of demographic variables. Unfortunately, there are injustices that infringe upon these human rights including the hydraulic fracturing of shale rock or "fracking." Fracking is a technique that is used to release trapped oil and gas from shale to be used as an energy source. Fracking has been shown to contaminate surrounding air and water sources. Fracking wells are disproportionately located in areas of poverty and minority. While areas of fracking can temporarily boost the local economy, there are risks to the environment and the community. Systems need to be in place to protect the affected communities. The vulnerable and poor populations need to be protected and should have input into the location of these fracking wells. In addition, nurses need to be knowledgeable of this type of environmental injustice, be active politically, and advocate for the rights of the affected populations. Nurses have a responsibility to educate ourselves, stay abreast of current affairs and policies regarding fracking, and educate patients on the health risks of fracking so that we as a group and our patients can advocate for environment justice for vulnerable populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tammy L Tyree
- Banner - University Medical Center Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mathiarasan S, Hüls A. Impact of Environmental Injustice on Children's Health-Interaction between Air Pollution and Socioeconomic Status. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:ijerph18020795. [PMID: 33477762 PMCID: PMC7832299 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18020795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution disproportionately affects marginalized populations of lower socioeconomic status. There is little literature on how socioeconomic status affects the risk of exposure to air pollution and associated health outcomes, particularly for children’s health. The objective of this article was to review the existing literature on air pollution and children’s health and discern how socioeconomic status affects this association. The concept of environmental injustice recognizes how underserved communities often suffer from higher air pollution concentrations in addition to other underlying risk factors for impaired health. This exposure then exerts larger effects on their health than it does in the average population, affecting the whole body, including the lungs and the brain. Children, whose organs and mind are still developing and who do not have the means of protecting themselves or creating change, are the most vulnerable to the detrimental effects of air pollution and environmental injustice. The adverse health effects of air pollution and environmental injustice can harm children well into adulthood and may even have transgenerational effects. There is an urgent need for action in order to ensure the health and safety of future generations, as social disparities are continuously increasing, due to social discrimination and climate change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sahana Mathiarasan
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
| | - Anke Hüls
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Affiliation(s)
- Ziyad Al-Aly
- Clinical Epidemiology Center, Research and Development Service, Saint Louis, Missouri; .,Veterans Research & Education Foundation of St. Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri.,Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri.,Nephrology Section, Medicine Service, Veterans Affairs Saint Louis Health Care System, Saint Louis, Missouri.,Institute for Public Health, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri; and
| | - Benjamin Bowe
- Clinical Epidemiology Center, Research and Development Service, Saint Louis, Missouri.,Veterans Research & Education Foundation of St. Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Flanagan E, Stroh E, Oudin A, Malmqvist E. Connecting Air Pollution Exposure to Socioeconomic Status: A Cross-Sectional Study on Environmental Injustice among Pregnant Women in Scania, Sweden. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2019; 16:E5116. [PMID: 31847380 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16245116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Environmental injustice, characterized by lower socioeconomic status (SES) persons being subjected to higher air pollution concentrations, was explored among pregnant women in Scania, Sweden. Understanding if the general reduction of air pollution recorded is enjoyed by all SES groups could illuminate existing inequalities and inform policy development. "Maternal Air Pollution in Southern Sweden", an epidemiological database, contains data for 48,777 pregnancies in Scanian hospital catchment areas and includes births from 1999-2009. SES predictors considered included education level, household disposable income, and birth country. A Gaussian dispersion model was used to model women's average NOX and PM2.5 exposure at home residence over the pregnancy period. Total concentrations were dichotomized into emission levels below/above respective Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Clean Air objectives. The data were analyzed using binary logistic regression. A sensitivity analysis facilitated the investigation of associations' variation over time. Lower-SES women born outside Sweden were disproportionately exposed to higher pollutant concentrations. Odds of exposure to NOX above Swedish EPA objectives reduced over time, especially for low-SES persons. Environmental injustice exists in Scania, but it lessened with declining overall air pollution levels, implying that continued air quality improvement could help protect vulnerable populations and further reduce environmental inequalities.
Collapse
|
12
|
Grineski SE, W. Collins T, Rubio R. Distributional Environmental Injustices for a Minority Group without Minority Status: Arab Americans and Residential Exposure to Carcinogenic Air Pollution in the US. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2019; 16:ijerph16244899. [PMID: 31817268 PMCID: PMC6950280 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16244899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Distributional environmental injustices in residential exposure to air pollution in Arab American enclaves have not been examined. We conducted our investigation at the census tract-level across the continental United States using a set of socio-demographic variables to predict cancer risk from hazardous air pollutant (HAP) exposure. Arab enclaves had a mean cancer risk score of 44.08, as compared to 40.02 in non-enclave tracts. In terms of the specific origin groups, Moroccan enclaves had the highest cancer risk score (46.93), followed by Egyptian (45.33), Iraqi (43.13), Jordanian (41.67), and Lebanese (40.65). In generalized estimating equations controlling for geographic clustering and other covariates, Arab enclaves had significantly higher cancer risks due to HAPs (p < 0.001) than non-enclaves. When looking at specific ethnic origins, Iraqi, Palestinian, and Lebanese enclaves had significantly higher cancer risks due to HAPs (all p < 0.01) than non-enclaves. Results reveal significant environmental injustices for Arab American enclaves that should be examined in future studies. Results suggest that environmental injustice may be another way in which Arab Americans are disadvantaged as a racialized minority group without minority status.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara E. Grineski
- Department of Sociology/Environmental and Sustainability Studies, University of Utah, 480 S 1530 E, Room 0310, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +801-581-6153
| | - Timothy W. Collins
- Department of Geography/Environmental and Sustainability Studies, University of Utah, 332 1400 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA;
| | - Ricardo Rubio
- Department of Sociology/Environmental and Sustainability Studies, University of Utah, 480 S 1530 E, Room 0310, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Kordas K, Ravenscroft J, Cao Y, McLean EV. Lead Exposure in Low and Middle-Income Countries: Perspectives and Lessons on Patterns, Injustices, Economics, and Politics. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2018; 15:E2351. [PMID: 30356019 PMCID: PMC6266944 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15112351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Lead exposure is a legacy issue that continues to affect vulnerable population groups globally, but particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMICS). We take a multi-disciplinary approach to examine the patterns of lead exposure in these countries, discuss the underlying injustices and socio-political causes, and the economic costs that are associated with exposure. We conclude with some lessons we drew from our discussion of lead across the disciplines and advocate for a number of approaches to solving this ongoing issue. These include (i) biomonitoring that could be integrated into existing health surveys or public health programs targeting young children; (ii) greater civic engagement to push for solutions; and, (iii) environmental control policies that represent a continuum of local, context-specific to broad, national-level, and even global approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Kordas
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA.
| | - Julia Ravenscroft
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA.
| | - Ying Cao
- Division of Health Services Policy and Practice, Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA.
| | - Elena V McLean
- Department of Political Science, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
Claims of environmental injustice, human neglect, and racism dominated the popular and academic literature after Hurricane Katrina struck the United States in August 2005. A systematic analysis of environmental injustice from the perspective of the survivors remains scanty or nonexistent. This paper presents, therefore, a systematic empirical analysis of the key determinants of Katrina-induced environmental injustice attitudes among survivors in severely affected parishes (counties) in Louisiana and Mississippi three years into the recovery process. Statistical models based on a random sample of survivors were estimated, with the results revealing significant predictors such as age, children in household under 18, education, homeownership, and race. The results further indicate that African-Americans were more likely to perceive environmental injustice following Katrina than their white counterparts. Indeed, the investigation reveals that there are substantial racial gaps in measures of environmental injustice. The theoretical, methodological, and applied policy implications of these findings are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francis O Adeola
- Professor, Department of Sociology, University of New Orleans, United States
| | - J Steven Picou
- Professor of Sociology, Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work, and Director, Coastal Resource and Resiliency Center, University of South Alabama, United States
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Altamimi E, Al Nsour R, Al Dalaen D, Almajali N. Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Breastfeeding Among Working Mothers in South Jordan. Workplace Health Saf 2016; 65:210-218. [PMID: 27794075 DOI: 10.1177/2165079916665395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Breast milk is the ideal food for human infants, with benefits to mothers and babies. However, working mothers are more likely to choose not to breastfeed or to interrupt breastfeeding prematurely. This study assessed breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes among working mothers in South Jordan. Four hundred cross-sectional, self-administered Arabic surveys were distributed to working mothers at their workplaces. In addition to measuring mothers' knowledge of and attitudes toward breastfeeding, barriers that prevented continuing breastfeeding beyond 6 months were also explored. Three hundred forty-four (80%) completed questionnaires were returned. The breastfeeding initiation rate was 72.4%, but only 20.9% were exclusively breastfeeding by 6 months. The participants showed satisfactory knowledge about breastfeeding and had positive attitudes toward breastfeeding. Most of the women who initiated breastfeeding reported ending breastfeeding prematurely. Approximately 30% of the mothers attributed premature cessation of breastfeeding to work. The results of this study could be useful for health care providers and policy makers when planning effective breastfeeding promotion programs and creating breastfeeding-friendly workplaces.
Collapse
|
16
|
Varga C, Ember I, Murányi E, Kiss I. Historical public health in central europe with special reference to hungary. Long-term environmental effects of a historical cataclysm. J Public Health Res 2012; 1:45-50. [PMID: 25170445 PMCID: PMC4140308 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2012.e9] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2011] [Accepted: 01/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hungary, in the centre of Carpathian basin grapples with numerous challenges in order to improve catastrophic indices of environmental conditions of the country, as well as the state of health of the population. Some of these problems are subjects of financial and health policy, and can be solved internally. The remaining environmental problems can only be remedied by cooperation with neighbouring younger countries. This vitally important cooperation is hampered by severe historical conflicts burdening even the present political affiliations. The authors give a short introduction and explanation of the recent sensitive situation in this central European region, as a late consequence of an historical cataclysm happened more than nine decades ago.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Csaba Varga
- Institute of Public Health Madicine, University of Pécs , Hungry
| | - István Ember
- Institute of Public Health Madicine, University of Pécs , Hungry
| | - Edit Murányi
- Institute of Public Health Madicine, University of Pécs , Hungry
| | - István Kiss
- Institute of Public Health Madicine, University of Pécs , Hungry
| |
Collapse
|