Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Purpose of Review Evidence suggests neurotoxicity of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) during sensitive periods of development. We present an overview of pediatric population neuroimaging studies that examined brain influences of EDC exposure during prenatal period and childhood. Recent Findings We found 46 studies that used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to examine brain influences of EDCs. These studies showed associations of prenatal exposure to phthalates, organophosphate pesticides (OPs), polyaromatic hydrocarbons and persistent organic pollutants with global and regional brain structural alterations. Few studies suggested alteration in functional MRI associated with prenatal OP exposure. However, studies on other groups of EDCs, such as bisphenols, and those that examined childhood exposure were less conclusive. Summary These findings underscore the potential profound and lasting effects of prenatal EDC exposure on brain development, emphasizing the need for better regulation and strategies to reduce exposure and mitigate impacts. More studies are needed to examine the influence of postnatal exposure to EDC on brain imaging. PubDate: 2024-07-30 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-024-00457-4
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Purpose of Review Many synthetic endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are ubiquitous in the environment and highly detected among pregnant people. These chemicals may disrupt maternal and/or fetal sex steroid hormones, which are critical to pregnancy maintenance and fetal development. Here, we review the epidemiological literature examining prenatal exposure to common synthetic EDCs in relation to maternal and fetal sex steroid hormones. Recent Findings We performed a literature search using PubMed, SCOPUS, and Embase, ultimately identifying 29 articles for full review. Phenols, parabens, and persistent organic pollutants generally showed inverse associations with androgens, estrogens, and progesterone. Phthalates and per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances tended to be inversely associated with progesterone, while evidence regarding androgens and estrogens was mixed. Inconsistent, but noteworthy, differences by fetal sex and timing of exposure/outcome were observed. Summary Overall, the literature suggests EDCs may disrupt maternal and fetal sex steroid activity, though findings are mixed. Given the pervasive, high-volume production of these synthetic chemicals and the critical functions sex steroid hormones play during gestation, additional research is warranted. PubDate: 2024-07-22 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-024-00455-6
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Purpose of Review Environmental chemical exposures may disrupt child development, with long-lasting health impacts. To date, U.S. studies of early environmental exposures have been limited in size and diversity, hindering power and generalizability. With harmonized data from over 60,000 participants representing 69 pregnancy cohorts, the National Institutes of Health’s Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program is the largest study of U.S. children’s health. Here, we: (1) review ECHO-wide studies of chemical exposures and maternal-child health; and (2) outline opportunities for future research using ECHO data. Recent Findings As of early 2024, in addition to over 200 single-cohort (or award) papers on chemical exposures supported by ECHO, ten collaborative multi-cohort papers have been made possible by ECHO data harmonization and new data collection. Multi-cohort papers have examined prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), phthalates, phenols and parabens, organophosphate esters (OPEs), metals, melamine and aromatic amines, and emerging contaminants. They have primarily focused on describing patterns of maternal exposure or examining associations with maternal and infant outcomes; fewer studies have examined later child outcomes (e.g., autism) although follow up of enrolled ECHO children continues. The NICHD’s Data and Specimen Hub (DASH) database houses extensive ECHO data including over 470,000 chemical assay results and complementary data on priority outcome areas (pre, peri-, and postnatal, airway, obesity, neurodevelopment, and positive health), making it a rich resource for future analyses. Summary ECHO’s extensive data repository, including biomarkers of chemical exposures, can be used to advance our understanding of environmental influences on children’s health. Although few published studies have capitalized on these unique harmonized data to date, many analyses are underway with data now widely available. PubDate: 2024-07-10 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-024-00456-5
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Purpose Exposures to hazardous chemicals have been linked to many detrimental health effects and it is therefore critical to have effective biomonitoring methods to better evaluate key environmental exposures that increase the risk of chronic disease and death. Traditional biomonitoring utilizing blood and urine is limited due to the specialized skills and invasiveness of collecting these fluid samples. This systematic review focuses on tear fluid, which is largely under-researched, as a promising complementary matrix to the traditional fluids used for biomonitoring. The objective is to evaluate the practicability of using human tear fluid for biomonitoring environmental exposures, highlighting potential pitfalls and opportunities. Recent Finding Tear fluid biomonitoring represents a promising method for assessing exposures because it can be collected with minimal invasiveness and tears contain exposure markers from both the external and internal environments. Tear fluid uniquely interfaces with the external environment at the air-tear interface, providing a surface for airborne chemicals to diffuse into the ocular environment and interact with biomolecules. Tear fluid also contains molecules from the internal environment that have travelled from the blood to tears by crossing the blood-tear barrier. This review demonstrates that tear fluid can be used to identify hazardous chemicals from the external environment and differentiate exposure groups. PubDate: 2024-07-05 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-024-00454-7
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Purpose of Review Depression during the perinatal or antenatal period affects at least 1 in 10 women worldwide, with long term health implications for the mother and child. Concurrently, there is increasing evidence associating maternal exposure to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to adverse pregnancy outcomes. We reviewed the body of evidence examining both the associations between PFAS exposure and perturbations in the maternal metabolome, and the associations between the maternal metabolome and perinatal/antenatal depression. Through this, we sought to explore existing evidence of the perinatal metabolome as a potential mediation pathway linking PFAS exposure and perinatal/antenatal depression. Recent Findings There are few studies examining the metabolomics of PFAS exposure—specifically in pregnant women—and the metabolomics of perinatal/antenatal depression, let alone studies examining both simultaneously. Of the studies reviewed (N = 11), the majority were cross sectional, based outside of the US, and conducted on largely homogenous populations. Our review identified 23 metabolic pathways in the perinatal metabolome common to both PFAS exposure and perinatal/antenatal depression. Summary Future studies may consider findings from our review to conduct literature-derived hypothesis testing focusing on fatty acid metabolism, alanine metabolism, glutamate metabolism, and tyrosine metabolism when exploring the biochemical mechanisms conferring the risk of perinatal/antenatal depression due to PFAS exposure. We recommend that researchers also utilize heterogenous populations, longitudinal study designs, and mediation approaches to elucidate key pathways linking PFAS exposures to perinatal/antenatal depression. PubDate: 2024-06-19 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-024-00451-w
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Purpose of Review Numerous epidemiological studies have shown increased health risks among workers and residents living near nuclear power plants exposed to radiation levels meeting regulatory dose limits. This study aimed to evaluate the association between radiation exposure and disease risks among these populations exposed to radiation levels meeting the current regulatory dose limits. Recent Findings We searched four databases (Cochrane Library, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science) for studies published before August 2023, screened eligible studies (inclusion and exclusion criteria based on population, exposure, comparator, and outcome framework), and collected data on exposure indicators and disease risks. We applied random-effects models of meta-analysis to estimate the pooled effects and meta-regression to assess the dose-response relationship (radiation dose rate for workers and distance for residents). We identified 47 studies, 13 with worker and 34 with resident samples, covering 175 nuclear power plants from 17 countries, encompassing samples of 480,623 workers and 7,530,886 residents. Workers had a significantly lower risk for all-cancer and a significantly higher risk for mesothelioma. Residents had significantly higher risks for all-cancer, thyroid cancer, and leukemia. Notably, children under 5 years old showed the highest risk for all-cancer. Our meta-regression showed a significantly positive dose-response relationship between cumulative dose of radiation exposure and risk for circulatory disease among workers. Summary Our findings demonstrated higher risks for mesothelioma for workers and all-cancer, thyroid cancer, and leukemia for residents exposed to low-dose radiation from nuclear power plants. Some included studies did not adjust for cancer risk confounders, which could overestimate the association between radiation exposure and cancer risk and increase the risk of bias. PubDate: 2024-06-18 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-024-00453-8
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Purpose of the Review Wastewater is a term used to describe water that has undergone degradation in quality owing to anthropogenic activities or natural processes. Wastewater encompasses liquid waste originating from academic institutions, households, agricultural sector, industries, mines and hospitals. Hospital wastewater contains potentially hazardous substances including residues of pharmaceuticals, radioisotopes, detergents and pathogens, with detrimental impacts to the environment and human health. Nevertheless, studies related to hospital waste management are limited in Africa, particularly in Southern Africa. This research offers an overview of aspects surrounding hospital wastewater in Southern Africa, focusing on Zimbabwe. Already published and grey literature was reviewed to compile the paper. Recent Findings Number of patients, nature of medical services offered and hospital size influences generation of hospital wastewater. Partially and non-treated hospital wastewater is managed together with municipal wastewater. Management of hospital wastewater is impeded by shortage of resources, lack of co-ordination among responsible authorities and ineffective legal framework enforcement, among other challenges. Inappropriate hospital wastewater management results in environmental contamination, causing human ailments. Summary Attainment of sustainable hospital wastewater management requires clearly defined and enforced legislation, collaboration of accountable stakeholders, sufficient resources and enhanced awareness of involved stakeholders. Application of technologies that uphold recycling and reuse of wastewater is essential to reach Sustainable Development Goals, Zimbabwe Vision 2030 and National Development Strategy 1 targets, particularly those dealing with environmental protection while upholding human health. PubDate: 2024-06-07 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-024-00452-9
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Purpose of Review Through a systematic search of peer-reviewed epidemiologic studies, we reviewed the literature on the human health impacts of climate and ambient air pollution, focusing on recently published studies in China. Selected previous literature is discussed where relevant in tracing the origins. Recent Findings. Climate variables and air pollution have a complex interplay in affecting human health. The bulk of the literature we reviewed focuses on the air pollutants ozone and fine particulate matter and temperatures (including hot and cold extremes). The interaction between temperature and ozone presented substantial interaction, but evidence about the interactive effects of temperature with other air pollutants is inconsistent. Most included studies used a time-series design, usually with daily mean temperature and air pollutant concentration as independent variables. Still, more needs to be studied about the co-occurrence of climate and air pollution. The co-occurrence of extreme climate and air pollution events is likely to become an increasing health risk in China and many parts of the world as climate changes. Summary Climate change can interact with air pollution exposure to amplify risks to human health. Challenges and opportunities to assess the combined effect of climate variables and air pollution on human health are discussed in this review. Implications from epidemiological studies for implementing coordinated measures and policies for addressing climate change and air pollution will be critical areas of future work. PubDate: 2024-06-01 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-024-00432-z
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Purpose of Review Airway inflammation is a common biological response to many types of environmental exposures and can lead to increased nitric oxide (NO) concentrations in exhaled breath. In recent years, several studies have evaluated airway inflammation using fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) as a biomarker of exposures to a range of air pollutants. This systematic review aims to summarize the studies that collected personal-level air pollution data to assess the air pollution–induced FeNO responses and to determine if utilizing personal-level data resulted in an improved characterization of the relationship between air pollution exposures and FeNO compared to using only ambient air pollution exposure data. Recent Findings Thirty-six eligible studies were identified. Overall, the studies included in this review establish that an increase in personal exposure to particulate and gaseous air pollutants can significantly increase FeNO. Nine out of the 12 studies reported statistically significant FeNO increases with increasing personal PM2.5 exposures, and up to 11.5% increase in FeNO per IQR increase in exposure has also been reported between FeNO and exposure to gas-phase pollutants, such as ozone, NO2, and benzene. Furthermore, factors such as chronic respiratory diseases, allergies, and medication use were found to be effect modifiers for air pollution–induced FeNO responses. About half of the studies that compared the effect estimates using both personal and ambient air pollution exposure methods reported that only personal exposure yielded significant associations with FeNO response. Summary The evidence from the reviewed studies confirms that FeNO is a sensitive biomarker for air pollutant-induced airway inflammation. Personal air pollution exposure assessment is recommended to accurately assess the air pollution–induced FeNO responses. Furthermore, comprehensive adjustments for the potential confounding factors including the personal exposures of the co-pollutants, respiratory disease status, allergy status, and usage of medications for asthma and allergies are recommended while assessing the air pollution–induced FeNO responses. PubDate: 2024-06-01 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-024-00430-1
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Purpose of Review Air pollution has been a serious environmental and public health issue worldwide, particularly in Asian countries. There have been significant increases in epidemiological studies on fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone pollution in East Asia, and an in-depth review of epidemiological evidence is urgent. Thus, we carried out a systematic review of the epidemiological research on PM2.5 and ozone pollution in East Asia released in recent years. Recent Findings Recent studies have indicated that PM2.5 and ozone are the most detrimental air pollutants to human health, resulting in substantial disease burdens for Asian populations. Many epidemiological studies of PM2.5 and ozone have been mainly performed in three East Asian countries (China, Japan, and South Korea). Summary We derived the following summary findings: (1) both short-term and long-term exposure to PM2.5 and ozone could raise the risks of mortality and morbidity, emphasizing the need for continuing improvements in air quality in East Asia; (2) the long-term associations between PM2.5 and mortality in East Asia are comparable to those observed in Europe and North America, whereas the short-term associations are relatively smaller in magnitude; and (3) further cohort and intervention studies are required to yield robust and precise evidence that can promote evidence-based policymaking in East Asia. This updated review presented an outline of the health impacts of PM2.5 and ozone in East Asia, which may be beneficial for the development of future regulatory policies and standards, as well as for designing subsequent investigations. PubDate: 2024-06-01 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-024-00433-y
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Purpose of Review Exposure to many synthetic chemicals has been linked to a variety of adverse human health effects, including autoimmune diseases. In this scoping review, we summarize recent evidence detailing the effects of synthetic environmental chemicals on autoimmune diseases and highlight current research gaps and recommendations for future studies. Recent Findings We identified 68 recent publications related to environmental chemical exposures and autoimmune diseases. Most studies evaluated exposure to persistent environmental chemicals and autoimmune conditions including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc), and ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease. Results of recent original research studies were mixed, and available data for some exposure-outcome associations were particularly limited. PFAS and autoimmune inflammatory bowel diseases (UC and CD) and pesticides and RA appeared to be the most frequently studied exposure-outcome associations among recent publications, despite a historical research focus on solvents. Summary Recent studies have provided additional evidence for the associations of exposure to synthetic chemicals with certain autoimmune conditions. However, impacts on other autoimmune outcomes, particularly less prevalent conditions, remain unclear. Owing to the ubiquitous nature of many of these exposures and their potential impacts on autoimmune risk, additional studies are needed to better evaluate these relationships, particularly for understudied autoimmune conditions. Future research should include larger longitudinal studies and studies among more diverse populations to elucidate the temporal relationships between exposure-outcome pairs and to identify potential population subgroups that may be more adversely impacted by immune modulation caused by exposure to these chemicals. PubDate: 2024-04-24 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-024-00444-9
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Purpose of Review In this narrative review, we summarize the peer-reviewed literature published between 2017 and 2022 that evaluated ambient environmental risk factors for primary headache disorders, which affect more than half of the population globally. Primary headache disorders include migraine, tension-type headache (TTH), and trigeminal and autonomic cephalalgias (TAC). Recent findings We identified 17 articles that met the inclusion criteria via PubMed or Google Scholar. Seven studies (41%) relied on data from US populations. The remaining studies were conducted in China, Taiwan, Germany, Ghana, Japan, the Netherlands, South Korea, and Turkey. Air pollution was the most frequently assessed environmental risk factor. Most studies were cross-sectional and focused on all-cause or migraine headaches; one study included TTH, and none included TAC. Short-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) was not consistently associated with headache endpoints, but long-term exposure to PM2.5 was associated with migraine headache prevalence and severity across multiple studies. Elevated ambient temperature, changes in weather, oil and gas well exposure, and less natural greenspace, but not noise pollution, were also associated with headache. No studies considered water pollution, metal exposure, ultrafine particulate matter, or wildfire smoke exposure. Summary There is a need for ongoing research focused on headache and the environment. Study designs with the greatest explanatory power may include longitudinal studies that capture the episodic nature of headache and case-crossover analysis, which control for time-invariant individual-level confounders by design. There is also a clear need for research that considers comorbid psychiatric illness and socioeconomic position as powerful modifiers of the effect of the environment on headache. PubDate: 2024-04-20 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-024-00449-4
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Purpose of Review This review applies an environmental justice perspective to synthesize knowledge of flood-related health disparities across demographic groups in the USA. The primary aim is to examine differential impacts on physical and mental health outcomes while also assessing methodological considerations such as flood exposure metrics, baseline health metrics, and community engagement. Recent Findings In our review (n = 27), 65% and 72% of studies identified racial, ethnic, or socio-economic disparities in physical and mental health outcomes post-flooding, respectively. The majority of racial/ethnic disparities were based on Black race, while most socio-economic disparities were based on lower household income. Forty-two percent of studies lacked flood exposure metrics, but often identified disparities. Common flood exposure metrics included self-reported flooding, flood risk models, and satellite-based observations. Seventy percent of studies lacked baseline health measurements or suitable alternatives, and only 19% incorporated community engagement into their research design. Summary The literature consistently finds that both physical and mental health burdens following flooding are unequally shared across racial, ethnic, and socio-economic groups. These findings emphasize the need for disaster risk reduction policies that address underlying vulnerabilities to flooding, unequal exposure to flooding, and progressive funding for recovery efforts. Findings also underscore the importance of methodological enhancements to facilitate precise assessments of flood exposure and health outcomes. PubDate: 2024-04-12 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-024-00446-7
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Purpose of Review To describe the role of health equity in the context of carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS) technologies. Recent Findings CCUS technologies have the potential to both improve and worsen health equity. They could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, a major contributor to climate change, but they could also have negative health impacts like air and noise pollution. More research is needed to fully understand the health equity implications of CCUS technologies. Summary CCUS technologies have both health equity risks and benefits. Implementing misguided CCUS projects in vulnerable communities could exacerbate environmental injustice and health disparities and have the potential to increase carbon emissions. However, well-conceived projects could benefit communities through economic development. Governments, industry, and society should prioritize and expedite the reduction of CO2 emissions before considering carbon reductions via CCUS. Furthermore, CCUS projects must be thoroughly evaluated and should only proceed if they have demonstrated a net reduction in CO2 emissions and provide more benefits than risks to local communities. This underscores the importance of prioritizing health equity in the planning of CCUS projects. PubDate: 2024-04-11 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-024-00447-6
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Purpose of Review We summarize the recent literature investigating exposure to four nonchemical stressors (financial stress, racism, psychosocial stress, and trauma) and DNA methylation, miRNA expression, and mRNA expression. We also highlight the relationships between these epigenetic changes and six critical perinatal outcomes (preterm birth, low birth weight, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, childhood allergic disease, and childhood neurocognition). Recent Findings Multiple studies have found financial stress, psychosocial stress, and trauma to be associated with DNA methylation and/or miRNA and mRNA expression. Fewer studies have investigated the effects of racism. The majority of studies assessed epigenetic or genomic changes in maternal blood, cord blood, or placenta. Several studies included multi-OMIC assessments in which DNA methylation and/or miRNA expression were associated with gene expression. There is strong evidence for the role of epigenetics in driving the health outcomes considered. A total of 22 biomarkers, including numerous HPA axis genes, were identified to be epigenetically altered by both stressors and outcomes. Epigenetic changes related to inflammation, the immune and endocrine systems, and cell growth and survival were highlighted across numerous studies. Summary Maternal exposure to nonchemical stressors is associated with epigenetic and/or genomic changes in a tissue-specific manner among inflammatory, immune, endocrine, and cell growth-related pathways, which may act as mediating pathways to perinatal health outcomes. Future research can test the mediating role of the specific biomarkers identified as linked with both stressors and outcomes. Understanding underlying epigenetic mechanisms altered by nonchemical stressors can provide a better understanding of how chemical and nonchemical exposures interact. PubDate: 2024-04-06 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-024-00435-w
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Purpose of Review Drought is one of the most far-reaching natural disasters, yet drought and health research is sparse. This may be attributed to the challenge of quantifying drought exposure, something complicated by multiple drought indices without any designed for health research. The purpose of this general review is to evaluate current drought and health literature and highlight challenges or scientific considerations when performing drought exposure and health assessments. Recent Findings The literature revealed a small, but growing, number of drought and health studies primarily emphasizing Australian, western European, and US populations. The selection of drought indices and definitions of drought are inconsistent. Rural and agricultural populations have been identified as vulnerable cohorts, particularly for mental health outcomes. Summary Using relevant examples, we discuss the importance of characterizing drought and explore why health outcomes, populations of interest, and compound environmental hazards are crucial considerations for drought and health assessments. As climate and health research is prioritized, we propose guidance for investigators performing drought-focused analyses. PubDate: 2024-04-03 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-024-00440-z
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Purpose of Review This review provides insights into resolving intergenerational issues related to the disposal of waste containing high amounts of uranium (uranium waste), from which distant future generations will have higher health risks than the current generation. Recent Findings Uranium (half-life: 4.5 billion years) produces various progeny radionuclides through radioactive decay over the long term, and its radioactivity, as the sum of its contributions, continues to increase for more than 100,000 years. In contrast to high-level radioactive wastes, protective measures, such as attenuation of radiation and confinement of radionuclides from the disposal facility, cannot work effectively for uranium waste. Thus, additional considerations from the perspective of intergenerational ethics are needed in the strategy for uranium waste disposal. Summary The current generation, which has benefited from the use and disposal of uranium waste, is responsible for protecting future generations from the potential risk of buried uranium beyond the lifetime of a disposal facility. Fulfilling this responsibility means making more creative efforts to convey critical information on buried materials to the distant future to ensure that future generations can properly take measures to reduce the harm by themselves in response to changing circumstances including people’s values. PubDate: 2024-03-28 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-024-00442-x
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Purpose of Review Almost 3 billion people worldwide use solid fuel for cooking and heating. This review examines (i) household energy practices and infrastructures and their influence on fuel usage in different contexts; (ii) barriers in adoption of household clean energy technologies and uses in diverse settings and population groups and (iii) potential air pollution exposure reduction in homes through using processed fuel. Recent Findings Population health burden from solid fuel combustion-derived particulate air pollution has been estimated in several low- and middle-income countries. However, such studies have not been carried out in high income countries (e.g., UK). Irrespective of the region, fuel prices are the most dominant factor influencing the choice of fuel. Laboratory studies suggest processed fuel — pellets and briquettes — reduce particulate matter emissions by 70–80% and can be a promising alternative. Summary Adoption of clean fuels for domestic energy needs facilitates progress towards five of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). There is evidence that a variety of factors, including cost savings, encourage and hinder such uptake. These factors include price fluctuations, expenses, and the usage of clean fuels. Due to their distinct development scenarios, more expansive policy frameworks, and political economies of energy, these determinants are localized in character and differ significantly amongst economies. Therefore, in order to create innovative plans for the adoption of clean fuel use, strategies centred on local settings must be developed while keeping broad socio-technical and socio-economic issues in mind. Solid fuel processing — pelletization and briquetting — have the potential to reach Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)–like emissions, and could be a potential strategy to mitigate exposure to household air pollution PubDate: 2024-03-12 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-024-00438-7
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Purpose of Review Inhalation of airborne pollutants in the natural and built environment is ubiquitous; yet, exposures are different across a lifespan and unique to individuals. Here, we reviewed the connections between mental health outcomes from airborne pollutant exposures, the biological inflammatory mechanisms, and provide future directions for researchers and policy makers. The current state of knowledge is discussed on associations between mental health outcomes and Clean Air Act criteria pollutants, traffic-related air pollutants, pesticides, heavy metals, jet fuel, and burn pits. Recent Findings Although associations between airborne pollutants and negative physical health outcomes have been a topic of previous investigations, work highlighting associations between exposures and psychological health is only starting to emerge. Research on criteria pollutants and mental health outcomes has the most robust results to date, followed by traffic-related air pollutants, and then pesticides. In contrast, scarce mental health research has been conducted on exposure to heavy metals, jet fuel, and burn pits. Specific cohorts of individuals, such as United States military members and in-turn, Veterans, often have unique histories of exposures, including service-related exposures to aircraft (e.g. jet fuels) and burn pits. Research focused on Veterans and other individuals with an increased likelihood of exposure and higher vulnerability to negative mental health outcomes is needed. Summary Future research will facilitate knowledge aimed at both prevention and intervention to improve physical and mental health among military personnel, Veterans, and other at-risk individuals. PubDate: 2024-03-08 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-024-00437-8
Hybrid journal (It can contain Open Access articles)
[2468 journals]
