Pub Date : 2024-06-01Epub Date: 2024-03-25DOI: 10.1007/s40572-024-00441-y
Abigail P Bline, Jamie C DeWitt, Carol F Kwiatkowski, Katherine E Pelch, Anna Reade, Julia R Varshavsky
Purpose of review: The discovery of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment and humans worldwide has ignited scientific research, government inquiry, and public concern over numerous adverse health effects associated with PFAS exposure. In this review, we discuss the use of PFAS immunotoxicity data in regulatory and clinical decision-making contexts and question whether recent efforts adequately account for PFAS immunotoxicity in public health decision-making.
Recent findings: Government and academic reviews confirm the strongest human evidence for PFAS immunotoxicity is reduced antibody production in response to vaccinations, particularly for tetanus and diphtheria. However, recent events, such as the economic analysis supporting the proposed national primary drinking water regulations and clinical monitoring recommendations, indicate a failure to adequately incorporate these data into regulatory and clinical decisions. To be more protective of public health, we recommend using all relevant immunotoxicity data to inform current and future PFAS-related chemical risk assessment and regulation. Biological measures of immune system effects, such as reduced antibody levels in response to vaccination, should be used as valid and informative markers of health outcomes and risks associated with PFAS exposure. Routine toxicity testing should be expanded to include immunotoxicity evaluations in adult and developing organisms. In addition, clinical recommendations for PFAS-exposed individuals and communities should be revisited and strengthened to provide guidance on incorporating immune system monitoring and other actions that can be taken to protect against adverse health outcomes.
{"title":"Public Health Risks of PFAS-Related Immunotoxicity Are Real.","authors":"Abigail P Bline, Jamie C DeWitt, Carol F Kwiatkowski, Katherine E Pelch, Anna Reade, Julia R Varshavsky","doi":"10.1007/s40572-024-00441-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40572-024-00441-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>The discovery of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment and humans worldwide has ignited scientific research, government inquiry, and public concern over numerous adverse health effects associated with PFAS exposure. In this review, we discuss the use of PFAS immunotoxicity data in regulatory and clinical decision-making contexts and question whether recent efforts adequately account for PFAS immunotoxicity in public health decision-making.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Government and academic reviews confirm the strongest human evidence for PFAS immunotoxicity is reduced antibody production in response to vaccinations, particularly for tetanus and diphtheria. However, recent events, such as the economic analysis supporting the proposed national primary drinking water regulations and clinical monitoring recommendations, indicate a failure to adequately incorporate these data into regulatory and clinical decisions. To be more protective of public health, we recommend using all relevant immunotoxicity data to inform current and future PFAS-related chemical risk assessment and regulation. Biological measures of immune system effects, such as reduced antibody levels in response to vaccination, should be used as valid and informative markers of health outcomes and risks associated with PFAS exposure. Routine toxicity testing should be expanded to include immunotoxicity evaluations in adult and developing organisms. In addition, clinical recommendations for PFAS-exposed individuals and communities should be revisited and strengthened to provide guidance on incorporating immune system monitoring and other actions that can be taken to protect against adverse health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":10775,"journal":{"name":"Current Environmental Health Reports","volume":" ","pages":"118-127"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11081924/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140287091","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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. 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.
{"title":"Consideration on the Intergenerational Ethics on Uranium Waste Disposal.","authors":"Hiroshi Yasuda, Hiromichi Fumoto, Tatsuo Saito, Shin-Etsu Sugawara, Shoji Tsuchida","doi":"10.1007/s40572-024-00442-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40572-024-00442-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>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.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>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. 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.</p>","PeriodicalId":10775,"journal":{"name":"Current Environmental Health Reports","volume":" ","pages":"318-328"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11082028/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140305144","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-06-01Epub Date: 2024-03-08DOI: 10.1007/s40572-024-00437-8
Andrew J Hoisington, Kelly A Stearns-Yoder, Elizabeth J Kovacs, Teodor T Postolache, Lisa A Brenner
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. 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.
{"title":"Airborne Exposure to Pollutants and Mental Health: A Review with Implications for United States Veterans.","authors":"Andrew J Hoisington, Kelly A Stearns-Yoder, Elizabeth J Kovacs, Teodor T Postolache, Lisa A Brenner","doi":"10.1007/s40572-024-00437-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40572-024-00437-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>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.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>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. 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.</p>","PeriodicalId":10775,"journal":{"name":"Current Environmental Health Reports","volume":" ","pages":"168-183"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140058891","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-03-01Epub Date: 2024-01-13DOI: 10.1007/s40572-023-00425-4
Kathryn A Crawford, Nicola Hartmann
Purpose: Waxes containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are applied to the base of skis and snowboards ("skis") to reduce friction with the snow surface and improve glide. PFAS exposure can adversely impact cardiometabolic, thyroid, liver, kidney, reproductive, and immune health and are associated with increased risk of certain cancers. In the present review, we summarize the state of the science on PFAS exposure from fluorinated ski wax use, including acute respiratory health effects and PFAS concentrations in biological and environmental media collected from ski waxing settings.
Recent findings: Perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acid (PFCA) concentrations in serum and air collected from professional wax technicians and the rooms where waxes are applied are among the highest of any occupation investigated to date, including the fluorochemical industry. High airborne concentrations of fluorotelomer alcohols contribute to high body burdens of certain PFCAs among ski waxers. Fluorinated ski waxes are a significant source of PFAS exposure for people waxing skis and/or spending time in areas where waxing occurs. We highlight recommendations for future research, policy, and technologies needed to address PFAS exposures from fluorinated wax use.
{"title":"Respiratory Exposure to Highly Fluorinated Chemicals via Application of Ski Wax and Related Health Effects.","authors":"Kathryn A Crawford, Nicola Hartmann","doi":"10.1007/s40572-023-00425-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40572-023-00425-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Waxes containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are applied to the base of skis and snowboards (\"skis\") to reduce friction with the snow surface and improve glide. PFAS exposure can adversely impact cardiometabolic, thyroid, liver, kidney, reproductive, and immune health and are associated with increased risk of certain cancers. In the present review, we summarize the state of the science on PFAS exposure from fluorinated ski wax use, including acute respiratory health effects and PFAS concentrations in biological and environmental media collected from ski waxing settings.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acid (PFCA) concentrations in serum and air collected from professional wax technicians and the rooms where waxes are applied are among the highest of any occupation investigated to date, including the fluorochemical industry. High airborne concentrations of fluorotelomer alcohols contribute to high body burdens of certain PFCAs among ski waxers. Fluorinated ski waxes are a significant source of PFAS exposure for people waxing skis and/or spending time in areas where waxing occurs. We highlight recommendations for future research, policy, and technologies needed to address PFAS exposures from fluorinated wax use.</p>","PeriodicalId":10775,"journal":{"name":"Current Environmental Health Reports","volume":" ","pages":"39-45"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10907454/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139432529","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-03-01Epub Date: 2024-01-24DOI: 10.1007/s40572-024-00429-8
Jeffrey S Fedan, Janet A Thompson, Tina M Sager, Jenny R Roberts, Pius Joseph, Kristine Krajnak, Hong Kan, Krishnan Sriram, Lisa M Weatherly, Stacey E Anderson
Purpose of review: The purpose of this review is to assess the toxicological consequences of crude oil vapor (COV) exposure in the workplace through evaluation of the most current epidemiologic and laboratory-based studies in the literature.
Recent findings: Crude oil is a naturally occuring mixture of hydrocarbon deposits, inorganic and organic chemical compounds. Workers engaged in upstream processes of oil extraction are exposed to a number of risks and hazards, including getting crude oil on their skin or inhaling crude oil vapor. There have been several reports of workers who died as a result of inhalation of high levels of COV released upon opening thief hatches atop oil storage tanks. Although many investigations into the toxicity of specific hydrocarbons following inhalation during downstream oil processing have been conducted, there is a paucity of information on the potential toxicity of COV exposure itself. This review assesses current knowledge of the toxicological consequences of exposures to COV in the workplace.
{"title":"Toxicological Effects of Inhaled Crude Oil Vapor.","authors":"Jeffrey S Fedan, Janet A Thompson, Tina M Sager, Jenny R Roberts, Pius Joseph, Kristine Krajnak, Hong Kan, Krishnan Sriram, Lisa M Weatherly, Stacey E Anderson","doi":"10.1007/s40572-024-00429-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40572-024-00429-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>The purpose of this review is to assess the toxicological consequences of crude oil vapor (COV) exposure in the workplace through evaluation of the most current epidemiologic and laboratory-based studies in the literature.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Crude oil is a naturally occuring mixture of hydrocarbon deposits, inorganic and organic chemical compounds. Workers engaged in upstream processes of oil extraction are exposed to a number of risks and hazards, including getting crude oil on their skin or inhaling crude oil vapor. There have been several reports of workers who died as a result of inhalation of high levels of COV released upon opening thief hatches atop oil storage tanks. Although many investigations into the toxicity of specific hydrocarbons following inhalation during downstream oil processing have been conducted, there is a paucity of information on the potential toxicity of COV exposure itself. This review assesses current knowledge of the toxicological consequences of exposures to COV in the workplace.</p>","PeriodicalId":10775,"journal":{"name":"Current Environmental Health Reports","volume":" ","pages":"18-29"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10907427/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139545518","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-03-01Epub Date: 2024-01-13DOI: 10.1007/s40572-024-00428-9
Hannah E Laue, Aislinn J Gilmour, Valerie M Tirado, Megan E Romano
Purpose of review: Triclosan is an endocrine-disrupting antimicrobial additive that is suspected of contributing to antibiotic resistance and altering the microbiome. In this scoping review, we summarize what is known about the association between triclosan exposure and the microbiome using evidence from in vivo and epidemiologic studies.
Recent findings: Our review includes 11 rodent studies, seven fish studies, and five human studies. Evidence from animal studies suggests that triclosan decreases the diversity of the microbiome, although only one epidemiologic study agreed. Most studies suggest that triclosan alters the microbial community beta diversity, but disagree on which taxa contributed to compositional differences. Taxa in the Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria may be more influenced by triclosan than those in other phyla. Studies on triclosan and the microbiome were scarce and were inconclusive as to the effects of triclosan on the microbiome. Additional research is needed to clarify windows of heightened susceptibility of the microbiome to triclosan. We recommend guidelines for future microbiome research in environmental health to increase comparability across studies.
{"title":"Conceptualizing the Role of the Microbiome as a Mediator and Modifier in Environmental Health Studies: A Scoping Review of Studies of Triclosan and the Microbiome.","authors":"Hannah E Laue, Aislinn J Gilmour, Valerie M Tirado, Megan E Romano","doi":"10.1007/s40572-024-00428-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40572-024-00428-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Triclosan is an endocrine-disrupting antimicrobial additive that is suspected of contributing to antibiotic resistance and altering the microbiome. In this scoping review, we summarize what is known about the association between triclosan exposure and the microbiome using evidence from in vivo and epidemiologic studies.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Our review includes 11 rodent studies, seven fish studies, and five human studies. Evidence from animal studies suggests that triclosan decreases the diversity of the microbiome, although only one epidemiologic study agreed. Most studies suggest that triclosan alters the microbial community beta diversity, but disagree on which taxa contributed to compositional differences. Taxa in the Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria may be more influenced by triclosan than those in other phyla. Studies on triclosan and the microbiome were scarce and were inconclusive as to the effects of triclosan on the microbiome. Additional research is needed to clarify windows of heightened susceptibility of the microbiome to triclosan. We recommend guidelines for future microbiome research in environmental health to increase comparability across studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":10775,"journal":{"name":"Current Environmental Health Reports","volume":" ","pages":"30-38"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10922364/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139466165","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-03-01Epub Date: 2024-01-15DOI: 10.1007/s40572-023-00422-7
Tony G Walter, Lisa K Bricknell, Robyn G Preston, Elise G C Crawford
Purpose of review: Climate change poses a serious threat to human health and well-being. Australia is not immune to the public health impacts and continues to be underprepared, putting the population health at risk. However, there is a dearth in knowledge about how the Australian public health system will address the impacts of climate change.
Recent findings: This integrative review synthesises tools, frameworks, and guidance material suitable for climate change adaptation from a preventive public health perspective. The literature search was conducted in electronic databases MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science. Of 4507 articles identified, 19 articles met the inclusion criteria that focused on operational methods in public health and excluded the clinical context and reactive disaster response approaches. This review revealed that Australia is ill-prepared to manage climate change adverse health impacts due to ineffective adaptation strategies. The review highlights that Australia urgently requires effective adaptation strategies such as undertaking a National Adaptation Plan process and an improved understanding in managing complex health risks. Taking this action will strengthen the public health system and build health resilience especially for vulnerable populations. These findings will help understand and develop of the necessary adaptive strategies in Australia.
审查目的:气候变化对人类健康和福祉构成严重威胁。澳大利亚也不能幸免于气候变化对公共卫生造成的影响,而且仍然准备不足,从而危及民众健康。然而,人们对澳大利亚公共卫生系统如何应对气候变化的影响还缺乏了解:本综合综述从预防性公共卫生的角度,对适合气候变化适应的工具、框架和指导材料进行了归纳。文献检索在电子数据库 MEDLINE、PubMed、CINAHL 和 Web of Science 中进行。在检索到的 4507 篇文章中,有 19 篇文章符合纳入标准,这些文章侧重于公共卫生领域的操作方法,但不包括临床环境和被动的灾难应对方法。综述显示,由于适应策略不力,澳大利亚在应对气候变化对健康的不利影响方面准备不足。审查强调,澳大利亚迫切需要有效的适应战略,如开展国家适应计划进程,并提高对管理复杂健康风险的认识。采取这一行动将加强公共卫生系统,尤其是弱势群体的健康恢复能力。这些研究结果将有助于了解和制定澳大利亚必要的适应战略。
{"title":"Climate Change Adaptation Methods for Public Health Prevention in Australia: an Integrative Review.","authors":"Tony G Walter, Lisa K Bricknell, Robyn G Preston, Elise G C Crawford","doi":"10.1007/s40572-023-00422-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40572-023-00422-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Climate change poses a serious threat to human health and well-being. Australia is not immune to the public health impacts and continues to be underprepared, putting the population health at risk. However, there is a dearth in knowledge about how the Australian public health system will address the impacts of climate change.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>This integrative review synthesises tools, frameworks, and guidance material suitable for climate change adaptation from a preventive public health perspective. The literature search was conducted in electronic databases MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science. Of 4507 articles identified, 19 articles met the inclusion criteria that focused on operational methods in public health and excluded the clinical context and reactive disaster response approaches. This review revealed that Australia is ill-prepared to manage climate change adverse health impacts due to ineffective adaptation strategies. The review highlights that Australia urgently requires effective adaptation strategies such as undertaking a National Adaptation Plan process and an improved understanding in managing complex health risks. Taking this action will strengthen the public health system and build health resilience especially for vulnerable populations. These findings will help understand and develop of the necessary adaptive strategies in Australia.</p>","PeriodicalId":10775,"journal":{"name":"Current Environmental Health Reports","volume":" ","pages":"71-87"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10907446/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139466164","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-03-01Epub Date: 2024-01-03DOI: 10.1007/s40572-023-00427-2
Logaraj Ramakreshnan, Nasrin Aghamohammadi
Purpose of review: Unprecedented urbanization in Asia affects the net radiation and energy flux of urban areas in the form of urban heat islands (UHI). The application of nature-based solutions (NbS) via urban green and blue infrastructures is a promising approach to mitigate UHI via urban boundary condition modifications, which affect the energy balance. This narrative review discusses the application of green and blue infrastructures in the Asian context by highlighting its progress, challenges, and recommendations. This review is descriptive in nature and includes perspectives on the discussed topics.
Recent findings: Studies on the application of green and blue infrastructures in UHI mitigation are still scant in Asia. Their cooling performance is greatly influenced by their types, size, geometry, surface roughness, spread (threshold distance), temporal scales, topography, pollution levels, prevailing climate, and assessment techniques. Distinct urban characteristics, climatic conditions, environmental risks, lack of awareness and expertise, lack of policy and government incentives, and limited scientific studies are the major challenges in their implementation of UHI mitigation in Asia. Although green and blue infrastructures are associated with urban cooling, more in-depth experimental work and multidisciplinary research collaboration are paramount to exploring its implementation potential in Asia and other countries that share similar urban and environmental characteristics.
{"title":"The Application of Nature-Based Solutions for Urban Heat Island Mitigation in Asia: Progress, Challenges, and Recommendations.","authors":"Logaraj Ramakreshnan, Nasrin Aghamohammadi","doi":"10.1007/s40572-023-00427-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40572-023-00427-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Unprecedented urbanization in Asia affects the net radiation and energy flux of urban areas in the form of urban heat islands (UHI). The application of nature-based solutions (NbS) via urban green and blue infrastructures is a promising approach to mitigate UHI via urban boundary condition modifications, which affect the energy balance. This narrative review discusses the application of green and blue infrastructures in the Asian context by highlighting its progress, challenges, and recommendations. This review is descriptive in nature and includes perspectives on the discussed topics.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Studies on the application of green and blue infrastructures in UHI mitigation are still scant in Asia. Their cooling performance is greatly influenced by their types, size, geometry, surface roughness, spread (threshold distance), temporal scales, topography, pollution levels, prevailing climate, and assessment techniques. Distinct urban characteristics, climatic conditions, environmental risks, lack of awareness and expertise, lack of policy and government incentives, and limited scientific studies are the major challenges in their implementation of UHI mitigation in Asia. Although green and blue infrastructures are associated with urban cooling, more in-depth experimental work and multidisciplinary research collaboration are paramount to exploring its implementation potential in Asia and other countries that share similar urban and environmental characteristics.</p>","PeriodicalId":10775,"journal":{"name":"Current Environmental Health Reports","volume":" ","pages":"4-17"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139086223","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-03-01Epub Date: 2023-11-14DOI: 10.1007/s40572-023-00418-3
Xin Ye, Hugo Lin
Purpose of review: This review aimed to systematically synthesize the global evidence base for natural disasters and human health using natural language processing (NLP) techniques.
Recent findings: We searched Embase, PubMed, Scopus, PsycInfo, and Web of Science Core Collection, using titles, abstracts, and keywords, and included only literature indexed in English. NLP techniques, including text classification, topic modeling, and geoparsing methods, were used to systematically identify and map scientific literature on natural disasters and human health published between January 1, 2012, and April 3, 2022. We predicted 6105 studies in the area of natural disasters and human health. Earthquakes, hurricanes, and tsunamis were the most frequent nature disasters; posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression were the most frequently studied health outcomes; mental health services were the most common way of coping. Geographically, the evidence base was dominated by studies from high-income countries. Co-occurrence of natural disasters and psychological distress was common. Psychological distress was one of the top three most frequent topics in all continents except Africa, where infectious diseases was the most prevalent topic. Our findings demonstrated the importance and feasibility of using NLP to comprehensively map natural disasters and human health in the growing literature. The review identifies clear topics for future clinical and public health research and can provide an empirical basis for reducing the negative health effects of natural disasters.
综述目的:本综述旨在利用自然语言处理技术系统地综合全球自然灾害与人类健康的证据基础。最近的发现:我们检索了Embase、PubMed、Scopus、PsycInfo和Web of Science Core Collection,使用标题、摘要和关键字,并且只包括以英文索引的文献。采用自然语言处理技术,包括文本分类、主题建模和地质解析方法,系统地识别和绘制了2012年1月1日至2022年4月3日期间发表的关于自然灾害和人类健康的科学文献。我们预测在自然灾害和人类健康领域有6105项研究。地震、飓风和海啸是最常见的自然灾害;创伤后应激障碍(PTSD)和抑郁症是最常被研究的健康结果;心理健康服务是最常见的应对方式。从地理上看,证据基础主要是来自高收入国家的研究。自然灾害和心理困扰的共同发生是很常见的。心理困扰是除非洲以外各大洲最常见的三大话题之一,在非洲,传染病是最普遍的话题。我们的研究结果表明,在越来越多的文献中,使用NLP全面绘制自然灾害和人类健康地图的重要性和可行性。该审查确定了未来临床和公共卫生研究的明确主题,并可为减少自然灾害对健康的负面影响提供经验基础。
{"title":"Global Research on Natural Disasters and Human Health: a Mapping Study Using Natural Language Processing Techniques.","authors":"Xin Ye, Hugo Lin","doi":"10.1007/s40572-023-00418-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40572-023-00418-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>This review aimed to systematically synthesize the global evidence base for natural disasters and human health using natural language processing (NLP) techniques.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>We searched Embase, PubMed, Scopus, PsycInfo, and Web of Science Core Collection, using titles, abstracts, and keywords, and included only literature indexed in English. NLP techniques, including text classification, topic modeling, and geoparsing methods, were used to systematically identify and map scientific literature on natural disasters and human health published between January 1, 2012, and April 3, 2022. We predicted 6105 studies in the area of natural disasters and human health. Earthquakes, hurricanes, and tsunamis were the most frequent nature disasters; posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression were the most frequently studied health outcomes; mental health services were the most common way of coping. Geographically, the evidence base was dominated by studies from high-income countries. Co-occurrence of natural disasters and psychological distress was common. Psychological distress was one of the top three most frequent topics in all continents except Africa, where infectious diseases was the most prevalent topic. Our findings demonstrated the importance and feasibility of using NLP to comprehensively map natural disasters and human health in the growing literature. The review identifies clear topics for future clinical and public health research and can provide an empirical basis for reducing the negative health effects of natural disasters.</p>","PeriodicalId":10775,"journal":{"name":"Current Environmental Health Reports","volume":" ","pages":"61-70"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"92153082","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-03-01Epub Date: 2023-12-01DOI: 10.1007/s40572-023-00420-9
Yiwen Zhang, Ye Tingting, Wenzhong Huang, Pei Yu, Gongbo Chen, Rongbin Xu, Jiangning Song, Yuming Guo, Shanshan Li
Purpose of review: Wildfire smoke is associated with human health, becoming an increasing public health concern. However, a comprehensive synthesis of the current evidence on the health impacts of ambient wildfire smoke on children and adolescents, an exceptionally vulnerable population, is lacking. We conduct a systematic review of peer-reviewed epidemiological studies on the association between wildfire smoke and health of children and adolescents.
Recent findings: We searched for studies available in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Scopus from database inception up to October 11, 2022. Of 4926 studies initially identified, 59 studies from 14 countries were ultimately eligible. Over 33.3% of the studies were conducted in the USA, and two focused on multi-countries. The exposure assessment of wildfire smoke was heterogenous, with wildfire-specific particulate matters with diameters ≤ 2.5 µm (PM2.5, 22.0%) and all-source (22.0%) PM2.5 during wildfire period most frequently used. Over half of studies (50.6%) focused on respiratory-related morbidities/mortalities. Wildfire smoke exposure was consistently associated with enhanced risks of adverse health outcomes in children/adolescents. Meta-analysis results presented a pooled relative risk (RR) of 1.04 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.96-1.12) for all-cause respiratory morbidity, 1.11 (95% Ci: 0.93-1.32) for asthma, 0.93 (95% CI, 0.85-1.03) for bronchitis, and 1.13 (95% CI, 1.05-1.23) for upper respiratory infection, whilst - 21.71 g for birth weight (95% CI, - 32.92 to - 10.50) per 10 µg/m3 increment in wildfire-specific PM2.5/all-source PM2.5 during wildfire event. The majority of studies found that wildfire smoke was associated with multiple adverse health outcomes among children and adolescents, with respiratory morbidities of significant concern. In-utero exposure to wildfire smoke may increase the risk of adverse birth outcomes and have long-term impacts on height. Higher maternal baseline exposure to wildfire smoke and poor family-level baseline birthweight respectively elevated risks in preterm birth and low birth weight associated with wildfire smoke. More studies in low- and middle-income countries and focusing on extremely young children are needed. Despite technological progress, wildfire smoke exposure measurements remain uncertain, demanding improved methodologies to have more precise assessment of wildfire smoke levels and thus quantify the corresponding health impacts and guide public mitigation actions.
{"title":"Health Impacts of Wildfire Smoke on Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.","authors":"Yiwen Zhang, Ye Tingting, Wenzhong Huang, Pei Yu, Gongbo Chen, Rongbin Xu, Jiangning Song, Yuming Guo, Shanshan Li","doi":"10.1007/s40572-023-00420-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40572-023-00420-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Wildfire smoke is associated with human health, becoming an increasing public health concern. However, a comprehensive synthesis of the current evidence on the health impacts of ambient wildfire smoke on children and adolescents, an exceptionally vulnerable population, is lacking. We conduct a systematic review of peer-reviewed epidemiological studies on the association between wildfire smoke and health of children and adolescents.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>We searched for studies available in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Scopus from database inception up to October 11, 2022. Of 4926 studies initially identified, 59 studies from 14 countries were ultimately eligible. Over 33.3% of the studies were conducted in the USA, and two focused on multi-countries. The exposure assessment of wildfire smoke was heterogenous, with wildfire-specific particulate matters with diameters ≤ 2.5 µm (PM<sub>2.5</sub>, 22.0%) and all-source (22.0%) PM<sub>2.5</sub> during wildfire period most frequently used. Over half of studies (50.6%) focused on respiratory-related morbidities/mortalities. Wildfire smoke exposure was consistently associated with enhanced risks of adverse health outcomes in children/adolescents. Meta-analysis results presented a pooled relative risk (RR) of 1.04 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.96-1.12) for all-cause respiratory morbidity, 1.11 (95% Ci: 0.93-1.32) for asthma, 0.93 (95% CI, 0.85-1.03) for bronchitis, and 1.13 (95% CI, 1.05-1.23) for upper respiratory infection, whilst - 21.71 g for birth weight (95% CI, - 32.92 to - 10.50) per 10 µg/m<sup>3</sup> increment in wildfire-specific PM<sub>2.5</sub>/all-source PM<sub>2.5</sub> during wildfire event. The majority of studies found that wildfire smoke was associated with multiple adverse health outcomes among children and adolescents, with respiratory morbidities of significant concern. In-utero exposure to wildfire smoke may increase the risk of adverse birth outcomes and have long-term impacts on height. Higher maternal baseline exposure to wildfire smoke and poor family-level baseline birthweight respectively elevated risks in preterm birth and low birth weight associated with wildfire smoke. More studies in low- and middle-income countries and focusing on extremely young children are needed. Despite technological progress, wildfire smoke exposure measurements remain uncertain, demanding improved methodologies to have more precise assessment of wildfire smoke levels and thus quantify the corresponding health impacts and guide public mitigation actions.</p>","PeriodicalId":10775,"journal":{"name":"Current Environmental Health Reports","volume":" ","pages":"46-60"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138458398","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}