International Journal of Environmental Health Research最新文献

This study investigates the burden of COPD attributable to air pollution in South Asia using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study from 1990 to 2019. Method Data for this study were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. The burden was measured in terms of death, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and Years of life lost (YLLs). Results Since 1990, several countries in South Asia registered substantial declines in mortality rates attributed to COPD, ranging from -37.47% in Pakistan to -66.25% in Bangladesh. Similar trends were observed for DALYs and YLLs as well, which have potentially contributed to a considerable decrease in mortality rates at the regional level (-43.13%) compared to a 32.59% decline in Low SDI and 56.87% decline globally. Conclusion Despite significant declines since 1990, the burden of COPD attributable to air pollution reductions in the South Asian region's rates remains alarmingly high.

Artificial light at night (ALAN) is a growing environmental issue associated with adverse health consequences, but the association with low birth weight remains unknown. We aim to explore associations between outdoor ALAN and low birth weight across 7,808 census tracts in California. We use data from the California Communities Environmental Health Screening Tool (CalEnviroScreen) at the census tract level. VIIRS Nighttime Day/Night Band Composites Version 1 dataset within the Google Earth Engine platform was used to assess outdoor ALAN. Multivariable linear regression was used to analyze the data. Our findings showed that an interquartile range increase in outdoor ALAN resulted in an increase of 0.42% (95% CI: 0.37, 0.46) in low birth weight rate on average, after adjusting for all potential covariates. The results demonstrate a significant association between outdoor ALAN and low birth weight. These associations remained consistent in sensitivity analyses.

Research has shown possible existence of heavy metals in cosmetic products, as they are known to impact colour. Assessments have been carried out on selected brands of nail polishes on Ghanaian markets in the Ashanti Region, for levels of six metals, i.e., lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), aluminium (Al), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu). A total of twenty (20) nail polish samples were analysed using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer model nova 400P. The highest concentrations determined were Al (77.50 mg/L), Cu (2.126 mg/L), and Cr (25.66 mg/L). The levels of Pb, Cd, and Mn were all below detection limit. All samples analysed were below the WHO permissible limits, making them safe for use. Health risks associated with intake of these metals via dermal route, inhalation, and ingestion are evaluated, Hazard Quotient (HQ) and Hazard Index (HI) are below unity, suggesting no potential health risks associated with their use.

In this study, the antioxidant capacity, the effect on anti-acetylcholinesterase and anti-urease enzyme inhibition, and kidney stone-reducing effects of different extracts from M.myrtifolia. In addition, the phytochemical content of the bioactive methanol extract was analyzed by HPLC-DAD. The methanol extract showed strong DPPH (IC₅₀:0.036 mg/mL) radical scavenging, Cu (II) ion (6.535 mmTroloxE) and Fe³⁺ (6.476 FeSO₄) ion reducing antioxidant activity compared to other extracts. The methanol extract contained the highest amount of phenolic (400 mgGAE) and flavonoid (2.519 QuE) compounds. Moreover, the methanol extract had significant anticholinesterase (78.935%), anti-urease (71.014%) and calcium oxalate anti-crystallization (18.22%, 37.427%) activities. The findings show that all extracts exhibited varying amounts of antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The bioactive methanol extract contained rosmarinic acid (31.35 µg), quercetin (12.99 µg) and chlorogenic acid (3.55 µg). The analyzed compounds are thought to contribute significantly to the pharmacological effect of the methanol extract.

Infertility affects 8-12% of couples globally, with male factors contributing to around 40% of cases. Common male infertility issues include erectile dysfunction (ED) and low sperm count or quality, which account for over 90% of cases. These problems often result from anatomical, hormonal, or genetic abnormalities. This review focuses on natural aphrodisiac herbs commonly used to address ED, providing detailed information on their botanical characteristics, metabolic pathways, recommended dosages, phytochemical properties, side effects, origins, and traditional uses. It also reviews recent studies on medicinal herbs that boost sexual desire and treat urological conditions. By compiling reliable findings from the past decade, the study aims to serve as a comprehensive resource for individuals dealing with sexual health issues. Through careful evaluation of each herb, it offers insights into their effectiveness and limitations, emphasizing the potential of natural treatments as complementary alternatives to conventional therapies for male infertility and related conditions.

This study aimed to explore how air pollution and green space influence ICE recurrence and whether they might interact with each other. A case-cross design was used in this study, which was carried out in Tianjin, China. A total of 8306 patients with recurrent ICE were collected from 2019 to 2020. The maximum effects of PM_2.5, PM₁₀, SO₂, NO₂, CO were 1.012 (95%CI: 1.004, 1.019), 1.010 (95%CI: 1.004, 1.016), 1.035 (95%CI: 0.982, 1.091), 1.067 (95%CI: 1.043, 1.091) and 1.012 (95%CI: 1.004, 1.021)  , respectively, and the risk was higher in males and in the 50-60 age group. In the stratification of greening, it was found that air pollution except O₃ had the highest risk of ICE recurrence for those with lower green space. Our study found that air pollution (except O₃) can increase the risk of ICE recurrence, and this risk can be reduced by increasing green space.

This systematic review explores the release and health outcomes of exposure to chalk particles in classrooms. A literature search was conducted on Scopus, Google Scholar, and the Web of Science. Chalk particles contribute significantly to poor indoor air quality in classrooms. Higher concentrations of PM_2.5 chalk particles were found in the front row (14.25 µg/m³) and near the chalkboard (19.07 µg/m³). Inhalation and dermal are significant exposure routes; hence, teachers and learners are at risk of developing respiratory and skin disorders. Inhalation of chalk particles correlates with reduced lung function in teachers and learners. The release and size of chalk particles depend on the activities, type of chalk sticks, and texture of the chalkboards. Wiping the chalkboard releases more chalk particles of smaller size (3.85-9.3 µm) than writing (10.57-92.91 µm). A shift from chalk sticks and chalkboards in classrooms is necessary to mitigate the associated health risks.

Decentralized water systems (DWS) distribute water in remote African areas. Throughout an intervention in Maniema, Congo, the influence of a DWS performing chlorination in the community's water quality was measured. Additionally, a socio-economic and WASH practices survey was conducted in the communities. Free residual chlorine (FRC) and microbiological contamination were measured; at the borehole, treatment site, distribution points, and households's water containers. In Big Five, water was collected from unimproved sources before DWS construction. Despite that, only 16,6% of households used efficient water treatment methods, resulting in 73% of water stored unsafe for consumption. After construction, household water quality drastically improved, regardless of FRC fluctuations; 93% of samples were classified as low health risk (safe). The renovation guaranteed continuous supply through electro-chlorinators in RVA, where chlorination was intermittent. Water from DWS with adequate chlorine levels prevented microbiological contamination in households for 12 hours. Although economically attractive, the system's sustainability will require future evaluation.

We conducted simultaneous real-time measurements for particles on the premises of four schools, two of which were naturally ventilated (NV) and two mechanically ventilated (MV) in Kanpur, India. Health to school children from reduced particle levels inside classrooms simulated to the lowest acceptable levels (ISHRAE Class C: PM10 ≤ 100 µg/m³ & PM2.5 ≤ 25 µg/m³) using air filters were examined. Lung deposition of particles was used as a proxy for health impacts and calculated using the MPPD model. The particle levels in all classrooms were above the baseline, with NV classrooms having higher particle masses than MV classrooms: 72.16% for PM₁, 74.66% for PM_2.5, and 85.17% for PM₁₀. Our calculation reveals a whooping reduction in particles deposited in the lungs (1512% for PM₁₀ and 1485% for PM_2.5) in the case of the NV classrooms. Results highlight unhealthy air inside classrooms and suggest urgent interventions, such as simple filtration techniques, to achieve acceptable levels of particles inside schools.

Environmental exposure is associated with increased incidence of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and reduced fertility. Exposure to air pollution can influence gene expression through epigenetic mechanisms. In this study, we analysed gene-specific CpG methylation in spermatozoa of city policemen occupationally exposed to air pollution in two Czech cities differing by sources and composition of the air pollution. In Prague, the pollution is mainly formed by NO2 from heavy traffic. Ostrava is a hotspot of industrial air pollution with high concentrations of particular matter (PM) and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P). We performed genome-wide methylation sequencing using the SureSelectXT Human Methyl-Seq system (Agilent Technologies) and next-generation sequencing to reveal differentially methylated CpG sites and regions. We identified differential methylation in the region chr5:662169 - 663376 annotated to genes CEP72 and TPPP. The region was then analysed in sperm DNA from 117 policemen using targeted methylation sequencing, which proved its hypermethylation in sperm of Ostrava policemen.