International Journal of Environmental Health Research最新文献

Lead is a toxic heavy metal that poses significant health risks, which include neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This review examines the effects of lead neurotoxicity on synaptic pathways which are relatively unexplored and their potential role in the development of ASD. Lead exposure occurs through various environmental sources, including contaminated water, soil, paint, and industrial appliances. Once absorbed, lead accumulates in soft tissues and bones, causes prolonged neurological damage, especially in children. ASD is characterised by impaired communication, repetitive behaviours, and cognitive challenges, with increasing evidence linking environmental factors like heavy metal exposure to its onset. Synaptic signalling disruption is a key aspect of ASD and lead interferes with the synaptic pathways by inhibiting calcium influx, leading to cognitive impairments and memory issues. This review is an overview of the previously reported findings that explains the role of lead in reducing N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDAR) function, disrupting the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) pathway, and impairing Wnt, GABAergic and dopaminergic signalling pathways. These alterations result in cognitive decline, impaired synaptic plasticity and increased ASD symptoms. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of lead exposure on neurodevelopment.

Urban stormwater management failures lead to floodingg. Potentially toxic elements (PTE) are commonly found in floods exposing population and ecosystems. Flooding is a persistent problem in the city of Hermosillo, Sonora thus PTE concentrations were determined, including threats to receiving ecosystems and population. The PTE concentrations were determined by MP-AES and compared to national and international guidelines. The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks were evaluated for adults and children following the EPA protocols. Al, Fe and Zn showed the highest concentrations. The concentrations exceeded consulted guideline criteria. PTE groups were identified relating to their sources and origin: (1) Fe, Mn, Ti and Al, (2) Cu, Cd and Cr, (3) Pb, Ni and Zn. Non-carcinogenic health effects and cancer risk were observed in the analyzed floodwater indicating that management measures should be taken to protect the flood-affected population.

Outdoor air pollution poses a significant threat to children, especially those in low socioeconomic areas exposed to dense traffic pollutants. This study explores the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES), ethnicity, and air pollution exposure among primary school children in Auckland, New Zealand. Findings indicate that NO₂ levels do not vary significantly between schools in low versus high SES areas; however, Pacifica children experience the highest exposure, with levels reaching up to 13.37 μg/m³. Central regions of Auckland show particularly high pollution levels, measuring 15.7 μg/m³-significantly above the regional average of 13.16 μg/m³, which amplifies health risks for children in these areas. These findings underscore the critical need for targeted interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of air pollution. Future research should broaden the scope to include more pollutants and utilize more recent data to assess the health impacts of air pollution.   .

We aimed to investigate the association between occupational exposure to respirable crystalline quartz (RCQ) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in a Danish register-based cohort (DOC*X Dust, n = 903,415). Through 1976-2017, information on occupation was linked to quantitative exposure estimates of RCQ, obtained from the job-exposure matrix of SYN-JEM. The follow-up period (1996-2018) counted 19,357,326 person-years, where 35,511 first-time AMIs occurred, according to register-based hospital contacts. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for AMI based on cumulative, recent, and maximum exposure were computed using Poisson regression adjusted for socio-economic factors, comorbidities, air pollution, and other occupational exposures such as noise, physically demanding work, exposure to diesel exhaust, and job strain. For cumulative exposure, the IRR for AMI in the unadjusted model was highest in the two lowest exposed quartiles (IRR for Q1 = 1.19 (95%CI: 1.13-1.25), IRR for Q2 = 1.12 (95%CI: 1.06, 1.17)). However, in the fully adjusted model, these associations were no longer significant and even inverse for exposed above 25^th percentile. The lowest IRR was observed in the highest RCQ exposure quartile (IRR = 0.87, (95%CI: 0.83-0.92)). In general, the RCQ exposure levels in the DOC*X Dust cohort were presumed to be lower than in countries that - contrary to Denmark - have an active mining industry. In conclusion, no increased risk of AMI due to RCQ exposure was observed, but cautious interpretation is warranted because of potential bias from the healthy worker survivor effect.

This paper highlights potential active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) generations from improper disposal of medicines and captures the perceptions of key stakeholders - households and pharmaceutical actors in Upper Citarum River Basin (UCRB). Most pharmaceutical waste is disposed of with household waste, suggesting landfills are the most significant APIs contamination sources. We highlight the complex relationship between knowledge, risk perception, and behavioural intentions, stressing the relevance of risk perception as a mediator when studying how knowledge affects behaviour. Age and income are suggested to moderate risk perception and behavioural intention. There is a heavy use of over-the-counter and prescription drugs in UCRB, especially Paracetamol (426.1 tons/year) and Amoxicillin (343.7 tons/year). Measured herbal APIs highlight the cultural significance and dependence on traditional medicine. We suggest examining the influence of affect on perception and behaviour in safe medicine disposal and the environmental and health risk impact of APIs in the water systems.

This study examines the spatiotemporal relationship between PM2.5 exposure and cardiorespiratory mortality across Thailand from 2015 to 2019, addressing a critical research gap in geographical coverage. Analysis of satellite-based PM2.5 data revealed significant correlations between monthly PM2.5 levels and cardiorespiratory mortality, with stronger effects observed in the central and northern provinces. The association was most pronounced during the dry season (November to April), showing a 6% increase in mortality compared to other months. Areas with monthly PM2.5 levels of 30.1-37.5 μg/m³ and above 37.5 μg/m³ were associated with mortality increases of 3% (95% CI: 1%-5%) and 5% (95% CI: 3%-7%), respectively, relative to the overall mean, while levels below 20 μg/m³ corresponded to a 4% (95% CI: 3%-6%) reduction. These findings underscore the need for region-specific monthly PM2.5 guidelines to mitigate health risks, particularly during high-pollution periods and in vulnerable regions.

Bushfires contribute to environmental pollution in the form of Particulate Matter (PM). PM with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤ 2.5 μm (PM_2.5) is relevant to individuals with chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma. These particles tend to enter the bloodstream and activate inflammatory processes, leading to asthma exacerbation. This study examines this environmental-health relationship in the context of the 2019-2020 "Black Summer" bushfires in New South Wales (NSW) and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) regions of Australia. Weekly measurements of emergency department (ED) presentations for asthma from 1 September 2019 to 29 February 2020 were collected and compared to weekly averages of PM_2.5, meteorological data, and other relevant covariables. To control for seasonal changes in ED presentations unrelated to bushfire smoke, the observed PM_2.5 values and ED presentations were subtracted from corresponding values the year prior. A quasi-Poisson generalised linear model (GLM) was used to assess the impact of PM_2.5 and these covariables on weekly ED presentations for asthma. The model explained approximately 33% of the variance in asthma presentations with PM_2.5, minimum temperature and relative humidity being the most significant covariables. These findings provide insight into this environmental-health relationship and support public health planning for smoke-related asthma presentations.

Previous research yields inconsistent findings on the association between air pollution and breast cancer risk, with no definitive causal relationship established. To address this, we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization study on data from the IEU open GWAS databases and the Breast Cancer Association Consortium to explore the potential link between air pollution (including PM_2.5, PM_2.5 absorbance, PM_2.5-10, PM₁₀, NO₂, and NO_x) and breast cancer risk. We found that PM₁₀ (odds ratio (OR) = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.07-1.80, p = 0.013) and NO_x (OR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.16-2.41, p = 0.006) were significantly associated with elevated breast cancer risk. Furthermore, PM_2.5 (OR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.09-4.03, p = 0.027) and NO_x (OR = 3.08, 95% CI: 1.24-7.64, p = 0.015) were significantly associated with an elevated risk of luminal B/HER2-negative-like cancer. Results were stable in sensitivity analyses. This suggested that controlling air pollution could potentially reduce breast cancer risk.

Previous research yields inconsistent findings on the effect of telecommuting on health and little knowledge on its explanatory mechanisms. In reply, this study investigated work-home interference, home-work interference and social support from colleagues as explanations (mediators) of the relationship between the extent of telecommuting and psychological distress. We collected 4-wave data during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (April-June 2020) from 5,959 Belgian workers. Using Random Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Modeling, we investigated within-person processes over time. Results showed that telecommuting predicted work-home interference and social support, with these effects varying by pandemic stage. Also, the effects of the mediators on psychological distress varied over time. No indirect effects from telecommuting to psychological distress via the mediators were found. Our findings suggest that the context presents certain challenges to teleworkers that may make telecommuting demanding in terms of home-work interference and social support, implying the need for tailored support.