International Journal of Environmental Health Research最新文献

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.

Understanding Aedes breeding sites is crucial for effective vector control, yet the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analysis in Kuala Lumpur is limited. This study explores the spatial distribution and characteristics of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus breeding sites in dengue-prone areas of Bandar Tasik Selatan. Entomological data from the Kuala Lumpur Health Department (2022-2023) were analyzed using Average Nearest Neighbor (ANN), Global Moran's I, and Kernel Density Estimation (KDE). Logistic regression and principal component analyses (PCA) were used to assess breeding site characteristics. Of 6,027 water containers inspected, 402 (6.7%) were positive for Aedes larvae. ANN and Moran's I analyses revealed significant clustering in Zone A and Zone B, while KDE identified breeding hotspots. Logistic regression indicated higher risk in plastic (aOR = 69.58), rubber (aOR = 35.11), and cement (aOR = 24.70) containers, while rainwater (aOR = 0.24), tap water (aOR = 0.27), and partial shading (aOR = 0.41) reduced risk. PCA revealed key breeding site variations across residential, public, school, and food areas. These findings support targeted vector control, efficient resource allocation, and tailored interventions to mitigate dengue risks in high-priority areas.

The objective of this study was to examine the influence of air quality (PM_2.5, SO₂, O₃, and NO₂) on daily school absenteeism rates in students with and without asthma in an underserved community with elevated exposure risk. This retrospective study analyzed daily attendance and OAP exposure data from 2015/16 to 2017/18 in an environmental justice area located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. For students with asthma, both long-term (28-day) and short-term (previous day) exposure to these PM_2.5 levels 10.0-12.0 μg/m³ significantly increased absenteeism compared to days with levels below 10 μg/m³ (RR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.10, 1.45 and RR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.03, 1.42, respectively, p < .05). Exposure to unhealthy SO₂ levels (≥75 ppb) also contributed to increased absenteeism (RR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.17-2.92, p < .05). These findings suggest that, while the EPA's recent reduction in the PM_2.5 good air quality standard threshold to 9 μg/m³ represents an important step toward protecting sensitive groups, it does not fully safeguard children in areas prone to frequent exceedances. The study underscores the importance of reducing exposure to outdoor air pollutants in at-risk populations, as inequities in childhood exposure can persist throughout life and disproportionately impact marginalized communities.

Climate change has emerged as a significant global challenge with profound implications for human health. This umbrella review synthesizes findings from systematic reviews and meta-analyses to examine the health impacts of climate change and identify strategies to mitigate these effects. This is an umbrella study conducted in major health and biomedical databases, including PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, Scopus, and Google Scholar, for articles published between 2011 and 2021. The search strategy followed the protocol published in BMJ Journal in 2020. The selected articles underwent a rigorous screening process based on predefined inclusion criteria. A total of 37 systematic review articles were included in the study. The thematic analysis identified a range of strategies and policies aimed at mitigating the health effects of climate change, including adaptation measures, public health interventions, and interdisciplinary collaborations. The analysis also revealed significant knowledge gaps in certain areas, highlighting the need for further research. The identified strategies and policies offer valuable insights for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and researchers. By integrating these findings into evidence-based policies and practices, we can enhance our ability to mitigate the adverse health impacts of climate change and promote resilience in the face of this global challenge.

Epidemiological links between air pollution and adverse health outcomes are strong, but the mechanism(s) remain obscure. A newly recognised combustion by-product, environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs), may be the missing link. The objective of this study is to explore the presence of EPFRs in house dust and ascertain if EPFR concentration is stable across time and season. The ELLF cohort is a longitudinal birth cohort (n = 82) with house dust collected at multiple time points. EPFR characteristics were assessed with electron paramagnetic resonance, and oxygen-weighted concentration was estimated by an algorithm. Seasonal differences were assessed with Kruskal-Wallis rank sum and Fisher's exact tests. A mixed-effects linear regression was employed for longitudinal analysis. 83 participants returned 238 dust samples, with EPFRs measured in >95% of samples. EPFR concentration and oxygen-weighted concentration were stable across visits (p = 0.05). There was a seasonal trend, with concentration (p = <0.01), oxygen weighted concentration (p = <0.01), and g factor (p = 0.05) all significantly lower in summer months. EPFRs are consistently present in house dust and are stable across time in households. These findings suggest that exposure to EPFRs occurs in the home and may be a significant place for exposure to highly biologically reactive EPFRs.

The unsustainable management of e-waste at recycling and waste disposal sites has become a growing environmental concern, particularly in developing parts of the world. The current study is therefore designed to investigate the concentrations, as well as the associated ecological risks, of eight legacy (PBDEs) and ten alternative halogenated flame retardants (AHFRs) in the leachates and sediments from five recycling centers and seven disposal sites (1 landfill and 6 dumping sites) in Lahore, Pakistan. The results showed that median (min-max) concentrations of both ∑8PBDEs, and ∑10AHFRs were significantly higher (P < 0.05 for all) in the leachates (ng/L) [194.40 (101.85-446.20), 169.72 (84.04-246.11)] and sediments (ng/g) [815.91 (437.96-1624.28), 256.70 (207.16-375.91)] of recycling centers compared to those [33.57 (19.76-57.32), 22.21 (11.66-28.80)] [82.33 (35.70-142.23), 33.66 (17.41-201.37)] from disposal sites, respectively. Principal component analysis revealed that acid digestion, open burning, and dismantling were the primary factors responsible for HFR emissions in the leachate and sediments of recycling centers. The ecological risk assessment indicated a significant threat to the organisms inhabiting the sediments of recycling centers as well as disposal sites. Our results highlight the need to address the emerging concerns associated with HRF releases from e-waste sites to prevent further ecological harm.

This study investigated phytochemical constituents of Ruellia simplex extract and evaluated their molecular interactions with estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and cytotoxic effects against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The whole plant was extracted with ethanol and fractionated into methanolic (ME01) and chloroform (CH02) fractions. HR-LCMS identified 11 compounds in ME01 and 8 in CH02, with flavonoids predominating in ME01 and terpenoids in CH02. Molecular docking against ERα (PDB ID: 3ERT) revealed five potent compounds: stigmasterol (-9.0 kcal/mol), apigenin (-8.6 kcal/mol), rosmarinic acid (-8.6 kcal/mol), luteolin (-8.4 kcal/mol), and β-sitosterol (-8.3 kcal/mol). MTT assay demonstrated superior cytotoxicity of ME01 (IC₅₀ = 38.42 ± 2.16 μg/mL) compared to CH02 (52.64 ± 3.05 μg/mL), approaching 5-Fluorouracil (32.18 ± 1.87 μg/mL). Results demonstrate that Ruellia simplex contains bioactive compounds with significant ERα binding affinities and notable cytotoxic activity against breast cancer cells. The ME01 fraction shows promise for developing natural anticancer agents targeting hormone-dependent breast cancers.