International Journal of Environmental Health Research最新文献

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.

Secular trends of mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALY) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) attributable to PM_2.5 exposure in China remain unclear. This study applied the joinpoint regression analysis and age-period-cohort model to assess the secular trends. There was a slight alternation in age-standardized rate of mortality and DALY in the total population, while the changes were increased in males and decreased in females from 1990 to 2019. Meanwhile, the changes attributable to ambient particular matter pollution exposure (APE) increased significantly and reduced household air pollution from solid fuels exposure (HPE). Longitudinal age curves showed that T2DM mortality and DALY increased with age. Period rate ratios (RR) attributable to APE increased but fell to HPE. Similar trends were observed in the cohort RR. PM_2.5 exposure is more harmful to males and older people. The type of air pollution responsible for T2DM has changed from HPE to APE.

The deleterious impact of lead (Pb) pollution on human health is evident in both domestic and occupational settings, provoking an inflammatory response across multiple tissue, limited attention has been devoted to its adverse effects on colitis and the underlying mechanisms. Peiminine (PMI) has been recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties, yet its specific anti-inflammatory effects in lead-induced colitis models remain elusive. Through the establishment of both in vivo and in vitro lead exposure models, suggests that lead exposure can induce colitis and that PMI regulates lead exposure-induced colitis by inhibiting the NF-kB signaling pathway, and alleviates the ability of lead to apoptosis and inflammation levels in intestinal epithelial cells. Consequently, these results present a promising avenue for further exploration of the molecular mechanisms underlying lead-induced colitis, evaluation of the associated risks linked to lead exposure, and the development of therapeutic interventions for colitis resulting from lead exposure.

This study aimed to evaluate the practice of physical activity (PA) among adolescents and its association with characteristics of the urban environment of Brazilian capitals. Study with adolescents from the 26 Brazilian capitals and the Federal District participating in the National School Health Survey, 2015 edition. The association between regular practice of PA (≥300 minutes/week) and the dimensions of urban well-being (urban mobility, urban environmental conditions, urban housing conditions, urban collective services, and urban infrastructure) was examined using multilevel logistic regression. A total of 50,904 adolescents were evaluated, among which 20.7% were active. It was observed in the multiple model that adolescents who live in capitals with better urban environmental conditions, such as the presence of tree coverage, less open sewage, and less accumulated garbage around the houses, are more likely to be active (OR = 1.06; 95% CI:1.01;1.12). Adolescents who live in cities with less urban disorder are more likely to be active.

This study investigates the hygiene status, behavioral practices, and handling of cutting boards for meat and vegetable processing in selected open markets in Benin City. Utilizing a structured questionnaire and laboratory analysis for Escherichia coli and Aeromonas, the research found prevalent Escherichia coli in all samples, with varying concentrations of Aeromonas, more pronounced in vegetable processing areas. Analysis of the questionnaire revealed that 30% of traders leave cutting boards uncovered, 88% clean them before use (52% with water and detergent), and 12% dust boards before use. Furthermore, 80% of meat sellers store leftover meat in refrigerators, while 68% of vegetable sellers store leftovers in the open market. The findings underscore the importance of proper hygienic practices in handling cutting boards to mitigate food contamination risks, urging awareness among traders regarding effective cleaning and storage procedures.

This study tried to understand the association between exposure to indoor air pollution and angina among the aging population in India. We utilized the data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) Wave-1 (2017-2018), with a sample of 62,846 aging adults. We applied Chi-square and multivariate logistic regression models. The odds of angina were higher among individuals living in households that used solid fuels for cooking (aOR = 1.15, 99% CI- 1.09-1.20), had someone smoked inside the house (aOR = 1.12, 99% CI- 1.07-1.18), and households that used of incenses inside the home (aOR = 1.11, 99% CI- 1.05-1.18). In addition, it was also found that work-limiting impairment, unhealthy behaviors, and poor health status increased the odds of angina. These results indicate the need to reduce in-house air pollution by promoting clean fuel usage and changing attitudes and practices. Other implications are discussed.

Although almost a third of the world's population is exposed to iodine deficiency (ID), and supplementation programs such as enriching table salt have been carried out or are being carried out at the global and national level, in many regions of the world, people are facing an increase in iodine intake, which is mainly due to the presence of large amounts of iodine in water, soil, agricultural products, or high consumption of seafood. Published articles were indexed in the Scopus database (from 2000 to 1 April 2023) were reviewed and analyzed by VOSviewer software. The results showed the growing interest of researchers over the last 20 years in environmental iodine intake. The results of this study can have a significant impact on the planning and policy-making of relevant officials and communities to supply the needed iodine.

This study aimed to develop and validate the Climate Change Health Protection Behaviors Scale for adolescents. A total of 1036 adolescents were recruited from middle and high schools. The development of the assessment scale was carried out in three steps: item generation, content validity evaluation, and psychometric evaluation. Psychometric testing was conducted to determine the relationship between the resulting factors and the Healthy Lifestyle Belief Scale and Climate Change Awareness Scale. A 28-item scale was developed, consisting of four factors that account for 65.0% of the variance. The Cronbach's alpha value was 0.874. Additionally, a positive correlation was observed between the Climate Change Health Protection Behaviors Scale and both the Climate Change Awareness Scale and the Healthy Lifestyle Belief Scale for adolescents. These results suggest that the Climate Change Health Protection Behaviors Scale is a reliable and valid tool for evaluating health protection behaviors related to climate change in adolescents.