International Journal of Environmental Health Research最新文献

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.

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.