{"title":"A Review of the Interactive Effects of Climate and Air Pollution on Human Health in China.","authors":"Meilin Yan, Tiantian Li","doi":"10.1007/s40572-024-00432-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40572-024-00432-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Through a systematic search of peer-reviewed epidemiologic studies, we reviewed the literature on the human health impacts of climate and ambient air pollution, focusing on recently published studies in China. Selected previous literature is discussed where relevant in tracing the origins.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Climate variables and air pollution have a complex interplay in affecting human health. The bulk of the literature we reviewed focuses on the air pollutants ozone and fine particulate matter and temperatures (including hot and cold extremes). The interaction between temperature and ozone presented substantial interaction, but evidence about the interactive effects of temperature with other air pollutants is inconsistent. Most included studies used a time-series design, usually with daily mean temperature and air pollutant concentration as independent variables. Still, more needs to be studied about the co-occurrence of climate and air pollution. The co-occurrence of extreme climate and air pollution events is likely to become an increasing health risk in China and many parts of the world as climate changes. Climate change can interact with air pollution exposure to amplify risks to human health. Challenges and opportunities to assess the combined effect of climate variables and air pollution on human health are discussed in this review. Implications from epidemiological studies for implementing coordinated measures and policies for addressing climate change and air pollution will be critical areas of future work.</p>","PeriodicalId":10775,"journal":{"name":"Current Environmental Health Reports","volume":" ","pages":"102-108"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139729222","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Challenges of Air Pollution and Health in East Asia.","authors":"Xihao Du, Renjie Chen, Haidong Kan","doi":"10.1007/s40572-024-00433-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40572-024-00433-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Air pollution has been a serious environmental and public health issue worldwide, particularly in Asian countries. There have been significant increases in epidemiological studies on fine particulate matter (PM<sub>2.5</sub>) and ozone pollution in East Asia, and an in-depth review of epidemiological evidence is urgent. Thus, we carried out a systematic review of the epidemiological research on PM<sub>2.5</sub> and ozone pollution in East Asia released in recent years.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Recent studies have indicated that PM<sub>2.5</sub> and ozone are the most detrimental air pollutants to human health, resulting in substantial disease burdens for Asian populations. Many epidemiological studies of PM<sub>2.5</sub> and ozone have been mainly performed in three East Asian countries (China, Japan, and South Korea). We derived the following summary findings: (1) both short-term and long-term exposure to PM<sub>2.5</sub> and ozone could raise the risks of mortality and morbidity, emphasizing the need for continuing improvements in air quality in East Asia; (2) the long-term associations between PM<sub>2.5</sub> and mortality in East Asia are comparable to those observed in Europe and North America, whereas the short-term associations are relatively smaller in magnitude; and (3) further cohort and intervention studies are required to yield robust and precise evidence that can promote evidence-based policymaking in East Asia. This updated review presented an outline of the health impacts of PM<sub>2.5</sub> and ozone in East Asia, which may be beneficial for the development of future regulatory policies and standards, as well as for designing subsequent investigations.</p>","PeriodicalId":10775,"journal":{"name":"Current Environmental Health Reports","volume":" ","pages":"89-101"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139697092","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Health-Related and Learning Performance Effects of Air Pollution and Other Urban-Related Environmental Factors on School-Age Children and Adolescents-A Scoping Review of Systematic Reviews.","authors":"Inés Valls Roche, Mònica Ubalde-Lopez, Carolyn Daher, Mark Nieuwenhuijsen, Mireia Gascon","doi":"10.1007/s40572-024-00431-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40572-024-00431-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>This scoping review aims to assess the impact of air pollution, traffic noise, heat, and green and blue space exposures on the physical and cognitive development of school-age children and adolescents. While existing evidence indicates adverse effects of transport-related exposures on their health, a comprehensive scoping review is necessary to consolidate findings on various urban environmental exposures' effects on children's development.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>There is consistent evidence on how air pollution negatively affects children's cognitive and respiratory health and learning performance, increasing their susceptibility to diseases in their adult life. Scientific evidence on heat and traffic noise, while less researched, indicates that they negatively affect children's health. On the contrary, green space exposure seems to benefit or mitigate these adverse effects, suggesting a potential strategy to promote children's cognitive and physical development in urban settings. This review underscores the substantial impact of urban exposures on the physical and mental development of children and adolescents. It highlights adverse health effects that can extend into adulthood, affecting academic opportunities and well-being beyond health. While acknowledging the necessity for more research on the mechanisms of air pollution effects and associations with heat and noise exposure, the review advocates prioritizing policy changes and urban planning interventions. This includes minimizing air pollution and traffic noise while enhancing urban vegetation, particularly in school environments, to ensure the healthy development of children and promote lifelong health.</p>","PeriodicalId":10775,"journal":{"name":"Current Environmental Health Reports","volume":" ","pages":"300-316"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11082043/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139899482","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Supporting Decarbonization of Health Systems-A Review of International Policy and Practice on Health Care and Climate Change.","authors":"Emily Hough, Arielle Cohen Tanugi-Carresse","doi":"10.1007/s40572-024-00434-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40572-024-00434-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Healthcare is a significant contributor of carbon emissions, which contribute to climate change. There has been an increased focus on the role healthcare should play in reducing emissions in recent years. This review, completed in September and October 2022, explored national commitments among 73 countries to reduce emissions from healthcare and the policies and delivery plans that exist to support their implementation.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Whilst some countries such as Norway, Columbia, and Australia are working to understand current emissions and develop plans to reduce them, few have published delivery plans for meeting national targets. Broader policies and reports published to date provide a clear set of actions that healthcare can take to reduce emissions. However, more research, innovation, and service redesign will be needed to close the gap to net zero healthcare. Some health systems are already taking action to reduce their emissions. However, national incentives, including standardized metrics and reporting, can help drive broader action and pace of delivery.</p>","PeriodicalId":10775,"journal":{"name":"Current Environmental Health Reports","volume":" ","pages":"266-278"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11082023/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139734690","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abigail P Bline, Jamie C DeWitt, Carol F Kwiatkowski, Katherine E Pelch, Anna Reade, Julia R Varshavsky
{"title":"Public Health Risks of PFAS-Related Immunotoxicity Are Real.","authors":"Abigail P Bline, Jamie C DeWitt, Carol F Kwiatkowski, Katherine E Pelch, Anna Reade, Julia R Varshavsky","doi":"10.1007/s40572-024-00441-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40572-024-00441-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>The discovery of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment and humans worldwide has ignited scientific research, government inquiry, and public concern over numerous adverse health effects associated with PFAS exposure. In this review, we discuss the use of PFAS immunotoxicity data in regulatory and clinical decision-making contexts and question whether recent efforts adequately account for PFAS immunotoxicity in public health decision-making.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Government and academic reviews confirm the strongest human evidence for PFAS immunotoxicity is reduced antibody production in response to vaccinations, particularly for tetanus and diphtheria. However, recent events, such as the economic analysis supporting the proposed national primary drinking water regulations and clinical monitoring recommendations, indicate a failure to adequately incorporate these data into regulatory and clinical decisions. To be more protective of public health, we recommend using all relevant immunotoxicity data to inform current and future PFAS-related chemical risk assessment and regulation. Biological measures of immune system effects, such as reduced antibody levels in response to vaccination, should be used as valid and informative markers of health outcomes and risks associated with PFAS exposure. Routine toxicity testing should be expanded to include immunotoxicity evaluations in adult and developing organisms. In addition, clinical recommendations for PFAS-exposed individuals and communities should be revisited and strengthened to provide guidance on incorporating immune system monitoring and other actions that can be taken to protect against adverse health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":10775,"journal":{"name":"Current Environmental Health Reports","volume":" ","pages":"118-127"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11081924/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140287091","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Consideration on the Intergenerational Ethics on Uranium Waste Disposal.","authors":"Hiroshi Yasuda, Hiromichi Fumoto, Tatsuo Saito, Shin-Etsu Sugawara, Shoji Tsuchida","doi":"10.1007/s40572-024-00442-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40572-024-00442-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>This review provides insights into resolving intergenerational issues related to the disposal of waste containing high amounts of uranium (uranium waste), from which distant future generations will have higher health risks than the current generation.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Uranium (half-life: 4.5 billion years) produces various progeny radionuclides through radioactive decay over the long term, and its radioactivity, as the sum of its contributions, continues to increase for more than 100,000 years. In contrast to high-level radioactive wastes, protective measures, such as attenuation of radiation and confinement of radionuclides from the disposal facility, cannot work effectively for uranium waste. Thus, additional considerations from the perspective of intergenerational ethics are needed in the strategy for uranium waste disposal. The current generation, which has benefited from the use and disposal of uranium waste, is responsible for protecting future generations from the potential risk of buried uranium beyond the lifetime of a disposal facility. Fulfilling this responsibility means making more creative efforts to convey critical information on buried materials to the distant future to ensure that future generations can properly take measures to reduce the harm by themselves in response to changing circumstances including people's values.</p>","PeriodicalId":10775,"journal":{"name":"Current Environmental Health Reports","volume":" ","pages":"318-328"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11082028/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140305144","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Andrew J Hoisington, Kelly A Stearns-Yoder, Elizabeth J Kovacs, Teodor T Postolache, Lisa A Brenner
{"title":"Airborne Exposure to Pollutants and Mental Health: A Review with Implications for United States Veterans.","authors":"Andrew J Hoisington, Kelly A Stearns-Yoder, Elizabeth J Kovacs, Teodor T Postolache, Lisa A Brenner","doi":"10.1007/s40572-024-00437-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40572-024-00437-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Inhalation of airborne pollutants in the natural and built environment is ubiquitous; yet, exposures are different across a lifespan and unique to individuals. Here, we reviewed the connections between mental health outcomes from airborne pollutant exposures, the biological inflammatory mechanisms, and provide future directions for researchers and policy makers. The current state of knowledge is discussed on associations between mental health outcomes and Clean Air Act criteria pollutants, traffic-related air pollutants, pesticides, heavy metals, jet fuel, and burn pits.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Although associations between airborne pollutants and negative physical health outcomes have been a topic of previous investigations, work highlighting associations between exposures and psychological health is only starting to emerge. Research on criteria pollutants and mental health outcomes has the most robust results to date, followed by traffic-related air pollutants, and then pesticides. In contrast, scarce mental health research has been conducted on exposure to heavy metals, jet fuel, and burn pits. Specific cohorts of individuals, such as United States military members and in-turn, Veterans, often have unique histories of exposures, including service-related exposures to aircraft (e.g. jet fuels) and burn pits. Research focused on Veterans and other individuals with an increased likelihood of exposure and higher vulnerability to negative mental health outcomes is needed. Future research will facilitate knowledge aimed at both prevention and intervention to improve physical and mental health among military personnel, Veterans, and other at-risk individuals.</p>","PeriodicalId":10775,"journal":{"name":"Current Environmental Health Reports","volume":" ","pages":"168-183"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12070290/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140058891","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Respiratory Exposure to Highly Fluorinated Chemicals via Application of Ski Wax and Related Health Effects.","authors":"Kathryn A Crawford, Nicola Hartmann","doi":"10.1007/s40572-023-00425-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40572-023-00425-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Waxes containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are applied to the base of skis and snowboards (\"skis\") to reduce friction with the snow surface and improve glide. PFAS exposure can adversely impact cardiometabolic, thyroid, liver, kidney, reproductive, and immune health and are associated with increased risk of certain cancers. In the present review, we summarize the state of the science on PFAS exposure from fluorinated ski wax use, including acute respiratory health effects and PFAS concentrations in biological and environmental media collected from ski waxing settings.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acid (PFCA) concentrations in serum and air collected from professional wax technicians and the rooms where waxes are applied are among the highest of any occupation investigated to date, including the fluorochemical industry. High airborne concentrations of fluorotelomer alcohols contribute to high body burdens of certain PFCAs among ski waxers. Fluorinated ski waxes are a significant source of PFAS exposure for people waxing skis and/or spending time in areas where waxing occurs. We highlight recommendations for future research, policy, and technologies needed to address PFAS exposures from fluorinated wax use.</p>","PeriodicalId":10775,"journal":{"name":"Current Environmental Health Reports","volume":" ","pages":"39-45"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10907454/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139432529","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jeffrey S Fedan, Janet A Thompson, Tina M Sager, Jenny R Roberts, Pius Joseph, Kristine Krajnak, Hong Kan, Krishnan Sriram, Lisa M Weatherly, Stacey E Anderson
{"title":"Toxicological Effects of Inhaled Crude Oil Vapor.","authors":"Jeffrey S Fedan, Janet A Thompson, Tina M Sager, Jenny R Roberts, Pius Joseph, Kristine Krajnak, Hong Kan, Krishnan Sriram, Lisa M Weatherly, Stacey E Anderson","doi":"10.1007/s40572-024-00429-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40572-024-00429-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>The purpose of this review is to assess the toxicological consequences of crude oil vapor (COV) exposure in the workplace through evaluation of the most current epidemiologic and laboratory-based studies in the literature.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Crude oil is a naturally occuring mixture of hydrocarbon deposits, inorganic and organic chemical compounds. Workers engaged in upstream processes of oil extraction are exposed to a number of risks and hazards, including getting crude oil on their skin or inhaling crude oil vapor. There have been several reports of workers who died as a result of inhalation of high levels of COV released upon opening thief hatches atop oil storage tanks. Although many investigations into the toxicity of specific hydrocarbons following inhalation during downstream oil processing have been conducted, there is a paucity of information on the potential toxicity of COV exposure itself. This review assesses current knowledge of the toxicological consequences of exposures to COV in the workplace.</p>","PeriodicalId":10775,"journal":{"name":"Current Environmental Health Reports","volume":" ","pages":"18-29"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10907427/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139545518","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hannah E Laue, Aislinn J Gilmour, Valerie M Tirado, Megan E Romano
{"title":"Conceptualizing the Role of the Microbiome as a Mediator and Modifier in Environmental Health Studies: A Scoping Review of Studies of Triclosan and the Microbiome.","authors":"Hannah E Laue, Aislinn J Gilmour, Valerie M Tirado, Megan E Romano","doi":"10.1007/s40572-024-00428-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40572-024-00428-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Triclosan is an endocrine-disrupting antimicrobial additive that is suspected of contributing to antibiotic resistance and altering the microbiome. In this scoping review, we summarize what is known about the association between triclosan exposure and the microbiome using evidence from in vivo and epidemiologic studies.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Our review includes 11 rodent studies, seven fish studies, and five human studies. Evidence from animal studies suggests that triclosan decreases the diversity of the microbiome, although only one epidemiologic study agreed. Most studies suggest that triclosan alters the microbial community beta diversity, but disagree on which taxa contributed to compositional differences. Taxa in the Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria may be more influenced by triclosan than those in other phyla. Studies on triclosan and the microbiome were scarce and were inconclusive as to the effects of triclosan on the microbiome. Additional research is needed to clarify windows of heightened susceptibility of the microbiome to triclosan. We recommend guidelines for future microbiome research in environmental health to increase comparability across studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":10775,"journal":{"name":"Current Environmental Health Reports","volume":" ","pages":"30-38"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10922364/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139466165","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}