International journal of hygiene and environmental health最新文献

{"title":"Assessing the exposure to the UV filter DHHB in urine samples from the German Environmental Specimen Bank (2000–2021): Evaluating the impact of a potential impurity of di-n-hexyl phthalate in DHHB","authors":"Max Scherer ,&nbsp;Gerhard Scherer ,&nbsp;Kirsten Riedel ,&nbsp;Holger M. Koch ,&nbsp;Sonja A. Wrobel ,&nbsp;Aline Murawski ,&nbsp;Nora Lemke ,&nbsp;Till Weber ,&nbsp;Nikola Pluym ,&nbsp;Marike Kolossa-Gehring","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114565","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114565","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Human biomonitoring (HBM) has become a crucial tool for assessing exposure to emerging chemicals. We analyzed 250 24-h urine samples from the German Environmental Specimen Bank (ESB), collected between 2000 and 2021, for exposure to diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate (DHHB), a UV filter increasingly used in sunscreens. Three major metabolites were examined: 2-(4-diethylamino)-, 2-(4-ethylamino)-, and 2-(4-amino)-2-hydroxybenzoyl)benzoic acid (DHB, EHB, AHB), with detection rates of 18°%, 13°%, and 87°%, respectively. While EHB and DHB were specific to DHHB, AHB suggested other exposure sources, making it unreliable for assessing DHHB exposure. DHB and EHB were first detected in 2012, with increased detection rates thereafter. The median daily intake of 37 ng/kg bw/d was much lower than the derived no-effect level of 2900 mg/kg bw/d, indicating low risk from DHHB exposure. However, since the analyzed ESB samples were collected in winter, they likely reflect exposure from other products and the environment rather than sunscreen-related exposure. Recently, concerns have emerged regarding the DHHB impurity di-n-hexylphthalate (DnHexP), a reproductive toxicant not authorized in the EU. Retrospective analysis of oral DHHB dosing experiments indeed revealed impurity related dose-dependent excretion of DnHexP metabolites (MnHexP, oxidized 5-OH-MnHexP, and 5-oxo-MnHexP). Due to uncertainties in dose allocation, only a rough excretion fraction of 45°% for MnHexP was derived. Our findings suggest that the DHHB impurity DnHexP may contribute to DnHexP exposure in sunscreen users applying products with contaminated DHHB. Given DnHexP's toxicity, this warrants re-assessment of DHHB's safety in cosmetics and enhanced surveillance of both DHHB and DnHexP in HBM studies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"266 ","pages":"Article 114565"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143675026","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":"Fine particulate matter components and reproductive hormones in female adults: A 15-year longitudinal cohort study","authors":"Siyi Chen ,&nbsp;Cui Guo ,&nbsp;Chunquan Ou ,&nbsp;Yiling Zheng ,&nbsp;Yufei Liu ,&nbsp;Jun Ma ,&nbsp;Xingcheng Lu ,&nbsp;Bo Huang ,&nbsp;Ta-Chien Chan","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114562","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114562","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Few cohort studies have evaluated the long-term impacts of ambient fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) and its components on reproductive hormone levels in female adults.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a 15-year retrospective cohort study in Taiwan between 2003 and 2017. The two-year average concentrations of PM_2.5 and its components, including sulfate (<span><math><mrow><msubsup><mrow><mi>S</mi><mi>O</mi></mrow><mn>4</mn><mrow><mn>2</mn><mo>−</mo></mrow></msubsup></mrow></math></span>), nitrate (<span><math><mrow><msubsup><mrow><mi>N</mi><mi>O</mi></mrow><mn>3</mn><mo>−</mo></msubsup></mrow></math></span>), ammonium (<span><math><mrow><msubsup><mrow><mi>N</mi><mi>H</mi></mrow><mn>4</mn><mo>+</mo></msubsup></mrow></math></span>), organic matter (OM), and black carbon (BC), were assessed at each participant's addresses. Linear mixed models were used to examine the associations of PM_2.5 and its components with reproductive hormones, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), and prolactin (PRL). Stratified analyses were conducted to identify vulnerable populations.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>17,152 female adults were included. Each interquartile range (IQR: 3.545 μg/m³) increase in PM_2.5 was associated with a 0.585 mIU/mL [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.190–0.980] increase in FSH levels. Among the five components of PM_2.5, BC had the strongest positive association [each IQR (0.272 μg/m³) increase was associated with a 0.863 mIU/mL (95% CI: 0.476–1.250) increase in FSH levels], followed by OM, <span><math><mrow><msubsup><mrow><mi>S</mi><mi>O</mi></mrow><mn>4</mn><mrow><mn>2</mn><mo>−</mo></mrow></msubsup></mrow></math></span>, and <span><math><mrow><msubsup><mrow><mi>N</mi><mi>H</mi></mrow><mn>4</mn><mo>+</mo></msubsup></mrow></math></span>. Similar associations were found for LH, with a 0.483 mIU/mL (95% CI: 0.225–0.742) and 0.684 mIU/mL (95% CI: 0.431–0.938) increase in LH levels per IQR increase in PM_2.5 and BC, respectively. The pollutants were marginally associated with decreased E2 levels and increased PRL levels. Non-linear associations between PM_2.5 and its components and the levels of FSH, LH, E2, and PRL were observed. These pollutants were also positively associated with T levels among young adults. Post-menopausal women were more susceptible to the chronic impacts of PM_2.5 and its components.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our study highlighted the adverse impacts of long-term exposure to PM_2.5 components on hormonal homeostasis, revealing the biological mechanism of air pollution-reproductive health associations in females. Implementing stringent control of air pollution levels can benefit reproductive health in female adults, even in moderately polluted regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"266 ","pages":"Article 114562"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143637182","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":"Defining alarm thresholds for the load of pathogenic viruses in wastewater for decision making: An application to three French cities","authors":"Olivier Schlosser ,&nbsp;Sophie Courtois ,&nbsp;Philippe Bryche ,&nbsp;Clotilde Fressinet ,&nbsp;Nicolas Revel ,&nbsp;Jean-François Loret","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114563","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114563","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Wastewater monitoring has the potential to complement infectious disease surveillance systems. However, the absence of predefined viral signal thresholds in wastewater is often presented as a limiting factor in triggering public health action. To overcome this issue, the feasibility of defining alarm threshold for viral loads in wastewater samples was assessed by quantifying genome fragments of SARS-CoV-2, influenza A virus (IAV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), norovirus (NoV), and rotavirus (RoV) by RT-digital PCR (dPCR) in untreated wastewater samples from three treatment plants. Cut-point values were calculated for periods with a high rate of visits to emergency rooms or at-home visits by SOS Médecins for the related diseases. ROC curves were constructed, and the values of alarm threshold in wastewater were defined using the Youden index. For each targeted virus, alarm thresholds were close to each other across the three WWTPs. As indicated by likelihood ratios, evidence to rule in the diagnosis of high rate of visits when the alarm threshold was exceeded ranged from weak to strong and was highest for RSV and SARS-CoV-2. Evidence to rule out the diagnosis when the alarm threshold was not exceeded was strong or moderate for IAV, SARS-CoV-2 and RSV. Diagnostic performance of the test was not as high for NoV and RoV. Positive predictive value was highest for SARS-CoV-2 and RSV.</div><div>For SARS-CoV-2 and RSV, the definition of an alarm threshold in wastewater could substantially inform the diagnosis of a period with a high rate of medical visits for COVID-19 and bronchiolitis, respectively.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"266 ","pages":"Article 114563"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143629063","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":"Airborne metals and microorganisms during work with historical books – Exposure and biomonitoring","authors":"Akila Muthalagu ,&nbsp;Mohammad S. Delsuz ,&nbsp;Michael Levi ,&nbsp;Maria Kippler ,&nbsp;Margit W. Frederiksen ,&nbsp;Birgit Vinther Hansen ,&nbsp;Iben Bak Christensen ,&nbsp;Karin Broberg ,&nbsp;Anne Mette Madsen","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114555","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114555","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Exposure to metals and microorganisms can pose health risks. Historical books often contain pigments with metals, and fungi. The aim of this study is to obtain knowledge about exposure to eight metals and microorganisms in a library in Denmark. Personal exposure of staff handling historical books (high-exposure group) and indoor and outdoor air samples were collected in three well-ventilated sites of a library. Urine samples were collected the next morning from the high-exposure group, a low-exposure group (colleagues not handling historical books), and a reference group. Eight metals were measured in air and urine samples using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Bacteria and fungal species were identified using MALDI-TOF MS. Personal exposure to metals was higher than in stationary indoor and outdoor air samples, particularly for arsenic (As), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd), and some were spread to the indoor air. Personal exposure to As, Cd, and Hg showed a significant correlation with Pb levels. The overall indoor/outdoor ratio of personal exposure exceeded 1 for all metals except antimony (Sb) indicating potential indoor source. Additionally, Cd and As concentrations in some urine samples exceeded Biological Limit and Guidance Values. Most fungal species detected belonged to <em>Aspergillus</em> and <em>Penicillium</em>, and eight species are xerophilic. In conclusion, library staff were exposed to higher concentrations of metals as compared to outdoor air, warranting further research across different tasks and days for staff handling historical books to understand these risks better.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"266 ","pages":"Article 114555"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143611184","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":"Degree of food processing and serum poly- and perfluoroalkyl substance concentrations in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003–2018","authors":"Diana C. Pacyga ,&nbsp;Jessie P. Buckley ,&nbsp;Euridice Martinez-Steele ,&nbsp;Paige A. Bommarito ,&nbsp;Kelly K. Ferguson ,&nbsp;Danielle R. Stevens","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114557","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114557","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Ultra-processed foods account for &gt;50% of total energy consumed among U.S. individuals and may be a source of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure – chemicals linked with cancer/cardiometabolic disorders.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To evaluate associations between degree of food processing and PFAS exposure.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Serum concentrations of seven PFAS were analyzed in 11,530 individuals ≥12-years-old from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2003–2018). We averaged responses from two 24-h dietary recalls to calculate relative energy intakes of unprocessed/minimally processed foods, processed culinary ingredients, processed foods, and ultra-processed foods using the Nova food classification system. We estimated percent differences in concentrations (β; PFAS with ≥70% detection) or odds ratios of detection (OR; PFAS with &lt;70% detection) using linear or logistic regression, respectively. We explored associations stratified by cycle, life stage, sex, body mass index, race/ethnicity, and poverty/income ratio.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Each 10% increase in ultra-processed food intake was associated with higher serum perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS; β: 1.40; 95%CI: -0.12, 2.94), but lower perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA; β: -4.41; 95%CI: -5.55, −3.26) and perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA; OR: 0.82; 95%CI: 0.79, 0.86) concentrations. Positive associations between ultra-processed foods and PFHxS were driven by adolescents and under-/normal weight individuals. Additionally, each 10% increase in unprocessed/minimally processed food intake was associated with lower perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA; β: -1.10; 95%CI: -2.38, 0.20) and PFHxS (β: -1.50; 95%CI: -3.03, 0.06), but higher perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA; β: 1.71; 95%CI: 0.24, 3.21), PFDA (β: 5.33; 95%CI: 3.78, 6.90), and PFUnDA (OR: 1.22; 95%CI: 1.16, 1.27). Positive and negative associations of unprocessed/minimally processed foods and ultra-processed foods, respectively, with PFDA and PFUnDA were strongest in recent survey cycles, males, and non-Hispanic Asians.</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>Unprocessed/minimally processed foods, more than ultra-processed, were associated with serum PFAS concentrations. Efforts should focus on eliminating PFAS from multiple parts of the food chain.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"266 ","pages":"Article 114557"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143593131","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":"Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and type 2 diabetes among older adults: Synthesizing cross-sectional population study and meta-analysis","authors":"Mengyi Wang ,&nbsp;Zhu Wang ,&nbsp;Yan Liu,&nbsp;Ruifang Li,&nbsp;Yang Shen,&nbsp;Zhijia Zhuang,&nbsp;Lulu Wang,&nbsp;Zhe Liu,&nbsp;Tao Jing","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114560","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114560","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) on type 2 diabetes (T2D) remain unclear. We aimed to explore the effects of PFASs exposure on glucose metabolism disorders in older adults. We enrolled 704 elderly individuals aged over 65 years from Wuhan, China. Plasma concentrations of 12 PFASs were measured using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Generalized linear models and quantile-based g computation (qgcomp) were employed to evaluate the effects of individual and combined PFAS exposures on T2D risk. Additionally, a meta-analysis was conducted to consolidate findings reported in the literature for validation purposes. The detection rate of all 12 PFASs exceeded 80%, with median concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 15.22 ng/mL. Single exposure analysis revealed an inverse association between perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA) and impaired fasting glucose (IFG), as well as between PFDoA, perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUdA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and T2D risk (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). Quantile-based g-computation analysis showed an inverse association between the PFAS mixture and IFG and T2D risk, although these associations lacked statistical significance. PFDA exhibited the greatest weight in the negative associations with IFG and T2D. Meta-analysis demonstrated an inverse association between PFDA and PFUdA and T2D risk, and PFOA demonstrated an inverted U-shaped nonlinear dose-response relationship with the risk of T2D (<em>P</em>_nonlinear = 0.026). The potential impact of PFAS exposure on glucose metabolism merits attention, underscoring the need for a thorough comprehension of the biological mechanisms underlying PFAS-mediated metabolic effects to facilitate precise risk assessment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"266 ","pages":"Article 114560"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143577551","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":"Prenatal per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and blood pressure trajectories in the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study","authors":"Yuting Wang ,&nbsp;Elizabeth C. Anderson ,&nbsp;Caitlin G. Howe ,&nbsp;Jiang Gui ,&nbsp;Lisa G. Gallagher ,&nbsp;Brianna Heggeseth ,&nbsp;Julianne Cook Botelho ,&nbsp;Antonia M. Calafat ,&nbsp;Margaret R. Karagas ,&nbsp;Megan E. Romano","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114556","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114556","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been associated with increased risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, but whether PFAS influence blood pressure (BP) trajectories among normotensive pregnant women is unknown. We examined associations between PFAS mixtures and BP trajectories during pregnancy among normotensive women. PFAS concentrations, including perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), perfluorononanoate (PFNA), and perfluorodecanoate (PFDA), were measured in plasma collected at ∼28 gestational weeks among pregnant women enrolled in the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study (2009–2018). Systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) were abstracted from pregnancy medical records. We identified BP trajectories using latent class trajectory modeling and evaluated associations between PFAS mixtures and BP trajectories using probit Bayesian kernel machine regression and multinomial quantile g-computation. We used linear mixed models to examine individual PFAS and BP changes during the third trimester. Models were adjusted for sociodemographic, lifestyle, and reproductive factors, and gestational week of blood sample collection. During late pregnancy, plasma PFOS was associated with greater increases in SBP and PFHxS was associated with greater increases in DBP. Over the third trimester, each doubling in plasma PFOS was associated with 0.07 mmHg (95% CI: −0.01, 0.14) increase per week in SBP, and each doubling in plasma PFHxS was associated with 0.07 mmHg (95% CI: 0.02, 0.12) increase per week in DBP. Our study provides additional evidence suggesting that PFAS may adversely influence blood pressure even among normotensive women.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"266 ","pages":"Article 114556"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143577550","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":"Impact of solar powered mini water systems on WASH service delivery among schools in Pader district, Uganda","authors":"Patrick Kagurusi ,&nbsp;Muhammad Luyima ,&nbsp;Hajra Mukasa Comfort ,&nbsp;Elizabeth Nagawa ,&nbsp;Isa Sematimba ,&nbsp;Anthony Egau Okar ,&nbsp;Maureen Nankanja","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114558","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114558","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>In Pader district, the pupil-to-stance ratio was 76:1 in 2019, far higher than the national target of 40:1 and hand washing coverage was 21%. AMREF Health Africa end-line implemented a Solar for inclusive WASH services project between February 2021 and November 2023. Therefore, this study aimed to compare WASH service delivery indicators at the baseline and endline of implementing the Solar for Inclusive WASH services project. The findings of this study have implications on government policy and WASH interventions in institutions.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The study employed a cross-sectional design among 371 pupils in 6 target schools in Puranga and Tenam sub-counties, Pader district. The study used simple random sampling method when selecting participants in classes and systematic sampling was used in allocation of sample sizes for each school Quantitative data was collected using electronic structured questionnaires and analyzed using STATA version 14. Descriptive statistics were derived from the data collected. Research Approval was obtained from Mildmay Uganda Research Ethics Committee (MUREC) and Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST). Data collection for both the baseline and endline evaluation was conducted in the 6 similar target schools where project interventions were conducted.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>At the end-line, the round-trip distance from the classroom to the point of water collection was reduced to less than 200 m and the turnaround time spent was reduced to less than 5 min for the majority of respondents. With the analysis of Paired sample T-test, the p-value (Sig.) for each of the two variables (turnaround time and distance travelled) of 0.000 is less than 0.05 that indicating that the implementation of the solar-powered mini water systems has significantly reduced the turnaround time spent and distance travelled by respondents in search of safe and drinking water while at school. There was a marked improvement in hand washing after defecation from 16.4% at baseline to 85.7% at end-line. Experiences of diarrhoea were reduced by 11.5% and none of the girls missed school due to menstruation at endline. The presence of water in school compound has reduced the practice of the pupils skipping classes during break off (break and lunch) due to search of water. The practice of children carrying water to school for use like drinking is no longer existent. The study reports that there has been a reduction in cases reported for girls undergoing menstruation missing class and resorting to stay at home.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>There was a significant improvement in access to water, hygiene and sanitation indicators in the schools following the implementation of the Solar for inclusive WASH services project.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"266 ","pages":"Article 114558"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143577549","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":"Is local air pollution concentration a moderator or mediator of the association between residential greenspace and pediatric asthma exacerbations? A longitudinal study of pediatric patients in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania","authors":"Yun-Ting Yen ,&nbsp;Leah H. Schinasi ,&nbsp;Brisa N. Sánchez ,&nbsp;Steven Melly ,&nbsp;Kari Moore ,&nbsp;Christopher B. Forrest ,&nbsp;Chén C. Kenyon ,&nbsp;Michelle C. Kondo ,&nbsp;Anneclaire J. De Roos","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114546","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114546","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Despite mixed evidence supporting the link between greenspace and asthma exacerbations, several studies suggest a negative association. The mechanisms underlying this relationship are unclear, with air pollution concentrations potentially playing a key role. This study investigated whether air pollution concentrations modify or mediate the relationship between residential greenspace and pediatric asthma exacerbations.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Data were drawn from a pediatric asthma cohort at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (2011–2016), including children aged &lt;18 years. Participants were followed from their initial visit until their first asthma exacerbation. Greenspace (tree canopy, grass/shrub cover) near homes was assessed. Daily air pollution data, including PM_2.5, ozone, NO₂, and SO₂, were obtained from the US Environmental Protection Agency. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated, adjusting for individual and neighborhood characteristics. Effect modification by air pollution concentrations was tested, and causal mediation analyses were conducted.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>On days with high SO₂ concentrations, children living near the highest quartile of tree canopy coverage had a 14% lower incidence of asthma exacerbations compared to those in the lowest quartile (HR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.74, 0.98). Conversely, on days with low SO₂ concentrations, tree canopy coverage was associated with a nonsignificant 12% higher incidence (HR = 1.12, 95% CI = 0.97, 1.28). Similar patterns were observed for NO₂, but no interactions were found for PM_2.5 or ozone. Mediation analyses indicated no significant mediation by air pollution.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>In urban areas with high SO₂ or NO₂ levels, greenspace near homes may support children with asthma by mitigating air pollution's impact, suggesting greenspace-based urban strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"266 ","pages":"Article 114546"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143550705","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":"Occupational risks, vulnerabilities, and safety challenges among informal waste workers at the open disposal site in Khulna city","authors":"Syeda Tasnova Imam ,&nbsp;Islam M. Rafizul","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114543","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114543","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Informal waste workers play vital yet largely unrecognized role in waste management in developing countries by recovering recyclable materials from disposal sites. This study investigates the occupational health and safety risks faced by informal waste workers engaged in waste sorting and collection activities at Rajbandh open dump, the sole disposal site in Khulna, Bangladesh. The vulnerabilities of the informal waste workers stem from inadequate protective equipment, poor sanitation, limited healthcare access, and a lack of training. Through structured questionnaires and observational checklists, data were collected from informal waste workers between May and June 2023, achieving a 100% response rate. Descriptive analysis using SPSS 23.0 revealed that all respondents reported health issues, while none owned safety gear—exacerbating exposure to hazardous waste, airborne pollutants, and unsafe working conditions. Alarmingly, all informal waste collectors reported health symptoms, with 0% ownership of safety gear, significantly contributing to these hazards and underscoring the urgent need for intervention. Rajbandh has a high frequency of occupational injuries as no specific rules and regulations have been established for informal waste workers by the Khulna City Corporation (KCC). Despite the high incidence of occupational injuries, KCC has yet to establish regulations to protect these workers. This study addresses a critical research gap by providing empirical evidence on the vulnerabilities of informal waste workers. The findings emphasize the urgent need for policy interventions, including occupational health programs, provision of safety equipment, and regulatory frameworks to safeguard their well-being.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"266 ","pages":"Article 114543"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143550706","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}