Naseem Akhtar, Arifa Tahir, Moneeza Abbas, Nasib Zaman, Abdul Qadir, Muhammad Arshad
{"title":"Temporal trends in indoor bioaerosols: implications for dental healthcare environments.","authors":"Naseem Akhtar, Arifa Tahir, Moneeza Abbas, Nasib Zaman, Abdul Qadir, Muhammad Arshad","doi":"10.1080/09603123.2024.2373173","DOIUrl":"10.1080/09603123.2024.2373173","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Antibiotic resistance, a significant public health hazard, is predicted to cause 10 million deaths worldwide by 2050. The study aimed to identify culturable bioaerosols in the indoor air of dental units in Lahore and assess their antibiotic resistance. Air samples were collected from 10 dental unit locations at different distances, with average concentrations of fungi and bacteria falling within intermediate ranges, per the Global Index of Microbial Contamination (GIMC/m3) index. The study found higher antibiotic-resistant strains in hospital dental units, particularly during winter. The most vigorous strain, <i>S.aureus</i>-NAJIH18, exhibited 70% resistance to ceftazidime. The research highlights the importance of quantifying microbial pollutants for evaluating their source and complexity. It suggests proactive mitigation techniques, such as focused cleaning and air filtration, to improve indoor air quality can mitigate the spread of antibiotic-resistant strains. These insights offer hope in combating the growing public health threat of antibiotic resistance.</p>","PeriodicalId":14039,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Environmental Health Research","volume":" ","pages":"851-863"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141467858","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Juhi Aggarwal, Derek G Shendell, Kimberly T Nguyen, Midhat Rehman, Maryanne L Campbell
{"title":"Newer New Jersey work-based learning teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic: school safety regarding ventilation, trainings, and awareness of government agencies resources.","authors":"Juhi Aggarwal, Derek G Shendell, Kimberly T Nguyen, Midhat Rehman, Maryanne L Campbell","doi":"10.1080/09603123.2024.2378097","DOIUrl":"10.1080/09603123.2024.2378097","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>New Jersey (NJ) Safe Schools Program (NJSS) provides code-required trainings for NJ teachers supervising students in work-based learning (WBL) experiences. During the COVID-19 pandemic, increased use of chemical cleaning, sanitization, and disinfectant products (CSDPs) led to ventilation and other health concerns. NJSS conducted two surveys of newer NJ WBL teachers between October 2021 and June 2023, with a follow-up in fall 2022 for those who completed initial surveys before summer 2022. This study focused on questions regarding workspace ventilation; respirator and CSDPs trainings; awareness of government resources for safety and health (S&H); and demographics. Over 65% of participant classrooms have operable windows or ventilation systems, while 13% of school salons have ceiling fans. Half of participants didn't receive training on handling CSDPs, although 90% were aware of government S&H resources. Data suggested teachers have well-ventilated workspaces and are aware of different resources available, which is important to continue post COVID-19.</p>","PeriodicalId":14039,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Environmental Health Research","volume":" ","pages":"981-990"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141616297","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Bin Mao, Chuhong Luo, Shengnan Li, Jixin Zhang, Wanyun Xiang, Yi-de Yang
{"title":"Exposure to light at night (LAN) and risk of overweight/obesity, hypertension, and diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Bin Mao, Chuhong Luo, Shengnan Li, Jixin Zhang, Wanyun Xiang, Yi-de Yang","doi":"10.1080/09603123.2024.2378941","DOIUrl":"10.1080/09603123.2024.2378941","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Current studies have presented conflicting findings regarding the associations between light at night (LAN) exposure and the risk of overweight/obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. Our study systematically summarized the evidence of the association between LAN exposure and the risk of overweight/obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. We searched five databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane) for observational studies published up to 1 August 2023. The pooled odds ratio (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by random-effects models for the association. Eighteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with the group with the lowest level of LAN, the group with the highest level of LAN is associated with an increased risk of overweight/obesity (pooled OR = 1.19, 95%CI: 1.13-1.26), hypertension (pooled OR: 1.86, 95% CI:1.28-2.72), and diabetes (pooled OR = 1.21, 95%CI: 1.07-1.31). Our meta-analysis demonstrated LAN exposure is associated with increased risk of overweight/obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.</p>","PeriodicalId":14039,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Environmental Health Research","volume":" ","pages":"1003-1017"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141619936","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mehdi Bahjati Ardakani, Mehdi Zare, Moayed Adiban, Rasul Nasiri, Hasti Daraei, Amirhossein Mahmoudizeh, Farshid Soleimani, Yadolah Fakhri, Amin Mousavi Khaneghah
{"title":"The concentration and probabilistic health risk assessment attribute to PAHs in indoor air of Hormozgan aluminum plant, Iran.","authors":"Mehdi Bahjati Ardakani, Mehdi Zare, Moayed Adiban, Rasul Nasiri, Hasti Daraei, Amirhossein Mahmoudizeh, Farshid Soleimani, Yadolah Fakhri, Amin Mousavi Khaneghah","doi":"10.1080/09603123.2024.2380003","DOIUrl":"10.1080/09603123.2024.2380003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We measured PAHs concentrations to understand the potential short and long-term health risks to workers. In the anode cooking area, the lowest and highest concentrations of PAHs were found for DahA (dibenzo[a,h]anthracene) at 0.373 ± 0.326 µg/m3 and Chry (chrysene) at 1.923 ± 1.258 µg/m3, respectively. In the anode-making area, these concentrations were higher, with DahA at 0.435 ± 0.221 µg/m3 and Chry peaking at 3.841 ± 1.702 µg/m3. Risk assessment based on these concentrations indicates a hierarchical order of individual PAHs risks in the anode cooking area, led by BaP (benzo[a]pyrene), followed by other specific PAHs compounds. The total hazard quotient (THQ) for PAH exposure in both anode-making and cooking areas significantly exceeds the threshold for considered cancer risk, emphasizing the considerable danger to workers. This study underscores the urgent need to mitigate exposure to PAHs in industrial settings to protect worker health from the carcinogenic risks of such hazardous compounds.</p>","PeriodicalId":14039,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Environmental Health Research","volume":" ","pages":"1044-1058"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141734077","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Arij Bouzaiene, Rim Ben Mansour, Mariem Ben Jemaa-Guirat, Imran Hammami, Darine Trabelsi, Kamel Msaada, Nehla Labidi
{"title":"Exploring the bioactive potential of dried fruit by-products: a focus on hazelnut, peanut, and almond teguments and shells.","authors":"Arij Bouzaiene, Rim Ben Mansour, Mariem Ben Jemaa-Guirat, Imran Hammami, Darine Trabelsi, Kamel Msaada, Nehla Labidi","doi":"10.1080/09603123.2024.2373174","DOIUrl":"10.1080/09603123.2024.2373174","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Dried fruits are renowned for their nutritional value, particularly their seeds. However, their skins, shells, and hulls also hold significant nutritional and commercial potential, yet remain largely unexplored for their bioactive compounds. This study examines the teguments and shells of three types of dried fruits - hazelnut, peanut, and two almond varieties. Ethanol extracts from these by-products reveal a variety of phytochemicals with antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties, confirmed through in vitro and in vivo assays. Teguments contain higher polyphenol levels compared to shells, with 24 compounds identified via HPLC analysis. The Achak almond tegument extract demonstrates strong antiradical activity, significant antimicrobial effects, and notable antiviral properties at a low concentration. Moreover, extracts from Achak almond tegument and hazelnut shells exhibit notable anti-inflammatory properties. This underscores the potential of utilizing dried fruit by-products to create innovative, value-added products, supporting environmental sustainability and boosting the competitiveness of the dried fruit industry.</p>","PeriodicalId":14039,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Environmental Health Research","volume":" ","pages":"864-877"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141467856","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Medical waste management practices in primary, secondary, and tertiary hospitals in Anhui Province, China.","authors":"Yi-Yu Lyu, De-Quan Wu, Ruo-Jie Li, Xue-Ping Wang, Xiao-Qian Hu, Kai Huang, Xiang Yan, Xi-Yao Yang, Qiang Zhou, Yi-Le Wu","doi":"10.1080/09603123.2025.2486593","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/09603123.2025.2486593","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Improper medical waste management threatens public health and the environment. The objective of this study was to investigate the practices of medical waste management in different level hospitals. A multicenter study was conducted in 566 hospitals in Anhui Province, China. A self-designed online questionnaire was applied to collect the hospital's characteristics, amount and handling practices of medical waste, and occupational safety measures. The average generation rates of medical waste were 0.62 kg/bed, 0.43 kg/bed, and 0.46 kg/bed per day in tertiary hospitals, secondary hospitals, and primary hospitals, respectively. Different levels of hospitals varied in implementing medical waste management in regulations and processes, segregation, collection, transport, temporary storage centers, disposal, special medical waste, and disposal personnel's protective measures. Partial practices of medical waste management in some surveyed hospitals were not well performed, especially in primary hospitals. Hospitals should pay more attention to all processes of medical waste management, strengthen management of highly infectious and hazardous waste, and provide sufficient training and protective measures. Besides, effective policies are recommended for monitoring compliance with regulations and improving proper medical waste management.</p>","PeriodicalId":14039,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Environmental Health Research","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143763600","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Short-term associations between ambient PM<sub>1</sub>, PM<sub>2.5</sub>, and PM<sub>10</sub> and hospital admissions, length of hospital stays, and hospital expenses for patients with cardiovascular diseases in rural areas of Fuyang, East China.","authors":"Teng-Fei Dong, Wan-Qi Sun, Xing-Yang Li, Liang Sun, Huai-Biao Li, Ling-Li Liu, Yuan- Wang, Hong-Li Wang, Lin-Sheng Yang, Zhen-Qiu Zha","doi":"10.1080/09603123.2024.2380353","DOIUrl":"10.1080/09603123.2024.2380353","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Evidence on the impacts of PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 on the hospital admissions, length of hospital stays (LOS), and hospital expenses among patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) is still limited in China, especially in rural areas. This study was performed in eight counties of Fuyang from 1 January 2015 to 30 June 2017. We use a three-stage time-series analysis to explore the effects of short-term exposure to PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 on hospital admissions, LOS, and hospital expenses for CVDs. An increment of 10 ug/m3 in PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 corresponded to an increment of 1.82% (95% CI: 1.34, 2.30), 0.96% (95% CI: 0.44, 1.48), and 0.79% (95% CI: 0.63%, 0.95%) in CVD hospital admissions, respectively. We observed that daily concentrations of PMs were associated with an increase in hospital admissions, LOS, and expenses for CVDs. Sustained endeavors are required to reduce air pollution so as to attenuate disease burdens from CVDs.</p>","PeriodicalId":14039,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Environmental Health Research","volume":" ","pages":"1059-1071"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141748153","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Predictors of COVID-Related stress in a community sample in Turkey: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Emine Özmete, Melike Pak, Serdarhan Duru","doi":"10.1080/09603123.2024.2375350","DOIUrl":"10.1080/09603123.2024.2375350","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The distinctive mental health features associated with COVID-19 have gained importance as the psychological effects of the pandemic on the community become more visible. This study aims to assess the COVID-related stress status and associated factors in the community sample of Turkey. The sample of this cross-sectional study is composed of 2.065 people between the ages of 18-90. Data were collected through an online survey prepared by Google.docs between October-December, 2020. Mild to moderate stress was found in the community with the most common symptoms of the fear of contamination and danger. Some variables, such as being female and the severity of COVID-19 illness, were associated with higher COVID-related stress. Vulnerable groups associated with high stress should be monitored during the pandemic. The findings of this study will guide the practices of professionals working in the field of public health, healthcare, or mental health in possible future pandemics.</p>","PeriodicalId":14039,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Environmental Health Research","volume":" ","pages":"933-947"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141498029","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Adnan Sirage Ali, Sirak Robele Gari, Michaela L Goodson, Claire L Walsh, Bitew K Dessie, Argaw Ambelu
{"title":"Incidence of diarrhea and risk factors among wastewater-irrigating urban farmers along Akaki Rivers in Addis Ababa.","authors":"Adnan Sirage Ali, Sirak Robele Gari, Michaela L Goodson, Claire L Walsh, Bitew K Dessie, Argaw Ambelu","doi":"10.1080/09603123.2024.2374001","DOIUrl":"10.1080/09603123.2024.2374001","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The importance of diarrhea risk associated with wastewater exposure in agriculture is almost unknown. This study aimed to examine diarrheal infection and risk factors among farmers using wastewater for irrigation in Addis Ababa. A cross-sectional study was employed among 380 farmers (190 exposed and 190 unexposed farmers). Among these, a cohort of 200 adults (100 wastewater-exposed, 100 unexposed farmers) aged 25-69 years were selected and followed up biweekly for two successive vegetables growing seasons to examine the incidence of diarrhea. The incidence rate of reported diarrhea was 12 episodes per 1,000 person-weeks at risk and a maximum of 17 episodes per 1,000 person-weeks at risk. Strongly associated risk factors include washing body and clothes with wastewater [AOR: 4.2, 95%CI (1, 11.2)], using working clothes at home [AOR: 4.7, 95%CI (0.25, 87)], and wearing protective cloth [AOR: 5.6, 95 CI (0.3, 70)]. Moreover, hand washing after work, washing feet and boots, and on-site hand washing were significant determinants of farmers' diarrhea. Exposure to wastewater significantly contributes to the risk of diarrhea among adults. Significant determinants of diarrhea among farmers include washing the body and clothes with irrigation water, contamination with soil and irrigation water, and on-site hand washing. Increased risk factors include hand contamination, washing vegetables with irrigation water, eating raw vegetables, and using work clothes at home.</p>","PeriodicalId":14039,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Environmental Health Research","volume":" ","pages":"909-921"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141467857","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hatice Uzşen, Merve Koyun, Cansev Bal, Özge İşeri, Özge Öz Yıldırım, Dilek Çelik Eren
{"title":"Effect of environmental education program implemented with university student participation on secondary school students' environmental attitude.","authors":"Hatice Uzşen, Merve Koyun, Cansev Bal, Özge İşeri, Özge Öz Yıldırım, Dilek Çelik Eren","doi":"10.1080/09603123.2024.2382303","DOIUrl":"10.1080/09603123.2024.2382303","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Study aimed to increase university students' sensitivity and the environmental attitudes of secondary school students through environmental education program. It was planned as quasi-experimental research. The first phase was completed with five fourth-year students who took Social Awareness Course at a university's nursing department in Turkey. In second phase, sample consisted of 264 5<sup>th</sup>-grade students studying at Secondary School in Black Sea Region. University students implemented Environmental Education Program for secondary school students for four weeks. Mean environmental attitude scale score of 5<sup>th</sup>-grade students before education was 2.79 ± 0.32, and after education was 3.51 ± 0.41. A statistically significant difference was determined between mean total scale scores of university and 5<sup>th</sup>-grade students before and after education (p ˂ 0.05). It was determined that environmental sensitivity of university students and environmental attitudes of secondary school students were at medium level before Environmental Education Program and high level after education.</p>","PeriodicalId":14039,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Environmental Health Research","volume":" ","pages":"1096-1110"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141751655","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}