Environmental Health via MedWorm.com

Effects of apparent temperature on daily mortality in Lisbon and Oporto, Portugal

Environmental Health — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Even without extremes in apparent temperature, we observed an association between temperature and daily mortality in Portugal. Additional research is needed to allow for better assessment of vulnerability within populations in Portugal in order to develop more effective heat-related morbidity and mortality public health programs. (Source: Environmental Health)

Perturbation of lipids and glucose metabolism associated with previous 2,4-D exposure: a cross-sectional study of NHANES III data, 1988-1994

Environmental Health — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The results indicate that exposure to 2,4-D was associated with changes in biomarkers that, based on the published literature, have been linked to risk factors for acute myocardial infarction and type-2 diabetes. (Source: Environmental Health)

Maternal characteristics associated with the dietary intake of nitrates, nitrites, and nitrosamines in women of child-bearing age: a cross-sectional study

Environmental Health — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: : Results of this study indicate that intake of nitrates, nitrites, and nitrosamines vary considerably by race/ethnicity, education, body mass index, and other characteristics. Further research is needed regarding how consumption of foods high in nitrosamines and N-nitroso precursors might relate to risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and chronic diseases. (Source: Environmental Health)

External costs of atmospheric Pb emissions: valuation of neurotoxic impacts due to inhalation

Environmental Health — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Biokinetic modelling is a novel tool not previously included when applying the IPA to explore impacts of Pb emissions and related external costs; it allows for more fine-tuned, age-dependent figures for the external costs from low-dose exposure. Valuation of additional health effects and impacts e.g. due to exposure via ingestion appear to be feasible when extending the insights from the present pilot study. (Source: Environmental Health)

Air pollution and mortality in the Canary Islands: a time-series analysis

Environmental Health — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: There is a short-term association between current exposure levels to air pollution and mortality (total as well as that due specifically to heart and respiratory diseases) in both cities. Risk coefficients were higher for respiratory and cardiovascular mortality, showing a delayed effect over several days. (Source: Environmental Health)

Consumer exposure to biocides - identification of relevant sources and evaluation of possible health effects

Environmental Health — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Exposure to biocides from household products may contribute to induction of sensitization in the population. The use of biocides in consumer products should be carefully evaluated. Detailed risk assessments will become available within the framework of the EU Biocides Directive. (Source: Environmental Health)

Air pollution exposure during pregnancy and reduced birth size: a prospective birth cohort study in Valencia, Spain

Environmental Health — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Prenatal exposure to traffic-related air pollution may reduce fetal growth. Findings from this study provide further evidence of the need for developing strategies to reduce air pollution in order to prevent risks to fetal health and development. (Source: Environmental Health)

Is the smokers exposure to environmental tobacco smoke negligible?

Environmental Health — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: During indoor smoking, ETS contribution to total BaP dose of the same smoker, may be not negligible. Therefore both active and passive smoking exposures should be considered in studies about health of active smokers. (Source: Environmental Health)

Water quality monitoring records for estimating tap water arsenic and nitrate: a validation study

Environmental Health — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Historical water quality databases show some promise for categorizing epidemiologic study participants in terms of relative tap water nitrate levels. Nonetheless, such records-based methods must be used with caution, and their use for arsenic may be limited. (Source: Environmental Health)

Modifiers of short-term effects of ozone on mortality in eastern Massachusetts -- a case-crossover analysis at individual level

Environmental Health — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Exposure to ozone was associated with specific cause mortality in Eastern Massachusetts during May-September, 1995-2002. There was no evidence that effects of ozone on mortality were significantly modified by socioeconomic status and individual characteristics. (Source: Environmental Health)

Local population and regional environmental drivers of cholera in Bangladesh

Environmental Health — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Overall, it appears cholera is influenced by regional environmental variables during the pre-monsoon period and by local-level variables (e.g., water and sanitation) during the post-monsoon period. In both pre- and post-monsoon seasons, SES significantly influences these patterns, likely because it is a proxy for poor water quality and sanitation in poorer households. (Source: Environmental Health)

Methylmercury exposure in a subsistence fishing community in Lake Chapala, Mexico: an ecological approach

Environmental Health — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our preliminary data indicate that, despite a moderate level of contamination in recent sediments and suspended particulate matter, carp in Lake Chapala contain mercury levels of concern for local fish consumers. Consumption of carp appears to contribute significantly to body burden in this population. Further studies of the consequences of prenatal exposure for child neurodevelopment are being initiated. (Source: Environmental Health)

Dynamic maps: a visual-analytic methodology for exploring spatio-temporal disease patterns

Environmental Health — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Dynamic mapping is a practical visual-analytic technique for public health practitioners that has an outstanding potential in providing insights into spatio-temporal processes such as revealing outbreak origins, percolation and traveling waves of the diseases, peak timing of seasonal outbreaks, and persistence of disease clusters. (Source: Environmental Health)

Residential traffic exposure and pregnancy-related outcomes: a prospective birth cohort study

Environmental Health — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Mothers exposed to residential traffic had no higher risk of adverse birth outcomes or pregnancy complications in this study. Future studies may be refined by taking both temporal and spatial variation in air pollution exposure into account. (Source: Environmental Health)

Fine particulate air pollution and its components in association with cause-specific emergency admissions

Environmental Health — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: We found that PM2.5 mass higher in Ni, As, and Cr, as well as Br and OC significantly increased its effect on hospital admissions. This result suggests that particles from industrial combustion sources and traffic may, on average, have greater toxicity. (Source: Environmental Health)

Survival of Ascaris eggs and hygienic quality of human excreta in Vietnamese composting latrines

Environmental Health — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: By inactivating >99% of all A. suum eggs in human excreta during a storage period of only three months the commonly used Double Vault Composting (DVC) latrine, in which urine is not separated, could therefore potentially provide a hygienic acceptable fertilizer. (Source: Environmental Health)

Reanalysis of cancer mortality in Japanese A-bomb survivors exposed to low doses of radiation: bootstrap and simulation methods

Environmental Health — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Liver and urinary cancer mortality risk is significantly raised using a latency model with linear dose response. A non-linear model is strongly superior for the stomach, liver, lung, pancreas and leukaemia. Bootstrap and Likelihood-based confidence intervals are broadly comparable and ERR is strictly positive by bootstrap methods for all 5 cancers. Except for the pancreas, similar estimates of latency and risk from 10 mSv are obtained from the 0 - 20 mSv and 5 - 500 mSv subcohorts. Large and significant cancer risks for Japanese survivors exposed to less than 20 mSv external radiation from the atomic bombs in 1945 cast doubt on the ICRP recommended annual occupational dose limit. (Source: Environmental Health)

Variability in childhood allergy and asthma across ethnicity, language, and residency duration in El Paso, Texas: a cross-sectional study

Environmental Health — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These findings suggest that a community-wide environmental exposure in El Paso, delayed pulmonary development, or increased health of immigrants may be associated with allergy and asthma development in children raised there. (Source: Environmental Health)

The impact of new research technologies on our understanding of environmental causes of disease: the concept of clinical vulnerability

Environmental Health — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In spite of decades of epidemiological research, the etiology and causal patterns for many common diseases, such as breast and colon cancer or neurodegenerative diseases, are still largely unknown. Such chronic diseases are likely to have an environmental origin. However, "environmental" risks have been often elusive in epidemiological studies. This is a conundrum for current epidemiological research. On the other side, the relative contribution of genes to chronic diseases, as emerging from genome-wide association studies (GWAS), seems to be modest (15-50% increase in disease risk). What is yet to be explored extensively is a model of disease based on long-term effects of low doses of environmental exposures, incorporating both genetic and acquired susceptibility ("clinical vulnerability"...

Commentary: mechanistic considerations for associations between formaldehyde exposure and nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Environmental Health — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Occupational exposure to formaldehyde has been linked to nasopharyngeal carcinoma. To date, mechanistic explanations for this association have primarily focused on formaldehyde-induced cytotoxicity, regenerative hyperplasia and DNA damage. However, recent studies broaden the potential mechanisms as it is now well established that formaldehyde dehydrogenase, identical to S-nitrosoglutathione reductase, is an important mediator of cGMP-independent nitric oxide signaling pathways. We have previously described mechanisms by which formaldehyde can influence nitrosothiol homeostasis thereby leading to changes in pulmonary physiology. Considering evidences that nitrosothiols govern the Epstein-Barr virus infection cycle, and that the virus is strongly implicated in the etiology of nasopharyngeal ...

Occupational and environmental hazard assessments for the isolation, purification and toxicity testing of cyanobacterial toxins

Environmental Health — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Cyanobacteria can produce groups of structurally and functionally unrelated but highly potent toxins. Cyanotoxins are used in multiple research endeavours, either for direct investigation of their toxicologic properties, or as functional analogues for various biochemical and physiological processes. This paper presents occupational safety guidelines and recommendations for personnel working in field, laboratory or industrial settings to produce and use purified cyanotoxins and toxic cyanobacteria, from bulk harvesting of bloom material, mass culture of laboratory isolates, through routine extraction, isolation and purification. Oral, inhalational, dermal and parenteral routes are all potential occupational exposure pathways during the various stages of cyanotoxin production and application...

Sources of variation for indoor nitrogen dioxide in rural residences of Ethiopia

Environmental Health — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Agro-ecology, season, purpose of fire events, frequency of fire activities, frequency of cooking and physical conditions of housing are predictors of NO2 concentration. Improved kitchen conditions and ventilation are highly recommended. (Source: Environmental Health)

Susceptibility to heat wave-related mortality: a follow-up study of a cohort of elderly in Rome

Environmental Health — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This study investigated socio-demographic characteristics and pre-existing medical conditions as effect modifiers of the risk of dying during heat waves in a cohort of elderly residents in Rome. Methods: A cohort of 651,195 residents aged 65 yrs or older was followed from 2005 to 2007. During summer, heat wave days were defined according to month-specific thresholds of maximum apparent temperature. The adjusted relative risk of dying during heat waves was estimated using a Poisson regression model including all the considered covariates. Risk differences were also calculated. All analyses were run separately for the 65-74 and 75+ age groups. Results: In the 65-74 age group the risk of dying during heat waves was higher among unmarried subjects and those with a previous hospitalization for ...

Comparative study of enteric viruses, coliphages and indicator bacteria for evaluating water quality in a tropical high-altitude system

Environmental Health — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Coliphages proved to be adequate faecal pollution indicators for the irrigation water studied. Viral presence in this tropical high-altitude system showed a similar trend to data previously reported for temperate zones. (Source: Environmental Health)

Minute ventilation of cyclists, car and bus passengers: an experimental study

Environmental Health — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The comparability of the gender-specific overall regression equations linking heart rate and minute ventilation with one previous American study, supports that for studies on the group level overall equations can be used. For estimating individual doses, the use of individual regression coefficients provides more precise data. Minute ventilation levels of cyclists are on average two times higher than of bus and car passengers, consistent with the ratio found in one small previous study of young adults. The study illustrates the importance of inclusion of minute ventilation data in comparing air pollution doses between different modes of transport. (Source: Environmental Health)

The impact of transportation infrastructure on bicycling injuries and crashes: a review of the literature

Environmental Health — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Evidence is beginning to accumulate that purpose-built bicycle-specific facilities reduce crashes and injuries among cyclists, providing the basis for initial transportation engineering guidelines for cyclist safety. Street lighting, paved surfaces, and low-angled grades are additional factors that appear to improve cyclist safety. Future research examining a greater variety of infrastructure would allow development of more detailed guidelines. (Source: Environmental Health)

Meteorologically estimated exposure but not distance predicts asthma symptoms in schoolchildren in the environs of a petrochemical refinery: a cross-sectional study

Environmental Health — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The results support the hypothesis of an increased prevalence of asthma symptoms among children in the area as a result of refinery emissions and provide a substantive basis for community concern. The methodology also provides a low cost means of testing hypotheses about point source pollutant effects on surrounding populations of children. (Source: Environmental Health)

Prenatal exposure to tetrachloroethylene-contaminated drinking water and the risk of congenital anomalies: a retrospective cohort study

Environmental Health — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that the risk of certain congenital anomalies is increased among the offspring of women who were exposed to PCE-contaminated drinking water around the time of conception. Because these results are limited by the small number of children with congenital anomalies that were based on maternal reports, a follow-up investigation should be conducted with a larger number of affected children who identified by independent records. (Source: Environmental Health)

Commentary: Childhood cancer near nuclear power stations

Environmental Health — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This article reports on the findings of the KiKK study; discusses past and more recent epidemiological studies of leukemias near nuclear installations around the world, and outlines a possible biological mechanism to explain the increased cancers. This suggests that the observed high rates of infant leukemias may be a teratogenic effect from incorporated radionuclides. Doses from environmental emissions from nuclear reactors to embryos/fetuses in pregnant women near nuclear power stations may be larger than suspected and hematopoietic tissues may be considerably more radiosensitive in embryos/fetuses than in newborn babies. The commentary concludes with recommendations for further research. (Source: Environmental Health)

High ambient temperature and mortality: a review of epidemiological studies from 2001 to 2008

Environmental Health — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Many of these outcomes and vulnerable subgroups have only been identified in recent studies and varied by location and study population. Thus, region-specific policies, especially in urban areas, are vital to the mitigation of heat-related deaths. (Source: Environmental Health)

Cancer incidence in the population exposed to dioxin after the "Seveso accident": twenty years of follow-up

Environmental Health — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The extension of the Seveso cancer incidence study confirmed an excess risk of lymphatic and hematopoietic tissue neoplasms in the most exposed zones. No clear pattern by time since the accident and zones was evident partly because of the low number of cases. The elevated risk of breast cancer in zone A females after 15 years since the accident deserves further and thorough investigation. The follow-up is continuing in order to cover the long time period (even decades) usually elapsing from exposure to carcinogenic chemicals and disease occurrence. (Source: Environmental Health)

Road traffic noise and hypertension: results from a cross-sectional public health survey in southern Sweden

Environmental Health — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The study supports an association between road traffic noise at high average levels and self-reported hypertension in middle-aged. Future studies should use age group -specific relative effect models to account for differences in prevalence. (Source: Environmental Health)

Urogenital abnormalities in men exposed to diethylstilbestrol in utero: a cohort study

Environmental Health — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: These results indicate that prenatal exposure to DES increases risk of male urogenital abnormalities and that the association is strongest for exposure that occurs early in gestation. The findings support the hypothesis that endocrine disrupting chemicals may be a cause of the increased prevalence of cryptorchidism that has been seen in recent years. (Source: Environmental Health)

Respiratory and skin health among glass microfiber production workers: a cross-sectional study

Environmental Health — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This study provides evidence that exposure to glass microfibers increases the risk of respiratory and skin symptoms, and has an exposure-response relation with breathlessness and skin symptoms. Exposure to sensitizing chemicals increased the risk of cough and nasal symptoms. The results suggest that occupational exposure to glass microfibers is related to non-malignant adverse health effects, and that implementing exposure control measures in these industries could protect the health of employees. (Source: Environmental Health)

Urogenital abnormalities in men exposed to diethylstilbestrol in utero: a cohort study

Environmental Health — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These results indicate that prenatal exposure to DES increases risk of male urogenital abnormalities and that the association is strongest for exposure that occurs early in gestation. The findings support the hypothesis that endocrine disrupting chemicals may be a cause of the increased prevalence of cryptorchidism that has been seen in recent years. (Source: Environmental Health)

Serum and follicular fluid organochlorine concentrations among women undergoing assisted reproduction technologies

Environmental Health — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Our results support the use of a single serum sample to adequately represent a more biologically relevant dose (concentrations in follicular fluid), as well as exposure levels over time, in epidemiological studies of ART outcomes in relation to organochlorine exposure. (Source: Environmental Health)

Development of risk maps to minimize uranium exposures in the Navajo Churchrock mining district

Environmental Health — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

The objective of this study was to develop GIS-based thematic maps as communication tools to clearly identify high risk exposure areas and offer alternatives to minimize public and ecological health impacts. Methods: Thematic maps were produced that incorporated data derived from environmental sampling and public health surveys. The maps show the location and quality of unregulated water resources and identify regulated water sources that could be used as alternatives. In addition, the maps show the location of contaminated soil and sediment areas in which disturbance of surface deposits should be avoided. Preliminary feedback was collected from an informal Navajo working group to assess the clarity and efficacy of this proposed communication method. Results: The working group found the ma...

The potential monetary benefits of reclaiming hazardous waste sites in the Campania region: an economic evaluation.

Environmental Health — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions This study suggests that there is a strong economic argument for both reclaiming the land contaminated with hazardous waste in the two provinces of Naples and Caserta and increasing the control of the territory in order to avoid the creation of new illegal dump sites. (Source: Environmental Health)

Respiratory symptoms in children living near busy roads and their relationship to vehicular traffic: results of an Italian multicenter study (SIDRIA 2)

Environmental Health — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Children living in zones with intense traffic are at higher risk for respiratory effects. Since population characteristics are specific, the results of validation of studies on self-reported traffic exposure can not be generalized. (Source: Environmental Health)

Particulate air pollution and chronic ischemic heart disease in the eastern United States: a county level ecological study using satellite aerosol data

Environmental Health — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Aerosol particle pollution has adverse effect on CIHD mortality risk in the eastern US. High risk of CIHD mortality was found in areas with elevated levels of outdoor aerosol air pollution as indicated by satellite derived AOD. The evidence of the association would support targeting of policy interventions on such areas to reduce air pollution levels. Remote sensing AOD data could be used as an alternative health-related indictor of air quality. (Source: Environmental Health)

Air pollution and emergency department visits for cardiac and respiratory conditions: a multi-city time-series analysis

Environmental Health — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: In this large multicenter analysis, daily average concentrations of CO and NO2 exhibited the most consistent associations with ED visits for cardiac conditions, while ozone exhibited the most consistent associations with visits for respiratory conditions. PM10 and PM2.5 were strongly associated with asthma visits during the warm season. (Source: Environmental Health)

Effect of dioxins on regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase gene expression by aryl hydrocarbon receptor: a neurotoxicology study

Environmental Health — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our results suggest TCDD directly regulate the dopamine system by TH gene transactivation via an AhR- AHRE--mediated pathway. The AhR- mediated pathway could have a particular AhR-mediated genomic control pathway transmitting the effects of TCDD action to target cells in the development of dopaminergic disabilities. (Source: Environmental Health)

Feasibility of a cohort study on health risks caused by occupational exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields

Environmental Health — Fri, 29 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The majority of occupational groups exposed to RF-EMF are not practicable for setting up an occupational cohort study due to the small numbers of exposed subjects or due to exposure levels being only marginally higher than those of the general public. (Source: Environmental Health)

Between-airport heterogeneity in air toxics emissions associated with individual cancer risk thresholds and population risks

Environmental Health — Fri, 08 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our findings indicate that site characteristics can be used to accurately predict maximum individual risk and total population risk at a given level of emissions, but that optimizing on one endpoint will be non-optimal for the other. (Source: Environmental Health)

Placental biomarkers of phthalate effects on mRNA transcription: application in epidemiologic research

Environmental Health — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

We report on methodologic challenges to be considered in study design. Methods: We anonymously collected 10 full-term placentas and, for each, sampled placental villi at 12 sites in the chorionic plate representing the inner (closer to the cord insertion site) and outer regions. Each sample was analyzed for the expression of two candidate genes, aromatase (CYP19) and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor protein gamma (PPARgamma) and three potential internal controls: cyclophilin (CYC), 18S rRNA (18S), and total RNA. Between and within placenta variability was estimated using variance component analysis. Associations of expression levels with sampling characteristics were estimated using mixed effects models. Results: We identified large within-placenta variability in both transcript...

Mobile and cordless telephones, serum transthyretin and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier: a cross-sectional study

Environmental Health — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: In this hypothesis-generating descriptive study time since first use of mobile telephones and DECT combined was significantly associated with higher TTR levels regardless of how much each telephone type had been used. Regarding short-term use, significantly higher TTR concentrations were seen in women the sooner blood was withdrawn after the most recent telephone call on that day. (Source: Environmental Health)

Longitudinal trends in organophosphate incidents reported to the National Pesticide Information Center, 1995-2007

Environmental Health — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Background: Regulatory decisions to phase-out the availability and use of common organophosphate pesticides among the general public were announced in 2000 and continued through 2004. Based on revised risk assessments, chlorpyrifos and diazinon were determined to pose unacceptable risks. To determine the impact of these decisions, organophosphate (OP) exposure incidents reported to the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) were analyzed for longitudinal trends. Methods: Non-occupational human exposure incidents reported to NPIC were grouped into pre- (1995-2000) and post-announcement periods (2001-2007). The number of total OP exposure incidents, as well as reports for chlorpyrifos, diazinon and malathion, were analyzed for significant differences between these two periods. The numb...

Assessing the distribution of volatile organic compounds using land use regression in Sarnia, "Chemical Valley", Ontario, Canada

Environmental Health — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Yielding potentially different health effects than nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, modelling other air pollutants is essential for a better understanding of the link between air pollution and health. The LUR models developed in these analyses will be used for estimating outdoor exposure to BTEX for a larger community health study aimed at examining the determinants of health in Sarnia. (Source: Environmental Health)

Does traffic exhaust contribute to the development of asthma and allergic sensitization in children: findings from recent cohort studies

Environmental Health — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

The aim of this review was to assess the evidence from recent prospective studies that long-term traffic pollution could contribute to the development of asthma-like symptoms and allergic sensitization in children. We have reviewed cohort studies published since 2002 and found in PubMed in Oct 2008. In all, 13 papers based on data from 9 cohorts have evaluated the relationship between traffic exposure and respiratory health. All surveys reported associations with at least some of the studied respiratory symptoms. The outcome varied, however, according to the age of the child. Nevertheless, the consistency in the results indicates that traffic exhaust contributes to the development of respiratory symptoms in healthy children. Potential effects of traffic exhaust on the development of allerg...

Association of blood lead concentrations with mortality in older women: a prospective cohort study

Environmental Health — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Women with blood lead concentrations of ≥ 8 μg/dL (0.384 μmol/L), experienced increased mortality, in particular from CHD as compared to those with lower blood lead concentrations. (Source: Environmental Health)

Association of blood lead concentrations with mortality in older women: a prospective cohort study

Environmental Health — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Background: Blood lead concentrations have been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular, cancer, and all-cause mortality in adults in general population and occupational cohorts. We aimed to determine the association between blood lead, all cause and cause specific mortality in elderly, community residing women. Methods: Prospective cohort study of 533 women aged 65-87 years enrolled in the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures at 2 US research centers (Baltimore, MD; Monongahela Valley, PA) from 1986-1988. Blood lead concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Using blood lead concentration categorized as < 8 ug/dL (0.384 umol/L), and [greater than or equal to] 8 ug/dL (0.384 umol/L), we determined the relative risk of mortality from all cause, and cause-specific ...

Spatial analysis of air pollution and childhood asthma in Hamilton, Canada: comparing exposure methods in sensitive subgroups

Environmental Health — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our findings indicate that traffic-related pollutants, such as NO2, are associated with asthma without overt evidence of other atopic disorders among female children living in a medium-sized Canadian city. The effects were sensitive to the method of exposure estimation. More refined exposure models produced the most robust associations. (Source: Environmental Health)

Prenatal chlorpyrifos exposure alters motor behavior and ultrasonic vocalization in cd-1 mouse pups

Environmental Health — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Overall our results are consistent with previous epidemiological data on OP neuro-behavioral toxicity, and also indicate ultrasonic vocalization as an early marker of CPF exposure during development in rodent studies, with potential translational value to human infants. (Source: Environmental Health)

Investigation into pedestrian exposure to near-vehicle exhaust emissions

Environmental Health — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Diesel particulate matter concentrations during drive-by incidents easily reach or exceed the low concentrations that can cause acute health effects for brief periods of time. For the case of a particularly well-tuned late-model year vehicle, the mass of particulate matter inhaled during a drive-by incident is small compared to the mass inhaled daily at ambient conditions. On a per breath basis, however, the mass of particulate matter inhaled is large compared to the mass inhaled at ambient conditions. Finally, it was determined that children, infants, or people breathing at heights similar to that of a passing vehicle's tailpipe may be exposed to higher concentrations of particulate matter than those breathing at higher locations, such as adults standing up. (Source: Environm...

Characterization of occupational exposures to cleaning products used for common cleaning tasks-a pilot study of hospital cleaners

Environmental Health — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Cleaning products are mixtures of many chemical ingredients that may impact workers' health through air and dermal exposures. Because cleaning exposures are a function of product formulations and product application procedures, a combination of product evaluation with workplace exposure assessment is critical in developing strategies for protecting workers from cleaning hazards. Our task based assessment methods allowed classification of tasks in different exposure categories, a strategy that can be employed by epidemiological investigations related to cleaning. The methods presented here can be used by occupational and environmental health practitioners to identify intervention strategies. (Source: Environmental Health)

A systematic review of us state environmental legislation and regulation with regards to the prevention of neurodevelopmental disabilities and asthma

Environmental Health — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100

DiscussionDifferences in state environmental regulation and legislation are likely to lead to differences in exposure, and thus to impacts on children's health. The need for further study should not inhibit other states and the federal government from pursuing the model regulation and legislation we identified to prevent diseases of environmental origin in children. (Source: Environmental Health)

A hazardous substance exposure prevention rating method for intervention needs assessment and effectiveness evaluation: the Small Business Exposure Index

Environmental Health — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The SBEI exposure prevention rating method is suitable for use in small/medium enterprises, has good discriminatory power and reliability, offers an inexpensive method for intervention needs assessment and effectiveness evaluation, and complements quantitative exposure assessment with an upstream prevention focus. (Source: Environmental Health)

Applicability of non-invasively collected matrices for human biomonitoring

Environmental Health — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100

With its inclusion under Action 3 in the Environment and Health Action Plan 2004-2010 of the European Commission, human biomonitoring is currently receiving an increasing amount of attention from the scientific community as a tool to better quantify human exposure to, and health effects of, environmental stressors. Despite the policy support, however, there are still several issues that restrict the routine application of human biomonitoring data in environmental health impact assessment. One of the main issues is the obvious need to routinely collect human samples for large-scale surveys. Particularly the collection of invasive samples from susceptible populations may suffer from ethical and practical limitations. Children, pregnant women, elderly, or chronically-ill people are among thos...

Health impact assessment of particulate pollution in Tallinn using fine spatial resolution and modelling techniques

Environmental Health — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Sectioning the city for analysis and using GIS systems can help to improve the accuracy of air pollution health impact estimations, especially in study areas with poor air pollution monitoring data but available dispersion models. (Source: Environmental Health)

Toxic ignorance and right-to-know in biomonitoring results communication: a survey of scientists and study participants

Environmental Health — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Public deliberation about communication in personal exposure assessment research suggests that new forms of community-based research ethics and participatory scientific practice are emerging. (Source: Environmental Health)

Determination of no-observed effect level (NOEL)-biomarker equivalents to interpret biomonitoring data for organophosphorus pesticides in children

Environmental Health — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This study is a first step towards the development of biological guidelines for organophophorus pesticides using a toxicokinetic modeling approach, which can be used to provide a health-based interpretation of biomonitoring data in the general population. (Source: Environmental Health)

Participant experiences in a breastmilk biomonitoring study: A qualitative assessment

Environmental Health — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Biomonitoring study design, including clear communication about the benefits of breastfeeding and the manner in which individual results are distributed, can prevent negative impacts of biomonitoring on breastfeeding. Adoption of more specific standards for biomonitoring studies and continued study of risk communication issues related to biomonitoring will help support participant protection. (Source: Environmental Health)

Spatial analysis of bladder, kidney, and pancreatic cancer on upper Cape Cod: an application of generalized additive models to case-control data

Environmental Health — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Spatial epidemiology using individual level data from population-based studies addresses many methodological criticisms of cluster studies and generates new exposure hypotheses. Our results provide evidence for spatial clustering of bladder cancer near MMR plumes that suggest further investigation using detailed exposure modeling. (Source: Environmental Health)

Mercury from chlor-alkali plants: measured concentrations in food product sugar

Environmental Health — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Mercury cell chlor-alkali products are used to produce thousands of other products including food ingredients such as citric acid, sodium benzoate, and high fructose corn syrup. High fructose corn syrup is used in food products to enhance shelf life. A pilot study was conducted to determine if high fructose corn syrup contains mercury, a toxic metal historically used as an anti-microbial. High fructose corn syrup samples were collected from three different manufacturers and analyzed for total mercury. The samples were found to contain levels of mercury ranging from below a detection limit of 0.005 to 0.570 micrograms mercury per gram of high fructose corn syrup. Average daily consumption of high fructose corn syrup is about 50 grams per person in the United States. With respect to total me...

Gender and respiratory findings in workers occupationally exposed to organic aerosols: A meta analysis of 12 cross-sectional studies

Environmental Health — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that in industries processing organic compounds there are gender differences in respiratory symptoms and lung function in exposed workers. Whether these findings represent true physiologic gender differences, gender specific workplace exposures or other undefined gender variables not defined in this study cannot be determined. This data does not suggest that special limitations for women are warranted for respiratory health reasons in these industries, but the issue of upper respiratory irritation and disease warrants further study. (Source: Environmental Health)

Immune cell counts and risks of respiratory infections among infants exposed pre- and post-natally to organochlorine compounds: a prospective study

Environmental Health — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This hypothesis generating study suggests that background exposure to PCBs and p,p'-DDE early in life modulate immune system development. Strong correlations between mono- and di-ortho PCBs, and p,p'-DDE exposures make it difficult to identify the most important contributor to the suggested immunomodulation, and to separate effects due to pre- and postnatal exposure. The suggested PCB and p,p'-DDE modulation of infection risks may have consequences for the health development during childhood, since respiratory infections early in life may be risk factors for asthma and middle ear infections. (Source: Environmental Health)

A framework for integrated environmental health impact assessment of systemic risks

Environmental Health — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Traditional methods of risk assessment have provided good service in support of policy, mainly in relation to standard setting and regulation of hazardous chemicals or practices. In recent years, however, it has become apparent that many of the risks facing society are systemic in nature - complex risks, set within wider social, economic and environmental contexts. Reflecting, this, policy-making too has become more wide-ranging in scope, more collaborative and more precautionary in approach. In order to inform such policies, more integrated methods of assessment are needed. Based on work undertaken in two large EU-funded projects (INTARESE and HEIMTSA), this paper reviews the range of approaches to assessment now in use, proposes a framework for integrated environmental health impact asse...

The effects of socioeconomic status and indices of physical environment on reduced birth weight and preterm births in Eastern Massachusetts

Environmental Health — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Overall, the findings of the study suggested greater likelihood of reduced birth weight and preterm births among the more socially disadvantaged, and a greater risk of reduced birth weight associated with traffic exposures. Results revealed the importance of controlling simultaneously for SEM and environmental exposures as the way to better understand determinants of health. (Source: Environmental Health)

Facing the Challenge of Data Transfer from Animal Models to Humans: the Case of Persistent Organohalogens

Environmental Health — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 05:00:00 +0100

A well-documented fact for a group of persistent, bioaccumulating organohalogens contaminants, namely polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), is that appropriate regulation was delayed, on average, up to 50 years. Some of the delay may be attributed to the fact that the science of toxicology was in its infancy when PCBs were introduced in 1920's. Nevertheless, even following the development of modern toxicology this story repeats itself 45 years later with polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) another compound of concern for public health. The question is why? One possible explanation may be the low coherence between experimental studies of toxic effects in animal models and human studies. To explore this further, we reviewed a total of 807 PubMed abstracts and full texts reporting studies of t...

Systematic review of worldwide variations of the prevalence of wheezing symptoms in children

Environmental Health — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The UK has the highest recorded prevalence of wheezing and Ethiopia the lowest. Prevalence of wheezing in Australia and the UK has increased from the 1970s up to the early 1990s, but decreased since then and ISAAC studies report significantly higher prevalences than non-ISAAC studies. (Source: Environmental Health)

Health effects of ambient air pollution - - recent research development and contemporary methodological challenges

Environmental Health — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Exposure to high levels of air pollution can cause a variety of adverse health outcomes. Air quality in developed countries has been generally improved over the last three decades. However, many recent epidemiological studies have consistently shown positive associations between low-level exposure to air pollution and health outcomes. Thus, adverse health effects of air pollution, even at relatively low levels, remain a public concern. This paper aims to provide an overview of recent research development and contemporary methodological challenges in this field and to identify future research directions for air pollution epidemiological studies. (Source: Environmental Health)

Concentrations versus amounts of biomarkers in urine: a comparison of approaches to assess pyrethroid exposure

Environmental Health — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The unit chosen to express biomonitoring data may influence the validity of estimated individual absorbed dose as well as the outcome of between population comparisons. (Source: Environmental Health)

Non Hodgkin's lymphoma risk and past dioxin emissions from municipal solid waste incinerators

Environmental Health — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This study, in line with previous results obtained in the vicinity of the incinerator located in Besancon (France), adds further evidence to the link between NHL incidence and exposure to dioxins emitted by municipal solid waste incinerators. However, the findings of this study cannot be extrapolated to current incinerators, which emit lower amounts of pollutants. (Source: Environmental Health)

Mercury immune toxicity in harbour seals: links to in vitro toxicity

Environmental Health — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Our results suggest that seal and human PBMCs react in a comparable way to MeHg in vitro exposure with, however, larger inter-individual variations. MeHg could be an additional cofactor in the immunosuppressive pollutant cocktail generally described in the blood of seals and this therefore raises the possibility of additional additive effects in the marine mammal immune system. (Source: Environmental Health)

Feeding mice with diets containing mercury-contaminated fish flesh from French Guiana: a model for the mercurial intoxication of the Wayana Amerindians

Environmental Health — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: We conclude that a vegetarian diet containing as little as 0.1% of mercury-contaminated fish is able to trigger in mice, after only one month of exposure, disorders presenting all the hallmarks of mercurial contamination. (Source: Environmental Health)

Spatial variations in the incidence of breast cancer and potential risks associated with soil dioxin contamination in Midland, Saginaw, and Bay Counties, Michigan, USA

Environmental Health — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These findings suggest that increased breast cancer incidences are spatially associated with soil dioxin contamination. Aging is a substantial factor in the development of breast cancer. Findings can be used for heightened surveillance and education, as well as formulating new study hypotheses for further research. (Source: Environmental Health)

Particulate air pollution and survival in a COPD cohort

Environmental Health — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Persons discharged alive for COPD have substantial mortality risks associated with exposure to particles. The risk is evident for exposure in the previous year, and higher in a 4 year distributed lag model. These risks are significantly greater than seen in time series analyses. (Source: Environmental Health)

Association of clinical findings in Yusho patients with serum concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls, polychlorinated quarterphenyls and 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran more than 30 years after the poisoning event

Environmental Health — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: After Yusho patients had suffered chronic exposure to these chlorinated compounds for more than 35 years, the serum concentration of 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF in blood was significantly related to arthralgia and decreased albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio; the serum concentration of PCBs was significantly related to ophthalmologic symptoms; and the serum concentration of PCQ to increased total cholesterol. These findings suggest that the co-contaminants may affect other functions than those originally associated with Yusho. (Source: Environmental Health)

Investigating health effects in a community surrounding a road tunnel stack - a cross sectional study

Environmental Health — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The study did not demonstrate a community wide health impact associated with modelled emissions but is unable to exclude the possibility of sensitive individuals being adversely affected. (Source: Environmental Health)

Geographic risk modeling of childhood cancer relative to county-level crops, hazardous air pollutants and population density characteristics in Texas

Environmental Health — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The Bayesian implementation of the Multivariate Conditional Autoregressive model provided a flexible approach to the spatial modeling of multiple childhood cancer histotypes. The current study identified geographic factors supporting more focused studies of germ cell tumors and "other" gliomas in areas of intense cropping, hepatic cancer near HAP release facilities and specific locations with increased risks for CNS embryonal tumors and for "other" leukemias. Further study should be performed to evaluate potentially lower risk f or Hodgkin lymphoma and malignant bone tumors in counties with rapidly growing population. (Source: Environmental Health)

Occupational exposures and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: Canadian case-control study

Environmental Health — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: An increased risk of developing NHL is associated with the following: long held occupations of farmer and machinist; exposure to diesel fumes; and exposure to ionizing radiation (radium). The risk of NHL increased with the duration of employment as a farmer or machinist. (Source: Environmental Health)

Control of asthma triggers in indoor air with air cleaners: a modeling analysis

Environmental Health — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These findings are useful for evaluating potential benefits of high efficiency in-duct filtration systems for controlling exposure to asthma triggers indoors and for the design of trials of environmental interventions intended to evaluate their utility in practice. (Source: Environmental Health)

Vegetation fire smoke, indigenous status and cardio respiratory hospital admissions in Darwin, Australia, 1996-2005: a time-series study.

Environmental Health — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: We observed positive associations between vegetation fire smoke and daily hospital admissions for respiratory diseases that were stronger in indigenous people. While this study was limited by the use of estimated rather than measured exposure data, the results are consistent with the currently small evidence base concerning this source of air pollution. (Source: Environmental Health)

Ancillary human health benefits of improved air quality resulting from climate change mitigation

Environmental Health — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Remaining challenges include integrating the understanding of the relative toxicity of particulate matter by components or sources, developing better estimates of public health and environmental impacts on selected sub-populations, and devising new methods for evaluating heretofore unquantified and non-monetized benefits. (Source: Environmental Health)

Parallel assessment of male reproductive function in workers and wild rats exposed to pesticides in banana plantations in Guadeloupe

Environmental Health — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Wild rats seem to be more sensitive than humans to the effects of pesticide exposure on reproductive health. We conclude that the concept of sentinel species must be carefully validated as the actual nature of exposure may varies between human and wild species as well as the vulnerable time period of exposure and various ecological factors. -- (Source: Environmental Health)

A 10-year time-series analysis of respiratory and cardiovascular morbidity in Nicosia, Cyprus: the effect of short-term changes in air pollution and dust storms.

Environmental Health — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: We observed an increased risk of hospitalization at elevated levels of particulate matter and ozone generally consistent with the magnitude seen across several European cities. We also observed an increased risk of hospitalization on dust storm days, particularly for cardiovascular causes. While inference from these associations is limited due to the small number of dust storm days in the study period, it would appear imperative to issue health warnings for these natural events, particularly directed towards vulnerable population groups. (Source: Environmental Health)

A cohort study of in utero polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) exposures in relation to secondary sex ratio

Environmental Health — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Maternal exposure to PCBs may be detrimental to the success of male sperm or to the survival of male embryos. Findings could be due to contaminants, metabolites or PCBs themselves. (Source: Environmental Health)

Xenohormone transactivities are inversely associated to serum POPs in Inuit

Environmental Health — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The non-steroidal xenohormone transactivities can be used as an integrated biomarker of POP exposure and lifestyle characteristics. The actual serum POP mixtures antagonized the age adjusted sex hormone receptor functions. Comparison of different study populations requires in addition to age inclusion of diet and lifestyle factors. (Source: Environmental Health)

PM2.5 metal exposures and nocturnal heart rate variability: a panel study of boilermaker construction workers

Environmental Health — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These results support the cardiotoxicity of PM2.5 metal exposures, specifically manganese. However the metal component alone did not account for the observed declines in night HRV. Therefore, results suggest the importance of other PM elemental components. (Source: Environmental Health)

Self-reported neurological symptoms in relation to CO emissions due to problem gas appliance installations in London: a cross-sectional survey.

Environmental Health — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This study found an association between risk of CO exposure at low concentration, and prevalence of self-reported neurological symptoms in the community. As health status was self-reported, this association requires further investigation. (Source: Environmental Health)

Cardiovascular mortality and exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields: a cohort study of Swiss railway workers

Environmental Health — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This study provides evidence against an association between long-term occupational exposure to intermittent 16.7 Hz magnetic fields and cardiovascular mortality. (Source: Environmental Health)

Arm, neck and shoulder pains among computer office workers in Sudan: A prevalence study with validation of an Arabic risk factors questionnaire.

Environmental Health — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The prevalence of CANS among the targeted population seems to correspond strongly with prevalence of CANS in Western developed countries. The Arabic translation of the MUEQ has satisfactory psychometric properties to be used to assess work-related risk factors for the development of CANS among computer office workers in Sudan. (Source: Environmental Health)

An Examination of Cancer Epidemiology Studies Among Populations Living Close to Toxic Waste Sites

Environmental Health — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: We conclude that studies to date have generated hypotheses, but have been of limited utility in determining whether populations living near toxic waste sites are at increased cancer risk. (Source: Environmental Health)

Risk behaviors in a rural community with a known point-source exposure to chronic wasting disease

Environmental Health — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The risk data from this study provide a relative scale for cumulative exposure to CWD-infected tissues and surfaces, and those in the upper tiers of cumulative risk may be most at risk if CWD is transmissible to humans. (Source: Environmental Health)

Modelling prevalence and incidence of fibrosis and pleural plaques in asbestos-exposed populations for screening and follow-up: a cross-sectional study

Environmental Health — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

The objective of this study is to select the most relevant exposure variables for the prediction of pleural plaques and asbestosis in order to guide clinicians in their use of CT-Scan. Methods: A screening program of non malignant asbestos-related diseases by CT-scan was conducted among asbestos-exposed volunteers in France. Precise assessments of asbestos exposure were obtained by occupational hygiene measurements and a job-exposure matrix. Several parameters were calculated (time since first exposure, duration, intensity and cumulative exposure to asbestos). Predictive parameters of prevalence and incidence were then estimated by standard logistic and a complementary log-log regression models. Results: 1011 subjects were recruited in this screening program among them 474 (46.9%) presente...

Exposure to animals and the risk of allergic asthma: a population-based cross-sectional study in Finnish and Russian children

Environmental Health — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Background: There is little information on potential differences in animal exposure between Finland and Russia and particularly on the effects of animal exposure on asthma among Russian children. The aim of the study was to compare the pet and farm animal exposures and to assess the relations of pre- and postnatal animal exposures to the occurrence of allergic asthma in Finnish and Russian school children. Methods: We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study in neighbour towns on either side of the Finnish-Russian border; Imatra in Finland and Svetogorsk in Russia. The study population consisted of 512 Finnish and 581 Russian school children aged 7-16 years (response rate 79%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confi...

Pollutant effects on genotoxic parameters and tumor-associated protein levels in adults: a cross sectional study.

Environmental Health — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

This study intended to investigate whether residence in areas polluted by heavy industry, waste incineration, a high density of traffic and housing or intensive use of pesticides, could contribute to the high incidence of cancer observed in Flanders. Methods: Subjects were 1583 residents aged 50-65 from 9 areas with different types of pollution. Cadmium, lead, p,p'-DDE, hexachlorobenzene, PCBs and dioxin-like activity (Calux test) were measured in blood, and cadmium, t,t'-muconic acid and 1-hydroxypyrene in urine. Effect biomarkers were prostate specific antigen, carcinoembryonic antigen and p53 protein serum levels, number of micronuclei per 1000 binucleated peripheral blood cells, DNA damage (comet assay) in peripheral blood cells and 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine in urine. Confounding facto...

Association of urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations with body mass index and waist circumference: a cross-sectional study of NHANES data, 1999-2002

Environmental Health — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This exploratory, cross-sectional analysis revealed a number of interesting associations with different phthalate metabolites and obesity outcomes, including notable differences by gender and age subgroups. Effects of endocrine disruptors, such as phthalates, may depend upon endogenous hormone levels, which vary dramatically by age and gender. Individual phthalates also have different biologic and hormonal effects. Although our study has limitations, both of these factors could explain some of the variation in the observed associations. These preliminary data support the need for prospective studies in populations at risk for obesity. (Source: Environmental Health)

Water disinfection by-products and the risk of specific birth defects: A population-based cross-sectional study in Taiwan

Environmental Health — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The present study suggests that prenatal exposure to disinfection by-products increases the risk of ventricular septal defects, cleft palate, and anencephalus. The evidence on ventricular septal defects is consistent in the three available studies. (Source: Environmental Health)

Exposure from the Chernobyl accident had adverse effects on erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets in children in the Narodichesky region, Ukraine. A 6-year follow-up study.

Environmental Health — Fri, 30 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The study is the first longitudinal analysis from a large cohort of children after the Chernobyl accident. The findings suggest persistent adverse hematological effects associated with residential 137Cs exposure. (Source: Environmental Health)

Reproductive toxicity of seafood contaminants: Prospective comparisons of Swedish east and west coast fishermen's families

Environmental Health — Wed, 28 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Cohorts comprising fishermen's families on the east coast of Sweden have been found to have a high consumption of contaminated fish as well as high body burdens of persistent organochlorine pollutants (POPs). Their west coast correspondents are socio-economically similar, but with considerably lower POP exposure since the fish caught on the west coast is far less contaminated. The rationale for this was that the cohorts residing on the east coast of Sweden have been found to have a high consumption of contaminated fish as well as high body burdens of POPs, whereas their west coast correspondents are socio-economically similar, but with considerably lower POP exposure since the fish caught on the west coast is far less contaminated. Among the reproductive outcomes investigated are included ...

Water disinfection by-products and the risk of specific birth defects: A population-based cross-sectional study in Taiwan

Environmental Health — Fri, 23 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Use of wireless telephones and self-reported health symptoms: a population-based study among Swedish adolescents aged 15-19 years

Environmental Health — Wed, 21 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Almost all adolescence in this study used a wireless phone, girls more than boys. The most frequent use was seen among the older adolescents and those who watched TV extensively. The study further showed that perceived health and certain health symptoms seemed to be related to the use of wireless phones. However, this part of the investigation was explorative and should therefore be interpreted with caution since bias and chance findings due to multiple testing might have influenced the results. Potentially this study will stimulate more sophisticated studies that may also investigate directions of associations and whether, or to what degree, any mediation factors are involved. (Source: Environmental Health)

Land use regression modeling of intra-urban residential variability in multiple traffic-related air pollutants

Environmental Health — Fri, 16 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Each pollutant examined displayed somewhat different spatial patterns within urban neighborhoods, and were differently related to local traffic and meteorology. Our results indicate a need for separate exposure modeling to disentangle causal agents in epidemiological studies, as well as further investigation of site-specific and meteorological modification of the traffic-pollutant concentration relationship to better assess exposure residential variability across urban neighborhoods. (Source: Environmental Health)

The effect of ambient air pollution on respiratory health of school children: a panel study

Environmental Health — Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: There is no significant effect of ambient wood-smoke particulate air pollution on lung function of healthy school-aged students, but a small effect on respiratory symptoms. Asthmatic students show small effects of peak pollution levels on lung function. Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene shows potential as a biomarker of exposure to wood smoke in this population; however measurement of EBC pH and hydrogen peroxide appears not to be useful for assessment of population health effects of air pollution. Some of the data presented in this paper has previously been published in Kingham and co-workers Atmospheric Environment, 2006 Jan; 40: 338-347 (details of pollution exposure), and Cavanagh and co-workers Sci Total Environ. 2007 Mar 1;374(1):51-9 (urine hydroxypyrene data). (Source: Environme...

Influence of genetic factors on toluene diisocyanate-related symptoms: evidence from a cross-sectional study

Environmental Health — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Specific gene-TDI interactions for symptoms of the eyes and lower airways appear to exist. The results suggest different mechanisms for TDI- and non- TDI-related symptoms of the eyes and lower airways. (Source: Environmental Health)

Vehicle emissions and consumer information in car advertisements

Environmental Health — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: To enhance informed consumer choice and to control greenhouse gas and air pollution emissions, governments should introduce regulations on the content of vehicle advertisements and marketing (as started by the European Union). Similar regulations are already in place for the marketing of many other consumer products. (Source: Environmental Health)

Cancer mortality in IBM Endicott plant workers, 1969-2001: an update on a NY production plant

Environmental Health — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These results are similar to results from a previous IBM mortality study and support the need for a full cohort mortality analysis such as the one being planned by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (Source: Environmental Health)

Biological exposure assessment to tetrachloroethylene for workers in the dry cleaning industry

Environmental Health — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Although comprehensive, our sampling strategy was challenging to implement due to fluctuating work schedules and the number (pre- and post-shift on three consecutive days) and multiplicity (air, blood, exhaled breath, and urine) of samples collected. PCE in blood is the preferred biological index to monitor exposures, but may make recruitment difficult. PCE TWA sampling is an appropriate surrogate, although more field intensive. Repeated measures of exposure and mixed-effects modeling may be required for future studies due to high within-subject variability. Workers should be monitored over a long enough period of time to allow the use of a lag term. (Source: Environmental Health)

Metals and kidney markers in adult offspring of endemic nephropathy patients and controls. A two-year follow-up study

Environmental Health — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The findings of this 2-year follow-up study indicate that metals and metalloids do not play a role in the etiology of Balkan Endemic Nephropathy. Against the assumption in the literature, selenium was not protective but a risk factor. Since comparable associations were observed in animals, future studies are needed to explore whether selenium may have adverse renal effects in humans. (Source: Environmental Health)

Breath acidification in adolescent runners exposed to atmospheric pollution: a prospective, repeated measures observational study

Environmental Health — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Although we did not observe an acute effect of air pollution exposure during exercise on breath pH, breath pH was surprisingly low in this sample of otherwise healthy long-distance runners. We speculate that repetitive vigorous exercise may induce airway acidification. (Source: Environmental Health)

A comparison of self reported air pollution problems and GIS-modeled levels of air pollution in people with and without chronic diseases

Environmental Health — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Self reported air pollution problems in area of living are strongly associated with increased levels of GIS-modeled air pollution. Over and above this, those who report to have a chronic disease tend to report more air pollution problems in area of living, despite no significant difference in air pollution exposure compared to healthy people, and no associations between these diseases and NO2. Studies on the association between self reported air pollution problems and health should be aware of the possibility that disease itself may influence the reporting of air pollution. (Source: Environmental Health)

Mortality and life expectancy of Yokkaichi Asthma patients, Japan: Late health effects of air pollution occured in 1960-70s

Environmental Health — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Mortality and life expectancy were adversely affected in patients from Yokkaichi-city, despite the fact that the air pollution problem has been already solved. (Source: Environmental Health)

The impact of the environment on health by country: a meta-synthesis

Environmental Health — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Not withstanding the uncertainties in their calculation, these estimates provide an overview of opportunities for prevention through healthier environments. The estimates show that for similar national incomes, the environmental burden of disease can typically vary by a factor five. This analysis also shows that safer water, sanitation and hygiene, and safer fuels for cooking could significantly reduce child mortality, namely by more than 25% in 20 of the lowest income countries. (Source: Environmental Health)

Household vacuum cleaners vs. the high-volume surface sampler for collection of carpet dust samples in epidemiologic studies of children

Environmental Health — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The household vacuum cleaner method appears to be a reasonable alternative to the HVS3 for detecting, ranking, and quantifying the concentrations of pesticides and other compounds in carpet dust. (Source: Environmental Health)

An ecological time-series study of heat-related mortality in three European cities

Environmental Health — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: We found broadly consistent determinants (age, gender, and cause of death) of heat related mortality in three European cities using a standard approach. Our results are consistent with previous evidence for individual determinants, and also confirm the lack of a strong socio-economic gradient in heat health effects currently in Europe. (Source: Environmental Health)

Translocation pathways for inhaled asbestos fibers

Environmental Health — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 05:00:00 +0100

We discuss the translocation of inhaled asbestos fibers based on pulmonary and pleuro-pulmonary interstitial fluid dynamics. Fibers can pass the alveolar barrier and reach the lung interstitium via the paracellular route down a mass water flow due to combined osmotic (active Na+ absorption) and hydraulic (interstitial pressure is subatmospheric) pressure gradient. Fibers can be dragged from the lung interstitium by pulmonary lymph flow (primary translocation) wherefrom they can reach the blood stream and subsequently distribute to the whole body (secondary translocation). Primary translocation across the visceral pleura and towards pulmonary capillaries may also occur if the asbestos-induced lung inflammation increases pulmonary interstitial pressure so as to reverse the trans-mesothelial ...

Collaborative research: accomplishments and potential

Environmental Health — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, it is useful to study the characteristics of collaborative research and set targets for the future. The added value for science and for the researchers involved may be assessed. The motivation for collaboration could be increased in the more developed countries. Particular ways to increase the efficiency and interaction in interdisciplinary and intercultural collaboration may be developed. We can work towards the principles of collaborative research in Environmental Epidemiology. (Source: Environmental Health)

PCB-containing wood floor finish is a likely source of elevated PCBs in residents' blood, household air and dust: a case study of exposure

Environmental Health — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This case-study suggests that PCB residues in homes may be more significant contributors to overall exposure than diet for some people, and that use of a commercially-available PCB-containing wood floor finish in residences during the 1950s and 1960s is an overlooked but potentially important source of current PCB exposure in the general population. (Source: Environmental Health)

Lessons from the removal of lead from gasoline for controlling other environmental pollutants: a case study from New Zealand

Environmental Health — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: There is a need for a stronger precautionary approach by policymakers when considering environmental pollutants. Politicians, officials and health workers need to strengthen policymaking processes and effectively counter the industry tactics used to delay regulatory responses. (Source: Environmental Health)

Outdoor air pollution and emergency department visits for asthma among children and adults: a case-crossover study in northern Alberta, Canada.

Environmental Health — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 05:00:00 +0100

Background: Recent studies have observed positive associations between outdoor air pollution and emergency department (ED) visits for asthma. However, few have examined the possible confounding influence of aeroallergens, or reported findings among very young children. Methods: A time stratified case-crossover design was used to examine 57,912 ED asthma visits among individuals two years of age and older in the census metropolitan area of Edmonton, Canada between April 1, 1992 and March 31, 2002. Daily air pollution levels for the entire region were estimated from three fixed-site monitoring stations. Similarly, aeroallergen levels on a daily basis were estimated using rotational impaction sampling methods for the period between 1996 and 2002. Odds ratios and their corresponding 95% confi...

GSTM1 and APE1 genotypes affect arsenic-induced oxidative stress: a repeated measures study

Environmental Health — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These results suggest the APE1 variant genotype decreases repair of 8-OHdG and that arsenic exposure is associated with oxidative stress in women who lack a functional GSTM1 detoxification enzyme. (Source: Environmental Health)

Disease proportions attributable to environment

Environmental Health — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 05:00:00 +0100

Population disease proportions attributable to various causal agents are popular as they present a simplified view of the contribution of each agent to the disease load. However they are only summary figures that may be easily misinterpreted or over-interpreted even when the causal link between an exposure and an effect is well established. This commentary discusses several issues surrounding the estimation of attributable proportions, particularly with reference to environmental causes of cancers, and critically examines two recently published papers. These issues encompass potential biases as well as the very definition of environment and of environmental agent. The latter aspect is not just a semantic question but carries implications for the focus of preventive actions, whether centred...

An outbreak of cardiovascular syndromes requiring urgent medical treatment and its association with environmental factors: an ecological study

Environmental Health — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The increase may have been associated with photochemical pollution. Syndromic surveillance can identify outbreaks of non-communicable diseases associated with environmental factors. (Source: Environmental Health)

Participation in environmental health research by placenta donation - a perception study

Environmental Health — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Medical research ethics do not only amount to specific types of written information material but should also be seen as a number of trust making performances involving researchers as well as research participants. (Source: Environmental Health)

Endocrine disruptors and spontaneous premature labor: a case control study.

Environmental Health — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The serum levels of DDE in this population were found to be low. There appears to be no relationship between serum concentrations of DDE, daidzein, and genistein and spontaneous preterm labor in our population. The inability to identify an effect may be related to the comparatively low concentrations of DDE in our population and the rapid and variable reduction of phytoestrogens from women in labor. (Source: Environmental Health)

Efficiency of two-phase methods with focus on a planned population-based case-control study on air pollution and stroke

Environmental Health — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: In the setting described here, method 4 had the best performance in order to improve efficiency, while adjusting for varying participation rates across areas. (Source: Environmental Health)

Maternal fish and shellfish intake and pregnancy outcomes. A prospective cohort study in Brittany, France.

Environmental Health — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These results suggest that different categories of seafood may be differently associated with birth outcomes, fish consumption with increased length of gestation and shellfish consumption with decreased fetal growth. (Source: Environmental Health)

Public health guidance on cardiovascular benefits and risks related to fish consumption

Environmental Health — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Historically, concerns with fish consumption have addressed risks from contaminants (e.g., methylmercury (MeHg), and PCBs). More recently public health concerns have widened in appreciation of the specific benefits of fish consumption such as those arising from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in fish oil. Fish contains varying levels of PUFAs and MeHg. Since both address the same health outcomes (in opposite directions) and occur together in fish, great care must be exercised in providing public health guidance. Mozaffarian and Rimm in a recent article (JAMA. 2006, 296:1885-99) have made a strong case for the beneficial effects of PUFAs in reducing the risk of coronary heart disease, but at the same time, have also broadly discounted the increased risks of coronary heart disease posed ...

Mercury in human brain, blood, muscle and toenails in relation to exposure: an autopsy study

Environmental Health — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: In a fish-eating population, intake of MeHg via the diet has a marked impact on the MeHg concentration in the brain, while exposure to dental amalgam restorations increases the I-Hg concentrations in the brain. Discrimination between mercury species is necessary to evaluate the impact on Hg in the brain of various sources of exposure, in particular, dental amalgam exposure. (Source: Environmental Health)

Perceived annoyance and asthmatic symptoms in relation to vehicle exhaust levels outside home: a cross-sectional study.

Environmental Health — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This study found the degree of annoyance related to vehicle exhaust and irritating and asthmatic symptoms to be significantly dependant on the levels of traffic related pollutants outside the home. The detailed exposure assessment lowers the degree of misclassification as compared to between-city analyses, which makes the results more accurate and applicable on the local scale. (Source: Environmental Health)

Association between respiratory tract diseases and secondhand smoke exposure among never smoking flight attendants: a cross-sectional survey

Environmental Health — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: We observed a significant association between hours of smoky cabin exposure and self-reported reported sinusitis, middle ear infections, and asthma. Our findings suggest a dose-response between duration of SHS exposure and diseases of the respiratory tract. Our findings add additional evidence to the growing body of knowledge supporting the need for widespread implementation of clean indoor air policies to decrease the risk of adverse health consequences experienced by never smokers exposed to SHS. (Source: Environmental Health)

Environmental Health: the first five years

Environmental Health — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 04:00:00 +0100

- (Source: Environmental Health)

Effects of ambient air pollution on functional status in patients with chronic congestive heart failure: a repeated-measures study

Environmental Health — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These results suggest that serial BNP measurements are unlikely to be useful in a longitudinal study of air pollution-related acute health effects. The magnitude of expected ambient air pollution health effects appear small in relation to the considerable within-person variability in BNP levels in this population. (Source: Environmental Health)

Serum PCB levels and congener profiles among US construction workers

Environmental Health — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: While the results of this pilot study are based upon small numbers (6 construction workers who handled PCB caulking), the serum PCB levels among the construction workers exceed the referents. Comparison of the congener profiles suggests that there are substantial differences between the construction workers and the general population samples. These differences, and the similarities of profiles among the construction workers strongly suggest that occupational contact with caulking material can be a major source of PCB exposure for construction workers. (Source: Environmental Health)

Parameter and model uncertainty in a life-table model for fine particles (PM2.5): a statistical modeling study

Environmental Health — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: When estimating life-expectancy, the estimates used for cardiopulmonary exposure-response coefficient, discount rate, and plausibility require careful assessment, while complicated lag estimates can be omitted without this having any major effect on the results. (Source: Environmental Health)

Near-highway pollutants in motor vehicle exhaust: A review of epidemiologic evidence of cardiac and pulmonary health risks

Environmental Health — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100

There is growing evidence of a distinct set of freshly-emitted air pollutants downwind from major highways, motorways, and freeways that include elevated levels of ultrafine particulates (UFP), black carbon (BC), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and carbon monoxide (CO). People living or otherwise spending substantial time within about 200 m of highways are exposed to these pollutants more so than persons living at a greater distance, even compared to living on busy urban streets. Evidence of the health hazards of these pollutants arises from studies that assess proximity to highways, actual exposure to the pollutants, or both. Taken as a whole, the health studies show elevated risk for development of asthma and reduced lung function in children who live near major highways. Studies of particulat...

Reducing ultraviolet radiation exposure among outdoor workers: State of the evidence and recommendations

Environmental Health — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Reports of interventions to promote sun-safe practices and environments provide encouraging results, but yield insufficient evidence to recommend current strategies as effective. Additional efforts should focus on increasing sun protection policies and education programs in workplaces and evaluating whether they improve the health behavior of outdoor workers. (Source: Environmental Health)

Pharmacoenvironmentology - a component of pharmacovigilance

Environmental Health — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100

According to WHO, Pharmacovigilance activities are done to monitor detection, assessment, understanding and prevention of any obnoxious adverse reactions to drugs at therapeutic concentration on animal and human beings. However, there is also a growing focus among scientists and environmentalists about the impact of drugs on environment and surroundings. The existing term 'Ecopharmacology' is too broad and not even defined in a clear manner. The term 'Pharmacoenvironmentology' seeks to deal with the environmental impact of drugs given to humans and animals at therapeutic doses. (Source: Environmental Health)

Emergency room visits for respiratory conditions in children increased after Guagua Pichincha volcanic eruptions in April 2000 in Quito, Ecuador

Environmental Health — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The study has demonstrated strong relationship between ash exposure and respiratory effects in children. (Source: Environmental Health)

Sarcoma risk and dioxin emissions from incinerators and industrial plants: a population-based case-control study (Italy)

Environmental Health — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our study supports the association between modelled dioxin exposure and sarcoma risk. (Source: Environmental Health)

Bias magnification in ecologic studies: a methodological investigation

Environmental Health — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The analytical tools developed here are useful in analyzing ecologic bias. The concept of bias magnification may be helpful in designing ecologic studies and performing sensitivity analysis of their results. (Source: Environmental Health)

Impact of air pollution on hospital admissions in Southwestern Ontario, Canada: Generating hypotheses in sentinel high-exposure places

Environmental Health — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Since hospital admissions rates were significantly higher in Chemical Valley as compared to both London and Windsor, we hypothesize that these higher rates are pollution related. A critical look at the way ambient air quality and other pollutants are monitored in this area is warranted. Further epidemiological research is needed to verify our preliminary indications of harmful effects in people living in Chemical Valley. (Source: Environmental Health)

Impact of ambient air pollution on gestational age is modified by season in Sydney, Australia

Environmental Health — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: We found more protective than harmful associations between ambient air pollutants and preterm births with most associations non-significant. In view of these inconsistent associations, it is important to interpret the harmful effects with caution. If our results are confirmed by future studies then it will be imperative to reduce Sydney's already low air pollution levels even further. (Source: Environmental Health)

Correction: Cluster of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) associated with an oil field waste site: a cross sectional study

Environmental Health — Thu, 17 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100

After publication of this work (Dahlgren et al, Environmental Health 2007, 6:8), we noted some errors in the competing interests statement; a corrected version follows. Competing interests JD, JT and RW were hired to perform this study by the law firm Girardi and Keese, who are involved on behalf of the plaintiffs in an ongoing litigation case. HT is an employee of JD. PA-M and JK were not hired by Girardi and Keese, but recruited to the study by the co-authors. The study was funded by Girardi and Keese. In addition, Girardi and Keese provided partial funding for manuscript preparation (the majority of funding was provided by JD). The trial is scheduled for later in this year (2007), and JD and JT may be asked to provide testimony as expert witnesses on the facts of this case. Girardi a...

Native and foreign born as predictors of pediatric asthma in an Asian immigrant population: A cross sectional survey

Environmental Health — Wed, 02 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Background: Asthma prevalence is lower in less developed countries and among some recent immigrant populations in the US, but the reasons for this are not clear. One possibility is that early childhood infections are protective against asthma. Methods: We surveyed Asian immigrant children (n=204; age 4-18) to assess the relationship between asthma and native or foreign place of birth. We included questions about environmental exposures, demographic variables and family history of asthma to test whether they might explain effects of place of birth on asthma. Results: The native and foreign born groups were similar in most respects. Analysis of association with diagnosed asthma for all ages together resulted in two logistic regression models. Both retained born in the US (ORs were 3.2 and 4...

Assessment and prevention of acute health effects of weather conditions in Europe: The PHEWE project - background, objectives, design

Environmental Health — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The PHEWE project offers the opportunity to investigate the relationship between temperature and mortality in 16 European cities, representing a wide range of climatic, socio-demographic and cultural characteristics; the use of a standardized methodology allows for direct comparison between cities. (Source: Environmental Health)

Quantifying Geocode Location Error Using GIS Methods

Environmental Health — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Geocode location uncertainty can be estimated using tax parcel databases in a GIS. This approach is a viable alternative to global positioning system field validation of geocodes. (Source: Environmental Health)

Pediatric patient asthma-related emergency department visits and admissions in Washington, DC, from 2001-2004, and associations with air quality, socio-economic status and age group

Environmental Health — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Significant associations were found between ozone concentrations and asthma-related ED visits, especially for 5-12 year olds. The result that the most significant ozone associations were not seen in the age group (1-4 yrs) with the highest rate of asthma-related ED visits may be related to the clinical difficulty in accurately diagnosing asthma among this age group. We observed real increases in relative risk of asthma ED visits for children living in higher poverty zip codes versus other zip codes, as well as similar logarithmic relationships for visits and admissions, which implies ED over-utilization may not be a factor. These results could suggest designs for future epidemiological studies that include more information on individual exposures and other risk factors. (Sourc...

Cluster of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) associated with an oil field waste site: a cross sectional study

Environmental Health — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 07:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: There were statistically significant differences in B cells, Natural Killer Cells, gamma glutamyl transferase, globulin and serum calcium levels between control and exposed subjects. (Source: Environmental Health)