BACKGROUND Anthropogenic land modification influences human-livestock-wildlife interactions and zoonotic spillover emergence. However, the extent of this impact remains unclear and could be better understood through the collaborative use of advanced predictive and explanatory analytical tools, alongside, an up-to-date dataset on zoonotic spillover events. OBJECTIVE The main objective is to develop

BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been associated with numerous deleterious health outcomes including liver damage. However, whether exposure to PFAS is associated with liver cancer risk remains unclear. METHODS We conducted a matched nested case-control study among 12 prospective cohort studies located in the United States. Pre-diagnostic PFAS, namely perfluorooctanesulfonate

BACKGROUND Emerging observational studies suggest air pollution can influence the gut microbiome. However, this association is often highly confounded by factors such as diet and poverty. The gut virome may influence respiratory health independent of the gut microbiome. We recently demonstrated in a randomized waitlist-controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03351504) that a clean lighting intervention

BACKGROUND Traditional temperature-health studies have predominantly relied on temperature measurements from stations or modelled spatial averages from gridded temperature datasets. It has been suggested that population-weighted spatial averages would perform better in remote regions with large temperature and population variability. This would be particularly true in regions other than North America

BACKGROUND Quantitative characterization of the health impacts associated with exposure to chemical mixtures has received considerable attention in current environmental and epidemiological studies. With many existing statistical methods and emerging approaches, it is important for practitioners to understand which method is best suited for their inferential goals. OBJECTIVE The goal of this paper

BACKGROUND Both environmental exposure and type 2 diabetes (T2D) genetic susceptibility affect fetal growth. However, most previous studies used single exposure rather than an exposome strategy to explore the association between environmental factors and fetal growth, and the interactions of environmental exposures with maternal and fetal genes were often overlooked. OBJECTIVES To explore the associations

BACKGROUND Heat wave frequency and intensity is increasing and this trend is more pronounced in urban areas. Heat waves may be acutely associated with early birth. OBJECTIVES To examine the acute relationship between heat waves and preterm (<37 weeks) and early-term (37-38 weeks) birth in eight states: California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Oregon. METHODS Daily

BACKGROUND The impact of non-nutritive sweeteners on male reproductive health, particularly at the cellular level, remains insufficiently explored. Sucralose's high stability and resistance to degradation during wastewater treatment raises concerns about its long-term environmental and health impacts. Whether sucralose consumption correlates with reduced reproductive hormone levels and testicular damage

BACKGROUND A large proportion of global population use solid fuels for household purposes, and limited evidence from previous studies suggests that it might be associated with reduced renal function. OBJECTIVES To investigate the association between household use of different types of fuels and kidney disease-related mortality. METHODS We analyzed data from the Golestan Cohort Study, a population-based

BACKGROUND Ovarian folliculogenesis is crucial for female reproduction. This can be disrupted by various factors, including pollutants with aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) agonistic activity, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. OBJECTIVES Using the herbicide neburon, a moderate AHR agonist among current pesticides, we investigated its effects on ovarian folliculogenesis in zebrafish through

BACKGROUND The increase in the frequency and scale of climate-related disasters is closely linked to greenhouse gas emissions (GHGEs) from food systems. Due to a lack of a comprehensive emission database that covers entire food systems, data on per-capita dietary GHGEs are limited. OBJECTIVE We created the Food Systems-related GHGE Factor Database (FS-GHGEF-D) to cover an entire food system and estimate

BACKGROUND With thousands of chemicals in commerce and the environment, rapid identification of potential hazards is a critical need. Combining broad molecular profiling with targeted in vitro assays, such as high-throughput transcriptomics (HTTr) and receptor screening assays, could improve identification of chemicals that perturb key molecular targets associated with adverse outcomes. OBJECTIVES

BACKGROUND Physiological heat strain induced by extreme temperature in cities has led to significant heat-related deaths. Although socioeconomic adaptation is suggested to mitigate this issue, its effectiveness is limited. Conversely, there is a lack of comprehensive evaluation on the effectiveness of landscape level strategies for mitigating heat-related deaths. OBJECTIVES We developed a comprehensive

BACKGROUND Developing human fetuses may be exposed to the chemical compound bisphenol A (BPA), and retinoic acid (RA) has been detected at low levels in water sources. RA signaling regulates key developmental genes and is essential for organ development, including the brain. We previously reported that RA/BPA co-exposure of mouse embryonic stem cells potentiates RA signaling, which warrants further

BACKGROUND Burning biomass fuels for cooking is a widespread environmental exposure that may adversely affect child health. We conducted an 18-month randomized field trial comparing a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) stove, continuous fuel delivery and behavioral messaging intervention starting in pregnancy through infancy with usual cooking practices using biomass fuels in Puno, Peru. A total of 800

BACKGROUND Increasing studies have informed noteworthy health risks associated with dermal exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from feminine hygiene products (FHPs). OBJECTIVES This study is to address the gap in understanding the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion dynamics of dermal exposure to VOCs from FHPs, and to identify chemicals and products that could cause significant

BACKGROUND Billions of the world's poorest households are faced with the lack of access to both safe drinking water and clean cooking. One solution to microbiologically contaminated water is boiling, often promoted without acknowledging the additional risks incurred from indoor air degradation from using solid fuels. OBJECTIVES This modeling study explores the tradeoff of increased air pollution from

BACKGROUND Plastic-containing medical devices are commonly used in critical care units and other patient care settings. Patients are often exposed to xenobiotic agents that are leached out from plastic-containing medical devices, including bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates. Given the potential health implications, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive understanding of this exposure. OBJECTIVES

BACKGROUND Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been shown to disrupt normal follicular development and ovulation. However, it is unknown which specific PFAS in follicular fluid negatively impact oocyte development and embryo quality or whether any of the metabolites present in the follicular fluid contribute to these adverse effects. OBJECTIVES We conducted a cross-sectional and

BACKGROUND Despite strong physiological plausibility, epidemiology studies have reported inconsistent associations of humidity with heat-related health outcomes. In this regard, there has been a heated debate on which humidity metric to use in epidemiological research. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to compare the role of two common humidity metrics, relative and absolute humidity, in heat-related mortality

BACKGROUND Phthalate exposures are ubiquitous and have been associated with pregnancy complications. Interaction between serum long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n3PUFA) and phthalate biomarkers is biologically plausible because both can bind to human peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) which are involved in placenta development. However, evidence of this interaction in humans

BACKGROUND Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition of increasing prevalence worldwide. Air pollution may be a major contributor to the rise in ASD cases. This study investigated how the risk of ASD from prenatal and early postnatal exposure to specific air pollutants is being modified by key sociodemographic factors exploring vulnerable exposure periods. METHODS We conducted

BACKGROUND Despite progress in reducing industrial air pollution, rising wildfire frequency and intensity driven in part by climate change, pose significant health risks. Accurate estimates of wildfire-generated PM2.5 are needed for advancing health research, policymaking, and environmental protection. OBJECTIVE This review evaluates existing methodologies and data sources for estimating wildfire-generated

BACKGROUND Global and site-specific changes in DNA methylation and gene expression are associated with cardiovascular development, aging, and disease, but how the transcriptome and epigenome of the heart change across the life course in males vs. females, and how chemical exposures early in life influence this programming, have not yet been investigated. OBJECTIVES We used an established mouse model

BACKGROUND Research has detected associations between air pollution exposure and type 2 diabetes (T2DM), but findings from large cohort studies are needed to ascertain the most influential pollutants, susceptible subpopulations, and low-level exposure associations. Our aim was to prospectively evaluate the association between long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide

BACKGROUND Climate change is predicted to profoundly impact dengue transmission risk, yet a thorough review of evidence is necessary to refine understanding of climate scenarios, projection periods, spatial resolutions, and modeling approaches. OBJECTIVES We conducted a state-of-the-science review to comprehensively understand long-term dengue risk predictions under climate change, identify research

BACKGROUND Many studies have reported associations of PM2.5 with mortality, but fewer at low concentrations, and even fewer using causal modeling or correcting for exposure error bias. None have corrected for the non-representativeness of monitoring locations. OBJECTIVES We examined the association of PM2.5 with all-cause mortality in the Medicare cohort using a combination of causal modeling, flexible

BACKGROUND To contribute to the growing evidence on the potential co-benefits of the EAT-Lancet reference diet for cardiometabolic health and sustainability, we investigated this topic in a nationwide prospective cohort of Chinese adults. Adherence to this diet has been measured using several indices, including the World Index for Sustainability and Health (WISH) and the Planetary Health Diet Index

BACKGROUND Most unconventional oil and gas (UOG) extraction in Colorado occurs within the Denver Metro/North Front Range (DMNFR) ozone Nonattainment Area (NAA). Previous UOG human health risk assessments do not consider cumulative risk from both volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and criteria air pollutants like ozone. METHODS We conducted a cumulative human health risk assessment (CHHRA) using regulatory-grade

BACKGROUND There is limited information on the association between walkability and health in Asian countries. OBJECTIVE Our study aimed to investigate the association between neighborhood walkability and mortality in Taiwanese adults. METHODS We selected 457,874 participants (≥18 y of age) from Taiwan who joined a standard medical examination program between 1998 and 2016 and followed them until 31

BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes is a rapidly growing global health challenge in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and evidence suggests that air pollution exposure contributes. Household air pollution from burning solid fuels for cooking is a major burden in LMICs, but studies demonstrating associations between reductions in household air pollution and improvements in HbA1c, a biomarker of diabetes

BACKGROUND The Michigan Polybrominated Biphenyl (PBB) registry, followed since 1976, was created after a 1973 chemical manufacturing mistake. The flame retardant PBB was accidentally mixed into animal feed and distributed to Michigan farms for nearly a year, exposing farm residents and animal product consumers. OBJECTIVE We synthesize knowledge to date on health effects of PBB exposure within the Michigan

BACKGROUND As immunity wanes and viral mutations continue, the risk of endemic SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infections (BTIs) remains. Air pollution is considered a risk factor for respiratory infection, but evidence of its association with SARS-CoV-2 BTIs is limited. OBJECTIVES We aimed to examine the effects of long-term exposure to air pollution on disease outcomes, immune responses, and antibody dynamics

BACKGROUND The South Korean humidifier disinfectant-associated lung injury case was one of the worst disasters involving household chemical products, resulting in over 5,800 casualties. Despite the strong association between lung injury and humidifier disinfectants, the underlying pathogenic mechanisms remain unclear. OBJECTIVES We investigated patients with humidifier disinfectant-associated lung

BACKGROUND Low pressure events (LPEs), defined as a water service disruption that presumably lowers system water pressure, can cause drinking water contamination resulting in increased illness risk to consumers. OBJECTIVES Examine whether LPEs increase the risk for highly credible acute gastrointestinal illness (HCGI) and acute respiratory illness (ARI) and compare water quality in exposed and unexposed

BACKGROUND Environmental factors, such as fluctuations of climatic conditions and land cover, play a pivotal role in driving infectious disease epidemics, particularly those originating from wildlife reservoirs. Orthohantavirus puumalaense, hosted by bank voles in Europe, is the causative agent of a form of hemorrhagic fever and renal syndrome called nephropathia epidemica. Despite two decades of consistent

BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure is widespread and has been linked with gynecologic disease. To our knowledge, no study has measured PFAS in endometrial tissue. METHODS Eutopic endometrial tissue specimens (n=434) were collected from Investigating Mixtures of Pollutants and Endometriosis in Tissue (IMPLANT) Study participants undergoing laparoscopy or laparotomy for any

BACKGROUND Neurotoxicity of exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) has been documented in animal studies, but related epidemiological investigations are very limited; particularly, those based on biomonitoring data are not available yet. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to evaluate the trimester-specific association between maternal urinary concentrations of multiple VOC metabolites (mVOCs) and child

BACKGROUND Ambient fine particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5μm (PM2.5) exposure is associated with systemic protein damage in pregnant women. However, its effect on protein damage in human placentas is unclear. OBJECTIVES We estimated the associations of PM2.5 and chemical component exposures with advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) in placental villi tissues before 13 weeks of

BACKGROUND Community engagement in research, including community scientists' (CSs) participation in environmental exposure assessments, promotes the bidirectional flow of information between communities and researchers and improves the development of interventions to reduce environmental health inequities. Nonetheless, institutional review boards (IRBs) with limited experience with CS research tend

BACKGROUND Emerging evidence has implicated built and natural environmental exposures in the etiology and exacerbation of anxiety symptoms. OBJECTIVES Our objective was to assess individual and joint associations between neighborhood socioeconomic status (nSES), walkability, greenness, fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and temperature and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms

BACKGROUND Representing vulnerability is crucial for informing targeted interventions, but existing vulnerability conceptualizations are too general for heat hazard-specific and place-specific relevance. Examining the key decision criteria centering around data choices, selection of input variables, methodological approaches, and theoretical conceptualizations are integral to progressing toward hazard-specific

BACKGROUND Exposure to light at night (LAN), particularly blue light, is suspected to disrupt circadian rhythm, inhibit melatonin production, and eventually increase the risk of breast cancer. OBJECTIVES We assessed the association between exposure to outdoor LAN and breast cancer risk in the E3N-Generations cohort, a large population-based cohort study of French women followed-up from 1990 to 2011

BACKGROUND Pediatric thyroid cancer incidence has been increasing globally, with environmental exposures being a hypothesized risk factor. OBJECTIVE We evaluated the association between pediatric thyroid cancer risk and perinatal exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM) with aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5μm (PM2.5) and outdoor artificial light at night (O-ALAN). Both are considered environmental

BACKGROUND Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) fluids and aerosols contain metals, which can be detrimental to human health. Recently marketed ultrasonic cigarettes (u-cigarettes) claim to be less harmful than e-cigarettes, which use heating coils. OBJECTIVES We quantified chemical elements/metals in multiple flavors of SURGE u-cigarettes, JUUL e-cigarettes, and "Other Brands" of pod-style e-cigarettes

BACKGROUND Bisphenol S (BPS) is a substitute for bisphenol A in various commercial products and is increasingly used globally due to restrictions on bisphenol A usage. Consequently, there are increasing public health concerns that substantial effects mediated by synthetic chemicals may impact human health. Recently, epidemiology studies reported associations between bisphenol exposure and nonalcoholic

BACKGROUND Short-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that are less bioaccumulative have been introduced as replacements for long-chain perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) with the intent of reducing health risks. In contrast, alternative PFAS with longer chain lengths may be at least as bioaccumulative and toxic as phased-out long-chain PFAAs. Such alternative PFAS were used and released unbeknownst

BACKGROUND The extensive use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has led to environmental contamination and bioaccumulation of these substances. Previous research linked PFAS exposure to female reproductive disorders, but the mechanism remains elusive. Further, most studies focused on legacy long-chain PFOA and PFOS, yet the reproductive impacts of other long-chain PFAS and short-chain alternatives

BACKGROUND Green and blue spaces (GBS) are assumed to mitigate heat-induced health risks. However, few studies have explored the impact of type-specific GBS changes on heat-related mortality burden. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate the effect modifications of different GBS types on heat-related mortality risks, and to estimate the changes in mortality burden in multiple GBS scenarios. METHODS

BACKGROUND The biological mechanisms linking early life phthalate exposure with adverse behaviors and cardiometabolic conditions also impact sleep health, but whether early life exposure impacts adolescent sleep is unknown. OBJECTIVES We evaluated whether gestational and childhood urinary phthalate metabolite mixtures were associated with sleep characteristics during adolescence. We also examined periods

BACKGROUND Ethylene oxide (EtO) is a recognized carcinogen of concern in occupational and environmental settings, but evidence of cancer risks in humans remains limited. Since new EtO emission standards and mitigation measures have been proposed, further investigation of EtO cancer risks is needed to inform quantitative risk assessment. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to estimate the association between

BACKGROUND Maximum contaminant level violations occur more frequently among some public water systems (PWS) serving marginalized communities across the United States. Spatially resolved PWS service area data are now available, allowing for better understanding of relationships between sociodemographic factors and water quality. OBJECTIVES We examined associations between detection and concentration

BACKGROUND Climate change is one of the greatest health threats facing humanity. Multiple studies have documented the impact of short-term temperature exposure on human health. However, long-term temperature exposures are far less studied. OBJECTIVES We examined whether exposures to higher or lower summer and winter average temperatures compared to long-term average temperatures were associated with

BACKGROUND Pregnant women are exposed to numerous endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Pregnancy-related nausea likely has hormonal etiology and may persist beyond the first trimester. OBJECTIVES Therefore, we aimed to determine the relationship between EDC biomarkers and pregnancy nausea characteristics. METHODS Illinois Kids Development Study (I-KIDS) pregnant women (n=467) reported nausea symptoms

BACKGROUND Exposure to certain chemicals in disinfectants has been associated with vascular dysfunction in toxicological studies, but the association between disinfectant exposure and clinical cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains unclear. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between occupational exposure to disinfectants and subsequent risk of CVD among US nurses. METHODS