Abstract Background: Chemicals in consumer products are a major contributor to human chemical coexposures. Consumers purchase and use a wide variety of products containing potentially thousands of chemicals. There is a need to identify potential real-world chemical coexposures to prioritize in vitro toxicity screening. However, due to the vast number of potential chemical combinations, this identification

Abstract Background: The general population is ubiquitously exposed to the toxic metal cadmium through the diet and smoking. Cadmium exposure is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in myocardial infarction and stroke. Atherosclerosis is the main underlying mechanism of myocardial infarction. However, associations between cadmium and coronary artery atherosclerosis have not been examined

Abstract Background: Cancer risk assessment of complex exposures, such as exposure to mixtures of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), is challenging due to the diverse biological activities of these compounds. With the help of text mining (TM), we have developed TM tools—the latest iteration of the Cancer Risk Assessment using Biomedical literature tool (CRAB3) and a Cancer Hallmarks Analytics

Abstract Background: Gestational lead (Pb) exposure can adversely affect offspring health through multiple mechanisms, including epigenomic alterations via DNA methylation (5mC) and hydroxymethylation (5hmC), an intermediate in oxidative demethylation. Most current methods do not distinguish between 5mC and 5hmC, limiting insights into their individual roles. Objective: Our study sought to identify

Abstract Background: Private wells are an important source of drinking water in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin. Due to the region’s fractured dolomite aquifer, these wells are vulnerable to contamination by human and zoonotic gastrointestinal pathogens originating from land-applied cattle manure and private septic systems. Objective: We determined the magnitude of the health burden associated with contamination

Abstract Background: Groundwater quality in the Silurian dolomite aquifer in northeastern Wisconsin, USA, has become contentious as dairy farms and exurban development expand. Objectives: We investigated private household wells in the region, determining the extent, sources, and risk factors of nitrate and microbial contamination. Methods: Total coliforms, Escherichia coli, and nitrate were evaluated

Abstract Background: In utero exposure to heavy metals lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd) may be associated with higher childhood blood pressure (BP), whereas trace elements selenium (Se) and manganese (Mn) may have protective antioxidant effects that modify metal-BP associations. Objectives: We examined the individual and joint effects of in utero exposure to Pb, Hg, Cd, Se, and Mn on childhood

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Abstract Background: Delivery of high quality, at-scale, and sustained services is a major challenge in the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector, made more challenging by a dearth of evidence-based models for adaption across contexts in low- and middle-income countries. Objective: We aim to describe the value of implementation science (IS) for the WASH sector and provide recommendations for

Abstract Background: Many studies have investigated the devastating health effects of heat waves, but less is known about health risks related to cold spells, despite evidence that extreme cold may contribute to a larger proportion of deaths. Objectives: We aimed to systematically investigate the association between cold spells and mortality in Japan. Methods: Daily data for weather conditions and

Abstract Background: Despite a vast air pollution epidemiology literature to date and the recognition that lower-socioeconomic status (SES) populations are often disproportionately exposed to pollution, there is little research identifying optimal means of adjusting for confounding by SES in air pollution epidemiology, nor is there a strong understanding of biases that may result from improper adjustment

Abstract Background: The epidemiological literature of associations between atmospheric pollutant exposure and breast cancer incidence has recently strongly evolved. Objectives: We aimed to perform a) a meta-analysis of studies considering this relationship, correcting for publication bias and taking menopausal status and cancer hormone responsiveness into account; and b) for the pollutants most likely

Abstract Background: Chronic exposure to air pollution may prime the immune system to be reactive, increasing inflammatory responses to immune stimulation and providing a pathway to increased risk for inflammatory diseases, including asthma and cardiovascular disease. Although long-term exposure to ambient air pollution has been associated with increased circulating markers of inflammation, it is unknown

Abstract Background: Epidemiologic studies indicate that early life arsenic exposures are linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Different oxidation and methylation states of arsenic exist in the environment and are formed in vivo via the action of arsenic (+3 oxidation state) methyltransferase (As3MT). Methylated arsenicals are pro-atherogenic postnatally, but pre- and perinatal effects

Abstract Background: Exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) is a risk factor for developing sporadic forms of sporadic dementia. A human tau (htau) mouse model is available that exhibits age-dependent tau dysregulation, neurofibrillary tangles, neuronal loss, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress starting at an early age (3–4 months) and in which tau dysregulation and neuronal loss correlate with synaptic

Abstract Background: Maternal smoking during pregnancy is related to altered DNA methylation in infant umbilical cord blood. The extent to which low levels of smoke exposure among nonsmoking pregnant women relates to offspring DNA methylation is unknown. Objective: This study sought to evaluate relationships between maternal prenatal plasma cotinine levels and DNA methylation in umbilical cord blood

Abstract Background: Glyphosate (GLY) is the most heavily used herbicide in the world. Despite nearly ubiquitous exposure, few studies have examined prenatal GLY exposure and potentially adverse pregnancy outcomes. Preterm birth (PTB) is a risk factor for neonatal mortality and adverse health effects in childhood. Objectives: We examined prenatal exposure to GLY and a highly persistent environmental

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Abstract Background: Studies have evaluated environmental exposure to toxic metals such as arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn), or lead (Pb) on birth size; however, information on potential effects of exposures to metal mixtures is limited. Objectives: We assessed the association between metal mixtures (As, Cd, Mn, Pb) in umbilical cord blood and neonate size in Bangladeshi children. Methods:

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Abstract Background: During food animal production, animals are exposed to, colonized by, and sometimes infected with bacteria that may contaminate animal products with susceptible and multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO). The United States’ Organic Foods Production Act resulted in decreased antibiotic use in some animal production operations. Some studies have reported that decreased antibiotic use

Abstract Background: Epidemiological data link traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) to increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Preclinical data corroborating this association are largely from studies of male animals exposed acutely or subchronically to high levels of isolated fractions of TRAP. What remains unclear is whether chronic exposure to ambient TRAP modifies AD risk and the influence of

Abstract Background: 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a persistent and toxic environmental pollutant. Gestational exposure to TCDD has been linked to cognitive and motor deficits, and increased incidence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) traits in children. Most animal studies of these neurodevelopmental effects involve acute TCDD exposure, which does not model typical exposure in humans

Abstract Background: Understanding the epidemic of chronic kidney disease of uncertain etiology may be critical for health policies and public health responses. Recent studies have shown that microplastics (MPs) contaminate our food chain and accumulate in the gut, liver, kidney, muscle, and so on. Humans manufacture many plastics-related products. Previous studies have indicated that particles of

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Abstract Background: The fungus Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) is the leading cause of invasive mold infections, which cause severe disease and death in immunocompromised people. Use of triazole antifungal medications in recent decades has improved patient survival; however, triazole-resistant infections have become common in parts of Europe and are emerging in the United States. Triazoles are

Abstract Background: The twin pandemics of COVID-19 and systemic racism during 2020 have forced a conversation across many segments of our society, including the environmental health sciences (EHS) research community. We have seen the proliferation of statements of solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and commitments to fight racism and health inequities from academia, nonprofit organizations

Abstract Background: Nitrate is a widespread groundwater contaminant and a leading cause of drinking water quality violations in California. Associations between nitrate exposure and select adverse birth outcomes have been suggested, but few studies have examined gestational exposures to nitrate and risk of preterm birth (before 37 wk gestation). Objective: We investigated the association between elevated

BACKGROUND Nitrate is a widespread groundwater contaminant and a leading cause of drinking water quality violations in California. Associations between nitrate exposure and select adverse birth outcomes have been suggested, but few studies have examined gestational exposures to nitrate and risk of preterm birth (before 37 wk gestation). OBJECTIVE We investigated the association between elevated nitrate

BACKGROUND Nitrate is a widespread groundwater contaminant and a leading cause of drinking water quality violations in California. Associations between nitrate exposure and select adverse birth outcomes have been suggested, but few studies have examined gestational exposures to nitrate and risk of preterm birth (before 37 wk gestation). OBJECTIVE We investigated the association between elevated nitrate

BACKGROUND The fungus Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) is the leading cause of invasive mold infections, which cause severe disease and death in immunocompromised people. Use of triazole antifungal medications in recent decades has improved patient survival; however, triazole-resistant infections have become common in parts of Europe and are emerging in the United States. Triazoles are also a class

BACKGROUND The fungus Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) is the leading cause of invasive mold infections, which cause severe disease and death in immunocompromised people. Use of triazole antifungal medications in recent decades has improved patient survival; however, triazole-resistant infections have become common in parts of Europe and are emerging in the United States. Triazoles are also a class

Abstract Background: Humans are exposed to tens of thousands of chemical substances that need to be assessed for their potential toxicity. Acute systemic toxicity testing serves as the basis for regulatory hazard classification, labeling, and risk management. However, it is cost- and time-prohibitive to evaluate all new and existing chemicals using traditional rodent acute toxicity tests. In silico

Abstract Background: Due to the ubiquitous use of chemicals in modern society, humans are increasingly exposed to thousands of chemicals that contribute to a major portion of the human exposome. Should a comprehensive and risk-based human exposome database be created, it would be conducive to the rapid progress of human exposomics research. In addition, once a xenobiotic is biotransformed with distinct

Abstract Background: Mitochondrial function is implicated as a target of environmental toxicants and found in disease or injury models, contributing to acute and chronic inflammation. One mechanism by which mitochondrial damage can propagate inflammation is via activation of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor (NLR) family, pyrin domain-containing receptor (NLRP)3 inflammasome

BACKGROUND Humans are exposed to tens of thousands of chemical substances that need to be assessed for their potential toxicity. Acute systemic toxicity testing serves as the basis for regulatory hazard classification, labeling, and risk management. However, it is cost- and time-prohibitive to evaluate all new and existing chemicals using traditional rodent acute toxicity tests. In silico models built

BACKGROUND Humans are exposed to tens of thousands of chemical substances that need to be assessed for their potential toxicity. Acute systemic toxicity testing serves as the basis for regulatory hazard classification, labeling, and risk management. However, it is cost- and time-prohibitive to evaluate all new and existing chemicals using traditional rodent acute toxicity tests. In silico models built

BACKGROUND Mitochondrial function is implicated as a target of environmental toxicants and found in disease or injury models, contributing to acute and chronic inflammation. One mechanism by which mitochondrial damage can propagate inflammation is via activation of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor (NLR) family, pyrin domain-containing receptor (NLRP)3 inflammasome,

BACKGROUND Mitochondrial function is implicated as a target of environmental toxicants and found in disease or injury models, contributing to acute and chronic inflammation. One mechanism by which mitochondrial damage can propagate inflammation is via activation of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor (NLR) family, pyrin domain-containing receptor (NLRP)3 inflammasome,

BACKGROUND Due to the ubiquitous use of chemicals in modern society, humans are increasingly exposed to thousands of chemicals that contribute to a major portion of the human exposome. Should a comprehensive and risk-based human exposome database be created, it would be conducive to the rapid progress of human exposomics research. In addition, once a xenobiotic is biotransformed with distinct half-lives

BACKGROUND Due to the ubiquitous use of chemicals in modern society, humans are increasingly exposed to thousands of chemicals that contribute to a major portion of the human exposome. Should a comprehensive and risk-based human exposome database be created, it would be conducive to the rapid progress of human exposomics research. In addition, once a xenobiotic is biotransformed with distinct half-lives

Abstract Background: Wastewater testing offers a cost-effective strategy for measuring population disease prevalence and health behaviors. For COVID-19, wastewater surveillance addresses testing gaps and provides an early warning for outbreaks. As U.S. federal agencies build a National Wastewater Surveillance System around the pandemic, thinking through ways to develop flexible frameworks for wastewater

Abstract Background: Exposure to toxic metals (TMs) such as lead can cause lifelong neurodevelopmental impairment and other adverse outcomes. TMs enter drinking water from human activity, geogenic contamination, and corrosion of water system components. Several studies report TM contamination in piped systems and private wells in high-income countries (HICs). However, few robust studies report on TM

BACKGROUND Wastewater testing offers a cost-effective strategy for measuring population disease prevalence and health behaviors. For COVID-19, wastewater surveillance addresses testing gaps and provides an early warning for outbreaks. As U.S. federal agencies build a National Wastewater Surveillance System around the pandemic, thinking through ways to develop flexible frameworks for wastewater sampling

BACKGROUND Exposure to toxic metals (TMs) such as lead can cause lifelong neurodevelopmental impairment and other adverse outcomes. TMs enter drinking water from human activity, geogenic contamination, and corrosion of water system components. Several studies report TM contamination in piped systems and private wells in high-income countries (HICs). However, few robust studies report on TM contamination

BACKGROUND Exposure to toxic metals (TMs) such as lead can cause lifelong neurodevelopmental impairment and other adverse outcomes. TMs enter drinking water from human activity, geogenic contamination, and corrosion of water system components. Several studies report TM contamination in piped systems and private wells in high-income countries (HICs). However, few robust studies report on TM contamination

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Abstract Background: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), organophosphate esters (OPEs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are hormone-disrupting chemicals that migrate from building materials into air and dust. Objectives: We aimed to quantify the hormonal activities of 46 dust samples and identify chemicals driving the observed activities. Methods: We evaluated associations between

Abstract Background: Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), a biomarker of organophosphorous and carbamate exposure in environmental and occupational human health, has been commonly used to identify potential safety liabilities. So far, many environmental chemicals, including drug candidates, food additives, and industrial chemicals, have not been thoroughly evaluated for their inhibitory effects

Abstract Background: Inconsistent associations between long-term exposure to particles with an aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm [fine particulate matter (PM2.5)] components and mortality have been reported, partly related to challenges in exposure assessment. Objectives: We investigated the associations between long-term exposure to PM2.5 elemental components and mortality in a large pooled European cohort;

Abstract Background: High oral exposure and biological vulnerabilities may put formula-fed infants at risk for manganese-induced neurotoxicity. Objectives: We sought to characterize manganese concentrations in public drinking water and prepared infant formulas commonly purchased in the United States, integrate information from these sources into a health risk assessment specific to formula-fed infants

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Abstract Background: In June 2020, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine hosted a virtual workshop focused on integrating the science of aging and environmental health research. The concurrent COVID-19 pandemic and national attention on racism exposed shortcomings in the environmental research field’s conceptualization and methodological use of race, which have subsequently

Abstract Background: Although randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated that high fluoride increases bone mineral density (BMD) and skeletal fragility, observational studies of low-dose chronic exposure through drinking water (<1.5mg/L, the maximum recommended by the World Health Organization) have been inconclusive. Objective: We assessed associations of fluoride in urine, and intake via

Abstract Background: Humans and environmental organisms are constantly exposed to complex mixtures of chemicals. Extending our knowledge about the combined effects of chemicals is thus essential for assessing the potential consequences of these exposures. In this context, comprehensive molecular readouts as retrieved by omics techniques are advancing our understanding of the diversity of effects upon