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Abstract Background: The interaction of aging-related, genetic, and environmental factors is thought to contribute to the etiology of late-onset, sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We previously reported that serum levels of p,p′-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), a long-lasting metabolite of the organochlorine pesticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), were significantly elevated in patients

Abstract Background: Preharvest burning of sugarcane is a common agricultural practice in Florida, which produces fine particulate matter [particulate matter (PM) with aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5μm (PM2.5)] that is associated with higher mortality. Objectives: We estimated premature mortality associated with exposure to PM2.5 from sugarcane burning in people age 25 y and above for 20 counties in South

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Abstract Background: Studies of thunderstorm asthma to understand risk factors using high-resolution climate data and asthma outcomes on a large scale are scarce. Moreover, thunderstorm asthma is not well studied in the United States. Objectives: We examined whether climate parameters involved in thunderstorms are associated with emergency department (ED) visits for acute asthma attacks in the United

Abstract Background: Many pesticide products are mixtures of multiple chemicals. These include active ingredients intended to kill pests, and so-called inert ingredients intended to improve the physical characteristics of the product. In addition, shortly before applying a pesticide product, applicators often mix adjuvants into the sprayer tank. Adjuvants are products designed to improve the performance

Abstract Background: Disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in public water systems (PWS) are an unintended consequence resulting from reactions between mostly chlorine-based disinfectants and organic and inorganic compounds in source waters. Epidemiology studies have shown that exposure to DBP (specifically trihalomethanes) was associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer. Objective: Our goal was to

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Abstract Background: Exposure measurement error is a central concern in air pollution epidemiology. Given that studies have been using ambient air pollution predictions as proxy exposure measures, the potential impact of exposure error on health effect estimates needs to be comprehensively assessed. Objectives: We aimed to generate wide-ranging scenarios to assess direction and magnitude of bias caused

Abstract Background: Despite great progress in reducing environmental lead (Pb) levels, many children in the United States are still being exposed. Objective: Our aim was to develop a generalizable approach for systematically identifying, verifying, and analyzing locations with high prevalence of children’s elevated blood Pb levels (EBLLs) and to assess available Pb models/indices as surrogates, using

Abstract Background: In human biomonitoring, blood is often used as a matrix to measure exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Because the toxicokinetics of a substance (determining the steady-state blood concentration) may affect the toxic potency, the difference in toxicokinetics among PFAS has to be accounted for when blood concentrations are used in mixture risk assessment. Objectives:

Abstract Background: It remains unclear whether parental occupational exposure to hydrocarbon solvents (HCS) or engine exhaust fumes (EEF) is associated with higher risks of cancer in the offspring. Objectives: Our aim was to estimate relative risks of childhood cancers associated with maternal or paternal exposure to aliphatic/alicyclic, aromatic, or chlorinated HCS or gasoline/diesel EEF. Methods:

Abstract Background: Both chronic and acute heat result in a substantial health burden globally, causing particular concern for at-risk populations, such as older adults. Outdoor temperatures are often assessed as the exposure and are used for heat warning systems despite individuals spending most of their time indoors. Many studies use ecological designs, with death or hospitalizations rates. Individual-level

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Abstract Background: Nighttime noise carries a significant disease burden. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently published guidelines for the regulation of environmental noise based on a review of evidence published up to the year 2015 on the effects of environmental noise on sleep. Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis will update the WHO evidence review on the effects of environmental

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Abstract Background: Little research has examined associations between disaster-related home loss and multiple domains of health and well-being, with extended long-term follow-up and comprehensive adjustment for pre-disaster characteristics of survivors. Objectives: We examined the longitudinal associations between disaster-induced home loss and 34 indicators of health and well-being, assessed ∼9y

Abstract Background: Positive correlations have been reported between wastewater SARS-CoV-2 concentrations and a community’s burden of infection, disease or both. However, previous studies mostly compared wastewater to clinical case counts or nonrepresentative convenience samples, limiting their quantitative potential. Objectives: This study examined whether wastewater SARS-CoV-2 concentrations could

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Abstract Background: Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a persistent organic pollutant that can cause hepatotoxicity. The underlying toxicological mechanism remains to be investigated. Given the critical role of fecal microbiota in liver function, it is possible that fecal microbiota may contribute to the liver toxicity induced by PFOS. Objectives: We aimed to investigate the role of liver-fecal microbiota

Abstract Background: Population studies support the adverse associations of air pollution exposures with child behavioral functioning and cognitive performance, but few studies have used spatiotemporally resolved pollutant assessments. Objectives: We investigated these associations using more refined exposure assessments in 1,967 mother–child dyads from three U.S. pregnancy cohorts in six cities in

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Abstract Background: Markers of exposure to environmental toxicants are urgently needed. Tooth enamel, with its unique properties, is able to record certain environmental conditions during its formation. Enamel formation and quality are dependent on hormonal regulation and environmental conditions, including exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Among EDCs, phthalates such as di-(2-ethylhexyl)

Abstract Background: Developmental exposure to air pollution is associated with diminished cognitive abilities in observational studies, but no randomized controlled trial has examined the effect of reducing air pollution on cognition in children. Objectives: We sought to quantify the impact of reducing exposure to particulate matter (PM) during pregnancy on children’s cognitive performance at 4 y

Abstract Background: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widespread environmental contaminants associated with diseases such as cancer and dyslipidemia. However, few studies have investigated the association between PFAS mixture exposure and mortality in general populations. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the association between PFAS mixture, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorooctane

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Abstract Background: There is increasing evidence that long-term exposure to fine particulate matter [PM ≤2.5μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5)] may adversely impact cognitive performance. Wildfire smoke is one of the biggest sources of PM2.5 and concentrations are likely to increase under climate change. However, little is known about how short-term exposure impacts cognitive function. Objectives:

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Abstract Background: According to the World Health Organization/United Nations International Children’s Fund Joint Monitoring Program, 494 million people practice open defecation globally. After achieving open defecation-free (ODF) status through efforts such as Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS), communities (particularly vulnerable households) may revert to open defecation, especially when toilet

Abstract Background: Air pollution disparities by socioeconomic status (SES) are well documented for the United States, with most literature indicating an inverse relationship (i.e., higher concentrations for lower-SES populations). Few studies exist for China, a country accounting for 26% of global premature deaths from ambient air pollution. Objective: Our objective was to test the relationship between

Abstract Background: No safe level of lead in blood has been identified. Blood lead testing is required for children on Medicaid, but it is at the discretion of providers and parents for others. Elevated blood lead levels (EBLLs) cannot be identified in children who are not tested. Objectives: The aims of this research were to identify determinants of lead testing and EBLLs among North Carolina children

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Abstract Background: The effective reproductive number, Re, is a critical indicator to monitor disease dynamics, inform regional and national policies, and estimate the effectiveness of interventions. It describes the average number of new infections caused by a single infectious person through time. To date, Re estimates are based on clinical data such as observed cases, hospitalizations, and/or deaths

Abstract Background: Disinfection byproducts (DBPs) and N-nitroso compounds (NOC), formed endogenously after nitrate ingestion, are suspected endometrial carcinogens, but epidemiological studies are limited. Objectives: We investigated the relationship of these exposures with endometrial cancer risk in a large prospective cohort. Methods: Among postmenopausal women in the Iowa Women’s Health Study

Abstract Background: Despite reductions in exposure for workers and the general public, radon remains a leading cause of lung cancer. Prior studies of underground miners depended heavily upon information on deaths among miners employed in the early years of mine operations when exposures were high and tended to be poorly estimated. Objectives: To strengthen the basis for radiation protection, we report

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Abstract Background: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large class of synthetic (man-made) chemicals widely used in consumer products and industrial processes. Thousands of distinct PFAS exist in commerce. The 2019 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Action Plan outlines a multiprogram national research plan to address the challenge

Abstract Background: Combined sewer overflows (CSOs) discharge untreated sewage into surface and recreational water, often following heavy precipitation. Given projected increases in frequency and intensity of precipitation due to climate change, it is important to understand the health impacts of CSOs and mediating effects of sewerage systems. Objectives: In this study we estimate associations of

Abstract Background: Household air pollution (HAP) from biomass fuel combustion remains a leading environmental risk factor for morbidity worldwide. Objective: Measure the effect of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) interventions on HAP exposures in Puno, Peru. Methods: We conducted a 1-y randomized controlled trial followed by a 1-y pragmatic crossover trial in 180 women age 25–64 y. During the first

Abstract Background: Sewage surveillance, by detecting SARS-CoV-2 virus circulation at the community level, has the potential to supplement individual surveillance for COVID-19. However, to date, there have been no reports about the large-scale implementation and validation of sewage surveillance for public health action. Objective: Here, we developed a standardized approach for SARS-CoV-2 detection