U.S. proposes limits for cancer-causing chemicals in drinking water … (n.d.). https://grist.org/health/the-link-between-climate-change-and-a-spate-of-rare-disease-outbreaks-in-2023/

The article from Reuters discusses the proposed limitations on PFAS, a group of synthetic compounds widely used in industrial and consumer products due to their water-repellent and stain-resistant properties. These chemicals are known as “forever chemicals” due to their ability to remain in the environment and the human body, with possible adverse health effects. The EPA’s proposed limitations would restrict the use of PFAS in products and limit levels allowed in drinking water, as well as in emissions from industrial facilities. It also proposes a labeling requirement, to better inform consumers of the products that contain PFAS

PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals”, are highly persistent and highly toxic synthetic compounds that are a great concern for public health and the environment. While their widespread application in industrial and consumer products has been popular, they have also introduced long-lasting toxicity and health risks. Their persistence in the environment, and their ability to bioaccumulate, increase the likelihood of exposure to humans and other organisms. As a result, it is essential to establish stronger regulations and limits on their use.

Teirstein, Z. (2023, December 20). The link between climate change and a spate of rare disease outbreaks in 2023. Grist. https://grist.org/health/the-link-between-climate-change-and-a-spate-of-rare-disease-outbreaks-in-2023/

The article from Grist discusses a potential link between climate change and a spate of rare disease outbreaks around the world during 2023. It notes that rising temperatures and extreme weather can create conditions favorable for the spread of disease. This is particularly true for certain diseases such as dengue, which is spread by mosquitos, and leptospirosis, which thrives when flooded. Additionally, climate change can disrupt the ecosystems that keep disease-causing viruses or bacteria in check. The article also highlights the need for international cooperation and prevention efforts to minimize the risks associated with climate-induced disease outbreaks.

The rise in climate-induced disease outbreaks has the potential to greatly negatively impact public health. Extreme heat events can put an additional strain on already overstressed medical systems, while also impacting agriculture productivity. Additionally, climate change can increase the prevalence of pests and invasive species, which can lead to further disease outbreaks. These factors can have a significant socio-economic impact, with the potential to destabilize communities. As a result, it is essential to acknowledge, address, and mitigate the role of climate change in disease spread.

A “tropical disease” carried by sand flies is confirmed in a new country: the U.S. (2023, November). NPR. 

https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2023/11/01/1209681147/leishmaniasis-sand-flies-tropical-disease-endemic-north-america-united-states

Sand fly-transmitted Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by the Leishmania parasite. It occurs in tropical and subtropical regions of the world with between 600,000 and 1 million new infections happening worldwide every year. Recently, though, it has started growing in prevalence in areas outside of endemic regions such as the United States, where it has been reported in Texas, Florida, and Hawaii. The article from NPR discusses how the Leishmaniasis parasite is transmitted by sand flies, its symptoms and treatment, and its potential impact on public health in the United States. It also emphasizes the root cause of climate change, specifically a warming climate, and a need for prevention measures and further investigations.

Leishmania parasites, like most parasites, thrive in specific areas. Climate change has presented ideal conditions for the spread of such bacteria and parasites, as the increased temperatures and altered climates have made a wider range of environments a suitable breeding ground. The increased mobility of the human population has also allowed these outbreaks to spread to regions where they were previously not prevalent. As a result, the rise in parasitic diseases is a direct consequence of climate change, and will likely continue to increase in frequency and severity and spread further north.

Parker, L. (2023, May 8). Microplastics are in our bodies. How much do they harm us? National Geographic; National Geographic. 

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/microplastics-are-in-our-bodies-how-much-do-they-harm-us

Microplastics are a growing environmental concern due to their presence in our air, water, and food, and their potential harm to human health. This article from National Geographic discusses how microplastics have infiltrated our bodies, with estimates ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 particles per person. The article also discusses the potential effects of microplastics, such as inflammation and hormonal disruption, and their possible role in other diseases like obesity, asthma, and autoimmune conditions. The article also clarifies that while it’s easy to find a correlation between these issues, because of the sheer amount of chemicals, we’re exposed to in our daily lives, it’s hard to identify a clear correlation. It also emphasizes the need for more research and regulatory action. 

While the specific implications of microplastics in the human body remain largely unknown, their presence presents a significant risk to public health. Microplastics are capable of acting as carriers for various pollutants and toxins, and may themselves possess potential toxicity. These characteristics can cause a wide range of adverse effects which could contribute to a range of chronic illnesses. Additionally, the potential implications for reproductive health and immune function are potentially worrying, with the possibility of widespread chronic and degenerative illnesses. As a result, the presence of microplastics in the body requires further investigation.

  Leg injuries were seen in Anna’s Hummingbirds at multiple sites in central California, affecting 7% to 16% of recaptured females. These injuries happened because nesting material was built under their bands, and their legs naturally grew during breeding. Changing band sizes didn’t stop the injuries. Also, avian pox-like lesions were found on different body parts, which could hurt the hummingbirds permanently. Different banding methods, like steel, aluminum, or plastic bands, have caused leg injuries in other bird species, showing more significant worries about environmental diseases in bird conservation.

    This study is related to environmental science because it shows how environmental science connects with wildlife health and conservation. The buildup of nesting material under bands and the need to change band sizes to help the birds show how habitat changes made by humans and wildlife health are closely linked. To add on, the study highlights how human activities can affect bird populations and why managing the environment sustainably is essential. Ultimately, it emphasizes how crucial environmental science is for understanding and dealing with the effects of human activities on wildlife and ecosystems.

This study compares various methods of estimating particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5) concentrations and their associations with health effects, focusing on their impact on environmental disease. Eleven approaches were utilized; some were geostatistical interpolation, satellite-derived methods, and air dispersion and chemical transport models. The results had high similarities among the different approaches used, particularly those near PM2.5 monitors and in certain regions, but showed lower agreement at local spatial scales. However, health effects associations with PM2.5 were similar across the different estimation approaches, which indicates consistency in the impact on health outcomes related to environmental diseases. These findings highlight the importance of considering estimation methods in epidemiologic studies of the health effects of air pollution and the need for further research on other air pollutants.

 This study is related to environmental science because it investigates different methodologies for estimating particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations, which happens to be a key component of air pollution. By comparing the different techniques used to measure the matter, it aims to understand their impact on health outcomes associated with environmental diseases. The research highlights the importance of accurate estimation techniques on assessing the health effects of air pollution. It emphasizes the need to balance efficiency and resource funding concerns when selecting estimation methods in epidemiologic studies in environmental health research. Ultimately, this work helps our understanding of the correlations between environmental factors like air pollution and human health.

 In the article, several studies indicate a potential correlation between air pollution exposure and Parkinson’s disease (PD). This research explores the results of traffic-related and multiple sources of particulate air pollution on PD in central California. Results showed that long-term exposure to local traffic-related air pollution (CO) and fine particulates from various sources (PM2.5) at homes and workplaces in central California correlated with an increased risk of PD. The impact of air pollution on the brain, particularly PD, prevalence, and risk, remains underexplored despite its recognition as a significant public health concern. While plausible mechanisms connect air pollutants to PD, epidemiological studies have produced inconsistent results, primarily due to long-term exposure assessment and outcome evaluation challenges. The study aimed to address these challenges by estimating the effect of long-term exposure to CO and PM2.5 on PD risk in a population-based case-control study conducted in central California, a region known for persistently high air pollution levels.

  This study relates to environmental science because it examines the relationship between air pollution, which is a primary environmental concern, and the risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The study clarifies the environmental elements contributing to neurodegenerative diseases by examining the long-term consequences of traffic-related pollution. The results highlight how important it is to comprehend how environmental exposures, such as CO and PM2.5, affect human health. Furthermore, the study explains the connection between neurological illnesses and environmental contamination, this way contributing to environmental science and public health. Ultimately, it emphasizes how urgent we need to take environmental initiatives to decrease the harmful consequences of air pollution on the population’s health.

   The article describes how residents in Carson, California, experienced a hydrogen sulfide (H2S) crisis, resulting in malodors, headaches, and respiratory symptoms.  The research emphasizes the environmental impact of H2S exposure, particularly in communities near industrial sites emitting this gas. During the crisis, emergency department (ED) visit rates for respiratory and nervous system issues increased, which indicated the health risks associated with environmental pollutants. The analysis shown in the article describes increased ED visits for asthma, upper respiratory infections, dizziness, and headaches in the affected area, emphasizing the need for improved public health responses to mitigate such crises. The article shows the need for response strategies to protect the communities while facing environmental hazards.

   This article relates to environmental science because it shows the significant impacts of industrial activities and the gases emitted on human health, specifically in communities around the area. During this time, the increased department visits for respiratory and nervous system issues highlight the correlation between gas and human health. We need to continue studying the gasses so we are more prepared for crises and human health is not profoundly impacted. The article shows the immediate need for more research and preparedness while advocating for environmental justice.

   The article describes how chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are becoming more connected to environmental variables such as air, soil, and water pollutants. The chapter discusses the consequences, causes, and responses to major chronic environmental diseases, focusing on recent epidemiological evidence demonstrating their significance. Inequality and disparity play essential roles in how these diseases affect various groups, with factors such as pollutant exposure, health practices, access to healthcare, and stress acting as linkages between environments and chronic illnesses. Intervention and preparedness measures are presented throughout the text to reduce California’s and the rest of the world’s chronic environmental diseases, with case studies and critical processes.

     This text relates to environmental science because it explores the relationship between human health and pollutants. It explains the connection between diseases like cancer and heart disease and environmental contaminants in the air, soil, and water. It shows the importance of environmental research, which connects elements of public health and ecology, emphasizing the impact of social surroundings on the course of disease. The article explains the different outcomes depending on the socio-cultural levels. Ultimately, environmental science plays a critical role in developing strategies for intervention, which help facilitate and make people aware of the worldwide effects of chronic environmental diseases.

European Environment Agency (2023, May 25). How air pollution affects our health. Retrieved August 27, 2023, from https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/topics/in-depth/air-pollution/eow-it-affects-our-health

The high levels and long exposure to pollution in Europe can be a cause of a variety of diseases such as stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, trachea, bronchus and lung cancers, aggravated asthma, and lower respiratory infections. Alzheimer’s disease and dementia can also be affected by pollution, according to the World Health Organization. In fact, chronic exposure to pollution can affect every organ in the body starting in childhood and only continuing to worsen someone’s health. The EEA estimates that about 238,000 deaths in 2020 can be attributed to dangerously high levels of pollution. Stricter guidelines have been proposed by the European Commission in order to lessen the negative effects of pollution. 

High levels of pollution have been tracked to be a large cause of disease in death throughout Europe. Pollution seems to be one of the most concerning outcomes of modern environmental practices as heightened pollution can affect any part of the body leading to a large variety of negative health effects. As discussed earlier, pollution also prominently affects people of lower socioeconomic standings as pollution is more prevalent in those areas and they are less likely to have access to high-quality medical care. Young, elderly, and people with pre-existing health conditions are also at a higher risk.