Environmental public health news
Here are some recent environmental public health news stories:
- Climate Change and Health: A new report by the World Health Organization (WHO) warns that climate change is a major threat to global health, with rising temperatures and extreme weather events expected to cause an additional 250,000 deaths per year between 2030 and 2050. (Source: WHO)
- Air Pollution and COVID-19: Research suggests that air pollution may be linked to an increased risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms and death. A study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found that people living in areas with high levels of air pollution were more likely to experience severe COVID-19 symptoms and require hospitalization. (Source: Environmental Health Perspectives)
- Plastic Pollution and Microplastics: A new study by the University of Plymouth found that microplastics are present in 83% of tap water samples from around the world, with the highest levels found in Asia and Europe. The study also found that microplastics are being ingested by humans and animals, potentially causing harm to health. (Source: University of Plymouth)
- Lead Exposure and Children's Health: A new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that lead exposure remains a significant public health concern, particularly for children. The report found that in 2019, an estimated 535,000 children in the United States had elevated blood lead levels, which can cause permanent damage to brain development and cognitive function. (Source: CDC)
- Wildfire Smoke and Health: As wildfires continue to rage across the United States and other parts of the world, public health officials are warning of the dangers of wildfire smoke. Exposure to wildfire smoke has been linked to a range of health problems, including respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease, and even premature death. (Source: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences)
- Glyphosate and Cancer Risk: A new study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found that exposure to glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, may increase the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The study analyzed data from over 50,000 people and found that those who had been exposed to glyphosate were more likely to develop non-Hodgkin lymphoma. (Source: Environmental Health Perspectives)
- Methane Emissions and Climate Change: A new report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that methane emissions are a significant contributor to climate change, with the potential to accelerate global warming by up to 0.5°C by 2050. The report calls for urgent action to reduce methane emissions from agriculture, natural gas systems, and other sources. (Source: IPCC)
- Water Pollution and Public Health: A new study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology found that water pollution is a major public health concern, with an estimated 1.8 million people dying each year from water-related diseases. The study analyzed data from over 100 countries and found that water pollution is a significant problem in many parts of the world. (Source: Environmental Science & Technology)
- Pesticide Exposure and Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A new study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found that prenatal exposure to pesticides may increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study analyzed data from over 1,000 children and found that those who had been exposed to pesticides in the womb were more likely to develop these disorders. (Source: Environmental Health Perspectives)
- Climate Change and Mental Health: A new report by the American Psychological Association (APA) warns that climate change is having a significant impact on mental health, with an estimated 1 in 4 people experiencing mental health problems due to climate-related stress. The report calls for urgent action to address the mental health impacts of climate change. (Source: APA)
These are just a few examples of the many environmental public health news stories that are being reported. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, pollution, and other environmental issues, it is essential that we stay informed about the latest research and developments in this field.