All articles tagged with #environment and health
Over 150 unvaccinated students in Spartanburg County are quarantined due to a measles outbreak, with 11 cases reported statewide, highlighting low vaccination rates and active community transmission, prompting health officials to increase vaccination efforts and enforce quarantine measures.
Kathy Willis, a professor of biodiversity, highlights the significant impact of green spaces on mental and physical health, as revealed by satellite data. Studies using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) show that greener environments correlate with lower rates of depression and reduced respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The loss of urban trees has been linked to increased mortality from these conditions. These findings underscore the importance of preserving natural environments for public health benefits.
Microplastics, formed from the breakdown of larger plastic items, are increasingly found in our environment and bodies, posing potential risks to our endocrine and cardiovascular systems. Despite the widespread use of plastic in everyday life, recent studies highlight the need for greater awareness and research into the health impacts of micro- and nanoplastics, as well as more effective measures to limit exposure and pollution.
Recent research has revealed that paper straws, once thought to be an eco-friendly alternative to plastic, may contain harmful 'forever chemicals' known as PFAS, which are not easily biodegradable and could pose health and environmental risks. The study conducted by the University of Antwerp found PFAS in various straw materials, with stainless steel being the exception. These findings suggest that even eco-friendly products can contribute to pollution if they contain PFAS. The researchers recommend using stainless steel straws or avoiding straws altogether to minimize potential harm.
While often considered nuisances, many pests such as poison ivy, dandelions, termites, ticks, mosquitoes, maggots, spiders, scorpions, rats, and bats provide significant ecological and health benefits. These range from pollination, soil aeration, and pest population control to contributions in medical research and treatments. For instance, dandelions offer nutritional value and health benefits, termite activities enrich soil ecosystems, and spider silk is being studied for material science applications. Scorpion venom shows potential in cancer treatment, rats are invaluable in scientific research, and bats are crucial pollinators for many fruits and contribute to pest control. Despite their reputations, these organisms play essential roles in maintaining the balance of ecosystems and advancing human health.
A polar bear found dead near Utqiagvik, Alaska, has been confirmed as the first documented case of a polar bear dying from highly pathogenic avian influenza. This discovery highlights the virus's persistence and impact on wildlife, including endangered species. The bear likely contracted the virus by scavenging on dead birds, and the disease has affected various wild bird and mammal populations globally. The virus's durability and spread, even to remote areas and across continents, suggest it may become endemic in the wild, posing new challenges for wildlife management and conservation.
The Westfield Public Health Bulletin highlights the direct impact of environmental pollution on lung health, drawing from personal anecdotes and recent events like the Canadian wildfires affecting New England's air quality. The article emphasizes the often overlooked connection between environmental degradation and public health, urging readers to recognize the immediacy of these issues despite political and economic complexities.