All articles tagged with #environmental toxins
New research links exposure to 'forever chemicals' like PFOS and PCBs to an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis, highlighting the long-term health risks of these persistent environmental toxins and the importance of reducing exposure.
A study found evidence of lead exposure in the teeth of hominins dating back nearly 2 million years, suggesting that lead poisoning is an ancient issue that may have influenced human evolution, with environmental sources like natural minerals and wildfires contributing to exposure.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced an upcoming important government statement on autism findings, amid ongoing concerns about rising autism rates and potential links to environmental factors and medication use during pregnancy, with additional plans to introduce a new drug pricing model to lower costs.
A study in mice suggests that microplastic exposure may exacerbate Alzheimer's symptoms, especially in genetically predisposed individuals, with sex-specific effects observed, highlighting the potential environmental risk factors for the disease.
A University of Rhode Island study suggests that micro- and nanoplastics can accumulate in the brain, potentially contributing to Alzheimer’s-like symptoms, especially in genetically at-risk individuals, with effects varying by sex and genetic factors like APOE4.
A recent study highlights the neurotoxic effects of PFAS chemicals, commonly found in everyday products and contaminated water, showing they can accumulate in the brain and impair memory, behavior, and cognitive functions, raising concerns about long-term health impacts and the need for stricter regulations.
A NIH-funded study found that 96 chemicals, many unregulated, are present in 90% of U.S. toddlers, primarily from everyday sources like food, air, and play, raising concerns about potential health impacts and the need for stronger oversight.
A woman takes a home microplastics blood test and finds 39 pieces of plastic in her blood, raising concerns about plastic exposure and its health implications, though experts caution that the health effects and accuracy of such tests are still uncertain.
A study links childhood lead exposure from leaded gasoline, prevalent between 1960 and 1990, to 151 million excess mental illness cases by 2015, with Generation X most affected. This highlights the long-term public health impact of environmental toxins and the need for proactive regulation to prevent similar issues.
A study by Arizona State University researchers reveals that even brief exposure to glyphosate, a common herbicide, can cause lasting brain damage, including neuroinflammation and Alzheimer's-like symptoms. The research, published in the Journal of Neuroinflammation, highlights the potential risks of glyphosate, especially in rural areas with high exposure due to farming. The findings suggest a need to reassess the safety of glyphosate and other environmental toxins, as current regulations may underestimate their long-term impact on brain health.
A study suggests that 'forever chemicals' like PFAS, found in tap water and various consumer products, may contribute to rising disease rates in young people by disrupting gut bacteria and reducing kidney function. PFAS exposure is linked to increased risks of cancers and other health issues, prompting the EPA to mandate water testing by 2025. The study highlights the need for further research due to its small sample size, but underscores the potential widespread impact of these persistent environmental toxins.
A study conducted at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that preventable risk factors, such as repeated blows to the head and exposure to herbicides and pesticides, significantly contribute to the development of Parkinson's disease. The research revealed that head injuries in sports or military combat doubled the risk of developing Parkinson's later in life, while 23% of cases in both men and women were associated with exposure to environmental toxins. The study emphasizes the importance of reducing or avoiding these risk factors to potentially prevent a substantial number of Parkinson's disease cases.
A groundbreaking study led by researchers at Barrow Neurological Institute has found a strong association between air pollution and the incidence of Parkinson's disease. People living in regions with median levels of air pollution have a 56% higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease compared to those in regions with the lowest levels. The study also revealed regional variations in the relationship, with the Mississippi-Ohio River Valley identified as a hotspot. The research highlights the need for stricter policies to reduce air pollution levels and decrease the risk of Parkinson's disease and other associated illnesses.
A survivor of the 9/11 attacks reflects on growing up near Ground Zero and the potential health risks associated with exposure to environmental toxins released during and after the World Trade Center attacks. The author's two mothers were diagnosed with cancer, which is believed to be a result of 9/11-related toxins. However, there is a lack of research and data on the long-term health effects, particularly on women and children. A new research cohort has been established to study the health effects on those who were 21 or younger at the time of the attack, aiming to close the gender and age gaps in existing research and provide equitable access to consistent coverage for youth survivors.
A study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology links a common agricultural chemical called paraquat to the rise of kidney disease cases in young Mesoamericans. The disease, known as Mesoamerican nephropathy, affects primarily young men and women in agricultural communities in Pacific coastal regions of Mexico and Central America. The study found evidence pointing to paraquat being responsible for Mesoamerican nephropathy as well as a possible way it causes kidney damage. The research also points to ROS generation as a likely mechanism for kidney damage in these cases as well as the role changes in expression of genes like OCT2 and MATE1 may play.