Background Salmonella outbreaks persist as a public health burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), yet comprehensive synthesis of their epidemiology over the past decade remains limited. Methods Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for laboratory-confirmed Salmonella outbreaks in LMICs (1 January 2016–1 January 2026). Random-effects meta-analysis estimated pooled prevalence rates, with statistical heterogeneity quantified using I 2 statistic. Given extreme heterogeneity across most outcomes (I 2 > 90%), we present individual study ranges alongside pooled estimates. Results Twenty-four studies from 14 LMICs met inclusion criteria. Salmonella Typhi was the predominant pathogen (70.8% of outbreaks). Waterborne transmission was most frequent (37.5%), predominating in Africa (83.3%), whereas foodborne and fecal-oral routes were common in Asia. Pooled laboratory confirmation rate was 28.02% (95% CI: 12.2–52.1; observed range: 1.5–100%), varying by region: Southeast Asia 54.2% (95% CI: 4.3–96.9), Western Pacific 27.6% (95% CI: 8.0–56.9), and Africa 6.1% (95% CI: 5.3–6.9). The pooled case fatality rate was 7.0% (95% CI: 3.4–13.7; range: 3.6–10.0%). Fever (93.0%), abdominal pain (53.6%), and headache (52.0%) were most common symptoms. Pooled antimicrobial resistance reached 59.3% (95% CI: 26.6–85.4%), highest for trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (94.2%) and ciprofloxacin (61.3%). Extreme heterogeneity and wide confidence intervals were observed across some pooled estimates and should be interpreted with caution. Conclusions Salmonella outbreaks in LMICs are characterized by high S. Typhi prevalence and predominant waterborne transmission. Elevated mortality and widespread first-line antibiotic resistance show the need for improved WASH infrastructure, enhanced real-time outbreak surveillance, and revised empiric treatment protocols.
Background Workers in informal grinding industries are frequently exposed to multiple occupational hazards, yet data on their self-reported health effects remain limited. Understanding these perceptions is critical for designing practical preventive interventions in resource-limited settings. Objective To determine the prevalence and associated factors of self-reported health effects among commercial grinding workers in Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 347 randomly selected commercial grinding workers in Sagamu, Nigeria, from January to September 2025. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression in SPSS version 25 (p < 0.05). The response rate could not be determined because the number of eligible workers approached was not documented. Results Overall, 82.4% of respondents reported health effects, most commonly hearing difficulty (19.9%), respiratory symptoms (16.4%), and musculoskeletal discomfort (16.4%). Longer work experience (AOR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.03–1.17), longer working hours (AOR = 1.14; 95% CI: 1.02–1.29), and smoking (AOR = 1.62; 95% CI: 1.05–2.56) were associated with higher odds of self-reported health effects, while Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) use was associated with lower odds (AOR = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.21–0.72). Conclusion Self-reported health effects were common among grinding workers, particularly hearing, respiratory, and musculoskeletal symptoms. Longer work experience, working hours, smoking, and PPE use were associated with reported health effects. Further studies using objective exposure and clinical assessments are warranted.
This study evaluated the effects of bio-slurry and chemical fertiliser application, relative to an unamended control, on soil physicochemical properties and the concentrations of selected heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Cr, and Hg) in soil and in maize ( Zea mays L. ), rape ( Brassica napus ), and Chinese cabbage ( Brassica pekinensis ) grown in Zomba, Malawi. A randomised complete block design with three treatments (100% bio-slurry, 100% chemical fertiliser, and an unamended control) and three replications was used. Soil samples were collected before planting and after harvest, and soil, bio-slurry, and crop samples were analysed for heavy metals by atomic absorption spectrometry. Bio-slurry significantly increased soil organic carbon, organic matter, and exchangeable bases (Ca, Na, Mg, K) relative to chemical fertiliser and the control, whereas chemical fertiliser and the control were both associated with a significant decline in soil pH. All measured heavy metal concentrations in soil and crops remained below FAO/WHO permissible limits, with iron (Fe) the most abundant and cadmium (Cd) the least abundant metal overall. However, the bio-slurry itself exceeded CODEX microbiological limits for mesophilic aerobic bacteria, moulds, and coliforms, indicating a microbiological food-safety concern that requires further treatment or hygienic handling before field application. The findings indicate that bio-slurry improves soil fertility more effectively than chemical fertiliser without increasing heavy-metal risk in the crops tested, but that its microbiological quality must be addressed before it can be recommended as an unqualified safe soil amendment in Malawi.
Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a growing public health crisis in Sub-Saharan Africa, where household air pollution from solid fuel use is a common contributor. This study estimated the premature mortality burden from type 2 diabetes mellitus attributable to household air pollution in the Eastern Sub-Saharan Africa region from 1990 to 2023. Methods A systematic analysis was conducted using data from the Global Burden of Diseases 2023 study for the Eastern Sub-Saharan countries. The Comparative Risk Assessment framework was used to estimate years of life lost (YLLs) by sex, age, and country. The percentage change between 1990 and 2023 was quantified to estimate the net change. Results There were an estimated 276,327 YLLs (95% UI: 165093, 422324) from Type 2 diabetes attributable to household air pollution from solid fuels in the Eastern Sub-Saharan-Africa region in 2023. The equivalent age-standardized rate was estimated to be 134 YLLs per 100,000 population (95% UI: 80, 206). Among adults aged 20 to 54 years old, there were an estimated 57 YLLs 100,000 (95% UI: 35, 88), and above 55 years old it was estimated 562 YLLs per 100,000 (95% UI: 334,862). There was no significant variation in the rate by sex and location throughout the region. The rate showed no improvement between 1990 and 2023 and increased with age. Conclusion Household air pollution from solid fuels caused a significant premature mortality related to type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Eastern Sub-Saharan Africa region, with a stagnant impact from 1990 to 2023 and a disproportionate impact on older adults. Thus, there is a critical need to integrate clean energy access with type 2 diabetes mellitus prevention and control strategies to ensure health equity in the region.
Public health measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic were essential for limiting viral transmission but had unintended consequences for children’s movement behaviours, including reduced physical activity, increased sedentary time, and disruptions to sleep. These behaviours are fundamental to healthy physical, mental, and social development and were already suboptimal for many children prior to the pandemic. This commentary draws on findings from a rapid global scoping review of 182 studies conducted across 48 countries between 2020 and 2023 and reflects the consensus position of an international group of movement behaviour researchers. Using qualitative evidence synthesis and narrative analysis, the review examined reported changes in children’s movement behaviours and identified commonly proposed strategies to mitigate harms during public health emergencies. Across diverse geographic and economic contexts, studies consistently described declines in physical activity and increases in sedentary time, alongside variable impacts on sleep. Recommended responses most frequently emphasized education, environmental restructuring, enablement, and policy and service-level actions aimed at supporting healthy movement opportunities during periods of restriction. Collectively, the evidence suggests that children’s movement behaviours were insufficiently considered within emergency response planning and were often treated as secondary outcomes rather than essential determinants of child health. We argue that protecting opportunities for physical activity, active play, and healthy daily movement should be embedded within pandemic recovery and future emergency preparedness efforts. Recognizing movement behaviours as a core component of resilient public health systems may help mitigate unintended harms and better safeguard child health and well-being during future crises.
Objectives This study aimed to identify the impacts and challenges natural disasters pose to emergency medical services (EMS) in the United States, and to develop a digital health-informed framework based on identified system-level challenges to enhance EMS resilience and effectiveness in disaster scenarios. Materials and Methods A scoping review was conducted on July 7, 2025, across Scopus, PubMed, CINAHL, and Global Health databases. Literature from the past five years focusing on EMS delivery during three major U.S. natural disasters was analyzed using the World Health Organization’s Emergency Care System Framework to assess challenges across EMS components and stakeholders, which subsequently informed the development of a digital health-informed response framework. Results Natural disasters significantly threaten EMS operations at the scene, transport, and facility stages. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly and socioeconomically disadvantaged, experience heightened risks and service needs. Key challenges include increased demand for emergency care and reduced capacity in disaster-affected areas. Digital health tools, such as telehealth and dynamic ambulance dispatch systems, were identified as promising solutions. Discussion Findings highlight the relevance of digital health in mitigating identified EMS challenges during disasters. By addressing gaps in communication, resource allocation, and service delivery, technology can enhance system responsiveness and resilience. Conclusion A specialized digital health framework was developed to strengthen EMS delivery during natural disasters. Structured across four domains, patient, transport, facility, and provider, it offers actionable strategies to improve emergency care resilience and outcomes in disaster scenarios.
Environmental uranium contamination is a growing public health concern driven by mining, nuclear operations, phosphate fertiliser use, and improper waste disposal. These activities raise uranium levels in soil and dust, increasing human exposure and health risks. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesise global data on uranium contamination in soil and dust, specifically evaluating carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks across populations. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed databases for studies published between 2000 and 2025. Two independent reviewers screened titles, abstracts, and full texts, applying the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal criteria for data extraction. Meta-analyses were performed, incorporating pooled estimates where appropriate. Narrative synthesis was applied to data unsuitable for meta-analysis. Eighteen studies from 13 countries met the inclusion criteria. The pooled mean uranium concentration was 3.49 mg/kg in soil and 5.10 mg/kg in dust. Regionally, the WHO South-East Asian Region (SEARO) reported the highest mean soil concentrations (5.26 mg/kg), while the Western Pacific Region recorded the highest dust concentrations (11.69 mg/kg). Non-carcinogenic hazard quotients ranged from 3.1 × 10 −13 (children and adults) to 1.47 (adults), and carcinogenic risks spanned 3.54 × 10 −21 (children) to 2.17 × 10 −9 (adults). Uranium contamination in soil and dust varies by region, with SEARO and the Western Pacific as high-exposure areas. Risk ratios vary, influenced partly by age. Enhancing exposure assessment methods and age-specific risk evaluations is crucial for refining risk characterisation and informing public health interventions in uranium-affected areas.
Environmental health literacy (EHL) encompasses the skills and competencies to search for, understand, assess, and apply information and knowledge about the environment and its impact on human health. The development and availability of concept-based, psychometrically sound methods to measure EHL are crucial for advancing research and assessing the impact of public health programs in prevention. Guided by the PRISMA-COSMIN guidelines, a systematic search of three databases was conducted (MEDLINE, LIVIVO, PsycINFO). Information on the characteristics, operationalization of EHL, and psychometric criteria was extracted. According to COSMIN, the psychometric properties were evaluated. Of 1,872 records, nine studies were included. Eight different EHL measures were identified. The instruments target either general EHL (n = 4) or specific environmental issues (n = 4), such as air pollution, drinking water contaminants, and phthalate exposure. Some instruments reported sufficient structural validity (n = 4) and internal consistency (n = 2), while content validity remained indeterminate (n = 8). Information on responsiveness, measurement error, and intercultural validity could not be obtained. Based on the quality assessment, no general recommendation for use can be derived. Future studies should focus on validating existing instruments, while the development of new tools should more comprehensively address relevant environmental factors. We also recommend that previously underexplored dimensions of EHL, such as self-efficacy and collective agency, should be given greater consideration.
Aim and background: Ticks are hematophagous ectoparasites of veterinary and public health relevance. This study examines the seasonal distribution, host-specific burden, and species composition of ticks infesting domestic animals in the Wayanad district of Kerala, India. Methods: A longitudinal field survey was conducted from 2022 to 2024 across 40 locations in 3 ecological zones of Wayanad. Ticks were manually collected from domestic animals; cattle, goats, dogs, and cats during 3 seasons: monsoon, winter, and summer. Collected ticks were morphologically identified to the species level. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and Kruskal–Wallis H tests (α = .05) were performed using Jamovi (v2.6.44). Additionally, a negative binomial regression model was fitted using R (v4.2.2) to identify predictors of tick burden. Results: A total of 2562 ticks were collected. Tick abundance was highest during the monsoon (1231; 48.06%), followed by winter (965; 37.66%) and summer (366; 14.28%). Cattle accounted for the highest tick load (n = 1529; 59.7%), followed by goats (592; 23.1%), dogs (313; 12.2%), and cats (128; 5.0%). Mean tick burden per animal was highest in Zone 1 (12.79 ± 6.01), and lowest in Zone 3 (10.20 ± 5.37). Seasonally, winter showed the highest mean burden (4.91 ± 3.63). Seven tick species from 3 genera were identified, with Haemaphysalis bispinosa being the most dominant. Regression analysis identified season and host as significant predictors. Compared to monsoon, summer burden was lower (IRR = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.32-0.41; P < .001), while winter was moderately higher (IRR = 1.15; CI: 1.05-1.25; P = .0017). Cattle exhibited a 4.05-fold higher burden than cats (IRR = 4.05; CI: 3.39-4.87; P < .001). Conclusion: The presence of zoonotic tick vectors across hosts, seasons, and zones indicates high epidemiological risk the need for integrated ecological surveillance and region-specific tick control strategies.
Background and Objectives Climate change is intensifying health inequities, particularly among older adults who face heightened vulnerability to climate-related hazards. With the global senior population estimated at one billion and projected to increase by 20% by 2050, there is urgent need for health systems to identify and respond to their specific risks. This environmental scan aims to map and evaluate existing tools and frameworks used to assess climate-related health vulnerabilities in older adults, with a focus on informing equitable healthcare planning and system resilience. Research Design and Methods Five electronic databases (ProQuest, Scopus, PubMed, CINAHL, Embase) and grey literature were searched. The PRISMA checklist was utilised to guide the review process and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tool was used to appraise the studies. A total of 23 studies were identified and included in this review. Results Of the 23 identified tools and frameworks, only two were explicitly designed for older adult populations and predominantly focused on heat-related risk assessments, accounting for 74% of climate hazards addressed. Most tools relied on general population indicators, potentially under-estimating age-specific vulnerability related to functional decline, care dependency, and social isolation. Studies were concentrated in East Asia and the Pacific and North America, with no representation from South Asia or the Middle East and North Africa, highlighting significant regional gaps. The majority of studies remain anchored in pre-2021 IPCC vulnerability models with limited update of newer risk-based frameworks. Discussion and Implications This environmental scan highlights gaps for age-specific vulnerability assessment tools that capture the unique climate-risks facing older adults. Future work should explicitly adopt and clarify IPCC frameworks with standardised domain classifications, and integrate geriatric-specific indicators to improve risk assessment accuracy for this growing demographic.
Microbial contamination of beef carcasses occurs during slaughtering process. Cross-sectional study was conducted to assess microbial quality of carcasses and workers’ meat safety practices at five municipal abattoirs in the central part of Ethiopia. Overall, 255 carcass swab samples, along with 30 samples each from hands and knife swabs, and water were collected for microbial quality assessment using standard plating method. Additionally, semi structured questionnaires were administered to 142 abattoir workers to assess their meat safety practices. The study showed that the overall mean aerobic plate count of 6.12 log 10 CFU/cm 2 and fecal coliform count of 4.58 log 10 CFU/cm 2 on beef carcasses. Carcass swabs had a significantly higher mean aerobic plate count (6.12 log 10 CFU/cm 2 ) compared to knife (5.54 log 10 CFU/cm 2 ; p=0.006) and hand swabs (5.19 log 10 CFU/cm 2 , p=0.000) while knife swabs showed a higher mean fecal coliform count (5.05 log 10 CFU/cm 2 ) than carcass swabs (p = 0.005). Overall 60% of water samples were positive for E. coli and fecal coliforms. Furthermore, the use of personal protective equipment including overall coats and boots was 99.30%. All abattoir workers reported abstaining from eating, drinking and smoking at work, and 73.94% did not wear jewelry during slaughter processing. The use of aprons (44.37%) and head covers (45.77%) was practiced by less than half of the respondents, yet 63.38% of workers consistently wore clean personal protective equipment. Task alternation and equipment sharing were common, with 50% of workers engaging in these practices. Sterilization of knives between each use was not practiced by all abattoirs workers, and only 44.37% of workers performed regular medical checkups. About 35.21% of workers practiced hand washing with soap while only 9.15% used gloves during the slaughtering process. Among the respondents, 52.11% of them had received on job food safety training. In conclusion, the study showed high microbial loads on beef carcasses and a low meat safety practice rate (39.44%), highlighting the need for strict and effective multi-stakeholder food safety measures.
Water is essential for life. Safe water quality and proper sanitation play a crucial role for improving human life by preventing waterborne diseases and enhancing better health and well-being. This study evaluated drinking water quality of Bahir Dar City from reservoirs to household taps during dry and wet seasons. Samples were examined for key physicochemical and bacteriological parameters using standard methods. The mean physicochemical analyses (pH, temperature, turbidity, total dissolved solid, Electrical conductivity, free residual chlorine, nitrate, phosphate, and fluoride) in the reservoirs were generally within World Health Organization (WHO) guideline limits during the dry and wet seasons. However, turbidity levels in the wet season and sulfide concentrations in both seasons exceeded the recommended standards. At household taps, turbidity and sulfide also exceeded permissible levels, indicating quality deterioration in the distribution system. Two-way ANOVA revealed that the main effects of sampling location and the interaction effect between sampling location and season were not statistically significant for any of the measured water quality parameters (p > 0.05), with the exception of free residual chlorine, indicating that seasonal variation was the primary factor influencing water quality in the study area. Bacteriological contamination was notable. Total coliforms were detected in 20% (dry) and 40% (wet) of reservoir samples, increasing to 46.67% (dry) and 66.67% (wet) at taps. Fecal coliforms occurred in 20% (dry) and 40% (wet) of reservoirs, and 33.33% (dry) and 26.67% (wet) of taps. All exceeded WHO standards, posing health risks. Therefore the city requires to improving sewage and drainage systems and enhancing disinfection processes at the reservoirs.
Occupational lead exposure remains a significant public health concern in low- and middle-income countries, yet within-industry exposure gradients are poorly characterized. This case-control study assessed job-specific blood lead level (BLL) gradients and personal protective equipment (PPE) use patterns among 145 auto repair workers and 68 healthcare controls in The Gambia. BLLs were measured using LeadCare II analyzers. Exposed workers had significantly higher BLLs than controls (median: 7.40 vs. 5.80 μg/dL; p < 0.001). A striking 5.3-fold gradient was observed across specialties: battery repairers (35.62 μg/dL), electricians (15.17 μg/dL), panel beaters/welders (11.45 μg/dL), mechanics (9.08 μg/dL), and spray painters (6.67 μg/dL). All battery repairers had BLL ≥10 μg/dL. Paradoxically, high-risk workers (battery repairers, electricians) had the lowest PPE use rates (14.3%) despite having the highest exposure levels. Adjusted regression confirmed battery repairers had BLLs 27.14 μg/dL higher than mechanics (95% CI 17.69 to 36.58; p < 0.001). These findings underscore the need for targeted, specialty-specific interventions prioritizing battery repair and electrical work in informal occupational settings.
Brucellosis is a neglected disease in Ethiopia that affects domestic ruminants, including goats, which play a crucial role in sustaining the livelihoods of pastoral and agro-pastoral communities in the Benatsemay district. Despite their economic and socio-cultural value, productivity and reproductive performances of goats are constrained by infectious diseases such as Brucella infection. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2021 to February 2022 to estimate the seroprevalence of Brucella infection in goats, identify associated risk factors, and assess the knowledge, attitudes, and control practices of pastoral and agro-pastoral communities. A total of 390 sera samples were screened using Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) and confirmed by complement fixation test (CFT) for caprine brucellosis. Simultaneously, 150 goat owners were surveyed to assess disease awareness and control practices. Of 390 sera samples, 22 (5.64%) were RBPT-positive, and 10 (2.56%) were confirmed by CFT. Thus, the overall Brucella seroprevalence was 2.56%. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that abortion, retained fetal membrane, and stillbirth were significantly associated with Brucella serostatus. The odds of infection were significantly higher in goats with a history of abortion (OR = 16.19, p < 0.05), retained fetal membranes (OR = 13.02, p < 0.05), and stillbirth (OR = 14.08, p < 0.05) compared with their respective reference categories. This study confirmed the presence of Brucella infection in the study area, as evidenced by seropositive goats. This not only threatens the health and productivity of the animals but also poses a potential risk to the people. The questionnaire survey revealed that 98.67% and 97.34% of respondents had poor knowledge about Brucella infection and its zoonotic significance, respectively. Therefore, an integrated One Health strategy targeting animals, humans, and the environment should be implemented in the study area.
Environmental degradation in Liberia has reached critical levels due to years of unregulated artisanal mining, poor waste management, and rapid urbanization have severely compromised the quality of its water and soil resources. This review critically evaluates the extent, sources, and implications of physicochemical and heavy metal contamination in Liberia’s aquatic and terrestrial environments. From an initial pool of 38 studies, 9 met the inclusion criteria based on relevance from 2020, quantitative data quality, and geographic coverage. The methodology combined descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multivariate statistics to trace pollution patterns and their geochemical drivers. Findings reveal severe contamination: water turbidity reached 320.00 NTU (mean: 42.85 NTU) against the WHO guideline of 5 NTU, while electrical conductivity peaked at 3000.00 µS/cm. Total dissolved solids averaged 267.92 mg/L, exceeding permissible levels near estuarine zones. Heavy metal concentrations surpassed WHO limits in numerous cases—Fe (up to 23.69 mg/L), Mn (9.12 mg/L), and Cd (0.40 mg/L) in water, and Fe (115,781.00 mg/kg), Ni, and Cd in soil. Strong correlations (eg, EC-TDS: r = .997; NO 3 − -PO 4 3− : r = .923; Zn-Mn: r = .90) suggest shared contamination pathways linked to mining runoff and agrochemical inputs. This review provides critical baseline data, identifies high-risk hotspots, and highlights the geochemical mechanisms driving pollution. It establishes the novelty of synthesizing Liberia-specific contamination trends with quantitative rigor, which had not been comprehensively undertaken. The study highlights the urgent need for environmental policy reform, site-specific remediation, and public health interventions to align national development with SDGs 3, 6, and 15.
Background:Diarrheal diseases remain a significant public health concern in urban, resource-limited settings, including Burao City, Somaliland, where socio-demographic factors and household environmental conditions contribute to disease prevalence. This study aimed to assess household sanitation conditions, environmental exposure pathways, and associated risk factors for diarrheal diseases in this urban context. Methods:A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June to August 2025 in Burao City, Somaliland, involving 422 households selected through multistage sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and direct environmental observations to evaluate sanitation infrastructure, hygiene facilities, waste management, and environmental contamination. The occurrence of household diarrheal disease within the previous two weeks was recorded. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors independently associated with diarrheal disease. Results:The two-week household diarrheal prevalence was 7.1% (95% CI, 5.0-10.0%). Most households used municipal tap water (95.7%) and had private flush toilets (89.6%), with high availability of handwashing facilities (97.2%). The absence of soap at handwashing stations was the strongest independent predictor of diarrheal disease (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 8.51; 95% CI: 1.93-37.52; p < 0.005). Visible garbage near households (aOR = 4.56; 95% CI: 2.12-9.83; p < 0.001) and the presence of domestic animals in living areas (aOR = 2.47; 95% CI: 1.16-5.28; p = 0.019) were also significantly associated with increased diarrheal risk. Additionally, households with three or more children under five years (aOR = 5.05; 95% CI: 1.06-24.17; p = 0.043) and respondents lacking formal education (aOR = 5.70; 95% CI: 1.80-18.02; p = 0.003) had higher odds of diarrhea. Conclusion:Diarrheal disease in Burao City is strongly associated with modifiable household and environmental factors, particularly the absence of soap at handwashing facilities and environmental contamination. Integrated interventions focusing on sustained hygiene resource availability, improved waste management, safer human-animal interactions, and targeted health education for vulnerable populations are critical for reducing diarrheal morbidity in this urban, resource-constrained context.
This study quantified lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in widely consumed cereals and pulses, such as rice ( Oryza sativa ), black gram ( Vigna mungo ), and lentils ( Lens culinaris ), collected randomly from various local markets in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and assessed human health risks. Carcinogenic Pb and Cd were detected in most samples, with 20-80% containing levels exceeding the maximum limits set by regulatory authorities. Human health risks were assessed through estimated daily intake (EDI), incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR), target hazard quotient (THQ), and hazard index (HI). The EDI values for Cd in rice and black gram surpassed the provisional tolerable daily intake (PTDI) limits. The cumulative ILCR values for the majority of samples, excluding small lentils consumed by children, exceeded the safety threshold (ILCR>10 -4 ), suggesting a potential carcinogenic risk from prolonged consumption. Additionally, the THQ for Cd in rice among children was greater than the reference limit (THQ > 1.0), indicating potential non-carcinogenic health risks. The HI for rice exceeded 1.0 in both adults and children, indicating a potential risk of non-carcinogenic health effects associated with regular consumption. These findings may help foster food safety, regulatory compliance, and consumer protection in Bangladesh.
Environmental exposures are recognized as determinants of health, particularly in vulnerable populations such as hemodialysis patients, whose impaired kidney function may heighten susceptibility. This study assesses the association between meteorological and air-pollution factors and the risk of hospital admission and mortality in end-stage kidney disease patients, considering both acute peaks and sustained exposure through weekly and monthly averages. A retrospective cohort of 336 hemodialysis patients treated between 2016 and 2024 at Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias (Madrid, Spain) was analyzed, including 563 admissions and 90 deaths. Time-to-event analyses were conducted separately for mortality and admissions. Cox proportional hazards and parametric survival models (Weibull, log-normal, log-logistic) were applied for mortality, while recurrent-event models (Andersen–Gill, Prentice–Williams–Peterson, frailty) used for admissions. Sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) was consistently associated with increased risk in both acute and cumulative exposure models for mortality and admissions. Nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) predicted mortality only in long-term analyses, suggesting a cumulative effect. Solar radiation was linked to accelerated mortality in non-linear models, whereas atmospheric pressure appeared protective for admissions. These findings highlight the influence of environmental exposures, particularly SO 2 , on adverse outcomes in hemodialysis patients and support incorporating environmental indicators into clinical risk prediction and public health strategies.
Environmental cleanup processes take place after contamination and possible human exposure to a range of pollutants. Researchers often contribute significantly in developing knowledge to assist remediation efforts; however, their work has sometimes been critiqued as “helicopter research” that does not benefit communities. This study aimed to develop a social responsibility tool that promotes the social impact of research conducted at cleanup sites. We used a qualitative case study approach to understand perspectives of stakeholders working at a contaminated site called Jones Road in Houston, Texas. Data collection included ongoing participant observation at community events and semi-structured stakeholder interviews, consisting of fifteen exploratory interviews followed by nine interviews to validate the tool. We analyzed interview data using both inductive and deductive approaches to design a preliminary social responsibility tool that was later refined and validated. Our tool is intended to help researchers map out stakeholder needs, develop goals that align with those needs, identify their responsibilities to effectively engage with and benefit stakeholders, and evaluate social benefits. Notably, we provide reflexive questions to assist researchers to enable advocacy, share expertise, develop knowledge, manage the harms of science, ensure safety, increase transparency, and ultimately build lasting relationships.
Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) has been linked to nonspecific health complaints, known as sick building syndrome (SBS). This cross-sectional study explored the association between common factors affecting IAQ and the prevalence of SBS among adult residents in the Dammam Metropolitan Area (DMA), Saudi Arabia. Data on SBS symptoms and related factors, including demographic information, housing characteristics, and environmental conditions were collected from 726 residents using a structured questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the associations between these factors and SBS. The overall prevalence of SBS in this study was 48.2%, with skin symptoms the most frequently reported, followed by general, respiratory, and eye symptoms. Factors associated with SBS included pet ownership, mold, cockroaches, passive smoking, tile flooring, home renovations, and accumulated dust. Although the cross-sectional design and the reliance on self-reported data may present limitations, these findings highlight a potential health risk in Saudi homes. Preventive measures are needed to improve IAQ in household environments, thereby reducing the risk of SBS and other related health effects.
