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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2017) | Viewed by 93877

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Catherine Karr

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Guest Editor

1. Department of Pediatrics/Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
2. Director, NW Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit, Seattle, WA, USA
Interests: children’s environmental health; community engaged research; air pollution; asthma; vulnerable populations

Dr. William Daniell

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
Interests: environmental and occupational health; environmental pollution; epidemiology; community participation; vulnerable populations; environmental justice

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is clear that, for many environmental hazards, the youngest members of the population face the greatest risk of harm. The majority of the world’s children live in low and middle income countries (LMICs). Environmental hazards and health risks may be more significant in these settings due to rapid urbanization, unregulated industrialization, population growth and displacement, and increased pressure on limited natural resources. Inadequate medical and public health infrastructure, financial resources, shortage of laboratory equipment and trained technical personnel also contribute to disparate risk. Disparities in exposure and health risk may also occur in high income countries among people of color and lower socioeconomic populations. We are seeking manuscripts that can contribute to a sparse global evidence base on child environmental health in LMICs and communities in high income countries experiencing environmental injustice. Information on sources of specific contaminants, disease incidence, and biological monitoring from low and middle income countries are welcome. Research to characterize conditions and prioritize needs, as well as evaluate policies, programs, and interventions, which serve to mitigate exposures and adverse outcomes is of particular interest.

Prof. Dr. Catherine Karr
Dr. William Daniell
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

children’s health
global health
pregnancy exposures
low and middle income countries
environmental exposures
environmental contaminants
vulnerable populations
environmental justice
epidemiology
intervention research
environmental mitigation

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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13 pages, 358 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Implications of Combined Exposure to Household Air Pollution and HIV on Neurocognition in Children

by Megan K. Suter, Catherine J. Karr, Grace C. John-Stewart, Laurén A. Gómez, Hellen Moraa, Duke Nyatika, Dalton Wamalwa, Michael Paulsen, Christopher D. Simpson, Niloufar Ghodsian, Michael J. Boivin, Paul Bangirana and Sarah Benki-Nugent

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(1), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15010163 - 20 Jan 2018

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 6827

Abstract

Air pollution exposure and HIV infection can each cause neurocognitive insult in children. The purpose of this study was to test whether children with combined high air pollution exposure and perinatal HIV infection have even greater risk of neurocognitive impairment. This was a cross-sectional study of HIV-uninfected unexposed (HUU) and HIV-infected children and their caregivers in Nairobi, Kenya. We used a detailed neuropsychological battery to evaluate neurocognitive functioning in several domains. We measured caregiver 24-h personal CO exposure as a proxy for child CO exposure and child urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP), a biomarker for exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Median 24-h caregiver CO exposure was 6.1 and 3.7 ppm for 45 HIV-infected (mean age 6.6 years) and 49 HUU (mean age 6.7 years), respectively; 48.5% of HIV-infected and 38.6% of HUU had caregiver 24-h CO levels exceeding the WHO recommended level. Median 1-OHP exposure was 0.6 and 0.7 µmol/mol creatinine among HIV-infected and HUU children, respectively. HIV-infected children with high urinary 1-OHP (exceeding 0.68 µmol/mol creatinine) had significantly lower global cognition (p = 0.04), delayed memory (p = 0.01), and attention scores (p = 0.003). Among HUU children, urinary 1-OHP and caregiver 24-h caregiver CO were not significantly associated with neurocognitive function. Our findings suggest that combined chronic exposure to air pollutants and perinatal HIV infection may be associated with poorer neurocognitive outcomes. High prevalence of air pollution exposure highlights the need to reduce these exposures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Children’s Environmental Health)

12 pages, 712 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Blood Lead Levels and Risk Factors for Lead Exposure in a Pediatric Population in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

by Deborah Havens, Minh Hong Pham, Catherine J. Karr and William E. Daniell

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(1), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15010093 - 8 Jan 2018

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5782

Abstract

Although lead recycling activities are a known risk factor for elevated blood levels in South East Asia, little is known regarding the prevalence of and risk factors for elevated blood lead levels (BLL) among the general pediatric population in Vietnam. This study is a cross-sectional evaluation of 311 children from Children’s Hospital #2 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Capillary blood lead testing was performed using the LeadCare II. Mean BLLs were 4.97 μg/dL (Standard Deviation (SD) 5.50), with 7% of the participants having levels greater than 10 μg/dL. Living in Bing Duong province (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.4–5.6.1) or the Dong Nai province (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.0–5.1) and having an age greater than 12 months (OR 6.0, 95% CI 3.1–11.8) were associated with higher BLLs. The prevalence of elevated BLLs in Vietnam is consistent with other SE Asian countries. Mean BLLs in Ho Chi Minh City are markedly less than those seen in a separate study of children living near lead recycling activities. Additional evaluation is necessary to better detail potential risk factors if screening is to be implemented within Vietnam. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Children’s Environmental Health)

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1015 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Estimating the Causal Impact of Proximity to Gold and Copper Mines on Respiratory Diseases in Chilean Children: An Application of Targeted Maximum Likelihood Estimation

by Ronald Herrera, Ursula Berger, Ondine S. Von Ehrenstein, Iván Díaz, Stella Huber, Daniel Moraga Muñoz and Katja Radon

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(1), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15010039 - 27 Dec 2017

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5213

Abstract

In a town located in a desert area of Northern Chile, gold and copper open-pit mining is carried out involving explosive processes. These processes are associated with increased dust exposure, which might affect children’s respiratory health. Therefore, we aimed to quantify the causal attributable risk of living close to the mines on asthma or allergic rhinoconjunctivitis risk burden in children. Data on the prevalence of respiratory diseases and potential confounders were available from a cross-sectional survey carried out in 2009 among 288 (response:

69 %

) children living in the community. The proximity of the children’s home addresses to the local gold and copper mine was calculated using geographical positioning systems. We applied targeted maximum likelihood estimation to obtain the causal attributable risk (CAR) for asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and both outcomes combined. Children living more than the first quartile away from the mines were used as the unexposed group. Based on the estimated CAR, a hypothetical intervention in which all children lived at least one quartile away from the copper mine would decrease the risk of rhinoconjunctivitis by

4.7

percentage points (CAR:

- 4.7

;

95 %

confidence interval (

95 %

CI):

- 8.4

;

- 0.11

); and

4.2

percentage points (CAR:

- 4.2

;

95 %

CI:

- 7.9

;

- 0.05

) for both outcomes combined. Overall, our results suggest that a hypothetical intervention intended to increase the distance between the place of residence of the highest exposed children would reduce the prevalence of respiratory disease in the community by around four percentage points. This approach could help local policymakers in the development of efficient public health strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Children’s Environmental Health)

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1207 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Climate Change and Schools: Environmental Hazards and Resiliency

by Perry E. Sheffield, Simone A. M. Uijttewaal, James Stewart and Maida P. Galvez

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(11), 1397; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14111397 - 16 Nov 2017

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 17334

Abstract

The changing climate is creating additional challenges in maintaining a healthy school environment in the United States (U.S.) where over 50 million people, mostly children, spend approximately a third of their waking hours. Chronic low prioritization of funds and resources to support environmental health in schools and lack of clear regulatory oversight in the U.S. undergird the new risks from climate change. We illustrate the extent of risk and the variation in vulnerability by geographic region, in the context of sparse systematically collected and comparable data particularly about school infrastructure. Additionally, we frame different resilience building initiatives, focusing on interventions that target root causes, or social determinants of health. Disaster response and recovery are also framed as resilience building efforts. Examples from U.S. Federal Region 2 (New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and nationally are used to illustrate these concepts. We conclude that better surveillance, more research, and increased federal and state oversight of environmental factors in schools (specific to climate risks) is necessary, as exposures result in short- and long term negative health effects and climate change risks will increase over time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Children’s Environmental Health)

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269 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Risks Associated with Symptoms of Acute Respiratory Infection among Preschool Children in North-Western and South-Southern Nigeria Communities

by Oluwafunmilade A. Adesanya and Chi Chiao

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(11), 1396; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14111396 - 16 Nov 2017

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 4692

Abstract

The exposure-disease-stress model places young children in their physical and social contexts and considers the extent and intensity of associational links to symptoms of acute respiratory infection (ARI), taking in to account a range of biological, social, and environment components. This study uses the 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey to assess the individual and environmental risks present in the North-Western and South-Southern Nigerian communities and examines their associations with ARI symptoms. The descriptive findings show that the prevalence of ARI symptoms is significantly higher among preschool children in the North-Western province (5.7%) than in the South-Southern province (1.4%) (p < 0.001). In addition to regional differences, multilevel logistic models further indicate that the increased likelihood of a child suffering from ARI symptoms is significantly associated with the dry season (aOR 1.42; 95% CI: 1.02–1.97) and household poverty (aOR 1.42; 95% CI: 1.01–1.99), even after adjusting for the cooking fuel used and various other characteristics of the children, households, and communities. These findings underscore the importance of taking into account environmental risks when addressing specific regional variations in ARI symptoms, because these determinants differ between communities in Nigeria. As it is imperative to achieve minimum levels of child health, in order to improve economic development across regions, future health policies aiming to promote child health will benefit from taking a region-specific perspective into consideration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Children’s Environmental Health)

697 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Integrated Pest Management Intervention Improves Knowledge, Pest Control, and Practices in Family Child Care Homes

by Michelle Stephens, Kimberly Hazard, Debra Moser, Dana Cox, Roberta Rose and Abbey Alkon

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(11), 1299; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14111299 - 26 Oct 2017

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 6521

Abstract

To reduce young children’s exposure to pesticides when attending family child care homes (FCCHs), we developed an integrated pest management (IPM) intervention for FCCH directors. First, we developed IPM educational materials and resources to provide the foundation for an IPM educational intervention for FCCHs. Next, we conducted and evaluated a six-month nurse child care health consultant (CCHC)-led education and consultation IPM intervention to increase IPM knowledge, IPM practices, IPM policies, and decrease the presence or evidence of pests. The pilot intervention study was conducted by three CCHCs in 20 FCCHs in three counties in California. Pre- and post-intervention measures were completed by the FCCH directors and observation measures were completed by the CCHCs. Results indicated significant increases in IPM knowledge, (t-statistic (degrees of freedom), (t(df) = 2.55(10), p < 0.05), increases in IPM practices (t(df) = −6.47(17), p < 0.05), and a 90% reduction in the prevalence of pests. There were no significant differences in changes in IPM practices based on director education, FCCH county, or IPM intervention intensity or duration. A nurse-led IPM education and consultation intervention can reduce exposures of young children attending family child care homes to harmful chemicals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Children’s Environmental Health)

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333 KiB

Open AccessCommentary

Pollution from Fossil-Fuel Combustion is the Leading Environmental Threat to Global Pediatric Health and Equity: Solutions Exist

by Frederica Perera

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15010016 - 23 Dec 2017

Cited by 779 | Viewed by 46623

Abstract

Fossil-fuel combustion by-products are the world’s most significant threat to children’s health and future and are major contributors to global inequality and environmental injustice. The emissions include a myriad of toxic air pollutants and carbon dioxide (CO₂), which is the most important human-produced climate-altering greenhouse gas. Synergies between air pollution and climate change can magnify the harm to children. Impacts include impairment of cognitive and behavioral development, respiratory illness, and other chronic diseases—all of which may be “seeded“ in utero and affect health and functioning immediately and over the life course. By impairing children’s health, ability to learn, and potential to contribute to society, pollution and climate change cause children to become less resilient and the communities they live in to become less equitable. The developing fetus and young child are disproportionately affected by these exposures because of their immature defense mechanisms and rapid development, especially those in low- and middle-income countries where poverty and lack of resources compound the effects. No country is spared, however: even high-income countries, especially low-income communities and communities of color within them, are experiencing impacts of fossil fuel-related pollution, climate change and resultant widening inequality and environmental injustice. Global pediatric health is at a tipping point, with catastrophic consequences in the absence of bold action. Fortunately, technologies and interventions are at hand to reduce and prevent pollution and climate change, with large economic benefits documented or predicted. All cultures and communities share a concern for the health and well-being of present and future children: this shared value provides a politically powerful lever for action. The purpose of this commentary is to briefly review the data on the health impacts of fossil-fuel pollution, highlighting the neurodevelopmental impacts, and to briefly describe available means to achieve a low-carbon economy, and some examples of interventions that have benefited health and the economy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Children’s Environmental Health)

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