International journal of hygiene and environmental health
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Int J Hyg Environ Health · Sep 2006
Effects of winter air pollution on pulmonary function of school children in Shenyang, China.
To assess the effects of air pollution associated with coal heating in winter on pulmonary function of school children, pulmonary function tests (FVC, FEV(1.0), PEF, FEF(75)) of 332 children in Shenyang, located in the northeast of China, were done four times between October 2001 and June 2002. The collected airborne particulate matter (PM) was analyzed for the concentrations of total suspended particles (TSP), PM of less than 7 microm in aerodynamic diameter (PM(7)), and PM of less than 2.1 microm (PM(2.1)). All four pulmonary function tests were completed in 244 school children. ⋯ An increase from the 25th to the 75th percentile of TSP, PM(7) and PM(2.1) was associated with a delayed decrease in FEV(1.0); 0.059l (95% CI: 0.020-0.106l), 0.095l (95% CI: 0.057-0.139l) and 0.110l (95% CI: 0.072-0.147l) in boys, and 0.066l (95% CI: 0.026-0.106l), 0.101l (95% CI: 0.063-0.139l) and 0.114l (95% CI: 0.080-0.152l) in girls, respectively. Our findings show that airborne PM might have a subacute effect on pulmonary function in children in Shenyang, and that PM(7) and PM(2.1) have more adverse effects on pulmonary function than TSP. The effects of airborne PM appear to be prolonged.
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Int J Hyg Environ Health · Jul 2006
Common RAPD pattern of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from patients and tap water in a medical intensive care unit.
The epidemiology of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections and colonizations was studied prospectively on a 12-bed medical intensive care unit. Patients were monitored for P. aeruginosa colonization by performing throat swabs or tracheal aspirates on admission and weekly thereafter over a period of 6 months. Cultures of possibly infected sites were taken as clinically indicated. ⋯ However, patients also harboured strains not previously isolated from tap water. Thus, in addition to tap water, other environmental or unknown reservoirs appeared to play a role for the epidemiology of P. aeruginosa infections on this ward. However, because tap water played a significant role for strain transmissions, we conclude that intensified water site care is justified.
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Int J Hyg Environ Health · Mar 2006
ReviewSodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC) tablets as an alternative to sodium hypochlorite for the routine treatment of drinking water at the household level.
Household water treatment using sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) has been recognized as a cost-effective means of reducing the heavy burden of diarrhea and other waterborne diseases, especially among populations without access to improved water supplies. Sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC), which is widely used in emergencies, is an alternative source of chlorine that may present certain advantages over NaOCl for household-based interventions in development settings. ⋯ We review the evidence concerning NaDCC in field studies, including microbiological performance and health outcomes. Finally, we examine studies and data to compare NaDCC with NaOCl in terms of compliance, acceptability, affordability and sustainability, and suggest areas for further research.
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Int J Hyg Environ Health · Jan 2005
ReviewSaliva cortisol--a new approach in noise research to study stress effects.
Several studies have indicated an association between noise exposure and cardiovascular disease. A noise-induced release of stress hormones has been considered to be a biological pathway of importance in this respect. ⋯ Previous studies of saliva cortisol in relation to noise exposure are reviewed. In summary, repeated assessments of saliva cortisol seems to be a feasible method to apply in field studies in noise research.
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Int J Hyg Environ Health · Aug 2003
ReviewA global approach to childhood lead poisoning prevention.
Childhood lead poisoning is an important, preventable environmental disease affecting millions of children around the world. The effects of lead are well known and range from delayed and adversely affected neurodevelopment to severe health outcomes including seizures, coma, and death. This article reviews the childhood effects of lead poisoning, the approach being taken to the problem in the United States, and the obstacles faced by developing nations in dealing with lead exposure. ⋯ These actions have resulted in a dramatic reduction in the number of children with elevated blood lead levels in the United States over the last two decades. However, many developing countries are just beginning to address the problem. Successful efforts will need to incorporate epidemiologic methods, source identification, enforced regulations, and a long-term government commitment to eliminating lead as a threat to the next generation of children.