Quantifying the Potential Health Impacts of Unvented Combustion in Homes – A Meta- Analysis

While a growing body of scientific literature describes the population health impacts of fossil fuel production and burning via climate and air pollution pathways, less is known about the health impacts of indoor combustion. This paper summarizes the results of studies from the last two decades that investigated the association between exposure to sources of unvented combustion pollutants in homes and a range of health outcomes. We found gas combustion to be associated with 6-28% (95% confidence intervals) increased odds of asthma symptoms, 4-51% increased odds of systemic symptoms, 7-81% increased odds of asthma medication use, and 3-12% increased risk of mortality. These findings can be used to improve public health, for example, by informing requirements for improved ventilation and source control, justifying switching to vented appliances, better regulation of device emissions and quantifying the benefits of electrification of end-uses. Dose-response relationships between human health, NO2 exposure, and other byproducts of combustion are not characterized with a high degree of precision. However, there is clear evidence of a wide range of health effects, even at low levels of exposure. Despite the various designs, geographic sites, length of follow-up, and study dates, we noted a level of consistency between the studies within the current meta-analysis, and with previous ones, which strengthens the level of confidence in our findings

The Relationship between Traffic-Related Air Pollution Exposures and Allostatic Load Score among Youth with Type 1 Diabetes in the SEARCH Cohort

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effects of chronic exposures to particulate and traffic-related air pollution on allostatic load (AL) score, a marker of cumulative biological risk, among youth with type 1 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Participants were drawn from five clinical sites of the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth (SEARCH) study (n=2,338). Baseline questionnaires, anthropometric measures, and a fasting blood test were taken at a clinic visit between 2001 and 2005. AL was operationalized using 10 biomarkers reflecting cardiovascular, metabolic, and inflammatory risk. Annual residential exposures to PM(2.5) and proximity to heavily-trafficked major roadways were estimated for each participant. Poisson regression models adjusted for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors were conducted for each exposure. RESULTS: No significant associations were observed between exposures to PM(2.5) or proximity to traffic and AL score, however analyses were suggestive of effect modification by race for residential distance to heavily-trafficked major roadways (p=0.02). In stratified analyses, residing <100, 100-<200 and 200-<400 m compared to 400 m or more from heavily-trafficked major roadways was associated with 11%, 26% and 14% increases in AL score, respectively (95% CIs: −4, 29; 9, 45.0; −1, 30) for non-white participants compared to 6%, −2%, and −2% changes (95% CIs: −2, 15; −10, 7; −8, 6) for white participants. CONCLUSIONS: Among this population of youth with type 1 diabetes, we did not observe consistent relationships between chronic exposures to particulate and traffic-related air pollution and changes in AL score, however associations for traffic-related pollution exposures may differ by race/ethnicity and warrant further examination

Using Evidence-based Scientific Research to Influence Dietary Behavioral Change: Taking a Look in the Mirror

Science can provide accurate information to society to inform decision-making and behavior. One contemporary topic in which the science is very clear, yet behavioral change has lagged, is climate change mitigation. Climate change scientists use evidence-based research to advocate to the public to adopt emission-reducing behaviors in various sectors such as transportation and food. However, scientists themselves often do not change their own behaviors according to the scientific consensus. We present a case study of a group of natural sciences PhD students, who, when presented with evidence and an opportunity for a behavioral change with implications for climate change mitigation, demonstrated defensive reactions that would undoubtedly frustrate these same scientists if they were doing public outreach about their own work. Our goal is to raise awareness that we scientists do not always practice what we preach but could perhaps overcome this by understanding the defense mechanisms that impede meaningful change

sj-docx-1-new-10.1177_10482911241235380 - Supplemental material for Using Evidence-based Scientific Research to Influence Dietary Behavioral Change: Taking a Look in the Mirror

Supplemental material, sj-docx-1-new-10.1177_10482911241235380 for Using Evidence-based Scientific Research to Influence Dietary Behavioral Change: Taking a Look in the Mirror by Clifton P. Bueno de Mesquita, Ylenia Vimercati Molano, Lara Vimercati and P. Jacob Bueno de Mesquita in NEW SOLUTIONS: A Journal of Environmental and Occupational Health Policy</p

Quantifying the Potential Health Impacts of Unvented Combustion in Homes – A Meta-Analysis

While a growing body of scientific literature describes the population health impacts of fossil fuel production and burning via climate and air pollution pathways, less is known about the health impacts of indoor combustion. This paper summarizes the results of studies from the last two decades that investigated the association between exposure to sources of unvented combustion pollutants in homes and a range of health outcomes. We found gas combustion to be associated with 6-28% (95% confidence intervals) increased odds of asthma symptoms, 4-51% increased odds of systemic symptoms, 7-81% increased odds of asthma medication use, and 3-12% increased risk of mortality. These findings can be used to improve public health, for example, by informing requirements for improved ventilation and source control, justifying switching to vented appliances, better regulation of device emissions and quantifying the benefits of electrification of end-uses. Dose-response relationships between human health, NO2 exposure, and other by- products of combustion are not characterized with a high degree of precision. However, there is clear evidence of a wide range of health effects, even at low levels of exposure. Despite the various designs, geographic sites, length of follow-up, and study dates, we noted a level of consistency between the studies within the current meta-analysis, and with previous ones, which strengthens the level of confidence in our findings