Background. Wildfire smoke events are increasing in frequency and intensity due to climate change. Children are especially vulnerable to health effects even at moderate smoke levels. However, it is unclear how parents respond to Air Quality Indices (AQIs) frequently used by agencies to communicate air pollution health risks. Methods. In an experiment (3 × 2 × 2 factorial design), 2,100 parents were randomly assigned to view one of twelve adapted AQI infographics that varied by visual (table, line, gauge), index type (AQI [0-500], AQHI [1-11+]), and risk level (moderate, high). Participants were told to imagine encountering the infographic in a short-term exposure scenario. They reported worry about wildfire smoke, intentions to take risk-mitigating actions (e.g., air purifier use), and support for various exposure reduction policies. Subsequently, participants were told to imagine encountering the same infographic daily during a school week in a long-term exposure scenario and again reported worry, action intentions, and policy support. Results. Parents\' responses significantly differentiated between risk levels that both pose a threat to children\'s health; worry and action intentions were much higher in the high-risk group than the moderate-risk group in both short-exposure (F = 748.68 p<.001; F = 411.59, p<.001) and long-exposure scenarios (F = 470.51, p<.001; F = 212.01, p<.001). However, in the short-exposure scenario, when shown the AQHI [1-11+] with either the line or gauge visuals, parents\' action intentions were more similar between moderate- and high-risk level groups (3-way interaction, F = 6.03, p = .002). Conclusions. These results suggest some index formats such as the AQHI-rather than the AQI-may better attune parents to moderate levels of wildfire smoke being dangerous to children\'s health. Our research offers insights for agencies and officials seeking to improve current public education efforts during wildfire smoke events and speaks to the critical need to educate parents and help them act short-term and long-term to protect children\'s health.

Recent research has raised concern about the biocompatibility of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs), as they have been reported to induce oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, whilst prolonged exposure to high IONP concentrations may lead to cyto-/genotoxicity. Besides, there is concern about its environmental impact. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of IONPs on the antioxidant defence system in freshwater fish Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus, Peters 1852). The fish were exposed to IONP concentration of 15 mg/L over 1, 3, 4, 15, 30, and 60 days and the findings compared to a control, unexposed group. In addition, we followed up the fish for 60 days after exposure had stopped to estimate the stability of oxidative stress induced by IONPs. Exposure affected the activity of antioxidant and marker enzymes and increased the levels of hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation in the gill, liver, and brain tissues of the fish. Even after 60 days of depuration, adverse effects remained, indicating long-term nanotoxicity. Moreover, IONPs accumulated in the gill, liver, and brain tissues. Our findings underscore the potential health risks posed to non-target organisms in the environment, and it is imperative to establish appropriate guidelines for safe handling and disposal of IONPs to protect the aquatic environment.
Nedavna istraživanja izazvala su zabrinutost oko biokompatibilnosti nanočestica željezova oksida (engl. iron oxide nanoparticles – IONP), nakon što je utvrđeno da izazivaju oksidacijski stres i upalni odgovor, a produljena izloženost visokim koncentracijama IONP-a može dovesti do cito-/genotoksičnosti. Osim toga, postoji i zabrinutost u pogledu njihova utjecaja na okoliš. Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je proučiti djelovanje IONP-a na antioksidacijski obrambeni sustav slatkovodne ribe mozambičke tilapije (Oreochromis mossambicus, Peters 1852). Ribe su bile izložene koncentraciji IONP-a od 15 mg/L tijekom 1, 3, 4, 15, 30 i 60 dana, a usporedno su praćene i jedinke kontrolne, neizložene skupine. Nadalje, praćenje je nastavljeno tijekom 60 dana nakon prestanka izloženosti kako bismo procijenili stabilnost oksidacijskoga stresa izazvanoga IONP-om. Izloženost je utjecala na aktivnost antioksidacijskih i markerskih enzima te povećala razine vodikova peroksida i lipidne peroksidacije u tkivu ribljih škrga, jetre i mozga. Čak i nakon 60 dana „čišćenja“ zaostali su štetni učinci, koji upozoravaju na nepovratnu nanotoksičnost. Štoviše, IONP se akumulirao u tkivu škrga, jetre i mozga. Naša otkrića naglašavaju potencijalne zdravstvene rizike za neciljane organizme u okolišu, te je nužno uspostaviti odgovarajuće smjernice za sigurno rukovanje i odlaganje IONP-a kako bi se zaštitio vodeni okoliš.

The aim is to conduct theoretical reflection on the inseparability among public health, planetary health and the nursing process in light of complexity thinking, with the aim of contributing to healthy and sustainable development. Study with a theoretical-reflexive approach that accessed bibliographical sources from contemporary authors who defend the inseparability between public health and planetary health and, at the same time, provide theoretical-systemic support to the nursing process, under an inductive critical bias. The nursing process is conceived as a complex phenomenon, which comprises interdependent dynamics, dialogical approaches, critical-reflective perception and prospective leadership. Theoretical reflection on the nursing process and sustainable development raises an expanded, contextualized and interdependent look at the role of nursing professionals in different health contexts, in order not to compromise well-being and environmental health.

UNASSIGNED: Despite deep cultural traditions, incense burning significantly impacts respiratory health. Effects of Arabian bakhour remain unknown in Saudi Arabia\'s Jazan region with prevalent use. This cross-sectional study addresses this gap by investigating bakhour exposure and respiratory diseases.
UNASSIGNED: This was descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in Jazan area, Saudi Arabia, from October 2023 to March 2024. A total of 1612 participants age more than 18 years, both gender and resident of Jazan Area were included. Those aged less than 18 years were excluded. SPSS v 26 was used for data analysis.
UNASSIGNED: The sample (n=1612) had a mean age of 29±11 years and was 63% female. Bakhour use was nearly universal (98%), especially using coal (73%). Higher bakhour frequency significantly associated with increased cough (p<0.01) and dyspnea (p<0.01). Certain bakhour types linked to greater allergic rhinitis prevalence (p<0.01). Regression analysis revealed cough during bakhour use worsened respiratory health (increased respiratory score) by 3.89 times (95% CI 1.13-6.64; p=0.006) while dyspnea increased the score by 7.48 times (95% CI 4.70-10.25; p<0.001).
UNASSIGNED: This study provides valuable insights into the association between Bakhour use and respiratory health in the Jazan region. The findings emphasize the need for further research and public health interventions to mitigate potential respiratory risks associated with Bakhour use.

An under-recognised aspect of the current humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is the impact of the war on the environment and the associated risks for human health. This commentary contextualises these impacts against the background of human suffering produced by the overwhelming violence associated with the use of military force against the general population of Gaza. In calling for an immediate cessation to the violence, the authors draw attention to the urgent need to rebuild the health care system and restore the physical and human infrastructure that makes a liveable environment possible and promotes human health and well-being, especially for the most vulnerable in the population. Environmental remediation should therefore form one of the most important parts of international efforts to assist reconstruction, through which we hope Palestinians and Israelis will achieve lasting peace, health, and sustainable development, all as part of accepted international human rights obligations.

Liver diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), are a growing global health issue. Environmental exposure to toxic metals can harm the liver, increasing the risk of NAFLD. Essential elements are vital for liver health, but imbalances or deficiencies can contribute to the development of NAFLD. Therefore, understanding the interplay between toxic metals and essential elements in liver disease is important. This study aims to assess the individual and combined effects of toxic metals (lead(Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg)), and essential elements (manganese and selenium) on the risk of liver disease. Methods: We assessed the individual and combined effects of Pb, Cd, Hg, manganese (Mn), and selenium (Se) on liver disease risk using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2017 and 2018. We performed descriptive statistics and linear regression analysis and then utilized Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) techniques such as univariate, bivariate, and overall effect analysis. BKMR enabled the assessment of non-linear exposure-response functions and interactions between metals and essential elements. Posterior Inclusion Probabilities (PIPs) were calculated to determine the importance of each metal and essential element in contributing to liver disease. Regarding our study results, the regression analysis of liver injury biomarkers ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, total bilirubin, and the FLI-an indicator of NAFLD-with toxic metals and essential elements, adjusting for covariates such as age, sex, BMI, alcohol consumption, ethnicity, income, and smoking status, demonstrated the differential effects of these contaminants on the markers of interest. Our BKMR analysis provided further insights. For instance, the PIP results underscored Pb\'s consistent importance in contributing to liver disease (PIP = 1.000), followed by Hg (PIP = 0.9512), Cd (PIP = 0.5796), Se (PIP = 0.5572), and Mn (PIP = 0.4248). Our univariate analysis showed a positive trend with Pb, while other exposures were relatively flat. Our analysis of the single-variable effects of toxic metals and essential elements on NAFLD also revealed that Pb significantly affected the risk of NAFLD. Our bivariate analysis found a positive (toxic) trend when Pb was combined with other metals and essential elements. For the overall exposure effect of exposure to all the contaminants together, the estimated risk of NAFLD showed a steady increase from the 60th to the 75th percentile. In conclusion, our study indicates that Pb exposure, when combined with other toxic metals and essential elements, plays a significant role in bringing about adverse liver disease outcomes.

Genetic polymorphisms may influence mercury (Hg) toxicity. The aims of this study were to evaluate individual factors, such as the presence of the GSTP1 rs1695 polymorphism, associated with internal Hg dose and child neurodevelopment in indigenous people from the Brazilian Amazon chronically exposed to Hg. Eighty-two indigenous children were clinically evaluated, hair Hg was measured, and the GSTP1 rs1695 polymorphism was genotyped. The mean age was 4.8 years, the median Hg was 5.5 µg/g, and 93.8% of children exceeded the safe limit (2.0 µg/g). Fish consumption was associated with Hg levels (p = 0.03). The GSTP1 rs1695 A>G polymorphism was in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and the highest prevalence of the GSTP1 AA genotype (80%) was found in Sawré Aboy, which had the highest Hg levels (10 µg/g) among the studied villages. The Hg levels tended to increase over the years in males and in carriers of the GSTP1 AA genotype (0.69 µg/g and 0.86 µg/g, respectively). Nine children failed the neurodevelopmental test, all of whom had Hg > 2.0 µg/g, and 88.9% carried the GSTP1 AA or AG genotypes, previously associated with the highest internal Hg doses and neurocognitive disorders. The genetic counseling of this population is important to identify the individuals at greater risk for neurodevelopmental disorders resulting from chronic Hg exposure.

Most tools that measure environmental health literacy are broad in nature. Researchers have now developed a tool specific to phthalate awareness and behaviors as they relate to reproductive health.

In this perspective, the authors give their view on the developments and experiences on communicating on (nano)materials safety. We would like to share our experiences with the scientific community in order to make them useful for future communication activities. We present the long-term work of the science communication projects DaNa, DaNa2.0 and DaNa4.0, running from 2009 to 2023. Starting in the early 2000s with the beginnings of nanotechnology research, communication on the safety of nanomaterials with the public was still very new and faced the projects with many challenges. Today, science communication is indispensable for the dissemination of scientific findings and a fact-based approach like the DaNa \"Knowledge Base Materials\" creates a trustworthy dialogue with the public. This long-term project series has made a significant contribution to communication on the safety of nanomaterials, perhaps even the largest among publicly funded project series worldwide.

Ethylene oxide (\"EtO\") is an industrially made volatile organic compound and a known human carcinogen. There are few reliable reports of ambient EtO concentrations around production and end-use facilities, however, despite major exposure concerns. We present in situ, fast (1 Hz), sensitive EtO measurements made during February 2023 across the southeastern Louisiana industrial corridor. We aggregated mobile data at 500 m spatial resolution and reported average mixing ratios for 75 km of the corridor. Mean and median aggregated values were 31.4 and 23.3 ppt, respectively, and a majority (75%) of 500 m grid cells were above 10.9 ppt, the lifetime exposure concentration corresponding to 100-in-one million excess cancer risk (1 × 10-4). A small subset (3.3%) were above 109 ppt (1000-in-one million cancer risk, 1 × 10-3); these tended to be near EtO-emitting facilities, though we observed plumes over 10 km from the nearest facilities. Many plumes were highly correlated with other measured gases, indicating potential emission sources, and a subset was measured simultaneously with a second commercial analyzer, showing good agreement. We estimated EtO for 13 census tracts, all of which were higher than EPA estimates (median difference of 21.3 ppt). Our findings provide important information about EtO concentrations and potential exposure risks in a key industrial region and advance the application of EtO analytical methods for ambient sampling and mobile monitoring for air toxics.