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Characterizing built or physical environment risk factors for gun violence in and around K-12 schools is an emerging, complex children's environmental health need. We used data on New Jersey high schools on gun violence-related preventive practices and school (building and facility) environmental controls in place in fall 2019. We assimilated publicly available secondary data from state education agencies, school websites, and Google Maps to identify aspects of high school indoor and outdoor built environments, including fields, gymnasiums, auditoriums, and athletic fields and types of seating. We analyzed statewide data and stratified by county, region, and urban/nonurban locale. Results identified deficient environmental aspects of schools; however, if addressed, then more effective responses to active shooter scenarios could occur. These deficits included unmonitored entrances, security systems with missing cameras, hidden stairwells, and dense foliage around school buildings. Our research was also relevant to the scope of practice and services highlighted by the recent Understanding the Needs, Challenges, Opportunities, Vision, and Emerging Roles in Environmental Health (UNCOVER EH) initiative. Future research can help inform local emergency preparedness, response efforts, and school priorities for design, operations, and maintenance., Introduction Firearms present public health issues at schools. During 1994-2018, gun-related injuries accounted for 70% of fatalities in school-associated youth homicides or violent deaths (Holland et al., 2019; National Center [...]

High carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations can elicit adverse health effects. We assessed CO concentrations at filling stations and determined carboxyhemoglobin (%COHb) levels and health problems reported by filling station attendants (FSAs) via questionnaires. This cross-sectional design studied 20 filling stations from Ibadan North Local Government, Nigeria. Outdoor CO concentrations (ppm) were measured for 8 weeks in August-September 2015 from 8:00-10:00 a.m. and 12:00-2:00 p.m., and %COHb levels were measured among 100 FSAs. Data collected were analyzed using Student's t-test and analysis of variation (p = .05) and compared with relevant guideline limits. Mean CO concentrations in morning (15.4 [+ or -] 2.1 ppm) and afternoon (11.6 [+ or -] 1.4 ppm) were higher (p < .01) than the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline of 9.0 ppm. Mean %COHb for FSAs (11.1 [+ or -] 2.6) was significantly higher (p < .01) than the WHO guideline of 2.5%. Among respondents, 13.4% of FSAs vomited and 14.9% of FSAs experienced nausea. FSAs need personal protective equipment and filling stations should modernize pump delivery systems to minimize exposures., Introduction Carbon monoxide (CO) is a widely distributed air pollutant. It is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is poorly soluble in water. CO has a high affinity to [...]

This 2017-2019 project started with a systematic assessment of three independent environmental and occupational health-related doctoral (PhD) programs, which are sponsored by different agencies, institutes, and schools within Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey: Exposure Science, Toxicology, and Environmental Health. In addition, we examined other graduate and undergraduate environment-related schools, departments, divisions, and institutes with degree programs (majors and minors) and certificate programs at Rutgers. Then, we conducted a survey of students. Data collected can result in enhancements to connections between entities, with multiple potential benefits. For example, for Rutgers School of Public Health, data can inform efforts to increase student applications to both master's and doctoral programs, as well as increase faculty participation in teaching and student advising. The project should result in more qualified student applications from students in their final year of master's programs. Subsequently, acceptances into and matriculations from PhD programs should also increase. Overall, this approach should provide more continuity of scholarship at schools, institutes and/or other environmental programs at Rutgers. In summary, this project's data can help support positive yet complex relationships across engaged entities at Rutgers and inform other U.S. environmental health programs., Introduction In 2003, following publication and release of Healthy People 2010 public health objectives, which included aspects of environmental health (EH), a revitalization strategy for essential EH services was published [...]

Though physiological effects of exposure to airborne lead on cognitive function and crime have been discussed in literature, to date, no studies examined other outdoor or ambient air pollutants and their potential impact on reported crime. Data were collected through open public records provided by study location municipalities to assess the impact of outdoor air pollution on daily crime rates in Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia, and Seattle. Poisson regression analyses were performed to examine associations between outdoor air concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter (PM) including fine ([PM.sub.2.5]) and coarse ([PM.sub.10]) respirable fractions, ozone ([O.sub.3]), and sulfur dioxide (S[O.sub.2]) with several types of crime along with weather variables known to correlate with air pollution concentrations and/or impact crime. Increased [PM.sub.2.5] was associated with increases in assault, damage, and theft crimes. Pollutants known to cause irritation, like [PM.sub.10] and [O.sub.3], were associated with decreases in crime rates. Weather variables were also found to be associated with increases in crime rates when apparent temperature, cloud cover, visibility, and wind speed increased from the 25 th to 75 th percentile of measurements. Additional research to further understand potential relationships between outdoor air quality and crime is needed., Introduction When introducing the routine activity theory, Cohen and Felson (1979) stated three factors must be present for a crime to occur: motivated offenders, suitable targets, and the absence of [...]

Inadequate and erratic power supplies mean small businesses use electric generators for alternative power. The authors' goal in the study described here was to assess noise from electric generators and impacts in the commercial areas of Agbowo and Ajibode in Ibadan, Nigeria. Noise levels (A-weighted decibels [dBA]) were measured over 12 weeks, three times a day, during the 2010 dry season using a sound level meter. A questionnaire was administered (515 respondents; 304 in Agbowo, 211 in Ajibode) and audiometric measurements were conducted on 40% of respondents. Mean noise levels varied by source (104 ± 7.7 dBA [diesel], 94.0 ± 6.3 dBA [petrol]) and were highest midday (90.6 ± 5.3 dBA [Agbowo], 70.9 [+ or -] 6.2 dBA [Ajibode]). Mean noise levels in Agbowo (78.5 ± 3.9 dBA) and Ajibode (65.7 ± 4.4 dBA) exceeded World Health Organization guidelines (65 dBA) for outdoor commercial environments. Working and living in Agbowo was significantly associated with current evidence of hearing impairment (odds ratio: 6.8, 95% confidence interval: 3.4-13.7). Reducing exposure to noise from electric power generators serving urban small businesses and homes is warranted., Although most of the information presented in the Journal refers to situations within the United States, environmental health and protection know no boundaries. The Journal periodically runs International Perspectives to [...]

Concentrations of radon in homes are thought to be dependent on several factors, including the presence of certain physical conditions of the house that act as entry points for this colorless, odorless gas. Drains and sump pits are currently sealed as part of radon mitigation, but doing so may cause drainage problems and mold. The authors attempted to determine if specific attributes and physical conditions of homes are associated with measured residential concentrations of radon. Radon tests were conducted in 96 participating homes in rural Hillsborough Township, New Jersey, November 2010-February 2011. Samplers were placed and a walk-through survey was conducted. Test devices were analyzed by a New Jersey certified radon testing laboratory and results compared to survey data. Overall, 50% of houses with a perimeter drain and 30% of houses with a sump pit exceeded the New Jersey and federal radon action level of 4.0 picocuries per liter, and 47% of homes with both a sump and a perimeter 'French' drain exceeded this action level. The authors' results suggested certain physical conditions act as pathways allowing radon entry into homes. Results could be used by local and state agencies to start local initiatives, e.g., increased testing or to seal these components as partial mitigation., Introduction The dangers of radon gas have been a concern since epidemiologic studies indicated an increased rate of lung cancer in high-exposure occupational settings (Al-Zoughool & Krewski, 2009). Studies have [...]

Globally, urbanization has been occurring more rapidly in small-to-medium-sized cities in less-developed countries of Africa and Asia. Studies have suggested associations between traffic and industry-related air pollutants and adverse health outcomes. These chemical and physical exposure agents have also received increased attention for environmental quality concerns like global climate change. Most research to date, however, was conducted in larger industrialized country urban centers. Ibadan, Nigeria, is a historic city characterized by urban sprawl and increasing modernization as an academic and medical training center but is lacking in the implementation of environmental laws. The authors conducted their first training in Ibadan, Nigeria, May 19-23, 2008, based on initial collaborative work during 2006-2008 as well as a trip in mid-March 2007. They describe the rationale for and components of the training, likely one of the first of its kind in Africa. The title of the training was 'Advances in Community Outdoor and Indoor Air and Environmental Quality Monitoring and Exposure Assessment.' Content was multimedia and interdisciplinary. The authors included lectures, group discussions, field experiences at community and industrial sites with cross-sectional environmental monitoring, and planned pilot studies including master's thesis projects based on real-time, grant-funded monitoring equipment provided to the University of Ibadan, including protocol development demonstrations., Introduction In both industrialized nations like the U.S. and less-developed countries (LDCs) like Nigeria in sub-Saharan West Africa, rapid economic and industrial development has occurred coupled with population growth, urbanization, [...]

The authors investigated built environment (BE) factors in urban neighborhoods in DeKalb County, Georgia. Each volunteering, consenting senior was placed into one of two groups: walking tours outside, then discussions (n = 37); and focus group discussions indoors about photographs of BE conditions potentially influencing mobility (n = 43). The authors sought to identify BE factors--both real and perceived by participating seniors--related to their ability to walk around senior wellness centers in a healthy and safe manner. The authors focused specifically on available literature and pilot study data for their concept of 'safe senior zones' around senior wellness centers serving urban communities in this article. They also characterized their study population regarding sociodemographic variables and doctor-diagnosed chronic diseases, and types of walking aids reported used to help prevent falls. Their results can inform future applied practice and research on traffic-related exposures and BE factors concerning seniors, and support policy and planning to benefit community environmental public health., Introduction Walking is a popular and commonly promoted physical activity in public health and a recommended form of exercise for older adults (Bruce, Fries, & Hubert, 2008; Swartz, 2008), i.e., [...]

This review presents epidemiologic evidence of adverse health effects associated with residential proximity to traffic. Of the 29 peer-reviewed studies that met the authors&apos; defined criteria, 25 reported statistically significant associations with at least one adverse health effect across a broad range of exposure metrics and diverse geographical locations. Specific pollutants contributing to the associated health effects could not, however, be identified, and uncertainties existed because of the lack of individual exposure assessments that could rule out confounding by other factors. Improved exposure assessments and future studies should be considered for better identification of contributing pollutants and mechanisms of action. In the meantime, additional policies, additional regulations, and improved land use and urban planning can better protect the public and limit exposure, especially for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, children, and the elderly., Introduction During the 1970s and 1980s, environmental regulations substantially reduced emissions from industry and stationary sources. Automobiles and other road traffic (mobile sources) became the most prominent contributors to urban [...]

This paper describes a novel school-based, visual environ-mental public health educational intervention intended to help reduce the exposure of children--and adults--to outdoor air pollution, including known environmental asthma triggers like ozone and particles. The overarching goal was to enhance the learning, recreational, and work environments of students and staff. The specific purpose of the Asthma-Friendly Outdoor (Ambient) Air Quality Flag Program was to establish an education and communication tool for Central California communities that would accomplish two things: 1) Establish permanent local policy change to existing operating procedures in school districts and schools to help reduce the exposure of students, teachers, staff, and nearby communities to outdoor environmental asthma triggers and 2) provide education on air quality and potential health effects of exposure to air pollutants. Data on the program from its initial years are presented. To date, the following important lessons have been learned: 1) Science-based, simple, visual, low-cost school-based educational interventions to help reduce human exposure to outdoor environmental asthma triggers (i.e., ozone, particles, and pollens) can work in socioeconomically and ethnically diverse urban and rural or agricultural communities, and 2) local health and environmental justice groups such as asthma coalitions can successfully lead school-based environmental interventions to help improve children&apos;s quality of life., Introduction Many factors influence children's exposure to biological and chemical pollutants, including known environmental asthma triggers, in microenvironments frequently inhabited during daily activities such as school (Shendell, Barnett, & Boese, [...]

On October 29, 2012, Hurricane Sandy made landfall in New Jersey, causing major power outages, flooded roads, and disruption of public transportation. Individuals diagnosed with diabetes may be especially vulnerable to natural disasters because of limited access to medications or use of glucose monitoring devices. We examined changes in emergency room visits (ERVs) for type II diabetes mellitus potentially associated with Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey. Data analyzed in 2014 included ERVs to general acute care hospitals in New Jersey among residents of three counties with a primary or secondary type II diabetes diagnosis (PDD or SDD) in 2011-2012. Compared to the previous year, results showed an 84% increased rate of PDD ERVs during the week of Hurricane Sandy, after adjusting for age and sex (rate ratio (RR) = 1.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12, 3.04). Results were nonsignificant for SDD (RR = 0.94, 95% CI 0.83, 1.08). Spatial analysis showed the increase in visits was not consistently associated with flood zone areas. We observed substantial increases in ERVs for primary type II diabetes diagnoses associated with Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey. Future public health preparedness efforts during storms should include planning for the healthcare needs of populations living with diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]