Spring

Ambient air pollution causes substantial environmental effects ranging from changes in air quality to changes in temperature. Over time, these effects have the potential to modify the way we function. Epidemiological studies on the effects of air pollution on healthy adult subjects suggest an association between exposure to ambient air pollution and heightened risk of chronic diseases.

The impact of ambient heat in summer on human health is an issue of increasing concern, especially in light of climate change and the increased frequency and intensity of heat events. Previous studies have shown that mortality increased during heat events and is positively associated with ambient heat. However, the association with morbidity has seldom been examined.

Environmental regulators use fish consumption rates in risk assessments to set water quality standards to protect human health. Accurate population based surveys on the amount of fish consumed are therefore critical in understanding the levels of chemical exposure from fish. 

Hand-to-mouth activity by young children is recognized as a potential pathway of exposure to soil contaminants. Observed soil and contaminant loads on hands are relevant to evaluation of this pathway.

Quantum dots (Q dots) contain a cadmium selenide (CdSe) center surrounded by zinc sulfide (ZnS) shell, which is coated with a phospholipid stabilizer. They are 2-5 nm in diameter and fluoresces different colors depending on the size diameter. Because of their small size they have a high surface to volume ratio.

Associations between long-term particulate matter (PM) exposure and adverse health effects have been determined in several studies. The National Particle Component Toxicity (NPACT) study is utilizing data on PM chemical species to investigate the effect of PM chemical species on cardiovascular disease in the Women's Health Initiative (WHI).

In industrial environments, chromates in primers, paints, and chrome-plating solutions are released into the workplace environment when paint is sprayed and plating tanks produce mist. Metallic chromium is incorporated in stainless steel alloys to improve color and increase resistance to corrosion. During welding it is oxidized and released as hexavalent chromium.