Health Effects Research Articles

EAP and ECPCP urge ban on novel nicotine- (NNCPS) and non-nicotine-containing products (NNDS) to youth.

We want to verify the correlation between the increasing use of novel nicotine-containing products (NNCPs) and non-nicotine delivery products (NNDPs) among young individuals and the escalating negative health consequences, necessitating their prohibition. We performed a comprehensive analysis of the most relevant literature about the utilisation of NNCPs and NNDPs among young individuals and their health effects. Despite being initially seen as less harmful alternatives, for smokers aiming to quit, these products have become more popular due to misleading marketing claims. Teenagers using NNCPs and NNDPs, despite having no smoking history, are more likely to transition to tobacco smoking. Consistent use can lead to health issues like pulmonary damage, asthma, and cardiovascular and ocular problems. The EAP and the ECPCP endorse the WHO's appeal to outlaw these hazardous products. They urge European governments to forbid the sale of NNCPs and NNDPs to children and adolescents in order to safeguard their well-being. They also propose specific recommendations (box4) to support this cause.

Sustainable Steps in the Snow: Exploring factors associated with active school commuting in Finland

Physical inactivity of children and youth is a major health problem. Active commuting could increase the amount of physical activity and be a more environmentally friendly traffic mode choice compared with motorized vehicles. Parents have an integral role in determining the options a child has for commuting. We explored parental barriers and motivators associated with the active commute of their children.This cross-sectional study used the CLIMATE NUDGE Survey data of parents with school-aged children. A set of 25 possible influencing factors included demographic factors, social aspects, and pro-environmental attitudes, and questions about the motivating role of journey characteristics and health effects. The data were analyzed with two multinomial logistic regression analyses (N = 320): first, comparing those who either never or sometimes commute actively to those who always do so, and second, those who always or sometimes commute actively to those who never do so.Results indicated the strongest determinants to differentiate those who always and those who never use active commute, were commute distance and parental beliefs about social commute norms. The longer the commute distance was, the more likely the child was to belong to the never active commuter group and less likely to belong to the always active commuter group. The more parents believed their child’s peers commuted actively, the more likely it was that their child always commuted actively and less likely they never did so.We found several factors associated with active commuting, yet somewhat surprisingly neither environmental attitudes nor climate change related reasons were significantly associated with active commuting. To conclude, instead of highlighting environmental aspects to promote active commute, we recommend highlighting social norms and perception of the commute distance, and addressing weather-related barriers and health related motivators.

Microscale urban heat variability and time-location patterns: Elevated exposure for bikers and rickshaw drivers beyond average city temperatures in megacity

Urban heat island effect creates diverse microclimates, influencing heat exposure and consequent health effects. Study measured heat exposure among delivery riders within their microclimate, comparing it with city's average temperature. We investigated how higher exposure affects work, health, and productivity of riders.For 21 days in winter and summer, we measured heat exposure during peak hours (under sun and shade) in riders' immediate environment, at seven high-traffic routes in Karachi, Pakistan. Recorded temperature were compared with city's ambient air temperature. In-depth interviews were conducted to assess the impacts on riders' health, welfare, and productivity.During winter, temperature was 5.0 °C higher under sun and 1.6 °C higher under shade, as compared to city average recorded temperatures. In summer temperature was 5.5 °C higher under sun and 1.8 °C higher in shade as compare to recorded city's average air temperature. Riders reported exhaustion, reduced productivity, income loss, and negative impacts on social wellbeing during hot days. For mitigation riders relied on strategies like staying hydrated and taking breaks from work under shades. Study demonstrated higher exposure to heat for riders in megacity as compare to city's recorded temperature. This led to reduced productivity and income losses, emphasizing need for urgent initiatives to safeguard riders' well-being.

Exploring the impact of occupational exposure: A study on cardiovascular autonomic functions of male gas station attendants in Sri Lanka.

Fuel dispensing at fuel stations is performed manually by unprotected male gas station attendants in Sri Lanka, who have long working hours. These workers are exposed to hydrocarbon fuels associated with multiple health effects by modulation of the autonomic nervous system. This study was performed to determine cardiovascular autonomic functions among fuel pump attendants in Sri Lanka. Fuel pump attendants (n = 50) aged between 19 and 65 years were identified for the study from seven fuel stations. They were compared with age- and gender-matched controls (n = 46) without occupational exposure to fuel. A physical examination was performed before the autonomic function and heart rate variability (HRV) assessment. There were no significant differences in weight, height, or BMI between the study and the control populations (p > 0.05). Both the systolic blood pressure (SBP) (Mann Whitney U (MWU) = 743.5, p = 0.003) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (MWU = 686.5, p = 0.001) were significantly higher among the gas station attendants compared to controls. Valsalva ratio was significantly higher among the study group (MW U = 874.00, p = 0.043) compared to controls. The HRV analysis showed significantly higher SDNN and SD2 (MWU = 842.00, p = 0.034, and MWU = 843.50, p = 0.035 respectively) among the gas station attendants compared to controls. The changes to the cardiovascular autonomic parameters among those exposed to fuel vapor as a gas station attendant indicate an increase in sympathetic outflow to the vessels. In the occupational setting as fuel pump attendants need periodic monitoring.

Comprehensive Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination in Soil-Plant Systems and Health Risks from Wastewater-Irrigated Vegetables

A research study examined the origins, human health impacts, and risks associated with pollutants in vegetables grown in soil irrigated with wastewater. The study analyzed 164 samples from water sources, irrigated soil, and harvested vegetables for eight heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The focus was on the potential health effects of consuming heavy metal-contaminated vegetables grown in wastewater-irrigated soil. The findings revealed significant accumulation of heavy metals in soil and plants from Mianwali, Pakistan, posing potential health risks to consumers. When compared to vegetables produced with freshwater irrigation, the concentration levels of heavy metals in the soil irrigated with untreated wastewater were significantly greater (P≤0.001) and above the recommended limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO). The results showed that heavy metals in the soil had significantly increased, and crops had subsequently absorbed these metals. Produce raised in soil watered with wastewater showed higher levels of heavy metals than the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the WHO recommended. Among the veggies, lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) were found to have higher Hazardous Quotient Indices (HRIs) than one. This indicates that both adults and children may have been exposed to dangerous levels of these metals. Additionally, for Brassica oleracea, Raphanus sativus, and Spinacia oleracea, nickel (Ni) surpassed HRIs larger than 1, indicating a significant health risk connected to these veggies' ingestion.

Enhancing Methodological Approaches for Studying Health Effects of High-Concentration THC Products.

For public health protection, informed decision-making relies on having a robust foundation of evidence concerning risks and their prevention. Application of an evidence-based framework depends on the availability of pertinent, scientifically sound data generated by well-directed and valid research endeavors. In this essay, we address the current state of research in humans and the evidential base concerning high-concentration delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC) products, which are readily available in the United States. Furthermore, we explore the intricate challenges faced in carrying out research on these products, which reflect the full range of study design issues: measurement of exposure and outcomes, confounding, selection bias, and the generalizability of findings. We offer recommendations to guide future research toward providing more informative evidence. By following these recommendations, researchers and funders on this emerging topic could move toward generating the valid and comprehensive evidence needed to effectively inform public health initiatives and guide policy decisions regarding high-concentration delta-9-THC products and their use. The urgency of generating such evidence cannot be overstated, given the widespread legalization and increasing availability and use of these products. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(S8):S639-S644. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307724).

Continuous measurement of the dynamics of residential indoor and outdoor NO2 and the contributions to human exposure

In residential environment, NO2 is an important air pollutant. Yet, the dynamics of indoor NO2 and source contributions to human exposure are not well understood. Here, we conducted a continuous NO2 measurement in and out of eight households in Guangzhou, China. Paired high time-resolution NO2 data sets indoors (kitchen, living room) and outdoors (balcony) were obtained with NO2 monitors. We summarized the indoor and outdoor NO2 levels, identified temporal variation patterns, analyzed indoor-outdoor relationships, and quantified source contributions to indoor NO2 exposure. Indoor NO2 were overall higher than outdoor NO2, and in most cases, the highest NO2 levels were observed in the kitchen. NO2 in the kitchen was characterized by multiple spikes associated with use of gas stoves, while NO2 in the living room was also elevated but the peaks were generally smaller. The indoor-outdoor correlations were stronger in winter than in summer, and were stronger in nighttime than daytime. The sources contributing to indoor NO2 were separated with a conceptual model. Overall, the outdoor NO2 source contributed 73% – 76% of the NO2 in the kitchen, and 76% – 85% in the living room. The source pattern was quite different: outdoor NO2 sources were present indoors all the time; by contrast, indoor NO2 sources were present sporadically but with a very high contribution. This has important implication to the exposure assessment that indoor NO2 sources lead to short-term high exposure, and deserves attention regarding acute health effects.

Examining the health effects of public transport use on older adults: A systematic review

Background and aimPublic transport use has been linked to several health benefits in the general population and is crucial for older adults’ mobility, due to an age-related decline in physical and cognitive capacity and mobility, particularly the ability to use other modes of transport. The objective of this systematic review is to determine what is known about the physical and mental health outcomes of public transport use of older adults and to identify remaining gaps in the literature. MethodsFive electronic databases were searched in April 2023, and then updated in January 2024: Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, Ageline and Transport Research International Documentation (TRID). Included were studies that were in English, contained a measure of public transport use as exposure, and any health outcome, including mental or physical health, physical or cognitive function, morbidity, or mortality, among people aged ≥60 years. ResultsOf a total of 2247 unique records that were screened, the full text of 20 was assessed for eligibility and 11 were identified as eligible. Citation search identified two additional studies, amounting to a total of 13 included studies. Significant health outcomes described in assessed studies were decreased obesity and depressive symptoms, and to a lesser extent increased gait speed and cognitive function. ConclusionsInitial evidence suggests a positive impact of public transport use on obesity, depressive symptoms, gait and cognitive function, although available research was limited in context and methodology. Further research should focus on determining causality between public transport use and health, and be conducted in more diverse contexts. Transport and urban planners, as well as policymakers, should consider the implications of public transport on the health and independence of older adults.

Smart noise pollution monitoring system

Increasing pollution poses serious health risks, necessitating urgent control measures for a healthier future for all. Among various pollution types, sound pollution significantly impacts quality of life and well-being, especially in densely populated urban areas. This proposal describes the creation and deployment of an Internet of Things (IoT)-based noise pollution monitoring system intended to track sound levels in certain regions in real time. The core of this system comprises advanced sensors strategically placed to measure sound intensity accurately. These sensors can detect even minor variations in noise levels, providing precise and reliable data. After being gathered, the data is sent to a microcontroller, which effectively processes it. This microcontroller ensures the data is accurately captured and sent over the internet to an online server. Once the data reaches the online server, it becomes accessible for analysis and monitoring by authorities. The system's real-time data capability is crucial for timely intervention. Authorities can continuously monitor noise levels and identify trends or spikes in sound pollution, allowing them to address issues promptly. This feature is particularly beneficial for sensitive areas such as schools, hospitals, and residential zones, areas with heavy traffic, library, Where excessive noise can have severe health effects, including stress, sleep disturbances, and hearing loss. The system includes an alert mechanism that notifies relevant authorities when noise levels exceed predefined thresholds. These alerts enable quick responses to mitigate noise pollution. For instance, in a school, reducing noise levels can enhance the learning atmosphere and improve students' concentration. In hospitals, maintaining a quiet environment is crucial for patient recovery. The integration of IoT technology in this noise pollution monitoring system not only enhances efficiency but also provides a scalable solution adaptable to various urban and rural settings. This scalability ensures the system can be expanded to cover larger areas or multiple locations as needed.

Posttraumatic Growth: The Role of Health and Financial Difficulties During a Pandemic.

Trauma can have a range of effects on individuals over time, including the potential for positive changes in favorable outcomes commonly referred to as posttraumatic growth. The posttraumatic growth literature has been criticized for various methodological limitations and has largely neglected the exploration of factors that may strengthen or weaken posttraumatic growth trajectories. The present study contributes to this literature by investigating trajectories of five dimensions of posttraumatic growth during the COVID-19 pandemic and the moderating effects of health and financial difficulties on these trajectories. Longitudinal data were collected monthly between July 2020 and December 2022 from a sample of employed adults in Germany, involving N = 1678 participants over 30 time points (Nobservations = 29,552). Results suggest that certain dimensions of posttraumatic growth showed significant increases (i.e., relationships) or decreases (i.e., spirituality and possibilities) over time and that trajectories of three dimensions (i.e., relationships, appreciation, and strength) demonstrated distinctive patterns of interaction with health and financial difficulties. Findings are discussed in the context of the pandemic as well as dynamic theories of personality and identity, with implications for advancing posttraumatic growth theory and research.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions of Quebec Nurses Relating to Climate Change in the Context of Their Practice with Children Aged 0 to 5 Years: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study.

Reducing children's vulnerability to climate change (CC) depends firstly on parents having the ability to adapt. The purpose of this study was to describe knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of nurses in support of parents' ability to adapt to CC to protect the physical and psychosocial health of 0-5 year olds. A cross-sectional descriptive study was used. A total of 127 pediatric nurses from the province of Quebec completed an online questionnaire documenting nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions about CC. A third of nurses have little or no knowledge of the health risks of CC for children, even though they consider it to be a major issue for children. Nurses perceive that parents don't generally consider their children to be among the most vulnerable to CC, trivialize their effects on their children's health, have little knowledge of the effects of CC mainly on their children's psychosocial health, know little about the means to use to protect them, and more readily seek help from family and friends to ensure their children's protection. Nurses affirm that they are responsible for discussing the health effects of CC with parents, introduce measures to reduce their effects, possess little knowledge and few skills for reducing their effects, and feel unprepared to deal with their effects in their practice. Greater access to training on CC-related concepts is needed to increase nurses' knowledge. Nurses' perceptions must be validated with parents to promote optimal protection of children from CC.

Overcoming Challenges to Adopting Smoke-Free Multi-Unit Housing Policies in a Large U.S. Metropolitan Area: Insights and Recommendations From Affected Groups in 20 Los Angeles County Cities.

Community members and non-academic partners ("affected groups") were asked to identify factors that can influence public support, impede adoption, and mitigate challenges related to adopting local smoke-free multi-unit housing policies. A series of key informant interviews were conducted with affected groups from a large U.S. metropolitan area. 20 cities in Los Angeles County without a smoke-free multi-unit housing ordinance. Interviewees were recruited from affected groups with knowledge about their community's civic and political landscape (n = 63). Data were collected and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify, code and compare themes. Most interviewees indicated civic groups, those who do not smoke, and/or groups who are educated about the negative health effects of secondhand smoke exposure would be more likely to support smoke-free multi-unit housing policies. Interviewees reported several challenges to policy adoption, including competing city priorities, public disengagement, and the cost and social burden of enforcing these ordinances. To overcome them, interviewees recommended working synergistically with local governments to build diverse coalitions, educate the public, and develop clear enforcement plans. Insights and recommendations from affected groups in 20 U.S. cities suggest that communicating with the public and priming impacted communities to support smoke-free multi-unit housing policies are promising interventions for protecting at-risk families from secondhand smoke exposure in their homes.

Climate change and its health effects - an optional subject for medical students

Abstract The Standing Committee of European Doctors urged to include training on the impact of climate change on health for health professionals. Currently, in the curriculum of most medical schools, the health-related impacts of climate change represent a peripheral part. The teaching of health effects of climate change should be made part of the training of health professionals and should be introduced in the curriculum of medical schools. ClimateMed is an Erasmus project that improves the curriculum and expands knowledge about the health effects of climate change at medical universities. The World Café method, based on round table discussions, was applied to assess the needs, summarize the proposals, and develop the necessary strategy. At the same time, a questionnaire was applied to those medical students from UMFST Targu Mureș who chose this subject as an optional subject. Students related the importance of understanding the diseases caused directly or indirectly by climate change, and reported what kind of topics should be included in a new course, in which semester/module and in what format it would be appropriate to teach it. The most frequently reported topics were: excessive heat and heat-related illnesses, extreme weather, vector-borne diseases, food safety, air pollution, and mental health. According to the goals of the project and students’ opinions, since 2023 medical students can choose Climate Change and Health Effects as an elective course. Based on the demand for medical universities to include in their curriculum knowledge related to the health effects of climate change, ClimateMed project can facilitate this integration and can promote the increase of teacher motivation and the development of methodological guidelines for university teachers. The project contributes to the preparation of some educational materials and the introduction of an optional subject in the training curriculum of the students of the Faculty of Medicine, UMFST Targu Mureș. Key messages • There must be made efforts to include training on the impact of climate change on health for health professionals, to introduce this subject in the curriculum of medical schools. • ClimateMed project can facilitate the integration of knowledge about the health effects of climate change into curriculum and can promote the practical use.

Health consequences of harmful chemicals in foods: insights from the WHO Global Burden of Foodborne Disease Study

Abstract Foods can be an important source of human exposure to harmful chemicals. Contamination can occur at any stage of the food chain; with chemicals that occur naturally or by anthropogenic pollution in the environment and during production processes from farm level to the kitchen of the consumer. The variety of chemicals in foods is broad and associated with a wide range of adverse health effects. Where toxicological risk assessment of chemicals in foods serves the purpose of protecting populations from exposure levels constituting a health concern, burden of disease methodology provides a quantitative snapshot of the current impact of chemicals on disease occurrence and population health. This allows for the comparison across hazards, health effects and foods and eventually prioritized allocation of resources to maximize health benefits. Following the advice by the World Health Organization Foodborne Disease Burden Epidemiology Reference group (WHO/FERG), WHO published in 2015 the first estimates of the global burden of foodborne disease. More than 400,000 deaths and 33 million disability-adjusted life years were estimated due to unsafe foods in 2010; the largest proportion due to foodborne pathogens, as the contribution of only 3 chemical hazards (dioxins, aflatoxin B1 and cassava cyanide) was included. WHO, once more under the advice by the re-established WHO/FERG (2021-2025), is currently working to update the 2010 estimates. Besides applying updated data and methodological improvements in managing data gaps and time series analysis, WHO’s ambition is to consider a wider range of chemicals and associated health effects for the year of 2020. In this presentation, we will share insights on the WHO estimates of the global burden of foodborne chemicals, and explore the methodological opportunities and challenges that estimating the burden of foodborne chemicals provides for informing policies.

The health of older caregivers in Spain: a matter of age or a matter of care?

Abstract Introduction Informal care is crucial in Spain’s care system, with a rising number of caregivers aged 75 or older, yet studies on its health effects are lacking. This study aims to determine the differential impact of age and care-related variables on the health of older caregivers. Materials and methods This is a cross-sectional, national study with a sample of 3,870 informal caregivers from the Spanish 2020 Disability, Personal Autonomy and Dependency Survey. We performed a logistic regression where self-reported deterioration in caregiver health due to caregiving was the dependent variable and age (<75 vs. ≥ 75) was the independent variable. Caregivers’ sex, educational level (primary and lower or secondary and higher), income (<1,150 euros per month vs. ≥ 1,150), severe functional limitation of caregivers and care-receptors (yes or no), duration of care (< 8 years vs. ≥ 8 years), and daily hours of care were used as covariates. Results One in 6 caregivers was 75 or older (16,1%). Caregivers’ mean age was 58.4, and care-receptors’ 66.6 years. Women represented 63.0% of caregivers, and 42.8% of care-receptors. Up to 4.6% of caregivers had a severe limitation, and 43.7% of caregivers reported deterioration of their health due to caregiving. A greater perception of deterioration in caregiver health due to caregiving was associated with being 75 years or older (β = 0.34, p = 0.009). Covariates associated with caregivers’ health deterioration were being a woman (β = 0.77, p < 0.001), presence of severe limitation of care receptors (β = 0.58, p < 0.001), and increased daily hours of care (β = 0.01, p = 0.013). Caregivers’ severe limitation, level of education, income and years of care did not show a significant association with perception of health deterioration. Discussion Caregivers older than 75 years in Spain experience a key deterioration in their health associated with caregiving. This vulnerable population must be prioritized in health and social policies. Key messages • One out of 6 caregivers in Spain is aged 75 years or older. Caregiving impacts greatly in their health status. • Older caregivers is a vulnerable population that must be a priority for health and social services.

The effect of 2 years COVID-19 pandemic on myocardial infarction and stroke admissions: nationwide registry study, sex differences and mortality

Abstract Background Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic many countries reported a decline in myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke admissions. Factors leading to the decline remain uncertain. Purpose In this nationwide study spanning the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic we evaluated the changes in MI and stroke admissions as the effect of pandemic intensity and nationwide lockdown. We also investigated sex and age differences. We benefited from the fact that the Czech Republic had both, the lowest and one of the highest COVID-19 incidence. Methods We compared the first (March 1, 2020, to February 28, 2021) and the second (March 1, 2021, to February 28, 2022) pandemic years overall and during the COVID-19 waves with the preceding year (March 1, 2019, to February 28, 2020). The occurrence of MI and stroke, patient characteristics, and mortality data were obtained from two nationwide registers covering every hospitalization and every death in the Czech Republic. Results During the first and second pandemic year as compared to the preceding year there were 13,856 and 14,123 vs 15,499 MI admissions, representing a -10,6% (p<0.001) and -8,9% (p<0.001) decline; and 23,194 and 23,231 vs 25,046 stroke admissions, representing a -7.4% (p<0.001) and -7.2% (p<0.001) decline respectively. The significant decline appeared in both MI and stroke in all COVID-19 waves (spring 2020, spring 2021, autumn 2020/winter 2021, -autumn 2021/winter 2022). The greatest MI hospitalization decline (-16%) occurred during the first strict national lock down, during the first COVID-19 wave (spring 2020), the pandemic wave with the lowest COVID-19 incidence. Both, MI and stroke admissions reversed to pre-pandemic numbers during the summer (2020, 2021) when most lockdown restrictions were lifted. The decline in MI was greater in women than in men during both the first (-11.8%, -10%; p<0.001) and second (-10.8%, -7.9%; p<0.001) pandemic years, also for stroke in women greater than in men during the first (-9%, -5.9%; p<0.001) and second (-9.7%, -4.8%; p<0.001) pandemic years. The 30-day all-cause mortality in patients with MI was higher during the first (10.6%; p<0.001) but not the second (9.6%; p=0.34) pandemic year as compared to the preceding year (9.3%), whereas the 30-day mortality in patients with stroke remained unchanged. Conclusions There was a decline in both MI and stroke admissions during the first two years of the pandemic, but such decline was not related to COVID-19 incidence. The greatest reduction in both, MI and stroke admissions, appeared during the first lockdown in the first COVID-19 wave (spring 2020), the period of the lowest COVID-19 incidence. Moreover, the decline in MI and stroke admissions was greater in women. This highlights potential sex differences in health effect. Health authorities should be aware of these findings, in order to adapt their message and restriction measures in case of future major epidemics.Myocardial infarction casesStroke cases

Artificial sport surfaces and adverse effects for human health. A literature review

Abstract The management of the Post-Consumer Tyres (PCTs) is still a hot topic. In 2021, the 27 EU Member States plus Norway, Switzerland, and the UK discarded 4,200 Ktons of PCTs. The main application of the rubber granules obtained from their recycling is represented by infill material in synthetic turf playgrounds. These widespread installations have become fundamental tools for the promotion of physical activity, especially among children. However, this material is in the spotlight for the presence in its composition of hazardous substances and for the small size of granules, which the European Commission classified as “microplastics”. This review aims to clarify the scientific knowledge, focusing on the assessment of the bio-accessibility/availability of hazardous chemicals and the risk assessment for users. Eligible articles reporting original data were identified in CAB Direct, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The included articles (preliminary results) variously demonstrated the presence of PAHs, metals, volatile organic compounds, and phthalates in artificial biofluids (n = 9 articles). The risk assessment for these toxicants and the potential cancer risk induction (n = 19), revealed a risk for users from absent or negligible to potential, according to the exposure scenario considered and the relative assumptions, the contaminants, the exposure route, the age of the pitch, and characteristics of the rubber granules such as origin, concentration of the different toxicants, and particle size. The assessment of the potential hazard due to the exposure to artificial sports surfaces is anything but simple. Indeed, the crumb rubber compositions may vary in different settings and over time and can be variously influenced by the climate and environmental conditions, making it difficult to quantify the possible health effects, as well as the specific mixture, the quantities, and sources responsible for them (Funded by LIFE20 GIE FR 282 - RE-PLAN CITY LIFE). Key messages • The bioccessibility of PAHs, metals, volatile organic compounds, and phthalates included in the infill material composition was variously demonstrated in literature. • The assessment of the potential risks due to the exposure to synthetic turf, revealed a risk from negligible to potential, according to the exposure scenario considered and the relative assumptions.

From Orchard to Wellness: Unveiling the Health Effects of Sweet Cherry Nutrients

This review paper explores the multifaceted relationship between sweet cherry nutrients and human health, aiming to uncover the comprehensive impact of these bioactive compounds from orchard to wellness. Furthermore, it highlights how advanced crop techniques can be pivotal in optimizing these beneficial compounds. Synthesizing existing literature, the paper examines the diverse bioactive nutrients in sweet cherries, including antioxidants, polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals, and elucidating their mechanisms of action and potential health benefits. From antioxidant properties to anti-inflammatory effects, the paper elucidates how these nutrients may mitigate chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, and neurodegenerative conditions. Additionally, it explores their role in promoting gastrointestinal health, enhancing exercise recovery, and modulating sleep patterns. The review discusses emerging research on the potential anti-cancer properties of sweet cherry compounds, highlighting their promising role in cancer prevention and treatment. Furthermore, it delves into the impact of sweet cherry consumption on metabolic health, weight management, and skin health. By providing a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of sweet cherry nutrients and their health effects, this paper offers valuable insights for researchers, healthcare professionals, and consumers interested in utilizing nature’s bounty for holistic wellness.

How can we measure labour exploitation and develop interventions to protect migrant workers’ health? Insights from intervention-focused research on cattle ranching in Brazil and child domestic work in Liberia and Nigeria

Abstract Much of our food and services rely on the work of migrants, which is often carried out under exploitative terms. Exploitative work results in work-related injuries and illnesses and mental ill-health. Yet, the global health community has been negligent in detecting migrant workers in the general population, and in measuring the effects of their work terms on their health. For instance, the International Labour Organization’s global labour force and forced labour surveys capture few health data. Conversely, health surveys, such as the Demographics and Health Survey (DHS), include few questions on exploitative and hazardous work conditions or aspects of migration status. Studies are even more remiss when it comes to developing evidence for work-related health interventions. This presentation will draw on two recent mixed-methods studies - on cattle ranching in the Amazon region of Brazil (Pará State) (n = 1,241), and on child domestic work in Liberia (n = 1,088) and Nigeria (n = 1,088). Findings suggest some necessary improvements to the measurement of migrant labour exploitation and its health effects, and approaches to gathering intervention-focused evidence. Each study highlights the value of re-thinking data collection beyond disciplinary silos and narrow dichotomous measures (e.g., forced/unforced labour), towards generating a more specific understanding of the different dimensions of labour exploitation (e.g., pay conditions, hours, occupational health and safety training and PPE), various types of associated harm, and how they compare across sectors and contexts. Further, each study demonstrates the benefits of intervention-focused research methods that are designed to feed directly into participatory intervention development processes. On this basis, we will suggest shifts in measurement and research designs to foster operationalizable evidence on migrant workers’ working conditions, health, and worker-informed interventions.

3.E. Scientific session: Environmental Health Tracking Systems: a tool for planetary health

Abstract Planetary health offers a good framework for better understanding the interconnection between human health and environmental changes, promoting effective cross-sector actions and partnerships, and ensuring policy coherence. Effective implementation of this conceptual framework requires monitoring and reporting on indicators relevant to planetary health that capture the scope, spatial and temporal scales of changes in natural systems that affect human health and well-being. An approach in that sense are the environmental public health tracking systems (EPHT), which imply the ongoing collection, integration, analysis, and interpretation of data at the same spatiotemporal scale about environmental hazards, and related human exposure and health effects, maintaining appropriate data protection measures. It aims to provide public-health decision makers with timely, accurate and systematic data for quantifying health impacts related to environmental factors. EPHT system are proposed as an essential tool for designing and monitoring policies and actions that prevent and reduce environmental health burdens (EHB) efficiently and cost-effectively, and as an alerting system against present and future climatic and health crisis. Pursuing such goals requires the use of health information systems that enable the monitoring and assessing of environmental health in multiple dimensions, considering specificities across different geographical and cultural settings. EPHT system requires defining a rationale on how to select the dimensions and indicators to be included. Common challenges for defining those indicators are related to the availability of data recording, data standardization, and the linkage, integration and sharing of databases. In parallel, it is also important to define a decision aiding tools in which evidence and data are understandable and inform about the extent to which specific policy goals are attained, tailoring such tools to the specific settings. Present session attends to answers to those challenges by sharing experiences from different contexts and countries Key messages • EPHT systems represent an effective tool for progressing in achieving planetary health goals and as a surveillance alerting system for future health crisis. • Adjusting EH data quality recording and analysis in EPHT systems is essential for improving resources assignment, and the effectiveness of healthy policies in reducing EHB.