Residential Areas Research Articles

A novel variant in the FLNB gene associated with spondylocarpotarsal synostosis syndrome.

Genetic disorders involved in skeleton system arise due to the disturbance in skeletal development, growth and homeostasis. Filamin B is an actin binding protein which is large dimeric protein which cross link actin cytoskeleton filaments into dynamic structure. A single nucleotide changes in the FLNB gene causes spondylocarpotarsal synostosis syndrome, a rare bone disorder due to which the fusion of carpels and tarsals synostosis occurred along with fused vertebrae. In the current study we investigated a family residing in north-western areas of Pakistan. The whole exome sequencing of proband was performed followed by Sanger sequencing of all family members of the subject to validate the variant segregation within the family. Bioinformatics tools were utilized to assess the pathogenicity of the variant. Whole Exome Sequencing revealed a novel variant (NM_001457: c.209C>T and p.Pro70Leu) in the FLNB gene which was homozygous missense mutation in the FLNB gene. The variant was further validated and visualized by Sanger sequencing and protein structure studies respectively as mentioned before. The findings have highlighted the importance of the molecular diagnosis in SCT (spondylocarpotarsal synostosis syndrome) for genetic risk counselling in consanguineous families.

The Influence of Social and Developmental Factors on the Timing of Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis of Preschool-Aged Children: Evidence from a Specialized Chilean Center.

We investigated the influence of developmental and social factors on the age of autismdiagnosis (AoD) in a cohort of toddlers living in Chile. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 509 preschool childrendiagnosed with autismspectrum disorder [M = 40.2months (SD = 8.6), girls: 32%] in the neurodevelopmental unit of a university clinic in Santiago, Chile (2015-2023). Structural changes in the annual trend of AoD were tested. Generalized linear models (gamma distribution)with and without interaction terms were used for themultivariate analysis, adjusting for gender, residential area, year of diagnosis, developmental variables (language regression, delayed walking, and use of expressive verbal language), andprimary caregiver age and education level (CEL). 95% confidence intervals of the unstandardized regression coefficients (B) were calculated using 1000 bootstrap resampling to estimate associations. AoD increased between2021-2022 and decreased in 2023. Female gender (B = 2.72 [1.21-4.23]), no history of language regression (B = 3.97 [1.66-6.28]), and the presence of expressive verbal languageat diagnosis (B = 1.57 [0.05-3.08]) were associated with higher AoD. Children whose caregivers had tertiary education were diagnosed earlier than those with ≤ 12years of formal education. Although the influence ofCEL increased with caregiver age, differences between CEL groups were significant only for caregivers aged ≥ 30years. Improved education and early screening for clinical features of autism among healthcare professionals and the community, with a focuson young childrenwithout highly apparent developmental concerns and those from vulnerable social groups, are warranted.

Adolescents’ attitudes, habits, identity and social support in relation to physical activity after the COVID-19 pandemic

This study focuses on adolescents’ cognitive processes, behaviors and social support (SS) as they relate to physical activity (PA) before and after the pandemic. The aims of the study were: (1) to investigate the changes in adolescents’ engagement in moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and examine the changes in PA-related attitudes and behaviors before and after the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) to analyze the correlations between the significant changes that were found, PA engagement, and SS. The survey targeted third-year middle school students of Italian nationality, attending male and female mixed classes, residents in urban, periphery and sub-urban areas, living in families with different incomes, and different habits of engaging in PA. A longitudinal study was developed using a standardized questionnaire. The questionnaire was administered in April–May 2023 to a sample of 952 students aged 11/14 residing in the Marche region in Central Italy. Increasing values were found in the post-COVID-19 phase for all the cognitive processes and attitudes, in particular, those regarding habits (0.66 vs 0.50, + 32%) and identity (0.70 vs 0.55, + 27%) related to PA. Significant correlations were found between these values and VPA engagement and between the values of the same indicators and SS (p < 0.01). The strongest relationship was found with the dimension of identity (r = 0.51; r = 054).

Environmental risk score of multiple pollutants for kidney damage among residents in vulnerable areas by occupational chemical exposure in Korea.

This study aimed to develop an environmental risk score (ERS) of multiple pollutants (MP) causing kidney damage (KD) in Korean residents near abandoned metal mines or smelters and evaluate the association between ERS and KD by a history of occupational chemical exposure (OCE). Exposure to MP, consisting of nine metals, four polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and four volatile organic compounds, was measured as urinary metabolites. The study participants were recruited from the Forensic Research via Omics Markers (FROM) study (n = 256). Beta-2-microglobulin (β2-MG), N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were used as biomarkers of KD. Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) was selected as the optimal ERS model with the best performance and stability of the predicted effect size among the elastic net, adaptive elastic net, weighted quantile sum regression, BKMR, Bayesian additive regression tree, and super learner model. Variable importance was estimated to evaluate the effects of metabolites on KD. When stratified with the history of OCE after adjusting for several confounding factors, the risks for KD were higher in the OCE group than those in the non-OCE group; the odds ratio (OR; 95% CI) for ERS in non-OCE and OCE groups were 2.97 (2.19, 4.02) and 6.43 (2.85, 14.5) for β2-MG, 1.37 (1.01, 1.86) and 4.16 (1.85, 9.39) for NAG, and 4.57 (3.37, 6.19) and 6.44 (2.85, 14.5) for eGFR, respectively. We found that the ERS stratified history of OCE was the most suitable for evaluating the association between MP and KD, and the risks were higher in the OCE group than those in the non-OCE group.

Epidemiology and demographic risk factors for myopia in Ghana: a 5-year retrospective study

PurposeTo explore the epidemiology and demographic risk factors for myopia among a clinical sample.MethodsIn a hospital-based retrospective study, eligible subjects were grouped into either myopia or non-myopia. Demographic data, including age, sex, occupation, area of residence, region of residence, and ethnicity, were analysed. Other clinical information analysed included the degree of myopia and intervention provided for the myopia.ResultsOverall, the medical records of 15807 patients were retrieved between January 2015 and December 2019, with 50.9% being males. The mean ± SD age of the patients was 42.81 ± 18.99 years. A total of 44.4% of the patients were myopic. Age, type of ethnic group, occupation, and area of residence were associated with myopia. Demographic risk factors for myopia included occupations such as professionals (OR: 2.93; 95% CI 2.44–3.52), technicians and associated workers (OR: 6.71; 95% CI 5.15–8.74), service workers (OR: 11.74; 95% CI 9.62–14.33), skilled agriculture and fishery (OR: 1.88; 95% CI 1.41–2.50), craft workers (OR: 3.41; 95% CI 2.75–4.25), armed forces (OR: 10.26; 95% CI 7.54–13.97), students (OR: 3.49; 95% CI 2.76–4.42), the unemployed (OR: 6.64; 95% CI 5.44–8.11), as well as Ewe (OR: 1.46; 95% CI 1.17–1.82) and Ga-Adangbe (OR: 1.28; 95% CI 1.05–1.54) ethnicities.ConclusionEwe and Ga-Adangbe ethnicities, and specific occupations are risk factors for myopia.

School social workers’ attitudes to inclusion in regular classrooms in the United Arab Emirates

ABSTRACT The aim of this research is to investigate school social workers’ attitudes to educational inclusion in regular classrooms regarding different variables. Using an attitude scale, we investigated 232 social workers from the UAE regarding age, gender, nationality, type of school, years of experience, and area of residence. Educational placement variables for different disabilities, and school accessibility, were also investigated. Gender, age, school type, and experience did not impact attitudes to inclusion, but nationality, residence, and educational placement did. Social workers reported that UAE schools are inaccessible to students with disabilities. Inclusive education provides better quality education for all and helps change discriminatory attitudes. Schools enable the development of social ties and interactions through a framework for first interactions outside the home. When students with different skills and experiences play and learn together, respect and understanding increase. School social workers can be the key to facilitating this.

The Effect of Soundscape on Sense of Place for Residential Historical and Cultural Areas: A Case Study of Taiyuan, China

A soundscape carries the culture and memories of historical and cultural areas, capable of evoking people’s emotions towards a place. This paper aims to explore the influence of the soundscape on the sense of place in historical and cultural areas using a mixed-method approach. Conducting on-site measurements, questionnaires, and semi-structured interviews in four areas in Taiyuan, China, this research utilized structural equation modeling and grounded theory for analysis. Research findings: Firstly, the soundwalk method identified 11 categories of soundscapes and the main sources of noise in residential areas were traffic sounds and commercial sounds. Secondly, residents showed the highest preference for natural sounds and traditional activity sounds. Preferences for activities’ sounds and traditional sounds, along with the perceived frequency of daily life sounds, entertainment activities’ sounds, and natural sounds were positively associated with the sense of place, while the perceived frequency of commercial sounds, traffic sounds, and pet sounds was negatively associated. Lastly, from the grounded theory, this research showed that traditional sounds effectively enhanced residents’ sense of place by triggering memories, embodying culture, and connecting emotions. Daily life sounds linked residents’ lives and prompted visions, while local dialects evoked emotion and culture. Activities’ sounds served as lubricants for the place, primarily triggering residents’ sense of place from a lifestyle and emotional connection.

Prevalence and correlates of mental disorders among Chinese overseas students during the COVID-19: A multi-regional cross-sectional analysis.

The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic extends beyond physical health, significantly affecting mental health. Chinese overseas students are particularly susceptible to the adverse psychological effects of the pandemic. Understanding the prevalence and correlates of mental disorders in this population is essential for developing targeted interventions and support systems. Employing a snowball sampling technique, this study recruited Chinese overseas students from diverse regions. The 50-item Self-evaluation Table was utilized to assess the presence of mental disorders. Descriptive statistics, including percentages, 95% confidence intervals, means, and standard deviations, characterized the survey population. The chi-square test identified disparities among categorical variables, while logistic regression explored risk factors for mental disorders among Chinese overseas students. Out of the total sample size of 10,864 Chinese overseas students, a staggering 7,090 (65.4%) met the diagnostic criteria for mental disorders. Furthermore, the degree of mental disorder varied significantly across different regions (p < 0.001), education levels (p < 0.05), the duration of anti-epidemic measures (p < 0.05), and age (p < 0.05), while no significant differences were observed in terms of gender (p > 0.05). Several risk factors contributing to the mental disorder burden among Chinese overseas students during the pandemic were identified, including the seriousness of the epidemic in their residential area, the apprehension of getting infected, anxieties regarding academic performance, the infection control policies implemented by the host government, preventive measures taken locally to counter the epidemic, and challenges encountered in returning to their home country. Given the significant challenges in mental health faced by Chinese overseas students during the COVID-19 crisis, addressing their specific needs and implementing tailored measures is imperative. Future public health emergencies should consider the potential mental disorders and disease risks faced by Chinese overseas students. By providing comprehensive support and targeted interventions, policymakers, educational institutions, and healthcare providers can help mitigate the adverse psychological effects and promote the well-being of this vulnerable population.

Identification of Mites in Wild Rats in Simpang Limun Traditional Wet Market Area, Medan - Indonesia

Background: Among human diseases are infectious diseases transmitted by animals to humans, called zoonoses. Rats carry ectoparasites that act as biological vectors in the transmission of zoonoses. Mites are ectoparasites of rats that cause various zoonoses, namely murine typhus, rat mite dermatitis, and others. The study aims to identify species of wild rats in the study area based on their morphology and presentation of mite-infected rats and mite species in wild rats in Simpang Limun traditional wet market in Medan, Indonesia. Methods: This cross-sectional study used a purposive sampling technique. Primary data were collected in the Simpang Limun traditional wet market area of Medan, namely in the first area; M. Nawi Harahap Street, and the second area; Kemiri I Street. Every afternoon for four consecutive days, ten baited rat traps were deployed in each area. The captured rats were anesthetized, identified, and examined for mites by combing and then identified under a microscope. Results: From 65 total wild rat samples, the majority of species found was Rattus tanezumi 60 (92.3%), followed by Rattus norvegicus 5 (7.7%). The identified mite species were Laelaps echidninus (84.5%) and Laelaps nuttalli (15.5%). Conclusion: Nearly all of the wild rats found were of Rattus tanezumab species, and the most common mite species identified was Laelaps echinus in Medan's Simpang Limun traditional wet market area. This has a significant medical impact, resulting in increased potential for zoonosis transmission and indirectly to the surrounding residents in Medan's Simpang Limun traditional wet market area.

Epidemiology of SLE in Italy: an observational study using a primary care database

ObjectivesTo estimate the incidence and prevalence of SLE in Italy, and to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with newly diagnosed SLE.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted using...

Understanding land take by low-density residential areas: An institutionalist perspective on local planning authorities, developers and households

Using a case study design, the study focuses on identifying the institutional configuration that determines land take by low-density residential areas. Methodologically, it combines geospatial approaches and new institutionalism to capture and understand residential development, taking into account the interests, constraints and agency of local planning authorities, developers and households. The geospatial analysis shows that land take in the case study regions is primarily the result of low-density residential areas. We find that the combination of rural housing ideals, municipal policy objectives, municipalities' disengagement from spatial development and private sector interests are the main drivers for this kind of residential development. As the interests and constraints apply to all case study regions, the identified institutional configuration has high power in explaining low-density residential development. Our study thus uncovers a close link between the interests and constraints of actors, which on the one hand explains the limited impact of existing and new planning instruments on reducing land take, and on the other hand fosters path dependency in the development of low-density residential areas. Although there is some potential for change, breaking path dependency requires significant behavioural change among local planning authorities, developers and households.

Prediction model for future OHCAs based on geospatial and demographic data: An observational study.

This study used demographic data in a novel prediction model to identify areas with high risk of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in order to target prehospital preparedness. We combined data from the nationwide Danish Cardiac Arrest Registry with geographical- and demographic data on a hectare level. Hectares were classified in a hierarchy according to characteristics and pooled to square kilometers (km2). Historical OHCA incidence of each hectare group was supplemented with a predicted annual risk of at least 1 OHCA to ensure future applicability. We recorded 19,090 valid OHCAs during 2016 to 2019. The mean annual OHCA rate was highest in residential areas with no point of public interest and 100 to 1000 residents per hectare (9.7/year/km2) followed by pedestrian streets with multiple shops (5.8/year/km2), areas with no point of public interest and 50 to 100 residents (5.5/year/km2), and malls with a mean annual incidence per km2 of 4.6. Other high incidence areas were public transport stations, schools and areas without a point of public interest and 10 to 50 residents. These areas combined constitute 1496 km2 annually corresponding to 3.4% of the total area of Denmark and account for 65% of the OHCA incidence. Our prediction model confirms these areas to be of high risk and outperforms simple previous incidence in identifying future risk-sites. Two thirds of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests were identified in only 3.4% of the area of Denmark. This area was easily identified as having multiple residents or having airports, malls, pedestrian shopping streets or schools. This result has important implications for targeted intervention such as automatic defibrillators available to the public. Further, demographic information should be considered when implementing such interventions.

Architectural and Urban Changes in a Residential Environment—Implications for Design Science

Current spatial changes involving broad urban landscapes affect people’s perceptions of their surroundings, sense of place, and attachment to a place, constituting a disruption to these. As a result, on a social scale, they translate into people’s well-being. The following study of the impact of large-scale architectural and urban developments on the place of residence is based on the assumption that physical space determines the quality of life in the living place and the changes in the process condition residents to adapt to their new surroundings—based on the three pillars of place, people, and process (3Ps). The article consists of two parts. The first is theoretical, which conceptualises spatial change based on the theory of human dependence on place. The second part–an empirical study—discusses the transformation of the post-industrial area of Bicocca (Milan), which, 40 years after the intervention, has led to conclusions and recommendations for urban planning. The results demonstrate the different sensitivities of the urban areas to the process of functional–spatial change, the essence of the accessibility of public space, public facilities, and transport infrastructure. The planning process can positively influence social adaptation to spatial change mitigation. Residential areas may be subject to additional protection procedures. The study is relevant to a sustainable planning process in the inevitable transformation of urban areas. The interdisciplinary nature of the issue prompts the integration of research findings and knowledge transfer in the socio-technological subsystem (STS).

Analysis of onset-to-door time and its influencing factors in Chinese patients with acute ischemic stroke during the 2020 COVID-19 epidemic: a preliminary, prospective, multicenter study

BackgroundPre-hospital delay in China is a serious issue with unclear relevant reasons, seriously impeding the adoption of appropriate measures. Herein, we analyzed the onset-to-door time (ODT) in Chinese patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and its influencing factors.MethodsWe prospectively recruited 3,459 patients with AIS from nine representative tertiary general hospitals in China between January and June 2022. Patients were divided into ODT ≤ 3 h and ODT > 3 h groups. Following single-factor analysis, binary logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the risk factors leading to pre-hospital delay.ResultsIn total, 763 (21.83%) patients arrived at the hospital within 3 h of onset. After adjusting for confounding factors, the risk factors for ODT were residence in rural areas (odds ratio [OR]: 1.478, 95% credibility interval [CI]: 1.024–2.146) and hospital transfer (OR: 7.479, 95% CI: 2.548–32.337). The protective factors for ODT were location of onset ≤ 20 km from the first-visit hospital (OR: 0.355, 95% CI: 0.236–0.530), transportation by emergency medical services (OR: 0.346, 95% CI: 0.216–0.555), history of atrial fibrillation (OR: 0.375, 95% CI: 0.207–0.679), moderate stroke (OR: 0.644, 95% CI: 0.462–0.901), and severe stroke (OR: 0.506, 95% CI: 0.285–0.908).ConclusionsMost patients with AIS fail to reach a hospital within the critical 3-h window. The following measures are recommended to reduce pre-hospital delays: reasonable distribution of hospitals accessible to nearby residents, minimizing interhospital transfer, paying attention to patients with mild stroke, and encouraging patients to use ambulance services. Pre-hospital delays for patients can be reduced by implementing these measures, ultimately improving the timeliness of treatment and enhancing patient prognosis. This study was carried out amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which presented challenges and constraints.

Investigating the Impact of Various Vegetation Scenarios on Outdoor Thermal Comfort in Low-Density Residential Areas of Hot Arid Regions

In hot, arid regions, outdoor spaces suffer from intense heat. This study explores how vegetation can improve outdoor thermal performance for pedestrians in low-density residential areas. Specifically, it seeks to identify the best combination of grass and trees for optimal comfort. Four scenarios were simulated using ENVI-met software, varying the proportions of grass and three tree types: 50% grass, 50% grass with 25% trees, 50% grass with 50% trees, and 50% grass with 75% trees. A reference scenario with no vegetation was also investigated. The simulated outputs encompassed air temperature (Ta), mean radiant temperature (Tmrt), relative humidity (RH), and physiologically equivalent temperature (PET). The findings show that scenarios with a higher percentage of trees exhibited the best reduction in air temperature, ranging from 0.2 k to 0.92 k. Additionally, the inclusion of trees and grass in the scenarios resulted in a substantial improvement in thermal performance, with an average reduction of 7.5 degrees in PET. Among the evaluated scenarios, the one comprising 75% trees and 50% grass exhibits the most noteworthy enhancement. This study underscores the significance of strategically positioning vegetation to coincide with prevailing wind patterns, thereby enhancing convective cooling mechanisms and improving overall thermal comfort levels. These insights offer valuable implications for urban planning and the development of sustainable design strategies.

Negative perceptions of older adults and life satisfaction among community-dwelling older citizens in Japan

Background With the rapid aging of the population, increasing life satisfaction among older adults is essential. Negative perceptions of older adults are internalized, leading to poor mental health. This study hypothesized that participants with more negative perceptions of older adults would have lower life satisfaction. Methods A cross-sectional survey of older adults was conducted across five wards and four cities in Tokyo, Japan. Participants responded to questions regarding demographics, life satisfaction, and negative perceptions of older adults. Data from 285 participants (264 women, M = 71.97 years) were analyzed. Results The intraclass correlation coefficient for life satisfaction concerning residential areas was. 03 (95% confidence interval [CI] = [-.03, .10]). Instead of multilevel models, a multiple regression model with life satisfaction as the dependent variable and negative perceptions of older adults and demographics as the independent variables yielded the best fit. Results indicated that participants with more negative perceptions of older adults reported lower life satisfaction (β = -.16, 95% CI = [-.28, -.04], p = .008), supporting our hypothesis. Conclusions This study was constrained by limited variance in residential areas and a predominantly female participant pool. Previous studies have shown that higher life satisfaction is associated with increased social participation and extended life expectancy, and interventions aimed at enhancing life satisfaction in older adults are significant. Further exploration is warranted to ascertain whether a causal relationship exists, wherein more negative perceptions of older adults diminish life satisfaction.

Determinants of Financial Inclusion in Kenya: A Demand-Side Perspective

This study sought to analyze the underlying financial inclusion determinants in Kenya. The study applies ordinal logit regression to examine the effect of the residential area, gender, education level, marital status, and employment type on financial inclusion. Financial inclusion is measured by developing a financial inclusion index for ten binary financial services variables. From the index, three financial inclusion levels are designed. These include low financial inclusion with scores of zero to three, medium with scores of four to six, and high level with scores of seven to ten. The estimates of the ordinal model are statistically significant for all factors considered except gender. Area of residence, age, education type, income, and marital status positively affect the log odds of financial inclusion, while employment is negatively linked. Education, employment, and marital status have interaction effects on financial inclusion. This study recommends that the Kenyan government formulate and strengthen policies to tackle challenges such as gender disparity, rural bank infrastructure development, fostering an environment conducive for entrepreneurship to address unemployment and income disparities, advocating for secondary school completion, and addressing social issues impacting family stability, including separation or the absence of marriage.

Trends and projections of age-appropriate vaccination coverage in 41 low- and middle- income countries in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, 2000–2030

IntroductionRoutine immunization programs have focused on increasing vaccination coverage, which is equally important for decreasing vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), particularly in low- and lower-middle-income countries (LMICs). We estimated the trends and projections of age-appropriate vaccination coverage at the regional and national levels, as well as place of residence and wealth index in LMICs.MethodsIn total, 174 nationally representative household surveys from 2000 to 2020 from 41 LMICs were included in this study. Bayesian hierarchical regression models were used to estimate trends and projections of age-appropriate vaccination.ResultsThe trend in coverage of age-appropriate Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), third dose of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP3), third dose of polio (polio3), and measles-containing vaccine (MCV) increased rapidly from 2000 to 2020 in LMICs. Findings indicate substantial increases at the regional and national levels, and by area of residence and socioeconomic status between 2000 and 2030. The largest rise was observed in East Africa, followed by South and Southeast Asia. However, out of the 41 countries, only 10 countries are estimated to achieve 90% coverage of the BCG vaccine by 2030, five of DTP3, three of polio3, and none of MCV. Additionally, by 2030, wider pro-urban and -rich inequalities are expected in several African countries.ConclusionSignificant progress in age-appropriate vaccination coverage has been made in LMICs from 2000 to 2020. Despite this, projections show many countries will not meet the 2030 coverage goals, with persistent urban–rural and socioeconomic disparities. Therefore, LMICs must prioritize underperforming areas and reduce inequalities through stronger health systems and increased community engagement to ensure high coverage and equitable vaccine access.

Social perception of the connectivity and quality of sidewalks in the Metropolitan Area of Panama

ABSTRACT Sidewalks have become important for modern cities in order to ensure that their inhabitants can move to their different activities in an optimal and safe manner. This research examines the perception of residents of the metropolitan area of Panama on the connectivity and quality of sidewalks. The study of sidewalks has been generally focused on evaluating accessibility for people with reduced mobility and the elderly; and also, on improving pedestrian safety. Using georeferenced household surveys, we collected data with which we performed spatial analyses to illustrate the distribution of sidewalk conditions in the urban metropolitan area of Panama. In addition, through the use of various approaches, such as accessibility assessments, user surveys and road safety parameters, other analyses of importance to the research were developed. The main conclusion was that only 26.25% of the metropolitan urban area of Panama has sidewalks that allow adequate pedestrian traffic.

Exposure Experiences of Area Residents Near a Chronic Environmental Contamination Site

Background: The study aims to analyze and interpret the exposure experiences of local residents living within 5 miles of the Fernald Feed Materials Production Center, a former uranium processing site. The goal is to enhance public health efforts addressing psychological stress resulting from environmental exposure. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted from July 1998 to February 2001 as part of the Fernald Living History Project. The study focuses on 4 key phenomenological events: air releases of uranium by-products, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency public notifications of water contamination, a citizens' class action lawsuit against the US Department of Energy and National Lead of Ohio, Inc, and extensive media coverage. Researchers used descriptive inductive coding to analyze data from these events, involving 34 participants. Results: The study identified 5 central themes in the residents' exposure experiences: disruptions to life, loss of trust, seeking answers, interpreting ambiguous threats, and adaptive responses. Participants recounted how these events affected their lives and triggered emotional responses. Conclusion: This research provides valuable insights into the experiences of individuals living near environmentally contaminated sites and offers guidance for future prevention and mitigation strategies.