1
|
Wamsley M, Wilson RT, Murphy HM. The effects of rain and drought on incidence of enteric disease in Pennsylvania (2010-2019). ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2025; 267:120641. [PMID: 39681177 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.120641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2024] [Revised: 11/26/2024] [Accepted: 12/13/2024] [Indexed: 12/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Campylobacter, nontyphoidal Salmonella, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia cause an estimated 1 million cases of domestically acquired waterborne diseases annually in the United States. Acute symptoms can include diarrhea and vomiting; however, these illnesses can result in longer term complications such as reactive arthritis, Guillan Barré syndrome and death, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Precipitation and drought can plausibly increase the risk of enteric infections, but consensus in the literature is lacking. OBJECTIVES To determine the effects of rain and drought on weekly counts of reportable enteric illness (due to Salmonella, Campylobacter, Giardia, or Cryptosporidium) in Pennsylvania, US between 2010 and 2019. METHODS We obtained 10-years of data on confirmed illness from 66 Pennsylvania counties due to: Salmonella (9,924), Campylobacter (15,854), Giardia (4,537), and Cryptosporidium (4,017). A zero-inflated negative binomial model with random-intercept for county was used to assess the relationship between illnesses caused by these pathogens between 2010 and 2019, and weekly rain (cm) and Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) values from the National Weather Service. The lag times that were tested, between illness and weather event, were chosen by calculating the cross correlation between the statewide average weekly rain and the statewide number of weekly cases. RESULTS A positive association was found between rain and counts of campylobacteriosis, salmonellosis, and giardiasis. An increase in prior wetness (PDSI value) was associated with increased incidence rates of cryptosporidiosis and campylobacteriosis. The relationship between rain and PDSI and illness varied by organism type. DISCUSSION Complex relationships exist between enteric disease and precipitation and prior environmental wetness. Our findings suggest that rainfall may be contributing to increased waterborne exposure. Further investigation is needed to explore these relationships with factors such as drinking water source, local geological conditions, presence of combined sewer overflows and agricultural activities, recreational water use and irrigation water sources to better elucidate important waterborne transmission pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Wamsley
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Temple University Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Robin Taylor Wilson
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Temple University Philadelphia, PA, USA; Temple Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
| | - Heather M Murphy
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Temple University Philadelphia, PA, USA; Water, Health and Applied Microbiology Lab, Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Barnes J, Sheffield P, Graber N, Jessel S, Lanza K, Limaye VS, Morrow F, Sauthoff A, Schmeltz M, Smith S, Stevens A. New York State Climate Impacts Assessment Chapter 07: Human Health and Safety. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2024; 1542:385-445. [PMID: 39652410 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.15244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2024]
Abstract
New Yorkers face a multitude of health and safety risks that are exacerbated by a changing climate. These risks include direct impacts from extreme weather events and other climate hazards, as well as indirect impacts occurring through a chain of interactions. Physical safety, physical health, and mental health are all part of the equation-as are the many nonclimate factors that interact with climate change to influence health outcomes. This chapter provides an updated assessment of all these topics at the intersection of climate change, public health and safety, and equity in the state of New York. Key findings are presented below.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janice Barnes
- Climate Adaptation Partners, New York, New York, USA
| | - Perry Sheffield
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Nathan Graber
- Pediatrics, Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Sonal Jessel
- WE ACT for Environmental Justice, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kevin Lanza
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Vijay S Limaye
- Natural Resources Defense Council, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Anjali Sauthoff
- Westchester County Climate Crisis Task Force and Independent Environmental Health Consultant, Pleasantville, New York, USA
| | - Michael Schmeltz
- Department of Public Health, California State University at East Bay, Hayward, California, USA
| | - Shavonne Smith
- Environmental Department, Shinnecock Indian Nation, Southampton, New York, USA
| | - Amanda Stevens
- New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, Albany, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Du S, Chien LC, Bush KF, Giri S, Richardson LA, Li M, Jin Q, Li T, Nicklett EJ, Li R, Zhang K. Short-term associations between precipitation and gastrointestinal illness-related hospital admissions: A multi-city study in Texas. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 951:175247. [PMID: 39111450 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
The ongoing climate change crisis presents challenges to the global public health system. The risk of gastrointestinal illness (GI) related hospitalization increases following extreme weather events but is largely under-reported and under-investigated. This study assessed the association between precipitation and GI-related hospital admissions in four major cities in Texas. Daily data on GI-related hospital admissions and precipitation from 2004 to 2014 were captured from the Texas Department of State Health Services and the National Climate Data Center. Distributed lagged nonlinear modeling approaches were employed to examine the association between precipitation and GI-related hospital admissions. Results showed that the cumulative risk ratios (RRs) of GI-related hospital admissions were elevated in the 2 weeks following precipitation events; however, there were differences observed across study locations. The cumulative RR of GI-related hospitalizations was significantly higher when the amount of daily precipitation ranged from 3.3 mm to 13.5 mm in Dallas and from 6.0 mm to 24.5 mm in Houston. Yet, substantial increases in the cumulative RRs of GI-related hospitalizations were not observed in Austin or San Antonio. Age-specific and cause-specific GI-related hospitalizations were also found to be associated with precipitation events following the same pattern. Among them, Houston depicted the largest RR for overall GI and subgroup GI by age and cause, particularly for the overall GI among children aged 6 and under (RR = 1.35; 95 % CI = 1.11, 1.63), diarrhea-caused GI among children aged 6 and under (RR = 1.38, 95 % CI = 1.13, 1.69), and other-caused GI among children age 6 and under (RR = 1.46; 95 % CI = 1.12, 1.80). The findings underscore the need for public health interventions and adaptation strategies to address climate change-related health outcomes such as GI illness associated with extreme precipitation events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shichao Du
- Department of Sociology, School of Social Development and Public Policy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Lung-Chang Chien
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Nevada at Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA.
| | - Kathleen F Bush
- Center for Environmental Health, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA.
| | - Sharmila Giri
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Division of Clinical Trials and Biostatistics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
| | - Leigh Ann Richardson
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Nevada at Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA.
| | - Mo Li
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
| | - Qingxu Jin
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA; Resilient, Intelligent, Sustainable, and Energy-efficient (RISE) Infrustructure Material Labatory, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
| | - Tianxing Li
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
| | - Emily Joy Nicklett
- Department of Social Work, College for Health, Community and Policy, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
| | - Ruosha Li
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Geremew G, Cumming O, Haddis A, Freeman MC, Ambelu A. Rainfall and Temperature Influences on Childhood Diarrhea and the Effect Modification Role of Water and Sanitation Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:823. [PMID: 39063400 PMCID: PMC11276699 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21070823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) highlighted the worsening impacts of climate change. Two climate factors-temperature and rainfall uncertainties-influence the risk of childhood diarrhea, which remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries. They create a conducive environment for diarrhea-causing pathogens and overwhelm environmental prevention measures. This study aimed to produce comprehensive evidence on the association of temperature and rainfall variability with the risk of childhood diarrhea and the influence of water and sanitation conditions on those associations. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) approach. Records published in English from 2006 to 2023 were searched on 8 January 2024 via PubMed, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and Google/Google Scholar using comprehensive search terms. We assessed studies for any risk of bias using the Navigation Guide and rated the quality of the evidence using the GRADE approach. The heterogeneity among estimates was assessed using I-squared statistics (I2). The findings of the analysis were presented with forest plots using an incidence rate ratio (IRR). A meta-analysis was conducted on effect modifiers (water supply and sanitation conditions) using a random effects model with a 95% confidence interval (CI). The statistical analyses were conducted using R 4.3.2 software and Review Manager 5.3. A total of 2017 records were identified through searches, and only the 36 articles that met the inclusion criteria were included. The analysis suggests a small positive association between increased temperature and the occurrence of under-five diarrhea, with the pooled IRR = 1.04; 95% CI [1.03, 1.05], at I2 = 56% and p-value < 0.01, and increased rainfall and U5 diarrhea, with IRR = 1.14; 95% CI [1.03, 1.27], at I2 = 86% and p-value < 0.01. The meta-analysis indicated a positive association between unimproved latrine facilities and drinking water sources with a rainfall-modified effect on U5 diarrhea, with IRR = 1.21; 95% CI [0.95, 1.53], at I2 = 62% and p-value = 0.03. We found that an increase in mean temperature and rainfall was associated with an increased risk of childhood diarrhea. Where there were unimproved latrine facilities and drinking water sources, the increase in mean rainfall or temperature would increase the incidence of childhood diarrhea. The results of this review help in assessing the effectiveness of current intervention programs, making changes as needed, or creating new initiatives to lower the prevalence of childhood diarrhea.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gorfu Geremew
- Department of Environmental Health Science and Technology, Jimma University, Jimma P.O. Box 378, Ethiopia;
| | - Oliver Cumming
- Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Infectious Tropical Disease, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK;
| | - Alemayehu Haddis
- Department of Environmental Health Science and Technology, Jimma University, Jimma P.O. Box 378, Ethiopia;
| | - Matthew C. Freeman
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
| | - Argaw Ambelu
- Division of Water and Health, Ethiopian Institute of Water Resources, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 1165, Ethiopia;
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Haley BM, Sun Y, Jagai JS, Leibler JH, Fulweiler R, Ashmore J, Wellenius GA, Heiger-Bernays W. Association between Combined Sewer Overflow Events and Gastrointestinal Illness in Massachusetts Municipalities with and without River-Sourced Drinking Water, 2014-2019. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2024; 132:57008. [PMID: 38775485 PMCID: PMC11110654 DOI: 10.1289/ehp14213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Combined sewer overflow (CSO) events release untreated wastewater into surface waterbodies during heavy precipitation and snowmelt. Combined sewer systems serve ∼ 40 million people in the United States, primarily in urban and suburban municipalities in the Midwest and Northeast. Predicted increases in heavy precipitation events driven by climate change underscore the importance of quantifying potential health risks associated with CSO events. OBJECTIVES The aims of this study were to a) estimate the association between CSO events (2014-2019) and emergency department (ED) visits for acute gastrointestinal illness (AGI) among Massachusetts municipalities that border a CSO-impacted river, and b) determine whether associations differ by municipal drinking water source. METHODS A case time-series design was used to estimate the association between daily cumulative upstream CSO discharge and ED visits for AGI over lag periods of 4, 7, and 14 days, adjusting for temporal trends, temperature, and precipitation. Associations between CSO events and AGI were also compared by municipal drinking water source (CSO-impacted river vs. other sources). RESULTS Extreme upstream CSO discharge events (> 95 th percentile by cumulative volume) were associated with a cumulative risk ratio (CRR) of AGI of 1.22 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05, 1.42] over the next 4 days for all municipalities, and the association was robust after adjusting for precipitation [1.17 (95% CI: 0.98, 1.39)], although the CI includes the null. In municipalities with CSO-impacted drinking water sources, the adjusted association was somewhat less pronounced following 95th percentile CSO events [CRR = 1.05 (95% CI: 0.82, 1.33)]. The adjusted CRR of AGI was 1.62 in all municipalities following 99th percentile CSO events (95% CI: 1.04, 2.51) and not statistically different when stratified by drinking water source. DISCUSSION In municipalities bordering a CSO-impacted river in Massachusetts, extreme CSO events are associated with higher risk of AGI within 4 days. The largest CSO events are associated with increased risk of AGI regardless of drinking water source. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP14213.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beth M. Haley
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yuantong Sun
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jyotsna S. Jagai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jessica H. Leibler
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Robinson Fulweiler
- Department of Earth & Environment, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Gregory A. Wellenius
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Wendy Heiger-Bernays
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Semenza JC. Invited Perspective: Toward Resilience-Community-Based Approaches to Managing Combined Sewer Overflows in a Changing Climate. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2024; 132:51301. [PMID: 38775487 PMCID: PMC11110653 DOI: 10.1289/ehp15000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Jan C. Semenza
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ethan CJ, Sanchez J, Grant L, Tustin J, Young I. Relationship between extreme precipitation and acute gastrointestinal illness in Toronto, Ontario, 2012-2022. Epidemiol Infect 2024; 152:e32. [PMID: 38329089 PMCID: PMC10894888 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268824000207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Extreme precipitation events are occurring more intensely in Canada. This can contaminate water sources with enteric pathogens, potentially increasing the risk of acute gastrointestinal illness. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between extreme precipitation and emergency department (ED) visits for acute gastrointestinal illness in Toronto from 2012 to 2022. Distributed lag non-linear models were constructed on ED visit counts with a Quasi Poisson distribution. Extreme precipitation was modelled as a 21-day lag variable, with a linear relationship assumed at levels ≧95th percentile. Separate models were also conducted on season-specific data sets. Daily precipitation and gastrointestinal illness ED visits ranged between 0 to 126 mm, and 12 to 180 visits respectively. Overall, a 10-mm increase in precipitation >95th percentile had no significant relationship with the risk of ED visits. However, stratification by seasons revealed significant relationships during spring (lags 1-19, peak at lag 14 RR = 1.04; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.06); the overall cumulative effect across the 21-day lag was also significant (RR = 1.94; 95% CI: 1.47, 2.57). Extreme precipitation has a seasonal effect on gastrointestinal health outcomes in Toronto city, suggesting varying levels of enteric pathogen exposures through drinking water or other environmental pathway during different seasons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Crystal J. Ethan
- School of Occupational and Public Health, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Johanna Sanchez
- School of Occupational and Public Health, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lauren Grant
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jordan Tustin
- School of Occupational and Public Health, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ian Young
- School of Occupational and Public Health, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Li J, Li X, Liu H, Gao L, Wang W, Wang Z, Zhou T, Wang Q. Climate change impacts on wastewater infrastructure: A systematic review and typological adaptation strategy. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 242:120282. [PMID: 37399688 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater infrastructures play an indispensable role in society's functioning, human production activities, and sanitation safety. However, climate change has posed a serious threat to wastewater infrastructures. To date, a comprehensive summary with rigorous evidence evaluation for the impact of climate change on wastewater infrastructure is lacking. We conducted a systematic review for scientific literature, grey literature, and news. In total, 61,649 documents were retrieved, and 96 of them were deemed relevant and subjected to detailed analysis. We developed a typological adaptation strategy for city-level decision-making for cities in all-income contexts to cope with climate change for wastewater structures. 84% and 60% of present studies focused on the higher-income countries and sewer systems, respectively. Overflow, breakage, and corrosion were the primary challenge for sewer systems, while inundation and fluctuation of treatment performance were the major issues for wastewater treatment plants. In order to adapt to the climate change impact, typological adaptation strategy was developed to provide a simple guideline to rapidly select the adaptation measures for vulnerable wastewater facilities for cities with various income levels. Future studies are encouraged to focus more on the model-related improvement/prediction, the impact of climate change on other wastewater facilities besides sewers, and countries with low or lower-middle incomes. This review provided insight to comprehensively understand the climate change impact on wastewater facilities and facilitate the policymaking in coping with climate change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jibin Li
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, the University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Xuan Li
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, the University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia.
| | - Huan Liu
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, the University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Li Gao
- South East Water, 101 Wells Street, Frankston, VIC 3199, Australia
| | - Weitong Wang
- Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, Kemistintie 1, Espoo, P.O. Box 16100, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland
| | - Zhenyao Wang
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, the University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Ting Zhou
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, the University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Qilin Wang
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, the University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Uttajug A, Ueda K, Seposo X, Francis JM. Association between extreme rainfall and acute respiratory infection among children under-5 years in sub-Saharan Africa: an analysis of Demographic and Health Survey data, 2006-2020. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e071874. [PMID: 37185183 PMCID: PMC10152048 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-071874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite an increase in the number of studies examining the association between extreme weather events and infectious diseases, evidence on respiratory infection remains scarce. This study examined the association between extreme rainfall and acute respiratory infection (ARI) in children aged <5 years in sub-Saharan Africa. SETTING Study data were taken from recent (2006-2020) Demographic and Health Survey data sets from 33 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. PARTICIPANTS 280 157 children aged below 5 years were included. OUTCOME MEASURES The proportions of ARI according to individual, household and geographical characteristics were compared using the χ2 test. The association between extreme rainfall (≥90th percentile) and ARI was examined using multivariate logistic regression for 10 of 33 countries with an adequate sample size of ARI and extreme rainfall events. The model was adjusted for temperature, comorbidity and sociodemographic factors as covariates. Stratification analyses by climate zone were also performed. RESULTS The prevalence of ARI in children aged <5 years ranged from 1.0% to 9.1% across sub-Saharan Africa. By country, no significant association was observed between extreme rainfall and ARI, except in Nigeria (OR: 2.14, 95% CI 1.06 to 4.31). Larger effect estimates were observed in the tropical zone (OR: 1.13, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.84) than in the arid zone (OR: 0.72, 95% CI 0.17 to 2.95), although the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION We found no association between extreme rainfall and ARI in sub-Saharan Africa. Effect estimates tended to be larger in the tropical zone where intense rainfall events regularly occur. Comprehensive studies to investigate subsequent extreme climate events, such as flooding, are warranted in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Athicha Uttajug
- Department of Hygiene, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Kayo Ueda
- Department of Hygiene, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Xerxes Seposo
- Department of Hygiene, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Joel Msafiri Francis
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Rothenberg SE, Furrer JM, Ingram LA, Ashford-Carroll TS, Foster SA, Hystad P, Hynes DM, Navab-Daneshmand T, Branscum AJ, Kruearat P. Sanitary sewage overflows, boil water advisories, and emergency room and urgent care visits for gastrointestinal illness: a case-crossover study in South Carolina, USA, 2013-2017. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 33:102-110. [PMID: 36376586 PMCID: PMC9851942 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-022-00498-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sanitary sewage overflows (SSOs) release raw sewage, which may contaminate the drinking water supply. Boil water advisories (BWAs) are issued during low or negative pressure events, alerting customers to potential contamination in the drinking water distribution system. OBJECTIVE We evaluated the associations between SSOs and BWAs and diagnoses of gastrointestinal (GI) illness in Columbia, South Carolina, and neighboring communities, 2013-2017. METHODS A symmetric bi-directional case-crossover study design was used to assess the role of SSOs and BWAs on Emergency Room and Urgent Care visits with a primary diagnosis of GI illness. Cases were considered exposed if an SSO or BWA occurred 0-4 days, 5-9 days, or 10-14 days prior to the diagnosis, within the same residential zip code. Effect modification was explored via stratification on participant-level factors (e.g., sex, race, age) and season (January-March versus April-December). RESULTS There were 830 SSOs, 423 BWAs, and 25,969 cases of GI illness. Highest numbers of SSOs, BWAs and GI cases were observed in a zip code where >80% of residents identified as Black or African-American. SSOs were associated with a 13% increase in the odds of a diagnosis for GI illness during the 0-4 day hazard period, compared to control periods (Odds Ratio: 1.13, 95% Confidence Interval: 1.09, 1.18), while no associations were observed during the other hazard periods. BWAs were not associated with increased or decreased odds of GI illness during all three hazard periods. However, in stratified analyses BWAs issued between January-March were associated with higher odds of GI illness, compared to advisories issued between April-December, in all three hazard periods. SIGNIFICANCE SSOs (all months) and BWAs (January-March) were associated with increased odds of a diagnosis of GI illness. Future research should examine sewage contamination of the drinking water distribution system, and mechanisms of sewage intrusion from SSOs. IMPACT Sewage contains pathogens, which cause gastrointestinal (GI) illness. In Columbia, South Carolina, USA, between 2013-2017, there were 830 sanitary sewage overflows (SSOs). There were also 423 boil water advisories, which were issued during negative pressure events. Using case-crossover design, SSOs (all months) and boil water advisories (January-March) were associated with increased odds of Emergency Room and Urgent Care diagnoses of GI illness, potentially due to contamination of the drinking water distribution system. Lastly, we identified a community where >80% of residents identified as Black or African-American, which experienced a disproportionate burden of sewage exposure, compared to the rest of Columbia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Rothenberg
- Oregon State University, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA.
| | - Jessica M Furrer
- Benedict College, Department of Computer Science, Physics, and Engineering, Columbia, SC, 29204, USA
| | - Lucy A Ingram
- University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | | | - Stephanie A Foster
- Oregon State University, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Perry Hystad
- Oregon State University, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Denise M Hynes
- Oregon State University, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
- Oregon State University, Center for Quantitative Life Sciences, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
- US Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Portland Health Care System, Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | | | - Adam J Branscum
- Oregon State University, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Pemika Kruearat
- Oregon State University, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Walls FN, McGarvey DJ. Building a macrosystems ecology framework to identify links between environmental and human health: A random forest modelling approach. PEOPLE AND NATURE 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
|
12
|
Buchwald AG, Thomas E, Karnauskas KB, Grover E, Kotloff K, Carlton EJ. The Association Between Rainfall, Temperature, and Reported Drinking Water Source: A Multi-Country Analysis. GEOHEALTH 2022; 6:e2022GH000605. [PMID: 36381499 PMCID: PMC9662587 DOI: 10.1029/2022gh000605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Climate change may alter access to safe drinking water, with important implications for health. We assessed the relationship between temperature and rainfall and utilization of basic drinking water (BDW) in The Gambia, Mozambique, Pakistan, and Kenya. The outcomes of interest were (a) whether the reported drinking water source used in the past 2 weeks met the World Health Organization definition of BDW and (b) use of a BDW source that was always available. Temperature and precipitation data were compiled from weather stations and satellite data and summarized to account for long- and short-term weather patterns and lags. We utilized random forests and logistic regression to identify key weather variables that predicted outcomes by site and the association between important weather variables and BDW use. Higher temperatures were associated with decreased BDW use at three of four sites and decreased use of BDW that is always available at all four sites. Increasing rainfall, both in the long- and short-term, was associated with increased BDW use in three sites. We found evidence for interactions between household wealth and weather variables at two sites, suggesting lower wealth populations may be more sensitive to weather-driven changes in water access. Changes in temperature and precipitation can alter safe water use in low-resource settings-investigating drivers for these relationships can inform efforts to build climate resilience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea G. Buchwald
- Department of Environmental and Occupational HealthColorado School of Public HealthAuroraCOUSA
| | - Evan Thomas
- Mortenson Center in Global EngineeringUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderCOUSA
| | - Kristopher B. Karnauskas
- Department of Environmental and Occupational HealthColorado School of Public HealthAuroraCOUSA
- Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic SciencesCooperative Institute for Research in Environmental SciencesUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderCOUSA
| | - Elise Grover
- Department of Environmental and Occupational HealthColorado School of Public HealthAuroraCOUSA
| | - Karen Kotloff
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global HealthUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineMDBaltimoreUSA
| | - Elizabeth J. Carlton
- Department of Environmental and Occupational HealthColorado School of Public HealthAuroraCOUSA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Chen Y, Chang Z, Zhao Y, Liu Y, Fu J, Liu Y, Liu X, Kong D, Han Y, Tang S, Fan Z. Association of extreme precipitation with hospitalizations for acute myocardial infarction in Beijing, China: A time-series study. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1024816. [PMID: 36238253 PMCID: PMC9551252 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1024816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In the context of global climate changes, increasing extreme weather events have aroused great public concern. Limited evidence has focused on the association between extreme precipitation and hospitalizations for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Our study aimed to examine the effect of extreme precipitation on AMI hospitalizations. Methods Daily AMI hospitalizations, weather variables and air pollution data in Beijing from 2013 to 2018 were obtained. We used a time-series analysis with a distributed lag model to evaluate the association of extreme precipitation (≥95th percentile of daily precipitation) with AMI hospitalizations. Subgroup analysis was conducted to identify the vulnerable subpopulations and further assessed the attributable burden. Results Extreme precipitation increased the risk of AMI hospitalizations with significant single-day effects from Lag 4 to Lag 11, and the maximum cumulative effects at Lag 0-14 (CRR = 1.177, 95% CI: 1.045, 1.326). Older people (≥65 years) and females were more vulnerable to extreme precipitation. The attributable fraction and numbers of extreme precipitation on AMI hospitalizations were 0.68% (95% CI: 0.20%, 1.12%) and 854 (95% CI: 244, 1,395), respectively. Conclusion Extreme precipitation is correlated with a higher risk of AMI hospitalizations. The elderly (≥65 years) and females are more susceptible to AMI triggered by extreme precipitation.
Collapse
|
14
|
Krewski D, Saunders-Hastings P, Larkin P, Westphal M, Tyshenko MG, Leiss W, Dusseault M, Jerrett M, Coyle D. Principles of risk decision-making. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2022; 25:250-278. [PMID: 35980104 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2022.2107591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Risk management decisions in public health require consideration of a number of complex, often conflicting factors. The aim of this review was to propose a set of 10 fundamental principles to guide risk decision-making. Although each of these principles is sound in its own right, the guidance provided by different principles might lead the decision-maker in different directions. For example, where the precautionary principle advocates for preemptive risk management action under situations of scientific uncertainty and potentially catastrophic consequences, the principle of risk-based decision-making encourages decision-makers to focus on established and modifiable risks, where a return on the investment in risk management is all but guaranteed in the near term. To evaluate the applicability of the 10 principles in practice, one needs to consider 10 diverse risk issues of broad concern and explore which of these principles are most appropriate in different contexts. The 10 principles presented here afford substantive insight into the process of risk management decision-making, although decision-makers will ultimately need to exercise judgment in reaching appropriate risk decisions, accounting for all of the scientific and extra-scientific factors relevant to the risk decision at hand.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Krewski
- McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Patrick Saunders-Hastings
- McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Patricia Larkin
- McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Margit Westphal
- McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - William Leiss
- McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Maurice Dusseault
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Michael Jerrett
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Doug Coyle
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Graydon RC, Mezzacapo M, Boehme J, Foldy S, Edge TA, Brubacher J, Chan HM, Dellinger M, Faustman EM, Rose JB, Takaro TK. Associations between extreme precipitation, drinking water, and protozoan acute gastrointestinal illnesses in four North American Great Lakes cities (2009-2014). JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2022; 20:849-862. [PMID: 35635777 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2022.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is already impacting the North American Great Lakes ecosystem and understanding the relationship between climate events and public health, such as waterborne acute gastrointestinal illnesses (AGIs), can help inform needed adaptive capacity for drinking water systems (DWSs). In this study, we assessed a harmonized binational dataset for the effects of extreme precipitation events (≥90th percentile) and preceding dry periods, source water turbidity, total coliforms, and protozoan AGIs - cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis - in the populations served by four DWSs that source surface water from Lake Ontario (Hamilton and Toronto, Ontario, Canada) and Lake Michigan (Green Bay and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA) from January 2009 through August 2014. We used distributed lag non-linear Poisson regression models adjusted for seasonality and found extreme precipitation weeks preceded by dry periods increased the relative risk of protozoan AGI after 1 and 3-5 weeks in three of the four cities, although only statistically significant in two. Our results suggest that the risk of protozoan AGI increases with extreme precipitation preceded by a dry period. As extreme precipitation patterns become more frequent with climate change, the ability to detect changes in water quality and effectively treat source water of varying quality is increasingly important for adaptive capacity and protection of public health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan C Graydon
- International Joint Commission: Great Lakes Regional Office, 100 Ouellette Avenue, 8th Floor, Windsor, ON N9A 6T3, Canada
| | | | - Jennifer Boehme
- International Joint Commission: Great Lakes Regional Office, 100 Ouellette Avenue, 8th Floor, Windsor, ON N9A 6T3, Canada
| | - Seth Foldy
- Public Health Institute at Denver Health, Denver, CO, USA
| | | | - Jordan Brubacher
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Joan B Rose
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Tim K Takaro
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Miller AG, Ebelt S, Levy K. Combined Sewer Overflows and Gastrointestinal Illness in Atlanta, 2002-2013: Evaluating the Impact of Infrastructure Improvements. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2022; 130:57009. [PMID: 35580035 PMCID: PMC9113542 DOI: 10.1289/ehp10399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Combined sewer overflows (CSOs) discharge untreated sewage into surface and recreational water, often following heavy precipitation. Given projected increases in frequency and intensity of precipitation due to climate change, it is important to understand the health impacts of CSOs and mediating effects of sewerage systems. OBJECTIVES In this study we estimate associations of CSO events and emergency department (ED) visits for gastrointestinal (GI) illness among City of Atlanta, Georgia, residents and explore how these associations vary with sewerage improvements. METHODS We estimate associations using Poisson generalized linear models, controlling for time trends. We categorized CSOs by overflow volume and assessed effects of CSO events prior to ED visits with 1-, 2- and 3-wk lags. Similarly, we evaluated effects of weekly cumulative precipitation greater than the 90th percentile at the same lags. We also evaluated effect modification by ZIP Code Tabulation Area (ZCTA)-level poverty and infrastructure improvement period using interaction terms. RESULTS Occurrence of a large volume CSO in the previous week was associated with a 9% increase in daily ED visits for GI illness. We identified significant interaction by ZCTA-level poverty, with stronger CSO-GI illness associations in low than high poverty areas. Among areas with low poverty, we observed associations at 1-wk and longer lags, following both large and lower volume CSO events. We did not observe significant interaction by infrastructure improvement period for CSO- nor precipitation-GI illness associations; however, the number of CSO events decreased from 2.31 per week before improvements to 0.49 after improvements. DISCUSSION Our findings suggest that CSOs contribute to acute GI illness burden in Atlanta and that the magnitude of this risk may be higher among populations living in areas of low poverty. We did not find a protective effect of sewerage system improvements. Nonetheless, observed reductions in CSO frequency may lower the absolute burden of GI illness attributable to these events. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP10399.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa G. Miller
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Stefanie Ebelt
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Karen Levy
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Projecting the Impacts of a Changing Climate: Tropical Cyclones and Flooding. Curr Environ Health Rep 2022; 9:244-262. [PMID: 35403997 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-022-00340-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW There is clear evidence that the earth's climate is changing, largely from anthropogenic causes. Flooding and tropical cyclones have clear impacts on human health in the United States at present, and projections of their health impacts in the future will help inform climate policy, yet to date there have been few quantitative climate health impact projections. RECENT FINDINGS Despite a wealth of studies characterizing health impacts of floods and tropical cyclones, many are better suited for qualitative, rather than quantitative, projections of climate change health impacts. However, a growing number have features that will facilitate their use in quantitative projections, features we highlight here. Further, while it can be difficult to project how exposures to flood and tropical cyclone hazards will change in the future, climate science continues to advance in its capabilities to capture changes in these exposures, including capturing regional variation. Developments in climate epidemiology and climate science are opening new possibilities in projecting the health impacts of floods and tropical cyclones under a changing climate.
Collapse
|
18
|
Wu Y, Yao Z, Ma G, Cheng J, Xu H, Qin W, Yi W, Pan R, Wei Q, Tang C, Liu X, He Y, Yan S, Li Y, Jin X, Liang Y, Sun X, Mei L, Song J, Song S, Su H. Effects of extreme precipitation on hospitalization risk and disease burden of schizophrenia in urban and rural Lu'an, China, from 2010 to 2019. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:19176-19184. [PMID: 34713403 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16913-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
With the increasing frequency of extreme events caused by global climate change, the association between extreme precipitation (EP) and disease has aroused concern currently. However, no study has examined the relationship between EP and schizophrenia. Our study aimed to explore the relationship between EP and schizophrenia, and to further examine the difference between urban and rural areas. This study used quasi-Poisson generalized linear regression model combined with distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM) to estimate the association between EP (≥ 95th percentile) and hospitalization for schizophrenia from 2010 to 2019 in the city of Lu'an, China. EP could significantly increase the risk of hospitalization for schizophrenia. The effect firstly appeared at lag1 [relative risk (RR): 1.056, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 1.003-1.110] and continued until lag17 (RR: 1.039, 95%CI: 1.004-1.075). Our research showed that EP had a significant effect on the hospitalization for schizophrenia in both urban and rural areas, and no significant difference was found (p>0.05). EP exerted more acute effects on schizophrenia living in rural areas than those in urban areas in the cold season. Further studies on the burden of schizophrenia found that patients who are male, aged ≤ 39 years or less, and living in urban areas are a priority for future warnings. We should pay more attention to the impact of EP on burden of schizophrenia, especially during the cold season, targeting those vulnerable groups, thereby implementing more accurate and timely preventive measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yudong Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Zhenghai Yao
- Anhui Public Meteorological Service Center, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Gongyan Ma
- Lu'an Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lu'an, Anhui, China
| | - Jian Cheng
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Huabin Xu
- Affiliated Hospital of West Anhui Health Vocational College, Lu'an, China
| | - Wei Qin
- Lu'an Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lu'an, Anhui, China
| | - Weizhuo Yi
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Rubing Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Qiannan Wei
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Chao Tang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xiangguo Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yangyang He
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Shuangshuang Yan
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yuxuan Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaoyu Jin
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yunfeng Liang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaoni Sun
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Lu Mei
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Jian Song
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Shasha Song
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Hong Su
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Quist AJL, Fliss MD, Wade TJ, Delamater PL, Richardson DB, Engel LS. Hurricane flooding and acute gastrointestinal illness in North Carolina. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 809:151108. [PMID: 34688737 PMCID: PMC8770555 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Hurricanes often flood homes and industries, spreading pathogens. Contact with pathogen-contaminated water can result in diarrhea, vomiting, and/or nausea, known collectively as acute gastrointestinal illness (AGI). Hurricanes Matthew and Florence caused record-breaking flooding in North Carolina (NC) in October 2016 and September 2018, respectively. To examine the relationship between hurricane flooding and AGI in NC, we first calculated the percent of each ZIP code flooded after Hurricanes Matthew and Florence. Rates of all-cause AGI emergency department (ED) visits were calculated from NC's ED surveillance system data. Using controlled interrupted time series, we compared AGI ED visit rates during the three weeks after each hurricane in ZIP codes with a third or more of their area flooded to the predicted rates had these hurricanes not occurred, based on AGI 2016-2019 ED trends, and controlling for AGI ED visit rates in unflooded areas. We examined alternative case definitions (bacterial AGI) and effect measure modification by race and age. We observed an 11% increase (rate ratio (RR): 1.11, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.23) in AGI ED visit rates after Hurricanes Matthew and Florence. This effect was particularly strong among American Indian patients and patients aged 65 years and older after Florence and elevated among Black patients for both hurricanes. Florence's effect was more consistent than Matthew's effect, possibly because little rain preceded Florence and heavy rain preceded Matthew. When restricted to bacterial AGI, we found an 85% (RR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.37, 2.34) increase in AGI ED visit rate after Florence, but no increase after Matthew. Hurricane flooding is associated with an increase in AGI ED visit rate, although the strength of effect may depend on total storm rainfall or antecedent rainfall. American Indians and Black people-historically pushed to less desirable, flood-prone land-may be at higher risk for AGI after storms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arbor J L Quist
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Mike Dolan Fliss
- Injury Prevention Research Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Timothy J Wade
- Public Health and Environmental Systems Division, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Paul L Delamater
- Department of Geography, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - David B Richardson
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Lawrence S Engel
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Tropical cyclones impact human health, sometimes catastrophically. Epidemiological research characterizes these health impacts and uncovers pathways between storm hazards and health, helping to mitigate the health impacts of future storms. These studies, however, require researchers to identify people and areas exposed to tropical cyclones, which is often challenging. Here we review approaches, tools, and data products that can be useful in this exposure assessment. RECENT FINDINGS Epidemiological studies have used various operational measures to characterize exposure to tropical cyclones, including measures of physical hazards (e.g., wind, rain, flooding), measures related to human impacts (e.g., damage, stressors from the storm), and proxy measures of distance from the storm's central track. The choice of metric depends on the research question asked by the study, but there are numerous resources available that can help in capturing any of these metrics of exposure. Each has strengths and weaknesses that may influence their utility for a specific study. Here we have highlighted key tools and data products that can be useful for exposure assessment for tropical cyclone epidemiology. These results can guide epidemiologists as they design studies to explore how tropical cyclones influence human health.
Collapse
|
21
|
Wieczerak T, Lal P, Witherell B, Oluoch S. Public preferences for green infrastructure improvements in Northern New Jersey: a discrete choice experiment approach. SN SOCIAL SCIENCES 2022; 2:15. [PMID: 35106482 PMCID: PMC8793815 DOI: 10.1007/s43545-022-00315-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Significant water pollution caused by flooding due to heavy precipitation and extreme weather events has become a considerable problem in urbanized areas such as in Northern New Jersey. These cities experience heavy downpour-related contamination and water pollution when stormwater and untreated sewage are diverted through combined sewer overflow drainage systems to adjacent water bodies. Green infrastructure has proven a successful intervention method for mitigating these unintended environmental consequences. However, while the effects of CSOs and the ability of GI to reduce them are well documented, there has been considerably less study addressing public preferences and willingness to pay for GI-based solutions. As such, this study seeks to understand these facets of GI management in urbanized areas of New Jersey, focusing on Newark, Paterson, and Elizabeth townships. A discrete choice experiment method was used to analyze the willingness of residents to pay for additional CSO infrastructure through the installation of GI options such as bioretention gardens, rain barrels, and green roofs. Furthermore, study identified attributes such as secondary benefits, proximity, and water retention that respondents found the most utility in when choosing GI stormwater management interventions. We found that several attributes, including improved air quality ($58.60), increased water supply ($49.71), and closer proximity ($110.01-$125.97) had the highest utility and similarly were associated with a higher willingness to pay than other tested attributes. These findings are important in assessing the overall attitude toward these fixtures, and may be critical in crafting local policy and development, especially to address environmental equity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Wieczerak
- Department of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ 07043 USA.,Center for Life and Environmental Sciences, Montclair State University, 1 Normal Ave, Montclair, NJ 07043 USA
| | - Pankaj Lal
- Department of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ 07043 USA
| | - Benjamin Witherell
- New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, 44 S Clinton Ave, Trenton, NJ 08625 USA
| | - Sydney Oluoch
- Department of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ 07043 USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Culex Mosquitoes at Stormwater Control Measures and Combined Sewer Overflow Outfalls after Heavy Rainfall. WATER 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/w14010031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Mosquito borne diseases are increasingly problematic as climate change continues to alter patterns of precipitation, flooding, and temperatures that may favor mosquito habitats. Stormwater control measures (SCMs), ecologically sustainable methods of stormwater management, may have varying impacts on Culex mosquitoes, such as in areas with combined sewer overflows (CSOs). We studied spatial and temporal associations of SCMs and Culex mosquito counts surrounding the SCMs, stratifying our examination amongst those that do/do not use pooling and/or vegetation, as well as surrounding CSO outfalls after heavy rainfall (≥95th percentile) during summer 2018. Results indicate Culex mosquito counts after heavy rainfall were not significantly different at SCMs that use vegetation and/or ponding from at those that do not. We also found a 35.5% reduction in the increase of Culex mosquitoes the day of, and 77.0% reduction 7–8 days after, heavy rainfall at CSO outfalls treated with medium SCM density compared to those without SCMs. Our results suggest that SCMs may be associated with a reduction in the increase of Culex mosquitoes at the CSO outfalls after heavy rainfall. More research is needed to study how the impacts of SCMs on mosquito populations may affect human health.
Collapse
|
23
|
Geoghegan P, O'Brien J, Walker CW, Heagy M, Böttger SA. Long-Term Trends in the Occurrence of Disseminated Neoplasia in a Population of Mya arenaria (Softshell Clam) from a New Hampshire Estuary. Northeast Nat (Steuben) 2021. [DOI: 10.1656/045.028.0203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Geoghegan
- Normandeau Associates, Inc., 25 Nashua Road, Bedford, NH 03110
| | - Jamie O'Brien
- Normandeau Associates, Inc., 25 Nashua Road, Bedford, NH 03110
| | - Charles W. Walker
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, The University of New Hampshire, 46 College Road, Durham, NH 03824
| | - MacKenzie Heagy
- Department of Biology, West Chester University, Department of Biology, 750 S. Church Street, West Chester, PA 19383
| | - S. Anne Böttger
- Department of Biology, West Chester University, Department of Biology, 750 S. Church Street, West Chester, PA 19383
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Zuo S, Yang L, Dou P, Ho HC, Dai S, Ma W, Ren Y, Huang C. The direct and interactive impacts of hydrological factors on bacillary dysentery across different geographical regions in central China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 764:144609. [PMID: 33385650 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies found non-linear mutual interactions among hydrometeorological factors on diarrheal disease. However, the complex interactions of the hydrometeorological, topographical and human activity factors need to be further explored. This study aimed to reveal how hydrological and other factors jointly influence bacillary dysentery in different geographical regions. Using Anhui Province in China, consisted of Huaibei plain, Jianghuai hilly and Wannan mountainous regions, we integrated multi-source data (6 meteorological, 3 hydrological, 2 topographic, and 9 socioeconomic variables) to explore the direct and interactive relationship between hydrological factors (quick flow, baseflow and local recharge) and other factors by combining the ecosystem model InVEST with spatial statistical analysis. The results showed hydrological factors had significant impact powers (q = 0.444 (Huaibei plain) for local recharge, 0.412 (Jianghuai hilly region) and 0.891 (Wannan mountainous region) for quick flow, respectively) on bacillary dysentery in different regions, but lost powers at provincial level. Land use and soil properties have created significant interactions with hydrological factors across Anhui province. Particularly, percentage of farmland in Anhui province can influence quick flow across Jianghuai, Wannan regions and the whole province, and it also has significant interactions with the baseflow and local recharge across the plain as well as the whole province. Percentage of urban areas had interactions with baseflow and local recharge in Jianghuai and Wannan regions. Additionally, baseflow and local recharge could be interacted with meteorological factors (e.g. temperature and wind speed), while these interactions varied in different regions. In conclusion, it was evident that hydrological factors had significant impacts on bacillary dysentery, and also interacted significantly with meteorological and socioeconomic factors. This study applying ecosystem model and spatial analysis help reveal the complex and nonlinear transmission of bacillary dysentery in different geographical regions, supporting the development of precise public health interventions with consideration of hydrological factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shudi Zuo
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China
| | - Lianping Yang
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Panfeng Dou
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China
| | - Hung Chak Ho
- Department of Urban Planning and Design, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; School of Geography and Remote Sensing, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaoqing Dai
- Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC), University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Wenjun Ma
- Guangdong Provincial Institute of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yin Ren
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China
| | - Cunrui Huang
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Shanghai Typhoon Institute, China Meteorological Administration, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Meteorology and Health, Shanghai Meteorological Service, Shanghai, China; School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Lai H, Hales S, Woodward A, Walker C, Marks E, Pillai A, Chen RX, Morton SM. Effects of heavy rainfall on waterborne disease hospitalizations among young children in wet and dry areas of New Zealand. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 145:106136. [PMID: 32987220 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Heavy rainfall is associated with increased risk of waterborne disease. However, it is not known whether the risk increment differs between wet and dry regions. We examined this question in New Zealand, which has a wide geographical variation of annual rainfall totals (10th-90th percentile difference ≥3000 mm). We conducted a nested case-crossover study within a prospective child cohort (born in 2009-2010) for assessing transient health effects when modified by longitudinal exposures to rainfall. Short-term heavy rainfall effects on hospitalizations due to enteric bacterial and viral infectious causes at lag of 0-14 days were assessed using a Cox regression model adjusted for daily temperature, relative humidity and evapotranspiration. We derived quantiles of time-weighted long-term rainfall levels at the children's homes and these were added as an interaction term to the short-term effect model. Hospitalization risks were higher two days after heavy rainfall days (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.73 [1.10-2.70]). The lowest-observable-adverse-effect-level was detected at the 94th percentile of daily rainfall total. Hospital admissions 1-2 days after heavy rainfall increased most in locations with the lowest and highest long-term rainfall. An interaction of this kind between short-term weather and long-term climate has not been reported previously. It is relevant to climate change risk assessments given global projections of increasing intensity of precipitation, against a background of more severe, and possibly more frequent, droughts and flooding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hakkan Lai
- Growing Up in New Zealand, School of Population Health, University of Auckland, New Zealand; Centre for Longitudinal Research - He Ara Ki Mua, School of Population Health, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Simon Hales
- Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Alistair Woodward
- Section of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Caroline Walker
- Growing Up in New Zealand, School of Population Health, University of Auckland, New Zealand; Centre for Longitudinal Research - He Ara Ki Mua, School of Population Health, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Emma Marks
- Growing Up in New Zealand, School of Population Health, University of Auckland, New Zealand; Centre for Longitudinal Research - He Ara Ki Mua, School of Population Health, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Avinesh Pillai
- Growing Up in New Zealand, School of Population Health, University of Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Rachel X Chen
- Growing Up in New Zealand, School of Population Health, University of Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Susan M Morton
- Growing Up in New Zealand, School of Population Health, University of Auckland, New Zealand; Centre for Longitudinal Research - He Ara Ki Mua, School of Population Health, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Kraay ANM, Man O, Levy MC, Levy K, Ionides E, Eisenberg JNS. Understanding the Impact of Rainfall on Diarrhea: Testing the Concentration-Dilution Hypothesis Using a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2020; 128:126001. [PMID: 33284047 PMCID: PMC7720804 DOI: 10.1289/ehp6181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Projected increases in extreme weather may change relationships between rain-related climate exposures and diarrheal disease. Whether rainfall increases or decreases diarrhea rates is unclear based on prior literature. The concentration-dilution hypothesis suggests that these conflicting results are explained by the background level of rain: Rainfall following dry periods can flush pathogens into surface water, increasing diarrhea incidence, whereas rainfall following wet periods can dilute pathogen concentrations in surface water, thereby decreasing diarrhea incidence. OBJECTIVES In this analysis, we explored the extent to which the concentration-dilution hypothesis is supported by published literature. METHODS To this end, we conducted a systematic search for articles assessing the relationship between rain, extreme rain, flood, drought, and season (rainy vs. dry) and diarrheal illness. RESULTS A total of 111 articles met our inclusion criteria. Overall, the literature largely supports the concentration-dilution hypothesis. In particular, extreme rain was associated with increased diarrhea when it followed a dry period [incidence rate ratio ( IRR ) = 1.26 ; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05, 1.51], with a tendency toward an inverse association for extreme rain following wet periods, albeit nonsignificant, with one of four relevant studies showing a significant inverse association (IRR = 0.911 ; 95% CI: 0.771, 1.08). Incidences of bacterial and parasitic diarrhea were more common during rainy seasons, providing pathogen-specific support for a concentration mechanism, but rotavirus diarrhea showed the opposite association. Information on timing of cases within the rainy season (e.g., early vs. late) was lacking, limiting further analysis. We did not find a linear association between nonextreme rain exposures and diarrheal disease, but several studies found a nonlinear association with low and high rain both being associated with diarrhea. DISCUSSION Our meta-analysis suggests that the effect of rainfall depends on the antecedent conditions. Future studies should use standard, clearly defined exposure variables to strengthen understanding of the relationship between rainfall and diarrheal illness. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP6181.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia N. M. Kraay
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Olivia Man
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Morgan C. Levy
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- School of Global Policy and Strategy, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Karen Levy
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Edward Ionides
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Tang C, Liu X, He Y, Gao J, Xu Z, Duan J, Yi W, Wei Q, Pan R, Song S, Su H. Association between extreme precipitation and ischemic stroke in Hefei, China: Hospitalization risk and disease burden. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 732:139272. [PMID: 32428771 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ischemic stroke is an acute cardiovascular disease with high disability and mortality. Extreme precipitation has been reported to increase the risk of some cardiovascular diseases and further increase the burden of disease. At present, no studies have evaluated the relationship between extreme precipitation and ischemic stroke. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to quantitatively analyze the association between extreme precipitation and ischemic stroke hospitalizations and further explore disease burden and its associated susceptible population. METHODS In this study, we used Poisson generalized linear model combined with distributed lag nonlinear model to investigate the relationship between extreme precipitation (≥95th percentile) and ischemic stroke and further explored the lag effect of extreme precipitation for population with different individual characteristics. RESULTS Ischemic stroke hospitalizations were significantly associated with extreme precipitation. The single-day effect occurred on lag 3 (RR = 1.040, 95% CI: 1.058-1.073) lasted until lag 8 (RR = 1.036, 95% CI: 1.004-1.068). The cumulative lag effects of extreme precipitation on ischemic stroke lasted six days (lag 6-lag 11). Male and people aged ≥65 years were more sensitive to extreme precipitation. The attributable fraction (AF) and numbers (AN) of extreme precipitation on hospitalizations for ischemic stroke were 1.38% and 236.4, respectively. CONCLUSION Our study suggested that extreme precipitation may increase the risk of hospital admissions for ischemic stroke, emphasizing the need for society and families to pay more attention to male and people aged ≥65 years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Tang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Xiangguo Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Yangyang He
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Jiaojiao Gao
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Zihan Xu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Jun Duan
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Weizhuo Yi
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Qiannan Wei
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Rubing Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Shasha Song
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Hong Su
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Sorensen CJ, Salas RN, Rublee C, Hill K, Bartlett ES, Charlton P, Dyamond C, Fockele C, Harper R, Barot S, Calvello-Hynes E, Hess J, Lemery J. Clinical Implications of Climate Change on US Emergency Medicine: Challenges and Opportunities. Ann Emerg Med 2020; 76:168-178. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2020.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
29
|
De Roos AJ, Kondo MC, Robinson LF, Rai A, Ryan M, Haas CN, Lojo J, Fagliano JA. Heavy precipitation, drinking water source, and acute gastrointestinal illness in Philadelphia, 2015-2017. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0229258. [PMID: 32092111 PMCID: PMC7039462 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Runoff from heavy precipitation events can lead to microbiological contamination of source waters for public drinking water supplies. Philadelphia is a city of interest for a study of waterborne acute gastrointestinal illness (AGI) because of frequent heavy precipitation, extensive impervious landcover, and combined sewer systems that lead to overflows. We conducted a time-series analysis of the association between heavy precipitation and AGI incidence in Philadelphia, served by drinking water from Delaware River and Schuylkill River source waters. AGI cases on each day during the study period (2015-2017) were captured through syndromic surveillance of patients' chief complaint upon presentation at local emergency departments. Daily precipitation was represented by measurements at the Philadelphia International Airport and by modeled precipitation within the watershed boundaries, and we also evaluated stream flowrate as a proxy of precipitation. We estimated the association using distributed lag nonlinear models, assuming a quasi-Poisson distribution of the outcome variable and with adjustment for potential confounding by seasonal and long-term time trends, ambient temperature, day-of-week, and major holidays. We observed an association between heavy precipitation and AGI incidence in Philadelphia that was primarily limited to the spring season, with significant increases in AGI that peaked from 8 to 16 days following a heavy precipitation event. For example, the increase in AGI incidence related to airport precipitation above the 95th percentile (vs no precipitation) during spring reached statistical significance on lag day 7, peaked on day 16 (102% increase, 95% confidence interval: 16%, 252%), and declined while remaining significantly elevated through day 28. Similar associations were observed in analyses of watershed-specific precipitation in relation to AGI cases within the populations served by drinking water from each river. Our results suggest that heavy precipitation events in Philadelphia result in detectable local increases in waterborne AGI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anneclaire J. De Roos
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Michelle C. Kondo
- Northern Research Station, United States Department of Agriculture—Forest Service, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Lucy F. Robinson
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Arjita Rai
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Michael Ryan
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Charles N. Haas
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - José Lojo
- Division of Disease Control, Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jerald A. Fagliano
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Tolouei S, Dewey R, Snodgrass WJ, Edge TA, Andrews RC, Taghipour M, Prévost M, Dorner S. Assessing microbial risk through event-based pathogen loading and hydrodynamic modelling. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 693:133567. [PMID: 31374504 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.07.373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the variability of microbial risk associated with drinking water under various contaminant loading conditions in a drinking water source. For this purpose, a probabilistic-deterministic approach was applied to estimate the loadings of Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and Escherichia coli (E. coli) from fecal contamination sources during both dry and wet weather conditions. The relative importance of loads originating from various fecal contamination sources was also determined by a probabilistic approach. This study demonstrates that water resource recovery facilities were the dominant source of Giardia, yet rivers were more important with regards to Cryptosporidium. Estimated loadings were used as input to a three-dimensional hydrodynamic model of Lake Ontario; the fate and transport of microbial organisms were simulated at the influent of a drinking water intake. Discharge-based hydrodynamic modelling results were compared to observed concentrations. Simulated probability distributions of concentrations at the intake were used as an input to a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) model such that the variability of microbial risk in the context of drinking water could be examined. Depending on wind and currents, higher levels of fecal contamination reached the intake during wet weather loading scenarios. Probability distribution functions of Cryptosporidium, Giardia and E. coli concentrations at the intake were significantly higher during wet weather conditions when compared to dry conditions (p < 0.05). For all contaminants studied, the QMRA model showed a higher risk during wet weather (over 1 order of magnitude) compared to dry weather conditions. When considering sewage by-pass scenarios, risks remained below 2.7 × 10-7 person-1 day-1 for Giardia and E. coli O157:H7. Limited data were available for Cryptosporidium in by-pass effluents and the risk is unknown; hence it is critical to obtain reliable loading data for the riskiest scenarios, such as those associated with water resource recovery facility by-passes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samira Tolouei
- Canada Research Chair in Source Water Protection, Polytechnique Montréal, Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering Department, P.O. Box 6079, Station Centre-Ville, Montréal H3C 3A7, Québec, Canada; NSERC Industrial Chair on Drinking Water, Polytechnique Montréal, Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering Department, P.O. Box 6079, Station Centre-Ville, Montréal H3C 3A7, Québec, Canada.
| | - Ray Dewey
- Modelling Surface Water Limited, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Thomas A Edge
- Environment Canada, Canada Centre for Inland Waters, Burlington, ON, L7S 4A1
| | - Robert C Andrews
- NSERC Industrial Chair on Drinking Water Research, Dept. of Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A4, Canada
| | - Milad Taghipour
- Canada Research Chair in Source Water Protection, Polytechnique Montréal, Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering Department, P.O. Box 6079, Station Centre-Ville, Montréal H3C 3A7, Québec, Canada
| | - Michèle Prévost
- NSERC Industrial Chair on Drinking Water, Polytechnique Montréal, Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering Department, P.O. Box 6079, Station Centre-Ville, Montréal H3C 3A7, Québec, Canada
| | - Sarah Dorner
- Canada Research Chair in Source Water Protection, Polytechnique Montréal, Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering Department, P.O. Box 6079, Station Centre-Ville, Montréal H3C 3A7, Québec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Lin CJ, Richardson DB, Hilborn ED, Weinberg H, Larry S. E, Timothy J. W. Emergency Department Visits for Acute Gastrointestinal Illness After a Major Water Pipe Break in 2010. Epidemiology 2019; 30:893-900. [PMID: 31430266 PMCID: PMC10615350 DOI: 10.1097/ede.0000000000001083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND When a water pipe breaks, contaminants can enter the drinking water system and cause waterborne illnesses such as acute gastrointestinal illness. In May 2010, a major water pipe broke near Boston, MA, and a boil water order was issued to nearly two million residents. METHODS Using a case-crossover study design, we examined the association between the water pipe break and subsequent emergency department visits for acute gastrointestinal illness. We identified cases of illness according to ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes and selected control dates 2 weeks before and after each case. We estimated the risk of visiting the emergency department during the 0-3 and 4-7 days after the water pipe break using conditional logistic regression models. RESULTS Our analysis included 5,726 emergency department visits for acute gastrointestinal illness from 3 April 2010 to 5 June 2010. Overall, there was a 1.3-fold increased odds for visiting the emergency department for acute gastrointestinal illness during the 0-3 days after the water pipe break (odds ratio [OR] = 1.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1, 1.4) compared with referent dates selected 2 weeks before and after. During the 4-7 days after the break, the association diminished overall (OR = 1.1; 95% CI = 0.96, 1.2). However, in communities over 12 miles from the break, the 4- to 7-day association was elevated (OR = 1.4; 95% CI = 1.1, 1.8). CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that a major water pipe break was associated with emergency department visits for acute gastrointestinal illness, particularly during the 0-3 days after the break, when a boil water order was in effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia J. Lin
- UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC
| | | | | | - Howard Weinberg
- UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Engle Larry S.
- UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Wade Timothy J.
- US EPA, Environmental Public Health Division, Chapel Hill, NC
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Taghipour M, Shakibaeinia A, Sylvestre É, Tolouei S, Dorner S. Microbial risk associated with CSOs upstream of drinking water sources in a transboundary river using hydrodynamic and water quality modeling. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 683:547-558. [PMID: 31146060 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.05.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Urban source water protection planning requires the characterization of sources of contamination upstream of drinking water intakes. Elevated pathogen concentrations following Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) represent a threat to human health. Quantifying peak pathogen concentrations at the intakes of drinking water plants is a challenge due to the variability of CSO occurrences and uncertainties with regards to the fate and transport mechanisms from discharge points to source water supplies. Here, a two-dimensional deterministic hydrodynamic and water quality model is used to study the fluvial contaminant transport and the impacts of the upstream CSO discharges on the downstream concentrations of Escherichia coli in the raw water supply of two drinking water plants, located on a large river. CSO dynamic loading characteristics were considered for a variety of discharges. As a result of limited Cryptosporidium data, a probability distribution of the ratio of E. coli to Cryptosporidium based on historical data was used to estimate microbial risk from simulated CSO-induced E. coli concentrations. During optimal operational performance of the plants, the daily risk target was met (based on the mean concentration during the peak) for 80% to 90% of CSO events. For suboptimal performance of the plants, these values dropped to 40% to 55%. Mean annual microbial risk following CSO discharge events was more dependent on treatment performance rather than the number of CSO occurrences. The effect of CSO-associated short term risk on the mean annual risk is largely dependent on the treatment performance as well as representativeness of the baseline condition at the intakes, demonstrating the need for assessment of treatment efficacy. The results of this study will enable water utilities and managers with a tool to investigate the potential alternatives in reducing the microbial risk associated with CSOs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Milad Taghipour
- Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, C.P.6079, Station Centre-ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3A7, Canada.
| | - Ahmad Shakibaeinia
- Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, C.P.6079, Station Centre-ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3A7, Canada
| | - Émile Sylvestre
- Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, C.P.6079, Station Centre-ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3A7, Canada; NSERC Industrial Chair on Drinking Water, Polytechnique Montréal, P.O. Box 6079, Station Centre-ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3A7, Canada
| | - Samira Tolouei
- Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, C.P.6079, Station Centre-ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3A7, Canada; NSERC Industrial Chair on Drinking Water, Polytechnique Montréal, P.O. Box 6079, Station Centre-ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3A7, Canada
| | - Sarah Dorner
- Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, C.P.6079, Station Centre-ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3A7, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Lee D, Chang HH, Sarnat SE, Levy K. Precipitation and Salmonellosis Incidence in Georgia, USA: Interactions between Extreme Rainfall Events and Antecedent Rainfall Conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2019; 127:97005. [PMID: 31536392 PMCID: PMC6792369 DOI: 10.1289/ehp4621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The southeastern United States consistently has high salmonellosis incidence, but disease drivers remain unknown. Salmonella is regularly detected in this region's natural environment, leading to numerous exposure opportunities. Rainfall patterns may impact the survival/transport of environmental Salmonella in ways that can affect disease transmission. OBJECTIVES This study investigated associations between short-term precipitation (extreme rainfall events) and longer-term precipitation (rainfall conditions antecedent to these extreme events) on salmonellosis counts in the state of Georgia in the United States. METHODS For the period 1997-2016, negative binomial models estimated associations between weekly county-level extreme rainfall events (≥90th percentile of daily rainfall) and antecedent conditions (8-week precipitation sums, categorized into tertiles) and weekly county-level salmonellosis counts. RESULTS In Georgia's Coastal Plain counties, extreme and antecedent rainfall were associated with significant differences in salmonellosis counts. In these counties, extreme rainfall was associated with a 5% increase in salmonellosis risk (95% CI: 1%, 10%) compared with weeks with no extreme rainfall. Antecedent dry periods were associated with a 9% risk decrease (95% CI: 5%, 12%), whereas wet periods were associated with a 5% increase (95% CI: 1%, 9%), compared with periods of moderate rainfall. In models considering the interaction between extreme and antecedent rainfall conditions, wet periods were associated with a 13% risk increase (95% CI: 6%, 19%), whereas wet periods followed by extreme events were associated with an 11% increase (95% CI: 5%, 18%). Associations were substantially magnified when analyses were restricted to cases attributed to serovars commonly isolated from wildlife/environment (e.g., Javiana). For example, wet periods followed by extreme rainfall were associated with a 34% risk increase (95% CI: 20%, 49%) in environmental serovar infection. CONCLUSIONS Given the associations of short-term extreme rainfall events and longer-term rainfall conditions on salmonellosis incidence, our findings suggest that avoiding contact with environmental reservoirs of Salmonella following heavy rainfall events, especially during the rainy season, may reduce the risk of salmonellosis. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP4621.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debbie Lee
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Howard H. Chang
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Stefanie Ebelt Sarnat
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Karen Levy
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Limaye VS, Max W, Constible J, Knowlton K. Estimating the Health-Related Costs of 10 Climate-Sensitive U.S. Events During 2012. GEOHEALTH 2019; 3:245-265. [PMID: 32159045 PMCID: PMC7007172 DOI: 10.1029/2019gh000202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Climate change threatens human health, but there remains a lack of evidence on the economic toll of climate-sensitive public health impacts. We characterize human mortality and morbidity costs associated with 10 climate-sensitive case study events spanning 11 US states in 2012: wildfires in Colorado and Washington, ozone air pollution in Nevada, extreme heat in Wisconsin, infectious disease outbreaks of tick-borne Lyme disease in Michigan and mosquito-borne West Nile virus in Texas, extreme weather in Ohio, impacts of Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey and New York, allergenic oak pollen in North Carolina, and harmful algal blooms on the Florida coast. Applying a consistent economic valuation approach to published studies and state estimates, we estimate total health-related costs from 917 deaths, 20,568 hospitalizations, and 17,857 emergency department visits of $10.0 billion in 2018 dollars, with a sensitivity range of $2.7-24.6 billion. Our estimates indicate that the financial burden of deaths, hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and associated medical care is a key dimension of the overall economic impact of climate-sensitive events. We found that mortality costs (i.e., the value of a statistical life) of $8.4 billion exceeded morbidity costs and lost wages ($1.6 billion combined). By better characterizing health damages in economic terms, this work helps to shed light on the burden climate-sensitive events already place on U.S. public health each year. In doing so, we provide a conceptual framework for broader estimation of climate-sensitive health-related costs. The high health-related costs associated with climate-sensitive events highlight the importance of actions to mitigate climate change and adapt to its unavoidable impacts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Wendy Max
- Institute for Health & AgingUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | | | - Kim Knowlton
- Natural Resources Defense CouncilNew YorkNYUSA
- Mailman School of Public HealthColumbia UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
De Jesus Crespo R, Wu J, Myer M, Yee S, Fulford R. Flood protection ecosystem services in the coast of Puerto Rico: Associations between extreme weather, flood hazard mitigation and gastrointestinal illness. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 676:343-355. [PMID: 31048165 PMCID: PMC10026149 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.04.287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Floods are becoming increasingly influential in coastal cities due to the intensification of extreme weather events. The impacts of flooding go beyond damages to infrastructure, it also affects human health. During floods, discharge of sewage into streets increases exposure to pathogens causing gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses. A potential strategy for coastal protection during weather hazards is the use of flood protection ecosystem services, but their effectiveness at ameliorating the impact of floods on GI illnesses remain understudied. Here we explore the relationship between extreme rainfall, flood protection ecosystem services, and the occurrence of Medicare claims for gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses in Puerto Rico. We first conducted model averaging to detect variables explaining flood impact for the years (1999-2014), and then used these variables as predictors in a spatio-temporal analysis of GI illness in the same period (1999-2013). Our results show that flood impact varies proportionally with extreme rainfall, and inversely with flood protection ecosystem services, particularly due to the presence of karst soils. The protective effect of karst soils is lost when there is a high percentage of people living in flood prone areas, as suggested by a significant interaction effect between these two variables. In support of our hypotheses, cases of GI illness also spike after extreme rainfall events and are affected by the interaction effect of karst soils and people living in flood prone areas. Our results support the linkage between extreme weather events, flood damages and GI illnesses, and suggests a buffering role of ecosystem services that promote rainfall infiltration. The relevance of these ecosystem services, however, is affected by planning decisions such as residential development in flood prone areas. Our results help inform planning strategies for future weather hazards, accounting for the role of natural and built infrastructure on minimizing flood impacts and human health effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - J Wu
- USEPA, ORD, NHERL, RTP, United States of America
| | - M Myer
- USEPA, ORD, NERL, Athens, GA, United States of America
| | - S Yee
- USEPA, ORD, NHERL, GED, United States of America
| | - R Fulford
- USEPA, ORD, NHERL, GED, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Levy K, Smith SM, Carlton EJ. Climate Change Impacts on Waterborne Diseases: Moving Toward Designing Interventions. Curr Environ Health Rep 2019; 5:272-282. [PMID: 29721700 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-018-0199-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Climate change threatens progress achieved in global reductions of infectious disease rates over recent decades. This review summarizes literature on potential impacts of climate change on waterborne diseases, organized around a framework of questions that can be addressed depending on available data. RECENT FINDINGS A growing body of evidence suggests that climate change may alter the incidence of waterborne diseases, and diarrheal diseases in particular. Much of the existing work examines historical relationships between weather and diarrhea incidence, with a limited number of studies projecting future disease rates. Some studies take social and ecological factors into account in considerations of historical relationships, but few have done so in projecting future conditions. The field is at a point of transition, toward incorporating social and ecological factors into understanding the relationships between climatic factors and diarrheal diseases and using this information for future projections. The integration of these components helps identify vulnerable populations and prioritize adaptation strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen Levy
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
| | - Shanon M Smith
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Elizabeth J Carlton
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E 17th Place B119, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Extreme Precipitation, Public Health Emergencies, and Safe Drinking Water in the USA. Curr Environ Health Rep 2019; 5:305-315. [PMID: 29687348 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-018-0200-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review examines the effectiveness of drinking water regulations to inform public health during extreme precipitation events. This paper estimates the vulnerability of specific populations to flooding in their public water system, reviews the literature linking precipitation to waterborne outbreaks, examines the role that Safe Drinking Water Act and Public Notification (PN) Rule have in public health emergencies, and reviews the effectiveness of the PN Rule during the 2017 Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. RECENT FINDINGS Public water systems in large metropolitan areas have substantial portions of their customer base at risk for a waterborne outbreak during a flooding event. The PN Rule are ambiguous for who is responsible for declaring a "waterborne emergency" following a natural disaster like Hurricane Maria. Revisions to the current PN Rule that mandate public notification and water quality sampling during extreme precipitation events are necessary to ensure the public is aware of their drinking water quality following these events.
Collapse
|
38
|
Runkle J, Svendsen ER, Hamann M, Kwok RK, Pearce J. Population Health Adaptation Approaches to the Increasing Severity and Frequency of Weather-Related Disasters Resulting From our Changing Climate: A Literature Review and Application to Charleston, South Carolina. Curr Environ Health Rep 2019; 5:439-452. [PMID: 30406894 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-018-0223-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Recent changes in our planetary climate have and will continue to challenge historical knowledge and risk assumptions for weather-related disasters. While the public health community is rapidly working to develop epidemiological approaches and tools to mitigate and adapt to these weather-related disasters, recent high-profile events have exposed gaps in knowledge and response efforts. Limited work has been done to assess the climate readiness of the local public health and healthcare community as it pertains to local response planning and adaptation measures in the event of a weather-related disaster. The purpose of this paper is to review the existing literature related to climate change, weather-related disasters, and population health approaches to adapt to climate-related changes in weather-related disasters at the local level. We highlight a brief case study to illustrate an example of a local approach to adaptation planning in a coastal community. RECENT FINDINGS Few studies have put forth quantitative disaster epidemiology tools to aid public health officials in preparing for and responding to these weather-related disaster events. There is a general lack of understanding within the public health community about the epidemiological tools which are available to assist local communities in their preparation for, response to, and recovery from weather-related disasters. Cities around the nation are already working to assess their vulnerability and resilience to weather-related disasters by including climate change in emergency preparedness plans and developing adaptation strategies, as well as equipping local hospitals, health departments and other critical public health systems with climate information. But more work is needed and public health funding is lagging to support local and state-level efforts in preparing for and adapting to weather-related disasters in the context of a changing climate. Our population health disaster preparedness programs need to be adapted to address the increasing risks to local public health resulting from our changing climate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Runkle
- North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA. .,Cooperative Institute for Climate and Satellites-North Carolina (CICS-NC) at NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), North Carolina State University, 151 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC, 28801, USA.
| | - Erik R Svendsen
- Environmental Health Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Mark Hamann
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Richard K Kwok
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - John Pearce
- Environmental Health Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Levy MC, Collender PA, Carlton EJ, Chang HH, Strickland MJ, Eisenberg JNS, Remais JV. Spatiotemporal Error in Rainfall Data: Consequences for Epidemiologic Analysis of Waterborne Diseases. Am J Epidemiol 2019; 188:950-959. [PMID: 30689681 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwz010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The relationship between rainfall, especially extreme rainfall, and increases in waterborne infectious diseases is widely reported in the literature. Most of this research, however, has not formally considered the impact of exposure measurement error contributed by the limited spatiotemporal fidelity of precipitation data. Here, we evaluate bias in effect estimates associated with exposure misclassification due to precipitation data fidelity, using extreme rainfall as an example. We accomplished this via a simulation study, followed by analysis of extreme rainfall and incident diarrheal disease in an epidemiologic study in Ecuador. We found that the limited fidelity typical of spatiotemporal rainfall data sets biases effect estimates towards the null. Use of spatial interpolations of rain-gauge data or satellite data biased estimated health effects due to extreme rainfall (occurrence) and wet conditions (accumulated totals) downwards by 35%-45%. Similar biases were evident in the Ecuadorian case study analysis, where spatial incompatibility between exposed populations and rain gauges resulted in the association between extreme rainfall and diarrheal disease incidence being approximately halved. These findings suggest that investigators should pay greater attention to limitations in using spatially heterogeneous environmental data sets to assign exposures in epidemiologic research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Morgan C Levy
- School of Global Policy and Strategy, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Philip A Collender
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California
| | - Elizabeth J Carlton
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Howard H Chang
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Joseph N S Eisenberg
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Justin V Remais
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Gronlund CJ, Cameron L, Shea C, O’Neill MS. Assessing the magnitude and uncertainties of the burden of selected diseases attributable to extreme heat and extreme precipitation under a climate change scenario in Michigan for the period 2041-2070. Environ Health 2019; 18:40. [PMID: 31029138 PMCID: PMC6487044 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-019-0483-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extreme heat (EH) and extreme precipitation (EP) events are expected to increase with climate change in many parts of the world. Characterizing the potential future morbidity and mortality burden of EH and EP and associated costs, as well as uncertainties in the estimates, can identify areas for public health intervention and inform adaptation strategies. We demonstrate a burden of disease and uncertainty assessment using data from Michigan, USA, and provide approaches for deriving these estimates for locations lacking certain data inputs. METHODS Case-crossover analysis adapted from previous Michigan-specific modeling was used to characterize the historical EH-mortality relationship by county poverty rate and age group. Historical EH-associated hospitalization and emergency room visit risks from the literature were adapted to Michigan. In the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's BenMAP software, we used a novel approach, with multiple spatially-varying exposures, to estimate all non-accidental mortality and morbidity occurring on EH days (EH days; days where maximum temperature 32.2-35 C or > 35 C) and EP days. We did so for two time periods: the "historical" period (1971-2000), and the "projected" period (2041-2070), by county. RESULTS The rate of all non-accidental mortality associated with EH days increased from 0.46/100,000 persons historically to 2.9/100,000 in the projected period, for 240 EH-attributable deaths annually. EH-associated ED visits increased from 12/100,000 persons to 68/100,000 persons, for 7800 EH-attributable emergency department visits. EP-associated ED visits increased minimally from 1.7 to 1.9/100,000 persons. Mortality and morbidity were highest among those aged 65+ (91% of all deaths). Projected health costs are dominated by EH-associated mortality ($280 million) and EH-associated emergency department visits ($14 million). A variety of sources contribute to a moderate-to-high degree of uncertainty around the point estimates, including uncertainty in the magnitude of climate change, population composition, baseline health rates, and exposure-response estimates. CONCLUSIONS The approach applied here showed that health burden due to climate may significantly rise for all Michigan counties by midcentury. The costs to health care and uncertainties in the estimates, given the potential for substantial attributable burden, provide additional information to guide adaptation measures for EH and EP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carina J. Gronlund
- Center for Social Epidemiology and Population Health, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029 USA
| | - Lorraine Cameron
- Michigan Climate and Health Adaptation Program, Division of Environmental Health, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, 333 S. Grand Ave, Lansing, MI 48909 USA
| | - Claire Shea
- Michigan Climate and Health Adaptation Program, Division of Environmental Health, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, 333 S. Grand Ave, Lansing, MI 48909 USA
| | - Marie S. O’Neill
- Departments of Epidemiology and Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029 USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Impact of Climate Forecasts on the Microbial Quality of a Drinking Water Source in Norway Using Hydrodynamic Modeling. WATER 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/w11030527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study applies hydrodynamic and water quality modeling to evaluate the potential effects of local climate projections on the mixing conditions in Lake Brusdalsvatnet in Norway and the implications on the occurrence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) at the raw water intake point of the Ålesund water treatment plant in the future. The study is mainly based on observed and projected temperature, the number of E. coli in the tributaries of the lake and projected flow. The results indicate a gradual rise in the temperature of water at the intake point from the base year 2017 to year 2075. In the future, vertical circulations in spring may occur earlier while autumn circulation may start later than currently observed in the lake. The number of E. coli at the intake point of the lake is expected to marginally increase in future. By the year 2075, the models predict an approximately three-fold increase in average E. coli numbers for the spring and autumn seasons compared to current levels. The results are expected to provide the water supply system managers of Ålesund with the information necessary for long-term planning and decisions in the protection of the drinking water source. The method used here can also be applied to similar drinking water sources in Norway for developing effective risk management strategies within their catchments.
Collapse
|
42
|
Byun K, Chiu CM, Hamlet AF. Effects of 21st century climate change on seasonal flow regimes and hydrologic extremes over the Midwest and Great Lakes region of the US. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 650:1261-1277. [PMID: 30308814 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.09.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 09/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Analyzing future changes in hydrologic extremes such as floods, low flows, and soil moisture extremes is important because many impacts on ecosystems and human systems occur during extreme events. To quantify changes in hydrologic extremes, this study conducts hydrologic modeling experiments over 20 Midwestern watersheds using the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) model forced by historical observed datasets and future projections from statistically downscaled Global Climate Model (GCMs) simulations. Our results show that peak daily streamflow at the 100-yr reoccurrence interval will increase (+10-30%) in most watersheds by 2080s due to significant increases in precipitation (P) and increasing P as rainfall during winter and spring seasons. The simulations also show strong shifts towards earlier peak flow timing (up to a month), especially in strongly snowmelt-dominated watersheds. These effects are linked to strong decreasing trends in maximum Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) with warming, which are simulated over essentially the entire domain. Projected changes in 7-day extreme low flows are smaller in magnitude (-10-+10%) with somewhat larger decreases simulated at the end of century; however, the timing of extreme low flows is projected to shift from winter/spring to summer and fall in strongly snowmelt-dominated watersheds in the northernmost parts of the domain. Extreme low soil moisture increases over most of the domain in the future projections up to the 2050s, but by the 2080s there are more widespread decreases in extreme low soil moisture, especially in the northernmost parts of the domain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyuhyun Byun
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, College of Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States of America.
| | - Chun-Mei Chiu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, College of Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States of America
| | - Alan F Hamlet
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, College of Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Tolouei S, Burnet JB, Autixier L, Taghipour M, Bonsteel J, Duy SV, Sauvé S, Prévost M, Dorner S. Temporal variability of parasites, bacterial indicators, and wastewater micropollutants in a water resource recovery facility under various weather conditions. WATER RESEARCH 2019; 148:446-458. [PMID: 30408731 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2018.10.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater discharges lead to the deterioration of receiving waters through treated effluents and by-passes, combined and sanitary sewer overflows, and cross-connections to storm sewers. The influence of weather conditions on fecal indicator bacteria, pathogens and wastewater micropollutants on raw and treated sewage concentrations has not been extensively characterized. However, such data are needed to understand the effects of by-pass discharges and incomplete treatment on receiving waters. A water resource recovery facility was monitored for pathogenic parasites (Cryptosporidium oocysts, Giardia cysts), fecal indicator bacteria (Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens), and wastewater micropollutants (caffeine, carbamazepine, 2-hydroxycarbamazepine, acesulfame, sucralose, and aspartame) during 6 events under different weather conditions (snowmelt and trace to 32 mm 2-day cumulative precipitation). Greater intra- and inter-event variability was observed for Giardia, E. coli and C. perfringens than for studied WWMPs. Even with the addition of inflow and infiltration, daily variations dominated concentration trends. Thus, afternoon and early evening were identified as critical times with regards to high concentrations and flows for potential by-pass discharges. Peak concentrations of Giardia were observed during the June wet weather event (1010 cysts/L), with the highest flowrates relative to the mean monthly flowrate. Overall, Giardia, E. coli and C. perfringens concentrations were positively correlated with flowrate (R > 0.32, p < 0.05). In raw sewage samples collected under high precipitation conditions, caffeine, carbamazepine and its metabolite 2-OH-carbamazepine were significantly correlated (p < 0.05) with Giardia, E. coli, and C. perfringens demonstrating that they are useful markers for untreated sewage discharges. Data from the study are needed for estimating peak concentrations discharged from wastewater sources in relation to precipitation or snowmelt events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samira Tolouei
- Canada Research Chair in Source Water Protection, Polytechnique Montréal, Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering Department, P.O. Box 6079, Station Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC, H3C 3A7, Canada; NSERC Industrial Chair on Drinking Water, Polytechnique Montréal, Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering Department, P.O. Box 6079, Station Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC, H3C 3A7, Canada.
| | - Jean-Baptiste Burnet
- Canada Research Chair in Source Water Protection, Polytechnique Montréal, Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering Department, P.O. Box 6079, Station Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC, H3C 3A7, Canada; NSERC Industrial Chair on Drinking Water, Polytechnique Montréal, Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering Department, P.O. Box 6079, Station Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC, H3C 3A7, Canada
| | - Laurène Autixier
- Canada Research Chair in Source Water Protection, Polytechnique Montréal, Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering Department, P.O. Box 6079, Station Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC, H3C 3A7, Canada
| | - Milad Taghipour
- Canada Research Chair in Source Water Protection, Polytechnique Montréal, Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering Department, P.O. Box 6079, Station Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC, H3C 3A7, Canada
| | - Jane Bonsteel
- Peel Region, 10 Peel Centre Dr, Brampton, L6T 4B9, ON, Canada
| | - Sung Vo Duy
- Chemistry Department, University of Montréal, C.P. 6128, Centre-ville, Montréal, H3C 3J7, QC, Canada
| | - Sébastien Sauvé
- Chemistry Department, University of Montréal, C.P. 6128, Centre-ville, Montréal, H3C 3J7, QC, Canada
| | - Michéle Prévost
- NSERC Industrial Chair on Drinking Water, Polytechnique Montréal, Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering Department, P.O. Box 6079, Station Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC, H3C 3A7, Canada
| | - Sarah Dorner
- Canada Research Chair in Source Water Protection, Polytechnique Montréal, Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering Department, P.O. Box 6079, Station Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC, H3C 3A7, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Tawfeeq AA, Taher SADM. Epidemiological study evaluating the impact of front door duct slot of a combined domestic sewer–rainwater drainage system on children health in Kirkuk, 2017. KARBALA INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MODERN SCIENCE 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.kijoms.2018.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
|
45
|
Egorov AI, Griffin SM, Ward HD, Reilly K, Fout GS, Wade TJ. Application of a salivary immunoassay in a prospective community study of waterborne infections. WATER RESEARCH 2018; 142:289-300. [PMID: 29890477 PMCID: PMC6781621 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2018.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Revised: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Quantifying sporadic waterborne infections in community settings can be challenging. Salivary antibody immunoassays are a promising non-invasive tool that can be used in prospective studies of common infections, especially those involving children. This study was conducted in a Massachusetts city, which uses a microbiologically contaminated river as its water source, during summer-early winter periods before and after construction of a new drinking water treatment plant. Monthly saliva samples (7480 samples from 1170 children and 816 adults) were analyzed for immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses to recombinant proteins of Cryptosporidium, one genogroup I (GI) and two GII noroviruses. Immunoconversion was defined as at least four-fold increase in specific antibody responses between two monthly samples with a post-conversion response above a flexible age-dependent cut-off. Episodes of gastroenteritis (diarrhea or vomiting or cramps) were associated with 3.2 (95% confidence limits 1.1; 9.5) adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of immunoconversion to Cryptosporidium; episodes of combined diarrhea and vomiting symptoms were associated with 3.5 (0.8; 15.0) and 4.6 (1.7; 12.6) aORs of an immunoconversion to GI and GII noroviruses, respectively. Swimming in natural water bodies or chlorinated pools was associated with 2.3 (0.4; 15.4) and 4.9 (1.6; 15.5) aORs of immunoconversion to Cryptosporidium, respectively. In a subset of study participants who did not use home water filters, consumption of at least some amount of non-boiled tap water reported in a monthly recall survey was associated with 11.1 (1.2; 100.0) and 0.6 (0.1; 2.5) aORs of immunoconversion to Cryptosporidium before and after the new water treatment plant construction, respectively. Among individuals who used home water filters, associations between non-boiled tap water consumption and Cryptosporidium immunoconversion were not significant before and after new plant construction with aORs of 0.8 (0.2; 3.3) and 0.3 (0.1; 1.6), respectively. The interaction effect of study phase and non-boiled tap water consumption on Cryptosporidium immunoconversions was statistically significant in the entire study population with aOR of 5.4 (1.1; 25.6). This was the first study that has used a salivary antibody immunoassay to demonstrate significant associations between gastrointestinal symptoms and Cryptosporidium and norovirus infections, and between water-related exposures and Cryptosporidium infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrey I Egorov
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, United States Environmental Protection Agency, RTP, NC, USA.
| | - Shannon M Griffin
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Honorine D Ward
- Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Dept. of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kevin Reilly
- EPA Region 1 (New England), United States Environmental Protection Agency, Boston, MA, USA
| | - G Shay Fout
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Timothy J Wade
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, United States Environmental Protection Agency, RTP, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Beaudeau P. A Systematic Review of the Time Series Studies Addressing the Endemic Risk of Acute Gastroenteritis According to Drinking Water Operation Conditions in Urban Areas of Developed Countries. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15050867. [PMID: 29701701 PMCID: PMC5981906 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15050867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Time series studies (TSS) can be viewed as an inexpensive way to tackle the non-epidemic health risk from fecal pathogens in tap water in urban areas. Following the PRISMA recommendations, I reviewed TSS addressing the endemic risk of acute gastroenteritis risk according to drinking water operation conditions in urban areas of developed countries. Eighteen studies were included, covering 17 urban sites (seven in North-America and 10 in Europe) with study populations ranging from 50,000 to 9 million people. Most studies used general practitioner consultations or visits to hospitals for acute gastroenteritis (AGE) as health outcomes. In 11 of the 17 sites, a significant and plausible association was found between turbidity (or particle count) in finished water and the AGE indicator. When provided and significant, the interquartile excess of relative risk estimates ranged from 3–13%. When examined, water temperature, river flow, and produced flow were strongly associated with the AGE indicator. The potential of TSS for the study of the health risk from fecal pathogens in tap water is limited by the lack of specificity of turbidity and its site-sensitive value as an exposure proxy. Nevertheless, at the DWS level, TSS could help water operators to identify operational conditions most at risk, almost if considering other water operation indicators, in addition to turbidity, as possible relevant proxies for exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Beaudeau
- Santé Publique France, 14 rue du Val-d'Osne, 94415 Saint-Maurice CEDEX, France.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Potera C. From One Set of Pipes to Another: Gastrointestinal Illness following Sanitary Sewer Overflows. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2018; 126:044001. [PMID: 29627968 PMCID: PMC6071754 DOI: 10.1289/ehp3225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
|
48
|
Bell JE, Brown CL, Conlon K, Herring S, Kunkel KE, Lawrimore J, Luber G, Schreck C, Smith A, Uejio C. Changes in extreme events and the potential impacts on human health. JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (1995) 2018; 68:265-287. [PMID: 29186670 PMCID: PMC9039910 DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2017.1401017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Extreme weather and climate-related events affect human health by causing death, injury, and illness, as well as having large socioeconomic impacts. Climate change has caused changes in extreme event frequency, intensity, and geographic distribution, and will continue to be a driver for change in the future. Some of these events include heat waves, droughts, wildfires, dust storms, flooding rains, coastal flooding, storm surges, and hurricanes. The pathways connecting extreme events to health outcomes and economic losses can be diverse and complex. The difficulty in predicting these relationships comes from the local societal and environmental factors that affect disease burden. More information is needed about the impacts of climate change on public health and economies to effectively plan for and adapt to climate change. This paper describes some of the ways extreme events are changing and provides examples of the potential impacts on human health and infrastructure. It also identifies key research gaps to be addressed to improve the resilience of public health to extreme events in the future. IMPLICATIONS Extreme weather and climate events affect human health by causing death, injury, and illness, as well as having large socioeconomic impacts. Climate change has caused changes in extreme event frequency, intensity, and geographic distribution, and will continue to be a driver for change in the future. Some of these events include heat waves, droughts, wildfires, flooding rains, coastal flooding, surges, and hurricanes. The pathways connecting extreme events to health outcomes and economic losses can be diverse and complex. The difficulty in predicting these relationships comes from the local societal and environmental factors that affect disease burden.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jesse E Bell
- a Cooperative Institute for Climate and Satellites-NC , North Carolina State University , Asheville , NC , USA
| | - Claudia Langford Brown
- b Karna, LLC, for Climate and Health Program , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | - Kathryn Conlon
- c Climate and Health Program , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | - Stephanie Herring
- d National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration , National Centers for Environmental Information , Boulder , CO , USA
| | - Kenneth E Kunkel
- a Cooperative Institute for Climate and Satellites-NC , North Carolina State University , Asheville , NC , USA
| | - Jay Lawrimore
- e National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration , National Centers for Environmental Information , Asheville , NC , USA
| | - George Luber
- c Climate and Health Program , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | - Carl Schreck
- a Cooperative Institute for Climate and Satellites-NC , North Carolina State University , Asheville , NC , USA
| | - Adam Smith
- e National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration , National Centers for Environmental Information , Asheville , NC , USA
| | - Christopher Uejio
- f Department of Geography , Florida State University , Tallahassee , FL , USA
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Brokamp C, Beck AF, Muglia L, Ryan P. Combined sewer overflow events and childhood emergency department visits: A case-crossover study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 607-608:1180-1187. [PMID: 28732397 PMCID: PMC5818157 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.07.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
In localities with combined sewer systems, combined sewer overflow (CSO) events frequently occur following high precipitation and can result in the release of untreated sewage and industrial wastewater into surface waters. We hypothesized that either direct contact with or proximity to aerosolized CSO effluent would increase the risk for childhood emergency department (ED) visits for asthma, gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses, and skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) in Cincinnati, OH, USA. ED visits for 2010-2014 due to GI diseases, asthma, and SSTIs were extracted from the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center electronic health records. The location and timing of CSO events were obtained from the Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) of Greater Cincinnati. ED visits with a residential address within 500m of a CSO site were used in a case-control crossover study with two bi-directional control periods. Conditional logistic regression models were used to estimate the risk of an ED visit associated with a CSO event at lag periods of 0 to 7days. Statistically significant elevated risks for GI-related ED visits was observed two (OR: 1.16 [95% CI 1.04,1.30]) days after CSO events. CSO events were not significantly associated with asthma- or SSTI-related ED visits, but show similar trends. Our findings suggest an increased risk for GI-related ED visits following CSO events among children who reside near CSO sites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cole Brokamp
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Andrew F Beck
- Divisions of General and Community Pediatrics and Hospital Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Louis Muglia
- Division of Human Genetics and Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Patrick Ryan
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Jagai JS, DeFlorio-Barker S, Lin CJ, Hilborn ED, Wade TJ. Sanitary Sewer Overflows and Emergency Room Visits for Gastrointestinal Illness: Analysis of Massachusetts Data, 2006-2007. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2017; 125:117007. [PMID: 29187322 PMCID: PMC5947952 DOI: 10.1289/ehp2048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Revised: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) occur when untreated sewage is discharged into water sources before reaching the treatment facility, potentially contaminating the water source with gastrointestinal pathogens. OBJECTIVES The objective of this paper is to assess associations between SSO events and rates of gastrointestinal (GI) illness in Massachusetts. METHODS A case-crossover study design was used to investigate association between SSO events and emergency room (ER) visits with a primary diagnosis of gastrointestinal (GI) illness in Massachusetts for 2006-2007. ER visits for GI were considered exposed if an SSO event occurred in the county of residence within three hazard periods, 0-4 d, 5-9 d, or 10-14 d, before the visit. A time-stratified bidirectional design was used to select control days for each ER visit on the same day of the week during the same month. Fixed effect logistic regression models were used to estimate the risk of ER visits following the SSO event. RESULTS During the study period, there were 270 SSO events for northeastern Massachusetts and 66,460 ER admissions with GI illness listed as the primary diagnostic code. The overall odds ratio (OR) for ER visits for GI illness was 1.09 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03, 1.16] in the 10-14 d period following an SSO event, with positive ORs for all age groups and for three of the four counties. The 0-4 d and 5-9 d periods following an SSO event were not associated with ER visits for GI illness overall, and associations by county or age were inconsistent. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated an association between SSO events and ER visits for GI illness using a case-crossover study design. In light of the aging water infrastructure in the United States and the expected increase in heavy rainfall events, our findings suggest a potential health impact associated with sewage overflows. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP2048.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jyotsna S Jagai
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Stephanie DeFlorio-Barker
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Cynthia J Lin
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Elizabeth D Hilborn
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Timothy J Wade
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|