Environmental Health Chat

Algae are organisms that get their energy from the sun and live in aquatic and marine environments. Some types of algae are small, single-celled organisms. Different factors such as light, temperature, and available nutrient levels can trigger some types of algae to produce toxins. Harmful algal blooms are overgrowths of toxin-producing algae in natural bodies of water, such as oceans, lakes, and rivers. These toxins can cause serious harm to people, fish, and other parts of the ecosystem. In this podcast, hear more about the adverse impacts of toxins from harmful algal blooms on human health, ecosystems, and the economy. In addition, learn how scientists are exploring the use of toxins and other chemicals released by these algae to treat certain diseases.

Did you know that many of the processes in your body operate on a 24-hour cycle? This cycle, called the circadian rhythm, controls important functions in the body, such as hormone production and sleep patterns. The circadian rhythm is largely controlled by the normal pattern of light and darkness we experience in a day. But our circadian rhythm – and the processes it controls – can become disrupted if we are exposed to artificial light during nighttime hours. Disruption of the circadian rhythm has been linked to a range of health problems, including obesity, mood disorders, and cancer. In this podcast, Helmut Zarbl, Ph.D., discusses his research on circadian rhythms, and highlights why people who work night shifts and are frequently exposed to nighttime light have increased rates of certain types of cancer. We’ll also learn tips for maintaining a normal, healthy circadian rhythm and getting a good night’s sleep.

In the context of environmental health research, resilience refers to a community’s ability to withstand, adapt, and recover from a disaster or a public health emergency. In this podcast, hear how researchers are working with communities to develop research questions related to resilience, while learning how communities and individuals are impacted by disasters and how they recover from them. Plus, learn how these efforts are helping to inform future disaster response preparations to improve human health and resiliency.

In this podcast, learn more about studies to understand the health risks of crumb rubber in playgrounds, and ways to reduce children’s exposure to potentially harmful contaminants.

Although childhood lead poisoning has decreased over the last four decades, it remains an important public health concern. While the internet offers vast informative resources for parents, landlords, and property owners, there can be a lot of conflicting information, as well as myths, about lead exposure and its health effects. Such misinformation has hampered progress in addressing the issue of pediatric lead exposure. In this podcast, learn about common myths around lead, and the evidence debunking them.

Some groups of people in the United States experience higher rates of certain diseases than the general population. For example, communities near highways, which are more likely to be lower income or include people of color, may be exposed to more traffic-related air pollution and have a higher risk of respiratory disease. These differences in health outcomes between groups are called health disparities. In this podcast, hear more about the complex factors that are involved in environmental health disparities. Plus, learn how the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and NIEHS-funded researchers are working to address environmental health disparities and promote environmental justice for all.

People can be exposed to a wide variety of chemical and non-chemical stressors in their daily lives. These stressors may come from outdoors, homes or workplaces, food consumption, or use of personal care products. Exposure at low levels may not necessarily be problematic for human health, but researchers are looking at different periods in human growth and development where people may be more sensitive to these exposures. Researchers call these especially sensitive periods 'windows of susceptibility.' One window of susceptibility is during pregnancy and early development. In this podcast, hear how researchers are studying windows of susceptibility throughout the lifespan and learn how to prevent potentially harmful exposures to environmental stressors.

Flame retardant chemicals are added to consumer products, such as furniture, clothing, baby products, and coverings for electronic devices, to reduce their flammability. Brominated flame retardants are a common class of chemicals that have been used widely and are associated with negative health effects, such as cancer, thyroid problems, and interfering with children's brain development. Although many of these chemicals are being phased out of commercial use, they are incredibly persistent in the environment. In this podcast, hear how researchers and advocates are working to reduce exposure to flame retardants in particularly vulnerable communities and to communicate with decision makers to further protect human health.

Bioavailability is a concept that is often unknown or confusing to community members impacted by metals contamination. Since bioavailability has important implications for human health and cleanup decisions at Superfund sites, it is important for impacted communities and the public to understand this concept. The University of Arizona (UA) Superfund Research Program (SRP) Center and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) SRP Center collaborated to develop a factsheet to provide a brief introduction to the concept of bioavailability and its relevance to communities impacted by metals contamination. In this podcast, hear how bioavailability can affect people's exposure to metals like arsenic and lead. Plus, learn how to reduce exposure to arsenic or lead present in contaminated soil.

In many parts of the country, and indeed around the world, wood is used as fuel to heat homes, particularly during colder winter months. Wood combustion releases particulates and other air contaminants that can hurt your health. This can be particularly important for children's respiratory health and the health of other susceptible groups, such as the elderly. In this podcast, hear how researchers at the University of Montana are working in their communities to understand exposure to indoor air pollutants and the negative health impacts it causes and to identify promising interventions to protect human health.