Ban Cars on OSU Columbus Campus as a Public Health Threat

Pollution and autism 1

Pollution and autism 2

Background: Little is known about environmental causes and contributing factors for autism. Basic science and epidemiologic research suggest that oxidative stress and inflammation may play a role in disease development. Traffic-related air pollution, a common exposure with established effects on these pathways, contains substances found to have adverse prenatal effects. Objectives: We examined the association between autism and proximity of residence to freeways and major roadways during pregnancy and near the time of delivery, as a surrogate for air pollution exposure. Methods: Data were from 304 autism cases and 259 typically developing controls enrolled in the Childhood Autism Risks from Genetics and the Environment (CHARGE) study. The mother’s address recorded on the birth certificate and trimester-specific addresses derived from a residential history obtained by questionnaire were geocoded, and measures of distance to freeways and major roads were calculated using ArcGIS software. Logistic regression models compared residential proximity to freeways and major roads for autism cases and typically developing controls. Results: Adjusting for sociodemographic factors and maternal smoking, maternal residence at the time of delivery was more likely be near a freeway (≤ 309 m) for cases than for controls [odds ratio (OR) = 1.86; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04–3.45]. Autism was also associated with residential proximity to a freeway during the third trimester (OR = 2.22; CI, 1.16–4.42). After adjustment for socioeconomic and sociodemographic characteristics, these associations were unchanged. Living near other major roads at birth was not associated with autism. Conclusions: Living near a freeway was associated with autism. Examination of associations with measured air pollutants is needed. Key words: autism, epidemiology, gene–environment interaction, roadway proximity, traffic emissions. Environ Health Perspect 119:873–877 (2011). doi:10.1289/ehp.1002835 [Online 16 December 2010]

 

 

 

Latest CDC Report on Motor Vehicle Crash Deaths

Reducing motor vehicle crash deaths was one of the great public health achievements of the 20th century for the US. However, more than 32,000 people are killed and 2 million are injured each year from motor vehicle crashes. In 2013, the US crash death rate was more than twice the average of other high-income countries. In the US, front seat belt use was lower than in most other comparison countries. One in 3 crash deaths in the US involved drunk driving, and almost 1 in 3 involved speeding. Lower death rates in other high-income countries and a high percentage of risk factors in the US suggest that we can make more progress in reducing crash deaths.

 

Motor Vehicle Crash Deaths _ VitalSigns _ CDC

 

The Green House Model for Nursing Homes

A Better Nursing Home Exists—Why Isn’t It Everywhere_ – The Atlantic (1)

In each home, there are primary caregivers called Shahbazim, certified nurse assistants who also handle some food preparation, light housekeeping duties, and plan activities for residents. They work as a team with other Shahbazim, which gives them the ability to manage their own work schedules and make decisions collaboratively.