Topics A to Z

As part of NEHA's continuos effort to provide convenient access to information and resources, we have gathered together for you the links in this section. Our mission is "to advance the environmental health and protection professional for the purpose of providing a healthful environment for all,” as well as to educate and inform those outside the profession.



Climate Change Impacts and Options: Case Studies in the Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska


Climate Change, Dust Storms, Vulnerable Populations, and Health in the Middle East: A Review

October 2021 issue of the Journal of Environmental HealthAbstract

The impact of dust storms on human health has been well described in Asian and European countries. Several research studies have examined adverse health outcomes attributable to dust and dust storm events, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, across these and other developed countries. Despite an increasing number of dust storm events plaguing the Middle East attributable to climate change, little is presently understood about the effects of dust storms on the health of human populations residing in this region. This review sought to identify and assess what is currently understood about the health impacts of dust storms in the Middle East. A systematic review was designed and conducted using MEDLINE/PubMed and Google Scholar. Out of 534 articles identified, 16 met predetermined eligibility criteria and were included in our analysis. Our review identified a number of health consequences associated with dust events in the region of interest, existing gaps in available literature, vulnerable populations, and directions for future research.

 

Journal of Environmental Health (JEH)

October 2021
October 2021
84.3 | 8-15
Muge Akpinar-Elci, MPH, MD, Old Dominion University, Brenda Berumen-Flucker, MPH, Old Dominion University, Hasan Bayram, MD, PhD, Old Dominion University, Abdullah Al-Taiar, MD, PhD, Old Dominion University


Community Outbreak of Legionellosis Associated With an Indoor Hot Tub, New Hampshire, 2018

Abstract

Legionellosis is an infection acquired through inhalation of aerosolized water droplets containing Legionella bacteria. In August 2018, public health officials in New Hampshire launched an investigation into a legionellosis outbreak. They identified 49 illnesses likely associated with the outbreak and implicated an improperly maintained hot tub at a hotel. The same strain of Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 was found in both the hot tub and in samples from two patients with Legionnaires’ disease. The indoor hot tub vented to the outdoors, which is how some patients with confirmed legionellosis likely acquired the infection despite not entering the hotel during the incubation period. This outbreak is notable for 1) likely illness acquisition through the exterior vent of the hot tub room and 2) use of whole genome sequencing to link environmental and patient specimens. Collaboration among public health and environmental officials, laboratorians, and building managers was essential to determining the source of the outbreak and preventing further illness.

 

Journal of Environmental Health (JEH)

June 2022
June 2022
84.10 | 16-24
Elizabeth R. Daly, MPH, DrPH, New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Elizabeth A. Talbot, MD, New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Jessica C. Smith, MPH and Troy Ritter, MPH, PhD, REHS, DAAS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Zachary D. McCormic, MPH, New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services
Additional Topics A to Z: Pathogens and Outbreaks


Community-Wide Recreational Water-Associated Outbreak of Cryptosporidiosis and Control Strategies—Maricopa County, Arizona, 2016

Abstract

We describe a 2016 community-wide recreational water-associated cryptosporidiosis outbreak investigation and response in Maricopa County, Arizona. Persons with a laboratory-confirmed illness were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire that assessed exposures 2 weeks before symptom onset. A convenience sample of managers and operators of chlorine-treated public aquatic facilities was surveyed regarding permanent supplemental treatment systems for Cryptosporidium. Among 437 cases identified (median age 12, range <1–75 years), 260 persons were interviewed. Public-treated recreational water was the most frequently reported exposure (177, 68%) of interviewed persons; almost 1 in 5 (43, 17%) swam when diarrhea was ongoing.

After the 2016 outbreak, managers of some facilities expressed intentions to install supplementary water treatment systems, and by May 2017, at least one large facility installed an ultraviolet light system. Strategies to prevent additional illness included community messaging, education, and targeted remediation of affected facilities on the basis of interviews. Challenges to remediation during a cryptosporidiosis outbreak in a large jurisdiction with primarily outdoor pools underscore the importance of promoting healthy swimming practices that help prevent contamination from occurring.

 

Journal of Environmental Health (JEH)

November 2018
November 2018
81.4 | 14-21
Sally Ann Iverson, MPH, DVM, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Maricopa County Department of Public Health, Nicole Fowle, MPH, LPN, Maricopa County Department of Public Health, Gregory Epperson, RS, Maricopa County Environmental Services Department, Jennifer Collins, MPH, Maricopa County Department of Public Health
Additional Topics A to Z: Recreational Waters


Comparison of Use, Storage, and Cleaning Practices for Personal Protective Equipment Between Career and Volunteer Firefighters in Northwestern Kentucky in the United States

Abstract

Most occupational research on firefighter exposure in the U.S. has been conducted in large urban cities with career firefighters. Over 70% of U.S. firefighters, however, are volunteers, a population overrepresented in small rural fire departments and thus under studied. We conducted three focus groups with individuals from eight fire departments in the Green River Firefighters Association fire protection district in northwestern Kentucky. Based on these focus groups, we developed a survey and administered it to 43 career and 187 volunteer firefighters at their annual fire training school. Based on their responses, we identified significant variables related to existing personal protective equipment (PPE) use, storage, and cleaning practices of firefighters. Except for storage, work practices related to the use of turnout gear (coats and pants) showed no significant difference between the two groups of firefighters. A majority of both career firefighters (85%, n = 16) and volunteer firefighters (59%, n = 57) stored their gear at the fire department (p < .05). Although turnout gear is the core component of PPE, 11% of the volunteer firefighters did not own turnout gear Both firefighter groups have a substantial challenge with respect to PPE practices. Career firefighters deal with more frequent exposures to fire-related contaminants during training and while on duty. In contrast, volunteer firefighters lack the resources needed to properly maintain, clean, and store their PPE, concerns that are not addressed by National Fire Protection Association recommendations.

 

Journal of Environmental Health (JEH)

December 2019
December 2019
82.5 | 8-14
Jooyeon Hwang, PhD, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Hudson College of Public Health University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Ritchie Taylor, PhD, Department of Public Health, College of Health and Human Services, Western Kentucky University, Gretchen Macy, EdD, Department of Public Health, College of Health and Human Services, Western Kentucky University, Charles “Mac” Cann, MPH, Department of Public Health, College of Health and Human Services, Western Kentucky University
Additional Topics A to Z: Injury Prevention


Competencies for Environmental Health Professionals Who Detect, Investigate, and Respond to Foodborne Illness Outbreaks

July/August 2022 issue of the Journal of Environmental HealthAbstract

Environmental health (EH) professionals are essential to foodborne illness outbreak investigations, although many do not receive formal training in this area. We present a competency framework that reflects the comprehensive set of skills desired for EH professionals engaged in foodborne illness outbreak detection, investigation, and response at state and local public health agencies. We describe findings of a web-based survey that assessed these competencies and identified training priorities among practicing EH professionals, as well as an EH competency training road map. The competencies were developed with input from EH professionals from academia and local, state, and national EH agencies. Survey results indicate that the competencies are relevant and highlight opportunities for further training. The training road map is a tool to connect EH professionals with a curated list of existing trainings by competency. The competencies and road map are publicly available and free, and can be used for workforce, curricula, and resource development.

 

Journal of Environmental Health (JEH)

July 2022
July/August 2022
85.1 | 24-32
Michelle R. Torok, MPH, PhD, Colorado School of Public Health, Alice E. White, MPH, Colorado School of Public Health, Sharon Thompson, MPH, DVM, University of Tennessee, Sheri Pugh, MEd, University of Tennessee


Compliance With Mandated Testing for Lead in Drinking Water in School Districts in New Jersey

Abstract

Preventing lead exposure from all sources is critical for children’s optimal health and development. The crisis in Flint, Michigan, drew attention to the role of drinking water in lead exposure. School drinking water might pose significant risks due to aging infrastructure and the particular conditions of water use in schools. In 2016, New Jersey mandated that school districts test all drinking water outlets for lead and specified procedures that districts must follow. This study assessed compliance with this mandate. Districts were required to report results on their websites, so we used district websites as the unit of analysis to assess compliance with testing and reporting procedures and to identify schools that had reported maximum concentrations of lead in water. Most districts complied with the mandate to test their drinking water (90%) and the majority complied with online reporting requirements to some extent (87%). Most districts (79%) had one or more outlets in their district that exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s action level of 15 ppb. Mandated testing for lead in drinking water in schools is an important policy that can prevent childhood lead exposure. New Jersey should consider lowering the action level at which lead in drinking water should be remediated.

 

Journal of Environmental Health (JEH)

July 2019
July/August 2019
82.1 | 14-19
Marianne Sullivan, MPH, DrPH, William Paterson University of New Jersey, Marcos Lopez, William Paterson University of New Jersey
Additional Topics A to Z: Institutions / Schools


Concentration Gradient Patterns of Traffic and Non-Traffic-Generated Fine and Coarse Aerosol Particles

Journal of Environmental Health (JEH)

T. Reponen, PhD


Consumer Perception of Novel Restaurant Hygiene Certificates and Evaluation Criteria for Food Safety

Abstract

As more people consume food away from home, there is growing interest in hygienic conditions at restaurants. To respond to public concerns, the Korean Health Department has developed and implemented a new restaurant hygiene certificate system. This study investigated how the new restaurant hygiene certificate has been accepted by the public by measuring the perception of message quality and evaluation criteria for restaurant food safety practices. This study used an online survey to collect data and analyzed the data with an independent t-test, exploratory factor analysis, Mann–Whitney U test, and Kruskal–Wallis H test. Questionnaires determined restaurant hygiene certificate awareness, message quality, and evaluation criteria regarding restaurant food safety practices, general eating out behaviors, and demographic characteristics. Significant differences in message quality were found among respondents who were aware of the certificates and those who were not. There were significant demographic differences in the four factors respondents used to evaluate food safety practices at restaurants: restaurant hygiene certificates, cleanliness, sensory perception, and restaurant image. The results of this study suggest that the restaurant hygiene certificate system has been well received by the public but requires greater restaurant participation for enhanced public awareness.

 

Journal of Environmental Health (JEH)

April 2022
April 2022
84.8 | 18-24
Jinkyung Choi, PhD, RD, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Pukyong National University


Consumer Perception of the Food and Drug Administration’s Newest Recommended Food Facility Inspection Format: Words Matter

Abstract

The Food and Drug Administration recommended restaurant inspection scores change to a format that incorporated three new categories of violations: priority, priority foundation, and core. It was uncertain whether interested consumers would value the more in-depth information or become more confused. The purpose of this study was to assess consumer perception of the recommended inspection system. Data were collected from an online survey. Results showed that consumers want convenient access to the information either online or on the wall of restaurants, and some consumers do want to read inspection reports and use them in making dining decisions. Choice of restaurant inspection format did appear to change consumer understanding and perceptions about some of the violations. Results also demonstrated the importance of the words used to categorize violations.

Journal of Environmental Health (JEH)

June 2017
June 2017
79.10 | 20-25
Jooho Kim, PhD, Jing Ma, PhD, Barbara Almanza, PhD, RD

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