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Environmental health Archive

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A refresher on childhood asthma: What families should know and do

Asthma is the most common chronic lung disease in children, and it can make life more difficult and less enjoyable for both children and their parents. The good news is that asthma is very treatable; here's what families need to know.

If climate change keeps you up at night, here's how to cope

Climate anxiety is distress related to worries about how the effects of climate change. It's more likely to affect adolescents and young adults, leading to chronic stress, depression, anxiety, behavioral problems, and more. What can you do to manage climate anxiety in yourself or a young person in your life?

Poor housing harms health in American Indian and Alaska Native communities

In American Indian and Alaska Native tribal communities, poor housing conditions have led to high rates of health problems and disability, underscoring the need for adequate, affordable housing designed for people of all ages and abilities.

Save the trees, prevent the sneeze

In many places in the United States, spring is starting earlier— which means more pollen and a longer allergy season. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to manage the impact of seasonal allergies and reduce sneezing and itchy eyes.

Low-level exposure to toxic metals: A risk for clogged arteries?

Being exposed to even low levels of certain toxic metals, including arsenic, cadmium, and titanium, may raise a person's risk for clogged arteries.

The heart-related hazards of air pollution

Air pollution is an often overlooked yet important contributor to cardiovascular disease. Tiny particles known as PM2.5 travel deep into the lungs, where they irritate receptors and trigger nerves involved in the autonomic nervous system. This irritation also contributes to inflammation, which accelerates atherosclerosis. Climate change can worsen the damaging effects of air pollution in several ways, such as by promoting wildfires and dust storms, which creates more PM2.5. To reduce pollution's harmful effects, people can check air quality information and use portable indoor air cleaners when pollution levels are elevated.

Even low-level air pollution may harm health

The burning of fossil fuels is a major contributor to climate change, and pollution from this burning has been linked to millions of premature deaths worldwide. And, according to a new report, even low levels of air pollution may harm our health although we can take steps to limit exposure.

Take the lead on lead poisoning

The use of lead in consumer products was banned in the United States in 1978, but lead exposure is still a serious problem today, especially for young children. This led the CDC to lower the blood lead reference value, which is used to identify those at highest risk. When should children be tested for lead exposure, and what should parents do if there is lead in their home?

Chemical in plastics and personal care products linked to heart disease

Exposure to chemicals called phthalates, found in commonly used plastics, may be linked to a higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.

Reduce the health risks from "forever chemicals"

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of thousands of manmade chemicals that are widely used in products such as nonstick pans, stain repellants for furniture and carpets, cosmetics, and industrial products. These compounds are dangerous to human health and may lead to immune system problems and increased risk of certain cancers. Avoiding exposure by filtering water and choosing PFAS-free products can help to reduce those risks.

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