Environmental Impact on Health
Author – Mrunali Ghadashi
- Data Practices for Studying the Impacts of Environmental Amenities and Hazards with Nationwide Property Data.
Challenges and Guidance in Utilizing Nationwide Property Data for Environmental Amenity Valuation
Nolte et al. (2024) explore the complexities associated with using nationwide property data to assess environmental amenities. Focusing on Zillow’s Transaction and Assessment Database, which covers real estate across the United States, they highlight several challenges and propose practical guidance for researchers. These include ensuring the identification of arm’s-length sales, accurately geolocating parcels and buildings, establishing temporal links between transaction and assessment data, categorizing property types, and addressing missing or mismeasured data for housing attributes. The authors emphasize that how researchers tackle these issues can significantly impact research outcomes, underscoring the importance of careful consideration and methodological rigor in utilizing property data for environmental valuation studies..
2. Integrating the Concepts of Zero Greenhouse-Gas Emissions, the Precautionary Principle, and Environmental Impact Statements for Climate Change Policy Mitigation.
Enhancing Climate Change Mitigation Through Integrated Environmental Strategies
Hayden and Mahin (2022) delve into the pressing need to integrate three crucial concepts—zero greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions, the precautionary principle, and environmental impact statements (EISs)—to enhance climate change mitigation efforts. They highlight how governments and corporations across the United States are increasingly committing to achieving zero GHG emissions by specific target years. The authors clarify the role of GHG-emitting and carbon-removing technologies in achieving net zero emissions, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach. They also discuss the significance of adopting the precautionary principle in climate change mitigation, recognizing the challenges posed by uncertainties in scientific understanding. Furthermore, they stress the importance of thorough analysis in environmental impact statements (EISs), mandated by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, to assess the potential environmental effects of proposed projects. By integrating these concepts, Hayden and Mahin advocate for a more robust and proactive approach to address the urgent challenges of climate change mitigation.
- Impact of environmental and health consciousness on ecological consumption intention: The moderating effects of haze and self‐competence.
Environmental and Health Consciousness Influence on Eco-Friendly Purchase Intentions
Hao and Chenyue (2021) delve into the intricate dynamics of consumer behavior regarding eco-friendly and self-protective products in response to environmental and health consciousness. Through a detailed investigation, they explore how these two factors influence consumers’ intentions to purchase eco-friendly products, aimed at pollution reduction, versus self-protective products, designed for pollution avoidance. Drawing on data from a between-subject experiment, their findings reveal significant insights.They discovered that both environmental and health consciousness play crucial roles in shaping consumers’ intentions towards ecological purchases. Interestingly, they found that the impact of environmental consciousness is particularly pronounced on hazy days, while health consciousness becomes more influential on clear days. This suggests a nuanced interplay between external environmental factors and individual health considerations in driving consumer behavior.Moreover, their research highlights the moderating role of perceived self-competence in shaping the effects of environmental and health consciousness on purchase intentions. Consumers with higher levels of self-competence are primarily influenced by environmental consciousness, whereas health consciousness holds greater sway over those with lower perceived self-competence.Overall, Hao and Chenyue’s study sheds light on the complex interactions between environmental and health concerns in consumer decision-making, providing valuable insights for businesses and policymakers seeking to promote sustainable consumption behaviors. By humanizing the research process, they offer a deeper understanding of how individual perceptions and external environmental conditions shape consumer preferences and intentions.rs who have low self‐competence. Implications for policymakers and managers are discussed
- Impact of a Household Environmental Intervention Delivered by Lay Health Workers on Asthma Symptom Control in Urban, Disadvantaged Children With Asthma.
Home-Based Asthma Intervention Improves Symptoms in Inner-City Children
Bryant-Stephens et al (2009) sought to determine if a home-based educational and environmental intervention, delivered by lay health educators, could improve asthma symptom control in inner-city children. They conducted a crossover study, randomly assigning children aged 2 to 16 years with diagnosed asthma and a history of asthma-related hospitalizations or emergency visits into two groups: one receiving immediate intervention and the other delayed intervention. Each group went through an active phase (intervention) and an inactive phase.The study included 264 primarily Black children, and the results were promising. Following the intervention, there was a notable decrease in both emergency department visits and inpatient visits, by 30% and 53% respectively. Additionally, improvements were observed in asthma triggers such as pests, carpets in bedrooms, and dust. Nighttime wheezing significantly decreased in both groups post-intervention.The findings underscore the effectiveness of lay health educators in reducing asthma triggers and enhancing caregiver knowledge about asthma. This translated into tangible improvements in asthma outcomes, including fewer emergency visits, hospitalizations, and asthma symptoms. Importantly, the positive relationships established between caregivers and the lay health educators played a significant role in these outcomes, particularly in this disadvantaged population. Overall, the study highlights the importance of community-based interventions and personalized education in managing asthma in vulnerable populations, contributing to better health outcomes and improved quality of life for children with asthma.
5. An Integrated Assessment Framework of Economic, Environmental, and Human Health Impacts Using Scan-to-BIM and Life-Cycle Assessment in Existing Buildings
Integrated Framework for Assessing Building Environmental Impacts
Kim, S et al. (2023) delved into the growing importance of environmental management in existing buildings to mitigate the environmental impact of the construction sector. They acknowledged that while life-cycle assessment (LCA) is crucial for evaluating a building’s environmental burden, it often entails significant time and costs for data collection and analysis. To address this challenge, they proposed an integrated assessment framework that combines economic, environmental, and human health impacts using scan-to-building information modeling (BIM) and LCA in existing buildings.To validate their framework, the researchers conducted a case study. They found that a BIM model with a low error rate of 1.442% could be automatically generated from a three-dimensional (3D) point cloud using a parametric algorithm. In the case study, the total cost was estimated at USD 162,769, with the environmental cost accounting for the largest percentage at 97.15%.The significance of their study lies in the development of a framework that facilitates the automated assessment of economic, environmental, and human health impacts of existing buildings through the integration of BIM and LCA. By streamlining the assessment process, this approach offers a practical solution to the challenges associated with evaluating the environmental sustainability of buildings. Ultimately, Kim, Kim, et al.’s research contributes to advancing environmentally friendly practices in the construction industry, paving the way for more sustainable building management strategies.
- Excess Emissions: Environmental Impacts, Health Effects, and Policy Debate.
Addressing Policy Gaps: Excess Emissions and Regulatory Challenges
Hollingsworth, Konisky, et al. (2023) aimed to shed light on a critical issue regarding air pollution releases categorized as excess emissions by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These emissions, stemming from accidents, malfunctions, or unanticipated facility activities, violate the Clean Air Act. Despite this violation, states have historically granted exemptions to emitting facilities, shielding them from enforcement and penalties.The researchers outlined recent findings that examine the occurrence, scale, environmental impacts, and health effects of these emissions. Notably, much of the existing research has centered on Texas due to its provision of detailed data on excess emissions, facilitating research endeavors. However, this data limitation raises uncertainties about the prevalence, scale, and consequences of such emissions beyond Texas.The authors argue for a comprehensive approach, advocating for detailed data reporting requirements in all states. They contend that such transparency would provide policymakers with the necessary information to craft effective regulatory frameworks. By humanizing the issue, the study underscores the importance of addressing these exemptions and their associated environmental and health implications nationwide. Ultimately, the research aims to inform ongoing policy debates and drive meaningful regulatory reforms to protect public health and the environment from harmful air pollution releases.
7. Effects of different inhibitors on emission characteristics, environmental impact and health risk of volatile organic compounds from asphalt binder.
Inhibitors for Reducing Asphalt VOC Emissions: Environmental and Health Implications
Cao, Gong, et al. (2023) delved into the environmental and health impacts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from asphalt, which pose risks to both the environment and workers’ health. To mitigate these risks, the researchers explored the use of inhibitors to reduce VOC emissions from asphalt. They investigated three inhibitors – activated carbon (AC), expanded graphite (EG), and hydrotalcite (MA) – and their effects on the emission characteristics of VOCs from asphalt.Their findings revealed that asphalt emitted 101 different VOC components, with alkanes comprising over 50% of the total concentration, followed by aldehydes and benzene. Among the inhibitors tested, AC, with its large specific surface area and pore capacity, exhibited the most effective inhibition of VOC emissions, achieving a total concentration inhibition rate of 45.58%. Additionally, AC and EG successfully suppressed over 90% of VOC components emissions. However, excessive use of MA had adverse effects on VOC emissions.The study also examined the environmental and health impacts of asphalt VOC emissions, finding that AC and EG effectively reduced emissions of harmful compounds like acrolein, which contributes significantly to non-carcinogenic risks. Conversely, inhibitors showed limited effectiveness in inhibiting the emissions of carcinogenic compounds like acetaldehyde.Overall, this research enhances our understanding of how inhibitors can mitigate the environmental and health risks associated with asphalt VOC emissions. By providing insights into the selective inhibition of VOC components and their environmental-health benefits, the study contributes to the development of asphalt materials with lower environmental and health impacts, offering valuable theoretical support for future material design efforts.
8. How Environmental Provisions Affect Asian Developing Countries.
Trade Agreements and Environmental Standards: India’s Export Analysis
Sawhney (2003) delves into the implications of implementing agreements regarding sanitary and phytosanitary measures, as well as technical barriers to trade provisions, on the exports of traditional agricultural and manufactured goods from a developing Asian country like India. The study outlines how environmental provisions under the World Trade Organization/General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade have influenced the trade of goods. It examines the impact of environmental and health standards on India’s exports, particularly focusing on traditional agricultural and manufactured products. Furthermore, Sawhney discusses how the interpretation of environmental provisions within the multilateral regime has evolved, especially in the context of trade disputes. By humanizing this analysis, Sawhney sheds light on the real-world implications of international trade agreements on the agricultural and manufacturing sectors in developing countries like India, highlighting the complexities and challenges faced in balancing trade regulations with environmental considerations.
9. Ecosystem impacts of pesticide reductions through Bt cotton adoption.
Assessing Environmental Impacts: Bt Cotton Technology in India
Veettil, P. C., et al. (2017) shed light on the environmental impacts of transgenic Bt cotton technology and its role in reducing the use of chemical pesticides. Their study, conducted among smallholder farmers in India, quantifies the negative environmental and health effects associated with pesticide use, using the environmental impact quotient (EIQ) as a metric. By employing a unique panel dataset, the researchers assess the environmental consequences of Bt cotton adoption compared to conventional cotton farming practices.
Their findings reveal that Bt technology leads to significantly lower negative externalities compared to conventional cotton cultivation. The reduction in EIQ attributable to Bt technology adoption has shown a substantial increase over time, from 39% during the period of 2002-2004 to 68% during 2006-2008. Moreover, Bt adoption has been associated with higher environmental efficiency, indicating a more sustainable approach to cotton farming.Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of the quality of Bt technology in influencing environmental efficiency. Higher-quality Bt seeds are found to be associated with greater environmental efficiency compared to lower-quality seeds, emphasizing the significance of technological advancements in promoting environmentally sustainable agricultural practices. Veettil, Krishna, et al. underscore the positive impact of Bt cotton technology on reducing pesticide use and mitigating environmental risks associated with conventional farming methods. Their findings provide valuable insights into the potential of biotechnological innovations to enhance environmental sustainability in agriculture, ultimately benefiting both farmers and ecosystems
10. Challenges to integrate health impact assessment into environmental assessment procedures: the pending debate
Towards Mandatory Health Impact Assessment: Bridging Regulatory Gaps
Iglesias-Merchan and Domínguez-Ares (2020) argue that Health Impact Assessment (HIA) will likely transition from a voluntary process to a legal requirement in numerous public and private projects globally. While the Spanish Public Health Act of 2011 introduced HIA into the national legal framework, its full regulatory implementation remains incomplete. This delay is attributed partly to resource constraints and associated costs, a challenge not unique to Spain. In response, stakeholders are urged to consider integrating HIA into established administrative procedures like strategic environmental assessment (SEA) and environmental impact assessment (EIA). However, both SEA and EIA processes have long-standing weaknesses, prompting the need for interdisciplinary discussions on the feasibility and methods of integrating HIA into these assessments. The article aims to initiate such discussions among practitioners to define the role of HIA in environmental assessments and vice versa, setting the stage for collaborative efforts to enhance public health considerations in project planning and decision-making.
Research Summary: Challenges and Solutions in Environmental Studies
Researchers explored various facets of environmental issues, offering insights and solutions to address challenges. Nolte et al. examined the complexities of using nationwide property data for environmental amenity valuation, emphasizing the importance of methodological rigor. Hayden and Mahin advocated for integrated climate change mitigation strategies, highlighting the need to combine zero greenhouse gas emissions, the precautionary principle, and environmental impact statements. Hao and Chenyue delved into consumer behavior, revealing how environmental and health consciousness influence eco-friendly purchase intentions. Bryant-Stephens et al. demonstrated the effectiveness of a home-based asthma intervention in improving symptoms among urban children. Kim, Kim, et al. proposed an integrated framework to assess building environmental impacts, while Hollingsworth, Konisky, et al. addressed policy gaps surrounding excess emissions. Cao, Gong, et al. investigated inhibitors’ effectiveness in mitigating asphalt VOC emissions, and Sawhney analyzed the implications of trade agreements on environmental standards and exports in India. Veettil, Krishna, et al. assessed the environmental benefits of Bt cotton technology, while Iglesias-Merchan and Domínguez-Ares advocated for integrating health impact assessment into environmental assessment procedures. Overall, these studies contribute valuable insights to tackle environmental challenges and promote sustainability.
References:
Bryant-Stephens, T., Kurian, C., Guo, R., & Zhao, H. (2009). Impact of a Household Environmental Intervention Delivered by Lay Health Workers on Asthma Symptom Control in Urban, Disadvantaged Children With Asthma. American Journal of Public Health, 99(S3), S657–S665. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2009.165423
Cao, Z., Gong, G., Liu, Y., Cao, X., Tang, B., & Wang, C. (2023). Effects of different inhibitors on emission characteristics, environmental impact and health risk of volatile organic compounds from asphalt binder. Journal of Cleaner Production, 428, N.PAG. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.139427
Hao, Z., & Chenyue, Q. (2021). Impact of environmental and health consciousness on ecological consumption intention: The moderating effects of haze and self‐competence. Journal of Consumer Affairs, 55(4), 1292–1305. https://doi.org/10.1111/joca.12356
Hayden, F. G., & Mahin, T. A. (2022). Integrating the Concepts of Zero Greenhouse-Gas Emissions, the Precautionary Principle, and Environmental Impact Statements for Climate Change Policy Mitigation. Journal of Economic Issues (Taylor & Francis Ltd), 56(2), 400–407. https://doi.org/10.1080/00213624.2022.2057168
Hollingsworth, A., Konisky, D. M., & Zirogiannis, N. (2023). Excess Emissions: Environmental Impacts, Health Effects, and Policy Debate. Review of Environmental Economics & Policy, 17(1), 170–177. https://doi.org/10.1086/723885
Iglesias-Merchan, C., & Domínguez-Ares, E. (2020). Challenges to integrate health impact assessment into environmental assessment procedures: the pending debate. Impact Assessment & Project Appraisal, 38(4), 299–307. https://doi.org/10.1080/14615517.2020.1716161
Kim, S., Kim, H., Lee, J., Hong, T., & Jeong, K. (2023). An Integrated Assessment Framework of Economic, Environmental, and Human Health Impacts Using Scan-to-BIM and Life-Cycle Assessment in Existing Buildings. Journal of Management in Engineering, 39(5), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1061/JMENEA.MEENG-5600
Nolte, C., Boyle, K. J., Chaudhry, A. M., Clapp, C., Guignet, D., Hennighausen, H., Kushner, I., Liao, Y., Mamun, S., Pollack, A., Richardson, J., Sundquist, S., Swedberg, K., & Uhl, J. H. (2024). Data Practices for Studying the Impacts of Environmental Amenities and Hazards with Nationwide Property Data. Land Economics, 100(1), 200–221. https://doi.org/10.3368/le.100.1.102122-0090r
Sawhney, A. (2003). How Environmental Provisions Affect Asian Developing Countries. IIMB Management Review (Indian Institute of Management Bangalore), 15(1), 11–18.
Veettil, P. C., Krishna, V. V., & Qaim, M. (2017). Ecosystem impacts of pesticide reductions through Bt cotton adoption. Australian Journal of Agricultural & Resource Economics, 61(1), 115–134. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8489.12171