About this Research Topic
As per 2016 estimates, approximately one in four deaths and one in five disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost globally were attributable to environmental stressors. Humans are exposed to these environmental stressors through unsafe water and sanitation, ambient air pollution, indoor air pollution from solid biofuels, irrational use of agrichemicals, inadequate disposal of domestic and industrial wastes, global climate change, and many other anthropogenic activities. The impact of environmental exposures appears to vary strikingly across the lifespan and by gender and socio-economic status, making women and children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) disproportionately more vulnerable. The human health effects of environmental exposures are diverse as well. For instance, exposure to combustion products from fossil fuels may lead to adverse birth outcomes (e.g., low birth weight, preterm birth), neurodevelopmental effects (e.g. developmental delays, low IQs, attention deficit, autism spectrum disorder), respiratory diseases (e.g., diminished lung function, pneumonia), and cancers.
Environmental pollution is embedded in several health- and environment-related SDG goals and targets. However, there are still substantial knowledge gaps among stakeholders regarding the adverse health and nutritional effects of environmental pollution.
The prevention and control of environmental toxicants are also not prioritized in any of the relevant strategies and policies, particularly in many LMICs. To facilitate this need from society, we invite contributions of original and high-quality interdisciplinary research papers linking environmental stressors with population health and nutrition. Studies significantly advancing fundamental understanding and focusing on the interconnection of multiple spheres will be given primary consideration.
Sub-themes of the Research Topic include (but are not limited to):
1. Role of toxicants, pollutants, and trace elements in health from a life course perspective
2. Impact of climate change on health outcomes mediated by toxicants and pollutants
3. Food and agricultural innovation addressing toxic chemical exposures
4. Nutritional intervention for prevention from toxicants and pollutants
5. Exposure to geogenic and anthropogenic heavy metals and human health
6. Interactions between environmental exposures and nutrition
7. Regional and global burden of human exposure to toxicants, pollutants, and trace elements
Environmental pollution is embedded in several health- and environment-related SDG goals and targets. However, there are still substantial knowledge gaps among stakeholders regarding the adverse health and nutritional effects of environmental pollution.
The prevention and control of environmental toxicants are also not prioritized in any of the relevant strategies and policies, particularly in many LMICs. To facilitate this need from society, we invite contributions of original and high-quality interdisciplinary research papers linking environmental stressors with population health and nutrition. Studies significantly advancing fundamental understanding and focusing on the interconnection of multiple spheres will be given primary consideration.
Sub-themes of the Research Topic include (but are not limited to):
1. Role of toxicants, pollutants, and trace elements in health from a life course perspective
2. Impact of climate change on health outcomes mediated by toxicants and pollutants
3. Food and agricultural innovation addressing toxic chemical exposures
4. Nutritional intervention for prevention from toxicants and pollutants
5. Exposure to geogenic and anthropogenic heavy metals and human health
6. Interactions between environmental exposures and nutrition
7. Regional and global burden of human exposure to toxicants, pollutants, and trace elements
Keywords: Toxicants, pollutants, trace elements, climate change, nutrition
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
