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1. A Review of Volatile Organic Compound Contamination in Post-Industrial Urban Centers: Reproductive Health Implications Using a Detroit Lens

   https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17238755  

   Miller, Carol J.; Runge-Morris, Melissa; Cassidy-Bushrow, Andrea E.; Straughen, Jennifer K.; Dittrich, Timothy M.; Baker, Tracie R.; Petriello, Michael C.; Mor, Gil; Ruden, Douglas M.; O’Leary, Brendan F.; et al (December 2020, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health)

   null (Ed.)

   Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a group of aromatic or chlorinated organic chemicals commonly found in manufactured products that have high vapor pressure, and thus vaporize readily at room temperature. While airshed VOCs are well studied and have provided insights into public health issues, we suggest that belowground VOCs and the related vapor intrusion process could be equally or even more relevant to public health. The persistence, movement, remediation, and human health implications of subsurface VOCs in urban landscapes remain relatively understudied despite evidence of widespread contamination. This review explores the state of the science of subsurface movement and remediation of VOCs through groundwater and soils, the linkages between these poorly understood contaminant exposure pathways and health outcomes based on research in various animal models, and describes the role of these contaminants in human health, focusing on birth outcomes, notably low birth weight and preterm birth. Finally, this review provides recommendations for future research to address knowledge gaps that are essential for not only tackling health disparities and environmental injustice in post-industrial cities, but also protecting and preserving critical freshwater resources. 

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2. Health as an outcome and driver of human–wildlife interactions

   https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biaf088  

   Murray, Maureen_H; Gelmi-Candusso, Tiziana; Short_Gianotti, Anne_G; Morzillo, Anita_T; Young, Julie_K; Larson, Kelli_L; Fidino, Mason; Magle, Seth; Riley, Seth_P_D; Sikich, Jeff_A; et al (July 2025, BioScience)

   Abstract Human–wildlife interactions (HWIs) influence the health of humans and wildlife but a unifying framework is needed to understand the causes of HWIs to anticipate health-associated outcomes. In this article, we present a novel conceptual framework that positions wildlife and human health as outcomes of HWIs, human health risks and benefits as motivating factors to manage wildlife and HWIs, and wildlife and environmental health as drivers of future HWIs. We discuss policy implications, including centering wildlife health in preventing harmful HWIs and the wildlife health impacts of management actions to promote or prevent HWIs. We pose guiding questions for advancing health equity that explore who disproportionately experiences health risks and benefits arising from HWIs and who has the capacity to engage with management. Recognizing the integrated relationships between health and HWIs enables scientists and managers to collaboratively mitigate negative HWIs and promote favorable outcomes while protecting the health of people and wildlife. 

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3. Epigenetic Consequences of In Utero PFAS Exposure: Implications for Development and Long-Term Health

   https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22060917  

   Abdulkadir, Abubakar; Kandel, Shila; Lewis, Niya; D’Auvergne, Oswald; Rosby, Raphyel; Hossain, Ekhtear (June 2025, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health)

   In utero exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) presents significant health concerns, primarily through their role in inducing epigenetic modifications that have lasting consequences. This review aims to elucidate the impact of prenatal PFAS exposure on epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA regulation, focusing on developmental and long-term health outcomes. The review synthesizes findings from various studies that link PFAS exposure to alterations in DNA methylation in fetal tissues, such as changes in the methylation of genes like IGF2 and MEST, which are linked to disruptions in growth, neurodevelopment, immune function, and metabolic regulation, potentially increasing the risk of diseases such as diabetes and obesity. We also highlight the compound-specific effects of different PFAS, such as PFOS and PFOA, each showing unique impacts on epigenetic profiles, suggesting varied health risks. Special attention is given to hormonal disruption, oxidative stress, and changes in histone-modifying enzymes such as histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and deacetylases (HDACs), which are pathways through which PFAS influence fetal development. Additionally, we discuss PFAS-induced epigenetic changes in placental tissues, which can alter fetal nutrient supply and hormone regulation. Despite accumulating evidence, significant knowledge gaps remain, particularly regarding the persistence of these changes across the lifespan and potential sex-specific susceptibilities. We explore how advancements in epigenome-wide association studies could bridge these gaps, providing a robust framework for linking prenatal environmental exposures to lifetime health outcomes. Future research directions and regulatory strategies are also discussed, emphasizing the need for intervention to protect vulnerable populations from these environmental pollutants. 

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4. Monitoring Skin Volatile Emissions Using Wearable Sensors

   https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-anchem-071024-020707  

   Angioi, R; Thamatam, N; Agah, M; Morrin, A (May 2025, Annual Review of Analytical Chemistry)

   Human skin emits a continuous flux of volatile compounds reflecting various metabolic processes in the body, microbial activity, and environmental factors. Harnessing this emission for diagnostics is of great interest given the noninvasive, passive, and accessible nature of the emission, and there is much research underway to understand the value of this skin-emitted volatile organic compound (VOC) matrix. In parallel to this, wearable skin VOC sensors are emerging and garnering attention due to their potential to provide noninvasive, real-time information for monitoring human health, overcoming many of the design challenges related to biofluid monitoring via wearables. The projected opportunities for skin VOCs are fueling innovations in wearable VOC monitoring. This review discusses the most recent developments, from fully integrated wearable skin VOC sensors that exploit existing semiconductor technology to the design and preparation of advanced new sensing materials and devices to deliver new modalities for wearable skin VOC sensors. We articulate the challenges, limitations, and opportunities for technological advances to provide a perspective on promising directions for future developments. 

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5. Quaternary Ammonium Compounds: A Chemical Class of Emerging Concern

   Arnold, W.A.; Blum, A.; Branyan, J.; Bruton, T.A.; Carignan, C.C.; Cortopassi, G.; Datta, S.; DeWitt, J.; Doherty, A.-C.; Halden, R.U.; et al (May 2023, Environmental science and technology)

   Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), a large class of chemicals that includes high production volume substances, have been used for decades as antimicrobials, preservatives, and antistatic agents, and for other functions in cleaning, disinfecting, personal care products, and durable consumer goods. QAC use has accelerated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the banning of 19 antimicrobials from several personal care products by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2016. Studies conducted before and after the onset of the pandemic indicate increased human exposure to QACs. Environmental releases of these chemicals have also increased. Emerging information on adverse environmental and human health impacts of QACs is motivating a reconsideration of the risks and benefits across the life cycle of their production, use, and disposal. This paper presents a critical review of the literature and scientific perspective developed by a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional team of authors from academia, governmental, and nonprofit organizations. The review evaluates currently available information on the ecological and human health profile of QACs and identifies multiple areas of potential concern. Adverse ecological effects include acute and chronic toxicity to susceptible aquatic organisms, with concentrations of some QACs approaching levels of concern. Suspected or known adverse health outcomes include dermal and respiratory effects, developmental and reproductive toxicity, disruption of metabolic function such as lipid homeostasis, and impairment of mitochondrial function. QACs’ role in antimicrobial resistance has also been demonstrated. In the US regulatory system, how a QAC is managed depends on how it is used, for example, in pesticides or personal care products. This can result in the same QACs receiving different degrees of scrutiny depending on the use and the agency regulating it. Further, the EPA’s current method of grouping QACs based on structure, first proposed in 1988, is insufficient to address the wide range of QAC chemistries, potential toxicities, and exposure scenarios. Consequently, exposures to common mixtures of QACs and from multiple sources remain largely unassessed. Some restrictions on the use of QACs have been implemented in the US and elsewhere, primarily focused on personal care products. Assessing the risks posed by QACs is hampered by their vast structural diversity and a lack of quantitative data on exposure and toxicity for the majority of these compounds. This review identifies important data gaps and provides research and policy recommendations for preserving the utility of QAC chemistries while also seeking to limit adverse environmental and human health effects. 

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