Living in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas is associated with increased childhood mortality. As city living becomes the predominant social context in low- and middle-income countries, the resulting rapid urbanization

Few studies have investigated maternal exposures during pregnancy to pesticides currently in use. Castorina et al. measured metabolites of current-use pesticides and other precursor compounds in urine samples collected twice during pregnancy from 538 California women enrolled in the Center for the Health Assessment of Mothers and Children of Salinas (CHAMACOS) cohort.

Acute exposure to ambient air pollution has been associated with cardiac outcomes, often within hours of exposure. The incidence of effects within the population depends on a number of factors, including genetic differences. Baja et al.

Studies in humans and animals suggest that both short-term and long-term exposure to elevated traffic levels can adversely affect pulmonary and cardiovascular function. Although several studies have examined associations between blood pressure and air pollution, few have examined pulse pressure or measures of systemic inflammation. Rioux et al.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are toxic chemicals that resist degradation and bioaccumulate. Despite attempts to limit the use and distribution of these chemicals, they are still widely detected in the environment. Schecter et al.

Although commuters are exposed to high air pollution concentrations, little quantitative information currently exists on differences in exposure from different modes of transport, routes, and fuel types. Zuurbier et al. (p.

Epidemiologic evidence suggests that chronic stress may alter susceptibility to air pollution, but spatial confounding between these factors limits the utility of epidemiologic methods to disentangle these effects and investigate physiologic mechanisms. Clougherty et al. (p.

The incidence of cutaneous melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, tripled over the last 30 years in the United States. The reasons for this increase are not clear, although sun sensitivity and ultraviolet radiation are known risk factors.

The short-term effects on the lung and pulmonary system following acute high-dose exposure to radiation are relatively well known. However, there has been comparatively little research on the long-term health effects of radioisotope exposure on the respiratory system.

Numerous studies have reported that traffic-related air pollution is associated with intrauterine growth restriction, low birth weight, and preterm birth, but studies to determine the most harmful pollutants and the most susceptible periods for exposure have been inconclusive. Aguilera et al.