HECA - Newsletter September-October 2024

Industry Investment Rating - The report does not provide a specific investment rating for the industry [1][2][3] Core Viewpoints - The report highlights the significant health risks posed by environmental pollutants, particularly to children, emphasizing the need for action to mitigate these risks [1][2][3] - Air pollution, including household, traffic-related, and industrial sources, is identified as a major contributor to poor health outcomes, especially in low- and middle-income countries [1][2][3] - The report underscores the association between environmental pollutants and neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), with specific pollutants like nitrogen dioxide, copper, and phthalates being implicated [2][3] - Drought and wildfire-induced air pollution are linked to childhood stunting in low- and middle-income countries, with fire-sourced PM2.5 being a key mediator [3] - The report also discusses the impact of climate change on child health, particularly through malnutrition and food insecurity, exacerbated by extreme weather events and conflicts [11][15][22] Summary by Relevant Sections Air Pollution - Seven deadly sources of air pollution are identified, including household air pollution, traffic-related air pollution, and industrial air pollution, all of which contribute to PM2.5 levels and poor health outcomes [1] - Wildfire and landscape fire smoke are significant contributors to air pollution, particularly in drought-affected regions, and are linked to childhood stunting [3] - Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy increases the risk of postpartum depression, with higher levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM10) associated with a nearly fourfold increased risk [15] Environmental Pollutants and Health - Environmental pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide, copper, and phthalates, are significantly associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) [2] - Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) exposure in children is linked to lower cognitive functioning, problem-solving abilities, and adaptive functioning, particularly affecting working memory and executive function [4][7] - High levels of lead in cinnamon and spice blends pose a health risk, with some brands containing lead levels exceeding safe limits [12][14] Climate Change and Child Health - Climate change is expected to exacerbate child malnutrition, with projections indicating that 40 million more children will experience stunted growth and 28 million more will suffer from wasting by 2050 [15] - Drought and wildfire-induced air pollution are significant contributors to childhood stunting in low- and middle-income countries, with fire-sourced PM2.5 accounting for 26.7% of the linkage between drought and stunting [3] - Conflicts and climate-related extreme weather events in Sub-Saharan Africa are driving a severe child nutrition crisis, with over 80% of 137 million Africans facing acute food insecurity located in conflict-affected countries [22] Heavy Metals and Toxins - Heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury are found in high concentrations in leafy vegetables grown in polluted areas, posing chronic health risks to both adults and children [13] - Pesticide exposure in agricultural communities, particularly in the San Joaquin Valley, is a concern, with detectable levels of toxic pesticides found in adult participants [9] - Combined exposure to folate and lead during pregnancy is associated with autistic-like behaviors in children, with folate potentially mitigating the neurotoxic effects of lead [10] Water and Sanitation - Iodine and fluorine in drinking water are linked to thyroid health issues and reduced IQ in school-age children, with higher levels of these elements associated with increased thyroid volume and nodules [17] - The impact of climate change on water resources is evident in Brazil, where record droughts and wildfires are devastating indigenous communities and drying up waterways [8][18] Maternal and Reproductive Health - Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), particularly in obese, urban, and low-education populations [21] - Prenatal exposure to environmental hazards is a concern, with a significant knowledge-action gap among reproductive-aged women in Canada regarding environmental health risks [17][20] Climate Change and Mental Health - Climate change is causing widespread distress among US youth, with 85% of respondents reporting moderate to extreme worry about climate change and its impacts on mental health [25][26] - Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and wildfires, are disrupting education, with millions of children globally experiencing school closures due to climate-related disasters [27]