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Environments
Special Issues
Healthy and Safe Environments across Occupational and Environmental Contexts
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Healthy and Safe Environments across Occupational and Environmental Contexts

A special issue of Environments (ISSN 2076-3298).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 June 2025 | Viewed by 4590

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Carlos Carvalhais

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Environmental Health Department, School of Health of Polytechnic Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal
2. Center for Translational Health and Medical Biotechnology (TBIO), Health Research Network (RISE-Health), School of Health, Polytechnic of Porto, Porto, Portugal
Interests: healthy environments; occupational and environmental health; occupa-tional safety and hygiene; chemical exposure; indoor environments
Prof. Dr. Joana Santos

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Environmental Health Department, School of Health of Polytechnic Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal
2. Center for Translational Health and Medical Biotechnology (TBIO), Health Research Network (RISE-Health), School of Health, Polytechnic of Porto, Porto, Portugal
Interests: human factors and ergonomics; environmental and occupational health and safety; impact of digitalization and emerging technologies on health; fatigue and burnout
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Cristiana Pereira

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Environmental Hygiene and Human Biological Monitoring Unit, Department of Health Protection, Laboratoire National de Santé, Luxembourg
Interests: indoor air; microbiology; endotoxins; occupational and environmental exposure; biomonitoring; DNA damage

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are organizing a Special Issue on “Healthy and Safe Environments across Occupational and Environmental Contexts”.

The WHO defines environmental health as the science that “addresses all the physical, chemical, and biological factors external to a person, and all the related factors impacting behaviours. It encompasses the assessment and control of those environmental factors that can potentially affect health. It is targeted towards preventing disease and creating health-supportive environments”. The main link between the general environment and the workplace is that the source of the hazard is, in some cases, the same. To control the health hazard, a common approach may work effectively in both settings. It is now well recognized that the scientific knowledge and training required to assess and control environmental health hazards are, for the most part, the same skills and knowledge required to address occupational health hazards.

The Issue will feature a diverse range of topics, including novel approaches to hazard assessment, emerging environmental and occupational health risks, technological innovations for safety and health, interventions in challenging environments, and strategies for disease prevention and human well-being among occupational and environmental settings and communities.

The articles should cover one of the following topics:

  • Occupational and environmental mixed exposures;
  • Modelling approaches to estimate occupational and environmental exposures;
  • New technologies, human factors, and health outcomes;
  • Healthy indoor and outdoor workplaces and environments;
  • Physical, biological, chemical, and psychosocial factors exposure and qualitative and quantitative risk assessment methods;
  • Work organization and design to prevent accidents and injuries;
  • Skin and airborne exposure: new developments on assessment and control;
  • Impact of green jobs on environment and occupational health;
  • Other related themes.

Dr. Carlos Carvalhais
Prof. Dr. Joana Santos
Dr. Cristiana Pereira
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Environments is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

 

Keywords

  • occupational health
  • environmental health
  • human factors
  • human exposure
  • healthy environments

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  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
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  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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16 pages, 3776 KiB  
Article
Impact of Environmental Pollutants on Otorhinolaryngological Emergencies in the COVID-19 Era
by Tommaso Saccardo, Elisa Masetto, Elia Biancoli, Anna Rachel Colombo, Antonio Daloiso, Alessandra Deretti, Francesco Benvegnù, Maria Angiola Crivellaro, Marco Marani, Piero Nicolai, Rosario Marchese Ragona, Gino Marioni, Bruno Scarpa and Giancarlo Ottaviano
Environments 2025, 12(4), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12040115 - 9 Apr 2025
Viewed by 146
Abstract
Air pollution (AP) is a critical environmental factor influencing public health, with well-documented associations with upper respiratory tract (URT) diseases. This study investigates the relationship between ENT emergency department (ENT-ED) visits at Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova (AOPD) and daily concentrations of environmental [...] Read more.
Air pollution (AP) is a critical environmental factor influencing public health, with well-documented associations with upper respiratory tract (URT) diseases. This study investigates the relationship between ENT emergency department (ENT-ED) visits at Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova (AOPD) and daily concentrations of environmental pollutants during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020–March 2021), compared to pre-pandemic data from 2017. The study focuses on patients diagnosed with URT inflammatory diseases, excluding those with COVID-19 infection, who sought care at the AOPD ENT-ED. Environmental data, including meteorological variables, air pollutants, and major aeroallergen levels, were collected from regional monitoring stations. A total of 4594 patients were admitted in 2020/2021, marking a 37% reduction from 2017, with URT inflammatory admissions decreasing by 52%. A significant decline in PM10, NO2 and Alternaria levels was observed, whereas Betullaceae and Corylaceae concentrations significantly increased. Multivariate analyses revealed strong associations between aeroallergen exposure and ENT admissions, particularly for Alternaria, which had a notable impact on total admissions (p < 0.001) and was significantly linked to cases of otitis media and tonsillitis. PM10 concentrations on specific days preceding ED visits were associated with increased incidences of pharyngitis and rhinosinusitis (p < 0.05). These findings reinforce the connection between environmental pollutants and ENT emergency visits, highlighting the adverse effects of AP and climate variables on URT diseases, even during a pandemic when enhanced airway protection measures were in place. This study underscores the necessity of stringent air quality regulations and interdisciplinary strategies to mitigate environmental health risks and inform future public health policies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy and Safe Environments across Occupational and Environmental Contexts)
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13 pages, 2219 KiB  
Article
Worker Safety in High-Field NMR Spectroscopy Laboratories: Challenges and Risk Assessment
by Alessandra Flori, Giuseppe Acri, Maria Antonietta D’Avanzo, Massimo Mattozzi and Valentina Hartwig
Environments 2025, 12(4), 113; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12040113 - 8 Apr 2025
Viewed by 123
Abstract
Magnetic Resonance (MR) technology is extensively used in academic and industrial research laboratories and represents one of the most significant methodologies in clinical radiology. Although MR does not use ionizing radiation, it cannot be considered risk-free due to the strong static magnetic fields [...] Read more.
Magnetic Resonance (MR) technology is extensively used in academic and industrial research laboratories and represents one of the most significant methodologies in clinical radiology. Although MR does not use ionizing radiation, it cannot be considered risk-free due to the strong static magnetic fields and time-varying electromagnetic fields employed in the technology. To mitigate risks for MR operators, the European Community and ICNIRP have established safety limits based on the existing literature, primarily related to diagnostic MR. However, the literature on occupational exposure in non-clinical nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is limited. Due to their specificity, non-medical NMR environments present unique challenges from the point of view of operator exposure. NMR spectrometers are characterized by extremely high static magnetic fields, reaching up to 28 T in commercial systems; moreover, routine activities performed near the magnet, where field gradients are highest, increase operator exposure. Such environments are not typically perceived as hazardous and are frequented by various types of personnel, often without specific training. This study aims to highlight the critical issues in managing a preclinical MR laboratory equipped with a high-field NMR spectrometer, discussing operator safety challenges and presenting risk assessment data. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy and Safe Environments across Occupational and Environmental Contexts)
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14 pages, 294 KiB  
Article
Evidence About the Possible Role of Phthalates and Bisphenol A in Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and Endocrine Dysfunctions: A Case–Control Study
by Lidia Caporossi, Paola Viganò, Enrico Paci, Silvia Capanna, Alessandra Alteri, Mariangela De Rosa, Daniela Pigini, Elisa Partenzi and Bruno Papaleo
Environments 2025, 12(2), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12020038 - 24 Jan 2025
Viewed by 741
Abstract
Objectives. A case–control study was conducted to investigate the exposure levels to some specific chemicals, in women with infertility issues, compared with fertile women. Methods. A total of 186 cases and 196 controls were recruited. Each participant provided a urine sample for the [...] Read more.
Objectives. A case–control study was conducted to investigate the exposure levels to some specific chemicals, in women with infertility issues, compared with fertile women. Methods. A total of 186 cases and 196 controls were recruited. Each participant provided a urine sample for the determination of six phthalate metabolites (mono-ethyl phthalate, MEP; mono-n-butyl phthalate, MnBP; mono-n-ottyl phthalate, MnOP; monobenzyl phthalate, MBzP; and two metabolites of the diethyl-hexyl phthalate (DEHP): mono(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate, MEHHP and mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, MEHP) in addition to bisphenol A, BPA. Each woman also completed a questionnaire. The urine samples were analyzed using HPLC/MS/MS methods. Results. The analysis revealed significantly higher metabolite concentrations in cases than in controls for all metabolites, except MnOP. Stratification based on infertility factors, showed a significant association of MnBP, MBzP, BPA and DEHP with ovulatory and endocrine dysfunctions. Furthermore, higher mean concentrations of MEP and DEHP were observed in women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and idiopathic infertility, respectively. Conclusion. These findings suggest that some of the analyzed chemicals may play a role in female infertility. Exposure to DEP (diethyl phthalate) and DEHP appears to be associated with RPL and idiopathic infertility. Further investigation is required to explore potential sources of these risks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy and Safe Environments across Occupational and Environmental Contexts)
19 pages, 2156 KiB  
Article
Associations of Exposure to 24 Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals with Perinatal Depression and Lifestyle Factors: A Prospective Cohort Study in Korea
by Nalae Moon, Su Ji Heo and Ju Hee Kim
Environments 2025, 12(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12010015 - 6 Jan 2025
Viewed by 935
Abstract
During pregnancy, reproductive hormonal changes could affect the mental health of women, such as depression and anxiety. Previous studies have shown that exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is significantly associated with mental health symptoms; however, the results were inconsistent. We aimed to [...] Read more.
During pregnancy, reproductive hormonal changes could affect the mental health of women, such as depression and anxiety. Previous studies have shown that exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is significantly associated with mental health symptoms; however, the results were inconsistent. We aimed to examine the association between 24 endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in maternal urine and perinatal depression and their association with dietary and lifestyle factors. Participants were recruited from the “No Environmental Hazards for Mother–Child” cohort in Korea. Structured questionnaires asking dietary and lifestyle factors and evaluation of depressive symptoms were administered during antepartum (14 weeks of gestation) and postpartum (within four weeks after birth) periods. Urine samples were collected from 242 and 119 women during antepartum and postpartum periods, respectively. To assess perinatal depression, we used the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Antepartum depression and mono(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (MECPP) (1.50, 1.01–2.23) and 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) (0.05, 0–0.89) showed significant positive association. Additionally, postpartum depression showed significant associations with mono(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP) (2.78, 1.00–7.70), mono(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP) (2.79, 1.04–7.46), 2-hydroxynaphthalene (2-NAP) (7.22, 1.43–36.59), and 2-hydroxyfluorene (2-FLU) (<0.01, 0–0.004). Some dietary factors (consumption of fish, fermented foods, cup noodles, and popcorn) and consumer product factors (use of skin care, makeup, perfume, antibiotics, sunscreen, nail polish, new furniture, plastic tableware, detergent, polish, paint, and pesticide) were associated with the concentration level of chemicals. We found that exposure to several EDCs during pregnancy and the postpartum period was associated with perinatal depression and dietary–lifestyle factors. Women in childbirth need to actively seek out information about exposure to EDCs and make efforts to avoid them for their own and fetal health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy and Safe Environments across Occupational and Environmental Contexts)
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22 pages, 1272 KiB  
Systematic Review
Advancing Environmental Sustainability in Healthcare: Review on Perspectives from Health Institutions
by Bárbara Badanta, Anabel Porcar Sierra, Saray Torner Fernández, Francisco Javier Rodríguez Muñoz, José Miguel Pérez-Jiménez, María Gonzalez-Cano-Caballero, Manuel Ruiz-Adame and Rocío de-Diego-Cordero
Environments 2025, 12(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12010009 - 3 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1709
Abstract
Hospitals play a key role in promoting sustainable and healthy living. Few studies have taken this perspective into account. Therefore, we explored the role of hospital institutions in the development and implementation of sustainability strategies linked to the provision of health services. Applying [...] Read more.
Hospitals play a key role in promoting sustainable and healthy living. Few studies have taken this perspective into account. Therefore, we explored the role of hospital institutions in the development and implementation of sustainability strategies linked to the provision of health services. Applying the PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review of the PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Web of Science databases and the references of the resulting articles in Mendeley Desktop v1.19.8. Articles peer-reviewed between 2016 and 2023 were eligible if they analyzed sustainable healthcare, activities derived from services provided and professional involvement. From the 27 articles that constituted the final sample, two themes were identified: (a) environmental sustainability in healthcare and (b) involvement of healthcare professionals in environmental sustainability. Proposals for sustainable actions to reduce the environmental impact of healthcare related to the use of natural resources, sustainable food, sustainable transport and waste management were reviewed. The role of healthcare workers, their attitudes and perceptions of sustainability and global health improvement were investigated. Reducing health pollution involves addressing excessive or inappropriate consumption of resources and minimizing the environmental footprint of healthcare activities. The different contexts reveal the heterogeneity of the sustainability interventions existing in the healthcare industry, both in terms of subject matter and in terms of the number of publications from each country. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy and Safe Environments across Occupational and Environmental Contexts)
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