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Dear Maricela,
We are happy to share that several faculty members across Columbia University and specifically from the Mailman School of Public Health and the Environmental Health Science Department were recognized among the:
Top 1000 Female Scientists in the World in 2023 by Research.com
Congratulations to:
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Frederica P. Perera, DrPH, PhD, Environmental Health Sciences (Center for Children's Environmental Health)
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Regina M. Santella, PhD, Environmental Health Sciences
- Melanie Wall, PhD, Biostatistics
- Deborah Hasin, PhD, Epidemiology
- Elaine L. Larson, PhD, Epidemiology
- Dean Linda Fried, MD, Epidemiology (Mailman School of Public Health)
We recognize that female leadership does not always come easy, as witnessed throughout history. For this reason, we are especially proud to acknowledge the research contributions of these women, not only because their work has informed and improved public health, but because their determination and success serves as inspiration to future generations of women across all fields.
HAPPY NEW YEAR and ADELANTE!
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CCCEH Research
*Important to note-The study findings represent how toxins and air pollution may affect the population as a whole, they do not tell us about the risk or effect for any individual study participant.
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Wristband Monitors Provide Detailed Account of Air Pollution Exposure
January 5, 2024
Sarah M. McLarnan, Lisa M. Bramer, Holly M. Dixon , Richard P. Scott , Lehyla Calero, Darrell Holmes, Elizabeth A. Gibson, Haleigh M. Cavalier, Diana Rohlman, Rachel L. Miller , Laurel Kincl, Katrina M. Waters, Kim A. Anderson and Julie B. Herbstman
Environmental epidemiologists at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team of researchers at Oregon State University, Pacific Northwest National Labs, and Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, report on the findings of a new study of air pollution exposures collected using personal wristband monitors worn by pregnant individuals in New York City matched with data from a questionnaire. Factors predictive of exposures to air pollution include income, time spent outdoors, maternal age, country of birth, transportation type, and season.
The researchers examined an unprecedented number of 61 air pollution compounds known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and compared them to 75 questionnaire variables, making the study the most comprehensive analysis of its kind. PAHs are created by combustion and can be found in sources like automotive exhaust and tobacco smoke; exposure to these compounds has been linked to various adverse health effects, including those related to fetal growth and neurodevelopment. The study’s findings appear online in the Journal of Exposure Science And Environmental Epidemiology.
Julie Herbstman, PhD, director of the Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health and senior author of the study, commented, “This study represents a significant advancement in our understanding of personal PAH exposure. By uncovering the variables that play a crucial role in exposure levels, we are better equipped to develop interventions aimed at reducing health risks.”
READ MORE
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Trajectory analysis of rhinitis in a birth cohort from lower-income NYC neighborhoods , December 15, 2023
Flores NM, Lovinsky-Desir S, Divjan A, Hoepner LA, Zou J, Miller RL, Herbstman JB, Perera FP, Perzanowski MS, Chen Q, Trajectory analysis of rhinitis in a birth cohort from lower-income NYC neighborhoods, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2024), doi: https:// doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2023.11.919.
Nasal symptoms including congestion, runny nose, itching and/or sneezing may be a sign of rhinitis. Rhinitis is a prevalent, chronic nasal condition associated with asthma.
To better understand and characterize the developmental course of rhinitis and how it may shed light as an early predictor of asthma, the study examined the course of rhinitis from infancy to adolescence. CCCEH’s longitudinal birth cohort participated in the study. Children who experienced "persistent and late onset", and /or "frequent" rhinitis are associated with increased risk of asthma diagnosis and symptoms during adolescence.
The findings inform us that children experiencing repeat or persistent rhinitis symptoms early in life may warrant more vigilant monitoring for asthma symptoms and asthma triggers. Developing interventions aimed at the prevention, early diagnosis, and/or treatment of rhinitis could potentially avoid subsequent asthma development. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
READ MORE
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Community Outreach & Translation Core
(COTC)
Partners in Action
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Nayma, Ashley, Radaysi
Planning Meeting at CCCEH
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All hands on toxic free "deodorant-making" | |
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The Girls Leadership Experience Program, founded by Nayma Silver-Matos, organized the Dyckman Girl’s Brunch on December 9th with Radaysi Ramirez, Community Service Club and poet Ashley Molina. Thirty-six girls from the Northern Manhattan area attended. Maricela Ureño, CCCEH’s COTC Coordinator led the girls’ informational session on toxic beauty and personal care products followed by a hands-on session in which the girls made a non-toxic deodorant. The girls followed the recipe from the CCCEH EHJ Advocates Green Recipes Book, and were very engaged in the activity making extra jars of deodorant for holiday gifts. While the girls enjoyed the brunch activities, 15 of their parents gathered with Las Mayimbas Social Club facilitators to share their views on programs that would be helpful for girls, young women, and their families.
Several groups and volunteers contributed to the success of this lovely community event. Many thanks to the Uptown Youth Collective, Children Arts & Science Workshops, Inc., AJG Therapeutics LLC, Dyckman Residents Association, Grow Up Grow Out Credible Messengers Program, Chris Silva Photography, Broken Pockets Productions. A special shout out to Ms. Kelsie Minaya, Youth Count Coordinator with the Department of Youth & Community Development and Mrs. Wendy Garcia, Deputy Commissioner of Equity, and Inclusion for the New York City Police Department. A special thanks to the Dyckman Houses Community Center staff for providing a supportive and welcoming environment and to Nayma Silver-Matos for her commitment to community wellness and orchestrating the event!
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In November, Dr. Lariah Edwards, EHS Department and Anabel Cole, COTC Coordinator, conducted an educational intervention study about toxins in personal care products to girls and young women in Northern Manhattan area schools. Upon learning about this session, the parents requested a session of their own. Quick to respond, on December 7th, Anabel Cole presented a session in Spanish for the Children’s Aid Society Salome Ureña School parent group. A total of 23 parents attended the virtual session serving Northern Manhattan parents. The educational workshop discussed deep-rooted cultural beliefs driving the use of personal care and beauty products that can expose communities to toxic chemicals. In addition, they learned about tools and resources to help them choose safer alternatives to toxic personal care and beauty products. | |
Anabel Cole, Conducting the virtual session | |
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Laura Mejia Pinilla is a very passionate and goal-oriented person who joined the ECHO2 team in January as a Technician B. She is enthusiastic to start her research career at the Center for Children’s Environmental Health. She is originally from Bogota, Colombia, where she studied Early Childhood Education and worked as a preschool and elementary school teacher for 6 years. Her experience as a teacher sparked her interest in the human mind and brain development. Recently graduated from Columbia University with a BA in Psychology, and currently pursuing a master’s degree in forensic psychology at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Laura is looking to learn and grow along with ECHO2 and the team. | | | |
Announcements & Resources | |
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Healthy Homes Working Group meeting on Thursday, January 18th @ 6:30pm
Register here, and make sure to invite a friend!
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Help us create a world in which every child has a healthy start.
The Center’s research is powering action to reduce the impacts of climate change, air pollution, and toxic chemicals on children and families.
Your support is yielding both immediate and long-term benefits to children’s health today and in the future. Your gift will protect the gains that we have achieved together.
We hope you will make a tax-free gift donation to the Center in order to continue this important work.
With Gratitude
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Julie Herbstman, PhD
Director, Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health
Frederica P. Perera, DrPH, PhD
Director of Translational Research and Founding Director
Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health
Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health
mailman.columbia.edu/ccceh
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