Research Hub

Background
Prenatal and postnatal exposure to air pollution has been associated in multiple epidemiological studies with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in children, including in New York City cohorts. Studies are lacking on changes in associations between air quality and neurodevelopmental outcomes over recent decades that have been marked by improvement in air quality. Here we investigated whether decreased prenatal exposure to air pollution, previously linked to clean air and climate policies in New York City, benefited cognitive development in children participating in cohort studies of the Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health between 1998 and 2020. Information from such studies can benefit public health policy.

Methods
We utilized data on prenatal exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in successive longitudinal cohort studies. PM2.5 and NO2 were available in the first two cohorts (1998–2016); PAH were monitored in three cohorts (1998–2020). Children were assessed for cognitive development at ages 1, 2, and 3 using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (BSID-II), which provided Mental Development Index (MDI) scores. To test associations between air pollutant exposures and MDI, we used linear regression, adjusting for demographic and other factors that contribute to neurodevelopment and/or changed over time.

Results
Across the cohorts, levels of prenatal exposure to PM2.5, NO2, and PAH decreased significantly; and there was a significant upward trend in MDI scores (N = 1109). Overall, when combining samples from cohorts, the pollutants were significantly and inversely associated with MDI at 1, 2, and 3 years. In the cohort-specific analyses, significant inverse associations between prenatal exposure to PM2.5, NO2, PAH and 3-year MDI were seen in the larger initial cohort (N > 700, enrolled between 1998 and 2006) that experienced the highest exposure and the greatest decrease in levels of air pollutants. Weaker, albeit inverse, associations were observed between PM2.5 and cognitive development of children in the later cohort (2008–2016) who experienced lower exposure.

Conclusions
These results indicate that, during the period of the largest reduction in air pollution levels, previously associated with air pollution and climate policies enacted in NYC, children’s scores on cognitive tests improved, providing new evidence that such policies are beneficial to children’s neurodevelopment.

Published Aug 15, 2026

Perera, F., Miao, Y., Wang, S., Algermissen, M., & Herbstman, J. (2026). Less air pollution previously related to clean air and climate policies is linked to improved cognitive scores over time in NYC children. Environmental Health 2026 25:1, 25(1), 72-. https://doi.org/10.1186/S12940-026-01328-1

Background
Cooking on natural gas stoves is a major source of indoor nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exposure and may contribute to asthma exacerbations.
Objective
To assess asthma control before and after changing gas stoves to electric stoves.
Methods
We replaced gas stoves with electric stoves in the homes of 85 individuals with poorly controlled asthma (Asthma Control Questionnaire [ACQ] score ≥ 1.5) and determined changes in ACQ score from baseline (1-4 weeks before stove change) to follow-up (2-3 months after change). Changes in emergency room visits or hospitalizations for asthma, missed work or school days because of asthma, and NO2 levels were also examined.
Results
ACQ score improved from 2.6 to 1.5 after the stove change (difference –1.1, 95% confidence interval [CI]: –1.3 to –0.8). At baseline, 10 individuals (11.8%) had an emergency room visit or hospitalization in the past 4 weeks. At follow-up, 3 individuals (3.5%) had an emergency room visit or hospitalization in the past 4 weeks (absolute difference –8.2%, 95% CI: –16.2% to –3.4%). There were also significant improvements in missed work or school days. Indoor NO2 levels decreased from 21.0 to 6.3 ppb (change –14.7, 95% CI: –20.8 to –8.7).
Conclusions
Asthma control appeared to improve in the follow-up period after electric stove installation compared with the baseline period with a gas stove. People with poorly controlled asthma may consider transitioning away from gas stoves depending on their resources and circumstances. A controlled clinical trial is needed to confirm these findings and to assess long-term outcomes.

Published Jul 3, 2026

Sehgal, A. R., Schuellerman, P., Dolata, J., Gunzler, D. D., Lockett, K. M., MacMurdo, M. G., & Aung, T. W. (2026). Asthma Control Before and After Changing Gas Stoves to Electric Stoves. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JAIP.2026.06.039

Background: Air pollution is the leading environmental risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, data regarding its association with coronary artery disease (CAD) beyond coronary artery calcium score (CACS) remain limited.
Purpose: To evaluate the relationship between long-term exposure to particulate and gaseous air pollutants and CT markers of CAD stratified by sex.
Materials and Methods: Adult patients who underwent outpatient cardiac CT for CAD evaluation between January 2012 and December 2023 were included in this multisite retrospective study. CACS, total plaque burden, and presence of obstructive CAD (≥70% diameter stenosis) were evaluated. Mean exposure to fine particulate matter (particulate matter measuring ≤2.5 µm in diameter [PM2.5]) and NO2 air pollution was assessed over the 10-year period before cardiac CT. Negative binomial (CACS), ordinal logistic (plaque burden), and logistic (obstructive CAD) regression models were constructed and adjusted for clinically relevant covariates.
Results: Overall, 11 128 patients who underwent cardiac CT were included (mean age, 59.1 years ± 11.3 [SD]; 5754 [51.7%] men), among whom 7313 patients (mean age, 59.5 years ± 11.5; 3561 [48.7%] men) underwent coronary CT angiography. The median 10-year exposure was 7.5 μg/m3 (range, 4.3–9.2 μg/m3) for PM2.5 and 13.4 parts per billion (ppb) (range, 3.2–17.8 ppb) for NO2. Greater PM2.5 and NO2 exposures were associated with greater CACS (PM2.5: incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 1.11, P < .001; NO2: IRR = 1.01, P = .04) and total plaque burden (PM2.5: odds ratio [OR] = 1.13, P = .02; NO2: OR = 1.04, P < .001) according to multivariable analysis. In maximally adjusted models stratified by sex, long-term air pollution exposure was associated with obstructive CAD in women (PM2.5: OR = 1.81, P = .048; NO2: OR = 1.06, P = .04); however, there was no evidence of an association in men (PM2.5: OR = 1.14, P = .38; NO2: OR = 1.03, P = .13). Conclusion: Long-term exposure to PM2.5 and NO2 is independently associated with more advanced coronary atherosclerosis at cardiac CT, even at moderate contemporary exposure levels.

Published Jun 9, 2026

Castillo, F., Ladak, A. M., DesRoche, C., Delaney, S., Nethery, R. C., Thavendiranathan, P., Ross, H., & Hanneman, K. (2026). Sex-Specific Associations between Long-term Air Pollution Exposure and Coronary Atherosclerosis at Cardiac CT. https://Doi.Org/10.1148/Radiol.252086, 319(3). https://doi.org/10.1148/RADIOL.252086

As scientists, health professionals, and other experts who have devoted decades to understanding toxic threats to the development of children’s brains, we conclude that the presence and impact of toxic chemical additives to plastics, and potentially microplastics themselves, on children’s brains and bodies, constitute a significant public health concern. Here, we present evidence supporting the call to take actions to protect children from harm and offer recommendations to reduce the production, use, and toxicity of plastics as one way to reduce children’s exposures to these chemicals and to microplastics.

Published Jun 1, 2026

Marsit, C. J., Bennett, D. H., Birnbaum, L. S., Brody, C., Eskenazi, B., Gartner, E., Hertz-Picciotto, I., Hirtz, D., Miller, P., Perera, F., Schantz, S. L., Swanson, M., Khemet Taiwo, T., & Ritz, B. (2026). Protecting the developing brains of children from Plastics-Derived chemicals and microplastic particles. Environment International, 212, 110284. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ENVINT.2026.110284

Associations between exposure to fine particulate matter and impacts in the cardiorespiratory system are well-established, but associations are expected to vary based on exposure duration and concentration. Domestic and international agencies set standards and guidelines for PM2.5 in part to protect public health. This systematic review explores if associations exist between adverse cardiovascular endpoints and PM2.5 exposure when the concentrations are below regulatory standards. In total, 1349 documents were screened, with 95 articles meeting criteria (i.e. peer-reviewed, PM2.5 concentrations reported, cardiovascular endpoints measured). Of the included articles, 67% (64 articles) observed significant associations with adverse cardiovascular endpoints with variable findings based on specific cardiovascular endpoints (e.g. direct measurements – 69% of articles, cardiovascular endpoints – 44% of articles, events and mortality – 76% of articles, and biomarkers – 67% of articles). While not universally consistent, significant associations were observed between PM2.5 exposure and adverse cardiovascular effects, even at levels deemed compliant with current regulations. This review highlights the necessity for further research across diverse geographical settings and populations to clarify the implications of low-level PM2.5 exposure on cardiovascular health. The findings advocate for a review of regulatory standards for PM2.5 exposure in the context of cardiovascular health.

Published May 15, 2026

Roper, C., Aminone, V. T., Abedin, M., Fletcher, L. M., Harden, L., Stewart, J. A., & Faruque, F. S. (2026). A systematic review of low-level ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposures and adverse cardiovascular health outcomes. Environmental Pollution, 397, 127978. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ENVPOL.2026.127978

Direct air capture has been increasingly proposed as a necessary complement to rapid greenhouse gas emissions reductions, yet climate mitigation resources are limited and investment decisions involve trade-offs. Existing studies have largely evaluated the net climate impacts or technoeconomics of direct air capture in isolation, leaving unclear how investments in direct air capture compare to alternative mitigation strategies when both climate and public health outcomes are considered. Here, we use established grid models to quantify the regional climate and health opportunity costs of allocating capital to direct air capture rather than to renewable electricity generation. Using cost-equivalent deployment scenarios across 22 U.S. grid regions from 2020 through 2050, we compare direct air capture to utility-scale wind and solar under multiple grid and technology scenarios. We find that renewable energy deployment yields greater combined climate and public health benefits than direct air capture across nearly all scenarios and regions, with direct air capture approaching cost-effectiveness only under highly optimistic assumptions about future technological breakthroughs.

Published May 4, 2026

Kashtan, Y., Pendleton, J., Sousa, B., Willis, M. D., Michanowicz, D. R., Shonkoff, S. B. C., & Buonocore, J. J. (2026). Direct air capture has substantial health and climate opportunity costs. Communications Sustainability 2026 1:1, 1(1), 67-. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44458-026-00068-0

Background: Air pollution is increasingly implicated in cerebrovascular disease through mechanisms of systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and neurovascular injury. Although long-term exposure to particulate matter contributes to stroke risk, the impact of short-term fluctuations, particularly during extreme pollution events such as wildfires, on stroke severity and etiology remains poorly defined.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of adults with imaging-confirmed strokes admitted to a single center in the mid-Atlantic United States from 2022 to 2023. Daily particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) and ozone levels from Environmental Protection Agency monitors were assigned based on hospital presentation date and evaluated as both categorical (above vs. below median) and continuous exposures. Outcomes included daily stroke incidence, initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), change in modified Rankin Scale (ΔmRS), length of stay, and stroke etiology. Associations were assessed using multivariable logistic and linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, and race, with PM2.5 modeled continuously. Lagged exposures of 1–2 days were also examined.
Results: Among 1,184 patients, presentation on high PM2.5 days was associated with greater stroke severity, including higher initial NIHSS (10.0 vs. 8.25; p = 0.004) and greater functional decline by discharge (ΔmRS 2.6 vs. 2.15; p = 0.001). In multivariable linear regression adjusting for age, sex, race, smoking status, and stroke etiology, higher PM2.5 levels remained independently associated with increased stroke severity, with each 1 µg/m³ increase corresponding to higher NIHSS (β = 0.047, 95% CI 0.027–0.067; p < 0.001). Hemorrhagic stroke was more frequent on high PM2.5 days (p = 0.027), while overall ischemic stroke incidence did not differ. LAA stroke was more common during high PM2.5 exposure (adjusted OR 1.45; 95% CI 1.08–1.86). Lagged analyses demonstrated significant associations at two days for ischemic stroke incidence, NIHSS, and ΔmRS (all p < 0.05). Ozone was not associated with stroke outcomes. Conclusion: Short-term PM2.5 elevations, particularly during wildfire smoke episodes, were independently associated with increased stroke severity and large-artery atherosclerotic ischemic stroke, with effects persisting up to 48 hours after exposure.

Published Apr 27, 2026

Garfinkel, L. P., Cerceo, E., Jaffri, Z., Qureshi, H., Piotrowski, K., Anand, A., Jovin, M., Penckofer, M., Hunter, K., Christman, Z., Thon, O. R., Thon, J. M., Schumacher, H., Jovin, T. G., & Hanafy, K. A. (2026). Air pollution and stroke: A two-year analysis linking short-term particulate matter 2.5 exposure to stroke severity and etiology. Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases, 35, 108648. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2026.108648

Published Mar 20, 2026

Honan, J. K. (2026). On why environmental justice must continue to guide public health research. Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology 2026, 1–3. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41370-026-00865-8

Introduction
A growing number of clinicians and clinical leaders are acknowledging the impacts of rising carbon emissions and committing their organizations to decreasing their carbon footprint. In 2016, the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health (MSCCH) leveraged its national power and rallied major medical societies to take a stance on climate-related issues. This study assesses the extent to which medical societies within MSCCH are addressing climate change through emissions reduction efforts, research, education and policy and other programming required to reduce their carbon footprint.
Materials
A ten-question survey study was reviewed and approved by the MSCCH in 2022. The survey was disseminated to all thirty of the MSCCH’s member societies between 2022 and 2023. Twenty-two member societies responded. We measured the proportion of societies implementing initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint and improve education/advocacy on climate topics and summarized self-reported society-level barriers in achieving reductions in carbon emissions.
Results
Sixteen societies (73%) enacted measures to reduce carbon emissions. Four societies (18%) pledged to reduce their carbon emissions to varying degrees; only two had a strategic plan for achieving these goals (1%). Nineteen societies (86%) implemented measures to improve education and advocacy around climate change. The most common barriers to climate-conscious advocacy were a lack of staff time and lack of funding.
Conclusions
This work highlights the pivotal role medical societies play in operationalizing the integration of climate and health policy. Policymakers and other relevant parities must promote investment and regulatory action, education and research supporting decarbonization.

Published Mar 1, 2026

Henry, T. L., Vijayvargiya, S., Eze, O., Ahuja, A., Tejani, M., Ebunlomo, T., & Cote, O. (2026). Integrating climate and health: A national survey of medical societies’ actions and barriers. The Journal of Climate Change and Health, 28, 100665. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JOCLIM.2026.100665

Background
Increasing evidence suggests that climate change, along with its cascading impacts on ecosystems, societies, and communities, has significant effects on both physical and mental health. However, less is known about how exposure to excessive heat early in life may influence the development of foundational skills that shape lifelong developmental trajectories. This study examined the effects of ambient heat on early childhood development across six countries, using geographic and time-stamped data on child development and ambient temperature.

Methods
Our primary outcome is the Early Childhood Development Index. We used linear probability models with geographic and seasonality fixed effects to account for baseline climatic conditions, as well as other individual and contextual covariates to address potential selection bias. The sample comprised 19,607 children aged three and four from Georgia, The Gambia, Madagascar, Malawi, Sierra Leone, and the State of Palestine, all participants in Multiple Indicators Cluster Surveys collected between 2017 and 2020. We merged these data with temperature data from the ERA5-Land Monthly Aggregated Climate Dataset, calculating the mean monthly maximum temperature children experienced from birth to interview.

Results
We found that children exposed to average maximum temperatures above 32°C were less likely to be developmentally on track compared to those exposed to cooler temperatures, even after accounting for baseline average climatic conditions and other covariates. Domain-specific models indicate that these effects were most pronounced in literacy and numeracy skills. Subgroup analyses revealed that the negative impacts were particularly severe for children in economically disadvantaged households and urban areas, and for those lacking access to adequate water and sanitation.

Conclusions
This study highlights the potential impact of excessive heat on early childhood development, emphasizing the need for policies and interventions that enhance preparedness, adaptation, and resilience to support human development in an rapidly warming world.

Published Dec 8, 2025

Cuartas, J., Balza, L. H., Andr´, A., Camacho, A., & As G ´ Omez-Parra, N. (2025). Ambient heat and early childhood development: a cross-national analysis. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.1111/JCPP.70081