h i g h l i g h t s• We simulated artisanal incineration of four component categories of cellphones.• We identified metals and organic chemicals in the resulting electronic waste ash.• We used USETox model to demonstrate potential ecotoxicity and human health impacts.• We identify targets for risk reduction for hazardous chemicals in cellphones. a r t i c l e i n f o b s t r a c tThe potential environmental and human health impacts of artisanal mining of electronic waste through open incineration were investigated. A market-representative set of cellphones was dismantled into four component categories-batteries, circuit boards, plastics and screens. The components were shredded, sieved and incinerated at 743-818• C. The concentrations of 17 metals were determined using U.S. EPA methods 6010C (inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry; 6020A (inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, or 7471B and 7470A (cold-vapor atomic absorption). EPA Method 8270 (gas chromatography/mass spectrometry) was used to identify polyaromatic hydrocarbon compounds and polybrominated diphenyl ethers. EPA Method 8082A was used to measure polychlorinated biphenyls and EPA Method 8290 was used for dioxin/furans in the residue ash. The life cycle assessment model USEtox ® was used to estimate impacts of the ash residue chemicals on human health and the ecosystem. Among metals, copper in printed circuit boards had the highest ecotoxicity impact (1610-1930 PAF m 3 /kg); Beryllium in plastics had the highest impact on producing non-cancer diseases (0.14-0.44 cases/kg of ash); and Nickel had the largest impact on producing cancers (0.093-0.35 cases/kg of ash). Among organic chemicals, dioxins from incinerated batteries produced the largest ecotoxicological impact (1.07E − 04 to 3.64E − 04 PAF m 3 /kg). Furans in incinerated batteries can generate the largest number of cancers and non-cancer diseases, representing 8.12E − 09 to 2.28E − 08 and 8.96E − 10 and 2.52E − 09 cases/kg of ash, respectively. The results reveal hazards of burning discarded cellphones to recover precious metals, and pinpoints opportunities for manufacturers to reduce toxic materials used in specific electronic components marketed globally.

Early adopters of cohousing have been relatively homogenous in many regards. For example, most are white, politically liberal, Democrat, and have a post-graduate education; females are also overrepresented compared to the general population. Little is known about the degree to which this lack of diversity is due to lack of broader appeal, lack of awareness or access, or other factors. The present study sought to further understanding of this issue. Through a diffusion of innovations lens, we explored a wide range of potential demographic, socioeconomic, and attitudinal predictors of knowledge of and interest in cohousing among the general US population, via an online survey of 157 individuals. Regression analysis revealed that being older, not heterosexual, more educated, and voting in the 2012 presidential election predicted greater knowledge of cohousing, and being liberal and a working woman predicted interest in cohousing. Findings are discussed in terms of implications for understanding the profile of cohousing early adopters and potential for the movement to expand to broader segments of the US population.

Background: Children are exposed to chemical and non-chemical stressors from their built, natural, and social environments. Research is needed to advance our scientific understanding of non-chemical stressors, evaluate how they alter the biological response to a chemical stressor, and determine how they impact children’s health and well-being. To do this, we conducted a state-of-the-science review of non-chemical stressors found in a child’s social environment. Methods: Studies eligible for inclusion in this review were identified through a search of the peer-reviewed literature using PubMed and PsycINFO. Combinations of words associated with non-chemical stressors and children were used to form search strings. Filters were used to limit the search to studies published in peer-reviewed journals from 2000–2016 and written in English. Publications found using the search strings and filters went through two rounds of screening. Results: A total of 146 studies met the inclusion criteria. From these studies, 245 non-chemical stressors were evaluated. The non-chemical stressors were then organized into 13 general topic areas: acculturation, adverse childhood experiences, economic, education, family dynamics, food, greenspace, neighborhood, social, stress, urbanicity, violence, and other. Additional information on health outcomes, studies evaluating both chemical and non-chemical stressors, and animal studies are provided. This review provides evidence that non-chemical stressors found in a child’s social environment do influence their health and well-being in both beneficial (e.g., salutatory effects of greenspace and social support) and adverse (e.g., poor relationships between health and selected non-chemical stressors such as economics, educational attainment, exposure to violence, stress) ways. Conclusions: This literature review identified a paucity of studies addressing the combined effects of chemical and non-chemical stressors and children’s health and well-being. This literature review was further complicated by inconsistencies in terminology, methodologies, and the value of non-chemical stressor research in different scientific disciplines. Despite these limitations, this review showed the importance of considering non-chemical stressors from a child’s social environment when addressing children’s environmental health considerations.

Purpose of Review This brief review identifies a number of psychological, social, and interpersonal barriers to sexual expression among older adults. Recent Findings Cultural ideas about sexuality and aging as well as attitudes about sex are noted psychological factors that impact sexuality in older adulthood. Social factors, including the availability of a healthy partner, provide the opportunity structure for partnered sexual activity to occur. Among partnered individuals, interpersonal factors, such as sexual communication and relationship quality, impact individuals' sexual desire, sex frequency, and sexual satisfaction. Summary Overall, this review highlights the importance of taking a more comprehensive approach to the study of aging and sexuality. In particular, researchers should continue to integrate interpersonal aspects of sexuality in older adulthood into the traditional physiological and psychosocial models.