Systems Thinking for Effective Interventions in Global Environmental Health

McAlister, Martha M; Zhang, Q.; Annis, Jonathan; Schweitzer, Ryan; Guidotti, Sunny; Mihelcic, James R.

doi:10.1021/acs.est.1c04110

Cited by 19 publications

(20 citation statements)

References 42 publications

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“…Systems thinking emphasizing the “how” and “why” of intervention outcomes should combine complexity-aware evaluation of monitoring data (critical mixture components, influence of time etc.) with broad stakeholder involvement and virtual simulation models that allow for scenario calculations [ 111 ]. Existing integrated fate-exposure models such as the UN Environment scientific consensus model USEtox may be used and expanded to test for different exposure and risk scenarios and possible interventions [ 112 ].…”

Section: Strive For Solutions-oriented Assessments Based On Systems T...mentioning

confidence: 99%

One planet: one health. A call to support the initiative on a global science–policy body on chemicals and waste

et al. 2022

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The chemical pollution crisis severely threatens human and environmental health globally. To tackle this challenge the establishment of an overarching international science–policy body has recently been suggested. We strongly support this initiative based on the awareness that humanity has already likely left the safe operating space within planetary boundaries for novel entities including chemical pollution. Immediate action is essential and needs to be informed by sound scientific knowledge and data compiled and critically evaluated by an overarching science–policy interface body. Major challenges for such a body are (i) to foster global knowledge production on exposure, impacts and governance going beyond data-rich regions (e.g., Europe and North America), (ii) to cover the entirety of hazardous chemicals, mixtures and wastes, (iii) to follow a one-health perspective considering the risks posed by chemicals and waste on ecosystem and human health, and (iv) to strive for solution-oriented assessments based on systems thinking. Based on multiple evidence on urgent action on a global scale, we call scientists and practitioners to mobilize their scientific networks and to intensify science–policy interaction with national governments to support the negotiations on the establishment of an intergovernmental body based on scientific knowledge explaining the anticipated benefit for human and environmental health.

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Section: Strive For Solutions-oriented Assessments Based On Systems T...mentioning

confidence: 99%

One planet: one health. A call to support the initiative on a global science–policy body on chemicals and waste

et al. 2022

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“…Recent research on systems dynamics modeling in environmental engineering represents a promising avenue for future development of sociotechnical design to improve environmental health, including water treatment. − For example, Walters and Javernick-Will examined the dynamic interactions of social, technical, financial, institutional, and environmental factors of rural water infrastructure in Nicaragua that prevent water treatment and delivery systems from adapting to the complex interactions of these factors. Using causal loop diagramming, the researchers were able to detect the critical areas of factor interaction by identifying dominant feedback mechanisms that influence water system functionality.…”

Section: Approachesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Meeting the Water and Sanitation Challenges of Underbounded Communities in the U.S.

Wells

Vidmar

Webb

et al. 2022

Environ. Sci. Technol.

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Water and sanitation (wastewater) infrastructure in the United States is aging and deteriorating, with massive underinvestment over the past several decades. For many years, lack of attention to water and sanitation infrastructure has combined with racial segregation and discrimination to produce uneven access to water and wastewater services resulting in growing threats to human and environmental health. In many metropolitan areas in the U.S., those that often suffer disproportionately are residents of low-income, minority communities located in urban disadvantaged unincorporated areas on the margins of major cities. Through the process of underbounding (the selective expansion of city boundaries to exclude certain neighborhoods often based on racial demographics or economics), residents of these communities are disallowed municipal citizenship and live without piped water, sewage lines, and adequate drainage or flood control. This Perspective identifies the range of water and sanitation challenges faced by residents in these communities. We argue that future investment in water and sanitation should prioritize these communities and that interventions need to be culturally context sensitive. As such, approaches to address these problems must not only be technical but also social and give attention to the unique geographic and political setting of local infrastructures.

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“…This is not the case in LMICs, where even the contribution of lead exposure from water or starches cooked in lead-tainted water has not been well studied. Researchers must thus adopt a holistic view of environmental health beyond their “silo of expertise” and location-specific expertise. Unsurprisingly, many environmental and BLL assessments have focused on “hot spots”. , As such, there is a need for population-scale environmental media and BLL measurements in areas representative of rural and urbanizing cities across the global south .…”

Section: Future Perspectivesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Advancing Knowledge to Reduce Lead Exposure of Children in Data-Poor Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Champion

Khaliq

Mihelcic

2022

Environ. Sci. Technol. Lett.

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Though age-standardized disability-adjusted lifeyears rates due to lead exposure are declining globally, lead continues to harm global populations and, in particular, young people in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). Legacy pollution and unregulated informal activities here contribute to markedly high exposures. Malnutrition amplifies lead's deleterious effects, as does a lack of access to healthcare and education/ awareness. Children are the most vulnerable subpopulation, owing to their relatively high lead intake and rapidly developing organ systems. As such, a majority of the 800 million children estimated with blood lead levels (BLLs) of >5 μg/dL reside in LMICs, and recent data suggest both higher and more variable BLLs in lowerversus high-income economies. Interestingly, urbanization (and development itself) can drive increased lead exposures as these countries progress toward a high-income classification, wherein regulatory efforts then reduce exposures. To help address this continuing health concern and to provide insight for researchers and practitioners, this Global Perspective aims to explore recent trends in global childhood BLL data and to elucidate potential and established contributors to lead exposures unique to LMICs. This work highlights the need for opportunities to advance knowledge in data-poor locations that address the unique, local, and complex aspects of a global environmental health concern.

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Systems Thinking for Effective Interventions in Global Environmental Health

Cited by 19 publications

References 42 publications

One planet: one health. A call to support the initiative on a global science–policy body on chemicals and waste

One planet: one health. A call to support the initiative on a global science–policy body on chemicals and waste

Meeting the Water and Sanitation Challenges of Underbounded Communities in the U.S.

Advancing Knowledge to Reduce Lead Exposure of Children in Data-Poor Low- and Middle-Income Countries

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