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NASA and Costa Rica Unite to Track Red Tides from Space

News Feed
Tuesday, March 4, 2025

An unprecedented marine expedition in Latin America took place on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, collecting data and samples for an international study that aims to detect red tides using satellite technology. Red tides are harmful algal blooms that can significantly impact marine ecosystems, public health, fisheries, and tourism. Their sudden appearance and unpredictable nature make early detection essential for mitigation efforts. The expedition, which occurred from February 17 to 21, involved biologists and oceanographers from the Costa Rican Federation of Tourist Fishing (FECOP), the University of Costa Rica (UCR), the National University (UNA), and NASA scientists, including a Costa Rican researcher. This initiative aligns with NASA’s PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, Ocean Ecosystem) satellite mission, launched a year ago, which seeks to advance our understanding of ocean color and improve the monitoring of ocean ecosystems through innovative optical measurements. “This is pioneering research in ocean optics, as such comprehensive measurements applied to ocean color validation in Costa Rica have never been done before,” said Dr. Joaquín Chaves, a Costa Rican scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. During the expedition, information was gathered using different optical sensors: a spectrometer on a research aircraft, a hyperspectral radiometer on board a ship, and PACE itself in orbit. “The information collected in situ is triangulated to verify or validate the satellite data, and with all the information simultaneously, regional algorithms can be developed,” explained Chaves. The objective is to create specific algorithms for the Costa Rican Pacific that will enable the prediction of red tides with greater precision. For Dr. Marina Marrari, executive director of FECOP, this expedition “marks a milestone for science in Costa Rica.” The ability to detect red tides in near real-time is expected to mitigate their impacts on tourism, fisheries, aquaculture, and public health. Marrari also highlighted the collaboration between the participating organizations and the free access to the information generated through FECOP’s PezCA application. Moreover, the expedition expanded its scope by collecting data on contaminants such as microplastics and heavy metals, as well as conducting an analysis of the microbial population structure. Maribel Vargas, a UCR researcher, explained that the information collected will contribute to the development of new algorithms for PACE, considering the specific phytoplankton species of the region. This research not only paves the way for improved environmental monitoring but also represents a critical step towards proactive management of coastal resources. With enhanced predictive capabilities, local communities and industries can better prepare for and respond to the environmental and economic challenges posed by red tides, ensuring that both public health and local economies are protected. The post NASA and Costa Rica Unite to Track Red Tides from Space appeared first on The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate.

An unprecedented marine expedition in Latin America took place on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, collecting data and samples for an international study that aims to detect red tides using satellite technology. Red tides are harmful algal blooms that can significantly impact marine ecosystems, public health, fisheries, and tourism. Their sudden appearance and unpredictable […] The post NASA and Costa Rica Unite to Track Red Tides from Space appeared first on The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate.

An unprecedented marine expedition in Latin America took place on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, collecting data and samples for an international study that aims to detect red tides using satellite technology. Red tides are harmful algal blooms that can significantly impact marine ecosystems, public health, fisheries, and tourism. Their sudden appearance and unpredictable nature make early detection essential for mitigation efforts.

The expedition, which occurred from February 17 to 21, involved biologists and oceanographers from the Costa Rican Federation of Tourist Fishing (FECOP), the University of Costa Rica (UCR), the National University (UNA), and NASA scientists, including a Costa Rican researcher. This initiative aligns with NASA’s PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, Ocean Ecosystem) satellite mission, launched a year ago, which seeks to advance our understanding of ocean color and improve the monitoring of ocean ecosystems through innovative optical measurements.

“This is pioneering research in ocean optics, as such comprehensive measurements applied to ocean color validation in Costa Rica have never been done before,” said Dr. Joaquín Chaves, a Costa Rican scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. During the expedition, information was gathered using different optical sensors: a spectrometer on a research aircraft, a hyperspectral radiometer on board a ship, and PACE itself in orbit. “The information collected in situ is triangulated to verify or validate the satellite data, and with all the information simultaneously, regional algorithms can be developed,” explained Chaves.

The objective is to create specific algorithms for the Costa Rican Pacific that will enable the prediction of red tides with greater precision. For Dr. Marina Marrari, executive director of FECOP, this expedition “marks a milestone for science in Costa Rica.” The ability to detect red tides in near real-time is expected to mitigate their impacts on tourism, fisheries, aquaculture, and public health. Marrari also highlighted the collaboration between the participating organizations and the free access to the information generated through FECOP’s PezCA application.

Moreover, the expedition expanded its scope by collecting data on contaminants such as microplastics and heavy metals, as well as conducting an analysis of the microbial population structure. Maribel Vargas, a UCR researcher, explained that the information collected will contribute to the development of new algorithms for PACE, considering the specific phytoplankton species of the region.

This research not only paves the way for improved environmental monitoring but also represents a critical step towards proactive management of coastal resources. With enhanced predictive capabilities, local communities and industries can better prepare for and respond to the environmental and economic challenges posed by red tides, ensuring that both public health and local economies are protected.

The post NASA and Costa Rica Unite to Track Red Tides from Space appeared first on The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate.

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Could Your Cup of Tea Help Remove Lead From Drinking Water?

By I. Edwards HealthDay ReporterFRIDAY, March 7, 2025 (HealthDay News) -- Your daily cup of tea might do more than help you relax -- it could also...

FRIDAY, March 7, 2025 (HealthDay News) -- Your daily cup of tea might do more than help you relax -- it could also help remove harmful heavy metals from your drinking water, new research suggests.A Northwestern University study found that tea leaves can naturally pull lead and other dangerous metals out of water as tea steeps.About 5 billion cups of tea are consumed each day worldwide, according to one estimate.“You can see the implications,” said Vinayak Dravid, a materials scientist at Northwestern and an author of the study. “How often do we touch billions of people?”Heavy metal contamination -- especially lead -- is a growing concern, especially in areas with aging pipes.The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that about 9 million U.S. homes get their water through pipes that contain lead, The New York Times reported. Those pipes can allow the toxic metal to leach into drinking water.Even small amounts of lead exposure can be dangerous, especially for children, potentially leading to developmental delays and behavioral problems.In the study, David and his team tested a variety of teas -- including black, white, oolong, green, rooibos, herbal, loose leaf and plain Lipton -- to see how well they absorbed lead from water during various steeping times.The researchers found that black tea was the most effective at pulling lead from water.“Green tea and black tea had fairly equivalent amounts of metal absorbed,” co-author Benjamin Shindel told The Times. He worked on the study as a doctoral candidate at Northwestern.This is because compounds called catechins act like “little Velcro” hooks to which lead molecules latch, Michelle Francl, a chemist at Bryn Mawr College, explained.Francl added that tea leaves also have a rough surface with "ridges and valleys," which provides more space for metals to attach to them.White tea, which is more gently processed and has smoother leaves, absorbed far less lead.Herbal teas like chamomile, which aren’t made from actual tea leaves, were also less effective.Steeping black tea for five minutes removed about 15% of the lead from the water. And while any reduction is helpful, the EPA warns that no amount of lead exposure is safe.“With lead and other contaminants, any decrease is meaningful to some extent, especially if you have a lack of resources or infrastructure that would already remediate some of these problem materials,” said Caroline Harms, who worked on the study as an undergraduate student of Dravid's at Northwestern.While longer steeping times did pull out more lead, they also made the tea more bitter.“It’s not really drinkable after 10 minutes of steeping tea, and no amount of salt is going to help that,” Francl told The Times.Some samples steeped for 24 hours removed the most metals, but they would be impossible to drink.Researchers estimated that in countries where tea drinking is common, people could be ingesting about 3% less lead from their water compared to their counterparts in countries that don’t drink tea.“Given that clean water is such a global issue,” Francl concluded, “if there was a way to take this proof of concept and tweak it to produce potable water at the end, that would be pretty good.”SOURCE: The New York Times, Feb. 28, 2025Copyright © 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

Health
Water

SMART researchers pioneer nanosensor for real-time iron detection in plants

The innovation enables nondestructive iron tracking within plant tissues, helping to optimize plant nutrient management, reduce fertilizer waste, and improve crop health.

Researchers from the Disruptive and Sustainable Technologies for Agricultural Precision (DiSTAP) interdisciplinary research group of the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART), MIT’s research enterprise in Singapore, in collaboration with Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory (TLL) and MIT, have developed a groundbreaking near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent nanosensor capable of simultaneously detecting and differentiating between iron forms — Fe(II) and Fe(III) — in living plants. Iron is crucial for plant health, supporting photosynthesis, respiration, and enzyme function. It primarily exists in two forms: Fe(II), which is readily available for plants to absorb and use, and Fe(III), which must first be converted into Fe(II) before plants can utilize it effectively. Traditional methods only measure total iron, missing the distinction between these forms — a key factor in plant nutrition. Distinguishing between Fe(II) and Fe(III) provides insights into iron uptake efficiency, helps diagnose deficiencies or toxicities, and enables precise fertilization strategies in agriculture, reducing waste and environmental impact while improving crop productivity.The first-of-its-kind nanosensor developed by SMART researchers enables real-time, nondestructive monitoring of iron uptake, transport, and changes between its different forms — providing precise and detailed observations of iron dynamics. Its high spatial resolution allows precise localization of iron in plant tissues or subcellular compartments, enabling the measurement of even minute changes in iron levels within plants — changes that can inform how a plant handles stress and uses nutrients. Traditional detection methods are destructive, or limited to a single form of iron. This new technology enables the diagnosis of deficiencies and optimization of fertilization strategies. By identifying insufficient or excessive iron intake, adjustments can be made to enhance plant health, reduce waste, and support more sustainable agriculture. While the nanosensor was tested on spinach and bok choy, it is species-agnostic, allowing it to be applied across a diverse range of plant species without genetic modification. This capability enhances our understanding of iron dynamics in various ecological settings, providing comprehensive insights into plant health and nutrient management. As a result, it serves as a valuable tool for both fundamental plant research and agricultural applications, supporting precision nutrient management, reducing fertilizer waste, and improving crop health.“Iron is essential for plant growth and development, but monitoring its levels in plants has been a challenge. This breakthrough sensor is the first of its kind to detect both Fe(II) and Fe(III) in living plants with real-time, high-resolution imaging. With this technology, we can ensure plants receive the right amount of iron, improving crop health and agricultural sustainability,” says Duc Thinh Khong, DiSTAP research scientist and co-lead author of the paper.“In enabling non-destructive real-time tracking of iron speciation in plants, this sensor opens new avenues for understanding plant iron metabolism and the implications of different iron variations for plants. Such knowledge will help guide the development of tailored management approaches to improve crop yield and more cost-effective soil fertilization strategies,” says Grace Tan, TLL research scientist and co-lead author of the paper.The research, recently published in Nano Letters and titled, “Nanosensor for Fe(II) and Fe(III) Allowing Spatiotemporal Sensing in Planta,” builds upon SMART DiSTAP’s established expertise in plant nanobionics, leveraging the Corona Phase Molecular Recognition (CoPhMoRe) platform pioneered by the Strano Lab at SMART DiSTAP and MIT. The new nanosensor features single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) wrapped in a negatively charged fluorescent polymer, forming a helical corona phase structure that interacts differently with Fe(II) and Fe(III). Upon introduction into plant tissues and interaction with iron, the sensor emits distinct NIR fluorescence signals based on the iron type, enabling real-time tracking of iron movement and chemical changes.The CoPhMoRe technique was used to develop highly selective fluorescent responses, allowing precise detection of iron oxidation states. The NIR fluorescence of SWNTs offers superior sensitivity, selectivity, and tissue transparency while minimizing interference, making it more effective than conventional fluorescent sensors. This capability allows researchers to track iron movement and chemical changes in real time using NIR imaging. “This sensor provides a powerful tool to study plant metabolism, nutrient transport, and stress responses. It supports optimized fertilizer use, reduces costs and environmental impact, and contributes to more nutritious crops, better food security, and sustainable farming practices,” says Professor Daisuke Urano, TLL senior principal investigator, DiSTAP principal investigator, National University of Singapore adjunct assistant professor, and co-corresponding author of the paper.“This set of sensors gives us access to an important type of signalling in plants, and a critical nutrient necessary for plants to make chlorophyll. This new tool will not just help farmers to detect nutrient deficiency, but also give access to certain messages within the plant. It expands our ability to understand the plant response to its growth environment,” says Professor Michael Strano, DiSTAP co-lead principal investigator, Carbon P. Dubbs Professor of Chemical Engineering at MIT, and co-corresponding author of the paper.Beyond agriculture, this nanosensor holds promise for environmental monitoring, food safety, and health sciences, particularly in studying iron metabolism, iron deficiency, and iron-related diseases in humans and animals. Future research will focus on leveraging this nanosensor to advance fundamental plant studies on iron homeostasis, nutrient signaling, and redox dynamics. Efforts are also underway to integrate the nanosensor into automated nutrient management systems for hydroponic and soil-based farming and expand its functionality to detect other essential micronutrients. These advancements aim to enhance sustainability, precision, and efficiency in agriculture.The research is carried out by SMART, and supported by the National Research Foundation under its Campus for Research Excellence And Technological Enterprise program.

Health
Waste
Animals

Men With Stronger Sperm May Live Longer, Study Finds

By I. Edwards HealthDay ReporterWEDNESDAY, March 5, 2025 (HealthDay News) -- Men with strong, fast-swimming sperm may not only have better...

WEDNESDAY, March 5, 2025 (HealthDay News) -- Men with strong, fast-swimming sperm may not only have better fertility but also longer lives, a new study suggests.Researchers tracked more than 78,000 men over 50 years and found that those with higher sperm motility -- the ability of sperm to swim -- lived nearly three years longer than men with poor sperm movement.“In absolute terms, men with a total motile count of more than 120 million (per milliliter of semen) lived 2.7 years longer than men with a total motile count of between 0 and 5 million,” lead author Lærke Priskorn, a doctoral candidate at Copenhagen University Hospital -- Rigshospitalet in Denmark, said in a statement.That translates to a life expectancy of 80.3 years for men with high sperm motility compared to 77.6 years for men with very low motility, according to findings published March 4 in the journal Human Reproduction.Sperm motility is the ability of sperm to move through the female reproductive tract to reach and fertilize an egg.The World Health Organization (WHO) considers sperm motility normal if at least 42% of sperm in a sample can swim effectively.A motility count lower than 5 million per milliliter of semen is linked to male infertility, the researchers said.Dr. Michael Eisenberg, professor of urology and director of male reproductive medicine and surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine, reviewed the findings.“The fact that there is an association between semen quality and longevity is an important finding,” he told CNN via email, adding that prior studies have suggested this link between reproductive health and overall health.Semen quality could also help identify future health problems, especially at younger ages, according to John Aitken, a reproductive health expert and professor emeritus at the University of Newcastle in Australia, who wrote an an editorial published with the study.“In men, it appears to be their semen profile that is providing the most significant information concerning their future health and wellbeing,” he wrote.Experts agree that one possible link between sperm quality and life expectancy could be oxidative stress.Oxidative stress happens when unstable molecules called free radicals build up in the body and cause damage to cells and DNA -- including sperm.“Any factor (genetic, immunological, metabolic, environmental or lifestyle) that enhances overall levels of oxidative stress, could reasonably be expected to drive changes in the semen profile and subsequent patterns of mortality,” Aitken wrote.Oxidative stress can be triggered by smoking, heavy alcohol use, pesticides, industrial chemicals and even air pollution, according to the National Cancer Institute.The body can fight back with antioxidants, found in foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grains, according to the Cleveland Clinic.While antioxidant supplements haven’t been proven to help with oxidative stress, a diet rich in whole foods -- citrus fruit, spinach, peppers, sunflower seeds, almonds, salmon, tuna, carrots, mangos and kale, to name a few --  offers a natural way to support sperm health and overall wellness.SOURCES: CNN, March 4, 2025; Human Reproduction, March 4, 2025Copyright © 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

Health
Chemicals
Pollution

Opinion: We should empower youth to fight for environmental justice in their own neighborhoods

I’m a recent high school graduate who lived and breathed for most of my life in Braddock, Pennsylvania, about nine miles southeast of Pittsburgh. Braddock is home to the Edgar Thomson Steel Mill, owned by U.S. Steel, which Nippon Steel recently tried to purchase before the deal was blocked.During the last year of my high school career, I opened my eyes to the realities of environmental injustice in my neighborhood. It also became clear to me that we need more opportunities for young people like me to learn how to navigate advocacy.My journey began in summer 2023 when I attended the Public Health Science Academy at the University of Pittsburgh. There I learned that PM2.5 — air pollution particles that have a diameter of 2.5 microns or smaller — is dangerous because these tiny particles penetrate lung tissue, enter the bloodstream, and cause many health issues including respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, and mental health problems.My neighborhood in Braddock has higher levels of PM2.5 than 95% of other places in the U.S., a higher proportion of minority residents than 84% of the country, and a higher rate of poverty than 94% of the country, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). PM2.5 increases the risk for health conditions associated with the Pittsburgh area’s health disparities, including cardiovascular disease. For example, in Pittsburgh, more Black residents die of Cardiovascular Disease than in 98% of similar cities. I was shocked to learn about the clear link between particle pollution and cardiovascular disease. If we know so much, then why aren’t we doing more to protect people?My astonishment continued when I learned that some of the Pittsburgh region’s dramatic health disparities for Black mothers and their babies can be linked to PM2.5 exposure, too. Exposure to PM2.5 is linked to negative health impacts for expectant parents and babies. Pittsburgh's Black maternal mortality rate is higher than Black maternal mortality rates in 97 percent of similar cities. Pittsburgh babies born to Black mothers are three times more likely to be under 3.3 lbs than babies born to mothers of other races. This really hit close to home for me, since I was born at just 26 weeks old weighing 1 pound 11 ounces.Photos and voices from Braddock, PennsylvaniaPhotos and voices from Braddock, PennsylvaniaPhotos and voices from Braddock, PennsylvaniaPhotos and voices from Braddock, PennsylvaniaPhotos and voices from Braddock, PennsylvaniaPhotos and voices from Braddock, PennsylvaniaOur mayor Delia Lennon-Winstead has said, “U.S. Steel is Braddock, and Braddock is U.S. Steel.” Indeed, where I live the steel mill is inescapable. My neighbors and I can see, hear, and smell the pollution from our complex 0.1 miles away from the mill.In some ways, the company tries to be a good neighbor. Last Christmas, for example, U.S. Steel bought toys for kids from low-income households in the neighborhood. But the plant is also the biggest reason my neighborhood sees the highest levels of PM2.5 pollution in the country, and the plant regularly violates federal clean air laws. Some of us in Braddock feel that buying kids gifts doesn’t make up for the terrible air quality created by the plant or the damage it does to our health, and that U.S. Steel can do better for our predominantly Black community.I learned that people in Braddock have been asking U.S. Steel and regulators to curb PM2.5 pollution in Braddock for years without much progress. But I also found out something that gave me a glimmer of hope: There’s plenty of evidence that portable air cleaners can help protect people from the PM2.5 that invades their homes, which is where most harmful exposure to air pollutants happens.I became determined to make free air cleaners accessible to my neighbors.I found a local organization, Reducing Outdoor Contaminants in Indoor Spaces (ROCIS), which helped me answer the call. So far, nine of my neighbors’ homes have each received 3 air cleaners. My neighbors have reported that they’re breathing more easily and the air in their homes smells fresher and feels cleaner.Working to protect my neighbors from U.S. Steel’s air pollution and my conversations with local environmental justice leaders in Pittsburgh deepened my convictions that breathing clean air is a human right, and that I want better for my community.We shouldn’t stop advocating for cleaner outdoor air in places like Braddock. But we should also take steps to protect people’s indoor air in the meantime, and providing access to free air cleaners in environmental justice neighborhoods like Braddock is part of the solution. And young people need better opportunities to engage in environmental justice advocacy for their neighbors.

I’m a recent high school graduate who lived and breathed for most of my life in Braddock, Pennsylvania, about nine miles southeast of Pittsburgh. Braddock is home to the Edgar Thomson Steel Mill, owned by U.S. Steel, which Nippon Steel recently tried to purchase before the deal was blocked.During the last year of my high school career, I opened my eyes to the realities of environmental injustice in my neighborhood. It also became clear to me that we need more opportunities for young people like me to learn how to navigate advocacy.My journey began in summer 2023 when I attended the Public Health Science Academy at the University of Pittsburgh. There I learned that PM2.5 — air pollution particles that have a diameter of 2.5 microns or smaller — is dangerous because these tiny particles penetrate lung tissue, enter the bloodstream, and cause many health issues including respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, and mental health problems.My neighborhood in Braddock has higher levels of PM2.5 than 95% of other places in the U.S., a higher proportion of minority residents than 84% of the country, and a higher rate of poverty than 94% of the country, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). PM2.5 increases the risk for health conditions associated with the Pittsburgh area’s health disparities, including cardiovascular disease. For example, in Pittsburgh, more Black residents die of Cardiovascular Disease than in 98% of similar cities. I was shocked to learn about the clear link between particle pollution and cardiovascular disease. If we know so much, then why aren’t we doing more to protect people?My astonishment continued when I learned that some of the Pittsburgh region’s dramatic health disparities for Black mothers and their babies can be linked to PM2.5 exposure, too. Exposure to PM2.5 is linked to negative health impacts for expectant parents and babies. Pittsburgh's Black maternal mortality rate is higher than Black maternal mortality rates in 97 percent of similar cities. Pittsburgh babies born to Black mothers are three times more likely to be under 3.3 lbs than babies born to mothers of other races. This really hit close to home for me, since I was born at just 26 weeks old weighing 1 pound 11 ounces.Photos and voices from Braddock, PennsylvaniaPhotos and voices from Braddock, PennsylvaniaPhotos and voices from Braddock, PennsylvaniaPhotos and voices from Braddock, PennsylvaniaPhotos and voices from Braddock, PennsylvaniaPhotos and voices from Braddock, PennsylvaniaOur mayor Delia Lennon-Winstead has said, “U.S. Steel is Braddock, and Braddock is U.S. Steel.” Indeed, where I live the steel mill is inescapable. My neighbors and I can see, hear, and smell the pollution from our complex 0.1 miles away from the mill.In some ways, the company tries to be a good neighbor. Last Christmas, for example, U.S. Steel bought toys for kids from low-income households in the neighborhood. But the plant is also the biggest reason my neighborhood sees the highest levels of PM2.5 pollution in the country, and the plant regularly violates federal clean air laws. Some of us in Braddock feel that buying kids gifts doesn’t make up for the terrible air quality created by the plant or the damage it does to our health, and that U.S. Steel can do better for our predominantly Black community.I learned that people in Braddock have been asking U.S. Steel and regulators to curb PM2.5 pollution in Braddock for years without much progress. But I also found out something that gave me a glimmer of hope: There’s plenty of evidence that portable air cleaners can help protect people from the PM2.5 that invades their homes, which is where most harmful exposure to air pollutants happens.I became determined to make free air cleaners accessible to my neighbors.I found a local organization, Reducing Outdoor Contaminants in Indoor Spaces (ROCIS), which helped me answer the call. So far, nine of my neighbors’ homes have each received 3 air cleaners. My neighbors have reported that they’re breathing more easily and the air in their homes smells fresher and feels cleaner.Working to protect my neighbors from U.S. Steel’s air pollution and my conversations with local environmental justice leaders in Pittsburgh deepened my convictions that breathing clean air is a human right, and that I want better for my community.We shouldn’t stop advocating for cleaner outdoor air in places like Braddock. But we should also take steps to protect people’s indoor air in the meantime, and providing access to free air cleaners in environmental justice neighborhoods like Braddock is part of the solution. And young people need better opportunities to engage in environmental justice advocacy for their neighbors.

Health
Pollution
Science

Electric Vehicle Fires May Raise Cancer Risk for Communities

By India Edwards HealthDay ReporterMONDAY, March 3, 2025 (HealthDay News) -- As electric vehicles (EVs) become more common on roads, they bring new...

By India Edwards HealthDay ReporterMONDAY, March 3, 2025 (HealthDay News) -- As electric vehicles (EVs) become more common on roads, they bring new health concerns for firefighters and the community, new research shows.Researchers at the University of Miami's Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center found that EV fires expose firefighters, vehicle owners and community residents to dangerous, heavy metals.“While all fires pose exposure risks, EV fires elevate the risk to firefighters, owners and the nearby community because they are powered by massive batteries containing high concentrations of heavy metals,” Dr. Alberto Caban-Martinez, deputy director of Sylvester’s Firefighter Cancer Initiative (FCI), said in a news release. “Many of these metals are associated with increased cancer risk due to their potential to cause DNA damage, oxidative stress and genetic alterations.”Batteries used in EVs contain several metals that may cause cancer, such as:Arsenic: Linked to lung, bladder, skin, liver and kidney cancers Cadmium: Linked to lung, prostate, kidney, pancreatic and breast cancers Chromium: Linked to lung, nasal and sinus cancers Nickel: Linked to lung, nasal and laryngeal cancers Lead: Linked to brain, kidney, stomach and lung cancers In response, Sylvester launched its firefighter cancer program in 2015.“There’s a recognition at Sylvester that we have the scientific and clinical expertise, and firefighters have the day-to-day occupational expertise. If we want to ask the right questions and get the best answers, we need to incorporate their perspectives and insights into what we do. That partnership is saving lives, and it will continue to save lives,” Erin Kobetz, director and principal investigator of the FCI, said in a news release.As part of the first-ever case study focused on EV fires, researchers staged a controlled EV fire to monitor air and environmental contamination. They found:EV battery fires burn much hotter than regular car fires. Exploding EV batteries can send projectiles flying up to 40 feet. Extinguishing an EV fire can require up to 30,000 gallons of water, while a typical car fire requires about 750 gallons of water to extinguish. Levels of cancer-causing chemicals, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), increased in the ground around the vehicle after the fire. As such, researchers emphasized that decontamination efforts are crucial after EV fires to reduce the cancer risk to firefighters and anyone nearby.“If we do our research correctly in line with our mission,” Caban-Martinez said. “We can reduce the cancer burden for current and future firefighters and the communities they serve.”The National Human Genome Research Institute has more on carcinogens.SOURCE: Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, news release, Feb. 27, 2025Copyright © 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

Health
Chemicals
Water

Suggested Viewing

Again, Together - The Cumulative Impact of Environmental Racism in Houston

"Again, Together" is a film created in partnership with Ronald L. Jones, bringing stories from communities across Houston that have been impacted by environmental racism — namely redlining, segregation, underinvestment, exposure to pollution, gentrification, inequitable disaster recovery resources and freeway development.

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Living with the Coronavirus

In next years we must learn to live together with mr. Coronavirus, as the experts say. Are we ready?

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In His Own Home

Heavily armed officers of the University of Florida police department in Gainesville, FL, responding to a 911 call from a neighbor who heard screams, break into the campus apartment of Ghanaian graduate student, Kofi Adu-Brempong. Clad in SWAT gear and ready to attack, they see the disabled doctoral student, sitting with a metal table leg in his hand and within a minute of entry, shoot the unarmed man in the face. Adu-Brempong, who because of childhood polio, needed a cane to walk, and had been suffering from mental illness, now has severe facial injuries, and is charged with resisting arrest. He is guarded outside his hospital door, his legs shackled together when going to the bathroom. The officer who shoots Kofi, and who had previously been caught cruising through town throwing eggs at residents of a Black neighborhood, is not suspended or fired. Student protests lead the administration to drop charges but calls for revoking SWAT-like teams on campus go unheard. Kofi’s shooting is not an isolated incident but part of an ongoing pattern of police brutality against Blacks and a stark reminder of the dangers of increasingly militarized campuses nationwide. In His Own Home came out of outrage by a small group of concerned community members committed to seeing social justice happen on a local level. This documentary is an educational and organizing tool, especially calling for our communities to be safe from violence by racist and over-armed police.

Social Justice
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Activism

STOPPING THE NEXT PANDEMIC

Stopping the next pandemic is a new challenge to the most prominent scientists. Their field studies around the world are showing that our health as humans depends on animal and environmental health. Diseases that occur in the remotest places are now our concern. We live in a connected world. We will have to preserve the environment to prevent future pandemics.

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Science

Allergy Alert: Paranoia in Our Immune System

From peanuts and pollen to cats and dust mites, allergy rates are soaring dramatically all over the globe, with inoffensive substances triggering life-threatening physical responses. Experts are predicting that by 2050, one in two will suffer from an allergy. Why are our immune systems overreacting in this way? To stem the tide of the epidemic, scientists are investigating the interface between genetics, environmental factors and our modern lifestyle, and developing revolutionary new approaches to prevention and treatment.

Science
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