Animal health is central to food security, public health, and environmental sustainability. The health of livestock, poultry, aquaculture species, and companion animals influences not only agricultural productivity but also zoonotic disease risks, trade dynamics, and the stability of food systems worldwide. Outbreaks of animal disease — whether highly pathogenic avian influenza, swine fever, or parasitic…

Maternal health is a foundational determinant of population well-being, encompassing the safety and quality of care during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Despite medical advances, maternal morbidity and mortality remain pressing challenges in many regions, often reflecting inequities in access, socioeconomic conditions, and systemic gaps in healthcare delivery. Risks span direct causes such as…

Country foods — the traditional foods harvested, hunted, or fished by Indigenous and rural communities — are central to cultural identity, nutrition, and food security. They provide essential nutrients, support community resilience, and reinforce connections to land and heritage. However, these foods can also present risks due to environmental contamination, overharvesting pressures, or changing ecosystems…

Country foods — the traditional foods harvested, hunted, or fished by Indigenous and rural communities — are central to cultural identity, nutrition, and food security. They provide essential nutrients, support community resilience, and reinforce connections to land and heritage. However, these foods can also present risks due to environmental contamination, overharvesting pressures, or changing ecosystems…

Wood smoke is a significant contributor to air pollution, especially in regions where wood burning is used for residential heating or where wildfires are prevalent. Fine particulates and toxic compounds in wood smoke are linked to respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular disease, and increased mortality. In addition to health impacts, wood smoke contributes to climate change through…

Cognitive decline, encompassing conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, represents a growing public health challenge with profound social and economic consequences. As populations age worldwide, the prevalence of cognitive impairment is expected to rise sharply, straining healthcare systems, families, and communities. Beyond direct health impacts, cognitive decline affects workforce participation, caregiving demands, and quality…

Understanding aggregate exposure has become increasingly important in public health, regulatory policy, and consumer safety. Unlike assessments that focus on a single source of risk, aggregate exposure considers the combined effects of multiple routes and pathways — such as air, water, food, consumer products, and occupational environments — by which individuals may encounter a chemical…

Elevating devices — including elevators, escalators, and lifts — are integral to modern urban infrastructure, providing mobility, accessibility, and safety in buildings and public spaces. Yet failures in design, installation, or maintenance can result in accidents with serious consequences, ranging from injuries to fatalities. Public confidence in these systems depends on effective regulation, oversight, and…

Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is a major air pollutant generated primarily from the combustion of fossil fuels and certain industrial processes. Exposure is linked to respiratory irritation, asthma exacerbation, and cardiovascular effects, while also contributing to acid rain, which damages ecosystems, infrastructure, and agriculture. Although emissions have declined in many regions due to regulations, SO₂ remains…

The transport of dangerous goods — including chemicals, fuels, explosives, and radioactive materials — is essential to modern economies but carries inherent risks. Accidents involving spills, leaks, fires, or explosions can have devastating consequences for human health, the environment, and infrastructure, while also triggering public concern and media scrutiny. The challenge lies in balancing economic…