Average Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5) (µg/m³) By County (2011)

Check out this map that shows the average fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) (µg/m³) by county for the year 2011. From the map we can see clusters with a higher average indicated by the darker shading. For instance, we can see a cluster consisting counties within for Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas and Wyoming. It is also apparent there are higher concentrations in many Southern, Midwestern and Northeastern states compared to western states. States such as, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee and Kentucky predominantly have a higher average.

By Julia Watson

Rate of Self Reported Pesticide Related Illness By State 2014

 

Today’s map shows the rate of self reported pesticide related illness by state for the year of 2014 per 100,000 person. From the map we can see some states had rates ranging as low as 0.00 to 0.27 indicated by the yellow shading. In contrast some states, such as Alaska, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, New York, Kansas and Virginia had rates as high as 0.87 to 2.56 indicated by the dark blue shading. However, its important to note that because these are self-reported rates the date is subjected to under-reporting. In addition, because these exposures are self-reported both the type of pesticide and the degree of illness associated with the exposure may be mis-classified since the designation by the poison control center for both is based on the description provided by the caller.

According to the CDC farmworkers are among those when are subjected to pesticide exposure. For more information on migrant workers click here.

By Julia Watson

Number of Homes Built Between 1950 and 1979 By County 2000

Check out this map that shows the number of homes built between 1950 and 1979 by county for year 2000. From the map we can see there were many new homes built in counties within the eastern states, such as New York, New Jersey, Road Island, Main  indicated by the darker shading.  There were also many new homes built in counties within some western states, such as California and Arizona. We can see states such as North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Montana and Kansas had fewer new homes built within the 29 year period indicated by the yellow/yellowish shading. This makes sense because when compared to the previous map of homes built prior to 1950 for the year of 2000 we see these states had a higher percentage of older homes.

By Julia Watson

Percent of Homes Built Before 1950 By County 2000

Check out this map that shows the percent of homes built prior to 1950 by county for year 2000. From the data we can see many counties within the Midwestern and Northeastern states had a large percentage, 41.96 to 68.75, of homes built prior to 1950 indicated by the darker shading. In contrast counties within states such as Alaska, Hawaii, and various Western and Southeastern states had a low percentage of homes built prior to 1950 indicated by the yellow/yellowish shading. Although older homes can give the owner a sense of history there are some public health factors one might consider such as radon, lead poisoning, mold and asbestos. For instance according to the CDC homes built prior to 1978 are likely to have a lead-based pain and that chance increases the older the home is.

By Julia Watson

9/11 Dust Resulted in Higher Levels of Cholesterol

Researchers from the New  York University School of Medicine, New York State Department of Health and other public institutions analyzed the effects of various chemical contaminants and carcinogens which entered homes via dust clouds post the 9/11 tack. What was discovered was interesting. Researchers discovered participants who were exposed to the contaminants had higher levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein, also known as the “bad” cholesterol. So even post the 9/11 attacks we are still see its negative health effects. For more information click here.

By Julia Watson

Average Heat Wave Days By County 2010

Check out this map that shows the average heat wave days from May to September by county for year 2010. A heat wave is known as a prolonged period of abnormally hot weather. From the map we can see many southern, midwest and northeastern states had a higher average in heat wave days indicated by the darker shading. For instance, Louisiana is mostly shaded dark, indicating the vast majority of the counties had a high average of heat wave days ranging from 26.01 to 62.00 days. In contrast, many counties within the western state had a low average of heat wave days indicated by the yellow/yellow-orange shading.

By Julia Watson

Can Gold Be Used For Cancer Treatment?

Scientist at Edinburgh University have discovered new properties of gold and have found ways to use nano fragments of gold in cancer treatment. The team’s research suggest the metal could be used to safely release cancer drugs inside tumors. The researchers are hoping that one day their discovery will allow for the development of implants that would that would allow this and reduce the damaging effects to healthy organs. Interested, read more here.

By Julia Watson

Average Daily PM 2.5 By County in 2011

Particulate Matter (PM) are small particles that contain microscopic solids and liquid droplets that are suspended in the air which can be inhaled and cause health effects. PM range in size, but particles less than 10 mm present the greatest threat. Some particles are emitted directly from a source such as, smokestacks, fires, construction sites, etc. and others are a result of complex atmospheric reactions [1].

Check out this map that shows the average daily PM 2.5 by county in 2011. From the graph we see a three distinct darkly shaded clusters indicating a high amount of daily exposure. The first cluster includes counties in Nevada and Utah. The second cluster includes counties within Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas and Nebraska. The third and most prominent includes counties within various southern states such as, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and North and South Carolina. In contrast, we can see states such as Oregon, Texas, California and Arizona are shaded yellow indicating a lower daily average.

By Julia Watson

 

Health Threat Zones Shown Through Maps

The Eco Health Alliance in New York looked at viruses harbored by mammals and how they meet humans. They looked at various viruses and species of mammals and determined the ranges of species and the infections they carry which they used to map the worlds “danger zones”. Check out the article here.

   

By Julia Watson

Urbanization And Biodiversity

“It’s the end of the world where we thought nature was an infinite resource and we could exploit it without consequence.” – Richard Weller, a landscape architect at the University of Pennsylvania

See how maps are being used to show hot spots of biodiversity under threat. Such maps can be used to aid in good urbanization planning to decrease stress on vulnerable ecosystems. Check out the article here.