POLLUTION AND HEALTH

  Strengthening Girls’ Calcium Intake: A Lifelong Investment Against Osteoporosis Osteoporosis remains a silent yet devastating public health challenge, especially among elderly women. Characterized by diminished bone density and increased fracture risk, osteoporosis imposes a significant burden on individuals, families, and health systems. Scientific evidence underscores that the foundations for strong skeletal health are laid in childhood and adolescence—critical windows during which calcium intake plays a pivotal role in achieving optimal peak bone mass. This policy paper advocates for an integrated life-course approach, focusing on enhancing calcium nutrition among girls as a strategic intervention to mitigate osteoporosis in later life. 1. Introduction: Osteoporosis and Gendered Risk Osteoporosis is a progressive metabolic bone disease marked by porous and fragile bones, primarily affecting postmenopausal women due to estrogen deficiency. Globally, one in three women over ...

  Food Poisoning in Schools: Ensuring Food Safety in Schools and Learning Institutions In the context of growing investment in school feeding programs across low- and middle-income countries, food safety in educational institutions has become a critical determinant of child health and academic performance. Aflatoxin contamination and microbial foodborne illnesses continue to pose severe, yet often underrecognized, threats within schools and learning institutions. These hazards can undermine children’s health, reduce cognitive capacity, and erode trust in public education systems. This policy paper explores the health implications of aflatoxins and food poisoning among schoolchildren, analyzes current structural weaknesses in institutional food management, and provides strategic, evidence-based policy recommendations for safeguarding food quality and promoting a safe, nutritious learning environment. 1. Introduction Food served in schools is more than a nutritional service—it is...

  Packaging Quality and the Rising Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance: A Public Health Policy Imperative Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a formidable global health threat, undermining decades of medical progress. While much of the focus has been placed on antibiotic misuse and overuse, substandard packaging of antimicrobial products and food items is a critical but overlooked contributor to the crisis . Poor-quality packaging compromises drug stability, facilitates microbial contamination, fosters sub-therapeutic dosing, and accelerates the proliferation of resistant strains. This paper explores the biomedical, environmental, and policy-level implications of inadequate packaging on the development and spread of AMR, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and outlines actionable recommendations for strengthening regulatory oversight and public health protection. 1. Introduction Antimicrobial resistance is recognized by the World Health Organizatio...

  Cosmetic Products and Women’s Reproductive Health: A Scientific and Policy-Oriented Analysis The widespread use of cosmetic products by women of all ages, particularly in urbanizing and consumer-driven societies, has raised urgent concerns about long-term health implications, especially on reproductive function. From skin lightening creams to hair relaxers, perfumes, deodorants, lipsticks, and nail polishes, cosmetics frequently contain hormone-disrupting chemicals (HDCs) , heavy metals , solvents , and preservatives . These substances may interfere with the endocrine system, alter ovarian function, disrupt menstrual cycles, impair fertility, and cause adverse pregnancy outcomes. This paper reviews the scientific evidence on reproductive toxicity from cosmetic exposure and proposes urgent policy measures to protect women, especially in low- and middle-income settings where regulation is weak, counterfeit markets are common, and awareness is minimal. 1. Introduction Cosmetics...

  Cognitive Development in Girls and Housing Quality: A Gendered Policy Imperative 1. Introduction The cognitive development of children is deeply influenced by the environments in which they live and grow, particularly during early and middle childhood when the brain is most plastic and receptive. For girls—who in many parts of the world, including sub-Saharan Africa, spend disproportionately more time at home due to socio-cultural norms, domestic responsibilities, and limited mobility—the domestic environment becomes a critical determinant of cognitive health . "Domestic ambience" refers not only to the physical conditions within the home—such as lighting, air quality, noise levels, and cleanliness—but also to psychosocial and emotional factors such as family relationships, parental involvement, and levels of domestic stress or violence. These combined factors create either an enabling or disabling context for brain growth, emotional regulation, memory development, att...