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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Environmental health

Nov 1, 2024 - Profiles an environmental health researcher studying Appalachian health disparities. Highlights her path to the field, her work in the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and discusses the importance of studying rural environments.
Source: Environmental Factor
Oct 31, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) extending the comment period on the draft Hazard Review: Wildland Fire Smoke Exposure Among Farmworkers and Other Outdoor Workers. The purpose of the Hazard Review document is to provide an overview of the relevant health effects literature and present evidence-based recommendations to protect outdoor workers, including farm workers, construction workers, oil and gas workers, park rangers, emergency responders, and others, from the adverse health effects of occupational exposure to wildland fire smoke. Comments are now due by January 10, 2025. An informational webinar about the draft Hazard Review document will be held on December 3, 2024, at 1:00p.m. Eastern. Registration is required.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 24, 2024 - Highlights challenges faced by a rural Kansas community in their efforts to address nitrate contamination in drinking water. Notes that agricultural practices and sandy soil have led to dangerous increases in nitrate levels over recent decades. Describes efforts to obtain funding for a new water treatment center and to increase testing of private wells.
Source: KCUR
Oct 11, 2024 - Reports on the increased vulnerability to heat for older residents with more limited healthcare access in Tennessee. Notes that Tennessee has had the second highest number of rural hospital closures since 2010. Discusses other variables not studied which may also impact vulnerability.
Source: Tennessee Lookout
Oct 11, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service (RUS) updating the Water and Environmental Programs' (WEP) Technical Assistance Grants regulation. This rule updates the audit and financial statement language to align with the Office of Management and Budgets (OMB) 2024 revisions. This rule is effective October 11, 2024.
Source: Federal Register