Occupational and environmental health explores how our workplaces and surroundings shape our well-being, from the air we breathe to the chemicals we encounter daily. This vital field investigates the hidden risks of modern life, aiming to prevent illness before it starts by understanding the complex links between our environment and our bodies.

At Gist.Science, we track every new preprint in this category from medRxiv to ensure you stay informed on the latest research. We process each study to provide both clear, plain-language explanations and detailed technical summaries, making cutting-edge science accessible without losing essential nuance.

Below are the latest papers in occupational and environmental health, offering fresh insights into how we can build safer, healthier futures for everyone.

Internal and External Protective Factors Associated with the Secondary Traumatic Stress Component of Compassion Fatigue in Feral Cat Caregivers

This study of 172 feral cat caregivers in Portugal reveals that while institutional support and colony registration do not significantly reduce secondary traumatic stress, factors such as caring for large colonies and unemployment increase risk, whereas older age, family support, and serenity serve as protective buffers, highlighting the need for interventions that address both financial burdens and internal coping mechanisms within a One Health framework.

Costa-Santos, C., Vidal, R., Lisboa, S., Vieira-de-Castro, P., Monteiro, A., Duarte, I.2026-03-06📄 occupational and environmental health

Association between extreme temperature events and dengue risks in Dhaka City, Bangladesh

This study utilizes Distributed Lag Non-linear Models to analyze weekly dengue data in Dhaka City from 2016 to 2024, revealing that while maximum temperatures between 31.5°C and 33.2°C significantly elevate dengue risk, an increase in weekly heatwave days unexpectedly correlates with a protective effect against infection.

Shahriyar, A., Hanifi, S. M. M. A., Rahman, S. M.2026-03-04📄 occupational and environmental health

The Effect of Occupational Integration on Musculoskeletal Injury in Female Marines in the Fleet: An Epidemiological Cohort Study

This retrospective cohort study of U.S. Marines from 2011 to 2020 reveals that female sex is a significant independent risk factor for musculoskeletal injuries across most body regions, while service in ground combat and aviation occupations generally offers protective effects compared to services roles, with injury risks notably increasing for females in the post-integration period for specific conditions like shoulder injuries.

Fraser, J. J., Zouris, J. M., Hoch, J. M., Sessoms, P. H., MacGregor, A. J., Hoch, M. C.2026-02-23📄 occupational and environmental health

Occupational and Environmental Challenges and Effects of COVID-19 Testing Implementation Experienced by HIV Viral Load Laboratory Staff within a Public Health Sector Laboratory in South Africa

This study reveals that the dual mandate of maintaining HIV viral load services while implementing COVID-19 testing in South African public laboratories significantly increased occupational challenges and workload, leading to widespread burnout, anxiety, and retention threats among staff, thereby highlighting an urgent need for formal crisis staffing models and institutionalized mental health support.

Sarang, S., Matingo-Mutava, E., Cassim, N.2026-02-22📄 occupational and environmental health

Decoding the metabolic blockade effect: PFAS inhibition of organic anion transporters impairs VOC clearance and amplifies neurocognitive decline

This study reveals that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), particularly PFNA, competitively inhibit renal organic anion transporters to block volatile organic compound (VOC) metabolite clearance, thereby amplifying neurocognitive decline and necessitating a shift toward mixture-based toxicological regulations.

Liang, L., Zhang, S. X., Lin, J. J.2026-02-15📄 occupational and environmental health