Global Trend of Environmental Health Research: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis

Environmental health research has experienced significant growth from 2000 to 2023, reflecting the field’s dynamic and multidisciplinary nature. This study systematically analysed 1403 documents from the Scopus database using a bibliometric approach following the PRISMA framework. Key themes included environmental exposures’ impacts on vulnerable populations. Primary research articles comprised nearly 97% of the publications, with an average citation rate of 37.41. Institutions like the University of California and Peking University were leading contributors, while the USA and China were the most productive countries. The analysis revealed exponential publication growth, particularly after 2014, with a peak in 2019. Top journals included Environmental Research and Environment International. Co-word analysis highlighted frequently used terms like “children”, “asthma”, and “environmental pollutants”, indicating critical research focuses. Emerging pollutants, refined exposure assessments, and long-term health impacts were identified as priority areas for future research. Policymakers are urged to leverage scientific insights to develop regulations protecting public health and promoting sustainability. By fostering interdisciplinary research and international collaboration, the scientific community can advance our understanding of environmental health and address global challenges effectively. This study underscores the importance of continued efforts to refine methodologies and explore new research frontiers in environmental health.