"We get emails from families saying that big percentages of people they know get cancer. But of course, these are anecdotal," says Dr. Yazan Alwadi. His new research on cancer risk and proximity to Nuclear power plants may finally give them an answer.

“You can effectively remove many ‘contact’ pesticides that sit on the surface of a fruit or vegetable,” says Dr. Peng Gao in a recent CNN article that shares tips for reducing pesticide exposure from fresh berries through proper washing.

The 2026 Climate Creators to Watch list has arrived! This year's creators bring fun, informative climate content through health, art, science, community organizing, and more. Give your algorithm a makeover by checking out the list! #ClimateCreators2026 climatecreatorstowatch.com

The issue with old buildings is that you have the added concern about legacy hazards... like lead, PCBs, and asbestos,” said Joe Allen. A Boston Globe article examines environmental health questions about breast cancer diagnoses at Uxbridge High School.

“The global health community faces a choice: continue pursuing fragmented reforms or build a system capable of delivering quality health care for millions around the world.” Vanessa Kerry in Foreign Policy highlights the need for stronger, country-led global health systems.

“Climate change is an existential threat to human and planetary health.” An Inside Climate News article features Thomas Gassert on the importance of prioritizing worker health and safety amid growing climate-related risks.

“Neighborhood socioeconomic differences may help identify communities where additional health system resources are needed…" A new study led by David Christiani and Sheldon Lo examines how neighborhood factors may predict lung cancer outcomes.

Most studies on early life lead exposure look at neurodevelopment in children only, but a new NIEHS Research Brief details Dr. Marc Weisskopf's goal to understand how early-life lead exposure may affect cognitive function later in life. buff.ly/MUYKzSZ

“With local buy-in, we could potentially have a huge impact.” A recent Oregon Public Broadcasting story features Dr. Amruta Nori-Sarma on Portland’s climate fund as a model for community-driven climate action.

“Unfortunately, one problem with retired nuclear power plants is what to do with the waste, the nuclear waste,” says Dr. Petros Koutrakis in a recent Boston 25 News story highlighting health impacts of living near the former Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station.

“Part of climate change is extreme weather patterns that include more winds that spread smoke more widely.” A recent Everyday Health article features Mary Johnson on the growing health risks associated with wildfire smoke exposure.

"We should really look at nature as just as important as... the electricity grid. This is vital infrastructure,” says Dr. Peter James, after a new study found that access to nature in Arizona is limited for Mexican immigrants and low-income communities.

We’re excited to announce the launch of the @hsph.harvard.edu Advanced Learning Academy—a new hub that expands the School’s non-degree learning opportunities, starting with our new fully-online course, Global Environmental Health 1: Air Pollution & Radiation. Learn more: hsph.me/GEH1

“Our health—even if you just have a pollen allergy—is being impacted by climate change.” says Dr. Mary Johnson in The Environmental Magazine, discussing how climate change is worsening allergy seasons.

Congrats to SM student Mia Sanchez for completing the Boston Marathon! Read more about Mia, who ran the famed race with her grandfather, all while getting ready to graduate this month. Via @BostonHerald.com:

33.5 million children in the U.S. live in areas with failing air quality, according to the @lungusa.bsky.social. In a @washingtonpost.com article, Dr. Mary Rice highlights risks for children and notes that the data likely “understates the true burden” in many communities. wapo.st/3OXR1Sm

“I’ve never seen so many people passionate about protecting our planet…” A @grist.org article features Dr. Gaurab Basu on what keeps climate leaders inspired amid ongoing challenges. #earthmonth

“Indoor air quality can impact comfort and health.” A recent @HuffPost.com article asks Dr. Parham Azimi how indoor air conditions in offices - such as ventilation, dryness, and pollutants - impact skin, respiratory health, and overall well-being. buff.ly/BcpsCAT

“These exposures are not just long-term theoretical risks, they can trigger immediate physiological effects,” says Dr. Mary Rice in a new JAMA article with Dr. Elsie Sunderland, highlighting concerns about weakened regulations of hazardous air pollutants like mercury and others.

“Scientists still don’t fully understand the health risks of these chemicals.” A recent New York Times article features Dr. Peng Gao, Yoshira Ornelas Van Horne and Stephanie Eick, discussing pesticide exposure and strategies to reduce risk.

“Scientists still don’t fully understand the health risks of these chemicals.” A New York Times article highlights strategies like washing produce, choosing lower-residue foods, and reducing indoor pesticide use features Peng Gao, Yoshira Ornelas Van Horne and Stephanie Eick.

"Chemicals don’t act alone—they interact in complex ways inside the body," says Dr. Peng Gao in a recent article exploring how environmental pollutants influence disease risk, specifically how different chemicals affect biological processes and human health. Read more @HarvardChanSPH buff.ly/wYAyKQK

“Heat waves pose a major and growing threat to public health,” according to research from Mary Rice and Joel Schwartz of @HarvardChanSPH C-CHANGE showing increased annual death rates among older adults in the U.S., with disproportionate impacts on Black and low-income communities.

"In the long term, greenhouse gases harm public health because their effect on climate change causes significant public health risks," says Dr. Mary Rice In a recent interview about how the EPA’s endangerment finding has been critical for protecting public health. Read more via @HarvardChan.

New research by Drs. Jaime Hart and Francine Laden explores how environmental factors such as air pollution may influence breast cancer risk and progression. The findings add to growing evidence that environmental exposures can play an important role in cancer outcomes. Read more in Medical Xpress:

"Living near a nuclear power plant may carry a measurable cancer risk—one that lessens with distance,” says Dr. Petros Koutrakis, author of a new paper examining potential links between living near nuclear plants and cancer mortality. Read more in @Forbes.com : buff.ly/oSJSK02

In coverage from @AAN, research led by Ruby Hickman shows that adults exposed to lead before birth tend to perform worse on cognitive tests later in life. The study underscores the lasting impacts of early environmental exposures on brain health.

In coverage from @wgbhnews, Petros Koutrakis is leading a study to assess whether airborne emissions from evaporated wastewater at the former Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station pose health risks to nearby communities. Read more via GBH news.

New research from Harvard School of Public Health led by Dr. Jin-Ah Park shows that airway tightening during asthma attacks can trigger a cycle of inflammation and disease, improving understanding of severe asthma and informing potential strategies to interrupt this feedback loop.

Coverage in Nature highlights how declining support threatens studies on wildfire smoke, microplastics, and other emerging respiratory risks. Dr. Mary Rice notes these cuts come at a time when air pollution and lung health research are critically needed.

Urban tree cover is linked to lower heart disease risk, according to new research led by Peter James. The findings suggest that preserving and expanding tree canopies should be a public health priority in urban neighborhoods.

In a recent ABC News story, Dr. Arianne Shadi Kourosh explains why winter conditions can worsen skin dryness and irritation and shares practical advice on moisturizers, sun protection, and daily skincare routines to maintain healthy skin.

In recent Harvard Chan News coverage, Vanessa Kerry discusses how actions by the Trump administration, from changes to air pollution regulations to dismantling USAID and withdrawing from WHO could have significant consequences for public and global health.

Interested in working at the intersection of climate & health? C-CHANGE is looking for a new Postdoctoral Fellow. See details below.

In a Harvard Chan News article, Dr. Kari Nadeau discusses the long-term health consequences of wildfire smoke exposure and the need for sustained research and prevention efforts, joined by colleagues including @joeallenjoe.bsky.social.

ECHO Study research shows children exposed to both outdoor air pollution and adverse home conditions face higher asthma risk. Diane Gold notes the importance of considering combined indoor and outdoor exposures for prevention.

As the EPA shifts how it evaluates air pollution regulations, health impacts risk being sidelined. Dr. Lisa Robinson warned that ignoring the lifesaving benefits of cleaner air could undermine public health protections, via the Salata Institute.

Wildfire-related health impacts can persist long after the flames are out. Dr. Mary Johnson discussed ongoing risks for affected communities in a recent interview with the Malibu Times.

The long-term health impacts of the Los Angeles wildfires are becoming clearer. Dr. Kari Nadeau recently highlighted emerging evidence of lasting respiratory and cardiovascular risks for affected communities, on @npr.org 's All Things Considered. buff.ly/0IkXoqN

As the EPA reconsiders how it weighs the costs and benefits of air pollution rules, health impacts remain central, says Dr. Mary Rice. “Children, older adults, and people with chronic lung disease are especially susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution,” via NPR.

Researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan developed a new technique to deliver biological “cargo” into targeted cells, a breakthrough that could lead to safer, more effective disease treatments. Dr. Quan Lu highlighted its potential as a precise delivery system, via Harvard Chan News.

As climate change reshapes global food systems, nutrition and food security remain central to public health. Christopher Golden notes that “there are no issues more important than conserving our planet and supporting human well-being,” – Harvard Center for International Development.

New research following the Los Angeles wildfires shows that toxic exposures can persist long after flames are out. @joeallenjoe.bsky.social highlighted how lingering pollutants may pose ongoing health risks for affected communities, via The Washington Post. www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2026...

What if we’re measuring only the tip of the iceberg in air pollution? Dr. Peng Gao argues that moving beyond traditional pollutant metrics is essential for understanding health impacts of complex pollution mixtures, especially in overburdened communities, via Harvard Chan News

Smoking history may help guide lung cancer treatment decisions. In a new study, Dr. David Christiani’s team found that smoking exposure patterns were linked to how patients responded to different immunotherapy and chemotherapy combinations.

Though the #lafires continue to pose health risks in homes near impacted areas, there are simple things you can do to reduce risk, says @joeallenjoe.bsky.social “Control the dust by removing shoes inside your home and make sure all vacuums and air purifiers have a HEPA filter,” via @abc7.bsky.social

Did you miss us? Excited to be back on socials to share how EH is making a difference in public health. Stay tuned for weekly updates from our faculty, students, and community. #HarvardChan #EnvironmentalHealth #PublicHealthResearch

Happening now! Join today's #HarvardClimateActionWeek webinar, "Smart Solutions, Hidden Costs: Weighing AI’s Climate and Health Impact," at 2pm ET. The panel features Drs. Mary Rice, Amruta Nori-Sarma, Francesca Dominici, and more. Watch Live on Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=incE...

It's #HarvardClimateActionWeek! Join today's live webinar, "Smart Solutions, Hidden Costs: Weighing AI’s Climate and Health Impact," at 2pm ET. The panel features Drs. Mary Rice, Amruta Nori-Sarma, Francesca Dominici, and more. Learn more and register: salatainstitute.harvard.edu/hcaw/

Welcome to our new students! Today we are excited to welcome many new environmental health students who will be beginning the Master of Science, Master of Public Health, and PhD in Population Health Sciences programs. #backtoschool #orientation