There are an infinite number of ways that the environment affects health, from endocrine-disrupting chemicals in our food supply to warming temperatures driving infectious diseases to new territories. It can feel overwhelming to consider a patient’s environmental exposures during a 20-minute visit, while still learning the basic anatomy of the human body. As medical students … Continue reading UCSF medical students to deans: Prepare us for climate change and environmental hazards
House to EPA: Strengthening Transparency or Silencing Science?
The House Committee on Science, Space, & Technology (House Science Committee) is holding a hearing on “Strengthening Transparency or Silencing Science? The Future of Science in EPA Rulemaking.” Dr. Tracey Woodruff, Professor and Director at the University of California, San Francisco Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, gave this statement: After EPA released its widely unpopular … Continue reading House to EPA: Strengthening Transparency or Silencing Science?
Texas underestimates cancer risks of ethylene oxide
I know something about ethylene oxide. During my time at the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), I spent over 10 years on the team developing EPA’s cancer assessment of ethylene oxide, and for the last 5 of those years I was the project manager for the assessment. Published in 2016, after careful analysis and extensive … Continue reading Texas underestimates cancer risks of ethylene oxide
Even with shoddy methods, EPA finds serious chemical risks
A few months ago, I had never heard of 1-bromopropane, so I was surprised to find that this chemical was so present in products I had at home, like the spot cleaners and stain removers for my clothes and carpet, spray adhesives for my crafting addiction, and in the myriad electronic components in our lives. … Continue reading Even with shoddy methods, EPA finds serious chemical risks
PRHE at American Public Health Association Annual Meeting & Expo 2019
The Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment invites you to the following events at the American Public Health Association Annual Meeting & Expo 2019. November 2-6, 2019 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center Monday, November 4th Translating Environmental Health Sciences for Diverse Audiences to Protect Children’s Health Session 3354.0 Time: 3:00 - 4:30pm Location: 104B Protecting children’s … Continue reading PRHE at American Public Health Association Annual Meeting & Expo 2019
New flame retardants, old problems
Replacement flame retardants present serious risks, caution scientists New flame retardants escaping from our TVs and children’s car seats are just as toxic as the flame retardants they’re intended to replace, according to a peer-reviewed study published today in Environmental Science & Technology Letters. The authors found that the replacement chemicals, called organophosphate flame retardants, … Continue reading New flame retardants, old problems
Bringing the environment into the clinic
People trust doctors, such as their pediatricians and obstetricians/ gynecologists (OB/Gyns), to give them important health information about their pregnancy and children. But by and large, pediatricians and OB/Gyns nationwide are not doing their part to protect children from toxic environmental chemicals that increase risks of cancer, endocrine disruption, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, and lower … Continue reading Bringing the environment into the clinic
Vulnerable populations bear the burden of EPA’s inadequate policy on industrial chemicals
In 2016 with bipartisan support, the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act became law, updating the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Before the update, TSCA was widely seen as ineffective at protecting public health, especially for susceptible groups like pregnant women, infants, children, the elderly, and workers. Under the new Lautenberg … Continue reading Vulnerable populations bear the burden of EPA’s inadequate policy on industrial chemicals
Lights, camera, research! PRHE takes the spotlight on CNN
The scientific community usually disseminates research in peer reviewed journals, scientific magazines, and other academic literature. But sharing innovative research with a wider audience is also important – especially when it involves Emmy award-winning, CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta. In fall 2018, captivated by our work to understand how environmental exposures affect women … Continue reading Lights, camera, research! PRHE takes the spotlight on CNN
The attack on children’s health
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Trump Administration has undermined children's health again-- this time by unceremoniously defunding the Children’s Environmental Health Research Centers program. These centers, based at academic institutions around the country, including the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) are charged with examining how pollution and chemicals in our air, water, … Continue reading The attack on children’s health