So many chemicals—how do we decide which ones to study?

~ PRHE

The question is no longer whether environmental chemical exposures produce adverse health effects in children, but rather which chemicals have the most harmful impact. Fetuses and children are especially susceptible to environmental influences. Scientists and physicians are concerned that over the last 10-30 years, the prevalence of certain childhood diseases has increased, including adverse birth … Continue reading So many chemicals—how do we decide which ones to study?

Bridging communities and science

~ PRHE

La importancia de la intencionalidad al incluir poblaciones subrepresentadas en investigaciónes clínicas Las versiones de este post aparecen en español e inglés a continuación. The importance of intentionality when including underrepresented populations in clinical research Versions of this post appear in both spanish and english languages below. Coordinadores de estudios investigativos tienen un papel importante … Continue reading Bridging communities and science

UCSF medical students to deans: Prepare us for climate change and environmental hazards

~ PRHE

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?

~ Veena Singla

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?

PRHE at American Public Health Association Annual Meeting & Expo 2019

~ PRHE

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

~ Veena Singla

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

~ PRHE ~ 1 Comment

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

~ Patricia Koman, MPP, PhD

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