PRHE to EPA: Protect people from harmful phthalates

Main Takeaways Phthalates are plasticizers that are widely used and present in everyone’s bodies. They can increase the risk of health harms including preterm birth, metabolic disorders and infertility; the government urgently needs to enact regulations that will stop harmful exposures. EPA’s recent draft risk evaluations under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) severely underestimate … Continue reading PRHE to EPA: Protect people from harmful phthalates

Researching and countering an industrial disease epidemic

“One thing that I noticed while I was at EPA is that every single one of these chemicals had their own personal lobbyist,” said UCSF professor and former EPA scientist and policy advisory Tracey Woodruff, PhD, MPH as she opened the first UCSF Symposium to Evaluate and Counter Harmful Industry Impacts on Health last month. … Continue reading Researching and countering an industrial disease epidemic

Pregnant? Contribute to a healthier future and join the DREAM study!

What harmful chemicals are in pregnant people and how do they get there? How are chemical exposures during pregnancy linked to future health problems in mothers and babies? How can we reduce toxic chemicals in our homes and environment? These are the questions the DREAM Study seeks to answer, and we need your help!   … Continue reading Pregnant? Contribute to a healthier future and join the DREAM study!

FIGO study: Dietary changes can reduce exposure to EDCs

Pregnant woman chopping vegetables

Avoiding food in plastic or cans, and avoiding fast foods are among the recommendations in a new study from the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) to reduce exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and improve pregnancy outcomes. The study, published in the International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics, was a semi-structured review to learn … Continue reading FIGO study: Dietary changes can reduce exposure to EDCs

Prenatal exposure to PFAS and PBDE chemicals linked to greater risk of preterm birth

Prematurity is the second leading cause of death among infants in the United States and exposure to PFAS and PBDEs (chemicals in non-stick pans, water-repellent fabric, and furniture foam) during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. But while there is extensive research on some of these chemicals, the effects of other, … Continue reading Prenatal exposure to PFAS and PBDE chemicals linked to greater risk of preterm birth

2021 Big Visions, Bigger Accomplishments

Despite year two of the pandemic, PRHE and the EaRTH Center achieved some major milestones in our research, policy work, education, and communications. PRHE’s Navigation Guide establishes largest global burden of occupational disease In May 2021, the World Health Organization / International Labour Organization (WHO/ILO) Joint Estimates on the global health burden of working long … Continue reading 2021 Big Visions, Bigger Accomplishments