Battling a 'superbug'
In this week’s podcast: The "superbug" that is igniting new concerns over antibiotic resistance, plus the common chemicals linked to health problems in women, and the global toll of slavery.
Exposure to common flame retardant chemicals may increase thyroid problems in women
For immediate release: Monday, May 23, 2016 Boston, MA — Women with elevated levels of common types of flame retardant chemicals in their blood may be at a higher risk for thyroid disease—and the risk may be significantly higher…
Unhealthy environment blamed for quarter of deaths worldwide
A new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 12.6 million deaths each year—nearly one in four—are caused by environmental hazards such as air pollution, water pollution and unsafe working conditions. The report found that unhealthy environments…
Chemicals linked with severe respiratory disease found in common e-cigarette flavors
For immediate release: December 8, 2015 Boston, MA – Diacetyl, a flavoring chemical linked to cases of severe respiratory disease, was found in more than 75% of flavored electronic cigarettes and refill liquids tested by researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan…
Harvard pledges to purchase chemical flame retardant-free furniture
In November 2015, Harvard became the first university to sign a national pledge stating a preference for purchasing chemical flame retardant-free furniture. In a blog post, Heather Henriksen, director of the Harvard Office for Sustainability, and Joseph Allen, assistant…
Green office environments linked with higher cognitive function scores
For immediate release: October 26, 2015 Boston, MA – People who work in well-ventilated offices with below-average levels of indoor pollutants and carbon dioxide (CO2) have significantly higher cognitive functioning scores—in crucial areas such as responding to a…
How the environment affects our health
From polluted air outdoors to bland workspaces indoors, the environment can negatively impact both our physical and mental health, according to three Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health experts who spoke October 5, 2015 in Harvard’s Geographical…